U.S. patent application number 17/139011 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for fitting device, arrangement and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Quick Fitting, Inc.. Invention is credited to Herbert J. Bouchard, David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias.
Application Number | 20210123550 17/139011 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005316224 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210123550/US20210123550A1-20210429\US20210123550A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210123550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crompton; David B. ; et
al. |
April 29, 2021 |
Fitting Device, Arrangement and Method
Abstract
A push-to-connect fitting assembly, device and method allows for
continual contact of inserted tubing with a main body member so as
to maintain conductivity for electrical applications and a tight,
rotation-restricting seal. In various embodiments, an axially
internal portion of the device has an interior surface that tapers
from a narrower radius to a wider radius as it extends outwardly
from a tube stop element to an outer rim.
Inventors: |
Crompton; David B.;
(Stonington, CT) ; Bouchard; Herbert J.; (West
Greenwich, RI) ; Dias; Libardo Ochoa; (West Warwick,
RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Quick Fitting, Inc. |
Warwick |
RI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005316224 |
Appl. No.: |
17/139011 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16555371 |
Aug 29, 2019 |
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17139011 |
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15716869 |
Sep 27, 2017 |
10400929 |
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16555371 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 19/08 20130101;
F16L 37/0915 20160501; F16L 37/091 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 37/091 20060101
F16L037/091; F16L 19/08 20060101 F16L019/08 |
Claims
1. A fitting, comprising: a main body component comprising an
interior wall and an exterior wall, wherein the interior wall
defines a cavity extending axially through the main body component
and includes a first interior wall portion defining a tube support
member compartment; at least one sealing ring maintained within the
cavity against the first interior wall portion; a sealing ring
support member maintained within the cavity against the first
interior wall portion and abutting the at least one sealing ring; a
tube support member comprising a radially inner wall, wherein the
tube support member is positioned within the tube support member
compartment; a fastening ring comprising a base portion with a
radially outer edge, wherein the base portion is positioned between
the tube support member and the sealing ring support member,
wherein the fastening ring further comprises teeth that are movable
to a position toward the sealing ring support member; and a release
pusher member slidably maintained against the tube support member
radially inner wall.
2. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing ring
comprises two sealing rings.
3. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the main body component
comprises an axially inner portion with an axially inner portion
exterior radius, an axially intermediate portion with an axially
intermediate portion exterior radius larger than the axially inner
portion exterior radius and an axially outer portion with an
axially outer portion exterior radius larger than the axially inner
portion exterior radius and the axially intermediate portion
exterior radius.
4. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the interior wall of the main
body component comprises a radially outwardly extending ledge and a
radially outwardly extending step, wherein the radially outwardly
extending step extends radially outwardly further than the radially
outwardly extending ledge, wherein the at least one sealing ring
abuts the radially outwardly extending ledge and wherein the
sealing ring support member abuts the radially outwardly extending
step.
5. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the sealing ring support member
comprises an axially inner surface abutting the at least one
sealing ring and the interior wall.
6. The fitting of claim 5, wherein the sealing ring support member
comprises a radially inner surface adapted to abut a piping
component upon insertion of the piping component into the
fitting.
7. The fitting of claim 6, wherein an axially outer portion of the
radially inner surface of the sealing ring support member is
adapted to provide clearance for movement of the fastening ring
when engaged by the release pusher.
8. The fitting of claim 7, wherein the axially outer portion of the
radially inner surface of the sealing ring support member does not
abut the piping component upon insertion of the piping component
into the fitting.
9. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the sealing ring support member
comprises a radially inner surface adapted to abut a piping
component upon insertion of the piping component into the
fitting.
10. The fitting of claim 9, wherein an axially outer portion of the
radially inner surface of the sealing ring support member is
adapted to provide clearance for movement of the fastening ring
when engaged by the release pusher.
11. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the axially outer portion of
the radially inner surface of the sealing ring support member does
not abut the piping component upon insertion of the piping
component into the fitting.
12. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the release pusher does not
engage the fitting while slidably engaging the tube support
member.
13. A fitting, comprising: a main body component comprising an
interior wall and an exterior wall, wherein the interior wall
defines a cavity extending axially through the main body component
and includes first and second interior wall portions separated by a
tube stop element extending radially into the cavity from the
interior wall; a first packing arrangement inserted into the cavity
so as to engage the first interior wall portion of the main body
component; a second packing arrangement inserted into the cavity so
as to engage the second interior wall portion of the main body
component; and wherein the first and second packing arrangements
each comprise at least one sealing ring, a sealing ring support
member, a fastening ring, a tube support member and a release
pusher member, wherein, for the first and second packing
arrangements, the fastening ring comprises a base portion with a
radially outer edge, wherein the base portion is positioned between
the tube support member and the sealing ring support member, and
further wherein the fastening ring comprises teeth that are movable
to a position toward the sealing ring support member.
14. The fitting of claim 13, wherein the main body component
interior wall comprises an axially outer rim having a radially
inner edge having a shorter radius at an axially inner edge and a
longer radius at an axially outer edge thereof.
15. The fitting of claim 14, wherein the tube support member
comprises a radially outer surface comprising an axially
intermediate segment extending radially outwardly of an axially
inner segment and an axially outer segment of the radially outer
surface, wherein the axially outer segment cooperatively engages
the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim.
16. The fitting of claim 13, wherein the sealing ring support
member comprises a radially inner surface adapted to abut a piping
component upon insertion of the piping component into the
fitting.
17. The fitting of claim 16, wherein an axially outer portion of
the radially inner surface of the sealing ring support member is
adapted to provide clearance for movement of the fastening ring
when engaged by the release pusher.
18. The fitting of claim 17, wherein the axially outer portion of
the radially inner surface of the sealing ring support member does
not abut the piping component upon insertion of the piping
component into the fitting.
19. The fitting of claim 14, wherein the first interior wall
portion comprises an axially inner portion, an axially intermediate
portion and an axially outer portion, with the axially inner
portion, axially intermediate portion and axially outer portion of
the first segment being integrally formed, and wherein the first
interior wall portion comprises a segment extending radially
outwardly from the axially inner edge of the axially outer rim for
retaining the tube support member.
20. The fitting of claim 19, wherein the axially intermediate
portion includes a radial step extending radially inwardly such
that the axially intermediate portion includes a first interior
wall portion and a second interior wall portion separated by the
radial step.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/555,371 filed on Aug. 29, 2019, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/716,869 filed
on Sep. 27, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,400,929 issued on Sep. 3,
2019, the contents of all of the above being incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to piping conduits, and more
particularly to a push-to-connect fitting device, arrangement and
method that facilitates the connection of piping and tubing system
parts.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids (e.g.,
liquid, gas (such as air) or plasma), contain contents internally
and provide other functions. For example, piping systems can
include conduits that maintain electrical wiring, effectively
bundling and containing wiring within a confined and protected
area, so that the inserted wires can be collectively transported,
shielded and joined from one point to another. In many instances,
one of the end points for the conduit is an electrical box.
[0004] Conduits or piping connections for managing loose wires are
generally tube-shaped elements with a hollow interior for
permitting wiring to pass through. Such conduits are useful in
properly protecting the wires and cables contained therein. If
unprotected, the loose wires and/or cables can be damaged, cut
(such as against a metal edge of the electrical box opening) and
can potentially cause a short circuit, shock, or fire. While code
regulations exist to help prevent these problems, various
installations may not meet code requirements. When traditional
conduits are positioned within an electrical box opening, they may
be unsecured, or possibly secured through a basic form of
attachment such as a threaded engagement. Further, problems can
arise when conductivity is not maintained between an inserted
piping element and a ground connection. Electrical conduits can be
made of metal, fiber, plastic and other materials. Non-metal
conduit materials, such as PVC, are typically less expensive and
lighter in weight.
[0005] In recent years, push-fit technology has been employed with
piping systems, and particularly with plumbing systems, to reduce
the dangers and time involved in soldering joints and other
connection methods. Push-fit methods require minimal knowledge of
pipe fittings 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. 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 Warwick, R.I., USA, suppliers of the CoPro.RTM., ProBite.RTM.,
LocJaw.TM., BlueHawk.TM. CopperHead.RTM. and Push Connect.RTM.
lines of push fittings and related products. Also, such technology
is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,862,089, 7,942,161,
8,205,915, 8,210,576, 8,398,122, 8,480,134, 8,844,974, 8,844,981,
9,068,680, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,217,529, the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The present disclosure relates to, in part, a
push-to-connect fitting device, arrangement and method that
facilitates management of multiple wires, cables and/or connections
in electrical environments in a manner that meets requirements,
saves time for professionals and can maintain conductivity to a
ground connection. Embodiments of the present disclosure require no
coining and can connect piping elements without glue and/or
ultrasonic welding. In addition to electrical environments,
embodiments of the present disclosure can also be employed with
irrigation and other fluid flow environments.
[0007] In various embodiments, a conduit device according to the
present disclosure includes an interior surface adapted to securely
retain a packing arrangement comprising at least one sealing ring,
a spacer gland and a grip ring. The packing arrangement can further
include a tube support member and a release pusher. Among other
things, it will be appreciated that embodiments disclosed herein
assist production efforts by eliminating the time required for
creating multiple molds associated with other push-to-connect
technologies.
[0008] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "tube",
"pipe", "piping", "conduit", "conduit element" or "piping element"
will be understood to encompass one or more pipes, tubes, conduits,
piping elements and/or tubing elements, and may be used
interchangeably. Further, for purposes of the present disclosure, a
fitting 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 substantially cylindrical openings. Further, for
purposes of the present disclosure, a fitting (also referred to as
a body member or main body component) 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
various embodiments, the fitting includes an axially inner portion
having an interior radius that increases from a tube stop to an
axially outer rim of the axially inner portion. In various
embodiments, one or more sealing member gasket inserts (e.g.,
O-ring members) fit within a first sealing ring compartment defined
in the interior surface of the fitting. In addition, at each pipe
receiving end of the fitting, a tube support member compartment is
machined into the interior to retain at least a portion of the
packing arrangement. The fitting interior is formed to provide
integrated support for the sealing member(s) and fastening ring
when opposing force is applied to piping elements that have been
inserted into the fitting. In various embodiments, a tube support
member is employed to provide additional support for the fastening
ring and to cooperate with an optional release pusher to facilitate
connection and disconnection of piping elements. Other methods,
devices and arrangements associated with the present disclosure are
described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of one
embodiment of a fitting assembly in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of
a fitting in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the fitting of
FIG. 2 with inserted fitting elements and an inserted piping
element.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled
portion 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a fitting in accordance with the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] In the push-to-connect fitting assembly 10 according to
embodiments of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 1 through
5, elements of the assembly as shown include: a fitting (i.e.,
fitting body member or main body component) 12 having an interior
surface 13 and exterior surface 15, a fastening ring 18, one or
more sealing members 16 (which can optionally be lubricated), a
sealing ring support member 20, and a tube support member 22. In
various embodiments, the fitting interior surface 13 is formed via
forging and/or machining and is not coined. The fastening ring 18
and sealing member 16 together provide one embodiment of a packing
arrangement 21 disclosed herein, and each has an internal diameter
that allows for smooth and snug engagement of a piping or tubing
element external surface 35 (shown in FIG. 3) when inserted into
the opening 55 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 5), which is defined by the
fitting interior surface 13 and extends axially therethrough along
axis 25. In one embodiment, the interior diameters of the fastening
ring 18 (as measured to the teeth 19 and not the ring cylindrical
base 17) and sealing member 16 are substantially the same. Further,
the interior diameters of the fastening ring 18 and sealing member
16 are slightly less than that of the fitting 12 so as to
facilitate proper operation of the presently disclosed device and
arrangement. Optionally, a release pusher (not shown) can be
provided to facilitate the release of tubing, piping and other
cylindrical objects (e.g., 33) inserted into the fitting 12. 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. In various embodiments, as shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4, no release pusher is provided or required, and
the packing arrangement 21 is thus permanently maintained within
the fitting body component 12. Details surrounding the packing
arrangement 21 and internal elements 16, 18, 20 and 22, including
the optional release pusher can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat.
No. 9,322,496 to Crompton et al., the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0015] As further shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the main body
component 12 includes first 30 and second 31 segments, divided by a
tube stop 29. The tube stop 29 extends radially inwardly of the
inner surface 13 in order to provide a stopping surface for
inserted tubes and pipes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, no
tube stop 29 is provided. However, the tapered internal surface 13
at the axially inner portion 32 of the fitting 12 provides an
effective stopping surface for inserted tubes and pipes, without
the need for a tube stop as in FIG. 2. Each of the first 30 and
second 31 segments includes an axially inner portion 32, an axially
intermediate portion 34 and an axially outer portion 36, with the
axially inner portion 32, axially intermediate portion 34 and
axially outer portion 36 being integrally formed and each having a
respective interior wall 42, 44, 46 and exterior wall 52, 54, 56.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, axially inner portion 32 has an interior
radius R2. Axially intermediate portion 34 has an interior radius
R3 and/or R4. Axially outer portion 36 has an interior radius R5.
In various embodiments, the interior radius R3 and/or R4 of the
axially intermediate portion 34 is larger than the interior radius
R2 of the axially inner portion 32, and the interior radius R5 of
the axially outer portion 36 is larger than the interior radius R2
of the axially inner portion 32 and the interior radius R3 and/or
R4 of the axially intermediate portion 34. In this way, and among
other things, a greater sized opening is provided at the pipe or
tubing entry area 55 on the fitting 12 and a tighter opening is
provided within the axially inner portion 32. In addition, as shown
in FIG. 2, the interior radius R2 of the axially inner portion is
tapered from a narrower diameter B to a wider diameter C. In
various embodiments, the axially internal diameter B is smaller
than the diameter D (see FIG. 2) of the pipe 33 to be inserted in
the opening 55, and the axially external diameter C is larger than
the diameter D of the pipe to be inserted in the opening 55. In
this way, the pipe or tubing 33 makes continual contact with the
inner surface 13 at the axially inner portion 32 of the main body
component 12, and is slightly compressed upon reaching the tube
stop 29 (in FIG. 2) or the radially and axially innermost center
point 59 of axially interior wall 42 (in FIG. 5). As shown in FIG.
5, the center point 59 is the radially innermost point of the
interior surface 13. As such, the pipe 33 maintains conductivity
with the ground via main body component 12 from the point where the
pipe 33 initially makes contact with the interior surface 13 to the
point where the pipe 33 is fully inserted up to the tube stop 29 or
center point 59. Further, rotation of the inserted pipe 33 is
prevented and/or strongly resisted by being secured within the
narrower axially inner portion 32 of the main body component
12.
[0016] As further shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the axially outer
portion 36 of the first segment 30 terminates in an axially outer
rim 38 that extends radially inwardly from the interior wall 46. In
various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the axially outer
rim 38 has an internal radius R1 that is substantially the same as
the axially intermediate portion internal radius R3 or R4. In
various other embodiments, the radially inner edge 39 of the
axially outer rim 38 is sloped such that the radius varies from a
shorter size at the axially inner edge 40 of the radially inner
edge 39 to a longer size at the axially outer edge 41 of the
radially inner edge 39 of the axially outer rim 38. In this way,
the opening formed by the inner edge 39 for a pipe or tubing
element to be inserted is more receptive to insertion angles of a
pipe or tubing element that may not be perfectly aligned with the
axis 25.
[0017] As further shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the axially
intermediate portion 34 can be provided with a radial step 43
extending radially inwardly such that the axially intermediate
portion 34 includes a first interior wall portion 44A having an
internal radius R3 and a second interior wall portion 44B having an
internal radius R4, where the portions 44A and 44B are separated by
the radial step 43. As described elsewhere herein, the radial step
43 assists in providing an engaging surface for the sealing ring
support member 20 as part of the packing arrangement 21 provided in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, a sealing ring 16 is maintained against
ledge 51 and within the first interior wall portion 44A of the
axially intermediate portion 34 of the main body component 12, and
a sealing ring support member 20 is maintained partially within the
first interior wall portion 44A and partially within the second
interior wall portion 44B of the axially intermediate portion 34 of
the main body component 12. In various embodiments, a second O-ring
or sealing ring can be positioned adjacent the first sealing ring
16. Further, in various embodiments, the sealing ring support
member 20 includes a notch cut-out 27 for engaging the radial step
43 to provide stabilizing support to the packing arrangement.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, for example, the tube support
member 22 is maintained against rim 38 and partially against the
interior surface 46 of the main body component 12 and partially
against the interior surface 44 at the axially intermediate portion
34 of the main body component 12. In various embodiments, the tube
support member 22 can comprise a spring steel formulation, and can
be provided as a unitary, unsplit member or can be provided with a
split similar to the embodiment of the fastening ring described
elsewhere herein.
[0020] A fastening ring 18 is maintained within the second interior
wall portion 44B of the axially intermediate portion 34 of the main
body component 12, with the fastening ring base 17 being held
between an axially inner edge 60 of the tube support member 22 and
an axially outer edge 62 of the sealing ring support member 20. The
fastening ring 18, which can be an integral, unsplit ring or can be
a split ring member, has a substantially circumferential base 17
with teeth 19 extending radially inwardly therefrom. In the
embodiments where the fastening ring is a split ring, the fastening
ring can include two circumferential end points (not shown) that do
not connect, with fixture points for handling and compressing the
fastening ring, such 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 of
embodiments disclosed herein. In this embodiment, and once
compressed, the fastening ring is easily insertable into the
fitting 12 by releasing the hold on the fixture points, 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.
[0021] 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 substantially
cylindrical perimeter of the ring, toward the axially inner portion
32 and away from the axially external portion 36, such that when a
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.
Specifically, the combination of the fastening ring, the O-ring
support member, the tube support member and optional release pusher
provide a push-fit piping assembly when inserted into any
cylindrical pipe fitting in accordance with embodiments disclosed
herein. The teeth 19 of the fastening ring 18 can extend at various
angles from the base axis as measured when the teeth are at rest
position and are not stressed by the insertion of a pipe, for
example. The number of teeth can readily vary in number and
size.
[0022] 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 16 can be a food grade lubricant,
for example. It will be appreciated that the sealing members 16 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. As shown in FIG. 4, the sealing ring support member
20 has an axially inner edge 64 that acts as a sealing
member-engaging surface and an axially outer edge 62 that acts as a
fastening ring-engaging surface. The sealing ring support member 20
can be comprised of metal or plastic, for example.
[0023] In operation, the main body component 12 is formed with the
tapered axially inner segment 42 and compartments as described
above, and one or more sealing members 16 are inserted into the
axially intermediate portion 34 of the main body component 12 and
retained against the first interior wall portion 44A thereof. Next,
the sealing ring support member 20 is inserted so as to fit snugly
within the axially intermediate portion 34 of the main body
component 12, and retained against the first 44A and second 44B
interior wall portions. The support member 20 abuts the sealing
ring member 16, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The fastening ring
18 is then inserted such that its base 17 is securely retained
against the second interior wall portion 44B of the axially
intermediate portion 34 of the main body component 12, and the base
is further securely retained between the sealing ring support
member 20 and the tube support member 22. The tube support member
20 is inserted so as to be retained in the axially outer portion 36
and the second interior wall portion 44B of the axially
intermediate portion 34 of the main body component, as well as
against the inner surface of the outer rim 38 of the main body
component 12. In embodiments with the optional release pusher, the
release pusher can then be inserted so as to slidingly engage the
radially inner wall of the tube support member 20.
[0024] When a pipe 33 is inserted, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it
travels over the tube support member 20 into the pipe receiving
cavity 55 of the main body component 12, engaging the fastening
ring 18 and the sealing member 16. As the pipe 33 is fully inserted
(i.e., when the leading edge 65 of the pipe contacts tube stop 29
in FIG. 2, or point 59 in FIG. 5), the teeth 19 of the fastening
ring 18 engage the outer surface 35 of the inserted pipe 33 and the
narrower axially inner end of the axially inner portion 42
compresses the outer surface 35 of the pipe 33 in order to retain
the pipe 33 securely within the main body component 12. In various
embodiments, the piping element 33 has an outer diameter D that is
larger than the internal diameter of the interior surface 13 of the
axially inner portion 42 of the first segment 30, primarily closer
to the tube stop 29 or point 59 as the axially inner portion
narrows in diameter. In particular embodiments, the piping element
outer diameter D is at least 0.002 inches larger than the internal
diameter of the interior surface 13 of the axially inner portion 42
of the first segment 30 at or near the tube stop 29 (FIG. 2) or
point 59 (FIG. 5). The sealing member 18 helps to provide a strong,
leak-free seal and the combination of the sealing ring support
member 20, the fastening ring 18, the tube support member 22 and
the narrower internal cavity of the axially inner portion 42 of the
main body component 12 prohibit any inclination an inserted pipe
may have to slide out of position.
[0025] In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the
axially inner portion 42 extends from the tube stop 29 to an
axially outer rim 74 of the axially inner portion 42, wherein the
interior radius R2 of the axially inner portion 42 increases from
the tube stop 29 to the axially outer rim 74 of the axially inner
portion 42. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, for
example, the axially inner portion 42 extends from the axially and
radially inner point 59 to an axially outer rim 74 of the axially
inner portion 42, wherein the interior radius R2 of the axially
inner portion 42 increases from the point 59 to the axially outer
rim 74 of the axially inner portion 42.
[0026] In various embodiments, the interior surface 13 of the
axially inner portion 42 extends at an acute angle E to the axis 25
from the tube stop 29 in FIG. 2 or point 59 in FIG. 5 to the
axially outer rim 74 of the axially inner portion 42. In various
embodiments, the acute angle E is from approximately 0.005 degrees
to approximately twenty degrees. In specific embodiments, the acute
angle E is from approximately 0.005 degrees to approximately five
degrees. By employing angles within the ranges described, the
device ensures adequate contact with the inserted pipe for
grounding, while also ensuring the ability to maintain a
push-connect operation with the fitting packing arrangement and
ensuring that the inserted piping element cannot be rotated when
fully inserted. Thus, the tapered interior as described herein
facilitates several important purposes. In various embodiments, as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the ledge 51 extends radially outwardly
from the axially outer rim 74 of the axially inner portion 42 of
the first segment 30 to the axially intermediate portion 44 of the
first segment 30. Additionally, the interior surface 13 further
comprises a ramp 53 extending axially and radially inwardly from
the ledge 51 to the axially outer rim 74.
[0027] It will be appreciated that the main body component 12 can
act as a coupling with the first 30 and second 31 segments largely
being mirror images of one another. In such embodiments, the
axially inner portion of the second segment extends from the tube
stop to an axially outer rim, and the interior radius of the
axially inner portion of the second segment increases from the tube
stop to the axially outer rim.
[0028] The angles, dimensions and materials described herein will
be understood to be exemplary and provided as embodiments
associated with proper working operation of the device, assembly
and method as presently disclosed. Further, it will be appreciated
that, in various embodiments, the members of the push connect joint
assembly can be formed through hydroforming processes.
Additionally, embodiments can be provided whereby the fitting
and/or main body component includes independent packing
arrangements on both sides of the tube stop 29 or point 59, where
the packing arrangements each comprise at least one of the
following: sealing ring, sealing ring support member, fastening
ring, tube support member, release pusher, as shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, for example.
[0029] The device, assembly and method as presently disclosed 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.
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