Coupling for coupling tubular elements

Abstract

A coupling for coupling two pipe sections in sealed relationship, the coupling comprising a male member for connection to one pipe section, a female member for connection to a second pipe section, a locking member located on the male member, the locking member comprising a locking sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bendable locking fingers which extend integrally and axially from the locking sleeve, a displacement piston mounted on the male member for displacing the free end portions of the locking fingers radially outwardly, and a locking recess in the female member for receiving the locking fingers when displaced by the displacement means while the members are in mating engagement, the locking recess defining a bearing surface against which the free ends of the locking fingers will bear during displacement to draw the two members into sealing engagement with each other, the bearing surface being shaped to allow displacement of the locking fingers into and over center locking position. The coupling may include a swivel section pivotally mounted in the female member, with the male member and swivel section having complementary cooperating surfaces to engage when the male and female members are sealingly engaged to locate the swivel section against further pivotal displacement.