MXPA98005911A - Improved extreme accessory that has an integrated seal anillode - Google Patents

Abstract

An attachment end fitting, plastic, copper, a liquid-tight connection, integrally formed, or "flexible connection" assembly, to electrically interconnect electrical appliances such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor lighting appliances, one to another and / or a junction box or power supply control box. The connection assembly includes a flexible tubular conduit having first and second end portions an external surface with a plurality of surface irregularities. The end fitting comprises a generally cylindrical hollow side wall having generally smooth inner and outer surfaces and first and second ends. The side wall has a connecting portion adjacent the first end to facilitate mechanical attachment of the end fitting to an electrical box. The side wall further includes a conduit receiving portion adjacent the second end for receiving an end portion of the flexible conduit. The diameter of the inner surface of the connecting portion is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner surface of the flexible conduit to form an internal, continuous, generally smooth surface, through the end fitting and the flexible conduit, when the conduit is received. flexible in the receiving portion of the duct. An annual highlight is located between the connection and the receiver portions of the conduit. An annular seal ring extends in a generally radially outward direction from the side wall and in a direction axially axial toward the connection portion, providing a liquid tight seal between the end fitting and an electrical box.

Description

IMPROVED EXTREME ACCESSORY THAT HAS A RING OF INTEGRAL SEAL BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to an electrical connection apparatus for installing the electrical parts of appliances, such as air conditioning condensers, hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor lighting fixtures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a weatherproof electrical connection assembly integrally formed to provide a liquid-tight electrical interconnection between an electrical apparatus and a junction box of the power supply a control box, or between a electrical appliance and other. More particularly still, the present invention relates to an improved end fitting having an integral seal ring for use in electrical connection assemblies known as flexible connection assemblies. In the art of installing an electrical appliance, such as an air-conditioning unit, a heating tub, a pool or an outdoor lighting fixture it is often necessary to make sure that the resulting connections between the apparatus and the distribution box of the source power or similar electrical box, be hermetic to the rains, that is, to the water, due to the rain that hits or similar intermittent climatic conditions, do not enter the conduit or the junction box through the fitting of the connector or through the openings of the connector on the device or in the junction box. In order to address the above interests, the connector industry has seen the use of connector assemblies, also known as "flexible connection" assemblies, which typically consist of a flexible conduit, connector fittings at each end of the conduit for connect the conduit to a panel or box, and conductors inside the conduit to carry the source to the apparatus. The connector fittings are manually attached to the conduit through a threaded mechanical connection and typically have a threaded straight pipe that accepts a secondary sealing device or a rubber ring. Although the known flexible connection assemblies can work for their intended purpose, they suffer from many disadvantages. The internal threaded screws on the inner surface of a connector fitting, which facilitates the mechanical attachment of the fitting on the conduit by adjusting the external surface, can potentially damage the structure and the liquid-proof integrity of the conduit, because the threaded can Intrusively embed the external surface of the duct, allowing the liquid to enter the humidity. The connector industry has also seen the use of two-piece, rotatable end fittings. Typically a part is rotatably joined to a second part, which, in turn, can be inserted by turning in a threaded hole in a junction box. However, at the junction of the two pieces of this type of connector, the rain-tight connection can not be maintained. In order to maintain an effective rain-tight seal at the junction of the two adjustment members rotatably, a sealing ring or a reinforcing ring or similar elastomeric sleeve is needed. Once the elastomeric member is inserted between the two adjustment parts, its relative mobility due to frictional engagement is decreased and the elastomeric sealing ring can be subjected to wear and degradation upon frequent rotation of the parts. Once the sealing ring is damaged or worn, the connector will no longer be liquid-tight. Additionally, in typical applications, the flexible conduit is threaded by turning over a cylindrical body, the screwed engagement of the body threads with the plastic conduit provides a waterproof seal. However, it has been found that the connection may be susceptible to the flow of low viscosity fluids, which may be present in the environment in which these connectors are used. It is, therefore, desirable to provide a one-piece integrally formed liquid-tight flexible conduit assembly having connector fittings permanently attached to the end of the flexible conduit. There is a further need in the industry for an extreme fit for an end fitting that includes an integral sealing ring to adjust the opening of an appliance or junction box, which would eliminate the need for a secondary sealing device forever.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the above needs to provide a one-piece integrally formed liquid tight connection, or assembly of "flexible connection" to electrically interconnect electrical appliances such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor lighting devices, one to another, and / or to a junction box or control box of the power supply. The connection assembly includes a flexible tubular conduit, preferably constructed from a composite material of fully rigid PVC and flexible plasticized PVC, having first and second end portions and an outer surface with a plurality of surface irregularities. A pair of end fittings are integrally joined to the first and second end portions of the tubular conduit, respectively, using either a solvent welding or temperature welding technique. When the solvent technique is used, the plurality of surface irregularities operate to maintain additional localized quantities of solvent, which also reacts with the plastic in the end fitting and conduit to produce a superior liquid tight weld. Each end fitting also includes an external annular seal ring for adjusting the electrical devices eliminating the need, load, expense and disadvantages of a secondary sealing device. A plurality of conductors extend through the tubular conduit and the end fittings, which provide electrical communication between the electrical devices. In this way, many of the important aspects of the present invention have been outlined, rather than in a general manner, so that the detailed description that follows can be better understood and that the present contribution to the art can be better appreciated. There are, of course, numerous other novel aspects of the present invention that will be apparent from a study of the drawings and the description which will form the subject matter of the appended claims thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, can be readily used as a basis for the design of other connection assemblies and end fittings to carry out the various purposes of the present invention. Therefore, it is important that the claims be considered as including equivalent and accessory assemblies as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with respect to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical interconnection assembly weatherproof, integrally formed, representative, which modalizes the characteristics of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation view, in partially and enlarged section, of an end fitting and a flexible conduit that modalizes the features of the present invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevational view, and partially sectioned, of a first alternative embodiment of an end fitting and a flexible conduit that modalizes the features of the present invention; Figure 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of the end fitting and the flexible conduit illustrated in Figure 2, shown connected to an apparatus, partially in section, modeling the features of the present invention; Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a second alternate embodiment of an end fitting that modalizes the features of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a front elevation view of a third alternate embodiment of an end fitting that modalizes the features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings for a clearer understanding of the invention, Figure 1 generally describes at 10 an integrally formed, representative electrical connection assembly (flexible connection), preferably designed to connect the electrical parts of an apparatus 15 shown in the Figure 4), such as an air conditioning unit, a heating tub, a swimming pool and an outdoor wiring apparatus, to an electrical box (not shown), such as a junction box of the power supply. The flexible conduit assembly 10 generally includes a flexible plastic conduit 11 having first and second end portions 20 and second, and at least one end fitting 12 integrally attached to one of the end portions 20 or 13. A function of the conduit Flexible 11 is to provide a liquid-proof means for carrying and directing a plurality of conductors 14 from a power source to the apparatus 15, or from one apparatus 15 to another. A corresponding function of the end fitting 12 is to facilitate a conventional mechanical connection of the conduit 11 to the electrical apparatus 15 or to the box. It should be understood that conductors 14 can assume a variety of roles other than power transmission. For example, conductors 14 may also be used to transmit electrical signals between electrical circuit of more than one apparatus 15, or between an apparatus 15 and some known type of electronic controller (not shown). In this regard, although the preferred function of the conductors 14 is to transmit the energy conventionally, these must be considered representative of more sophisticated alternate uses. A preferred embodiment of the end fitting 12 is illustrated in Figures 1-2 and 4 and specifically designated as the end fitting 12A. Referring to Figure 2, the accessory 12A is comprised of a generally cylindrical hollow side wall 16, having interior surfaces 17 and exterior 18, integrally formed preferably of plastic, such as PVC, fully rigid, or other suitable material. The side wall 16 includes a conduit receiving portion 19 for receiving the conduit 11, a connection portion 21 for connecting the apparatus 15 or another electrical box, and a central hole 22 axially aligned with and in communication with the conductive receiving portion 19. and the connection portion 21. The side wall 16 further includes an annular shoulder 23 centrally located between the conduit 19 and connection receiving portions 21. The annular shoulder 23 may extend substantially perpendicular to the sidewall 16. The receiving portion of conduit 19 extends longitudinally in the axial direction at a suitable or predetermined distance from the annular shoulder 23 towards a first or receiving end of conduit 24, since the connecting portion 21 extends at a suitable or predetermined distance in the direction axial from the annular shoulder 23 towards a second or connecting end 26. The outer surface 18 of the portion n connection 21 preferably includes external screw threads 27 for adjusting a suitable nut 28, such as a lock nut, which when used together facilitate the conventional mechanical attachment of the end fitting 12A to the apparatus 15, or to another electrical box, as shown in Figure 4. The connection is achieved by inserting the connecting portion 21 of the end fitting 12a through the unthreaded opening 25 in the side wall of the apparatus 15, until a sufficient length of the threaded portion 21 is achieved. to adjust the nut 28, it is exposed on the opposite or inner side 29 of the side wall of the apparatus 15. Next, the nut 28 or other similar conventional securing device is placed on the connecting portion 21 to operatively adjust the threads of screw 27 whereby the continuous tightening of the nut 28 holds or secures the end fitting 12a to the apparatus 15. Since the joining or fixed method is preferred. described above, other conventional securing means or devices can be used such as the screwed connection of the connection portion 21 in a threaded opening in the apparatus 15 or other electrical box, using a more elaborate belay device to adjust the non-threaded connection portion. (not shown) or designing the connection portion to be inserted under pressure in the opening of the apparatus. As best illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, in order to increase the preferred method of attachment of the accessory 12a to the apparatus 15, the outer surface 18 of the conduit receiving portion 19 may include a plurality of grip elements 31, each preferably including a plurality of serrations 32 thereon, to provide a secure grip for the person installing it. In a preferred embodiment, the grip elements 31 are integrally formed on the outer surface 18 of the conduit receiving portion 19 to create a generally hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The end fitting 12a may further include an integral sealing portion 33 to provide a liquid tight seal around the non-threaded opening 25 in the side wall of the apparatus 15 or other box. By including the integral sealing portion 33, the present invention eliminates the need, burden, disadvantage and expense of a separate, separate secondary "O" seal apparatus or ring. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-2 and 4, the sealing portion 33 comprises an external annular seal ring 34 integrally formed by the annular shoulder 23. The sealing ring 34 preferably extends in a generally radially outward direction. from the side wall 16 and in a slightly axial direction towards the connecting portion 21. In operation, once the connecting portion 21 of the end fitting 12a is inserted through the opening 25 and the nut 28 is applied the threads 27, the constriction of the nut 28 will push the seal ring 34 towards the contact with the apparatus 15 such that it adjustably fits and conforms to the side wall of the apparatus 15 around the apparatus of the non-threaded opening 25, thereby providing a liquid tight seal. In this way, the liquid or water due to rain or other circumstances is prevented from entering the apparatus 15, through the opening 25 by the seal ring 34. Since the seal ring 34 is shown as an integral part of the shoulder 23, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the seal ring 34 may be located at any suitable location along the outer surface 18 of the side wall 16, depending on the design of the accessory 12 and the opening 25. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a generally tubular flexible conduit 11 having an inner surface 36 and an outer surface 37. The outer surface 36 is generally smooth and preferably has a generally constant diameter that encompasses the total length of conduit 11. The inner surface 36 inherently defines an internal passage 38 to provide continuous communication between the first 39 and second 41 ends of the first 20 and second end portions 1 3, respectively. The smooth inner surface 36 allows the conductors 14 to be easily pulled through the conduit 11 with a resistance. The external surface 37 of the conduit 11, on the other hand, includes a plurality of surface irregularities 42, preferably in the form of helical grooves or spirals 45 giving it an external grated effect. Although the outer surface irregularities 42 may provide some structural benefit in the attachment of the end fitting 12a on the conduit 11, its inclusion in or on the outer surface 37, as discussed below in greater detail, is primarily instrumental in providing a improved non-mechanical integral or permanent attachment of the end fitting 12a on the flexible conduit 11. The flexible conduit 11 is preferably constructed from a composite material of fully rigid high-impact PVC composite and flexible plasticized PVC. The basic manufacturing technique involves an extrusion process that includes heating high impact, totally rigid PVC pellets to a liquid state. Under pressure, the molten liquid is pushed through an extrusion side, which forms a rigid helical reinforcement core 43, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3. A separate molten liquid comprising the flexible plasticized PVC is introduced. melts with the helical core 43 to form an inner interstitial lining 44, an outer wrap 46 and the smooth inner surface 36. The outer wrap 46, conforms to the helical core 43 to define the surface irregularities 42 by the spiral grooves 45. A hose in combination with an extrusion die to provide the desired internal (ID) and external (OD) diameters of the conduit 11, which preferably vary between approximately 1.58 to 2.13 cm and from 2.1 to 2.66 cm, respectively. The newly formed extrusion then proceeds through a cooling step in order to adequately solidify the extrusion for handling. The procedure is continuous and can produce duct lengths up to about 254 cm, cut and wound. However, preferable lengths according to the present invention vary from about 10.16 to 14.24 cm. One of the many advantages of the present invention over the prior art involves the method of attaching the end fitting 12a on the conduit 11. Unlike the known mechanical fastening methods, such as providing internal thyme threads on the inner surface of an accessory that invasively adjusts to the external surface of a flexible conduit, potentially damaging its structural integrity and weatherproof integrity, the connection assembly 10 according to the present invention is manufactured as an integral part that reduces the cost and increases its structural integrity and weatherproof integrity. To achieve a one-piece integral connection assembly 10, the end fitting 12a is integrally attached to the conduit 11, thereby becoming a permanent entity of the conduit 11, using non-mechanical fastening means such as a welding technique. solvent (chemistry) or a temperature welding technique. The weld between the end fitting 12a and the conduit 11 provides a liquid tight seal to prevent water and other liquids from entering the connection assembly 10 through the interface of the fitting 12a and the conduit 11. Referring now to the Figure 2, in order to solvent weld the end fitting 12a on the conduit 11, first a sufficient quantity of a known solvent (not shown) is applied, preferably to the external surface 37 of the first end portion 20 and / or to the first end 39 of the conduit 11. Next, the first end portion 22 is inserted into the conduit receiving portion 19 of the end fitting 12a, preferably until the first end 39 sits on the inner surface 17 of the annular shoulder 23. chemical reaction between the solvent and the plastic of the external surface 37 of the conduit 11, and the inner surface 17 of the end fitting 12a will permanently weld the end fitting 12a on conduit 11, forming a liquid-proof barrier between outer surface 37 and inner surface 17. Alternatively, the solvent may first be applied to inner surface 17 of conduit receiving portion 19, and / or the highlight 23. Since the previous solvent welding technique seems to be conventional in nature, it is not. The diameter of the inner surface 17 of the conduit receiving portion 19 is dimensioned to suitably embed the outer surface 37 of the first end portion 20. However, the surface irregularities 42 or helical grooves 46 in the outer surface 37 of the duct 11, cooperate with the inner surface 17 of the end fitting 12a to define a plurality of interstices 47 therebetween, which capture and maintain additional amounts of solvent. It has been found that this additional solvent also reacts with the plastic within the conduit 11 and the end fitting 12a to produce a total top weld which further increases its structural integrity and its liquid-proof integrity. It should be noted, however, that although a preferred configuration of the surface irregularities 42 is shown as helical or spiral grooves 45, a skilled artisan will appreciate that many other suitable design configurations of the external irregularities 42 can sufficiently maintain additional amounts of solvent .

As mentioned above, the present invention can also utilize a known temperature welding technique for integrally securing the end fitting 12a on the conduit 11. These techniques include ultrasonic welding, friction welding and direct heat application. However, without considering whether a solvent welding or temperature welding technique is used, once the end fitting 12a is integrally fixed on the duct 11, the smooth inner surface 36 of the duct 11, and the interior surface 17 of the connecting portion 21 of the end fitting 12a, cooperate to define a continuous or generally constant internal surface through the assembly 10, which allows the conductors 14 to be easily pulled through the connecting assembly 10 without encountering any obstructions or stops structural as found in, for example, some types of known end fittings. That is, the diameter of the inner surface 36 is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner surface 17. Furthermore, by having a continuous internal surface, the connecting assembly 10 can fully utilize the cross-sectional area of the conduit 11, optimizing the number or size of conductors 14 that can be pulled through it. Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a first alternative embodiment of the end fitting 12, which is specifically designated as the end fitting 12b. The structure of the end fitting 12b, as well as its interface with the conduit 1 1, is substantially the same as that described for the end fitting 12a, except that the end fitting 12b further includes an intermediate curved portion 48 preferably for making a bending or changing substantially 90 degrees between the conduit receiving portion 19 and the connecting portion 21 and an additional annular shoulder 49, which is substantially identical to the annular shoulder 23, from which the seal ring 24 extends. The curved portion 48 can be constructed from a plastic or flexible material, such as fully rigid PVC or flexible plasticized PVC respectively. Although the curved portion 48 in Figures 1 and 3 is illustrated as forming a 90 ° turn, it is recognized that the curved portion 48 can be specifically designed to form other shapes. Figure 5 shows a second alternate embodiment of the end fitting 12, which is intended as the end fitting 12c. The overall structure of the end fitting 12c is substantially the same as that described for the end fitting 12a, except that the side wall 16 is formed from 2 half sections 16a and 16b. The half sections 16a and 16b can be integrally adjusted to one another, using the techniques of solvent welding or temperature welding described above. The interface between the end fitting 12c and the conduit 11 is substantially the same as that described for the end fitting 12a, except that the method of attaching the end fitting 12c on the conduit 11 can also include the simultaneous adjustment of the two half sections 16a and 16b directly on the conduit 11. Figure 6 illustrates a third alternate embodiment of the end fitting 12, which is designated as the end fitting 12b. The overall structure of the end fitting 12b is substantially the same as that described for the end fitting 12b, except that the side wall 16b is formed of two half-sections 16c and 16d. The interface between the end fitting 12d and the conduit 11 is the same as that described for the end fitting 12c. In the typical installation of an electrical appliance 15, the connection assembly preferably uses a pair of end fittings 12 located on the first end portions 20 and second 13 of the conduit 11. In a preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the connection assembly 10 utilizes two different types of end fittings. 12, specifically the types illustrated as the end fittings 12a and 12b. However, it should be understood that the present invention can use any number of combinations of end fittings 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, either singly or in a pair, with flexible conduit 12. The present invention also contemplates the connection assembly 10 that is packaged and sold as a kit of parts for installing electrical appliances. In addition to the structure described above, the case may further include tapes for holding the assembly 10 in a rolled orientation within a container or package and an instruction sheet for providing installation instructions. Although a description of the present invention has been provided in detail, such description is for illustrative purposes only.

Claims (1)

1. An end fitting, plastic, for use in a flexible tubular generally tubular conduit, having an external surface with surface irregularities and a generally smooth internal surface, said end fitting comprising: a) a generally cylindrical hollow side wall having interior and exterior surfaces generally smooth and first and second ends; b) said side wall including a connection portion adjacent the first end to facilitate the mechanical attachment of the end fitting to an electrical box and a conduit receiving portion adjacent the second end to receive an end portion of the flexible conduit; c) the inner surface defining a central hole through the end fitting to provide communication between the connection and the conduit receiving portions; d) the side wall further defining an annular shoulder between the connection and the receiver portions of the conduit, extending the conduit receiving portion at a predetermined distance from the annular shoulder towards the first end, said connector portion extending a predetermined distance from the annular shoulder towards the second end; and e) a sealing portion integrally attached to the side wall to provide a liquid tight seal between the end fitting and the electrical box. 2 - An end fitting, plastic, in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that the sealing portion comprises an annular seal ring extending in a generally radially outward direction from the side wall and in a slightly axial direction towards the connection portion. 3.- An end fitting, plastic, in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that the sealing portion comprises an annular seal ring integrally formed as part of the annular shoulder, said seal ring extending in a generally radially outward direction from the annular shoulder and in a slightly axial direction towards the connection portion. 4. An end fitting, plastic, according to claim 3, further characterized in that the annular shoulder is centrally located between the connection and the conduit receiving portions. 5.- An end fitting, plastic, in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that the diameter of the inner surface of the connecting portion is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner surface of the flexible conduit to form a generally smooth, continuous internal surface, through the end fitting and the flexible conduit when receives the flexible conduit in the receiving portion of the conduit. 6.- An end fitting, plastic, in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that connection portion includes external screw threads. 7. An end fitting, plastic, according to claim 1, further characterized in that the side wall comprises two half sections integrally welded together, using a suitable solvent. 8.- An end fitting, plastic, in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that the side wall further includes a curved intermediate portion between the connection and the conduit receiving portions for effecting a bend in said end fitting. 9. An end fitting, plastic, according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer surface of the conduit receiving portion includes a plurality of grip elements to provide a means for securely holding the end fitting. 10.- An end fitting, plastic, in accordance with the claim 9, further characterized in that the gripping elements are integrally formed by the outer surface in a generally hexagonal cross-sectional shape. 11.- An end fitting, plastic, in accordance with the claim 10, further characterized in that each of the gripping elements includes a plurality of serrations thereon.