Pipe joints or couplings – Variable length – Step adjustment
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-10
2001-11-13
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3627)
Pipe joints or couplings
Variable length
Step adjustment
C285S319000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315333
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fluid line systems in which flexible hose is utilized to establish fluid connections between remote components or conduits, and more particularly, to a flexible hose which can be coupled to a system component or conduit without use of an external attachment or coupling device.
In automotive and other fields, flexible hose is utilized to provide fluid connections between remote components or conduits. Typically, external attachment or coupling devices are used to attach or couple the hose to the system components and provide reliable seals therebetween. Coupling devices which have been used for this purpose include metal or plastic clamps and quick connector fittings.
FIG. 1
depicts a typical prior art fluid line system
10
. A hose
12
is utilized to establish a fluid connection between fuel filter
14
and steel fuel line
16
. Fuel filter
14
includes a male member portion
18
having an enlarged upset
20
, and fuel line
16
includes a male member portion
22
having an enlarged upset
24
.
Quick connectors
26
and
28
are employed to couple hose ends
30
and
32
to, respectively, fuel line
16
and fuel filter
14
. Hose ends
30
and
32
are expanded over and retained on stem portions
34
and
36
of the connectors. Stem portions
34
and
36
may include barbs or bumps to enhance gripping of the hose. Housing portions
38
and
40
of the connectors receive the male member portions of fuel filter
16
and fuel line
14
. Housing portions
38
and
40
include retainers or other locking means which engage upsets
20
and
24
to secure the male member portions inside of the connectors. In this manner, a fluid connection is established between fuel filter
14
and fuel line
16
.
Use of external coupling devices, such as the quick connectors illustrated in
FIG. 1
, gives rise to various problems. External coupling devices add length to the fluid line and may conflict with geometrical constraints. Barbed-type fittings which engage the hose internal diameter may create undesirable internal line restriction. Additional potential leak paths are created through use of external coupling devices. Finally, production and installation of separate coupling devices leads to increased costs.
The present invention addresses these problems by providing a flexible hose having integral connector housings formed directly in its ends. These integral housings integrate the sealing and latching mechanisms necessary for coupling of the hose to a mating system component. The present invention is useful for low to medium pressure fluid applications and minimizes the problems noted in connection with use of external coupling devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A flexible hose for forming a fluid connection between components of a fluid line system includes an integral connector housing formed directly in at least one end. Male member portions of system components to be connected are insertable into the integral housing. The connector housing includes locking means for engaging upsets formed on the male member portions to prevent retraction of the male member from the hose. The locking means may be a radial wall defined in the integral housing. Alternatively, it may be a latch having locking beams extending through slots formed in the housing. Sealing means in the form of O-rings may be disposed inside of the hose or about the outer diameter of the male member.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3606402 (1971-09-01), Medney
patent: 3759553 (1973-09-01), Carter
patent: 4423892 (1984-01-01), Bartholomew
patent: 4813716 (1989-03-01), Lalikos et al.
patent: 4819970 (1989-04-01), Umerhara
patent: 4893845 (1990-01-01), Bartholomew
patent: 4989905 (1991-02-01), Rajecki
patent: 5209523 (1993-05-01), Godeau
patent: 5255945 (1993-10-01), Toon
patent: 5405175 (1995-04-01), Bonnah, II et al.
Nicholson Eric K.
TI Group Automotive Systems Corp.
Wood Phillips VanSanten Clark & Mortimer
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