Pipe joints or couplings – Nonmetal to metal – Internal member
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-22
2001-02-13
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3627)
Pipe joints or couplings
Nonmetal to metal
Internal member
C285S259000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186559
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to tube couplings and, more specifically, to a tube coupling assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to provide a coupling for attaching a hose to tube such as on an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. Typically, the coupling has a ferrule, which is bead-locked to the tube. Although the coupling worked well, it requires a machine to lock the ferrule into position on the tube during assembly. Also, the coupling requires several manufacturing operations to form the assembly and different diameter tubes require more or less operations and/or end form tools to form the assembly.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a new tube coupling assembly with a ferrule that does not require a machine to lock the ferrule into position on the tube during assembly. It is also desirable to provide a tube coupling assembly that requires fewer manufacturing operations to form the assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is a tube coupling assembly including a tube having an end form for attachment to a hose with a notch extending radially inwardly into the end form. The tube coupling assembly also includes a ferrule disposed about the end form and having an end snap-locked into the notch. The ferrule is adapted to be crimped to secure the hose to the tube between the ferrule and the end form.
One advantage of the present invention is that a new tube coupling assembly is provided for a hose to tube coupling. Another advantage of the present invention is that the tube coupling assembly has a ferrule that is snap-locked onto an end form of a tube. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the tube coupling assembly having a removable self-locking thin walled ferrule with tabs and rolled barbs for a hose to tube coupling. Still another advantage of the present invention is that the tube coupling assembly has a snap-lock ferrule that does not require a machine to lock the ferrule into position on the tube. A further advantage of the present invention is that the tube coupling assembly has reduced facility and tooling costs. Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the tube coupling assembly has reduced manufacturing operations. Still a further advantage of the present invention is that the tube coupling assembly has increased machine capacity and improved quality. Another advantage of the present invention is that the tube coupling assembly has less scrap.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood, after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Ahaus Kevin Michael
Beckwith Henry A.
Campbell David Alan
Fisher John Harry
Munoz Luis Sergio
Nicholson Eric K.
Shelton Larry I.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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