GB2609189A

GB2609189A - Connector assembly sleeve

Info

Publication number: GB2609189A
Application number: GB2108335.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lachlan Ivett Jonathon; Sudhir Sanadan; Pavankumar Vinodkumar Tarkas
Original assignee: Flexigas Ukc Ltd
Current assignee: Flexigas Ukc Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-10
Filing date: 2021-06-10
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Also published as: GB202108335D0

Abstract

A connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing 406, the connector assembly includes at least one rubber sleeve 202 having a first end that is configured to be coupled to a nut 300 of the connector assembly such that a second end of the at least one rubber sleeve 202 is rolled towards the first end for an entire length of the rolled at least one rubber sleeve 202 to be accommodated over the nut 300 on a side that is to be coupled to the tubing 406. The rolled at least one rubber sleeve 202, after the nut 300 has been coupled to a connector 402 of the connector assembly and to the tubing, is unrolled to extend from the nut to cover at least a portion of the tubing 406 to protect the joint between the nut and the tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents. In alternative aspects and embodiments, the connector assembly can include a plastic cap 206 that can be configured to engage with the nut 300, and the at least one rubber sleeve can be coupled to the nut through the plastic cap.

Description

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY SLEEVE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of pipe connections for corrugated stainless steel tubing In particular, the present disclosure relates to a pipe connection that provides protection against corrosion of the corrugated stainless steel tubing.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] It is a common practice to use Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) in plumbing gas fuel lines, primarily in gas pipelines provided for domestic use in residential homes. Corrugated stainless steel tubing on account of its flexibility, is well suited for plumbing gas lines. Plumbing done with CSST includes far fewer connections as compared to the conventional black iron pipe because with conventional pipes, every time the pipe changes direction, a joint needs to be fitted and checked for leaks. CSST offers flexibility and can be routed through walls and around obstacles with fittings placed only at the ends of the run.

[0004] However, even a few joints that are provided, usually at the ends of the corrugated tubing, are susceptible to corrosion caused by common household cleaning agents, such as bleach. In many European countries, it is a requirement for gas installers to seal any gap between the fitting and the outer protective cover of the corrugated stainless steel tubing. To meet the requirement, the gaps between the fitting and the outer cover of the corrugated stainless steel tubing is usually covered with silicone tape.

[0005] However, silicone tape is cumbersome and time consuming to wrap around the fitting and the tube, especially in tight spaces. It is also likely to come off after sometime if not applied properly making the joint prone to corrosion.

[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable and advantageous to provide a connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing which includes a corrosion protection measure to protect the corrugated stainless steel tube from cleaning agents.

[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about.' Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in' includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all NIarkush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A general object of the present disclosure is to overcome drawbacks of the conventional connector assemblies used with corrugated stainless steel tubing.

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solution to the problem of corrosion of corrugated stainless steel tubes at connectors that can be implemented without any major modifications to the conventional connectors.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that provides corrosion protection to the corresponding corrugated stainless steel tubing.

[0015] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that includes means to cover the joint between the connector and the stainless steel tubing outer cover to prevent ingress of corrosion causing chemicals, such as household cleaning agents [0016] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that prevents environmental corrosion of the corresponding the stainless steel tubing.

SUMMARY

100171 Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an improved connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing that provide corrosion protection for the corrugated stainless steel tubing by preventing ingress of corrosion causing agents, such as household cleaning agents, in the joint between a nut of the connector assembly and the tubing. In particular, the proposes connector assembly overcomes the drawbacks of conventional connector assemblies used with corrugated stainless steel tubing, which require the corrugated stainless steel tubing to be covered with a silicone tape, being cumbersome & time consuming to wrap around the fitting and the tube, especially in tight spaces.

[0018] In an aspect, the improved connector assembly is based on at least one rubber sleeve having a first end that is configured to be coupled to a nut of the connector assembly such that a second end of the at least one rubber sleeve is rolled towards the first end for an entire length of the rolled rubber sleeve to be accommodated over the nut.

[0019] The at least one rolled rubber sleeve, after the nut has been coupled to a connector of the connector assembly and to the stainless steel tubing, is unrolled to extend from the nut to cover at least one of a portion of the stainless steel tubing and the connector to protect the joint between the nut and the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.

100201 In an embodiment, the nut includes a circumferential grove in which the first end of the rubber sleeve gets coupled. The connector assembly can include a tab made of a flexible plastic strip that can be configured on an outer surface of the at least one rubber sleeve along a length of the at least one rubber sleeve such that at least a portion of the tab projects out of the respective rolled rubber sleeve. Pulling the projecting tab enables unrolling of the corresponding rubber sleeve over the nut and the at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing.

[0021] In an alternate embodiment, the the connector assembly can include a plastic cap that can be configured to engage with the nut, and the at least one rubber sleeve can be coupled to the nut through the plastic cap. The nut can include a circumferential grove located on an outer surface, with which the plastic cap can get engaged.

100221 The plastic cap can include a plurality of snap features located on an inner surface of the plastic cap that get engaged with the circumferential grove of the nut, and a plurality of locators that project outward from an outer surface of the plastic cap. the locators can be configured to engage with corresponding cut-outs located on the rubber sleeve close to the first end of the rubber sleeve. Thus, the first end of the rubber sleeve can be coupled to the plastic cap by engagement of the locators with the cut-outs.

[0023] In an alternate embodiment, the plastic cap can be configured to engage with a hexagon portion of the nut, and the at least one rubber sleeve can includes two rolled rubber sleeves comprising a tubing side rubber sleeve arid a connector side rubber sleeve located on a tubing side and a connector side of the nut configured to be unrolled towards the respective sides of the connector assembly.

100241 An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for a method for protecting a joint between a nut of a connector assembly and a cover of a stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing a protection kit comprising at least one rolled rubber sleeve: (ii) coupling the protection kit to the nut of the connector assembly, said coupling results in a first end of the at least one rubber sleeve, which first end is an outer end of the rubber sleeve, being coupled to the nut; and (iii) unrolling the at least one rubber sleeve to extend from the nut to cover at least one of a portion of the stainless steel tubing and the connector to protect the joint between the nut and the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.

[0025] The protection kit can comprise a plastic cap to which a first end of the at least one rubber sleeve is coupled. The plastic cap can be configured to couple with the nut.

100261 Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a protection kit for protection of a joint between a nut of a connector assembly and a stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents, wherein the protection kit includes the plastic cap and the at least one rubber sleeve coupled to the plastic cap and rolled over the plastic cap.

[0027] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows the conventional method adopted for preventing corrosion of corrugated stainless steel tubing.

[0030] FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate exemplary views of a plastic cap and a rubber sleeve proposed for preventing corrosion of corrugated stainless steel tubing, showing method of assembly of the rubber sleeve with the plastic cap before assembly with a connector, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGs. 3A to 3C illustrate exemplary views showing installation of the sleeve and the plastic cap assembly with a nut of the disclosed connector assembly, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGs. 4A to 4C illustrate exemplary views showing assembly of the disclosed connector assembly with a corrugated stainless steel tubing, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate exemplary perspective sectional views of the disclosed connector assembly respectively showing the rubber sleeve in rolled condition after installation of the connector assembly, and unrolled condition to provide corrosion protection to the corrugated stainless steel tubing, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGs. 6A to 6D illustrate exemplary views showing a rubber sleeve and a tab for direct assembly over a nut of the connector assembly for preventing corrosion of corrugated stainless steel tubing, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 7A illustrates exemplary views showing assembly of the connector assembly with a corrugated stainless steel tubing, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIGs. 7B and 7C illustrate exemplary perspective sectional views of the disclosed connector assembly respectively showing the rubber sleeve in rolled condition after installation of the connector assembly, and unrolled condition to provide corrosion protection to the corrugated stainless steel tubing, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGs. 8A and 8B illustrate exemplary views of the plastic cap and the rubber sleeve proposed for preventing corrosion of corrugated stainless steel tubing, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGs. 9A to 9C illustrate exemplary views showing installation of the sleeve and the plastic cap assembly with the nut of the disclosed connector assembly, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present disclosure [0039] FIG. 9D illustrates exemplary perspective sectional views respectively of the disclosed connector assembly showing the rubber sleeve in rolled condition after installation of the connector assembly, and unrolled condition to provide corrosion protection to the corrugated stainless steel tubing, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrate an exemplary method flow diagram for the disclosed method for protecting a joint between a nut of a connector assembly and a stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0042] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0043] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0044] Embodiments explained herein relate to a connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing. A conventional connector assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a connector 106 to which a corrugated stainless steel tubing 102 is coupled using a nut 104. The connector assembly may also include a set of split collars (not shown here) that is configured between the connector 106 and the nut 104 to provide a leakproof joint between the connector 106 and the tubing 102. The method of sealing the corrugated stainless steel tubing is disclosed by GB2484480, a patent proprietary to this applicant. It is noted however that there are a wide range of methods (and prior art disclosing) of sealing corrugated stainless steel tubing to a connector assembly. Regardless of the method of sealing, and in the method disclosed by GB2484480, after tightening and sealing of the connector assembly, there exists a gap between the nut 104 and the tube outer cover 102 that allows ingress of corrosion causing agents, such as household cleaners and others present in environment, to enter the gap between the two and cause corrosion to the tubing 102. To prevent corrosion, it is common to wrap a silicone tape 108 around the junction of the tubing 102 and the nut 104. However, wrapping the tape 108 is cumbersome and time consuming, especially in tight spaces.

100451 In an aspect, the improved connector assembly of the present disclosure is based on at least one rubber sleeve that extends from the nut of the connector assembly to cover at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing to protect the junction/joint between the nut and the outer cover of the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents. Thus, the disclosed connector assembly overcomes the drawbacks of conventional method of corrosion protection.

[0046] Referring now to FIGs. 2A to 2C, where a plastic cap and a rubber sleeve, together referred to as cap and sleeve 200 (also, when the cap and sleeve are supplied as separate parts, the cap and sleeve 200 can be referred to as a protection kit 200 for protection of a joint between a nut of a connector assembly and a stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents), of the proposed connector assembly is disclosed, the disclosed connector assembly can include a plastic cap 206 (also referred simply as cap 206) and a rubber sleeve 202 (also referred simply as sleeve 202) that are configured to be assembled together to form the cap and sleeve 200. The cap and sleeve 200 is thereafter assembled to a nut of the connector assembly, such as nut 300 shown in FIGs. 3A to 3C. The nut 300 can further be assembled to a connector, such as connector 402, and a corrugated stainless steel tubing 406 along with a pair of split collars 404 shown in FIGs. 4A to 4C. However, a wide range of sealing methods may be employed, for example that do not use the split collet method as disclosed in 6B2484480.

[0047] Advantageously, the rubber sleeve 202 can be rolled into rolled up configuration onto the plastic cap 206 as complete piece as disclosed in FIG 2C, i.e. provided as a separate piece/protection kit at a separate manufacturing location, and then attached to the nut at a secondary manufacturing location or at the time of installation, as disclosed by FIG. 3A.

[0048] The nut 300 may also include a tail portion 306 that extends axially away from the hex portion 308 of the nut 300 towards the side to which the corrugated stainless steel tubing is to be fitted. and the tail portion 306 can have a smaller diameter than the hex portion 308.

100491 The plastic cap 206 can include a plurality of snap features 208 located on an inner surface of the plastic cap 206 that get engaged with the circumferential grove 302, shown in FIG. 3A, of the nut 300, located on the tail portion 306 of the nut 300, when the cap 206 is assembled with the nut 300.

100501 The plastic cap 206 can include a plurality of locators 210 that project outward from an outer surface of the plastic cap 206. The locators 210 can be configured to engage with corresponding cut-outs 304 located on the rubber sleeve 202 close to a first end 214 of the rubber sleeve 202. Thus, the first end of the rubber sleeve 202 can be coupled to the plastic cap 206 by engagement of the locators 210 with the cut-outs 204, and the cap and sleeve 200 is further assembled over the outer surface of the nut 300, as shown in FIGs. 3A-3C.

100511 In different embodiment, other methods for attaching the rubber sleeve 202 to the cap 206 can be used, for example, it can be glued, melted, bonded, formed as one piece etc. and all such variations are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitations whatsoever.

100521 In an aspect, after the first end 214 of the rubber sleeve 202 is coupled to the plastic cap 206, a second end 216 of the rubber sleeve 202 that is opposite the first end of the rubber sleeve 202, can be rolled towards the first end 214 for an entire length of the rolled rubber sleeve 202 such that whole of the rubber sleeve 202 is accommodated over the plastic cap 206, as shown in FIG. 2C, to form the protection kit 200 that is compact and easy to pack, ship and store.

[0053] The plastic cap 206 can include a raised rim 212 (refer to FIGs. 2A and 2C) on an outer side of the plastic cap 206, i.e., the side to which the rubber sleeve 202 extends when coupled with the plastic cap 206. The raised rim 212 can be configured to prevent unrolling of the rolled rubber sleeve 202 over the plastic cap 206 unless a degree of force is applied to the rolled sleeve 202.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3A, the protection kit 200 having the rubber sleeve 202 coupled to the plastic cap 206 and rolled as shown in FIG. 2C, can be coupled to the tail portion 306 of the nut 300. When the plastic cap 206 of the protection kit 200 is slipped over the tail portion 306 of the nut 300 the snap features 208 of the plastic cap 206 can engage with the circumferential grove 302 of the nut 300 to retain the protection kit 200 in position. In the assembled condition, the rolled rubber sleeve 202 can be accommodated over the tail portion 306 of the nut 300, as shown in FIG. 3B and 3C, on a side of the nut 300 that is configured to be coupled to the stainless steel tubing 406 (refer to FIGs. 4A and 4B).

100551 Subsequently, the nut 300, coupled with the protection kit 200, can be connected with the connector 402 of the connector assembly and the corrugated stainless steel tubing by tightening the nut 300. After a satisfactory coupling of the connector and the stainless steel tubing has been confirmed, such as by leakage test etc., the rolled rubber sleeve 202 can be unrolled to extend from the nut 300 to cover at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing 406, thereby covering the gap between the end of the tail portion 306 of the nut 300 and the protective outer cover 408 of the stainless steel tubing 406, as shown in FIG. 4B. The unrolled rubber sleeve 202 can provide protection from ingress of corrosion causing agents, such as cleaning agents and moisture, through gaps between the nut 300 and the cover 408 of the stainless steel tubing 406.

[0056] In the second embodiment shown in FIGs. 6A to 7B, the rubber sleeve can be coupled directly to the nut without use of the plastic cap 206. In the embodiment shown in FIGs. 6A-6D, the nut 600 can include a circumferential grove 606 that is located on a tail portion 608 of the nut 600 and is configured such that a first end 612 of the rubber sleeve 602 can get coupled to the tail portion 608 of the nut 600 through the grove 606, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0057] The connector assembly of the alternate embodiment can include a tab 604 made of a flexible plastic strip. The tab 604 can be configured on an outer surface of the rubber sleeve 602 along a length of the rubber sleeve 602 such that at least a portion of the tab 604 projects out of the rolled rubber sleeve 602, as shown in FIG. 6C. Pulling the projecting tab 604 can enable unrolling of the rubber sleeve 602 over the nut 600 and the at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing 406, and the gap between the nut 600 and the outer cover 408 of the tubing 406, as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0058] As in the earlier embodiment, after the first end 612 of the rubber sleeve 602 is coupled to the tail portion 608 of the nut 600, a second end 614 of the rubber sleeve 602 that is opposite the first end 612 of the rubber sleeve 602, can be rolled towards the first end 612 for an entire length of the rolled rubber sleeve 602 such that whole of the rubber sleeve 602 is accommodated over the tail portion 608 of the nut 600, as shown in FIG. 6D, to form the protection kit that is compact and easy to pack, ship and store. The grove 606 can be dimensioned such that a side edge of the grove 606 prevents unrolling of the rolled rubber sleeve 602 unless a degree of force is applied to the rolled sleeve 202.

[0059] Subsequently, the nut 600, coupled with the rubber sleeve 602, can be connected with the connector 402 of the connector assembly and the corrugated stainless steel tubing 406 by tightening the nut 600. After a satisfactory coupling of the connector 402 and the stainless steel tubing 406 has been confirmed, such as by leakage test etc., the rolled rubber sleeve 602 can be unrolled by pulling the tab 604 to extend from the nut 600 to cover at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing 406, thereby covering the gap between the end of the tail portion 608 of the nut 600 and the protective outer cover 408 of the stainless steel tubing 406, as shown in FIG. 7C. The unrolled rubber sleeve 202 can provide protection from ingress of corrosion causing agents, such as cleaning agents and moisture, through gaps between the nut 300 and the cover 408 of the stainless steel tubing 406.

[0060] FIGs. 8A to 9D show the third embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the protection kit 800 can include a plastic cap 806 configured to engage with the nut 300 at a hexagon portion of the nut, and two rubber sleeves, such as a tubing side rubber sleeve 802A and a connector side rubber sleeve 802B, that are configured to be unrolled on the opposite sides of the nut 300, i.e. the stainless steel tubing side and the connector side. As shown in FIG. 8A, the plastic cap 806 can include a central aperture matching the hexagon portion of the nut 300 and can include two raised rims 812, one on each side of the plastic cap 806 to prevent unintended unrolling of the respective rubber sleeves 802A and 802B.

[0061] The two rubber sleeves 802A and 802B can be located on the plastic cap 806 in rolled condition side by side, as shown in FIG. 8B, such that they can be unrolled on the respective sides of the plastic cap 806. In particular, respective first ends 814A and 814B of the rubber sleeves 802A and 802B can be coupled to the plastic cap 806 such that respective second ends 814A and 814B of the rubber sleeves 802A and 802B, after the first ends 814A and 814B are coupled to the plastic cap 806, are rolled towards the first ends 814A and 814B for an entire length of the rolled rubber sleeves 802A and 802B to be accommodated over the plastic cap 806, as shown in FIG. 8B [0062] FIGs. 9A to 9C show sequence of installation of the rubber sleeves and the plastic cap assembly 800 (also referred to as protection kit 800) with the nut 300 of the disclosed connector assembly, wherein as shown, the rubber sleeve and the plastic cap assembly 800 can be placed over the stainless steel tubing 406 before assembly of the nut 300, split collets 404 and the connector 402. After the nut 300 and the split collets 404 have been assembled to the connector 402, the rubber sleeves and the plastic cap assembly 800 can be slid over the nut 300 such that the plastic cap 806 engages with the nut 300 at the hexagon portion of the nut 300, thereby resulting in engagement of the respective first ends 814B and 816B of the rubber sleeves 802A and 802B to the nut 300. After the rubber sleeves and the plastic cap assembly 800 has been positioned over the nut 300, the rubber sleeves 802A and 802B can be unrolled in respective directions, i.e., towards the stainless steel tubing 406 and the connector 402, as shown in FIG. 9D [0063] An aspect pf the present disclosure relates to a plastic cap, such as plastic cap 206 shown in FIGs. 2A to 2C of a protection kit 200, or plastic cap 806 shown in FIG. 8A of a protection kit 800, for a connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing. The plastic cap 206/806 can be configured to engage with an outer surface of a nut, such as nut 300 shown in FIGs. 3A-3C, of the connector assembly. The outer surface can be a tail portion on a side of the nut 300 that is configured to be coupled to the stainless steel tubing, such as tubing 406 shown in FIG. 4A-4C, as in case of the plastic cap 206, or a hexagon portion of the nut 300 as in case of the plastic cap 806. The cap 206/806 can be further configured for coupling with a first end of one or more rubber sleeves, such as rubber sleeve 202, shown in FIGs. 2A-2C, or rubber sleeves 802A and 802B, shown in FIGs. 8A-8B.

[0064] The plastic cap 206/806 can be further configured to accommodate the complete rubber sleeves 202/806A and 806B in rolled condition after a second ends of the rubber sleeves 202/806A and 806B are rolled towards the first end for an entire length of the rolled rubber sleeves 202/806A and 806B. The rolled rubber sleeves 202/806A and 806B, on completion of coupling of the protection kit to the nut 300 and coupling of the nut to a connector 402 of the connector assembly and to the stainless steel tubing, can be unrolled to extend from the nut 300 to cover at least one of a portion of the stainless steel tubing 406 and the connector 402 to protect the joint between the nut 300 and the stainless steel tubing 406 from ingress of corrosion causing agents.

[0065] In one embodiment of the plastic cap, i.e., plastic cap 206, the nut 300 can include a circumferential grove, such as grove 302 shown in FIG. 3A, located on an outer surface, which can act as means through which the plastic cap 206 can get engaged with the nut 300. The plastic cap 206 can include a plurality of snap features, such as snap features 208 shown in FIG. 2A and 3A, located on an inner surface of the plastic cap 206 that get engaged with the circumferential grove 302 of the nut 300.

[0066] The plastic cap 206 can also include a plurality of locators, such as locators 210 shown in FIG. 2A, that project outward from an outer surface of the plastic cap 206. The locators 210 can be configured to engage with corresponding cut-outs, such as cut-outs 204 shown in FIG. 2A, located on the rubber sleeve 202 close to the first end of the rubber sleeve 202. Thus, the first end of the rubber sleeve 202 can be coupled to the plastic cap 206 by engagement of the locators 210 with the cut-outs 204.

[0067] In an alternate embodiment of the plastic cap, i.e., plastic cap 806, the plastic cap 806 can have a central aperture matching a hexagon portion of the nut 300, and the hexagon portion of the nut and the central aperture of the plastic cap 806 can act as means through which the plastic cap 806 can get engaged with the nut 300. In this embodiment, the engagement of the kit having the plastic cap 806 and the rubber sleeve 802A and 802B, with the nut 300 can be done after the nut has been coupled to the connector 402, as shown in FIGs. 9A and 9B.

[0068] In an embodiment, the rubber sleeve 202/602/802A and 802B can be made of a material such that it can be rolled up and stored in a rolled condition for many months, but has the elasticity to snap back and hold against the tubing outer cover after being unrolled.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 10, where a method flow diagram for the disclosed method for protecting a joint between a nut of a connector assembly and a stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents is disclosed, the method 1000 can at step 1002 involve providing a protection kit, such as protection kit 200 shown in FIG. 2C or protection kit 800 shown in FIG. 8B, which protection kit includes at least one rolled rubber sleeve, such as rolled sleeve 202 or 802A and 802B. At step 1004 of the method 1000, the protection kit 200/800 can be coupled to a nut, such as nut 300 shown in FIGs. 3A and 9B, of the connector assembly. Coupling of the protection kit 200/800 to the nut 300 can be done from a side of the nut 300 towards the stainless steel tubing, and results in an outer first end of the at least one rubber sleeves 202/802-A and 802B being coupled to the nut 300. At step 1006 of the method 1000, the at least one rubber sleeve 202/802A and 802B can be unrolled to extend from the nut 300 to cover at least one of a portion of the stainless steel tubing 406 and the connector 402 to protect the joint between the nut 300 and the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.

100701 The method can include the step of, when the protection kit 200 shown in FIG. 2C is used, coupling the protection kit 200 to the nut before the nut 300 is coupled to the connector 402 and the stainless steel tubing 406.

100711 In an alternate embodiment, when the protection kit 800 shown in FIG. 8B is used, the method can include the step of placing the protection kit 800 over the stainless steel tubing 406, as shown in FIG. 6A, before the nut 300 is coupled to the connector 402 and the stainless steel tubing 406, and can include a further step of coupling the protection kit 800 with the nut 300 by sliding toward the nut, after the nut has been coupled to the connector 402, as shown in FIG. 9B, before the step of unrolling of the rubber sleeves 802A and 802B.

[0072] Thus, the present disclosure provides a connector assembly for corrugate stainless steel tubing that overcomes drawbacks of having to use a silicon tape to prevent corrosion of the tube due to corrosion causing agents. The proposed connector assembly includes features that can be implemented without any major modifications to the conventional connectors.

[0073] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0074] The present disclosure provides an improved connector assembly for corrugate stainless steel tubing that overcomes drawbacks of the conventional connector assemblies used with corrugated stainless steel tubing.

[0075] The present disclosure provides a solution to the problem of corrosion of corrugated stainless steel tubes at connectors that can be implemented without any major modifications to the conventional connectors.

100761 The present disclosure provides a connector assembly that provides corrosion protection to the corresponding corrugated stainless steel tubing.

[0077] The present disclosure provides a connector assembly that includes means to cover the joint between the connector and the stainless steel tubing to prevent ingress of corrosion causing chemicals, such as household cleaning agents [0078] The present disclosure provides a connector assembly that prevents environmental corrosion of the corresponding the stainless steel tubing

Claims

I claim: 1. A connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing, the connector assembly comprising: At least one rubber sleeve having a first end that is configured to be coupled to a nut of the connector assembly such that a second end of the at least one rubber sleeve, after the first end is coupled to the nut, is rolled towards the first end for an entire length of the at least one rolled rubber sleeve to be accommodated over the nut, wherein, the at least one rolled rubber sleeve, after the nut has been coupled to a connector of the connector assembly and to the stainless steel tubing, is unrolled to extend from the nut to cover at least one of a portion of the stainless steel tubing and the connector to protect the joint between the nut and a cover of the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.
2. The connector assembly as claimed in claim I, wherein the nut includes a circumferential grove in which the first end of the at least one rubber sleeve gets coupled.
3. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the circumferential grove is sized such that, a side of the grove prevents unrolling of the rolled rubber sleeve unless a degree of force is applied to the at least one rolled rubber sleeve.
4. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connector assembly includes at least one tab made of a flexible plastic strip that is configured on an outer surface of the at least one rubber sleeve along a length of the at least one rubber sleeve such that at least a portion of the tab projects out of the rolled at least one rubber sleeve, wherein pulling the projecting tab enables unrolling of the at least one rubber sleeve over the nut and the at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing
5. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector assembly includes a plastic cap configured to engage with the nut, and the at least one rubber sleeve is coupled to the nut through the plastic cap.
6. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the nut includes a circumferential grove located on an outer surface, the grove being means with which the plastic cap gets engaged.
7. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plastic cap includes a plurality of snap features located on an inner surface of the plastic cap that get engaged with the circumferential grove of the nut
8 The connector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plastic cap includes a plurality of locators that project outward from an outer surface of the plastic cap, the locators being configured to engage with corresponding cut-outs located on the at least one rubber sleeve close to the first end of the at least one rubber sleeve, wherein the first end of the at least one rubber sleeve is coupled to the plastic cap by engagement of the locators with the cut-outs.
9. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plastic cap includes a raised rim on at least one side of the plastic cap, the raised rim being configured to prevent unrolling of the rolled rubber sleeve unless a degree of force is applied to the rolled rubber sleeve.
10. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plastic cap is configured to engage with a hexagon of the nut, and the at least one rubber sleeve includes two rolled rubber sleeves comprising a tubing side rubber sleeve and a connector side rubber sleeve located on a tubing side and a connector side of the nut configured to be unrolled towards the respective sides of the connector assembly.
11 A connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nut of the connector assembly is sized such that a hex diameter of the nut is bigger than the diameter of the rolled rubber sleeve to prevent damage to the rolled rubber sleeve by a spanner used to tighten the nut.
12. A connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing, the connector assembly comprising: a plastic cap configured to engage with an outer surface of a nut of the connector assembly on a side of the nut that is configured to be coupled to the stainless steel tubing; and a at least one rubber sleeve configured to be coupled to the plastic cap at a first end of the at least one rubber sleeve, wherein a second end of the at least one rubber sleeve, after the first end is coupled to the plastic cap, is rolled towards the first end for an entire length of the rolled rubber sleeve to be accommodated over the plastic cap; and wherein, the rolled rubber sleeve, after the nut has been coupled to a connector of the connector assembly and to the stainless steel tubing, is unrolled to extend from the nut to cover at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing to protect the joint between the nut and a cover of the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.
13. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the nut includes a circumferential grove located on an outer surface, the grove being means with which the plastic cap gets engaged.
14. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the plastic cap includes a plurality of snap features located on an inner surface of the plastic cap that get engaged with the circumferential grove of the nut.
15. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plastic cap includes a plurality of locators that project outward from an outer surface of the plastic cap, the projections being configured to engage with corresponding cut-outs located on the at least one rubber sleeve close to the first end of the at least one rubber sleeve, wherein the first end of the at least one rubber sleeve is coupled to the plastic cap by engagement of the locators with the cut-outs.
16. The plastic cap as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plastic cap includes a raised rim on an outer side of the plastic cap, the raised rim being configured to prevent unrolling of the rolled rubber sleeve unless a degree of force is applied to the rolled rubber sleeve.
17. A plastic cap for connector assembly for corrugated stainless steel tubing, the plastic cap being configured to engage with an outer surface of a nut of the connector assembly; and further configured for coupling with a first end of a at least one rubber sleeve; wherein the plastic cap is further configured to accommodate the at least one rubber sleeve in rolled condition after a second end of the at least one rubber sleeve is rolled towards the first end for an entire length of the at least one rolled rubber sleeve; and wherein, the rolled rubber sleeve, after the nut has been coupled to a connector of the connector assembly and to the stainless steel tubing, is unrolled to extend from the nut to cover at least a portion of the stainless steel tubing to protect the joint between the nut and a cover of the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.
18. The plastic cap as claimed in claim 17, wherein the nut includes a circumferential grove located on an outer surface, the grove being means with which the plastic cap gets engaged
19 The plastic cap as claimed in claim 18, wherein the plastic cap includes a plurality of snap features located on an inner surface of the plastic cap that get engaged with the circumferential grove of the nut.
20. The plastic cap as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plastic cap includes a plurality of locators that project outward from an outer surface of the plastic cap, the projections being configured to engage with corresponding cut-outs located on the at least one rubber sleeve close to the first end of the at least one rubber sleeve, wherein the first end of the at least one rubber sleeve is coupled to the plastic cap by engagement of the locators with the cut-outs.
21. The plastic cap as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plastic cap includes a raised rim on an at least one side of the plastic cap, the raised rim being configured to prevent unrolling of the at least one rolled rubber sleeve unless a degree of force is applied to the at least one rolled rubber sleeve.
22. The plastic cap as claimed in claim 17, wherein the nut of the connector assembly is sized such that a hex diameter of the nut is bigger than the diameter of the rolled rubber sleeve to prevent damage to the rolled up rubber sleeve by a spanner used to tighten the nut.
23. A method for protecting a joint between a nut of a connector assembly and a cover of a stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents, the method comprising the steps of providing a protection kit comprising at least one rolled rubber sleeve; coupling the protection kit to a nut of the connector assembly, said coupling resulting in a first end of the at least one rubber sleeve, which first end is an outer end of the at least one rubber sleeve, being coupled to the nut, and unrolling the at least one rubber sleeve to extend from the nut to cover at least one of a portion of the stainless steel tubing and the connector to protect the joint between the nut and the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.
24. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the protection kit comprises a plastic cap to which a first end of the at least one rubber sleeve is coupled, the plastic cap being configured to couple with the nut.
25. A protection kit for protection of a joint between a nut of a connector assembly and a stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents, the protection kit comprising: a plastic cap configured to engage with an outer surface of the nut of the connector assembly that is configured to be coupled to the stainless steel tubing; and at least one rubber sleeve coupled to the plastic cap at a first end of the at least one rubber sleeve and a second end of the at least one rubber sleeve rolled towards the first end for an entire length of the rolled rubber sleeve to be accommodated over the plastic cap; wherein, the at least one rolled rubber sleeve, on completion of coupling of the protection kit to the nut and coupling of the nut to a connector of the connector assembly and to the stainless steel tubing, is unrolled to extend from the nut to cover at least one of a portion of the stainless steel tubing and the connector to protect the joint between the nut and a cover of the stainless steel tubing from ingress of corrosion causing agents.
26. The protection kit as claimed in claim 25, wherein the plastic cap is configured to engage with an outer surface of the nut, the outer surface being any of a tail portion of the nut and a hexagon portion of the nut.