WO2021042214A1 - Plumbing fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a plumbing fitting and method of manufacturing plumbing fittings for use in drain waste and vent systems. The plumbing fitting includes a housing having at least one receiving member defining a cylindrical bore for receiving a piping member therein; at least one annular seal fittingly inserted in an annular groove formed in said receiving member, said at least one annular seal dimensioned to sealingly engage with said piping member; an annular locking member dimensioned for receiving said pipe member there through and comprising teeth extending inwardly for locking said piping member within said receiving member; an annular releasing member inserted within said receiving member and movable between a locking position and a releasing position whereat said beveled portion of said annular releasing member presses against said teeth for releasing said piping member, and a spring member positioned to surround at least a portion of the annular releasing member and abut the annular locking member.

Description

Plumbing Fitting

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority to US application No. 62/896,015 filed on September 5, 2019. This document is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to plumbing fittings, and more particularly to plumbing fittings for use in drain, waste and vent (DWV) and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Background

[0003] Installation of plumbing fittings in DWV and HVAC systems typically requires an adhesive such as a glue or solvent between the pipe and the fitting. Inadequate cleaning of the pipe or the fitting prior to using the adhesive can lead to various types of leaks that can cause an undesirable mess and potential damage.

[0004] Typically, a fitting that is glued or fused to any type of pipe for any use in DWV or HVAC systems must be cut off from the pipe in the event that it is not correctly connected and, furthermore, if there is more water flowing through the pipe the glue or fusing the DWV or HVAC system will not work properly, leading to a potential risk of water leakage and odor. Moreover, installation of the fitting presents a high level of difficulty for some users.

[0005] Various types of plumbing fittings not requiring gluing or other fusing have been developed. However, a remaining drawback is that special tools for separating the piping from the fitting, for example disconnecting clip or tongs, are required and these tools can be difficult to use, particularly in an awkward or small space.

[0006] There is a need for plumbing fittings that do not require glue or another adhesive and do not require tools for separating the piping from the fitting.

Summary [0007] The present disclosure provides plumbing fittings.

[0008] In one aspect, a plumbing fitting is described herein. The plumbing fitting includes: a housing having at least one receiving member, that at least one receiving member defining a central bore for receiving a piping member therein; at least one annular seal fittingly inserted into an annular groove formed in said receiving member, said at least one annular seal to sealingly engage with the said piping member; an annular locking member comprising an annular base and teeth extending inwardly for locking said piping member within said receiving member, said annular base being inserted within a first chamber formed in said receiving member, said annular locking member for receiving the piping member therethrough; an annular releasing member inserted within said receiving member and comprising a beveled portion, said annular releasing member configured to receive said piping member there through, and said annular releasing member being movable within said receiving member between a locking position whereat said beveled portion abuts against a shoulder formed in an inner surface of said receiving member, and a releasing position whereat said beveled portion is pressed against said shoulder for releasing said piping member; and a spring member positioned to surround at least a portion of the annular releasing member and abut the annular locking member.

[0009] In one aspect, a plumbing fitting is described herein. The plumbing fitting includes: a housing having at least one receiving member, said at least one receiving member defining a cylindrical bore for receiving a piping member therein; at least one annular seal fittingly inserted in an annular groove formed in said receiving member, said at least one annular seal to sealingly engage with said piping member; an annular locking member comprising an annular base and teeth extending inwardly for locking said piping member within said receiving member, said annular base being inserted within a first chamber formed in said receiving member, said annular locking member for receiving said piping member there through; and an annular releasing member inserted within said receiving member and comprising a beveled portion, said annular releasing member being that I mentioned to receive said piping member there through, and said annular releasing member being movable within said receiving member between a locking position where at said beveled portion abuts against a shoulder formed in an inner surface of said receiving member, and a releasing position whereat said beveled portion pressed against said teeth for releasing said piping member; wherein said annular releasing member is actuatable in the absence of a tool.

[0010] In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a plumbing fitting is described, the method including: inserting at least one annular seal into an annular groove formed in a receiving member; inserting an annular locking member into said receiving member; inserting said annular releasing member into a spring member such that the spring member abuts said annular locking member; inserting said annular releasing member and said spring member into said receiving member; and inserting a piping member into said first chamber of said receiving member. [0011] These and other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and which are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein.

[0013] FIG.1 shows a front view of a plumbing fitting, according to one embodiment;

[0014] FIG.2 shows a front exploded view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG.3 shows a perspective view of the annular release member of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment;

[0016] FIG.4 shows a cross-section view of the annular release member of FIG. 3;

[0017] FIG.5 shows front view of a locking member of the plumbing fitting of FIG.

1 , according to one embodiment;

[0018] FIG.6 shows a cross-section of the locking of FIG. 5;

[0019] FIG.7 shows a front view of the annular locking ring of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment;

[0020] FIG.8 shows a front view of an annular sealing member of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment; [0021] FIG.9 shows a cross-section view of the annular sealing member of FIG. 8;

[0022] FIG.10 shows a front view of the annular spring member of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment;

[0023] FIG.11 shows a front view of another spring member of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment;

[0024] FIG.12 shows a cross-section exploded view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 ; and

[0025] FIG.13 shows a cross-section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 .

[0026] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, further described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings in any way. Also, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description of Various Embodiments

[0027] To promote an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the features illustrated in the drawings and no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is hereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. For the sake of clarity, some features not relevant to the present disclosure may not be shown in the drawings.

[0028] At the outset, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms shown below, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present claims.

[0029] As one of ordinary skill would appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name only. In the following description and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open- ended fashion, and thus, should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.”

[0030] The word ‘a’ or ’an’ when used in conjunction with the term ‘comprising ‘in the claims and\or the specifications may mean ‘one’, but it is also consistent with the meaning of ‘one or more’, at least one and one or more than one unless the content clearly that dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word ‘another’ may mean at least a second or more unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numeral ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] “At least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

[0033] Where two or more ranges are used, such as but not limited to 1 to 5 or 2 to 4, any number between or inclusive of these ranges is implied.

[0034] As used herein, the phrases “for example,” “as an example,” and/or simply the terms “example” or “exemplary,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, methods and/or figures according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, method and/or figure is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, methods and/or figures according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, method and/or figure is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, methods and/or figures, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, methods and/or figures, are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Any embodiment or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0035] For example, said annular releasing member is hand actuatable. [0036] For example, said at least one receiving member is disposed at an extremity of said housing.

[0037] For example, said at least one annular seal and said annular groove are integrally formed and is inferior to the receiving member.

[0038] For example, the inner diameter of said at least one annular seal is less than to the inner diameter of said housing.

[0039] For example, said at least one annular seal may also be an o-ring or any other type of seal.

[0040] For example, said plumbing fitting comprises more than one sealing member.

[0041] For example, said plumbing fitting comprises two sealing members that are noncontiguous with each other.

[0042] For example, said teeth are dimensioned to inhibit rotational movement and/or longitudinal movement of said piping member within said receiving member.

[0043] For example, said annular locking member is made of a noncorrosive metal or plastic

[0044] For example, said noncorrosive metal is stainless steel.

[0045] For example, said teeth comprise jagged edges.

[0046] For example, said beveled portion rests in a second chamber formed in said receiving member.

[0047] For example, a ledge projecting from said second chamber forms said shoulder against which said beveled portion abuts.

[0048] For example, said annular releasing member is pushed into a releasing position, said beveled portion presses against said teeth which are displaced towards the surface of said receiving member thereby releasing said teeth from said piping element. [0049] For example, said plumbing fitting is an end cap, a coupling fitting, a wide fitting, a T fitting, a T wide fitting, and 45 elbow fitting and a 90-elbow fitting etc.

[0050] The fittings and methods described herein do not require tools for use, rather, all needed is to push down on the releasing member (e.g. until a snap is heard) and then releasing the release collar. Then, by pushing down on the release collar further (e.g. and hearing a second click), teeth of the locking member can be in a locked position engaging to the pipe member.

[0051] Referring now to Figure 1 , illustrated therein is a front view of a plumbing fitting for coupling a receiving member (e.g. an end cap) 5 to a piping element 8, according to one embodiment. Receiving member 5 is releasably coupled to the piping element 8 via an annular sealing member 6 (see Figure 2), a locking ring 20 (see Figure 2), an annular locking member 21 (see Figure 2), an annular coil spring 18 and an annular releasing member 15. Figure 1 shows a flanged end 15a of the annular releasing member 15 extending below the receiving member 5 and the annular coil spring 18 therebetween to releasably mount the receiving member 5 and the piping element 8.

[0052] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the receiving member 5, the piping element 8, the annular sealing member 6, the locking ring 20, the annular locking member 21 , the annular coil spring 18 and the annular releasing member 15.

[0053] According to various exemplary embodiments, an opening of the annular releasing member 15 may be sized according to a size of a piping layout (i.e. diameter) of the piping element 8 such that piping element 8 can slide snuggly into opening 16.

[0054] To releasably couple the receiving member 5 to the piping member 8, the annular sealing member 6 is inserted into the receiving member 5. Annular locking ring 20 is also inserted into the receiving member 5 and at least partially inserted into the annular sealing member 6. Annular locking ring 20 rests against at least a portion of the annular sealing member 6 when inserted into the receiving member 5. Annular locking member 21 is then also inserted into the receiving member 5 and abuts the annular locking ring 20 in the receiving member 5. Annular coil spring 18 surrounds at least a portion of annular releasing member 15 as annular releasing member 15 is inserted into receiving member 5 and pressed into the annular locking member 21 . Annular releasing member 15 receives piping element 8.

[0055] According to various exemplary embodiments, the annular coil spring 18 may be of any shape, form and also of any noncorrosive material.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 3 and Figure 4, illustrated therein is a perspective view and a cross-section view, respectively, of annular releasing member (e.g. release collar) 15. Annular releasing member 15 includes a collar portion 1 and a body 2. Collar portion 1 provides for removing the annular releasing member 15 from the receiving member 5 and/or the annular locking member 21. Collar portion 1 generally extends radially outwardly from the body 2 of the annular releasing member 15. Body 2 generally has a first end 2a and a second opposed end 2b. Collar portion 1 is positioned at first end 2a. Second end 2b includes a beveled edge 20 to facilitate insertion of the annular releasing member 15 into the receiving member 5 and/or the annular locking member 21 . Body 2 also includes a first ridge 26 immediately adjacent to the beveled edge 20 and a second ridge 22 spaced from the spaced from the first ridge 26 along a length of the body 2.

[0057] According to various exemplary embodiments, the annular releasing member 15 including the collar portion 1 and the body 2 having the first ridge 26, the second ridge 22 and the beveled portion 20 are made of a single material and are continuous. For example, the annular releasing member 15 may be integrally molded using any type of plastic that is commonly used in the plumbing industry.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 5 and Figure 6, illustrated therein are a front perspective view and a cross-section view, respectively, of locking member 21. Locking member 21 may also be referred to as a squeeze cup. Locking member 21 includes an annular member 23 having an inner surface 23a, an outer surface 23b and opposed edge surfaces 23c, 23d. Locking member 21 also includes at least one pin 17 that is used to lock the locking member 21 into the receiving member 5. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the locking member 21 includes two pins 17 that extend radially away from the outer surface 23b of the annular member 23 for lock the locking member 21 into the receiving member 5.

[0059] Annular member 23 of locking member 21 includes two different ridges that extend radially outwardly from inner surface 23a of the annular member 23: first ridge 3 and second ridge 12. First ridge 3 abuts the first ridge 26 of the releasing member 15 shown in Figures 3 and 4 and second ridge 12 abuts second ridge 22 of the releasing member 15 when the releasing member 15 is inserted into the locking member 21. The abutting nature of the first ridge 3 of the locking member 21 with the first ridge 26 of the releasing member 15 and of the second ridge 12 of the locking member 21 with the second ridge 22 of the releasing member 15 provides for the releasing member 15 to be retained in the locking member 21 . In some embodiments, the abutting nature of the first ridge 3 of the locking member 21 with the first ridge 26 of the releasing member 15 and of the second ridge 12 of the locking member 21 with the second ridge 22 of the releasing member 15 has a clicking or snapping effect to retain the releasing member 15 in the locking member 21 .

[0060] According to various exemplary embodiments, the locking member 21 including the annular member 23 having the first ridge 3 and the second ridge 12 and the pins 17 are made of a single material and are continuous. For example, the locking member 15 may be integrally molded using any type of plastic that is commonly used in the plumbing industry.

[0061] Referring now to Figure 7, illustrated therein is a frontal view of locking ring 20 including a base 16 (e.g. steel ring) and a plurality of teeth 27 extending away from the base 16. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, locking ring 20 includes 12 teeth extending away from the base 16, however, it should be understood that fewer than 12 and greater than 12 teeth may be included in the locking ring 20. Teeth 27 generally are angled inwardly relative to the base 16 as they extend from the base 16 to create a teeth opening 29 having a diameter TD that is less than a diameter BD of a base opening 30 of the base 16. [0062] When in use, the ends of the plurality of teeth 27 generally co-operate to inhibit longitudinal movement of the piping element 8. For instance, when the piping element 8 is inserted through the base opening 30 into the teeth opening 29 of the locking ring 20, an outer surface of the piping element 8 engages with the plurality of teeth 27 and pushes the plurality of teeth 27 outwardly. The plurality of teeth 27 are generally biased inwardly relative to the base 16, so when the piping element 8 is received by the teeth 27, the teeth 27 retain piping element 8 in the base opening 30 (and the teeth opening 29).

[0063] In other embodiments, the locking ring 20 may also have locking tabs on either side of base 16 to prevent the locking ring 20 from turning.

[0064] According to various exemplary embodiments the locking ring 20 including the base 16 and the plurality of teeth 27 may be made of any one or more hard materials that are noncorrosive. For example, the locking ring 20 including the base 16 and the plurality of teeth 27 may be made of a single material, such as but not limited to stainless steel.

[0065] Referring now to Figure 8 and Figure 9, illustrated therein is a front view and a cross-section view, respectively, of sealing member 6. Sealing member 6 includes a body 19 defining an aperture therethrough, the body 19 having a first ridge 10 extending outwardly from a first end 6a of the sealing member 6. Second end 6b includes a beveled portion 11 that the locking ring 20 (e.g. teeth 27) rests on when in use. Accordingly, beveled portion 11 has a slope corresponding generally to the slope of the teeth 27 as they extend inwardly relative to the base 16 of the locking ring 20.

[0066] Sealing member 6 also includes a rounded portion 23 that extends inwardly from an inner surface 19c of the sealing member 6. When installed, rounded portion 23 creates a seal with the receiving member 5 when the piping element 8 is inserted therein Beveled portion 11 is used to return the teeth 27 to its original position. For example, when teeth 27 interact with the beveled portion 11 , the beveled portion 11 acts like a spring for the teeth 27. When the release member 15 is in an unlock position, the teeth 27 are fully pressed against the beveled portion 11 . When the release member 15 is in a lock position, the teeth 27 will come back up to lock the pipe.

[0067] According to various exemplary embodiments the sealing member 6 may be made with a suitably resilient material, such as but not limited to rubber.

[0068] Referring now to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , shown therein are front views of spring members according to two different embodiments. Specifically, Figure 10 shows an annular spring member 18 and Figure 11 shows a standard spring member 2. Both spring members may be made any type of material that is noncorrosive.

[0069] It should be noted that the spring members described herein should not be limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 11. Any spring member capable of providing a spring action may be used.

[0070] As noted above, spring member 18 or spring member 2 is positioned between the releasing member 15 (e.g. the collar portion 1 ) and the locking member 21.

[0071] Referring now Figure 12, illustrated therein is a cross-section view of the plumbing fitting of Figure 1 for coupling the receiving member 5 to the piping element 8. Flere, receiving member 5 is shown with the annular seal 6 that when inserted into the receiving member 5 the ridge 10 will sit in the ridge 4 also 11 that forms a recess in the receiving member 5. Then inserted is the annular locking ring in which the teeth 27 rest on the body 19 of the annular sealing member 6. Then after annular locking member (squeeze cup) 21 , will sandwich the locking ring 16 and the annular seal 6 and locking into place with the pin 17 that locks into grooves 9 of the receiving members 5. The coil spring 18 is then inserted around the annular releasing collar 15 that will rest on the collar portion 1. Once the annular releasing collar 15 is snapped into the annular locking ring 21 the annular coil spring 18 will be sandwiched between both 1 and 21.

[0072] According to various exemplary embodiments, releasing collar 15 can be pushed further down into the annular locking ring 21 the ridge on the annular collar 22 will rest on the ridge 12 of the locking member 21 having no pressure on the spring coil 18. A small amount of pressure (e.g. amount applicable by one hand of a user) can be applied to the collar portion 1 of the releasing member 15 to push the release collar 15 past the ridge 12 of the locking member creating more tension on the coil spring 18 pushing away the teeth of the locking ring 27 freeing the pipe. With a single push on the release collar 1 creating more tension on the coil spring 18 the release collar 15 will then snap above the ridge 26 of the release collar rest on 3 of the locking member 21.

[0073] Now referring to Figure 13, shown therein is a cross-section of the piping fitting of Figure 1 in an assembled and unlocked position in which the teeth 27 are out of the way freeing the pipe element 8 for removal from the receiving member 5.

[0074] It will be understood that any other type of fitting such as (45, TY, Y, coupling, etc.) can be used rather than the receiving member 5 (end cap fitting) shown in the figures. Such a fitting can be ABS or PVC or any other type of DWV, FIVAC or MEDICAL pipe being used for that purpose. The plumbing fitting may be suitable for drains, waste or vent systems and also for central systems can be used. In some embodiments, the fittings can be suitable for use in medical system and medical devices as well as in HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning).

[0075] While the applicant's teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments as the embodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A plumbing fitting comprising; a housing having at least one receiving member, that at least one receiving member defining a central bore for receiving a piping member therein; at least one annular seal fittingly inserted into an annular groove formed in said receiving member, said at least one annular seal to sealingly engage with the said piping member; an annular locking member comprising an annular base and teeth extending inwardly for locking said piping member within said receiving member, said annular base being inserted within a first chamber formed in said receiving member, said annular locking member for receiving the piping member therethrough; an annular releasing member inserted within said receiving member and comprising a beveled portion, said annular releasing member configured to receive said piping member there through, and said annular releasing member being movable within said receiving member between a locking position whereat said beveled portion abuts against a shoulder formed in an inner surface of said receiving member, and a releasing position whereat said beveled portion is pressed against said shoulder for releasing said piping member; and a spring member positioned to surround at least a portion of the annular releasing member and abut the annular locking member.

2. A plumbing fitting, comprising; a housing having at least one receiving member, said at least one receiving member defining a cylindrical bore for receiving a piping member therein; at least one annular seal fittingly inserted in an annular groove formed in said receiving member, said at least one annular seal to sealingly engage with said piping member; an annular locking member comprising an annular base and teeth extending inwardly for locking said piping member within said receiving member, said annular base being inserted within a first chamber formed in said receiving member, said annular locking member for receiving said piping member there through; and an annular releasing member inserted within said receiving member and comprising a beveled portion, said annular releasing member being that I mentioned to receive said piping member there through, and said annular releasing member being movable within said receiving member between a locking position where at said beveled portion abuts against a shoulder formed in an inner surface of said receiving member, and a releasing position whereat said beveled portion pressed against said teeth for releasing said piping member; wherein said annular releasing member is actuatable in the absence of a tool.

3. The plumbing fitting of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said annular releasing member is hand actuatable.

4. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one receiving member is disposed at an extremity of said housing.

5. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one annular seal and said annular groove are integrally formed and is inferior to the receiving member.

6. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner diameter of said at least one annular seal is less than to the inner diameter of said housing.

7. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said at least one annular seal may also be an o-ring or any other type of seal.

8. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said plumbing fitting comprises more than one sealing member.

9. The plumbing fitting of claim 8, wherein said plumbing fitting comprises two sealing members that are noncontiguous with each other.

10. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said teeth are dimensioned to inhibit rotational movement and/or longitudinal movement of said piping member within said receiving member.

11. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 10, were in said annular locking member is made of a noncorrosive metal or plastic

12. The plumbing fitting of claim 11 , wherein said noncorrosive metal is stainless steel.

13. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said teeth comprise jagged edges.

14. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said beveled portion rests in a second chamber formed in said receiving member.

15. The plumbing fitting of claim 14, wherein a ledge projecting from said second chamber forms said shoulder against which said beveled portion abuts.

16. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when said annular releasing member is pushed into a releasing position, said beveled portion presses against said teeth which are displaced towards the surface of said receiving member thereby releasing said teeth from said piping element.

17. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said plumbing fitting is an end cap, a coupling fitting, a wide fitting, a T fitting, a T wide fitting, and 45 elbow fitting and a 90-elbow fitting etc.

18. A method of manufacturing a plumbing fitting, the method comprising: inserting at least one annular seal into an annular groove formed in a receiving member; inserting an annular locking member into said receiving member; inserting said annular releasing member into a spring member such that the spring member abuts said annular locking member; inserting said annular releasing member and said spring member into said receiving member; and inserting a piping member into said first chamber of said receiving member.