Force-transmitting systems

Claim 2

A force-transmitting system, comprising a cylindrical, openended, fiber-reinforced resin tube having first and second substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous layers of elastomeric material bonded to respective mutually overlying regions of the inner and outer tube surfaces, each of said layers being of uniform thickness throughout its expanse, and a force transferring fitting having external radially contractable means and a concentric internal structure defining an annular space about the latter in which the portion of said tube carrying said elastomer layers is received, said tube being clamped to said fitting upon activation of said contractable means to press said tube inwardly via said elastomer layers against said internal structure.

Claim 3

A force-transmitting system, comprising a cylindrical, open-ended, fiber-reinforced resin tube, first and second substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous layers of elastomeric material bonded to respective mutually overlying regions of the inner and outer surfaces of said tube, each of said layers being of uniform thickness throughout its expanse, a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve concentrically surrounding said tube and said second layer, radially contractable means with a cylindrical inner surface configuration disposed interiorly of said coupling sleeve and in surrounding relation to the outer surface of said second elastomer layer for applying inwardly directed pressure to said tube in the region of said second elastomer layer, radially expansible means located interiorly of said tube and said first elastomer layer for applying outwardly directed pressure to said tube in the region of said first elastomer layers, means for interconnecting said contractable means and said coupling sleeve against relative rotational movement therebetween, means for selectively activating both said contractable and said expansible means, and means for enabling establishment of a joint driving connection between force-applying means and both said expansible means and said coupling sleeve, whereby upon contraction of said contractable means and expansion of said expansible means, thereby radially to clamp said tube therebetween, force may be transferred by said coupling sleeve, said contractable means and said second elastomer layer to the outer surface of said tube, and simultaneously but independently thereof by said expansible means and said first elastomer layer to the inner surface of said tube, said elastomer layers ensuring a distribution of stress transfer to said tube over the entire expanse of said overlying regions of said tube surfaces.

Claim 4

A force-transmitting system, comprising a cylindrical, open-ended, fiber-reinforced resin tube, first and second substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous layers of elastomeric material bonded to respective mutually overlying regions of the inner and outer surfaces of said tube, each of said layers being of uniform thickness throughout its expanse, a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve concentrically surrounding said tube and said second layer, radially contractable means with a cylindrical inner surface configuration disposed interiorly of said coupling sleeve and in surrounding relation to the outer surface of said second elastomer layer for applying inwardly directed pressure to said tube in the region of said second elastomer layer, radially expansible means located interiorly of said tube and said first elastomer layer for applying outwardly directed pressure to said tube in the region of said first elastomer layers, means for interconnecting said contractable means and said coupling sleeve against relative rotational movement therebetween, means for selectively activating both said contractable and said expansible means, and means for enabling establishment of a joint driving connection between force-applying means and both said expansible means and said coupling sleeve, whereby upon contraction of said contractable means and expansion of said expansible means, thereby radially to clamp said tube therebetween, force may be transferred by said coupling sleeve, said contractable means and said second elastomer layer to the outer surface of said tube, and simultaneously but independently thereof by said expansible means and said first elastomer layer to the inner surface of said tube, said elastomer layers ensuring a distribution of stress transfer to said tube over the entire expanse of said overlying regions of said tube surfaces.

Claim 5

A force-transmitting system according to claim 2, said means for enabling the driving connection to be established comprising a rigid metal end cap secured to one end of said coupling sleeve and bridging the proximate open end of said tube, cooperable means on said end cap and said expansible means for restraining the same against displacement relative to one another in the direction of the force to be transmitted, and means on said coupling sleeve and said end cap adapted to coact with corresponding means on said force-applying means for interlocking the coupling sleeve/end cap entity and said force-applying means against displacement relative to one another in the direction of the force to be transmitted.

Claim 6

A force-transmitting system according to claim 3, said expansible means comprising a plurality of elongated first wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side by side configuration interiorly of said tube, said first elements decreasing in thickness in the direction away from said end cap and conjointly defining a first split tubular structure having a cylindrical exterior configuration and a conical interior space which increases in diameter in the direction away from said end cap, said end cap being provided with an axial opening and with a plurality of radial keyways in its interior surface facing said open end of said tube, each of said first elements at its thickest portion just outside said open end of said tube having a key structure radially slidably received in a respective one of said keyways in said end cap, said coupling sleeve having an interior conical surface which increases in diameter in the direction away from said end cap, said contractable means comprising a plurality of elongated second wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side by side configuration about said tube, said second elements increasing in thickness in the direction away from said end cap and conjointly defining a second split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical interior surface of said coupling sleeve, each of said second elements at its thinnest end having a radially inwardly extending flange projecting over and engaging the open end edge of said tube, and said means for activating said contractable and said expansible means comprising a draw rod having a conical body section arranged coaxially within the confines of said conical space in said first tubular structure and having its widest portion juxtaposed to the thinnest portions of said first elements, said draw rod including an externally threaded end section extending through the space within the confines of the keyed thickest portions of said first elements and through said opening in said end cap, and a nut threaded on said end section of said draw rod at the exterior of said end cap and bearing against the latter to enable said conical body section of said draw rod, upon rotation of said nut relative to said draw rod in the appropriate direction, to be pulled toward said end cap, thereby to displace said first elements radially outwardly and said second elements radially inwardly to an extent sufficient to clamp the intermediate region of said tube tightly therebetween via said elastomer layers.

Claim 7

A force-transmitting system according to claim 4, said interlocking means comprising an external hexagonal configuration of both said coupling sleeve and said end cap.

Claim 8

A force-transmitting system according to claim 4, said interlocking means comprising an external splined configuration of both said coupling sleeve and said end cap.

Claim 9

A force-transmitting system according to claim 4, said interlocking means comprising an external threaded configuration of both said coupling sleeve and said end cap.

Claim 10

A force-transmitting system according to claim 4, said interconnecting means comprising a plurality of radial keys secured to said second elements, respectively, and a corresponding set of axially extending radial openings provided in said coupling sleeve, said radial openings accommodating said keys for axial and radial sliding movements only.

Claim 11

A force-transmitting system according to claim 4, further comprising first and second deformable metal liner sleeves overlying and bonded to said first and second elastomer layers, respectively, said first and second elements being roughened on those of their respective surfaces which face said liner sleeves for positive gripping engagement therewith.

Claim 12

A force-transmitting system, comprising a cylindrical, open-ended, fiber-reinforced resin tube, first and second substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous layers of elastomeric material bonded to respective mutually overlying regions of the inner and outer surfaces of said tube, each of said layers being of uniform thickness throughout its expanse, a rigid metal cylinder located interiorly of said tube and said firsT elastomer layer, a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve concentrically surrounding said tube, radially contractable means with a cylindrical inner surface configuration disposed interiorly of said coupling sleeve and in surrounding relation to the outer surface of said second elastomer layer for applying inwardly directed pressure to said tube in the region of said elastomer layers and clamping said tube to said cylinder via said elastomer layers, means for interconnecting said contractable means and said coupling sleeve against relative rotational movement therebetween, means for selectively activating said contractable means, and means for enabling establishment of a joint driving connection between force-applying means and both said cylinder and said coupling sleeve, whereby upon contraction of said contractable means, force may be transferred by said coupling sleeve, said contractable means and said second elastomer layer to the outer surface of said tube, and simultaneously but independently thereof by said cylinder and said first elastomer layer to the inner surface of said tube, said elastomer layers ensuring a distribution of stress transfer to said tube over the entire expanse of said overlying regions of said tube surfaces.

Claim 13

A force-transmitting system, comprising a cylindrical, open-ended, fiber-reinforced resin tube, first and second substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous layers of elastomeric material bonded to respective mutually overlying regions of the inner and outer surfaces of said tube, each of said layers being of uniform thickness throughout its expanse, a rigid metal cylinder located interiorly of said tube and said firsT elastomer layer, a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve concentrically surrounding said tube, radially contractable means with a cylindrical inner surface configuration disposed interiorly of said coupling sleeve and in surrounding relation to the outer surface of said second elastomer layer for applying inwardly directed pressure to said tube in the region of said elastomer layers and clamping said tube to said cylinder via said elastomer layers, means for interconnecting said contractable means and said coupling sleeve against relative rotational movement therebetween, means for selectively activating said contractable means, and means for enabling establishment of a joint driving connection between force-applying means and both said cylinder and said coupling sleeve, whereby upon contraction of said contractable means, force may be transferred by said coupling sleeve, said contractable means and said second elastomer layer to the outer surface of said tube, and simultaneously but independently thereof by said cylinder and said first elastomer layer to the inner surface of said tube, said elastomer layers ensuring a distribution of stress transfer to said tube over the entire expanse of said overlying regions of said tube surfaces.

Claim 14

A force-transmitting system according to claim 10, said means for enabling the driving connection to be established comprising a rigid metal radially outwardly extending flange secured to said cylinder in bridging relation to the proximate open end of said coupling sleeve and against displacement relative to said cylinder in the direction of the force to be transmitted, and means on said coupling sleeve and said flange adapted to coact with corresponding means on said force-applying means for interlocking the coupling sleeve/flange entity and said force-applying means against displacement relative to one another in the direction of the force to be transmitted.

Claim 15

A force-transmitting system according to claim 11, said coupling sleeve having an interior surface a minor portion of which in the region adjacent said flange is cylindrical and internally threaded and the remainder of which is conical and decreases in diameter in the direction away from said flange, said cylinder further having a section of enlarged diameter located exteriorly of said tube and providing an annular shoulder serving as an abutment for said open end of said tube, said flange being rigidly secured to the end of said cylinder section remote from said shoulder and having at least one opening therethrough to provide access into said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve, said contractable means comprising a plurality of elongated wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side by side configuration exteriorly of said tube and interiorly of said coupling sleeve, said elements decreasing in thickness in the direction away from said flange and conjointly defining a split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical interior surface of said coupling sleeve, and said means for activating said contractable means comprising an annular screw arranged coaxially about said enlarged diameter section of said cylinder within the confines of and screwed into said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve, said screw being provided with means engageable by a tool when the same is extended through said opening in said flange to enable said coupling sleeve, upon rotation of said screw relative thereto in the appropriate direction, to be pulled toward said flange for displacing said elements radially inwardly to an extent sufficient to clamp the corresponding region of said tube tightly against said cylinder via said elastomer layers.

Claim 16

A force-transmitting system according to claim 12, said interlocking means comprising an external hexagonal configuration of both said coupling sleeve and said flange.

Claim 17

A force-transmitting system according to claim 12, said interlocking means comprising an external splined configuration of both said coupling sleeve and said flange.

Claim 18

A force-transmitting system according to claim 12, said interlocking means comprising an external threaded configuration of both said coupling sleeve and said flange.

Claim 19

A force-transmitting system according to claim 12, further comprising a deformable metal liner sleeve overlying and bonded to said second elastomer layer, said elements being roughened on their respective surfaces which face said liner sleeve for positive gripping engagement therewith.

Claim 20

A clamp fitting for a force-transmitting system wherein a cylindrical, open-ended tube is used as the force-transmitting member, said fitting comprising a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve with a conical interior surface, a plurality of elongated wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side by side configuration interiorly of said coupling sleeve, said elements decreasing in thickness from one end to the other and conjointly defining a split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical interior surface of said coupling sleeve, an internal structure located coaxially with the confines of said tubular structure and having an exterior cylindrical configuration, said internal structure and said tubular structure defining therebetween an annular space adapted to receive the open end region of said tube, each of said elements having a key structure radially slidably received in a respective keyway in said coupling sleeve for interlocking the latter and said elements against rotational displacement relative to one another, a planar end structure connected with said internal structure so as to be nondisplaceable relative thereto in the direction of the force to be transmitted, and means for effecting an axial displacement of said coupling sleeve relative to said elements and in the direction of the largest diameter end of said conical surface of said coupling sleeve, for thereby displacing said elements radially inwardly toward said internal structure into clamping relation to said tube, so that upon application of said force to said coupling sleeve and said end structure, stress can be transferred simultaneously but independently into the inside and outside surfaces of a tube clamped between said internal structure and said elements.

Claim 21

A clamp fitting for a force-transmitting system wherein a cylindrical, open-ended tube is used as the force-transmitting member, said fitting comprising a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve with a conical interior surface, a plurality of elongated wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side by side configuration interiorly of said coupling sleeve, said elements decreasing in thickness from one end to the other and conjointly defining a split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical interior surface of said coupling sleeve, an internal structure located coaxially with the confines of said tubular structure and having an exterior cylindrical configuration, said internal structure and said tubular structure defining therebetween an annular space adapted to receive the open end region of said tube, each of said elements having a key structure radially slidably received in a respective keyway in said coupling sleeve for interlocking the latter and said elements against rotational displacement relative to one another, a planar end structure connected with said internal structure so as to be nondisplaceable relative thereto in the direction of the force to be transmitted, and means for effecting an axial displacement of said coupling sleeve relative to said elements and in the direction of the largest diameter end of said conical surface of said coupling sleeve, for thereby displacing said elements radially inwardly toward said internal structure into clamping relation to said tube, so that upon application of said force to said coupling sleeve and said end structure, stress can be transferred simultaneously but independently into the inside and outside surfaces of a tube clamped between said internal structure and said elements.

Claim 22

A clamp fitting according to claim 17, further comprising a pair of substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous, cylindrical, stress transfer distributing layers of elastomeric material adapted to be bonded to the inner and outer surfaces of said tube, each layer being of uniform thickness throughout its expanse.

Claim 23

A clamp fitting according to claim 18, further comprising a deformable metal liner sleeve adapted to be disposed in surrounding relation to and bonded to the outer surface of the outer one of said elastomer layers, said elements being roughened on their respective inwardly directed surfaces for positive gripping engagement with said liner sleeve.

Claim 24

A clamp fitting according to claim 17, both said coupling sleeve and said end structure having an external hexagonal configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 25

A clamp fitting according to claim 17, both said coupling sleeve and said end structure having an external splined configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 26

A clamp fitting according to claim 17, both said coupling sleeve and said end structure having an external threaded configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 27

A clamp fitting for a force-transmitting system wherein a cylindrical, open-ended tube is used as the force-transmitting member, said fitting compriSing a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve with a wall thickness which decreases from one end thereof to the other and a conical interior surface, a cup-shaped end cap secured at the rim thereof to the thickest end of said coupling sleeve, said end cap being provided with an axial opening and with a plurality of radial keyways in its interior surface facing the interior of said coupling sleeve, a plurality of elongated first wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side-by-side configuration interiorly of said coupling sleeve, said first elements decreasing in thickness in the direction away from said end cap and conjointly defining a first split tubular structure having a cylindrical exterior configuration and a conical internal space which increases in diameter in the direction away from said end cap, a plurality of elongated second wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending coaxially with and in side-by-side configuration about said first tubular structure, said second elements increasing in thickness in the direction away from said end cap and conjointly defining a second split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical interior surface of said coupling sleeve, said first and second tubular structures defining therebetween an annular space adapted to receive the open end region of said tube, each of said second elements at its thinnest end having a radially inwardly extending flange adapted to engage the open end edge of said tube and intermediate its ends being radially keyed to said coupling sleeve against relative rotational movement therebetween, each of said first elements at its thickest portion having a key structure radially slidably received in a respective one of said keyways for interlocking said end cap and said first elements against displacement relative to one another in the direction of the force to be transmitted, a draw rod having a conical body section arranged coaxially within the confines of said conical space in said first tubular structure and having its widest portion juxtaposed to the thinnest portions of said first elements, said draw rod including an externally threaded end section extending through the space within the confines of the keyed thickest portions of said first elements and through said opening in said end cap, and a nut threaded on said end section of said draw rod at the exterior of said end cap and bearing against the latter to enable said conical body section of said draw rod, upon rotation of said nut relative to said draw rod in the appropriate direction, to be pulled toward said end cap for displacing said first elements radially outwardly and said second elements radially inwardly, whereby upon application of said force to said coupling sleeve and said end cap, stress can be transferred simultaneously but independently into the inside and outside surfaces of a tube clamped between said first and second tubular structures.

Claim 28

A clamp fitting for a force-transmitting system wherein a cylindrical, open-ended tube is used as the force-transmitting member, said fitting compriSing a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve with a wall thickness which decreases from one end thereof to the other and a conical interior surface, a cup-shaped end cap secured at the rim thereof to the thickest end of said coupling sleeve, said end cap being provided with an axial opening and with a plurality of radial keyways in its interior surface facing the interior of said coupling sleeve, a plurality of elongated first wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side-by-side configuration interiorly of said coupling sleeve, said first elements decreasing in thickness in the direction away from said end cap and conjointly defining a first split tubular structure having a cylindrical exterior configuration and a conical internal space which increases in diameter in the direction away from said end cap, a plurality of elongated second wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending coaxially with and in side-by-side configuration about said first tubular structure, said second elements increasing in thickness in the direction away from said end cap and conjointly defining a second split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical interior surface of said coupling sleeve, said first and second tubular structures defining therebetween an annular space adapted to receive the open end region of said tube, each of said second elements at its thinnest end having a radially inwardly extending flange adapted to engage the open end edge of said tube and intermediate its ends being radially keyed to said coupling sleeve against relative rotational movement therebetween, each of said first elements at its thickest portion having a key structure radially slidably received in a respective one of said keyways for interlocking said end cap and said first elements against displacement relative to one another in the direction of the force to be transmitted, a draw rod having a conical body section arranged coaxially within the confines of said conical space in said first tubular structure and having its widest portion juxtaposed to the thinnest portions of said first elements, said draw rod including an externally threaded end section extending through the space within the confines of the keyed thickest portions of said first elements and through said opening in said end cap, and a nut threaded on said end section of said draw rod at the exterior of said end cap and bearing against the latter to enable said conical body section of said draw rod, upon rotation of said nut relative to said draw rod in the appropriate direction, to be pulled toward said end cap for displacing said first elements radially outwardly and said second elements radially inwardly, whereby upon application of said force to said coupling sleeve and said end cap, stress can be transferred simultaneously but independently into the inside and outside surfaces of a tube clamped between said first and second tubular structures.

Claim 29

A clamp fitting according to claim 23, both said coupling sleeve and said end cap having an external hexagonal configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 30

A clamp fitting according to claim 23, both said coupling sleeve and said end cap having an external splined configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 31

A clamp fitting according to claim 23, both said coupling sleeve and said end cap having an external threaded configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 32

A clamp fitting according to claim 23, further comprising a pair of substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous, cylindrical, stress transfer distributing layers of elastomeric material adapted to be bonded to the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of said tube, each of saiD layers being of uniform thickness throughout its expanse, and a pair of deformable metal liner sleeves adapted to be bonded, respectively, to the inner surface of the inner elastomer layer and the outer surface of the outer elastomer layer, said first and second elements being roughened on their respective surfaces facing said liner sleeves for positive gripping engagement therewith.

Claim 33

A clamp fitting for a force-transmitting system wherein a cylindrical, open-ended tube is used as the force-transmitting member, said fitting comprising a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve with an interior surface which is cylindrical and internally threaded at one end region of said coupling sleeve and the remainder of which is conical and decreases in diameter in the direction away from said cylindrical portion, a plurality of elongated wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side-by-side configuration interiorly of said conical surface portion of said coupling sleeve, said elements decreasing in thickness in the direction away from said cylindrical surface portion of said coupling sleeve and conjointly defining a split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical surface portion of said coupling sleeve, said elements being radially keyed to said coupling sleeve against rotational relative movement therebetween, a rigid metal cylinder coaxial with said tubular structure and having a first section located interiorly of the latter, said first cylinder section and said tubular structure defining therebetween an annular space adapted to receive the open end region of said tube, said cylinder further having a second section of enlarged diameter extending from one end of said first cylinder section and located within the confines of said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve and providing an annular shoulder adapted to serve as an abutment for the open end edge of said tube, said cylinder further having a radially outwardly extending rigid flange secured to said second cylinder section remote from said shoulder and overlying the open end of said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve, said flange having at least one opening therethrough to provide access into the annular space defined within said coupling sleeve between said second cylinder section and said cylindrical surface of said coupling sleeve, and an annular screw arranged coaxially about said second cylinder section within the confines of and screwed into said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve, said screw being provided with means engageable by a tool when the same is extended through said opening in said flange to enable said coupling sleeve, upon rotation of said screw relative thereto in the appropriate direction, to be pulled toward said flange for displacing said elements radially inwardly toward said cylinder whereby upon application of said force to said coupling sleeve and said flange, stress can be transferred simultaneously but independently into the inside and outside surfaces of a tube clamped between said cylinder and said elements.

Claim 34

A clamp fitting for a force-transmitting system wherein a cylindrical, open-ended tube is used as the force-transmitting member, said fitting comprising a rigid metal tubular coupling sleeve with an interior surface which is cylindrical and internally threaded at one end region of said coupling sleeve and the remainder of which is conical and decreases in diameter in the direction away from said cylindrical portion, a plurality of elongated wedge-shaped elements of circularly arcuate cross section extending axially along and in side-by-side configuration interiorly of said conical surface portion of said coupling sleeve, said elements decreasing in thickness in the direction away from said cylindrical surface portion of said coupling sleeve and conjointly defining a split tubular structure having a cylindrical interior configuration and a conical exterior configuration in sliding engagement with said conical surface portion of said coupling sleeve, said elements being radially keyed to said coupling sleeve against rotational relative movement therebetween, a rigid metal cylinder coaxial with said tubular structure and having a first section located interiorly of the latter, said first cylinder section and said tubular structure defining therebetween an annular space adapted to receive the open end region of said tube, said cylinder further having a second section of enlarged diameter extending from one end of said first cylinder section and located within the confines of said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve and providing an annular shoulder adapted to serve as an abutment for the open end edge of said tube, said cylinder further having a radially outwardly extending rigid flange secured to said second cylinder section remote from said shoulder and overlying the open end of said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve, said flange having at least one opening therethrough to provide access into the annular space defined within said coupling sleeve between said second cylinder section and said cylindrical surface of said coupling sleeve, and an annular screw arranged coaxially about said second cylinder section within the confines of and screwed into said internally threaded portion of said coupling sleeve, said screw being provided with means engageable by a tool when the same is extended through said opening in said flange to enable said coupling sleeve, upon rotation of said screw relative thereto in the appropriate direction, to be pulled toward said flange for displacing said elements radially inwardly toward said cylinder whereby upon application of said force to said coupling sleeve and said flange, stress can be transferred simultaneously but independently into the inside and outside surfaces of a tube clamped between said cylinder and said elements.

Claim 35

A clamp fitting according to claim 28, both said coupling sleeve and said flange having an external hexagonal configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 36

A clamp fitting according to claim 28, both said coupling sleeve and said flange having an external splined configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 37

A clamp fitting according to claim 28, both said coupling sleeve and said flange having an external threaded configuration adapted to coact with a corresponding internal configuration of a force-applying means.

Claim 38

A clamp fitting according to claim 31, further comprising a pair of substantially coextensive, circumferentially continuous, cylindrical, stress transfer distribUting layers of elastomeric material adapted to be bonded to the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of said tube, each of said layers being of uniform thickness throughout its entire expanse, and a deformable metal liner sleeve adapted to be bonded to the outer surface of the outer elastomer layer, said elements being roughened on their respective inwardly directed surfaces for positive gripping engagement with said liner sleeve.