CA1209170A - Swivelable quick connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal is disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer is detachably secured to the housing and is cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.

Description

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AMD SUMMERY OF TffE rNVENllON
Ihe present invention relates Jo a CDnnector assembly for proYiding a swivelable quick connection.
rn the automotive industry, as well as for many other industries, the need always exists for low~costr reliable, and easy to assemble components. ibis need is especially apparent ffith respect to Froviding a connection between fluid carrying ccnduits, such as a fuel or refrigerant lines. In older threaded connectors, substantial assembly tome couhd be accumulated in screwing on a cap tD a fitting and tightening the cap down to the proper torque needed to provide for a fluid tight seal. Further, an inventory ~uld have to be maintained to keep track of the number of caps and fittings, and any liners or other components that may be necessary. Alto, retightening of the caps may be required to waintain the seal after the auto~cbile or other system has been put in use.
Accordingly, it is the prim2ry object of the present invention to provide an improved connector assembly for provi3ing a swivelable quick connection between fluid conveying oDnduits.
In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide n pre-assembled connecbor housing and retainer element so that a connection to a tubular fluid conveying conduit may be made in one step without resorting to any bcols.
Anothes object of the present invention is to provide a pre-assembled oonnector housing and retainer element 9~ that a snappiny connection may be made to a tubular fluid oonveying oondu~t.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pre-assembled connector conduit unit which requires only a one-step snapping connection to be joined to a connector housing.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved retainer element which operates to both secure the conduit in the axial bore of the housing and position the sealing element within the axial bore of the housing.
According to the present invention there is provided a swivelable connector assembly for providing a snap action quick connection. The assembly includes a tubular conduit adapted to convey fluid and formed with an annular projection disposed a predetermined distance from the end of the conduit to be connected. A housing is formed with an axial bore for receiving the conduit at a first end for providing a fluid path at a second end. Sealing means is disposed within the axial bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing. Retainer means is disposed generally within arl enlarged diameter portion of the axial bore of the housing and is detachably secured to the housing at the first end for cooperation with the annular projection of the conduit to secure the conduit in its operative position within the axial bore of the housing.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the housing includes an inwardly extending annular lip at the first end. Retainer means includes at least two cir-cumferentially spaced resilient radiallydeformable leg members extending from an integral column member at one B

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end thereof. Each of the leg members has an outwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive the inwardly extending annular lip of the housing for securing the retainer means to the housing. An inwardly openedchannel portion is adapted to receive the annular projection of the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the axial bore of the housing. The leg members of the retainer means are adapted to deform radially inwardly into the enlarged diameter portion of the bore means in response to the insertion of the conduit into the axial bore of the housing and through the column memher of the retainer means and permit the annular projection of the conduit to snap into the inwardly opened channel portion of each of the leg members.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided bushing means disposed on the conduit between the sealing means and the retainer element for positioning the sealing means within the axlal bore of the housing. The insertion of the conduit into the axial bore of the housing to unite the conduit and the housing 2G will concomitantly install the sealing meanC and the bushing means in the axial bore and detachably secure the retainer element to the housing.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which makes reference to the following set of drawings in which:
_RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective assembly view of a first embodiment of B

lZ09170 the prevent invention.
Figure 2 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-secticn, of the oonnecbor assembly of Figure 1.
Figure 3 i5 another view ox thy onnnector assembly of Figure 2, oehown in the bleed-do~n po6itlon.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of retainer element according to the present invention.
Figure 5 is a front elevation vie of a third embodiment of a retainer element according to the present ~n~ention.
Figute 6 is a front elevation view of a fiourth embcdiment of retainer element according to the present invention.
Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the retainer element of Figure 6 coupled to a housing according to the pre æ nt invention.
Figure 8 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of thR retainer element and housing ox Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of another emkodiment of the oonnector assembly according to the present invention.
Figure 10 ic a perspective view of a fifth embcdiment of retainer element, and its relationship to a conduit is illustrated.
Figure 11 is a siae elevation view of another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the present invention.
Figure 12 is a persFective view of the retainer element of Figure 11. , Figure 13 -is a persFective view of another emkodiment a the retainer el~n~nt for the connector assembly of Figure 11.
Figure 14 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section of another anbodinent of the connector assembly according tD the present inventlon.
Figure 15 us a side elevation view, partially in cross-secticn~

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of a oonnector assembly ~coording ED the present invention in partlally installed position.
Figure 16 is side elevation view, partially in cross-section, o the connector assembly illustrated in Figure 15 with the tubu~r conduit shown in its operative position in the axial bore of the hou~ng.
Figure 17 is a front elevation view of an inçrcNed retaines element.
Figure 18 is a side elevation view, partially in cross- æ ction, ox the retainer element illustrated in Figure 17, taken along lines ArPb Figure 19 is a side elevation view, pRrtially in cross-section cf the tubular oonduit illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.
Figure 2D is a side elevation view, partially in cross-sæction, o a connector assembly including a check valve unit and shown with the tubular conduit in its operative position within the axial bo;re of the housing.
Figure 21 is an enlarged side elevation view, portially D
cross-section, of the connector assembly illustrated in Figure 20, particularly showing the check valve unit when the tubular cDnauit us D t in its operative position within the axial bore of the housing.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a stuffer-plug accGrding to the present invention.
Figure 23 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-secticn with the housing shown in phantom, of the stuffer-plug illustrated in Figure 22 supForting the sealing and retainer element6.
Figure 24 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of a pre-assembled connector conduit unit according to the present invention protected by a remcvable, disposable ocher.
Figure 25 is a fractional side elevation view, p rtially on cros~-section, of a oonnector 3ssemb1y employing a U~cup sealing element.
Figure 26 is a side elevation view, partiaily in cross-section of `;
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an elbow cDnnec~nr assembly according to the present $nvention.
Figure 27 $s a perspective view, partially $n cro6s-section, of an æpparatus fcr manufacturinq the retainer element illustrated in Figures 17 and 18.
Figure 28 is a fractional f m nt elevation vlew of the ~nnufacturing apparatus illustrateA in Figure 27.
Figure 29 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of a core body and ejector forming port of the apparatus of Fiqure 27~
Pigure 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retainer element.
igure 31 is a perspective view of a tool which may be used to assist the disconnection of the tubular conduit frcm the connector housing.
Figure 32 is a siae elevation view partially $n cross-section of another connector assembly acoo¢ding to the present invention.
Figure ~3 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the connector assembly illustrated in Figure 32, particularly showing the retainer element in a partially installed position.
Figure 34 is a crcss-sectional 8ide elevation view of ançkher connector assembly according to the present invention.
Figure 35 is a cross-sectional side elevation vie of the connector assembly illustrated in Figure 34, particularly showing toe connector housing.
Figure 36 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, of another embodiment of a connector housing, particularly featuring an inteqral retainer Referring to Figure 1, a p rspective assembly view of a o~nnec~or assembly 10 according to the present invention is shown. me o~nnect~

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assembly is generally oomprised ox a tubular oonduit 12 adapteA bD ooouey fluid, a housing 14, and a retainer element 16. Conduit 12 is proYidb*
with an outwardly projecting annular surfa oe 18 displaced from a beveled oonnecting end 20 of the ocnduit. Annular surface lB is formed with a blocking wall portion 22 disposed transversely or perpendicularly to a oe ntral axis 24 of conduit 12, and a sloping will por*icn 26 graduahl~
increasinq fr x an outer surfa oe 28 of the conduit. Housing 14 my hove any suitable outer surface shape, and in one for of the present invention, the housing is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 3n~ z reduced diameter portion 32, and a third diameter portion 34. the hous m q is adapted to provide for apertures or openings 36 a h are equidistantly spaced around the circumferenoe of enlarge pact 311 the housing. Apertures 36 are prwided to reoeive and silt retaier element 16 transversely to axis 24 of the ~nduit. ffle retainEr el0~t is made frolT a resilient material, such as plastic-, arx7 is o;~ised aE a pair of generally parallel elongated legs 38 joined at one end my a woes for 40, which Elrovides a separation between the legs a~xina~ly equal to the outside Aia~eter of conduit 12. Each retainer leq 38 include a sloping lead area 42 formed in the interior side af the leg and a barb 44 projecting fran the exterior side of the 1~9. In ad~itian, each retainer leg further includes a first recess 46 ar~3 a send reo~
48 forl~ed in the front side of the leg.
Referring to Figure 2, a side elevation Yiew of or assembly 10 is shadn, partially in cmss-section, in a fully asserble~
position. Housing 14 is shown to he f~3rmed with a oentral hore 5n, an enlar~3ed dieter portion 52, a reduceA di~reter porticn 54, a t;hird diameter portion 56. Housing 14 also includes a bushing 58 ana art elastomeric ring 60 disposed $n thirA diameter portion 56 of housing central bore 50. eushing 5~. also includes a flange portion 62, which extenAs into enlarged diameter portion 52 of central hore 50~ A surface ` . ~2091'7~ , 64 ox flange poztion 62 it sped tD provide a slope corresponding to sloping wall portion 26 cf conduit 12.
In the preferred e~bodi~ent, cDnnector assembly 10 my be connected by first oGupling retainer element 16 to housing 14, ~rd then inserting connectin4 end 20 of oonduit 12 into central bore SO of the housing. Retainer element 16 is coupled eo housing 14 my ~nsertinq leys 38 into apertures 36a an 36h and out through apertures 36c and 36d~
Barbs 44 projects outwardly a distaoce sufficient to engage the upper edges of apertures 36c ana 36d an prevent the re~oYal of the retainer element fror the housing. Apertures 3S srd are shape sufficiently larye to Fermit both an inward and outward d`eflection o retainer legs 38. When retainer element 16 is being inserted into housing 14, the retainer lets deflect inwardly to pe mit barts 44 to extend through apertures 36c and 36d. then connecting end 2n of conduit 12 is be mg inserted into bore 5n of housing l the retainer legs deflect outwardlv bo permit annular surfaoe 18 to translate past the retainer legs. Sloppy ~zll portion 26 of annular surface 18 ooo~erates with sloping lead area ox retainer legs 38 to redu oe the force required to translate the annular surfa oe past the retainer legs. Aster oonduit 12 is fully inserted inb~ oe ntral tore 50 of housing 14, as shown in Figure 2, retainer legs 38 oooperate with blooking wall portion 22 of annular surface 18 to resist the disconnection or removal of oonduit 12 from housing 14.
An important feature of housing 14 is elastoreric ring 60. m is ring provides a fluid tight sell between conduit 12 and housing 14, end yet permits the oonduit to rotate or swivel relative to the housinq. Ring fin is positioned transversely to axis 24 of oonduit 12 by bushinq 58. large portion 62 of bushing 58 provides a jeans fGr impeding further insertion of oDnduit 12 within central bore 50 when surface 64 of flange portion 6 oontacts slcping wall portion 26 of annular uric oe 26 of the oon~uit.
Referring to Figure I, another view of oDnnector asserhly 10 is 7~

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shown. were, the crnnectc~ assembly i5 illu-~trated in the ~bleed-down~
po6ition. m is feature of the inventic~ say be u~e~ to safely disooQnect conduit 12 from housinq 14 when the fluicl pressure is greater than ambient. Accordingly, retainer element 16 is partially re~o~ed lif W
up bn the point where first ~n~ second recesses, 46 and 4B-respectively, permit the retainer element bD be translated boward a first f 66 of hDusinq 14, in the direction of the arrcws shown in Figure 2. Surfaces 68 end 70 of the retainer recesses will engaqe the vertical edges of a~er~ures 36 a-d adjacent to housing end 66, and prevent further axial translation of retainer element 16. Conduit l Jay then also bæ
translated toward housing end fi6, past the point where elas~oneric rin4 60 contacts conduit end 20. m is will interrupt the fluid tiqh~ # al, end permit the pressure of the fluid to rapidly decrease. when this seo~ is broken, leqs 38 of retainer element 16 will prevent the total e~ec~icn of the conduit for the housing under the or oe of the fluid Fressure by engaqing blockinq wall portion 22 of annular surface 18. ~fber the fluid pressure has decreased bo the ambient pressure, the oon~uit may then be translated back toward a second end 72 of the housing, SD that the retainer element nay be remcved. The conauit Jay then be nercved finon the housinq without any obstruction.
Referring to Figure 4, a seoond embodiment of a retainer e~erent 74 is shown. Retainer element 74 is similar to retainer elerent 16, an the reference numerals for the oorresponding oorponents are the ~a~e. As in the case of retainer element 16, retainer element 74 is an integral element, formed in any oonventional manner frG~ a resilient material, such as plastio. m e difference between these retainers resides in the let areas formed in the sides of the legs 38. Retainer element N i8 forred with an annular outwardly extending lead area 76 in each ox the legs.

Lead areas 76 have aFproximately the same thickness as the thickness of legs 38. Lead areas 76 may ext2nd to the back surface o retainer elerent _ 9 _ .~ .

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74, or may only partially extend the wndth of legs 38, us shown in F$quxe 4 at referen oe numeral 78. on oontrast, lead areas 42 o retainer element 16 do not outwardly extend. Rather, lea aYeas 42 are recesced in tbe anterior sides of legs 38 for retainer element }6. m us, the thinness of legs 38 or retainer element 16 is redb~ed at the frost a oe of the legs, and gradually increases to the nDr~l leg thichness at the buck ~urf~ce.
eferring to Figure 5, a third embodiment of a retainer ellerent 80 is shown. Retainer element 8~ is also i~te~ded for use with housing 14 shown in Figure 1. Retainer ele x nt 80 is no from a resilient material, an is comprised of a pair o generally ~rallel elonqated leqs 82 joiner at one end by a cross nember 84, which us extended to fi~E~ annular ~e~bers 86. These annular members generally oo~fi~n tD and partially encircle the outside surface of enlargea dia~etOE pin 30 of housing ~4. Annular r~bers 86 are each formed with a barb 8~ and a handle 90. Iegs 82 are each formed wnth a lead area 92 similar on: shape to lead area 42 for legs 38 of retainer element lfi.
Retainer elemRnt 80 is ooupled to housing 14 by inserting legs 82 into apertures 36a and 36b. As legs 82 aye being inserted, annular mR~bers 86 deflect outwardly to permit their translation round the outside surfa oe of housing 14. Wren the retainer element is fully inserted, barbs 88 will extend inwardly into apertures 36c and 36d to lock the retainer element in place. Hbndles 90 are osed to assist the remDval of retainer element 80 from housing 14, which is achieved by deflecting annular member 86 outwardly to disengage barbs 8~ from the apertures an lifting the retainer element out from the housing.
Referring to Figure S, a fourth emhodirent of a retainer element 94 is shown. Again, retainer element may be used with housing 14, and ~8 m2de from a resilient material. Retainer element 94 is oo~prised of a pair o generally parallel elongated legs 96 joined at one end by a cross . ' .
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m~ber 98. Legs 96 ore each formed with an inwardly &xtending bnrb 100, and a lead area 102 similar in shape to lead nrea 42 of retainer elerent 16. Retainer element 94 is ooupled tD housiny 14 by deflecting legs 96 outwardly a sufficient distanoe to permit their insertion inbD nperturcs 36a and 36b and out through apertures 36c and 3~d. When fully insertea, barbs 100 engage the lower lateral edges of apertures 36c ard 36d bo lock retainer element in pla oe.
eferring to Figures 7 and I, retainer element 94 is sbo~n ooupled bD a housing 104, similar in construction bo houssng 14. Figure is front elevation view and Figure is a side elevation view yartially sn cross-section. Housing ln4 is provided with an enlarged diameter Forti~n 106 at a first end lOB for receiving a conduit and for no~nting reta~n2r element 94, an a reduced diameter portiGn 110 at a seoon~ eDd 112 fox providing a fluifl path. sousing 104 is also provided with it third diameter portion 114 interposed between enlarged diameter portion 106 ten reduced diameter portion 110. sousing 104 further includes bushing llÇ, two elastom~ric -ings 118 and 1~0, and an annular sleeve 122 for separating the rings. This housing illus~rate~ that nore Han one elasto~eric ring may be employed to provide a fluid tight seal, as ruy be required for the particular application of the oonn~ctor assembly.
Referring to figure 9, another e~bodi~ent of a connect x asse~ly 124 according to the present invention is shown. m is enbodi~ent illustrates a housing 126 that mzy be employed to provide a fluid tight connection between a tubular conduit 128 and a metallic tubular ccnduit 130. As in the case of oonduit 12 of Figure 1, conduit 128 includes on outwardly projecting annular surface 132, which is formed with a blocking wall portion 134 and a sloping Whll portion 136. Ccnduit 130 is formed with an enlarged diameter portion 138, which provides the third diameter portion of the above described housings 14 and 104. Housing 126 it provided with a bushing 140, an elasto~eric ring 142, and a qpacer 144 9~7~

mDunted in enlarged diameter portion 13B of cDnduit 130. Both bushing 14 an spao~r 144 are made frcm an electric lly ncnrconduotive mæterial, such as plastic, and serve an impDrtant function whey hoth o~nduits 128 an 130 are made from dissimilar metals subject bo galvanic corrc6ion. rushing 140 and spacer 144 support o~nduit 128 within hcu3ing 1~6 an preclude 3n end 146 of oDnduit 126 from ccntactinq a reduced diameter potion 148 ox conduit 130. 1hus, where the fluid being conveyed us a liquid hazing the properties of an electrolyte, bushing 14n and spacer 144 proven the completion of a circuit loop which wDuld allow a o~rmsion curYent to flow. sousing 126, as well as housings 14 and ~n4, may he maze from either plastic or netal. Any of the reta~e~ e~e~erts 16, 74, 2D, cr 94 may be coupled with housing 126 in tbe n3nner des~rihel above.
Referring to Figure 10, 8 fifth enbo~i~ent of a retainer element 150 is shGwn in relation to a cDnauit 15~. retainer e~e~ent 150 is comprised of tWD wedge shaped ers 154 anæ 156, which combine to fic m a jam fit against the blocking wall p~Drtion tn~t shown of an a~n~lar surface 158 of oonduit 152. Wbd~e nEn~er IS6 is ~o~çrised of a palr af generally parallel elongate legs 160 joiner at one en* my c~06s re~ber 162. Similarly, wedge member 14 is comprised of a pair of generallv parallel elongated legs 164 joined at one end by a cross merher lfifi.
Wedge member 156 further includes an outwardly extending barb 168 forred at the end of each o$ legs 160. Similarly weRge n~ber 154 inel~des an outwardly extending barb 170 formed in the side of etch of leqs 164. The sides of the legs 160 an 164 where wedge ~emkers 156 and 154 are joiner are reciprocably slanted an formed with serrations, as indicate generally at referenoe number 172. Retainer element 150 nay be coupleA to a housing, such as housing 14 of Figure 1 to foroe annular surface 158 of conduit 152 securely against bushing, such as bushing 58 of Figure 2.
retainer element 150 may he oDupled to housing 14 my inserting legs 164 of wedge nembær 154 inbD apertures 36a and 3fib, and inserting legs 160 of .

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wedge member ;56 into apertures 36c an 36d in a similar n3nner eo that described above for retainer element 16. AS the wedge members ore being inserted, the serratea edges of legs 160 end 164 engage and exert a further insertion force on conduit 152 via annular surface 158. After the wedge nembers are fully inserted, the serrated ed,ges oE legs ~60 an EM
fixedly hold the wedge ~Ym~ers in their relative positions. it coLrse should be appreciated by cne skilled in the art that oDnduit ~52 Jay be inserted into housing 14 before the wedge members are cou,pled bo the housing.
Referring to Figures 11 and 12, another embD~i~ent of a 0nne~tor assembly 174 according to the present invention is shown. ~ig~e 12 illustrates a perspective view of a retainer element 17G, and FY~o~e It illustrates a side elevation view, partially in cYa~s-sect~nr cf the fully assembled oonnector assembly. Connector asserblv 174 is coq~sis~
of a tubular conduit 178, a housing 18n, and retainer elect 176~
Housing 180 may be made from any suitable material, such as Eaas~tic or petal, and may have any appropriate outer shape, such a a cy$iwder or hex construction. Housing 18n is formed with a central bore 1~2, which pr w ides an enlarged diameter portion 184, a reduced d}a~eter portion 186, and a third diameter portion 188. Housing 180 furthes includes on inwardly extending flange 190, forming a fourth diameter portion, for mounting retainer element 176 to the housing. Flange l9n may have a slant shape as shown in figure 11 or Jay have a flat surface. sousing lB0 is also provided with a bushing lg2, two elasto~eric rings 194 Dnd 196, a sleeve 198, and a sp2cer 200 generally mounter in third diameter portion 188. Retainer element 176 is made from a resilient materiel, an is oomprised of a pair of opposing annular leg r~mhers 202 and 204 oe ntrally joined by a recessed ring 206, which positions the retainer element it flange 190 of housing 180. Annular leg 202 is formed with a radially ex.tending tab end 208 on one size of recess ring 206 and a radially ;

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ODnverging jaw end 210 on the nth~r wide of the recesses ring. Sim~l~rly, annular leg 204 is fDnmed with ræially extending tab 212 on one six ok recessed ring 206 and a radially ounverging jaw 214 on the other side. AS
illustrated in Figure 11, the distance between annular leg memkers 202 ~n~
204 it the converging ends corresponds approximately to the outside dLAmeter of oonRuit 178. retainer element 176 is coupled to housing Len by insertion into oentral bore 182 until flange 190 engages or str~ddQes recessed ring 206. CDnduit 178 is when inserter into oe ntral bore 182 with an insertion force sufficient to deflect o~nverging jaw ends 210 end 214 outwardly to permit an annular s~r~ace 216 of the conauit to be translated past retainer element 176. Aider cDnduit 178 is sully inserted into hGusinq 18n, convening jaw ends 21~ ~d 214 ox retainer element 176 cooperate with a faking wall portion 218 of annular surface ~6 to resist the disconnec*ion or reroval of conduit 178 from the ~ousinq.
Conduit 178 m2y be removedi f m m housing 1~0 by cc~pressing extending tub ends 208 and 212 together sufficiently tD extend converqin~ jaw ens ~10 and 214 apart, so that the cDnduit mav be extracted fru~ the housins without having to remDve retainer element 176.
Referring tD Pigure 13, anokher ~bodi~ent of a retainer element 220 for the cOnneCtDr asse~hly cf ~iqure 11 is shown. Retainer eler.ent 22n is made f~a:, a resilient material, and is comprised of a ring 222 for unting the retainer element on flange l9n of housing 18n. a pair of opposing jaws 224 and 226 prDjecting from cne side of the ring, and a pair of tabs 228 and 230 projecting from the other side of the rinq and positioned on opposite sides of the jaws. Rink 222 is fcrmed with an outer dismeter approximately corresponding to the bore diameter provided by flange 1~0 of housing 180. Jaws 224 end 226 extend beyrnd the outer di2~eter of ring 222 at an end 232 and oonverge at another en 234 to provide a separation approximately 0rresponding tD the outside diameter of oonduit 178. an retainer element 220 is coupled tD housing 18n, s' "

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flange 190 is interposed between tabs 228 and 230, and extending end o jaws 224 end 226. retainer element 220 aerate tD maintain conduit 17fi in housing 178 in a sr~ilar manner to that described above fcr retainer element 176. Hcwever, retainer elemrn~ 22~ is cf a simplified design in that the retainer element is not provided with an integral means; 2D assist the remnvAl of oonduit 178 fLom hcasing lR0..
Referring to figure 14, another e~bodi~en~ of a ~anrec~cOE ~Rse~bly

2~6 accordinq to the present invention is shown.. Cbnnec~or zssæ~k~y 236 represents a union-type connector, and is @ssæntially a duplic~e ox the structure described above for the preYioos enbodi~ents. ~neral~y, connector assembly 236 is oomprised of two conduits 73R and 245, a hoaxing 242, and a pair of retainer elements 244 and 246. ~ousmq k~2 iDc~des a pair of bushings 248 and 250, a set of f e~as~o~eric rings as2~2~s, pair of sleeves 260 and 262, and a central syasæs 364.
Referring to Figure 15, a 5ide elev3t~sn view ox a ~an~ec*or assembly 266 is shown, partially in er oe s-section, it a ~a~tially installed position. ffle ODnnector assembly 266 insludes a tubular conduit 268, a housing 270, and a retainer elerent ~n~ the conduit ~6~ is ~ormeA
with an annular projection 274 disposed a predeter~ine~ lead distance fron an end 276 of the oonduit bD be conneo~e~ It should ke note that the annular projection 274 is symmetrical in shape, in that the oFposing surfaces 278 and 280 of the projection are generally trans~esse tD a central axis 282 of the 0nduit 26B and generally parallel each okher.
ffle retainer element 272 is adapted tD he disposel qenerally within an axial bDre 284 of the housing 270 and is detachably secNred Jo the housing at a first end 2B6 of the housing. me retainer serves ED
secure the oonduit 258 in its operative pQsition within the axial kDre 284 of the housing 270 by co~Qeratin~ with the annular pnDjeCtion 274 Oe the conduit. m e retainer element 272 includes three circumOEerentially spaced resilient, defoemable leg ræ~ers, of which only tWD leg remkers ~88 ~n~

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120~ 0 '90 ar shown in Figure 15. These leg hers extend fran an integral collar m~nher 292 at one end of the retainer element 272. The collar member 292 is adapted to provide an cpenin~7 sufficient to permit the end 276 of the conduit to pass therethrough. Each of the leg members is fonned with an irrwardly ~ening channel portion 294 which i5 adapted to receive the annular projection 274 of the conduit 268 for securirlg the oonduit in its ~?erative position within the axial bore 284 of the housing 270. go shape of the inwardly cPenirll3 channel portion 294 of the leg n~ers is generally a~nplimentary Jo the shape of the annular projection 274 of the conduit. Although various suitable shapes may be provided for the inwardly ~ening channel portion 294 and the annular projection 274, the shapes should be such as to lock the conduit into the axial bore 28~
of the housing and prevent or limit axial movement of the ~nduit relative to the housing. Each of the leg members are also formed with an outwardly opening channel portion 298 which is adapted to receive an inwardlv extending annular lip 296 of the housing to secure the retainer element 272 to the housing. me shape of the outwardly ~ening channel portion 298 of the leg m~bers and the annular lip 296 of the housing are sub ject to the same considerations noted above for the inwardly ~ening channel portion 294 of the leg members an the annular projection 274 of the conduit 268. B~wever, it may also be noted that rather than forming the annular lip 296 of the housing 27n try casting or milling, the annular lip may also be fonned to rolling in the first end 286 of the housing.
Il~e leg me~ers,(2û8, 290) of the retainer element 272 are adapted to deform in response to the insertion of the retainer element into the axial bore 284 of the housing 270 and permit the annular lip 296 of the housing to snap into the outwardly opening channel portion of each of the leg Myers. Similarly, the leg n~ers of the retainer element 272 are adapted to Reform in response to the insertion of the conduit 2fi8 into the axial Gore 284 of the housing 270 and through the caller men 292 of B

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the retainer element 272, and permit the annular prDjection Z,74 of the oonduit to snap into the inwardly opening channel portion 294 o the leg ne~bers. Hcwever, one feature of the cDnnector assembly 266 is that the annular projection 274 ok the conduit is adapted to snap into the inwardly opening channel portion 294 of the leg members (288, 290) before the annular lip 296 of the housing 27n snaps into the outwardly openinq channel pDrtion 298 of the leg nembers. lhi5 feature will pernit the annular projection 274 cf the conRuit to easily snap into the inwar~y opening channel portion 294 of the leg nerbers. Ihis feature is achieved by providing for two sets of tabs which oooperate to raintain the retainer element 272 in the partially installed po6ition shown in F~g~Re 1 until the annular projection 274 of the conduit 26~ has snapper into the inwardly opening channel ~G,Lion 294 of the re*2iner element members.
The first set of tabs 300 exterd outwara~y alonq an inclinæd pcrtion 302 of the retainer element leg members, and operate to prevent toe retainer element 272 fror falling out of the axial bore 2~4 of the haQsing 27n.
One or none first tabs 300 my be provided on each Df the retainer element leg members as may be appropriate in the particular appli~a*ion. The second set of tabs 304 are formed to extend generally outwar~y frcm a bushing 306 disposed within the axial bDre 284 of the housing 270. The second tabs 304 are shaped such that they will resist the further insertion cf the retainer element 272 intD the axial bore 2a4 from the partially installed position until the annular p¢ojection 274 snsps into the inwardly opening channel portion 2g4 of the retainer element.
however, once the conduit. 268 i5 thus joined or united to the re~oiner element 272, the seoond tabs 304 will yield and deflect inwardly to permit the further insertion of the conduit 268 and the retainer element 2~2 into the axial bore 284 of the housing 270 until the annular lip 296 ox the housing snaps in~D the outwardly opening channel p3rtion 298 of each o the retainer elemænt leg members and the conduit is in its operative 12(~

pc6ition with thy axial bore of the hcusing. Hgure 2 illustrates the connector assembly 266 with the oonduit 268 sown in its operate poçition within the axial bDre 284 of the housing 270.
he oonnector assembly 266 æl50 includes tWD elæto~eric m 308 and 310 disposed within the axial bore 2~4 of the hcusing 270 for prcvidin~ a fluid tight seal betYeen oonfrontin~ portions of the conduit 268 and the housing. me e~ast3~eric rings are also separated by a suitable sleeve 312. It hall be note thaw onoe the ccnduit 268 is oonnected bo the hcusing 27Q via the retainer element 272, the conduit ray be subsequently released an withdrahn if the axial bore 284 of the housing as follows. my ~an~a~ly dkflecti~ ~ac~ o the retainer element leg ~embes at a finqer pDrti~ 314 ~exten2inq ~o~ c the bore 284 of the housing) inwardly loaf the central ~YiS ~a2 sufficiently to disængage the annular lip 2g6 of the howsing frm the o~Mardly opening channel portion 298 of the leg ne~be~s, the ocndoit 269 and the retainer element 272 will be permitted bD sloe cut a the axial acre ox the having It should be appreciated that the d~rænsior~ 0f Yh~ retainer ele~Ynt 272 and the housing 270 relative to the cuter diameter ox the conduit 2S8 should be such as to provide sufficLent Ddial clearance tetween the retainer element and the conduit to permit the reflection oOE the retainer element leg rembers neoessary for the outwardly CQening channel portion 2~8 to clear the annular lip 296 of the hcusin~. Accordingly, it will be seen that the oonnector asserbly 266 is adapted bv readily permit subsequent disoonnection of the conduit from the hcusing. One advantage of this feature of the present invention is that seals may be cDnveniently replaced without having to replaoe any cf the other corponents of the connector assenbly.
Referring bD Figures 17 and 18, a front an a size elevation view of a retainer element 316 is shown. Retainer element 316 is similar bD
the retainer element 272~ in that it generally comprises three ; - 18 -1 120~ 7~ ' circuMferentially Fesilient. deformable leq members 318, 3ZO and 322, extending from an inteqral oDllar ~K~ber 324 at ore en the~eo~.
Yer, AS best illustr~te~ in Figure 18, the retainer element 316 includes on annular fl3nge ~26 extendinq outwardly from the oDllar nEnker 324 fDr pcsitioninq the sealing ele~ent~s~ within the axid. bore cf the conneetor housing. Since the flange 326 serves a principal fu~tion ncr~zlly pcoYided by a bushing, it should be appreci3te~ thak the neel fcr the busying nay be eliminated in the appropriate ~ppli,cation.
As nay best be illustrated in ~gu~e 17, ~rl ale tbe present invention the leg ~e~bers 3IR-3~0 are ec~-dal~y s~Nce~
circ~mferentially, am3 the c~posinq axially exte~Pding edges a a the lq m~bers fray a su~stantiaJly straig~ Iine. ~csr eye, _ ~3 of leg ~ne~ber 322 and et~ge 330 of Ieg Rre~nber horizontii~lly-extendi~ straight wire. muS it my atso ye two ox ye leg nenbers span a nE~xim~n d le Fred end of d~Fees (180~) (incllx3ing the circu ~erenti~l sEx~ce jet } if lq ~e~ber~, It Jay alsD he noted that the prvvision ox three Ieg Fe~bers provides oe rt d advances in relation tD a retainer element with either two or four 199 r~mbers. Pbr example, in order to disconnect a conduit ro~ a h3using, the finger portions of 8 three leg retainer element will ke easier tD
grasp than a four leg retainer element. Additionally, a three leg retainer element will provide greater circumferential engagement ehan a two leg retainer element. Purthen~ore, with a tWD leg retainer element, a larger diameter connector housing will be required relative to a thDee leq retainer element in order to permit the leg members to expand around the annular projection of the oondu~t.
ith respect bD the materials from which retainer ele x nts 272 and 316 may be constructed, flexible thermqplastic or metal spring stock which will withstand the temperature and chemical environment expecter to be encountered in the application is preferred. For example, typicnl .

1 1~09~7~ -Iylon.s ~i~h aye ~nsider~d tG be useful aye types 6, 6-6, 6-10, 6-12, 11 anal 12. It may ~l9D be appropriate to add glass reinforcenent up to 30a for increased strength in to ~rticular ~Fplicatil. -3eferring go Figure 19. sifle elevation vie of lie tubular conduit 268 of Figure 15 is shown, partially in cross-s~ction. In particular, the conduit 268 is shy in relation set o forming dies 332, 334 and 336, which are usffl ford ar coin the annular projection 274 of the conduit. }briefly, fonn~ng dies 332 z~ 334 clay the conduit on one side of the projection to ye forne~, and the forming die 336 slides over or clans the other side ox the con*. nlen, as ehe fornring vie 336 is drawn into engager~ent with the fo~m~,ng: aies ~32 asld 334, the conduit will buclcle outwa~ly an: confo~ itself Ito tlhe shape of the recesses 338 and 340 provide~l in k forn~ing dies 332 and 33~
respectively. It should be note 1 hat. tthis ape of annular projection provides certain nE~ufacturi,ng ~van~ages oder previous lpro~ections having a slcping ox tapered lea~in portion. includ~rg the use of higher forming forces and easier tolerances tD nE~intain.
Referring to Figure 2~! 2 cide eievatiorl view of a a~nnector assembly 342 is sha,~n p4rtially irk cross-sectior3. qhe connector assen~lv 342 features a check valve unit 344, which is disposed in an axid kore 346 of a housing 348. me check valve unit ~44 c~eratff to block the fly of fluid fray a second end 350 of the housing 348 to a first end 352 of the housing when the conduit 354 is not in its operative position within the axial bore 346 of the housing. It shoula be noted that Figure 2n illustrates the connector assembly with the oDnduit 354 in its operative position, while Figure 21 illustrates an enlarged portion o the connector assembly where the oonduit is nok in its operative positiun. When the oonauit 354 is in its operative position, the check valve unit 344 also operates to permit the flow o fluid between the first end 352 ~n~ the seoona end 350 of the housing 348. Before proceeding to descibe the check . . .

lZ09~7~
.

valve unit 344, it may be wDrthy to note that it may be used with variety of retainer elements, and the particular retainer element illustrated in Figure 20 (samilar to that of Figure 131 is intended for exemplification cnly.
- qhe check valve unit 344 generally comprises a valve ~oqy 3S6, on el -toreric ring 358. and a helical cc~pression spring 360. the valve boy 356 is formeA with a plurality of generally axially extending, circumferentially spaced passageways or notches 362 for sel2ctively permitting fluid to flow to or ire the oona~it 354. me elas~c~eri~ ring 358 is seated in an annular groove 3~4 ox the valve b0~ 3fi6 so that when the conduit 354 is not in its operative positiQn w~th~ Abe axial bore 346 of the housing 348, the elastor.eric rIhg is m sæa~ e nt with a neck portion 366 of the housing. Acccr~ngly, the e~as~Qresic m q 358 is associated with the valve body 356 s~dh- thy is oeæ~a~i~e to bloc k the flaw of fluid Fran the seconQ eta ~50 us 3U8 ~Dugh the passageways 362 in the valve hody wherl the conduit ~54 is it its operative positioT- within the axial bore 3~ of the housing. jibe hRlscal c~ression sDring 360 is aAapteA Jo have one eml seateE~ it a circular groove 368 of the valve body and the other end in engagement the housing 348 tgenerally at the sod end 350 thereof. ye sprir~3 300 operates to resiliently urge the valve body 356 into a nesting relationship with the housing 348 (as shown in Figure 21) when the a~rK7uit 354 is rut in its cperative position, thereby causinq the elast~eric ring to block fluid fly. However, the spring 36n also berates to pern~t the valve body 356 to be displaced axially Fran the nesting relationship yieldably resistirq the insertiQn of the conduit into thy axial bare 346 of the housing, thereby permitting fluid flow through the passayys 362 in the valve body when the conduit is in its operative po6ition within the axial bore of the housing. It should be noted that the ,Dro~ision of the check valve unit 344 in connector asse~t71y 342 will pemit an are 37n in ,, :

09~7~

de~ioe 372 bo be charged wnth a flu$d before the dev$ce is whipped in 3n application where the oonduit 354 is to be oonnected after shipment of the devise.
Referring to Figure 22, a perspective view of a stuffer plug 374 acccrding to the present inNention is shown. The stuffer-plug 374 is untended bo be disposable and is preferably made from a plastic r~teri31.
qhe stuffer-plug 374 serves three principal functionsr which my best be illustrated with reference bD Figure 23. briefly, the stuffer-plug 37~ is used to install one or more sealing elements in the axial bore of a housing and aeta d ably secure a retainer element to the housing. m e stuffer-plug 374 also serves to seal the axial bore of the housing.
Figure 23 is a sid`e elevation view of the s~uffer-plug 374, partially in cross-section, shown to be disposed in a housi~ 376 (in phantom linesP. lhe stuf~er-p~ug 3?4 is comprised ox a boy which is formed wnth a rrd~haped portion 378 and a facing portion 380 extending generally fron one end of the rnd-shzped porticn. The ro~Lshaped portion is adapted to support sealing clots 382 an 384, and a retainer element 386 in a generally coaxial asse~bIy relationship thereon. The rod-shaped portion 378 may also be used to support a sleeve 3~8 an a bushing 390 in the appropriate application. the rod-shap~d portion 378 is also aoapted to be inserted into an axial bore 392 of the housing 376 and preferablv has an outer diameter generally oDrrespondinq to that of the conduit to be connected to the housing. ffl e rod-shaped potion may be either a sDlid rod or tubular in oonstruction, provided that the tube is closed at sore point in order to seal the axial bore 392.
m e facing portion 380 of the stuffer-plug body is adapted to cover or substantially cower the axial bore 392 of the housing 376 at first end 394 thereof. In one form of the present invention, the facing portion 380 is a circular plate extending generally transversely from the rod~shaped portion 378, and the facins pDrtion ls formed with a generally , IL2~9~70 axially extendLng tab 396 for facilitating the removal of the ~Suffer-plu~
374 frcm the axial bore 392 of the housing 372. 5he rod-sh~pe~ portion

3~8 is alto ~or~ed wiSh tWD annLlar grcoves 3S8 and 4no which seat ehe elastomerio ring sealing elements 382 end 384 respectively. $he annular grooves 398 and 400 provide positioning jeans lo mainkaini~3 the sealing elements 382 end 384 and the retainer element 3~6 in the assembly relationship on the stuffer-plug body until the stuffer-plug body is renoved from the Dxi~l bore 3~2 of the housiny 376.. the Anna grooves 398 and 400 apera~e to pre~nt the sealing and reinter elen~nts from slippir~ off the stuffer-pl~ is he~ore the md-sha~ed pi n 378 is inserted into the axial bore 3!~2 of the fin sna ye else ~rmits the sealir~ and retainer ele~enSs to ~ilide off the p~ti~n when the stuffer~lug body is rented fran the hDusin~. It 5h~a Ted that it may only be necessary to prciviAe for tune- ~n~ ye in the rod-shaped portica 378, or p~vide for ye annulaa ~ojectils instead of the annular grooves in the 3ppropriate appli~ion. me rod-æhaped portion 378 may also include an a~u3ar projecticn ~02 formed with on inclined surface 404 lo cooperatir~ with k retairer element 386 to prevent the retainer element frcm slippin3 off the stuffer-plug body before the rod-shaped portion is inserter înto .the axial ~Dre of toe housing. The inclined surfaoe 404 oQerates bD facilitate toe removal of the stuffer-plug body from the axial bore 3g~ of the housing 376 by causing a gradual outward deflection of the retainer element leg ~e~berQ
as the stuffer-pl~g body is pulled out of the axial bore until the inwardly OQening channel portion 406 of the retainer element leg members clears thæ nnnular projection 402.
m e sealing elements 382-384 end the retainer element 386 are preferably disposed on the ro~-shaped portion 378 in the assembly relationship such that one end of the retainer element is posltioned adjacent to the facing portion 380 and the sealinq elements 382-384 ore 1 1209~70 ''' positioned adjacent to the cpposite end of the retainer element.
Accordingly, the facing pcrtion 380 will provide a bloc~in~ surface 4n8 upon which the retaioe r element 3B~ is ~dap~e~ to bear against when toe ~tuffer-plug boqy ls inserted into the axi bore 392 of the housinq.
Ihus, when the rcd-sh~ped p~Lion 378 is inserted inbD the axial bore 392 o the housing 3~6, the selling elements 382-384 2nd the retainer element 386 will ke cafe with the rod-shaped portion until the retainer element is detachably s to the housing. lt should be aFpreciated that once the rod-shaped pcrtion 37B is in its cpe~*ive position wnthin the axial bore 392 of the h w sing was skew on Figure 23), the sealing elements 3B2-384 will operate bD provide a flu tight seal between cDnfrontinc pcrtions of the rnC~share~ potion an the housi~q. In this position, the housing 376 or the device to which the bou6ing is mounted is psepared or shiprent and su t oonnec~ion bc a con~bit. A~ditiora~ly, in order to oonnect the conduit to the housing 376, the operator si~pl~ wnth~raws the stuffer-plug ~74 from the housing and inserts the conduit in its plaee. Until thaw tome, the stuffer-pl~ 374 will seal the axial bore 392 of the housing 3~6 fmn dirt or other envim~ntal conta~inatial.
It should he noted that with the sealing elements 382-384 and the retainer element 386 disposed on the rod-shaped portion of the stuffer-plug body in an assembled relationship. this con~ination of ca~onents forms a preasssnbled stuffer~lug unit for insertian into the axial bore of a housing. It may also be pointed out with reference to Figure 23 that the housing 376 is not ps~vided with external threads at the second end ~10 thereof. mis is to illustrate that the housing 376 may form part of an integral east body, such as an engine block for ex~ple.
eferring to figure 24, side elevation view of a preasse~
connector conduit unit 412 is sl~wn, partially in cro6s-section. me connector oc~nduit unit 412 generally crises a tubuiar cof~duit 414, --- 2~ --' i20~

. .

retainer element 416 and Dne or more sealing elements 418 end 420. ~heretainer element 416 dispose on the conduit 414 in ssociation with an annular projection 422 of the oonduit such that the retainer ele~ænt i fixed or substantially fixed from axial Yemen it relation to the conduit. m e sealing elements 418-420 are disposed on the conduit 414 between an end 424 cf the corduit bo be connected and the retainRr element 416. A sleeve 426 and a bushing 428 msy also be disposed on the conduit (I illustrated in the appr~Qriate ~pplica*ion. To connector conduit unit 412 is also shown to include a re vable, ais sable oover 430 adapted to encompass at least the end U 4 of She conduit Oo be co~necte~.
In one form of the present inventian, the couer U is cDnstructed from an elastomeric materi~t and is ~2~ked by enco~pzss toe sealin3 elements 418-420 and a portion of the retaLner eIeFent 41~. k cover 43~ serves to protect the end 424 of the oon~uit ffl be connected sn~ ehe sealing elements 41B-420 from dirt cr other environmentRt cont~ination before the oonnector conduit unit 412 i5 inserted in the axial bore of a hcusing.
m e cower 430 should by resilient end flexibler snd have an aperture 432 formed therein for permitting the cower body to pas5 over the end 424 of the oonduit to be cDnnected and the sealing elements 418-42~. The cDver 430 may be subsequently remove and disposed of when the conduit 414 is to be inserted into on axial bore of a hGusing. when the conduit 414 is inserted into an axial hore of a housing to unite the conduit to the housing, it should be noted that this one-step action wnll conoommitantlv install the sealir.g elements 418-420 in the axial bore of the hcusing and detachably secure the retainer element 416 to the hcusing.
PRferring to Figure 25, a fractional side elevation view o connector assembly 434, partially in cross-section, is shown. Cbnnector assembly 434 features a resilient, flexible U-cup sealing element 436 dispDsed within an axial bore 438 of the connector housing 44n.
Accordingly, Figure 25 serves to illustrate that various types o¢`

. - 2~ -: ~209~71~ . ;
, .

a~nventia~al sealing elements Lay be en ed, including X-section u~d box-section sealirg eles~nt~.
ferring to F~ re 26r side elevation view of on elbow ~nne~:tor assenbly 442 is sho~m,. p~rtiall~ s rass-sectiDr~ Figlsre 26 serves bD illustrate that a bend (~pproxi~ately gn degrees in a tubular null 444 will pernit a connector assembly a; previously described to fonn an Elba mnectt~r assH~bly Ed e~ibTïnate the Ted fox a separate elbow connector Figure Z6 also serves illustrate that without the conduit 444, the remaining o3~pc~en~s of ye o~nnector assembly 442 provide a pre-Hsse~bled ccrnec~or co~uit unit. oh Qther wDrds, with the sealing elements 446-448, the s~Pe~e 450 and the ~us~Qg 451 disposed in the axial bore 452 of the connector h w sung 454" an the retainer element 456 detachably seo~ed to tbe sousing, then the conduit 444 may be united to the hK~lsirq in a one-s~ep swapping conneG~0~. Figure 26 further serves to illustrate that the axial bore 452 ox ye housing U 4 nay ke sloped in the appropriate applic~t~o~.
Referring to Figure 27, a perspec~iv~ view ox aE~aratus 458 for manufacturing the reta ner elements ox the type illustrated in Figures 15-18, 23-24 and 26 is on. ye a~rat~s 458 has been simplified for illustrative purpo6es, aft înclu~es a fr23~ structure 460 ar~3 a pair of vertically movable opposing dies 462 and 464. rho apparatus is an injection molding machine for manufacturinq a pluralitv of plastic retainer elements simultarleously. Figure 28 is a fractional front elevation view, partially in cross-section, of a portion 466 of the aE~aratus 458. Figure 28 particularly illustrates the relationship of the dies 462-464 to the l ~rbers 467, 468 and 47n of one of the retainer el~nents being ne~lded. It is inportant to note that the edge 472 of let member 468 and the edge 474 of leg member 470 are formed along the junction of dies 462 and 464. miS feature or particular design of the retainer elel~ent permits the use of a tw~die injection molting appar~

-. ` ~2~9~7~

instead of a three-die injection molding appdratus, and consequently allows several retainer elenænts to ye nDldea it the sue time in one apparatus. It shod be nDted that the sllape or angle ox the other et3ges of the retainer ele rent leg meters end the separation be een the let n~nbers is a matter of design d~oice, so 1~9 dE ye leg nerbers my ye footed within a single ye the Ieg hers will not be locked into the dies after they are ye*.
As may be best illustrated with reference Figure 29, the retainer element 476 is n~Idecl a a ye Cody 478. whiz h is inserter into a suitable cavity ~e~een the dies 462 and 464. ye cDre ~dv 478 has a shape whidl confonr6 to t}le dlesirea il~ter~iOF s~2pe an ai~ensions of the retainer el~nent 476, while the eavi'cies t~bæ dies ~62 end 4fi4 have a shape which corresEx~nds to the sired e~era0r shape art dimension of the retainer element. I~f~e~ the peso has 15een injected anal suKiciently hardened, the dies ~6~ and 4~4 Q~ I} an ejector member 48n of the zlpparatus is transl~t~d tally in tYle direction of the arTaws to urge the outward deflectia~ the leg meters 467-470, such that the retainer element 476 may be ~eadi}y removetl fray the aE~ratus 458.
Referring to figure 30~ a perspective view of another retainer element 482 is shown. In the ~bbDdiment illustrate, retainer element 482 is preferably manufactured frtn a petal material. me retainer element 482 features a split ring body 484, having an opening or slot 486 for facilitatislg the removal of the retainer element after it ha been attadled to a }using. me retainer cement 482 also features a pair of spring tabs 48a and 490 extending frc-n one end af the ~ppo6in3 jaw n~,ers 492 and 4~4 respectively.
Referring to Figure 31, a perspective view of a tool 496 is ~ho,M
which may be used to assist the disconnectian of a tubular oo~xluit fr3~ a a~nnector housing. me tcol 496 ca~lprises a body having a to portion 498 ar~3 a generally circular-shaped gri~in~ pcrtion 5~. ~b ~2~9~7e~

troLgh-sh~ped Fx~rtion 498 LS adapked bo wrap or overlie a oonau~t, and it preferably has a thickness corresF~lding tD the radial height of the annular F~nDjeCtion for the conduit. m e grippin4 portion S00 includes a suitable aperture 502 tD penmit the trY~ugh-_hapæd portion 498 bo sac unto generally continuous engagement with the. conduit along its length.
It shoald be noted that the shape of the griping portion 500 ruled not te circular, but nay ye varied provided a su ffIcient surface is available upon which the necessary axial force may be wrought Jo bear on the trough-shaped section in order to urge the outward aeflec~ion of the retainer elenent leg renbers or jaws to the Fit where ye c3~uit rav he readily withdrawn from the axial Lu,~ cf the hoasin~. K s~owld also ke ~ppreciate~ that the erass-sectional ~Fdn o the trQug~rshaFe~ Fortion 4~B
should be sufficiently circular to engsge ahl f the ret~in~. element leg ~e~bers or jaws, and yet also F~r~it the tr3~gh-shaFed ~o~tion to be fitted over the oonduit. It may also te note that ate ~oDls may ke developed for releasing the ccnduit and~Qr the retainer elect frsm the housing, such as triangu~ar-acting pliers wh-ch e~ga~e ye retainer element leg memkers at the finger pcrtions ana cause lo tD be reflected inwardly sufficiently to detach the retainer eiement fron toe hcusing.
- Referriny to Figure 32, a side elevation view o another connectDr assembly 504 is shown, partially in cross-sect.ion. Ihe ccnnector assemhl~
504 features a retainer element 506 which tiler to the retainer element 316 of Figures 17 and lB. In figure 32, the refiner element S~6 is shown in its cQerative position generally within the axial bore 5n8 of the oonnector housing 510. however, retainer element 506 is also adapted to he disposed in a partially installed position, as illustrated in ~iqure 33. ln the partially installed position, the retainer element 506 will engage the annular lip 512 of the housing between the inwardly opening channel portion 514 and the outwardly opening channel portion 516 of th2 retainer element.. AccorAingly, it should be appreciat~l that to 1209~70 engagement will operate to maintain the retainer element 506 in thls position until the conduit 518 is bD be inserbe~ into the axial bore 50B of the housing 510. It should be nDted that as the oonduit is inserted into the ~xi l bore 508 of the housinq 510, the annular projection 520 passes freely into the inwardly openinq channel pcrt~on 514, end the cperator should be able by visually obfierue that the annular prOjectiQn 52D of the o~nduit has been re~ei~e~ into tle inwar~lv opening channel portions 514 of the retainer element $eg members. Upon the furthes insertion of the oonduit 518 into the a ore 508 ox the housing S10, the retainer element 5n6 will be carries ~th the eon~uit until the annular lip 512 of the hcusinq a~a~ in en cu~ar~l~ qpening channel portions of the retainer elerent leg nE~bæFs. 3~*0~ each of the leg members of the retainer element 5~6 is pro~3~ ~rth $inger portion 522 extending out of the axial bore sn~, thiç cue o the retainer element may be deleted such that onoe the cooduit I& is in its ¢perative Fosition within the axial bore the retainer elerent Jill be flus with the first end 524 of the housing and the retainer element wnll nD~ be visible from the side of the connector assembly. Acoordin~y, this ~Ddification of the retainer element 506 will prnvide the operator with a vnsible indication that the conduit is in its operative position and the assembly is oomplete.
me oonnector assembly 504 is also provided with a filter or screen 525 which serves to filter particulate tatter from the fluid flowing through the bore of the connector assembly. m e filter 525 is disposed in a reduced diameter portion 526 of the bore 508, and is adapted to be interposed between the end of the conduit 518 to be connected and a shoulder 527 of the housing 510. The filter 525 nay be made frcm any suitable material, such as metal wire or plastic mesh. It should be understood thaw the provision of the filter 525 is not limited ~Q Abe connector assembly 504, and the filter may be employed in other wee .~ I

; ~ZOg~7~ , .; . - ' '` '.

conrecbDr housing.
eferrinq to Figure 34, a cross-sectional view ox an inoomplete connect3r assembly 528 is shown the sealing elements end conduit not being illustrated). Toe connector assembly 529 includes. a retainer element 529 detachably secured to a housing 530 at a first en 532 thereof. The housing includes a pair of oQp3sing rectangular apertures 534 end 536 through which a pair of outwardly extending portion.s 538 anA 54n o the retainer elensnt 529 extend to secure the retainer element to ehe housing.
The shape of the apertures ~3y be best i~lust~ate~ with reference to Figure 35, which particularlv il}ustrabes 2pe~ule 534. Another feature of the connecbor ass~bly 5~B is the onrnecXion of the holsinq 53n to an expanded section 541 of a t~hul~ oQnduit 54~, generallv at the second en 544 of the housirq. It shoal l n~ea t3ha~ the eon~ui~ 542 may al~D be a sleeve which is conventionally connecter ubular conduit.
Additionally, the housing So all 1the COF~mi~ 54' he either made fra metal or plastic, and the so en3 544 o$ 'che h~sin~ 530 may be adapted to either snap o-~er or be th~ea~ed over l ex~an~ed section 541 of tlle conduit 542. me expanded section 541 ox if o~n~uit 54 ' is also font with an outwardly extentlir~ annular flare 546 I erates with a neck portion 548 of the lousing 530 to secure the conduit 542 to the housing.
Referrirlg Jo Figure 36, a perspective view of a a~nnector llousing 55n with an integral retainirq means is shown, ~rtially in cross-section.
The retaining means is provi~ed~t~ a pair of ~p~sing, ilhtar~lly ~nverging jaw members 552 ant9 554. The jaw menders 5S2 an 554 mav he fome~
concanitantly with the housing 550 in the same molding process or thev mav be fixedly secure or other~tise attache to the housing 55n qudh as by a suitahle aahesive. The converging ends 556 and 558 of the jaw members 552 and 554, respectively, are shape to conform to the outer ~ihneter of ye.
conduit to be cnnnecte~ tD the housing 550. In one fonm of the inVert~CR~

I, , .. . . _ . . , _ ~zo~

the diverging ends 560 and 562 of the jaw members 552 nnd 55~, respectively, extend radially beyw~ the outer dieter of the housing 550. sever, it should ye ~ersto~ that the shape nurt~er of the leg ne~ber~; mz~y be varied in the appropriate application. It so ould also be noted t)at the housing 550 is also fonE!~5 with at least )e, generally axially extendir~ recess 564 for facilitatinq flexin3 o the housing an jaw nesbers.
While the eve description a~nstitoees lie preferred 0rbodiT~ents of the present invention, it will he apP~ciated that the invention is susceptible to m~difica~ion, v~ri3tion an chanqe witl~ut departing fraTI the proper scope and fair f ning ox the accc~panving claims.

Claims (30)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS

1. A swivelable connector assembly for providing a snap-action quick connection, comprising:
a tubular conduit adapted to convey fluid and formed with an annular projection disposed a predetermined distance from the end of said conduit to be connected;
a housing formed with an axial bore for receiving said conduit at a first end and for providing a fluid path at a second end, said housing including a inwardly extending annular lip at said first end;
sealing means disposed within said axial bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of said conduit and said housing;
retainer means, disposed generally within an enlarged diameter portion of said axial bore of said housing and detachably secured to said housing at said first end, for cooperating with said annular projection of said conduit to secure said conduit in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing, said retainer means including at least two circumferentially spaced resilient radially deformable leg members extending from an integral collar member at one end thereof, each of said leg members having an outwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive said inwardly extending annular lip of said housing for securing said retainer means to said housing and an inwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive said annular projection of said conduit for securing said conduit in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing, said leg members of said retainer means being adapted to deform radially outwardly into said enlarged diameter portion of said bore means in response to the insertion of said conduit into said axial bore of said housing and through said collar member of said retainer means and permit said annular projec-tion of said conduit to snap into said inwardly opening channel portion of each of said leg members.

2. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said leg members of said retainer means are adapted to deform in response to the insertion of said retainer means into said axial bore of said housing and permit said annular lip of said housing to snap into said outwardly opening channel portion of each of said leg members.

3. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 1 wherein said leg members of said retainer means are adapted to be deflected inwardly for disengaging said annular lip of said housing from said outwardly opening channel por-tions of said leg members and permitting said retainer means to be detached from said housing.

4. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said collar member of said retaining means is formed with an outwardly extending annular flange for positioning said sealing means within said axial bore of said housing.

5. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said connector assembly includes annular bushing means disposed within said axial bore of said housing for positioning said sealing means.

6. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 4, wherein said annular projection of said conduit has a shape generally complimentary to the shape of said inwardly opening channel portion of said retainer means.

7. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 5, wherein said retainer means includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, generally outwardly extending first tabs and said bushing means includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, generally outwardly extending second tabs, said first and second tabs cooperating to maintain said retainer means in a partially installed position in said axial bore of said housing until said annular projection of said conduit has snapped into said inwardly opening channel portion of each of said leg members of said retainer means, whereby further insertion of said conduit into said axial bore of said housing will cause said retainer means to move axially with said retainer means until said annular lip of said housing snaps into said ouwardly opening channel portion of each of said leg members of said retaining means and said conduit is in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing.

8. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the first end of said housing has been rolled over to form said annular lip.

9. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 6, wherein said sealing means comprises a U-cup resilient ring.

10. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 6, wherein said retainer means is made from a plastic material.

11. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 6, wherein sid retainer means is made from a metal material.

12. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 6, whereinsaid housing forms part of an integral cast body.

13. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 6, wherein said conduit is shaped such that said connector assembly provides an elbow connector assembly.

14. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 3 in combination with means for allowing fluid flow in a preferred direction and for blocking fluid flow in the opposite direction.

15. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 3 in combination with means for filtering particulate matter from the fluid flowing through said axial bore of said housing.

16. The swivelable connector assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said connector assembly is adapted to convey fluids under pressure.

17. The swivelable connecter assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said connector assembly is adapted to convey fluids under vacuum.

18. For a connector assembly having a tubular conduit adapted to convey fluid and formed with an annular projection disposed a predetermined distance from the end of said conduit to be connected, a housing formed with an axial bore for receiving said conduit at a first end and for providing a fluid path at a second end, sealing means for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of said conduit and said housing, a retainer element adapted to be disposed generally within said axial bore of said housing and be detachably secured to said housing at said first end, for cooperating with said annular projection of said conduit to secure said conduit in its oper-ative position within said axial bore of said housing, com-prising:
three circumferentially spaced resilient radially deformable leg members extending from an integral collar member at one end thereof, each of said leg members having an outwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive an inwardly extending annular lip of said housing for securing said retainer element to said housing in an inwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive said annular projection of said conduit for securing said conduit in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing, said leg members of said retainer element being adapted to deform radially outwardly into said axial bore of said housing in response to the insertion of said conduit into said axial bore of said housing and through said collar member of said retainer element and permit said annular pro-jection of said conduit to snap into said inwardly opening channel portion of each of said leg members.

19. The retainer element according to claim 18, wherein said leg members of said retainer element are adapted to deform in response to the insertion of said retainer ele-ment into said axial bore of said housing and permit said annular lip of said housing to snap into said outwardly opening channel portion of each of said leg members.

20. The retainer element according to claim 19, wherein said leg members of said retainer element are adapted to be deflected inwardly for disengaging said annular lip of said housing from said outwardly opening channel portions of said leg members and permitting said retainer element to be detached from said housing.

21. The retainer element according to claim 20, wherein said collar member of said retaining element is formed with an outwardly extending annular flange for positioning said sealing means within said axial bore of said housing.

22. The retainer element according to claim 20, wherein said leg members are spaced circumferentially, such that a set of two of said leg members span a maximum of 180 degrees.

23. The retainer element according to claim 22, wherein each of said leg members are equally spaced circumferentially, such that any two of said leg members span a maximum of 180 degrees.

24. The retainer element according to claim 23, wherein the opposing axially extending edges of any two of said leg members form a substantially straight line.

25. The retainer element according to claim 22, wherein said retainer element is made from a plastic material.

26. The retainer element according to claim 22, wherein said retainer element is made from a metal material.

27. For a connector assembly having a housing formed with an axial bore for providing a fluid path, a pre-assembled connector conduit unit, comprising:
a tubular conduit adapted to convey fluid and formed with an annular projection disposed a predetermined distance from an end of said conduit to be inserted into said axial bore of said housing;
a retainer element disposed on said conduit in association with said annular projection of said conduit such that said retainer element is substantially fixed from axial movement in relation to said conduit, and adapted to be detachably secured to said housing so that said retainer element will secure said conduit in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing;
sealing means disposed on said conduit between said end o said conduit to be connected and said retainer element for providing a fluid tight connection between confronting portion of said conduit and said housing when said conduit is inserted into said axial bore of said housing; and bushing means, disposed on said conduit between said seal-ing means and said retainer element for positioning said sealing means within said axial bore of said housing;
wherein the insertion of said conduit into said axial bore of said housing to unite said conduit and said housing will concomitantly install said sealing means and said bushing means in said axial bore and detachably secure said retainer element to said housing.

28. The pre-assembled connector conduit unit according to claim 27, wherein said unit includes a removable disposable cove adapted to generally encompass at least the end of said conduit to be connected before said conduit is inserted into said axial bore of said housing.

29. A swivelable connected assembly for providing a snap-action quick connection, comprising:
a tubular conduit adapted to convey fluid and formed with an annular projection disposed a predetermined distance from the end of said conduit to be connected;
a housing formed with an axial bore for receiving said conduit at a first end and for providing a fluid path at a second end, said housing including an inwardly extending annular lip at said first end;
sealing means disposed within said axial bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of said conduit and said housing;
retainer means, disposed generally within said axial bore of said housing and detachably secured to said housing at said first end, for cooperating with said annular projection of said conduit to secure said conduit in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing, said retainer means including at least two circumferentially spaced resilient deformable leg members extending from an integral collar member at one end thereof, each of said leg members having an outwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive said inwardly extending annular lip of said housing for securing said retainer means to said housing and an inwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive said annular projection of said conduit for securing said conduit in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing;
said retainer means including a plurality of circumferen-tially spaced, generally outwardly extending first tabs and said bushing means including a plurality of circumferentially spaced, generally outwardly extending second tabs, said first and second tabs cooperating to maintain said retainer means in a partially installed position in said axial bore of said housing until said annular projection of said conduit has snapped into said inwardly opening channel portion of each of said leg members of said retainer means, whereby further insertion of said conduit into said axial bore of said housing will cause said retainer means to move axially with said retainer means until said annular lip of said housing snaps into said outwardly opening channel por-tion of each of said leg members of said retaining means and said conduit is in its operative position within said axial bore of said housing.

30. In combination in a coupling for use in communicating a fluid media and comprising male, female, retainer, sealing and bushing elements, said male element being generally tubular shaped and including:
(a) a first axially extending portion having a relatively smooth cylindrical exterior surface and disposed adjacent the terminal end of said male element, Claim 30 Cont'd.

(b) a second axially extending portion of enlarged diameter disposed axially outwardly from said first portion and adapted for engagement with said retainer element, (c) a third axially extending portion disposed axially outwardly from said second portion and having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said second portion, said sealing element being of an annular configuration and disposed in axial registry with said first axially extending portion of said male element and having an inner diameter sealingly engaged with said exterior surface thereof, said female element having an internal chamber adapted for operative reception of at least a portion of said male element and comprising;
(a) a first annular portion communicable with a fluid passage and adapted to receive the terminal end of said male element, (b) a second annular portion disposed axially outwardly from said first annular portion and having a diameter greater than said first annular portion and comprising a cylindrical wall adapted for sealing engagement with the outer diameter of said sealing element, (c) a third annular portion disposed axially outwardly from said second annular portion and having a diameter at least as great as the outer diameter of said sealing element and adapted to operatively receive said retainer element, said third annular portion having means defining at least one radially extending surface cooperable with said retainer element for securing the same within said coupling and pre-venting disassembly of said male element from said female element,

Claim 30 Cont'd.

said bushing element adapted to be received in said second annular chamber portion of said chamber for preventing said sealing element from being expelled from said second chamber portion under the influence of fluid pressure in said passage, said retainer element comprising:
(a) at least one, relatively deformable portion extending substantially parallel to the axis of said male element and adapted to orient said bushing element in operative position within said second annular chamber portion, (b) at least one relatively non axially deformable portion extending between the axially outer side of said enlarged dia-meter portion of said male element and said radially extending surface of said female element and thereby maintaining said retainer element within said chamber and preventing withdrawal of said male element from said female element, (c) said relatively deformable portion of said retainer being sufficiently long and deformable to allow sufficient radial movement of said relatively non-deformable retainer portion to permit said non-deformable portion to be biased radially outwardly by said enlarged diameter portion of said male element as said male element is inserted axially into said chamber, and to cause said relatively non-deformable portion to snap radially inwardly adjacent the axially outer side of said enlarged diameter portion when said male element is operatively positioned within said chamber.