HYBRID V-BAND COUPLING
A hybrid sheet metal V-band coupling secures peripheral flanges at mating ends of first and second coupling members together. The coupling includes at least first and second V-retainers disposed in end-to-end relation for circumferential receipt over substantially 360 degrees of the peripheral flanges of the coupling members. A sheet metal member engages the V-retainers, and a latch assembly selectively secures the opposite ends of the sheet metal member. The sheet metal member is integrally joined to the V-retainers, for example, by welding or riveting. The latch assembly preferably includes ears formed from sheet metal that each include a first portion integrally secured (e.g., welded or riveted) to the sheet metal member and upturned second portions or lugs. The lugs preferably include embossments that extend outwardly therefrom.
1 . A hybrid sheet metal V-band coupling for securing associated first and second coupling members which each include a peripheral flange at an end, the hybrid sheet metal V-band coupling comprising:
at least first and second V-retainers disposed in end-to-end relation for circumferential receipt over substantially 360 degrees of the associated peripheral flanges of the associated first and second coupling members;
a sheet metal member operatively engaging portions of the at least first and second V-retainers; and
a latch assembly for selectively securing the opposite ends of the sheet metal member.
2 . The coupling of claim 1 wherein the sheet metal member is fixedly secured to the at least first and second V-retainers.
3 . The coupling of claim 1 wherein the sheet metal member is welded to each of the at least first and second V-retainers.
4 . The coupling of claim 3 wherein the sheet metal member is spot welded to each of the at least first and second V-retainers at circumferentially spaced locations.
5 . The coupling of claim 1 wherein the sheet metal member is riveted to each of the at least first and second V-retainers.
6 . The coupling of claim 5 wherein the sheet metal member is riveted to each of the at least first and second V-retainers at circumferentially spaced locations.
7 . The coupling of claim 1 wherein the latch assembly includes first and second sheet metal ears at respective first and second ends of the sheet metal member, each ear including a generally u-shaped lug.
8 . The coupling of claim 7 wherein each lug includes a raised embossment that cooperates with the latch assembly.
9 . The coupling of claim 7 wherein the sheet metal ears are welded to the sheet metal member.
10 . The coupling of claim 7 wherein the sheet metal ears are riveted to the sheet metal member.
11 . A method of forming a hybrid sheet metal V-band coupling for securing associated first and second coupling members which each include a peripheral flange at an end, the method comprising:
providing at least first and second V-retainers;
aligning the at least first and second V-retainers in end-to-end relation;
engaging a separate sheet metal member to the at least first and second V-retainers; and
supplying a latch assembly for selectively securing together opposite ends of the sheet metal member.
12 . The method of claim 11 wherein the V-retainer providing step includes providing first, second, and third V-retainers that each extend over substantially 120 degrees for circumferential receipt over the associated first and second coupling members.
13 . The method of claim 11 wherein the engaging step includes welding the sheet metal member to the at least first and second V-retainers.
14 . The method of claim 13 wherein the welding step includes spot welding the sheet metal member to circumferentially spaced locations of the at least first and second V-retainers.
15 . The method of claim 11 wherein the engaging step includes riveting the sheet metal member to the at least first and second V-retainers.
16 . The method of claim 15 wherein the riveting step includes riveting the sheet metal member to circumferentially spaced locations of the at least first and second V-retainers.
17 . The method of claim 11 wherein the latch supplying step includes providing separate first and second ears joined to respective first and second ends of the sheet metal member.
18 . The method of claim 17 wherein the ear providing step includes welding the first and second ears to the respective ends of the sheet metal member.
19 . The method of claim 17 wherein the ear providing step includes riveting the first and second ears to the respective ends of the sheet metal member.
20 . The method of claim 19 wherein the ear providing step includes bending a portion of each ear into a generally u-shaped lug at opposite ends of the sheet metal band, and including an embossment in each lug that forms a part of the latch assembly.