NZ763855B2 - Fitting device, arrangement and method - Google Patents
Fitting device, arrangement and methodInfo
- Publication number
- NZ763855B2 NZ763855B2 NZ763855A NZ76385518A NZ763855B2 NZ 763855 B2 NZ763855 B2 NZ 763855B2 NZ 763855 A NZ763855 A NZ 763855A NZ 76385518 A NZ76385518 A NZ 76385518A NZ 763855 B2 NZ763855 B2 NZ 763855B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- axially
- interior surface
- interior
- segment
- main body
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001154 acute Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 30
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000002310 Elbow Joint Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000679 solder Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000007514 turning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000271510 Agkistrodon contortrix Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000013987 Colletes Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000004907 Glands Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000001503 Joints Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000002381 Plasma Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 241000220010 Rhode Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005242 forging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052755 nonmetal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002843 nonmetals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing Effects 0.000 description 1
Abstract
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. terior surface that tapers from a narrower radius to a wider radius as it extends outwardly from a tube stop element to an outer rim.
Description
FITTING DEVICE, ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
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
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.
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.
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, Rhode Island, USA, suppliers
of the CoPro®, ProBite®, LocJaw™, BlueHawk™, CopperHead® and Push Connect® lines
of push fittings and related products. Also, such technology is described, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,089, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,161, U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,915, U.S. Pat. No.
8,210,576, U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,122, U.S. Pat. No. 8,480,134, U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,974, U.S.
Pat. No. 8,844,981, U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,680, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,217,529, the disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other
external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of
providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated
otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be
construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any
jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.
SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fitting,
comprising:
a main body component comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface,
wherein the interior surface defines a cavity extending along an axis through the main body
component, wherein the main body component further comprises a first segment having 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 each comprising a respective interior radius from the
axis to the interior surface, wherein the interior surface extends at a first acute angle to the
axis from a radially innermost point of the interior surface to an axially outer rim of the
axially inner portion of the first segment of the main body component, wherein the main body
component further comprises a second segment having a second segment axially inner
portion, wherein the interior surface extends at a second acute angle to the axis from the
radially innermost point of the interior surface to an axially outer rim of the second segment
axially inner portion, wherein the axially outer portion comprises an axially outer rim
extending radially inwardly from the interior surface of the main body component, wherein
the axially outer rim comprises a radially inner edge having an axially inner edge and an
axially outer edge, wherein the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially
outer rim has an internal radius that is substantially the same as the interior radius of the
axially intermediate portion of the first segment of the main body component, wherein the
internal radius of the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim is
less than the internal radius of the axially outer edge of the radially inner edge of the axially
outer rim, and wherein the first element is configured to receive a piping element abutting the
radially innermost point of the interior surface, wherein the received piping element has an
outer diameter that is larger than an internal diameter of the radially innermost point of the
interior surface.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
method of forming a fitting conduit, comprising:
forming a main body component with an interior surface and an exterior surface,
wherein the interior surface defines a cavity extending along an axis through the main body
component;
wherein the main body component comprises a first segment having 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 each comprising a respective interior radius from the axis to the interior
surface, wherein the interior surface is formed so as to extend at a first acute angle to the axis
from a radially innermost point of the interior surface to an axially outer rim of the axially
inner portion of the first segment of the main body component, wherein the main body
component further comprises a second segment having a second segment axially inner
portion, and wherein the interior surface extends at a second acute angle to the axis from the
radially innermost point of the interior surface to an axially outer rim of the second segment
axially inner portion, wherein the axially outer portion comprises an axially outer rim
extending radially inwardly from the interior surface of the main body component, wherein
the axially outer rim comprises a radially inner edge having an axially inner edge and an
axially outer edge, wherein the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially
outer rim has an internal radius that is substantially the same as the interior radius of the
axially intermediate portion of the first segment of the main body component, and further
wherein the internal radius of the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially
outer rim is less than the internal radius of the axially outer edge of the radially inner edge of
the axially outer rim; and
inserting a piping element within the first segment of the main body component so as
to abut the radially innermost point of the interior surface, wherein the interior surface of the
main body component has an internal diameter, and wherein the piping element has an outer
diameter that is larger than the internal diameter of the radially innermost point of the interior
surface.
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.
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.
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.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means “consisting at
least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include
the term “comprising”, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each
statement can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be
interpreted in similar manner.
Reference may be made in the description to subject matter which is not in the scope
of the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled
in the art and may assist putting into practice the invention as defined in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of one embodiment of a fitting assembly in
accordance with the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fitting in accordance with
the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the fitting of Fig. 2 with inserted fitting elements
and an inserted piping element.
Fig. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion 4-4 of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a fitting in
accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
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. Patent No. 9,322,496 to
Crompton et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (0.0508 mm) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Claims (14)
1. A fitting, comprising: a main body component comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein 5 the interior surface defines a cavity extending along an axis through the main body component, wherein the main body component further comprises a first segment having 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 each comprising a respective interior radius from the axis to the interior 10 surface, wherein the interior surface extends at a first acute angle to the axis from a radially innermost point of the interior surface to an axially outer rim of the axially inner portion of the first segment of the main body component, wherein the main body component further comprises a second segment having a second segment axially inner portion, wherein the interior surface extends at a second acute angle to the axis from the radially innermost point of the interior 15 surface to an axially outer rim of the second segment axially inner portion, wherein the axially outer portion comprises an axially outer rim extending radially inwardly from the interior surface of the main body component, wherein the axially outer rim comprises a radially inner edge having an axially inner edge and an axially outer edge, wherein the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim has an internal radius that is substantially the 20 same as the interior radius of the axially intermediate portion of the first segment of the main body component, wherein the internal radius of the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim is less than the internal radius of the axially outer edge of the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim, and wherein the first element is configured to receive a piping element abutting the radially innermost point of the interior surface, wherein the received 25 piping element has an outer diameter that is larger than an internal diameter of the radially innermost point of the interior surface.
2. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the interior radius of the axially intermediate portion is larger than the interior radius of the axially inner portion.
3. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the interior radius of the axially outer portion is larger than the interior radius of the axially intermediate portion.
4. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the interior radius of the axially intermediate portion is larger than the interior radius of the axially inner portion, and wherein the interior radius of the axially outer portion is larger than the interior radius of the axially inner portion and the interior radius of the axially intermediate portion.
5. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the interior surface comprises a ledge extending radially outwardly from the axially outer rim of the axially inner portion of the first segment to the axially intermediate portion of the first segment. 10
6. The fitting of claim 5, wherein the interior surface further comprises a ramp extending axially and radially inwardly from the ledge to the axially outer rim.
7. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the axially intermediate portion includes a radial step extending radially inwardly such that the axially intermediate portion includes a first interior 15 surface portion and a second interior surface portion separated by the radial step.
8. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the radially innermost point of the interior surface is the axially innermost point of the axially inner portion of the first segment, and wherein the radially innermost point of the interior surface is further the axially innermost point of the second 20 segment axially inner portion.
9. A method of forming a fitting conduit, comprising: forming a main body component with an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface defines a cavity extending along an axis through the main body component; 25 wherein the main body component comprises a first segment having 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 each comprising a respective interior radius from the axis to the interior surface, wherein the interior surface is formed so as to extend at a first acute angle to the axis from a radially 30 innermost point of the interior surface to an axially outer rim of the axially inner portion of the first segment of the main body component, wherein the main body component further comprises a second segment having a second segment axially inner portion, and wherein the interior surface extends at a second acute angle to the axis from the radially innermost point of the interior surface to an axially outer rim of the second segment axially inner portion, wherein the axially outer portion comprises an axially outer rim extending radially inwardly from the interior surface of the main body component, wherein the axially outer rim comprises a radially inner edge having an axially inner edge and an axially outer edge, wherein the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim has an internal radius that is substantially the 5 same as the interior radius of the axially intermediate portion of the first segment of the main body component, and further wherein the internal radius of the axially inner edge of the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim is less than the internal radius of the axially outer edge of the radially inner edge of the axially outer rim; and inserting a piping element within the first segment of the main body component so as to 10 abut the radially innermost point of the interior surface, wherein the interior surface of the main body component has an internal diameter, and wherein the piping element has an outer diameter that is larger than the internal diameter of the radially innermost point of the interior surface.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the radially innermost point of the interior surface is the 15 axially innermost point of the axially inner portion of the first segment, and wherein the radially innermost point of the interior surface is further the axially innermost point of the second segment axially inner portion.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the acute angle is from approximately 0.005 degrees to 20 approximately five degrees.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the piping element outer diameter is at least 0.002 inches (0.0508 mm) larger than the internal diameter of the radially innermost point of the interior surface.
13. The fitting of claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.
14. The method of claim 9, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment 30 disclosed.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/716,869 US10400929B2 (en) | 2017-09-27 | 2017-09-27 | Fitting device, arrangement and method |
US15/716,869 | 2017-09-27 | ||
PCT/US2018/052337 WO2019067333A1 (en) | 2017-09-27 | 2018-09-24 | Fitting device, arrangement and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ763855A NZ763855A (en) | 2021-06-25 |
NZ763855B2 true NZ763855B2 (en) | 2021-09-28 |
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