U.S. patent application number 13/246562 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for piping joint assembly system and method.
Invention is credited to David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias.
Application Number | 20120174374 13/246562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46272826 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120174374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crompton; David B. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2012 |
PIPING JOINT ASSEMBLY SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A pipe fitting and associated piping joint assembly package
allow re-use and repair of push-fit piping fittings and valves
without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and
without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In one
embodiment, the present invention includes a pipe fitting having
first and second radial housing elements for receiving one or more
sealing members and a fastening ring, respectively. The fastening
ring can be a split fastening ring. The split fastening ring and
the sealing members provided as part of the present invention are
capable of being removed and/or replaced.
Inventors: |
Crompton; David B.;
(Tiverton, RI) ; Dias; Libardo Ochoa; (Pawtucket,
RI) |
Family ID: |
46272826 |
Appl. No.: |
13/246562 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12981855 |
Dec 30, 2010 |
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13246562 |
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11807072 |
May 25, 2007 |
7862089 |
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12981855 |
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61473418 |
Apr 8, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/428 ; 285/305;
285/308 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
F16L 37/0915 20160501; Y10T 29/49936 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/428 ; 285/305;
285/308 |
International
Class: |
F16L 37/091 20060101
F16L037/091; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00; F16L 21/02 20060101
F16L021/02 |
Claims
1. A piping joint assembly, comprising: a fitting having an inner
wall defining a pipe receiving cavity therein, the fitting having a
first radial housing element formed by a first housing back wall
segment, the fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment,
the fitting further having a second radial housing element formed
by the housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a
second housing front wall segment, with the second housing front
wall segment having a second housing front wall segment tip,
wherein the housing separator segment has a plateau surface and a
front wall with a front tip, wherein the distance from the inner
wall to the separator segment front tip is less than the distance
from the inner wall to the second housing front wall segment tip,
and wherein the housing separator segment includes a top angled
backing surface that extends from the front wall tip to the plateau
surface; at least two hollow sealing rings secured within the first
radial housing element; and a hollow fastening ring having a
plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and along the circumference
of the ring, the fastening ring secured within the second radial
housing element.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two hollow sealing
rings are in contact with each other.
3. A piping joint assembly, comprising: a fitting having an inner
wall defining a pipe receiving cavity therein, the fitting having a
first radial housing element formed by a first housing back wall
segment, the fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment,
the fitting further having a second radial housing element formed
by the housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a
second housing front wall segment; at least two hollow sealing
rings secured within the first radial housing element; and a hollow
fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and
along the circumference of the ring, the fastening ring secured
within the second radial housing element, wherein the second
housing front wall segment has a top angled guiding surface that
extends from the fitting inner wall at an axially outer position
thereof to a front wall segment tip at an axially inner position of
the fitting inner wall.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. A piping joint assembly, comprising: a fitting having an inner
wall defining a pipe receiving cavity therein, the fitting having a
first radial housing element formed by a first housing back wall
segment, the fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment,
the fitting further having a second radial housing element formed
by the housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a
second housing front wall segment; at least two hollow sealing
rings secured within the first radial housing element; and a hollow
fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and
along the circumference of the ring, the fastening ring secured
within the second radial housing element, wherein the second
housing front wall segment has a top angled guiding surface and
wherein the housing separator segment has a top angled backing
surface, and further wherein the top angled guiding surface and the
top angled backing surface extend at substantially the same angle
measured from the fitting inner wall.
7. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a hollow release
pusher removably engaged within an axially outer portion of the
fitting inner wall.
8. A piping joint assembly, comprising: a fitting having an inner
wall defining a pipe receiving cavity therein, the fitting having a
first radial housing element formed by a first housing back wall
segment, the fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment,
the fitting further having a second radial housing element formed
by the housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a
second housing front wall segment; at least two hollow sealing
rings secured within the first radial housing element; a hollow
fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and
along the circumference of the ring, the fastening ring secured
within the second radial housing element, wherein the fitting
further includes a retaining lip extending radially inwardly from
an axially outer portion of the fitting inner wall; and a hollow
release pusher having a radially outer ledge, wherein the ledge has
an exterior top surface and an exterior back wall, and further
wherein the exterior back wall is capable of removably engaging the
retaining lip.
9. (canceled)
10. A piping joint assembly, comprising: a fitting having an inner
wall defining a pipe receiving cavity therein, the fitting having a
first radial housing element formed by a first housing back wall
segment, the fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment,
the fitting further having a second radial housing element formed
by the housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a
second housing front wall segment; at least two hollow sealing
rings secured within the first radial housing element; and a hollow
fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and
along the circumference of the ring, the fastening ring secured
within the second radial housing element; a hollow release pusher
removably engaged within an axially outer portion of the fitting
inner wall, the hollow release pusher having a radially outer
ledge, an external tip and an outer wall segment extending from the
radially outer ledge to the external tip, wherein at least a
portion of the outer wall segment extends at an angle to the
external tip; and wherein the housing separator segment has a
plateau surface and a front wall with a front tip, and wherein the
housing separator segment includes a top angled backing surface
that extends from the front wall tip to the plateau surface at an
angle that is greater than the angle at which the outer wall
segment of the release pusher extends to the external tip
thereof.
11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the fastening ring is a split
ring.
12. The assembly of claim 1, further including a snap ring secured
within the second radial housing element.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the fastening ring is
integrally formed without a gap, and wherein the snap ring has a
circumferential base portion with a gap formed therein.
14. A method for assembling a pipe joint assembly, comprising the
steps of: providing a fitting having an inner wall defining a pipe
receiving cavity therein, wherein the fitting has a first radial
housing element formed by a first housing back wall segment, the
fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment, wherein the
fitting further has a second radial housing element formed by the
housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a second
housing front wall segment, with the second housing front wall
segment having a second housing front wall segment tip, wherein the
housing separator segment has a plateau surface and a front wall
with a front tip, wherein the distance from the inner wall to the
separator segment front tip is less than the distance from the
inner wall to the second housing front wall segment tip, and
wherein the housing separator segment includes a top angled backing
surface that extends from the front wall tip to the plateau
surface: securing at least two hollow sealing rings within the
first radial housing element; and securing a hollow fastening ring
within the second radial housing element, the fastening ring having
a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and along the
circumference of the ring.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the fastening ring is a split
ring.
16. A pipe fitting comprising: an inner wall defining a pipe
receiving cavity; a first radial housing element formed by a first
housing back wall segment, the fitting inner wall and a housing
separator segment; two sealing members within the first radial
housing element; a second radial housing element formed by the
housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a second
housing front wall segment, wherein the second housing front wall
segment has a top angled guiding surface that extends from the
fitting inner wall at an axially outer position thereof to a front
wall segment tip at an axially inner position of the fitting inner
wall; and a split fastening ring removably secured within the
second radial housing element.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. The pipe fitting of claim 16 further comprising a hollow
release pusher removably engaged within an axially outer portion of
the fitting inner wall.
20. The pipe fitting of claim 19 wherein the release pusher is not
threaded, glued or coined into the pipe fitting.
21. A method for assembling a pipe joint assembly, comprising the
steps of: providing a fitting having an inner wall defining a pipe
receiving cavity therein, wherein the fitting has a first radial
housing element formed by a first housing back wall segment, the
fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment, wherein the
fitting further has a second radial housing element formed by the
housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a second
housing front wall segment, wherein the second housing front wall
segment has a top angled guiding surface that extends from the
fitting inner wall at an axially outer position thereof to a front
wall segment tip at an axially inner position of the fitting inner
wall; securing at least two hollow sealing rings within the first
radial housing element; and securing a hollow fastening ring within
the second radial housing element, the fastening ring having a
plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and along the circumference
of the ring.
22. A method for assembling a pipe joint assembly, comprising the
steps of: providing a fitting having an inner wall defining a pipe
receiving cavity therein, wherein the fitting has a first radial
housing element formed by a first housing back wall segment, the
fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment, wherein the
fitting further has a second radial housing element formed by the
housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a second
housing front wall segment, wherein the second housing front wall
segment has a top angled guiding surface and wherein the housing
separator segment has a top angled backing surface, and further
wherein the top angled guiding surface and the top angled backing
surface extend at substantially the same angle measured from the
fitting inner wall; securing at least two hollow sealing rings
within the first radial housing element; and securing a hollow
fastening ring within the second radial housing element, the
fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and
along the circumference of the ring.
23. A method for assembling a pipe joint assembly, comprising the
steps of: providing a fitting having an inner wall defining a pipe
receiving cavity therein, the fitting having a first radial housing
element formed by a first housing back wall segment, the fitting
inner wall and a housing separator segment, the fitting further
having a second radial housing element formed by the housing
separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a second housing
front wall segment; providing at least two hollow sealing rings
secured within the first radial housing element; providing a hollow
fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and
along the circumference of the ring, the fastening ring secured
within the second radial housing element, wherein the fitting
further includes a retaining lip extending radially inwardly from
an axially outer portion of the fitting inner wall; and providing a
hollow release pusher having a radially outer ledge, wherein the
ledge has an exterior top surface and an exterior back wall, and
further wherein the exterior back wall is capable of removably
engaging the retaining lip.
24. A method for assembling a pipe joint assembly, comprising the
steps of: providing a fitting having an inner wall defining a pipe
receiving cavity therein, wherein the fitting has a first radial
housing element formed by a first housing back wall segment, the
fitting inner wall and a housing separator segment, wherein the
fitting further has a second radial housing element formed by the
housing separator segment, the fitting inner wall and a second
housing front wall segment; securing at least two hollow sealing
rings within the first radial housing element; securing a hollow
fastening ring within the second radial housing element, the
fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from and
along the circumference of the ring. providing a hollow release
pusher removably engaged within an axially outer portion of the
fitting inner wall, the hollow release pusher having a radially
outer ledge, an external tip and an outer wall segment extending
from the radially outer ledge to the external tip, wherein at least
a portion of the outer wall segment extends at an angle to the
external tip; and wherein the housing separator segment has a
plateau surface and a front wall with a front tip, and wherein the
housing separator segment includes a top angled backing surface
that extends from the front wall tip to the plateau surface at an
angle that is greater than the angle at which the outer wall
segment of the release pusher extends to the external tip thereof
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 61/473,418, filed Apr. 8, 2011 and entitled
"Piping Joint Assembly, System and Method", and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/981,855,
entitled "Piping Joint Assembly, System and Method", the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to fluid flow systems, and
more particularly to a push-fit piping joint assembly, system and
method that facilitates the repair and re-use of piping system
parts without coining or threaded end caps.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0003] Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids (e.g.,
liquid, gas (such as air) or plasma). For example, homes, schools,
medical facilities, commercial buildings and other occupied
structures generally require integrated piping systems so that
water and/or other fluids can be circulated for a variety of uses.
Liquids and/or gases such as cold and hot water, breathable air,
glycol, compressed air, inert gases, cleaning chemicals, waste
water, plant cooling water and paint and coatings are just some
examples of the types of fluids and gases that can be deployed
through piping systems. Tubing/piping types can include, for
example, copper, stainless steel, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl
chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). For purposes of the
present disclosure, the term "pipe" or "piping" will be understood
to encompass one or more pipes, tubes, piping elements and/or
tubing elements.
[0004] Piping connections are necessary to join various pieces of
pipe and must be versatile in order to adapt to changes of pipe
direction required in particular piping system implementations. For
example, fittings and valves may be employed at the ends of open
pieces of pipe that enable two pieces of pipe to fit together in a
particular configuration. Among fitting types there are elbows,
"tees", couplings adapted for various purposes such as pipe size
changes, ends, ball valves, stop valves, and partial angle
connectors, for example.
[0005] In the past, pipe elements have been traditionally connected
by welding and/or soldering them together using a torch. Soldering
pipe fittings can be time-consuming, unsafe, and labor intensive.
Soldering also requires employing numerous materials, such as
copper pipes and fittings, emery cloths or pipe-cleaning brushes,
flux, silver solder, a soldering torch and striker, a tubing cutter
and safety glasses. The process for soldering pipes can proceed by
first preparing the pipe to be soldered, as the copper surface must
be clean in order to form a good joint. The end of the pipe can be
cleaned on the outside with emery cloth or a specially made wire
brush. The inside of the fitting must be cleaned as well. Next,
flux (a type of paste) can be applied to remove oxides and draw
molten solder into the joint where the surfaces will be joined. The
brush can be used to coat the inside of the fitting and the outside
of the pipe with the flux. Next, the two pipes are pushed together
firmly into place so that they "bottom out"--i.e., meet flush
inside the fitting. The tip of the solder can be bent to the size
of the pipe in order to avoid over-soldering. With the pipes and
fitting in place, the torch is then ignited with the striker or by
an auto-strike mechanism to initiate soldering. After heating for a
few moments, if the copper surface is hot enough such that it melts
when touched by the end of the solder, the solder can then be
applied to the joint seam so that it runs around the joint and
bonds the pipe and fitting together.
[0006] In recent years, push-fit technology has been employed with
piping systems to reduce the dangers and time involved in soldering
joints. Push-fit methods require minimal knowledge of pipe fitting
and involve far fewer materials than soldering. For example, one
may only need the pipes, quick-connect fittings, a
chamfer/de-burring tool and tubing cutter in order to connect pipes
using push-fit technology.
[0007] The steps involved in connecting piping systems using
push-fit technology can be outlined as follows. First, the pipe is
cut to the appropriate length and the end of the pipe is cleaned
with the de-burring tool, Then the pipe and fitting are pushed
together for connection. The fitting is provided with a fastening
ring (also called a collet, grip ring or grab ring) having teeth
that grip the pipe as it is inserted. The fastening ring device is
employed to provide opposing energy, preventing the device from
disconnection while creating a positive seal. Accordingly, no
wrenches, clamping, gluing or soldering is involved. Push-fit
and/or quick-connect technology for piping systems can be obtained,
for example, through Quick Fitting, Inc. of East Providence, R.I.,
USA, suppliers of the CoPro.RTM. line of pipe fittings and related
products. Also, such technology is described, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,862,089, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0008] In past pipe coupling technology, the fastening ring is
inserted into the fitting body along with a plastic grip ring
support that typically fails under extensive tensile testing.
Further, the coupling must then be either coin rolled, glued or
receive a threaded cap member to retain the fastening ring inside
the fitting body. In addition to the added steps for the
manufacture and assembly of the coupling, the strength of the
plumbing joint is determined by the retaining cap member. The
additional steps and components add significant labor and
manufacturing costs to the final product cost and reduce the
overall production capability due to the extensive time required
for proper assembly.
[0009] In addition to the above, when using a threaded retaining
cap method, the process of cutting threads into the fitting body
and the retaining cap elevates the cost of machining the fitting
components. Further, the threaded end cap method requires
mechanical assembly as well as the added cost and application of a
thread sealant to the threads. In prior efforts that employ a
coined retaining cap method, the process of coining the fitting
body as the retaining cap significantly increases the cost of final
assembly of the fitting. Additionally, the coining process
permanently encapsulates the fastening ring inside the fitting,
whereby the fastening ring cannot be removed without complete
destruction of the ring and fitting.
[0010] Along with additional assembly steps and increased
manufacturing costs, past pipe fittings and connection methods do
not allow repair for various reasons. In some cases, this is
because they are factory sealed, for example. In other cases, it is
because the separation of the fitting from the pipe can damage or
induce wear on the parts. For example, some push-fit pipe fittings
provide permanently fixed demounting rings for removing the
fittings. The demounting rings can be depressed axially to lift the
fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe, such
that the pipe can then be withdrawn. This arrangement, however, can
subject the pipe fittings to tampering and shorter life. In
addition, while fastening ring devices work effectively as an
opposing retaining member, their functionality makes them nearly
impossible to dismount, remove or detach for re-use. The fastening
rings are thus permanently affixed unless they are cut and removed,
which then destroys the fastening ring.
[0011] Whether connected by traditional soldering methods or with
push-fit methods, past efforts have been specifically provided for
the connection of like materials and tack the ability to connect
two unlike materials, such as copper with CPVC, PEX or stainless
steel, or any other combination of unlike materials. Past methods
further invariably require the replacement of fittings and valves,
and do not allow re-use of the fittings or valves in instances
where only a small internal component needs to be repaired or
replaced.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0012] The present invention, provides, in part, a pipe fitting
assembly package as well as a removal method allowing one to re-use
push-fit piping fittings without damage to the fitting elements or
the pipe. The present invention connects tubing/piping using no
tools, clamps, solder or glues, while creating a leak-free seal at
the connected joining area. Further, unlike prior methods, the
present invention can join both like and unlike piping elements in
any combination, and without coining or threading the elements into
place.
[0013] The quick connection pipe joint assembly package provided as
part of the present-invention employs a one-piece retaining ring
and pusher that, when removed, exposes the clamping, sealing and
fastening mechanisms of the fitting. The retaining ring and pusher
member ("release pusher" for purposes of this disclosure) moves
axially and can push the fastening ring of the present invention in
order to facilitate the release of a cylindrical object such as a
piping element held within the fitting.
[0014] For purposes of the present disclosure, a fitting (also
referred to as a body member) can encompass a valve member and
other piping elements including, but not limited to: a coupling
joint, an elbow joint, a tee joint, a stop end, a ball valve
member, tubing and other objects having cylindrical openings. In
one embodiment of the present invention, a dual seal is provided
with sealing member gasket inserts (e.g., O-ring members) that fit
side-by-side within a first radial housing element defined in the
interior wall of the fitting. In addition, at each pipe receiving
end of the fitting, a second radial housing element is machined
into the interior wall to retain the edges of the fastening ring.
The interior housing elements provide integrated support for the
sealing members and fastening ring when opposing force is applied
to piping elements that have been inserted into the fitting pipe.
In one embodiment, a flexible metal support, snap ring gland member
is employed to provide additional support for the fastening
ring.
[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, once the fastening
ring is inserted into the fitting, the fastening ring does not
require any additional method or device to retain it under opposing
force. The integrated radial housing element provides for a more
stable fastening ring connection with the ability to withstand
significantly higher tensile pulling forces than the prior art. As
a result, the stability of the quick fitting fastening connection
is not determined, or co-dependent on a plastic retainer, threaded
end cap or machined coined retainer.
[0016] The release pusher provided as part of the present invention
is primarily employed to facilitate the release of tubing, piping
and other cylindrical objects inserted into a fitting. The release
pusher is manually pushed into the fitting body and tapered edges
of the release pusher generally or nearly abut the installed
fastening ring. When it is desired to release an inserted pipe, for
example, from the fitting, the release pusher can be forced in the
direction of the fastening ring such that its angular surfaces
depress the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted
pipe, thereby allowing the pipe to be removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of the piping
joint assembly package of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective cross-sectional view
of the piping joint assembly package of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the
present invention according to FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled
portion 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
fitting of the present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 6 and 7 are detailed cross-sectional views of
encircled portions 6-6 and 7-7 of FIG. 5, respectively.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the release pusher of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a left side view of one embodiment of the
fastening ring of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of the fastening ring of FIG. 9.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a right side cross-sectional view of the
fastening ring taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.
[0027] FIG. 12 is an exploded front perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of the piping joint assembly package of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the
present invention according to FIG. 12.
[0029] FIG. 14 Is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled
portion 14-14 of FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
fitting of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled
portions 16-16 of FIG. 15.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a front view of the flexible support snap ring
gland member of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a right side cross-sectional view of the snap
ring gland member taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] In the push-fit piping joint assembly 10 as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, elements of the joint assembly as shown include: a fitting
(i.e., fitting body member) 12 having an inner wall 13 and outer
wall 15, a fastening ring 18, two substantially identical sealing
members 14, 16 (which can be optionally lubricated) and a release
pusher 20. The fastening ring and sealing members together provide
one embodiment of a packing arrangement for the present invention,
and each has an internal diameter that allows for smooth and snug
engagement of a piping or tubing element external surface 24. The
fitting 12 is substantially hollow with a pipe receiving opening
100 therein. In one embodiment, the interior diameters of the
fastening ring 18 (as measured to the teeth 19 and not the ring
cylindrical base) and sealing members 14, 16 are substantially the
same, and the interior diameters of the fitting 12 and the release
pusher 20 are substantially the same. Further, the interior
diameters of the fastening ring 18 and sealing members 14, 16 are
slightly less than that of the fitting 12 and release pusher 20 so
as to facilitate proper operation of the present invention. The
release pusher 20 is substantially cylindrical and includes an
external tip 21 at the fastening ring engaging end thereof.
[0035] In one embodiment, the fitting 12 can be forged CW617N
brass, with full porting and full flow fitting, for example. The
lubricant for the sealing members 14, 16 can be a food grade
lubricant, for example. It will be appreciated that the sealing
members can comprise a flat ring or washer-type seal member in
addition or as an alternative to a circular member of substantially
circular cross-section. The fastening ring 18 can comprise a spring
steel formulation, for example, that enables the fastening ring to
be malformed during installation, while springing back into its
originally manufactured position once installed. The fastening ring
is capable of grabbing an inserted pipe's surface via two or more
teeth 19 to ensure connections cannot be pulled apart. The
fastening ring teeth are angled downward from the perimeter of the
ring, toward the fitting and away from the cap, such that when the
pipe is inserted, the teeth exert a pressure against the pipe to
discourage the pipe from slipping or moving back out of the
fitting. No wrenches, solder, welding, glue and/or twisting and
turning the elements are required to form a connection.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, for example, the release
pusher 20 includes a radially outer ledge 26, the external tip 21
and outer wall segments 25, 27, The release pusher can comprise an
injection-molded plastic material or a metal material such as
brass, for example. When pressure is applied on the back side 30 of
the release pusher 20, the external tip 21 can engage the inside
surface 32 of the fastening ring teeth 19 as will be described in
more detail below, and the ledge back wall 29 can removeably engage
a retaining lip 34 extending radially inwardly of the fitting inner
wall 13 at the axially outermost position of the fitting, as shown
in FIG. 3.
[0037] In one embodiment of the release pusher of the present
invention, the outer wall segments 25, 27 comprise a single linear
segment from the radially outer ledge to the external tip. In
another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8,
the first outer wall segment 25 extends linearly at a first angle C
from the radially outer ledge 26 to an outer wall intermediate
point 36, and the second outer wall segment 27 extends linearly
from the outer wall intermediate point 36 to the external tip 21 at
a second angle D.
[0038] During removal, a tool such as a specially adapted wrench,
for example, can be applied to the outer top surface of the release
pusher so as to exert a pushing and lifting force that causes the
release pusher outer ledge to disengage the retaining lip 34. Once
the release pusher is removed, the internal packing arrangement
components are exposed for removal and/or replacement.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, the fitting 12 is formed with
first 40 and second 42 radial housing elements. The first radial
housing element 40 houses sealing members 14, 16, and the second
radial housing element 42 houses the fastening ring 18. The sealing
members can be housed so as to substantially abut one another
within the first radial housing element 40. Further, the sealing
members 14, 16 are shown axially inward of the fastening ring 18,
when in position within the fitting 12. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 12 through 14, the second radial housing element 42 also
houses a support snap ring gland member 90, described in more
detail below.
[0040] The first radial housing element 40 is formed by a first,
housing back wall segment 44, the fitting inner wall 13 and a
housing separator segment 46. The second radial housing element 42
is formed by the housing separator segment 46, the fitting inner
wall 13 and a second housing front wall segment 48. The inner wall
13 is not labeled within the recesses of the housing elements 40,
42. As shown in FIG. 7, the second housing front wall segment 48
has a top angled guiding surface 50, which permits sliding
engagement with the fastening ring circumferential base 52 (shown
in FIG. 10) when the fastening ring 18 is either being inserted or
removed. The top angled guiding surface 50 of the second housing
front wall segment 48 extends from the fitting inner wall 13 at an
axially outer position 53 thereof to a front wall segment tip 54 at
an axially inner position 55 of the fitting inner wall 13.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the housing separator segment 46 has a
plateau surface 58 and a front wall 60 with a front tip 62. The
housing separator segment also includes a top angled backing
surface 64 that extends from the front wall tip 62 to the plateau
surface 58. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
distance E from the fitting inner wall 13 to the separator segment
front tip 62 is approximately the same as the distance from the
fitting inner wall 13 to the second housing front, wall segment tip
54. In another embodiment, of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 5, the distance E from the fitting inner wall 13 to the
separator segment front tip 62 is less than the distance from the
fitting inner wall 13 to the second housing front wall segment tip
54. This distance E can be changed as necessary to facilitate
engagement and movement of the fastening ring 18 within the second
radial housing element, as desired. As shown in FIG. 7, the top
angled guiding surface 50 of the second housing front wall segment
48 can extend at an angle A measured from the fitting inner wall.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the top angled backing surface 64 can
extend at an angle B measured from the fitting inner wall. In one
embodiment of the present, invention, angles A and B are
substantially the same. In one embodiment of the present invention,
angle B can range from approximately 9 degrees to approximately 52
degrees, and angle A can range from approximately 6.5 degrees to
approximately 50 degrees. Further, in one embodiment of the present
invention, angle B is greater than angle D of the release pusher 20
(see FIG. 8) so as to facilitate proper operation of the present
invention as described below.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 through 11, the fastening ring 18
can be a split ring member having a circumferential base 52 and two
circumferential end points 66 that do not connect. The fastening
ring can further include fixture points 68 for handling and
compressing the fastening ring. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the fixture points 68 are provided at the split end so
that a tool designed to hold the fastening ring at the fixture
points can more easily handle and compress the fastening ring in
order to assist with assembly or disassembly. Once compressed, the
fastening ring is easily insertable into the second radial housing
element 42 of the fitting 12 by releasing the hold on the fixture
points 68, thereby allowing the fastening ring to expand such that
the circumferential base engages the walls of the second radial
housing element. The fastening can be removed from the second
radial housing element in similar manner. No wrenches, solder,
welding, glue and/or twisting and turning the elements are required
to form or disengage a connection. As shown in FIG. 9, the teeth 19
of the fastening ring 18 can extend at an angle F from the
horizontal axis G, wherein F ranges from approximately 39 degrees
to approximately 68 degrees. In one embodiment of the present
invention, angle F is approximately 56 degrees.
[0043] Operation
[0044] In operation, the fitting 12 of the present invention is
provided and one or more sealing members 14, 16 are inserted into
the first radial housing element 40, as shown in FIG. 3. Next, the
fastening ring 18 is inserted into the second radial housing
element 42, and release pusher 20 is snapped into engagement with
the retaining lip 34 of the fitting 12. When a pipe 70 is inserted,
it travels through the release pusher 20 into the pipe receiving
cavity 100 of the fitting 12, engaging the fastening ring 18 and
the one or more sealing members 14, 16. The sealing members provide
a strong, leak-free seal and the fastening ring prohibits any
inclination the pipe may have to slide out of position adjacent the
pipe end point lip 71 (see FIG. 3) inside the pipe fitting 12.
[0045] FIGS. 12-18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the first radial housing
element 40 of the pipe fitting 12 is substantially the same as
described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the fitting 12,
sealing members 14, 16, release pusher 20 and fastening ring 18 are
similarly present. However, the second radial housing element 42
includes a front wall segment 72 that does not have a top angled
guiding surface. Rather, the front wall segment 72 of the second
radial housing element 42 extends radially outwardly and into the
fitting inner wall 13. As such, the second radial housing element
42 includes the inner wall surface 13 for engaging the
circumferential base 52 of the fastening ring 18, as well as a
surface 74 for engaging the circumferential base 92 of a snap ring
90. Surface 75 provides a guiding surface for the release pusher 20
as it is pushed axially inwardly of the fitting in order to depress
the fastening ring teeth so as to allow removal of an inserted pipe
member, for example. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the snap ring 90
includes a fastening ring-engaging surface 94 and a release pusher
engaging surface 96, and is positioned in place in the fitting when
the release pusher 20 is snapped or popped into engagement, with
the retaining lip 34 of the fitting 12. The snap ring 90 can
comprise a spring steel formulation. Further, circumferential base
92 can extend from the horizontal axis H of the snap ring 90 at an
angle I of between approximately 6.5 degrees and approximately 50
degrees. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, angle
I is approximately 40 degrees.
[0046] While the fastening ring 18 is shown in FIG. 12 as being a
split ring, the fastening ring in this embodiment of the present
invention can also be an integral ring that is not split. As such,
and given the lower profile of the front wall segment 72 of the
second radial housing element 42, the fastening ring can be more
easily inserted into the second radial housing element without as
much initial deformation as that associated with the embodiment of
the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, for example.
[0047] In the embodiment of the present invention with the snap
ring 90, the snap ring can be provided with a split similar to that
provided in fastening ring 18 in FIG. 1. After placing the
fastening ring into the second radial housing element, the support
snap ring gland 90 can be compressed with a tool using fixture
points (not shown) similar to that shown for the fastening ring 18
of FIG. 10, and then positioned within the second radial housing
element 42. The compression of the supporting snap ring gland is
released, and the ring returns to its original manufactured size,
thereby acting to retain the fastening ring in position. Next, the
release pusher 20 can be pushed into place such that the ledge back
wall 29 removably engages the lip member 34 of the fitting 12.
[0048] The angles described herein will be understood to be
exemplary and provided as embodiments associated with proper
working operation of the present invention. For example, the angles
of the top surfaces of members 46 and 48 contribute to the
stability of the present invention as well as the easy manipulation
of its component parts.
[0049] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in
all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the
invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather
than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *