Pipe joints or couplings – Swivel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-09
2001-04-17
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3629)
Pipe joints or couplings
Swivel
C285S281000, C285S382400, C285S258000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217082
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to swivel fittings, and more particularly the present invention is directed to swivel fittings for connecting tubular members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Devices such as automotive vehicles, pneumatic machines and hydraulic machines utilize swivel fittings for connecting hoses and tubes between various components of these vehicles and machines. Thus, every year tens of millions of swivel connections are fabricated. As with any other component, it is advantageous to reduce cost, weight and size wherever possible, and it is further advantageous even in machines to improve esthetics to enhance the sale ability of the machines.
It is, of course, also necessary to maintain a reliability of swivel connections while reducing cost, size and weight, while improving appearance. Maintaining and enhancing the reliability involves not only providing a connection which is initially reliable so that the connection passes quality control, but also a connection which remain reliable over the life of the vehicle or machine with which it is used. Exemplary of a market which is of interest with respect to swivel fittings is the market for truck air brakes, trailer air brakes, and other light air/pneumatic systems that require a fitting to turn during installation. Such fittings must have diameters large enough to meet customer specifications and federal regulations while having an external diameter and axial extent which are preferably minimized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the aforementioned considerations, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a new and improved swivel connection useful for coupling passages through devices such as, but not limited to, air hoses.
In view of this feature, and other features, a swivel coupling comprises a first annular member and a second annular member. The first annular member has a first end portion and a second end portion, with the first end portion having a collar defining a cylindrical, axially extending inner wall surface. Adjacent to and inboard of the inner wall surface is a first radially extending shoulder. Spaced from the first radially extending shoulder by a cylindrical surface having a diameter less than the axially extending inner wall surface, is a second radially extending shoulder. The second annular member has a first end and a second end with a radially extending stop shoulder disposed therebetween. The first end of the second annular member cooperates with the first end of the first member and retains the second annular member within the first member. This retention is accomplished by first end of the second member initially comprising a radially deformable frusto-conical section having a radially extending lip thereon, which frusto-conical section is inserted into the first end of the first annular member. A frusto-conical section is then expanded radially to position the radially extending lip of the frusto-conical section behind the second radially extending shoulder of the first annular member. A seal is positioned between the radially extending stop to seal the radially extending stop and first shoulder of the first annular member.
In a further aspect of the invention, the second end of the first annular member is threaded, and the second end of the second annular member is configured as an insert for receipt into a hose or tube.
In further aspects of the invention, the swivel coupling is made of metal, and the annular seal is in the form of an O-ring slipped over the first end of the second annular member.
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Fritz Dean D.
Orcutt Eric D.
Dana Corporation
Millen White Zelano & Branigan P.C.
Nicholson Eric K.
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