Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLEXIBLE FLUID LINE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/395,823, filed on July 1 S, 2002, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in
its entirety.
Background of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to the art of fluid line connector assemblies
and, more
particularly, to thin-walled, flexible fluid line connector assemblies for use
in low-
pressure applications.
[0003] Thin-walled, flexible fluid line connector assemblies have been
provided
heretofore and generally include a length of thin-walled, corrugated, flexible
tubing
having opposing non-corrugated tubing ends, a flare nut retained on each
tubing end
and a flare fitting cooperable with each flare nut to form a fluid-tight seal
between the
flare fitting, tubing end and flare nut. The tubing ends commonly include a
generally
cylindrical journal portion and a radially outwardly extending flare portion.
The flare
nuts are retained on the non-corrugated tubing ends by the flare portion,
which is
deformed radially outwardly after assembly with a flare nut to engage the
flare nut and
thereby prevent removal thereof from the length of tubing. To form the fluid-
tight seal
with the flexible tubing, a flare fitting is threadably engaged into each of
the flare nuts.
The flare fitting includes a frustoconical leading surface which compressively
engages
the flare portion of the tubing end. As the flare fitting and flare nut are
threadably
tightened together, the frustoconical leading surface of the flare fitting
displaces the
flare portion of the flexible tubing against an interior surface of the flare
nut. This
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displacement causes the flare portion of the tubing to be compressively
engaged
between the flare fitting and flare nut, and causes a metal-to-metal seal to
form
between the tubing, the flare fitting and the flare nut such that the assembly
becomes
fluid tight.
[0004] A disadvantage of connector assemblies of the foregoing nature is that
tightening the flare nut and flare fitting together to form the metal-to-metal
seal with
the flexible tubing causes the flare fitting, flare nut and flexible tubing to
become
rotatably fixed relative to one another. As such, the flare fitting and flare
nut are not
able to rotate relative to the thin-walled, flexible tubing. As a result, the
flexible tubing
can become torsionally stressed during the installation of the connector
assembly, such
as installation between a gas supply line and an appliance.
[0005] Additionally, such connector assemblies undesirably include an
additional
threaded connection or joint which can be. the source of leaks. The flare
fitting and
flare nut are threadably connected together to forming a metal-to-metal seal
with the
flexible tubing. Opposite the threaded portion of the flare fitting that
engages the flare
nut is a male or female pipe thread which then must threadably engage a
corresponding
thread, such as on a gas supply line or appliance, for example. As such, two
threaded
connections are necessary at each end of the gas line connector assembly to
install the
same in a typical manner. Furthermore, three or more threaded connections may
be
necessary if additional connecting devices, such as quick-connect fittings or
multi-
plane swivel fittings, are installed. It will be appreciated that the more
threaded
connections that are used, the greater the opportunity for leaks to develop.
[0006] Also, connections between end fittings are generally not seamless.
Rather,
the edges on the fittings and the axial gaps therebetween, which open radially
outwardly from the fluid passages that extend through the fittings, create
annular
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cavities that can disrupt the flow of fluid through the passage extending
through the
fittings. Furthermore, the gaps and edges cause resistance to fluid flow
between the
passages. Therefore, each additional fitting added to an end of the connector
assembly
causes an increase in the resistance to fluid flow through the completed
assembly, due
at least in part to the attendant gap and edges from the additional fitting or
fittings.
[0007] Furthermore, the flare fitting is an additional component that must be
inventoried, shipped and installed. In most cases, two flare fittings are used
for each
assembly. As such, this undesirably adds significant manufacturing, inventory
and
shipping costs to the finished assembly.
Brief Summary of the Invention
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a thin-walled, flexible fluid
line
connector assembly is provided that avoids or minimizes the problems and
difficulties
encountered in connection with connector assemblies of the foregoing nature
while
promoting an increase in performance and reliability, and maintaining a
desired
simplicity of structure, economy of manufacture and ease of installation.
[0009] More particularly in this respect, a fluid line connector assembly is
provided
that includes a length of flexible tubing having a tubing end. An end fitting
is rotatably
supported on the tubing end, and a sealing member is compressively positioned
between the tubing end and the end fitting. A retainer extends from the tubing
end and
engages the end fitting preventing the axial removal of the same from the
tubing end.
[0010] Additionally, a fluid line connector assembly is provided that includes
a
length of flexible tubing having a generally cylindrical tubing end. An end
fitting is
also provided that has an inside wall at least partially defining a passage
through the
end fitting. The passage is adapted to receive the tubing end such that the
end fitting is
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rotatably supported on the tubing end. A sealing member is sealingly disposed
between the tubing end and the end fitting. A retainer extends from the tubing
end
radially outwardly beyond the inside wall of the end fitting such that the end
fitting is
axially retained on the tubing end.
[0011] A method of assembling a fluid connector assembly is also provided and
includes the steps of providing a length of flexible tubing having a tubing
end,
providing an end fitting having an inside wall at least partially forming a
passage
through the end fitting, and providing a sealing member. Another step includes
installing the sealing member on one of the tubing end and the end fitting.
Still another
step includes installing the end fitting on the tubing end such that the
passage receives
the tubing end and the sealing member is compressively positioned between the
tubing
end and the end fitting. Still another step includes forming a retainer on the
tubing end
to axially retain the end fitting thereon.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0012] FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional connector assembly
shown partly assembled.
[0013] FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional assembly of
FIGURE
1 shown fully assembled.
[0014] FIGURE 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid line connector
assembly
in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIGURE 4 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion
of the
fluid line connector assembly in FIGURE 3.
[0016] FIGURE 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid line connector
assembly in FIGURE 3 shown with quick-connect end fittings.
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[0017] FIGURE 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid line connector
assembly in FIGURE 3 shown with mufti-plane end fittings.
(0018] FIGURE 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of a
fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIGURE 8 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion
of the
fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 7.
[0020] FIGURE 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of another alternate
embodiment
of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIGURE 10 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion
of
the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9.
[0022] FIGURE 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of still another alternate
embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIGURE 12 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion
of
the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 11.
[0024] FIGURE 13 is a partial cross-section view of yet another alternate
embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0025] FIGURE 14 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion
of
the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 13.
(0026] FIGURE 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further alternate
embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0027] FIGURE 16 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion
of
the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 15.
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Detailed Description of the Invention
[0028] It will be appreciated that FIGURES l and 2 respectively illustrate a
conventional fluid line connector assembly for connection between a fluid
transmission
line and an appliance, such as a gas supply line and a gas stove, for example.
Such
fluid line connector assemblies are generally known by those skilled in the
art, and the
following discussion of FIGURES l and 2 is merely provided to establish
background
environment and terminology for further discussion of the preferred
embodiments of
the present invention.
[0029] FIGURE 1 illustrates a conventional fluid line connector assembly 10
that
includes a length of thin-walled, flexible tubing 20, a flare nut 40 and a
flare fitting 60.
Length of tubing 20 has two opposing tubing ends 22, only one of which is
shown in
FIGURES l and 2. Tubing end 22 terminates at a tubing end edge 24 and includes
a
journal portion 26 and a flare portion 28. Length of thin-walled, flexible
tubing 20 has
a plurality of helically extending tubing corrugations 30 and is formed from
metal,
typically stainless steel.
[0030) Flare nut 40 is retained on at tubing end 22 of tubing 20. The flare
nut has a
threaded end 42 and a strain-relief end 44. A journal passage 46 extends
through flare
nut 40 and is cooperable with journal portion 26 of tubing end 22 such that
the flare nut
is freely rotatable about a central axis CL of assembly 10 as shown by arrows
A.
Extending toward threaded end 42 from journal passage 46 is flare seating
surface 48,
which extends radially outwardly from the journal passage in a frustoconical
manner.
Female fitting threads 50 extend inwardly from threaded end 42 toward flare
seating
surface 48. The female fitting threads are generally coaxial with journal
passage 46.
Opposite female fitting threads 50 at strain-relief end 44 is an axially-
extending
annular recess 54 that extends from the strain-relief end toward the threaded
end and is
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adapted to receive at least a portion of one or more of corrugations 30.
Wrench flats
52 extend along at least a portion of the exterior of flare nut 40. Flare
portion 28 of
tubing end 22 extends radially outwardly from journal portion 26 adjacent
flare seating
surface 48 of flare nut 40. As indicated by arrow A, in the disassembled
condition,
flexible tubing 20 and flare nut 40 are rotatable relative to one another.
[0031] Flare fitting 60 is shown in FIGURE 1 disassembled from tubing 20 and
flare
nut 40. The flare fitting has a fitting end 62 and a connection end 68. The
fitting end
has male fitting threads 64 adjacent a flare-engaging surface 66. The
connection end
includes connection threads 70. Positioned between the fitting end and the
connection
end of flare fitting 60 are wrench flats 72. A fluid passage 74 extends
centrally
through flare fitting 60.
(0032] FIGURE 2 shows . male fitting thread 64 of flare fitting 60 engaged
with
female fitting threads 50 of flare nut 40. As flare fitting 60 is threadably
rotated into
flare nut 40, flare-engaging surface 66 of the flare fitting advances toward
flare portion
28 of flexible tubing 20. Ultimately, flare-engaging surface 66 contacts flare
portion
28, which is thereby forced against flare seating surface 48 effecting metal-
to-metal
contact between the three components. Once such contact has been made, further
rotation of the flare fitting into the flare nut causes a metal-to-metal seal
to form
between flare-engaging surface 66 of the flare fitting, flare portion 28 of
the flexible
tubing and flare seating surface 48 of the flare nut. This metal-to-metal seal
is suitable
for forming a fluid-tight passage through connector assembly 10. It will be
appreciated, however, that this same metal-to-metal contact between the three
components prevents rotation of these components relative to one another. As
such, it
will be appreciated that the entire connector assembly 10 must be rotated to
threadably
engage connection threads 70 to a fluid transmission line or appliance (not
shown).
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[0033] Referring now in greater detail to FIGURES 3-16, wherein the showings
are
for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only,
and not
for the purpose of limiting the invention, FIGURES 3 and 4 illustrate a fluid
line
connector assembly 100 that includes a length of thin-walled, flexible tubing
120 with
opposing ends 122, and an end fitting 140 retained on each of the tubing ends.
It will
be appreciated that one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein include
two
opposing tubing ends and an end fitting supported on each end. However, it
will also
be appreciated that the use of an end fitting on both ends of the tubing is
optional and
that other embodiments are contemplated that have an end fitting on only one
end.
Such embodiments of fluid line connector assemblies are fully intended to fall
within
the scope of the present invention. For example, one alternate embodiment
could
include a length of flexible tubing having an end fitting supported on one end
of the
tubing in accordance with the present invention. The other end of the tubing
could be
brazed onto an appliance or supply line adapter forming a generally fixed
connection
thereto.
[0034] Returning again to FIGURES 3 and 4, length of thin-walled, flexible
tubing
120 extends between tubing edges 124. Tubing ends 122 adjacent edges 124 are
non-
corrugated and generally cylindrical, and the tubing ends include a journal
portion 126
and a flare portion 128. Tubing corrugations 130 extend helically along the
length of
flexible tubing between tubing ends 122.
[0035] As can be better seen in FIGURE 4, end fittings 140 are supported and
retained on tubing ends 122 such that the end fittings remain rotatable on the
flexible
tubing while still enabling the formation of a fluid-tight seal therewith. It
will be
appreciated that end fittings 140 shown in FIGURES 3-6 are rotatable, as
indicated by
arrows RO, relative to tubing ends 122 about a central axis AX. End fittings
140 have
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a threaded end 142 and a strain-relief end 144. Wrench flats 152 are
positioned along
the exterior of the end fitting between the threaded and strain-relief ends.
[0036] Extending centrally through the end fitting is a journal passage 146,
which is
cooperable with journal portion 126 of tubing end 122 of flexible tubing 120.
Two
optional seal receiving grooves 156 are positioned along journal passage 146
and
extend radially outwardly into end fitting 140. Seal members, such as o-rings
180, are
compressively positioned between one or more walls of each groove 156 and
journal
portion 126 of tubing ends 122. A flare-engaging surface 148 extends radially
outwardly from journal passage 146 in a generally frustoconical manner. Flare-
engaging surface 148 is cooperable with flare portion 128 of the tubing end
such that
end fitting 120 is axially retained on the tubing end. An optional annular
recess 154
extends into end fitting 140 from strain-relief end 144 such that at least a
portion of
one or more tubing corrugations 130 is received within the annular recess.
Opposite
the strain-relief end, male connection threads 158 extend along end fitting
140 at
threaded end 142. Threads 158 are shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 as tapered pipe
threads. However, it will be appreciated that threads 158 may be of any
suitable form
or pitch.
[0037] The end fittings are shown with two seal grooves and assembled with a
seal
member in each groove. However, only one seal member or more than two seal
members, each having a separate seal groove, may be used for each end fitting.
Additionally, other configurations utilizing seal members without grooves can
be used.
As such, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not intended
to be
limited to arrangements having two seal members and two seal grooves.
[0038] In assembling the components of fluid line connector assembly 100, a
length
of thin-walled, flexible tubing 120 is provided. The flexible tubing extends
between
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tubing edges 124 and has helical corrugations 130 along its length with non-
corrugated
and generally cylindrical tubing ends 122 adjacent the tubing edges.
Initially, tubing
ends 122 preferably include only a generally cylindrical journal portion 126.
That is,
flare portion 128 is not initially formed on tubing end 122. End fitting 140
and seal
members, such as o-rings 180, are assembled onto journal portion 126 of the
tubing
ends. Preferably, each o-ring 180 is inserted and captured within a seal-
receiving
groove 156. Journal passage 146 of the end fitting and o-rings 180 slidably
engage
journal portion 126 of tubing ends 122 and are axially advanced along the
journal
portion until annular recess 154 engages at least a portion of tubing
corrugations 130.
Flare portion 128 is then formed adjacent tubing edge 124 such that the flare
portion
extends radially outwardly beyond the wall that forms passage 146. Preferably,
flare
portion 128 is cooperable with flare-engaging surface 148 of end fitting 140
to retain
the end fitting on tubing end 122. Due to the positioning of the seal members
between
the end fitting and the journal portion of the tubing end, a fluid-tight seal
is formed
therebetween. The end fitting is axially captured between the flare portion
and the
corrugations of the flexible tubing. However, the end fitting remains freely
rotatable,
substantially eliminating the possibility of torque-induced stress during
installation.
[0039] It will be appreciated that in known fluid line connector assemblies
the flare
portion of the tubing end was necessary to form the metal-to-metal seal with
the flare
fitting and flare nut to form a fluid-tight connection. As such, the shape,
form and
dimensional tolerances of the flare portion were important to the formation of
a fluid-
tight seal. In the assembly of the present invention the flare portion of the
tubing end
is primarily used to retard pullout of the flexible tubing from the end
fitting. While
fluid line connector assemblies are often designed and manufactured to
withstand a
specified amount of pullout force, the flare portion of the present invention
may take
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any suitable form or shape to provide such desired amount of resistance to
pullout. In
FIGURES 3-8, the flare portion is shown as extending outwardly at
approximately 45°.
However, it will be appreciated that other suitable forms may be used. For
example,
the flare portion may be rolled or flared outwardly at a 90° from the
central axis AX.
Alternately, the flare portion can be formed in a circumferentially and/or
radially
discontinuous manner, for example.
[0040] FIGURES 5 and 6 illustrate fluid line connector assembly 100, as
described
hereinbefore, prior to assembly with known connecting devices. FIGURE 5 shows
fluid line connector assembly 100 having a length of thin-walled, flexible
tubing 120
with end fittings 140 supported on opposing ends thereof, and two seal
members, such
as o-rings 180, positioned between each associated end fitting and tubing end.
Shown
adjacent one end fitting 140 is a quick connect fitting QC having a female
portion QF
and a male portion QM. Female portion QF is adapted to receive, retain and
form a
fluid-tight seal with male portion QM in the manner well known in the art.
Female
portion QF includes an end surface ES from w.~hich female threads (not shown)
extend
axially into the female portion. The threads (not shown) are suitable for
threadably
engaging male threads 158 of end fitting 140 to form a fluid-tight connection.
Male
portion QM likewise includes an end surface ES from which female threads (not
shown) extend axially into the fitting portion. It will be appreciated that
such threads
in male portion QM are suitable for forming a fluid-tight connection with a
fluid
transmission line or appliance, such as a gas supply line or gas stove (not
shown), for
example.
[0041] FIGURE 6 illustrates a fluid line connector assembly 100 having
flexible
tubing 120, and end fitting 140 retained at each end of the flexible tubing,
and two seal
members, such as o-rings 180, positioned between the end fitting and the
tubing ends.
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The fluid line connector assembly is shown prior to assembly with a mufti-
plane swivel
connector MP adjacent each end fitting. Such mufti-plane swivel connectors are
generally known to those skilled in the art and include two fitting portions
FA and FB
which are pivotally connected in a fluid-tight manner to permit rotation about
an axis
AM. Fitting portion FA includes an end surface ES' from which female threads
(not
shown) extend axially into the fitting portion. It will be appreciated that
such threads
are suitable for forming a fluid-tight connection with male threads 158 of end
fitting
140. The second fitting portion FB includes a rotatable threaded end RT
suitable for
forming a fluid-tight connection with a fluid transmission line or appliance,
such as a
gas supply line or gas water heater (not shown), for example. It will be
appreciated
that various other connector devices can be used in conjunction with the end
fittings of
fluid line connector assembly 100, and that the connector devices shown and
described
hereinbefore may be used in other combinations and in combination with other
similar
type fluid connector devices.
[0042] FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a fluid line
connector
assembly in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIGURE 7, fluid
line
connector assembly 200 includes a length of thin-walled, flexible tubing 220
extending
between tubing edges 224 and having a non-corrugated and generally cylindrical
tubing end 222 inwardly adjacent the each tubing edge. Tubing ends 222 include
a
journal portion 226 and a flare portion 228 extending radially outwardly from
the
journal portion. The length of flexible tubing 220 has helical corrugations
230
extending therealong between ends 222.
[0043] An end fitting 240 is rotatably supported on each tubing end 222 and
has a
threaded end 242 and a strain-relief end 244. Arrows RO indicate that each end
fitting
240 is rotatable relative to an associated tubing end generally about central
axis AX'.
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An annular recess 254 suitable for receiving corrugations 230 extends axially
into end
fitting 240 from strain-relief end 244. A journal passage 246 extends
centrally through
the end fitting and is cooperable with journal portion 226 of flexible tubing
220.
Extending radially outwardly from journal passage 246 is a flare-engaging
surface 248.
Flare portion 228 of tubing end 222 is positioned adjacent flare-engaging
surface 248
and is cooperable therewith. Seal receiving grooves 256 are optionally
provided and
are positioned along journal passage 246 and extend radially into end fitting
240. A
seal member, such as an o-ring 280, is captured within each of grooves 256 and
is
compressively positioned between one of the walls of groove 256 and journal
portion
226 of tubing end 222. Positioned between threaded end 242 and strain-relief
end 244
are wrench flats 252. Threaded end 242 includes male connection threads 258
and
female connection threads 259 extending therealong. Both male connection
threads
258 and female connection threads 259 are shown in FIGURES 7 and 8 as being
tapered pipe threads. However, it will be appreciated that other thread forms
and
pitches may be used to form a fluid-tight connection between these threads and
a fluid
transmission line or appliance (not shown).
[0044] It will be further appreciated that the embodiment illustrated in
FIGURES 7
and 8 would be assembled in a manner substantially similar to that described
for the
connector assembly shown in FIGURES 3-6. As such, the steps setting out the
method
of assembly will not be further discussed. Furthermore, it will be appreciated
that
flaring of thin-walled tubing and the equipment therefore, such as flaring
devices, are
generally known by those skilled in the art.
[0045] FIGURES 9-12 illustrate another embodiment of a fluid line connector
assembly in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIGURE 9, fluid
line
connector assembly 300 includes a length of thin-walled, flexible tubing 320
extending
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between tubing edges 324 and having a non-corrugated and generally cylindrical
tubing end 322 inwardly adjacent each tubing edge. The length of flexible
tubing 320
has helical corrugations 330 extending therealong between tubing ends 322.
[0046] An end fitting 340 is rotatably supported on each tubing end 322 and
has a
threaded end 342 and a strain-relief end 344. Arrows RO indicate that each end
fitting
340 is rotatable relative to an associated tubing end generally about central
axis AX.
An annular recess 354 suitable for receiving at least a portion of one or more
corrugations 330 extends axially into end fitting 340 from strain relief end
344. A
journal passage 346 extends centrally through the end fitting and is
cooperable with
tubing end 322.
[0047] As can be better seen in FIGURE 10, a retaining groove 370 is provided
in
each tubing end 322. A corresponding retaining groove 372 is provided in end
fitting
340, which is received on tubing end 322 such that grooves 370 and 372 are
axially .
adjacent and suitable for each at least partially receiving a portion of a
retaining ring
374. A tapered surface 376 is provided adjacent annular recess 354 to
facilitate
assembly of the end fitting and retaining ring onto the tubing end.
(0048] Seal receiving grooves 356 extend radially outwardly from journal
passage
346 and are each suitable for receiving a seal member, such as an o-ring 380.
Each
seal member is captured within a different one of grooves 356 and is
compressively
positioned between one of the walls of the groove and tubing end 322.
Positioned
between threaded end 342 and strain relief end 344 are wrench flats 352.
Threaded
end 342 includes male connection threads 358 and female connection threads 359
extending therealong. Both male connection threads 358 and female connection
threads 359 are shown in FIGURES 9 and 10 as being tapered pipe threads.
However,
it will be appreciated that other thread forms and pitches may be used to form
a fluid-
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tight connection between these threads and a fluid transmission line or
appliance (not
shown).
[0049] FIGURES 11 and 12 illustrate a further embodiment of a fluid line
connector
assembly in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated that
the
embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12 is substantially similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10. However, fluid line connector
assembly 300' includes end fittings 340' in FIGURES 11 and 12, which are shown
with male connection threads 358' at threaded end 342', and which do not
include
female connection threads 359 as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10. Importantly, end
fittings 340' remain rotatable relative to the length of flexible tubing as
indicated by
arrows RO. Male connection threads 358' are shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 as
being
tapered pipe threads. However, it will be appreciated that other thread forms
and
pitches may be used to form a fluid-tight connection between these threads and
a fluid
transmission line or appliance (not shown). Additionally, it will be
appreciated that an
end fitting having female threads and not including male threads is also
envisioned.
[0050] Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGURES
13 and 14, which show a fluid line connector assembly 400 that includes a
length of
thin-walled, flexible tubing 420 extending between tubing edges 424 and having
a non-
corrugated and generally cylindrical tubing end 422 inwardly adjacent each
tubing
edge. The length of flexible tubing 420 has helical corrugations 430 extending
therealong between ends 422.
[0051] An end fitting 440 is rotatably supported on each tubing end 422 and
has a
threaded end 442 and a strain-relief end 444. Arrows RO indicate that each end
fitting
440 is rotatable relative to an associated tubing end generally about central
axis AX.
An annular recess 454 suitable for receiving corrugations 430 extends axially
into end
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fitting 440 from strain-relief end 444. A journal passage 446 extends
centrally through
the end fitting and is cooperable with tubing end 422.
[0052] A retaining groove 472 is provided in end fitting 440. The end fitting
is
positioned on tubing end 422 such that a protrusion 478 extending radially
outwardly
from tubing end 422 engages retaining groove 472 and axially retains end
fitting 440
on the tubing end. Seal receiving grooves 456 are positioned along journal
passage
446 and extend radially into fitting 440. A seal member, such as an o-ring
480, is
captured within each of grooves 456 and is compressively positioned between
one of
the walls of each groove 456 and tubing end 422. Positioned between threaded
end
442 and strain-relief end 444 are wrench flats 452. Threaded end 442 includes
male
connection threads 458 and female connection threads 459 extending therealong.
Both
male connections threads 458 and female connection threads 459 are shown in
FIGURES 13 and 14 as being tapered pipe threads. However, it will be
appreciated
that other thread forms and pitches may be used to form a fluid-tight
connection
between these threads and a fluid transmission line or appliance (not shown).
[0053] FIGURES 15 and 16 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present
invention. It will be appreciated that the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES
15 and
16 is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 13 and
14.
However, fluid line connector assembly 400' includes end fittings 440' in
FIGURES
15 and 16, which are shown with male connection threads 458' at threaded end
442',
and which do not include female connection threads 459 as shown in FIGURES 13
and
14. Importantly, end fittings 340' remain rotatable relative to the length of
flexible
tubing as indicated by arrows RO. Male connection threads 458' are shown in
FIGURES 15 and 16 as being tapered pipe threads. However, it will be
appreciated
that other thread forms and pitches may be used to form a fluid-tight
connection
CA 02491881 2005-O1-05
WO 2004/008013 PCT/US2003/022025
17
between these threads and a fluid transmission line or appliance (not shown).
Additionally, it will be appreciated that an end fitting having female threads
and not
including male threads is also envisioned.
[0054] Assembly of connector assemblies 400 and 400' generally includes steps
substantially similar to those discussed hereinbefore with regard to connector
assemblies 100 and 200 and, as such, will not be reiterated in detail.
However, in
assembling connector assemblies 400 and 400', projection 478 is preferably
formed in
place of flare portion 128 of connector assembly 100. As with flare portion
128,
projection 478 can be formed in any suitable shape or configuration extending
radially
outwardly into groove 472 to axially retain the end fitting on the tubing end.
[0055] While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred
embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures
and
structural interrelationships between the component parts of the embodiments
disclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention can
be made
and that many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated and described
without departing from the principles of the invention. Obviously,
modifications and
alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed
description. For example, the generally cylindrical portions of the tubing
ends could
alternately be faceted or include flats and/or other shapes or forms. As
another
example, an alternate form or configuration of connection could be used
instead of the
male and/or female threads on the various end fittings. Accordingly, it is to
be
distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be
interpreted merely
as illustrative of the present invention and not as a limitation. As such, it
is intended
that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and
alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalent
thereof.
