Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
1
CRIMP SLEEVE CONNECTOR
HAVING CRIMP INDICATOR
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Serial No.
10/921,536,
filed August 18, 2004, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application
Serial No. 60/775,890, filed February 23, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application
Serial No. 60/814,112, filed June 16, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application
Serial No. 60/852,162, filed November 17, 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to sleeve connectors for
attaching a tube to a fitting. More particularly, the present invention
relates to crimp
sleeve connectors that can be crimped to attach a tube to a fitting. The
present
invention further relates to indicators for use with such crimp sleeve
connectors for
providing positive confirmation that the connector has been crimped.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Fluid carrying conduits are used in a variety of environments including
building structures such as homes and manufacturing facilities as well as in
transportation vehicles such as automobiles. The conduits are provided in a
variety
of shapes and sizes and typically involve polymerized pipes and tubes that are
connected to pipe fittings. The pipes and tubes are fixed to the fittings
through a
variety of methods, including, for example, compression clamps. The
compression
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
2
clamps bring the pipe or tube into close physical contact with the fitting. To
accomplish this measure the compression clamps must be compressed or crimped
around the tube or pipe. Whether or not the tube is successfully attached
depends
on the arrangement of the compression clamp and on the skill of the installer.
[0004] Because of the great number of compression clamps used in a variety
of settings it is important that the installer is able to easily and quickly
attach the tube
to the fitting at the correct orientation. Too much overlap of the tube onto
the fitting
results in wasted tubing whereas too little overlap of the tube onto the
fitting risks an
improper connection. Once the tube is properly attached to the fitting it is
also
necessary that the compression clamp be readily compressed.
[0005] While some known methods of compression clamping of a tube to a
fitting have certain advantages, as in so many areas of vehicle technology,
there is
room in the art of compression clamps for improving both the accuracy and ease
of
connection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a crimp sleeve connector for
connecting and maintaining the connection between a pipe fitting and a
component
such as a fitting. The crimp sleeve connector includes a crimp band formed
from a
metal and a body formed from a polymerized material. The crimp band includes a
band portion and a crimp ear. The crimp ear extends from the band portion and
includes a pair of opposed crimping walls and a bridge connecting the walls.
The
body includes an upper, tube receiving end and a lower, narrow end for
attachment
to the fitting. The upper end has a bevel which allows the installer to more
easily
insert the tube into the body. The lower end has a series of legs which
terminate in
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
3
flanges. The flanges interlock with a channel formed on the fitting. This will
connect
the crimp sleeve connector and the fitting together as an assembly saving the
installer valuable time during installation. Inward of the flanges is a
shoulder against
which the tube abuts upon full insertion of the tube into the body of the
crimp sleeve
connector.
[0007] To provide a fluid-tight seal between the fitting and the tube one or
more o-rings is provided on the fitting. When the crimp band is crimped the
tube is
pressed against the fitting and the o-rings are squeezed, thus forming a fluid-
tight
seal.
[0008] The body of the crimp sleeve connector also includes an internal
groove formed on the inner wall of the body. The band portion of the crimp
band
nests in the groove. The crimp sleeve connector body also includes a window
formed in one of its walls. When the crimp band is positioned within the crimp
sleeve
connector body the crimp ear extends substantially through the window.
[0009] To use the crimp sleeve connector of the present invention, the
installer places the crimp sleeve connector onto the fitting until the flanges
of the
body engage the channel of the fitting. The crimp sleeve connector is thus
installed
on the fitting. The installer next inserts the tube into the crimp sleeve
connector body
until the end of the tube abuts the shoulder formed within the crimp sleeve
connector
body. At that point the tube is fully inserted into the crimp sleeve connector
body.
[0010] Crimping of the crimp sleeve connector is effected using a crimping
tool having a pair of opposed jaws for engagement with the crimping walls of
the
crimp ear. When the installer applies force to the crimping tool such that the
opposed jaws press against the crimping walls, the crimping walls are moved in
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
4
toward one another and the diameter of the crimping band is thus reduced. The
reduced diameter causes the tube to squeeze inwardly against the fitting.
[0011] The present invention also provides a system by which the installer can
know visually and with certainty that the crimp sleeve connector has been
crimped.
To this end a crimp indicator is provided around the crimp sleeve connector.
The
crimp indicator is specifically positioned over the crimp ear. The crimp
indicator is
composed of an elastic and flexible polymerized material in the form of a band
or
tape. The crimp indicator is preferably stretched over the crimp sleeve
connector
[0012] Once the crimping tool is placed on the clamp connector the tool is
manipulated by squeezing, in addition to crimping the crimp ear the opposed
jaws of
the crimping tool cut through the flexible band, thus freeing the band from
the clamp
connector and indicating to the installer that the clamp connector has been
crimped
and verifies that the crimp operation has been completed by the installer.
[0013] The arrangement of the present invention offers a variety of
advantages over the prior art.
[0014] The present invention has several useful features when compared with
the prior art. For example, the crimp sleeve connector can be used to attach
many
different types of pipe made from a variety of materials, such as plastic,
rubber,
and/or a combination of plastic and metal or multi-layer pipes.
[0015] In addition, the fitting can be made from any type of metal or plastic
material. The fitting can include one or more barbs of any shape or design as
well
as o-rings in addition to or instead of the barbs.
[0016] The indicator system provides the installer with instant recognition of
the state of the crimping of the crimp band. The crimp band indicator of the
present
invention may be readily attached to the crimp sleeve connector at the
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
manufacturing stage or the crimp band indicator may be attached to a crimp
sleeve
connector as an after-market indicator. The crimp band indicator of the
present
invention is also inexpensive to produce and to operate.
[0017] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent
when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiments
when
taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should
now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the
accompanying
drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the assembled tube, fitting
and
crimp sleeve connector of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the assembled tube, fitting, and crimp
sleeve connector shown in Figure 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the components shown in Figure 2;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 but showing each
illustrated
component in section;
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a modified version of the
assembled tube, fitting and crimp sleeve connector of FIGS. 1 - 4 with the
crimp
sleeve connector having a crimp band indicator in position prior to crimping;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the assembled tube, fitting and crimp
sleeve connector shown in FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the tube, fitting and crimp sleeve
connector with the connector having the crimp band indicator of FIGS. 5 and 6;
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
6
[0026] FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of the assembled tube, fitting and
crimp sleeve connector with crimp band indicator of FIGS. 5 - 7 but showing
the
components in sectional view;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a view of the first step in using a crimping tool to crimp
the
crimp sleeve connector while simultaneously grasping the crimp band indicator;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a view of the second step in using the crimping tool to
crimp
the crimp sleeve connector while simultaneously breaking the crimp band
indicator
with the crimping tool; and
[0029] FIG. 11 is a view of the third step in using the crimping tool to crimp
the
crimp sleeve connector with the crimp band indicator having been broken.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] In the following figures, the same reference numerals will be used to
refer to the same components. In the following description, various operating
parameters and components are described for one constructed embodiment. These
specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant
to
be limiting.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the assembled tube,
fitting and crimp sleeve connector, generally illustrated as 10, is shown. It
is to be
understood that the illustrated size and shape of the assembly 10 is shown for
illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. The assembly 10 is
illustrated
in cross-section in FIG. 2.
[0032] Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the assembly 10 includes a tube
12 that may be composed of a variety of materials including plastic or vinyl.
In
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
7
addition, the tube 12 may have a core composed of a metal, such as aluminum,
and
have a wrapping of a polymerized material.
[0033] The assembly 10 further includes a fitting 14 to which the tube 12 is
connected. The fitting 14 is illustrated as being of the threaded type.
However it is
to be understood that the fitting 14 may be of a variety of types and designs.
In
addition, the fitting 14 may be composed of a wide variety of materials
including a
plastic, a nylon or a metal. A pair of spaced apart o-rings 16, 16' is fitted
near the
connected end of the fitting 14 in channels formed in the fitting 14. The o-
rings 16,
16' may be made from a known variety of polymerized material and are provided
to
form a fluid-tight seal between the tube 12 and the fitting 14. While two o-
rings 16,
16' are shown it is to be understood that a single o-ring may be used as well
as more
than the illustrated two o-rings. In addition, the one or more o-rings may be
placed
along the fitting 14 at different locations other than those shown. In
addition, the o-
rings may alternatively be provided on the inside of the tube 12. The object
of the
o-rings and their placement is to provide a fluid-tight seal between the tube
12 and
the fitting 14.
[0034] Holding the tube 12 and the fitting 14 together is a crimp sleeve
connector 18. The crimp sleeve connector 18 includes a body 20 and a crimp
band
22. The body 20 is preferably composed of a polymerized material such as a
plastic. The crimp band 22 is formed from a metal.
[0035] The body 20 of the crimp sleeve connector 18 includes a narrow end
24 and a wide end 26. The wide end 26 includes a slight bevel as illustrated.
The
narrow end 24 includes an internal flange 28 which is fittable into a channel
30
radially formed on the fitting 14. Formed inwardly of the internal flange 28
is a
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
8
shoulder 32 which acts as a wall so that the end of the tube 12 stops on
insertion
into the crimp sleeve connector 18.
[0036] The crimp band 22 is provided in a groove 34 formed radially in the
inner wall of the body 20. The crimp band 22 includes a crimp ear 36 and a
band
portion 38. The crimp ear 36 extends radially outwardly from the band portion
38.
The crimp ear 36 includes a pair of spaced apart crimp tool-receiving walls 40
and
40' of which one, wall 40, is seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The crimp tool-
receiving
walls 40 and 40' are joined by a bridge 42. When the teeth of a crimp tool
(not
shown) are applied to either side of the crimp tool-receiving walls 40 and 40'
and
pressure is applied to the tool, the walls 40 and 40' are pushed toward one
another
and the band portion 38 is compressed against the tube 12, thereby locking by
compressive force the tube 12 against the fitting 14. The method of fitting is
described and illustrated more fully in co-pending U.S. Serial No. 10/921,536,
incorporated herein by reference.
[0037] The tube 12, fitting 14, crimp band 22, and body 20 are shown in
exploded views in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. in FIG. 3 the exploded components are
shown
whole while in FIG. 4 the components are each shown in section. These views
help
to illustrate some of the details of the construction of the present
invention. With
regard to the body 20, a window 44 is defined therein through which the crimp
ear 36
passes when the crimp band 22 is positioned within the groove 34 of the body
20.
Also illustrated in greater detail is the channel 30 and its formation
adjacent a radial
wall 46 which functions as a stop against which the body 20 is braced when in
position on the fitting 14. The other wall of the channel 30 is a radial
shoulder 47.
The radial wall 46 and the radial shoulder 47 define the channel 30
therebetween.
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
9
[0038] To use the crimp sleeve connector 18 to connect the tube 12 and the
fitting 14, the crimp sleeve connector 18 (with the band 22 in place in the
groove 34
of the body 20) is first placed on the fitting 14 by a sliding movement
followed by a
snap fit. Specifically, and to this end, both FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 also provide
an
advantageous view of the construction of the narrow end 24 of the body 20.
Particularly, the narrow end 24 includes a plurality of legs 48, 48', and 48".
Because
the body 20 is composed of a polymerized material, the legs 48, 48' and 48"
are
somewhat flexible in relation to the body 20. This construction allows for the
flange
28 (formed on each of the legs 48, 48' and 48") to resiliently move outwardly
and
over the radial shoulder 47 of the fitting 14 as the body is inserted onto the
crimp
sleeve connector 18 is fitted on the fitting 14. The flanges 28 of each of the
legs 48,
48' and 48" snap fit into the channel 30.
[0039] Once the crimp sleeve connector 18 is positioned on the fitting 14, the
tube 12 is inserted into the wide end 26 of the body 20. The tube 12 is pushed
into
the body 20 until the end of the tube 12 abuts the shoulder 32 at which point
inward
movement of the tube 12 into the body 20 is halted.
[0040] Thereafter the crimping tool is used to crimp the crimp ear 36 and the
band 22 is drawn tight against the tube 12 which, in turn, is drawn tight
against the
fitting 14. This arrangement, in conjunction with the o-rings 16 and 16',
forms a fluid-
tight connection between the tube 12 and the fitting 14.
[0041] It may be desired by the user to readily visualize whether or not the
crimp sleeve connector 18 has been crimped. Accordingly, a variation of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 11 in
which an
indicator system is provided on the crimp sleeve connector.
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
[0042] With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated as an assembly 110 which includes a tube 112
which
is composed of the same materials as the tube 12. The assembly 110 further
includes a fitting 114 to which the tube 112 is connected. A pair of spaced
apart o-
rings 116, 116' is provided on the fitting 114.
[0043] A crimp sleeve connector 118 is provided and includes a body 120 and
a crimp band 122. The body 120 of the crimp sleeve connector 118 includes a
narrow end 124 and a wide end 126. The narrow end 124 includes an internal
flange 128 which is fittable into a channel 130 radially defined in the
fitting 114. A
shoulder 132 is formed inwardly of the internal flange 128. The shoulder 132
is a
wall against which the end of the tube 112 is halted when the tube 112 is
inserted
into the crimp sleeve connector 118.
[0044] A groove 134 is formed inside of the body 120 to receive and retain the
crimp band 122. A crimp ear 136 extends from a band portion 138 of the crimp
band
122.
[0045] As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 which both illustrated
exploded views of the assembly 110, the crimp ear 136 includes a pair of
spaced
apart crimp tool-receiving walls 140 and 140' which are joined by a bridge
142.
Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a window 144 is formed through the body 120
through which the crimp ear 136 is passed when the crimp band 122 is
positioned
within the groove 134 of the body 120. The construction of the channel 130 is
also
clearly shown in FIG. 7 and Fig. 8. The channel 130 is formed between a radial
wall
146 and a radial shoulder 147. A pair of opposed walls 145 and 145' are formed
in
the body 120. The pair of opposed walls 145 and 145' define two opposed ends
of
the window 144 and provide a slot which guides the jaws of the crimping tool
(shown
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
11
in FIGS. 9 through 11 and discussed in relation thereto). The opposed walls
145
and 145' thus enable the operator to more readily locate and apply appropriate
pressure to the crimping ear 136, an arrangement which provides great time
savings
and improved crimping.
[0046] Also visible in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are a pair of legs 148 and 148'. The
construction and function of the legs 148 and 148' are essentially the same as
construction and function of the legs 48, 48' and 48". Each of the legs 148
and 148'
includes a flange 128. The flanges 128 snap fit into the channel 130 upon
attachment of the crimp sleeve connector 118 onto the fitting 114.
[0047] Assembly of the fitting 114, the tube 112 and the crimp sleeve
connector 118 is the same as discussed above with respect to the assembly 10.
[0048] An additional and distinguishing feature of the embodiment of the crimp
sleeve connector illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8 is the addition of an
indicator
system which is provided to make clear to the installer by a quick visual
glance
whether or not the crimp sleeve connector has been crimped. To accomplish
this, a
crimp indicator 150 is provided around the crimp sleeve connector 118 and is
in part
specifically positioned over the crimp ear 136. The crimp indicator 150 is
preferably
composed of an elastic and flexible polymerized material in the form of a band
or
tape. The crimp indicator 150 is preferably stretched over the crimp sleeve
connector 118. When the crimp sleeve connector 118 is in position on the tube
112
and the fitting crimp indicator 150 is missing from the crimp sleeve connector
118 it
can be presumed by the installer that the crimp sleeve connector 118 has
already
been crimped.
[0049] The crimping of the crimp sleeve connector 118 and the substantially
simultaneous breaking and release of the crimp indicator 150 is illustrated in
step-
CA 02643460 2008-08-22
WO 2007/101110 PCT/US2007/062729
12
wise views in FIGS. 9 through 11 in which a crimping tool 152 is shown. The
crimping tool 152 includes a pair of opposed crimping and cutting jaws 154 and
154'.
The crimping tool 152 shown is for illustrative purposes and it is to be
understood
that a single crimping tool 152 may be used to crimp a wide variety of
connectors
regardless of the width of the crimp ear. This flexibility enables easier
installation of
the connector of the present invention in that the installer need only rely on
one
crimping tool 152 rather than several.
[0050] In FIG. 9 the crimping tool 152 is shown spaced apart from the
assembly 110 and the crimp band indicator 150. In FIG. 10 the crimping tool
152 is
shown in position on the crimp ear 136 and the overlapping crimp indicator 150
while
crimping and cutting is being undertaken by the opposed jaws 154 and 154'. In
FIG.
11 the crimping tool 152 is shown as having completed the crimping and cutting
operation whereby the crimp indicator 150 has been cut and released and the
crimp
sleeve connector 118 has been crimped and is positioned so as to hold the tube
112
in place in the fitting 114.
[0051] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes a exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily
recognize
from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims that
various
changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing
from
the true spirit and fair scope of the invention as defined by the following
claims.
