Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CA 02882909 2015-02-25
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CANADA
PATENT APPLICATION
PIASETZKI NENNIGER KVAS LLP
File No.: WEBB235/SPS
Title: CLIP FOR ADJUSTABLE PIPE FITTING
Inventor(s): Shawn D. Bush
Rock R. Allard, III
CA 02882909 2015-02-25
CLIP FOR ADJUSTABLE PIPE FITTING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a plumbing connector utilizing a clip
structure to
securely connect two pipe fittings.
Description of Related Art
[0002] Generally, two pipe fittings are connected to one another using
threaded connections,
wherein the first fitting has external threads and the second fitting has
internal threads. The
internal threads of the first fitting are threaded onto the external threads
of the second fitting and
the connection is tightened. Often, it is desired that one of the fittings
have a specific orientation
relative the other fitting. For example, when attaching an elbow to a valve,
depending on the
design of the valve and/or the system, it may be desirable that the elbow
extend away from the
valve in a certain direction, for example, to the left, to the right, upward,
or downward. This
ability to reorient the fittings may be particularly desirable with flush
valve fittings used in a
small or restrictive environment. With the threaded fitting described above,
the orientation of the
fittings relative to one another is determined by the threads and the amount
of torque that is used
to tighten the connection. If, upon tightening of the connection, the fittings
are not in the desired
orientation relative to one another, the only option is to rotate the fittings
relative to one another
by applying more torque to tighten the connection further which is often not
possible, or by
loosening the connection which can lead to leaks. Thus, a plumbing connection
system is
needed where a secure connection is made between the fittings, yet the
fittings are able to rotate
freely relative to one another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to address some or
all of the
deficiencies in the prior art.
[0004] According to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention,
provided is a pipe connector comprising a clip, first pipe fitting, and second
pipe fitting. The clip
comprises a cross member having a first end and a second end and a leg
extending from each of
the first end and the second end of the cross member. The first pipe fitting
comprises a
connecting portion having a circular cross-section and comprising a first end,
a second end, and a
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sidewall extending therebetween, the sidewall comprising two slots and two
extension portions,
each extension portion defining one of the two slots, and each slot having at
least one opening.
The second pipe fitting comprises a connecting portion having a circular cross-
section, and a first
end, a second end, a sidewall extending therebetween, and a first
circumferential groove in an
outer diameter of the sidewall. The sidewall of the second pipe fitting has an
outer diameter
smaller than the inner diameter of the first pipe fitting, and the connecting
portion of the second
pipe fitting is adapted to be inserted into the connecting portion of the
first pipe fitting, and the
first circumferential groove in the connecting portion of the second pipe
fitting aligns with the
two slots in the first pipe fitting when the second pipe fitting is inserted
into the first pipe fitting.
The legs of the clip engage the first circumferential groove in the connecting
portion of the
second pipe fitting when the second pipe fitting is inserted into the first
pipe fitting and the legs
of the clip extend through the two slots, thereby allowing the first pipe
fitting and the second
pipe fitting to rotate with respect to one another.
[0005] In non-limiting embodiments, the legs each comprise an arcuate portion,
and the
arcuate portions engage the first circumferential groove. Each of the slots
may have two
openings. In non-limiting embodiments, the connecting portion of the second
pipe fitting further
comprises a flange having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of
the sidewall of the
first pipe fitting, wherein the flange abuts the first end of the first pipe
fitting to limit the distance
which the connecting portion of the second pipe fitting may be inserted into
the first pipe fitting.
[0006] The second pipe fitting may also include, in non-limiting embodiments,
a second
circumferential groove on the outer diameter of the sidewall of the connecting
portion and an 0-
ring inserted in the second circumferential groove. In non-limiting
embodiments, the second
circumferential groove containing the 0-ring is closer to the first end of the
connecting portion
of the second pipe fitting than the first circumferential groove. The 0-ring
may have a thickness
greater than a depth of the second circumferential groove.
[0007] In non-limiting embodiments, the width of the legs of the clip is
greater than a depth of
the first circumferential groove. Further, the sidewall of the connecting
portion of the first pipe
fitting may comprise two portions: a first portion adjacent the first end and
having a first inner
diameter and a second portion adjacent the second end and having a second
inner diameter,
wherein the second inner diameter of the second portion is smaller than the
first inner diameter
of the first portion and a ledge is created where the first portion meets the
second portion. In
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,
,
non-limiting embodiments, the sidewall of the connecting portion of the second
pipe fitting may
also include two portions: a first portion adjacent the first end and having a
first outer diameter,
and a second portion adjacent the second end and having a second outer
diameter, wherein the
second outer diameter of the second portion is greater than the first outer
diameter of the first
portion and a ledge is created where the first portion meets the second
portion.
[0008] In non-limiting embodiments, the inner diameter of the sidewall is
reduced creating a
ledge at the second end of the first pipe fitting. The first end of the second
pipe fitting may abut
the ledge. Further, in some non-limiting embodiments, the distance between the
legs of the clip
is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the second pipe fitting at a
bottom of the first
circumferential groove.
[0009] According to another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is
a pipe
connection arrangement for a flush valve, comprising a flush valve comprising
a first pipe fitting
including a connecting portion having a sidewall comprising two slots, an
elbow pipe fitting
comprising a connecting portion adapted to be inserted into the connecting
portion of the first
pipe fitting, and a clip. The connecting portion of the second pipe fitting
may include at least
one circumferential groove. The clip comprises two legs adapted to extend
through the two slots
in the sidewall of the first pipe fitting and, when the first pipe fitting is
inserted into the second
pipe fitting and the clip is inserted into the two slots, the legs of the clip
engage the at least one
circumferential groove in the connecting portion of the second pipe fitting
such that the elbow
pipe fitting and first pipe fitting are connected and rotate with respect to
one another.
[0010] In non-limiting embodiments, the first pipe fitting comprises an
extended portion and a
non-extended portion, the extended portion having an outer diameter greater
than an outer
diameter of the non-extended portion, and the extended portion comprises the
two slots. In non-
limiting embodiments, each of the legs comprise an arcuate portion, wherein
the arcuate portions
engage the first circumferential groove. Further, the elbow pipe fitting may
also comprise a
second circumferential groove on the outer diameter of the sidewall of the
connecting portion
and an 0-ring inserted in the second circumferential groove. In non-limiting
embodiments, the
inner diameter of the sidewall is reduced creating a ledge at the second end
of the first pipe
fitting, and the first end of the elbow pipe fitting abuts the ledge.
[0011] According to a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided
is a pipe
connection arrangement for a flush valve, comprising a flush valve and a clip.
The flush valve
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comprises a connecting portion having a sidewall, the sidewall comprising two
openings, the
connecting portion adapted to receive a connecting portion of an elbow pipe
fitting. The clip
comprises two legs each having arcuate portions, the two legs adapted to be
inserted into the two
openings in the sidewall of the first pipe fitting and, when the first pipe
fitting is inserted into the
elbow pipe fitting and the clip is inserted into the two openings, the arcuate
portions of the legs
engage an outer sidewall of the elbow pipe fitting such that the elbow pipe
fitting and flush valve
are connected. The clip facilitates the elbow pipe fitting to rotate with
respect to the flush valve.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the connecting portion of the flush valve
comprises two extended
portions opposite each other, the two extended portions defining the two
openings.
[0012] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention,
as well as the
methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and
the combination of
parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the
following description and the appended claims with reference to the
accompanying drawings, all
of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate
corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood,
however, that the
drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not
intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and
the claims, the singular
form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the plumbing connector before making
the connection;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plumbing connector after making the
connection;
[0015] FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view of the plumbing connector of FIG. 1
along axis A-A;
[0016] FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of the plumbing connector of FIG. 2
along axis B-B;
[0017] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the plumbing connector of FIG. 2
along axis C-C
before the clip has been fully inserted;
[0018] FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view of the plumbing connector of FIG. 2
along axis C-C after
full insertion of the clip;
[0019] FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of the plumbing connector and a
flush valve;
[0020] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the plumbing connector and flush valve
shown in FIG.
7A; and
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[0021] FIGS. 7C-7D are perspective views of the plumbing connector and flush
valve of
FIGS. 7A and 7B in differing orientations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end", "upper",
"lower", "right",
"left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal",
and derivatives thereof
shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be
understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations,
except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following
specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered as limiting.
Further, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various
alternative variations except
where expressly specified to the contrary.
[0023] FIGS. 1-6 depict a plumbing connection 10 according to a preferred and
non-limiting
embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plumbing connection 10 comprises a
first pipe
fitting 12 and a second pipe fitting 14. In this embodiment, the first pipe
fitting 12 is an inlet for
a valve and the second pipe fitting 14 is an elbow. However, the two fittings
12, 14 may be
chosen from any number of plumbing fittings including, but not limited to,
straight pipe sections,
tees, outlets of valves, and the like.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in non-limiting embodiments the first pipe
fitting 12 has a
connecting portion 16 having a circular cross-section and comprising a first
end 18, a second end
20, and a sidewall 22 extending therebetween. The sidewall 22 of the first
fitting 12 includes
opposing extension portions 24 placed directly opposite one another. In some
examples, the
sidewall 22 may be thick enough to not have extension portions 24. As shown in
FIG. 3, the
outer diameter X of the sidewall 22 at the extension portions 24 is greater
than the outer diameter
Y of the non-extended portions of the sidewall 22 and the inner diameter x of
the sidewall 22 at
the extension portions 24 is greater than the inner diameter y of the non-
extended portions of the
sidewall 22. The extension portions 24 define slots 26 in the sidewall 22. It
will be appreciated
that, in some embodiments without extension portions 24, the slots may pass
through a thicker
sidewall. Each slot 26 has a top opening 28 and a bottom opening 30. It will
be appreciated that
the slots may be any type of opening in the sidewalls of a fitting. A slot may
be substantially
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straight, curved, or in any other shape, and may run through the sidewall
(i.e., have two
openings) or only partially through the sidewall (i.e., have one opening).
[0025] The second pipe fitting 14, in non-limiting embodiments, has a
connecting portion 32
having a circular cross-section and comprising a first end 34, a second end
36, a sidewall 38
extending therebetween, and a first circumferential groove 40 in the outer
diameter of the
sidewall 38. The connecting portion 32 may not have any threads. The outer
diameter of the
sidewall 38 of the second fitting 14 is smaller than the inner diameter of the
non-extended
portion of the sidewall 22 of the first fitting 12. The connecting portion 32
of the second fitting
14 is inserted into the connecting portion 16 of the first fitting 12 such
that the first
circumferential groove 40 on the outer diameter of the sidewall 38 of the
second fitting 14 aligns
with the slots 26 in the extension portions 24 of the first fitting 12.
[0026] In non-limiting embodiments, several additional features may be
provided in the
connecting portions of the first 12 and second 14 fittings to ensure alignment
of the first
circumferential groove 40 in the second fitting 14 with the slots 26 in the
extension portions 24
of the sidewall 22 of the first fitting 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, all of the
described features are shown; however, it is to be understood that any
individual feature may be
used alone or in any combination with any other feature.
[0027] In non-limiting embodiments, a flange 42 may be provided on the second
end 36 of the
connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14. The flange 42 has an outer
diameter greater than
the inner diameter of the non-extended portion of the sidewall 22 of the first
fitting 12. The
flange 42 abuts the first end 18 of the connecting portion 16 of the first
fitting 12 limiting the
distance that the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 may be
inserted into the first
fitting 12. The distance between the bottom 44 of the flange 42 of the second
fitting 14 and the
first circumferential groove 40 of the second fitting 14 and the distance
between the first end 18
of the connecting portion 16 of the first fitting 12 and the slots 26 in the
extension portions 24 of
the sidewall 22 of the first fitting 12 are the same so that insertion of the
connecting portion 32 of
the second fitting 14 into the connecting portion 16 of the first fitting 12
such that the bottom 44
of the flange 42 of the second fitting 14 abuts the first end 18 of the
connecting portion 16 of the
first fitting 12 results in alignment of the first circumferential groove 40
in the second fitting 14
with the slots 26 in the first fitting 12.
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[0028] Alternatively, or in addition, at the second end 20 of the connecting
portion 16 of the
first fitting 12, a portion 46 of the sidewall 22 may have an inner diameter
that is less than the
inner diameter of the non-extended portion of the sidewall 22 creating a ledge
48. The first end
34 of the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 abuts the ledge 48 of
the first fitting 12
limiting the distance that the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14
may be inserted into
the first fitting 12. The distance between the first end 34 of the connecting
portion 32 of the
second fitting 14 and the first circumferential groove 40 and the distance
between the ledge 48 of
the first fitting 12 and the slots 26 in the extension portions 24 of the
sidewall 22 of the first
fitting 12 are the same so that insertion of the connecting portion 32 of the
second fitting 14 into
the connecting portion 16 of the first fitting 12 such that the ledge 48 of
the first fitting 12 abuts
the first end 34 of the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 results
in alignment of the
first circumferential groove 40 in the second fitting 14 with the slots 26 in
the first fitting 12.
[0029] Alternatively, or in addition, the non-extended sidewall 22 of the
connecting portion 16
of the first pipe fitting 12 may comprise two portions: a first portion 50
adjacent the first end 18
of the connecting portion 16 and having a first inner diameter and a second
portion 52 adjacent
the second end 20 of the connecting portion 16 and having a second inner
diameter. The second
inner diameter of the second portion 52 is smaller than the first inner
diameter of the first portion
50 and a ledge 54 is created where the first portion 50 meets the second
portion 52. The
extension portions 24 of the sidewall 22 of the first pipe fitting 12 are
located in the first portion
50 of the sidewall 22 of the first pipe fitting 12.
[0030] In non-limiting embodiments, the sidewall 22 of the connecting portion
32 of the
second pipe fitting 14 may also comprise two portions: a first portion 56
adjacent the first end 34
and having a first outer diameter and a second portion 58 adjacent the second
end 36 and having
a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter of the second
portion 58 is greater
than the first outer diameter of the first portion 56 and a ledge 60 is
created where the first
portion 56 meets the second portion 58. The first circumferential groove 40 is
located in the
second portion 58 of the sidewall 22 of the second pipe fitting 14.
[0031] The ledge 48 of the first fitting 12 abuts the ledge 60 of the second
fitting 14 limiting
the distance that the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 may be
inserted into the first
fitting 12. The distance between the ledge 60 of the second fitting 14 and the
first
circumferential groove 40 and the distance between the ledge 48 of the first
fitting 12 and the
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slots 26 in the extension portions 24 of the sidewall 22 of the first fitting
12 are the same so that
insertion of the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 into the
connecting portion 16 of
the first fitting 12 such that the ledges 48, 60 abut one another which
results in alignment of the
first circumferential groove 40 in the second fitting 14 with the slots 26 in
the first fitting 12.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6, a U-shaped clip 62 is shown according
to a preferred
but non-limiting embodiment. The clip 62 is provided for securely, yet
rotatably, connecting the
first fitting 12 to the second fitting 14. The clip 62 comprises a cross
member 64 having a first
end 66 and a second end 68 and a leg 70 extending from each end 66, 68 of the
cross member 64.
The legs 70 are generally parallel to one another and perpendicular to the
cross member 64,
however it will be appreciated that the cross member 64 may also be curved.
The legs 70 may
take any shape such that each leg 70 is adapted to pass through the top
opening 28 of the slot 26
in an extension portion 24 of the sidewall 22 of the first fitting 12, or in
the sidewall 22 in
embodiments not including an extension portion 24. In some examples, when the
slot extends
through the sidewall 22, the legs may extend through the slot 26 and out of
the bottom 30 of the
slot 26. Each leg 70 is also adapted to engage both the first circumferential
groove 40 in the
connecting portion 32 of the second pipe fitting 14 and the slots 26 in the
extension portions 24
of the first pipe fitting 12 when the leg 70 is placed through the slot 26 to
securely connect the
first pipe fitting 12 and the second pipe fitting 14. Therefore, the width of
at least part of the leg
70 is greater than the depth of the first circumferential groove 40 in order
to allow a portion of
the leg 70 to engage the slot 26.
[0033] The clip 62 securely connects the first fitting 12 to the second
fitting 14 by clamping
onto the first circumferential groove 40 in the second fitting 14 and
attaching the second fitting
14 to the first fitting 12 via engagement of the legs 70 with the slots 26
defined by the extension
portions 24 of the sidewall 22 of the first fitting 12 and the engagement of
the cross member 64
with the outer diameter of the sidewall 22 of the connecting portion 16 of the
first fitting 12.
Also, the extension portions 24 of the sidewall 22 of the first fitting 12
allow the legs 70 to flex
out and away from the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 to aid
insertion and
removal of the clip 62, yet still provide a cover for the legs 70 of the clip
62 to make it more
difficult for the clip 62 to accidently become disengaged from the second
fitting 14, thus
providing additional security to the connection.
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[0034] In non-limiting embodiments, the legs 70 of the clip 62 may have
several additional
features to improve the ease of insertion of the clip 62 into the slots 26
and/or improve the
securement of the first fitting 12 to the second fitting 14. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 5
and 6, all of the described features are shown; however, it is to be
understood that any individual
feature may be used alone or in any combination with any other feature.
[0035] For example, with continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the legs 70 may
include an
arcuate portion 72 in non-limiting embodiments. The arcuate portion 72 of the
legs 70 may be
adapted to engage the first circumferential groove 40 in the outer diameter of
the sidewall 22 of
the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 and generally have a curve
that corresponds to
the curved surface of the bottom 30 of the first circumferential groove 40.
The maximum
distance between the arcuate portions 72 of the legs 70 may be equal to or
smaller than the outer
diameter of the sidewall 38 of the second fitting 14 at the bottom 30 of the
first circumferential
groove 40 so that the arcuate portions 72 of the legs 70 tightly clamp the
second fitting 14. The
arcuate portions 72 may be distanced along the length of the legs 70 such
that, when the arcuate
portions 72 engage the first circumferential groove 40 in the outer diameter
of the sidewall 38 of
the second fitting 14 and the slots 26 in the extension portions 24 of the
sidewall 22 of the first
fitting 12, the cross member 64 contacts the outer diameter of the sidewall 22
of the connecting
portion 16 of the first fitting 12.
[0036] In addition, or alternatively, the legs 70 of the clip 62 may comprise
a contact surface
74 at the end of the leg 70 that is not connected to the cross member 64. The
distance between
the contact surfaces 74 of the legs 70 is smaller than the outer diameter of
the sidewall 38 of the
second fitting 14 at the bottom 30 of the first circumferential groove 40.
Thus, when the clip 62
is inserted into the slots 26 defined by the extension portions 24 of the
sidewall 22 of the first
fitting 12, the legs 70 are pushed away from one another by the contact of the
contact surfaces 74
of the legs 70 with the bottom 30 of the first circumferential groove 40 in
the sidewall 38 of the
second fitting 14 (FIG. 5). The legs 70 are at a greater distance apart when
the contact surfaces
74 of the legs 70 contact the bottom 30 of the first circumferential groove 40
at the diameter of
the sidewall 38 of the contacting portion 32 of the second fitting 14. As the
contact surfaces 74
of the legs 70 proceed past the diameter of the sidewall 38 of the connecting
portion 32 of the
second fitting 14, they gradually move back towards one another. When the clip
62 has been
inserted to the point where the cross member 64 contacts the outer diameter of
the sidewall 22 of
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the connecting portion 16 of the first fitting 12, the contact surfaces 74 of
the legs 70 may be in
contact with the bottom 30 of the first circumferential groove 40 such that
the clip 62 is clamped
onto the connecting portion 32 of the second fitting 14 by the contact
surfaces 74 as well as the
arcuate portions 72 if they are present (FIG. 6).
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting portion 32 of the second
fitting 14 may
further comprise a second circumferential groove 76 closer to the first end 34
of the connecting
portion 32 of the second fitting 14 than the first circumferential groove 40.
If the connecting
portion 32 of the second fitting 14 has two portions 56, 58 having different
outer diameters and
forming a ledge 60 as described above, the second circumferential groove 76 is
located in the
first portion 56 adjacent the first end 34 of the connecting portion 32. An 0-
ring 78 is placed in
the second circumferential groove 76. The thickness of the 0-ring 78 is
greater than the depth of
the second circumferential groove 76 such that the 0-ring 78 is compressed
between the outer
diameter of the second fitting 14 and the inner diameter of the first fitting
12 to form a water
tight seal.
[0038] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the plumbing connector 10 used to connect a
flush valve 80 to a
second pipe fitting 14 according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment.
FIG. 7A illustrates
an exploded view of the plumbing connector 10, including the arrangement of
the first end 34 of
the second fitting 14, the U-shaped clip 62, and a flush valve 80. FIG. 7B
illustrates the
plumbing connector 10 with the second fitting 14 in an upright position. As
explained herein,
with the clip 62 in place, the second fitting 14 can be rotated with respect
to the flush valve 80
and, likewise, the flush valve 80 can be rotated with respect to the second
fitting 14. For
example, in FIG. 7C, the second fitting 14 is rotated to the right with
respect to the flush valve 80
and, conversely in FIG. 7D, the second fitting 14 is rotated to the left with
respect to the flush
valve 80. In this way, a flush valve 80 may be positioned in a restricted
space while providing
some flexibility in the arrangement of pipes.
[0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 7A-7D, an elbow fitting 14 connects
to the flush
valve 80 and can rotate with respect to the flush valve 80. This allows for
the flush valve 80 to
be installed in narrow spaces. In the embodiment shown, the flush valve 80
comprises a fitting
having slots that receive the U-shaped clip 62. However, it will be
appreciated that the elbow
fitting 14 may also include the slots and receive the U-shaped clip 62, such
that the features of
the respective fittings are reversed.
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[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the plumbing connector 10 may be adapted
to prevent
rotation of the second fitting 14 and/or flush valve 80 with respect to one
another when the clip
62 is in place. In this alternative embodiment, the second fitting 14 and/or
flush valve 80 may be
rotated prior to the clip 62 being inserted, or while the clip 62 is only
partially inserted, such that
the components are axially locked by the clip 62.
[0041] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of
illustration based
on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention
is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover
modifications and equivalent
arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of this specification. For
example, it is to be
understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent
possible, one or more
features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any
other
embodiment.
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