摘要 |
Coupling apparatus capable of joining first and second conduits in a nonaligned articulated relationship may comprise: a male member having a radially enlarged end portion thereon; a female member into which the male member may be inserted; a seal assembly for sealing between the male and female members; a gripping assembly carried by the female member and radially movable from a normally expanded position, in which the male member may be freely inserted and removed from the female member, to a contracted position gripping the enlarged end portion of the male member, preventing its removal and locking it in a fixed, articulated relationship with the female member; and a load ring carried by the female member and axially movable from a first position, allowing the gripping assembly to assume its normal expanded position, to a second position engaging and forcing the gripping assembly into its contracted position.
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