Pipe joints or couplings – Essential catch
Patent
1995-05-23
1997-08-12
Nicholson, Eric K.
Pipe joints or couplings
Essential catch
29507, 29523, 285214, F16L 3712
Patent
active
056557965
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. PCT/US92/08007 filed Sep. 21, 1992.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a connector assembly through which a fluid flows and specifically to an expandable tubular member having a bushing installed thereupon and a ferrule inserted therewithin.
In the automotive industry, as well as for many other industries, the need always exists for low cost, reliable and easy to assemble components. This need is especially apparent with respect to providing a connection between fluid conveying conduits, such as fuel, brake or refrigerant lines. Traditionally, such a connection is comprised of a male tubular member being retained within a female housing or connection retained by a threaded fitting or nut. However, more recently, snap together quick connect attachments have been used in place of threaded fittings.
In order to retain the quick connect fastener or threaded fitting, some tubular members require a bead to be circumferentially located therearound. This outwardly projecting bead may be either integrally formed or mechanically attached onto the outside of the tubular member. Furthermore, it is important that this bead be firmly attached to a predetermined longitudinal position on the tubular member in order to maintain a secure and leak-resistant fit within the mating female housing or connector half. If such a connection becomes dislodged or leaks, the vehicle could become disabled or could even pose a safety hazard to its occupants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the preferred embodiment of a tubular assembly comprises an expandable tubular member, an annular bushing therearound and a ferrule therewithin. The bushing is fit around a predetermined portion of the tubular member and the ferrule is then inserted within a distal end thereof. The ferrule acts to expand portions of the inside and outside surfaces of the tubular member which are longitudinally adjacent to the bushing. Therefore, the bushing is firmly held to the tubular member.
The ferrule may further have an outwardly projecting flange at its trailing end which serves to retain a seal thereupon. Also, in another embodiment, a lip located around the circumference of the ferrule's flange and projecting normal thereto serves to center the distal end of the tubular member within a female housing.
Accordingly, the present invention has many advantages over the prior art. The ferrule acts to securely fasten and locate the bushing at a predetermined position on the tubular member. This provides a stronger attachment than that conventionally used. Furthermore, the same ferrule acts to retain the seal onto the tubular member. Moreover, the ferrule acts to center the tubular member within its mating connector. Thus, a single ferrule of the present invention serves multiple functions while being easily installed within the tubular member.
Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first preferred embodiment of the present invention tubular assembly in relation to a mating female housing which is shown partially in section;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the first preferred embodiment of the present invention tubular assembly in relation to the mating female housing, taken line 2--2 from FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the first preferred embodiment of the present invention tubular assembly, taken along line 2--2 from FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation showing a tubular member with a preformed groove therearound of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention tubular assembly, taken along line 2--2 from FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a third preferred embodiment of the present invention tubular assembly, taken along line 2--2 from FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a sectio
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Nicholson Eric K.
Proprietary Technology, Inc.
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