CA2467126A1 - Fluid conduit system and fittings therefor - Google Patents
Fluid conduit system and fittings therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2467126A1 CA2467126A1 CA002467126A CA2467126A CA2467126A1 CA 2467126 A1 CA2467126 A1 CA 2467126A1 CA 002467126 A CA002467126 A CA 002467126A CA 2467126 A CA2467126 A CA 2467126A CA 2467126 A1 CA2467126 A1 CA 2467126A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- fluid conduit
- crimp
- fitting
- conduit system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L13/00—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints
- F16L13/14—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling
- F16L13/141—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling by crimping or rolling from the outside
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B27/00—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
- B25B27/02—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same
- B25B27/10—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same inserting fittings into hoses
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L13/00—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints
- F16L13/14—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling
- F16L13/141—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling by crimping or rolling from the outside
- F16L13/143—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling by crimping or rolling from the outside with a sealing element placed around the male part before crimping or rolling
Abstract
A fluid conduit system that employs fittings having ends with a structural portion and a seal portion. The ends of the fittings are inserted into a tube, which may be a hard, i.e., rigid, or soft, i.e., flexible, tube. The seal portion sealingly engages the inner diameter of the tube upon its insertion into the tube, The tube is deformed to prevent the fitting from being withdrawn from the tube; the portion of the tube in the immediate vicinity of each seal that forms the seal portion is not deformed. A method for forming a fluid conduit system is also provided.
Description
FLUID CONDUIT SYSTEM ANQ FITTINGS THEREFOR
GROSS-REFERENCE ?~O FIEL,ATED APPLIOATIONS
[00013 This application dairns the benefit of U.S. Provisional AppliGatidn Serial No. Bp1470,~99 fled May 1 ~, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[~002~ Tne present invention generally relates ta~ fluid conduit systems that rnay be employed, for example, for routing and delivering potable water, gases or chemicals.
BACK .f.-~ROUND C?F THE INVENTION
~aoo~~ Sweat soldering has long been used for the supply and distribution of potable water, especially in single family residential constructions, due to its durability and the relative ease with which solder connections were made.
Modem changes io various plumbing codes, which mandate lead-free solders and water soluble fluxes, have, however, greatly increased the difficulty in making sweat solder connections 2~s these lead-free solders arid water soluble fluxes tend to be less tolerant of certain variables te.g., the presence of oxidation or the use of excessive heat) ttvan the lead-based solders and acid-based fluxes that had been previously used.
t, r 10004] Furthermore, the sweat soldering task is ret~tively time consuming as compared to the crimp-type connections that are employed in a PEX (i.e., cross-linked polyethylene) system. A PEX system utilizes lengths of plastic PlTX
tubing, barbed fittings (which are inserted inta the PEA: tubingj and collars that are employed to crimp the tubing to the fitting. As the crimping operation may be accomplished in roughly ~/ to "!~ the time that is necessary to complete the soldering of a sweat solder joint, plumbing contractars have observed the potential for substantial savings in labor costs by utilizing a PF~C system.
(0005] In an effort to eliminate the disadvantages of sweat solder connections, manufacturers such as Viega, have introduced fittings that may be crimped directly to conventional lengths or sticks of hard drawn copper tubing, The ProPress system marketed by Viega includes an inner O-ring seal that is carried an the inner diameter of the fitting; the O-ring sealingly engages the tubing upon insertion of the tube into the fitting. A crimping tool is subsequently employed to crimp the fitting to thereby fi~c the fitting and the tube to one another.
This system, however, is known to suffer from several drawbacks.
~oaos] Qne such drawback concerns the sealing of the fitting to the outside surface of the copper tubing, It is well known in the art that the outside surface of a copper tube is relatively susceptible to impprfeCtions during its formation via extrusion, such as gouges or scratches, as well as relatively susceptible to damage during shipping and storage. As such imperfections and damage may adversely affect the ability of the fittings to seal against the outer _ _... _ ..~._. w.~~_,... ~..".. ..~~~n,x.x~ , ~,...~..,~~~~~MVa~,.~~~ ~,.
"~.a..h_..__.. ..__ ~_..~__.__ _ .
~, r surface of the tubing, manufacturers of the copper tubirZg typically subject the extruded $ticl~s of tubing tc~ an eddy current test to verify the integrity of each stick's outside surface. This testing is costly and as we have found, leaks are possible even when the tubing conforms to published standards, Accordingly, it appears that a relatively time consuming manual inspection must be made of each tulae prior to its coupling to a fitting.
taoo~l Another drawback concerns the incompatibility of the known systems with lengths of annealed copper tubingr In this regard, the annealed copper tubing is readily deformabte so that the crimping process fails to secure the fitting and the annealed cc?pper tubing together. Accordingly, plumbing contractors must equip themselves with two discrete sets of fittings: one set of crimp fittings that is compatible with the hard drawn sticks of tubing, and another set (e.g., flare or compression fittings that are compatilble with the annealed coils of tubing.
[a0t~8] In view of the aforesaid drawbacks, there remains a need in the art for an improved fluid conduit system that pem~its the joining of ail types of copper tubing with one style of fitting, SUMMARY OF THE WVENTIC?N
[aoos~ In one form, the prESent invention provides a fluid conduit system having a fluid conduit, a crimp e,nd 2: fritiing_ The crimp is formed on the fluid conduit and has an inside dimension that is smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid r conduit. The fitting has a structural portion and a seal portion. The structural portion has at least one crimp groove into which the crimp is at least partially received. The seal portion is carried by the structural portion and sealingiy engages the inner diameter of the fluid conduit. The seal portion is axially offset from the crimp groove.
[0010 In another form, the present invention provides a method for forming a fluid conduit system. The method includes: providing a fitting having a str~rGturat portion and a seal portion, the seal porkion being Coupled to the structural portion;
inserting the structural portion into a tube such that the seal portion seaiingly engages an inside surface of the tube; and deforming only the tube to couple the fitting to the tube.
[0011 ~ In still another form, the present invention provides a tool fior securing a fitting to a tube. The tool includes a jaw and a pair of die members, The jaw is disposed about a first axis and includes a pair of opposed members.
f=ach of the die memt3ers is pivotably coupled to an associated one of the opposed members a.nd pivotable about a second axis that is gen~ara,lly perpendicular to the first axis.
[0012] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the prefen-ed embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit ti~a scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION C7F THE DRA'W1NGS
j0013] Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein;
[0014] Figure i is a schematic illustration of a flpid conduit system constructed in acac~rdance with the teachings of the present invention;
j0015] Frgure 2 is an exploded section view of a portion of the fluid conduit system of Figure 1, illustrating the construction of a fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
j001 s] Figure 3 is an exploded section view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating another fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
j0017J Figure 4 is an exploded section view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating yet another fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
j001 t3] Figure 5 is a sectional view of a portion of the fluid conduit system of Figure 1 illustrating the fitting as coupled to a fluid conduit;
[00133 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a toot far coupling fittings and fluid conduit to one another, the toot being constructed in accordance with the teachings of another aspect of the present invention;
j0020J Figure 7 is another perspective view of the tool of Figure fi, illustrating the use of a disconnectable jaw assembly;
._.. ________~..__..~~..~
...~~v_..~m..~~"~~.~.~~~.~.~...~___.____..~.~_____.__..._____ [0021 J Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the too) of Figure 6 illustrating the employment of the toot in a crimping operation;
[0022) Figure 9 is an exploded section view illustrating the use of the fitting of the present invention with diffareniiy sized tubes;
[0023) Figure 10 is an exploded section view illustrating the use of the fitting of the present invention with different types of tubing materials;
[0424] Figures 11 and 72 are sectional views of another style of fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0025) Figure 13 and 14 are sectional views of yet another style of fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 15 is a side elevation view of another tool constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[Q02~J Figure 15 is a front view of a portion of the tool of Figure 15;
(00283 Fgure 17 is a front view of yet another tool constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0029 Figure 18 is a sectional view of the tool shown in operative association with a tube and a fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0030 Figure 19 is an exemplary family of fittings constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
(00311 Figure 24 is an illustration of an exemplary reducing fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
.g_ [0032 Figure 27 is an illustration of another exemplary fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 22 is an side elevation of another fitting constructed in aacordence with the teachings of the present invention;
[0034] Figure 23 is a sectional view taken along the line 23-23 of Figure 22;
[0035] Figure 24 is an illustration of a portion of yet another set of fittings constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and X0036] Figure 2~ is a side elevation of an assemf~ied pair of the fittings that are shown in Figure 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIiWENTS
[0037] With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, an exemplary fluid conduit system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numers,l 10. The fluid conduit system 10 is illustrated to include a plurality of tubes 12 and a plurality of fittings 14 that are employed to join the tubes 12 to one another. In the example provided, the fluid conduit system 10 is employed to route and deliver potable water and as such, the tubes 12 may be constructr~d of popper and include conventional commercially available hard drawn tubing sticks 12a and conventional soft tubing 1 ~b (also referred to herein as aannealed", or "flexible metal" tubing) of the type that is commercially available in a coiled form from _7_ r , , sources such as Mueller Industries, Inc, of Memphis, Tennessee. Those skilled in the art wit! appreciate, however, that the tubes 'i 2 may be made out of any suitable metal or plastic material and that the teachings of the present invention have application to fluid conduit systems that route and deliver other types of fluids, including gases. With reference to Figure 2, each tube 12 is constructed such that it defines an internal diameter 20 of a predetermined size and it's inside surface 22 is generally smooth and suited for sealing against an associated fitting 14.
[0038, The fitting 14 inciudes a structural portion 3Q and a seal portion 32.
Those skilled in the art wi!! appreciate that although the particular fitting illustrated is a coupling or union, the teachings of the present invention have applicability to various other types of fittings, including elbows, tees, caps, adapters, reducers, bushings, etc.
[0039 The structural portion 30 rrtay be made from any structural material, such as plastic, ceramic, copper, brass, bronze, stainless steel or another metal.
In the example provided, the structural portion 30 is r~'~ade of ~;opper so as to eliminate the potential for a galvanic reaction with the copper of the tubes 12.
The $tructura,l portion 30 rnay include a tubular end 40 that is configured to be inserted into an end 42 of an associated tube 72, Optionally, the structural portion 30 rnay further include an 2~butting flange 44 that abuts the tubular end 40 and which may serve as a stop" that limits the distance in which the tubular end 40 may be inserted into the tube 12.
_g_ r , , [t~4p~ The Inner surface 48 of the tubular end 40 may be smooth and may include a chamfer 50 or similar feature that is configured to minimize turbulence and pressure losses, white the outside surface b1 of the tubular end 4p may include one or more discontinuities 52. Where employed, each discontinu'tty 52 aids in axially fixing the tubular end 40 to the seal portion 3~ and as such may be a step, a groove ar recess, a tooth-like feature or a barb-like feature, for example, that abuts or engages the seal portion 32. In the example provided, we employed four equally spaced apart barbs 52a that are tapered to facilitate the insertion of the tubular end ~40 into the seat portion 32, but which tend to engage the seal portion 32 to thereby inhibit the axial separation or withdrawal of the tubular end 40 from the seal portion 32.
[0041, Those skilled in the art will appreciate frvrn this disclr~$ure, however, that despite the discrete and independent construction of the seal portion 32 in the particular embodiment illustrated, various other processes may be employed to fabricate the seal portion 32 and couple it to the tubular end 40.
For exarrtple, overmolding may bE employed to farm the seal portion 32 directly onto the tubular end 40 of the structural portion 30.
[0042a The seal portion 32 is engaged to the tubular end 40 and may be configured to seal against both the inside surface ~ of the tube 12 and the outside surface 5t of the tubular end 40. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the seal portion 32 is a collar or sleeve 60 that may be made of a suitable material, such as nylon, TEFLON?, EPD1VI, or a material permitted under IV~~
6~
_g_ standards. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the seal portirrn 32 could be otherwise configured. For example, the seal portion 32 may include one or more seal members, such as O-rings 62, as illustrated in i=lgure 3, or may include a sleeve 66 that carries one or more seal members 68 as illustrated in Figure 4. Furthermore, in those embodiments that employ a seal portion 32 with a sleeve (e.g., sleeve ~0 or sleeve 66~, the sleeve coi,ald be configured with an annular collar 70 as shown ir1 Figures 2 and 4, which nnay be configured to abut (and optionally seal against} the end 42 of the tube 12, In t>lese embodiments, the structural portion ~0 may include an abutting flange 4.4 that is positioned against the annular collar 70 opposite the end 42 of the tube 12 to thereby support the annular collar ~0 as well as to serve a,> a "'stag" that limits the distance in which the tubular end 40 may be inserted into the tube 12.
Alternately ar in addition to any of the aforementioned seal configurations, a sealant, such as art anaerobic sealant, may be applied to the fitting 14 and/or the tube 12 to further ensure sealing engagement between l:he fitting 14 and the tube 12.
[0043 Returning to ~gu~e 2, the fitting 14 in this example may be readily withdrawn from the tube 12 and as such, a means for axially securing the tube and the fitting 14 to one another is necessary. Furkherrnor$, in this example the sleeve 60 does not seal against either the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 or the outside surface 81 of the tubular end 40 upon its insertion into the end 42 of the tube 12, since the sleeve 60 is about 0.002 to about 0.005 inch smaller in diameter than the internal diameter ~0 of the tube rte. Accordingly, a foal 80 (Figs. 6 and 7) is employers in this example to form a crimp 81 or otherwise deform the end 42 of the tube 12 (see, e.g., Figure 5) t~ inhibit the withdrawal of the fitting 1.4 from the tube 12 as well as to cause the sleeve 60 to sealingly engage both the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 and the outside surface 61 of the tubular end 40 of the fitting 14. Employment of the crimp 8'I at another such deformation to secure the tube 12 and the fitting t 4 to one another is significant in that no flames are employed and the process can be completed on tubing in some instances where a fluid, such as water, is still contained in the tube ~
GROSS-REFERENCE ?~O FIEL,ATED APPLIOATIONS
[00013 This application dairns the benefit of U.S. Provisional AppliGatidn Serial No. Bp1470,~99 fled May 1 ~, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[~002~ Tne present invention generally relates ta~ fluid conduit systems that rnay be employed, for example, for routing and delivering potable water, gases or chemicals.
BACK .f.-~ROUND C?F THE INVENTION
~aoo~~ Sweat soldering has long been used for the supply and distribution of potable water, especially in single family residential constructions, due to its durability and the relative ease with which solder connections were made.
Modem changes io various plumbing codes, which mandate lead-free solders and water soluble fluxes, have, however, greatly increased the difficulty in making sweat solder connections 2~s these lead-free solders arid water soluble fluxes tend to be less tolerant of certain variables te.g., the presence of oxidation or the use of excessive heat) ttvan the lead-based solders and acid-based fluxes that had been previously used.
t, r 10004] Furthermore, the sweat soldering task is ret~tively time consuming as compared to the crimp-type connections that are employed in a PEX (i.e., cross-linked polyethylene) system. A PEX system utilizes lengths of plastic PlTX
tubing, barbed fittings (which are inserted inta the PEA: tubingj and collars that are employed to crimp the tubing to the fitting. As the crimping operation may be accomplished in roughly ~/ to "!~ the time that is necessary to complete the soldering of a sweat solder joint, plumbing contractars have observed the potential for substantial savings in labor costs by utilizing a PF~C system.
(0005] In an effort to eliminate the disadvantages of sweat solder connections, manufacturers such as Viega, have introduced fittings that may be crimped directly to conventional lengths or sticks of hard drawn copper tubing, The ProPress system marketed by Viega includes an inner O-ring seal that is carried an the inner diameter of the fitting; the O-ring sealingly engages the tubing upon insertion of the tube into the fitting. A crimping tool is subsequently employed to crimp the fitting to thereby fi~c the fitting and the tube to one another.
This system, however, is known to suffer from several drawbacks.
~oaos] Qne such drawback concerns the sealing of the fitting to the outside surface of the copper tubing, It is well known in the art that the outside surface of a copper tube is relatively susceptible to impprfeCtions during its formation via extrusion, such as gouges or scratches, as well as relatively susceptible to damage during shipping and storage. As such imperfections and damage may adversely affect the ability of the fittings to seal against the outer _ _... _ ..~._. w.~~_,... ~..".. ..~~~n,x.x~ , ~,...~..,~~~~~MVa~,.~~~ ~,.
"~.a..h_..__.. ..__ ~_..~__.__ _ .
~, r surface of the tubing, manufacturers of the copper tubirZg typically subject the extruded $ticl~s of tubing tc~ an eddy current test to verify the integrity of each stick's outside surface. This testing is costly and as we have found, leaks are possible even when the tubing conforms to published standards, Accordingly, it appears that a relatively time consuming manual inspection must be made of each tulae prior to its coupling to a fitting.
taoo~l Another drawback concerns the incompatibility of the known systems with lengths of annealed copper tubingr In this regard, the annealed copper tubing is readily deformabte so that the crimping process fails to secure the fitting and the annealed cc?pper tubing together. Accordingly, plumbing contractors must equip themselves with two discrete sets of fittings: one set of crimp fittings that is compatible with the hard drawn sticks of tubing, and another set (e.g., flare or compression fittings that are compatilble with the annealed coils of tubing.
[a0t~8] In view of the aforesaid drawbacks, there remains a need in the art for an improved fluid conduit system that pem~its the joining of ail types of copper tubing with one style of fitting, SUMMARY OF THE WVENTIC?N
[aoos~ In one form, the prESent invention provides a fluid conduit system having a fluid conduit, a crimp e,nd 2: fritiing_ The crimp is formed on the fluid conduit and has an inside dimension that is smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid r conduit. The fitting has a structural portion and a seal portion. The structural portion has at least one crimp groove into which the crimp is at least partially received. The seal portion is carried by the structural portion and sealingiy engages the inner diameter of the fluid conduit. The seal portion is axially offset from the crimp groove.
[0010 In another form, the present invention provides a method for forming a fluid conduit system. The method includes: providing a fitting having a str~rGturat portion and a seal portion, the seal porkion being Coupled to the structural portion;
inserting the structural portion into a tube such that the seal portion seaiingly engages an inside surface of the tube; and deforming only the tube to couple the fitting to the tube.
[0011 ~ In still another form, the present invention provides a tool fior securing a fitting to a tube. The tool includes a jaw and a pair of die members, The jaw is disposed about a first axis and includes a pair of opposed members.
f=ach of the die memt3ers is pivotably coupled to an associated one of the opposed members a.nd pivotable about a second axis that is gen~ara,lly perpendicular to the first axis.
[0012] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the prefen-ed embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit ti~a scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION C7F THE DRA'W1NGS
j0013] Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein;
[0014] Figure i is a schematic illustration of a flpid conduit system constructed in acac~rdance with the teachings of the present invention;
j0015] Frgure 2 is an exploded section view of a portion of the fluid conduit system of Figure 1, illustrating the construction of a fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
j001 s] Figure 3 is an exploded section view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating another fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
j0017J Figure 4 is an exploded section view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating yet another fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
j001 t3] Figure 5 is a sectional view of a portion of the fluid conduit system of Figure 1 illustrating the fitting as coupled to a fluid conduit;
[00133 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a toot far coupling fittings and fluid conduit to one another, the toot being constructed in accordance with the teachings of another aspect of the present invention;
j0020J Figure 7 is another perspective view of the tool of Figure fi, illustrating the use of a disconnectable jaw assembly;
._.. ________~..__..~~..~
...~~v_..~m..~~"~~.~.~~~.~.~...~___.____..~.~_____.__..._____ [0021 J Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the too) of Figure 6 illustrating the employment of the toot in a crimping operation;
[0022) Figure 9 is an exploded section view illustrating the use of the fitting of the present invention with diffareniiy sized tubes;
[0023) Figure 10 is an exploded section view illustrating the use of the fitting of the present invention with different types of tubing materials;
[0424] Figures 11 and 72 are sectional views of another style of fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0025) Figure 13 and 14 are sectional views of yet another style of fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 15 is a side elevation view of another tool constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[Q02~J Figure 15 is a front view of a portion of the tool of Figure 15;
(00283 Fgure 17 is a front view of yet another tool constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0029 Figure 18 is a sectional view of the tool shown in operative association with a tube and a fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0030 Figure 19 is an exemplary family of fittings constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
(00311 Figure 24 is an illustration of an exemplary reducing fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
.g_ [0032 Figure 27 is an illustration of another exemplary fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 22 is an side elevation of another fitting constructed in aacordence with the teachings of the present invention;
[0034] Figure 23 is a sectional view taken along the line 23-23 of Figure 22;
[0035] Figure 24 is an illustration of a portion of yet another set of fittings constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and X0036] Figure 2~ is a side elevation of an assemf~ied pair of the fittings that are shown in Figure 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIiWENTS
[0037] With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, an exemplary fluid conduit system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numers,l 10. The fluid conduit system 10 is illustrated to include a plurality of tubes 12 and a plurality of fittings 14 that are employed to join the tubes 12 to one another. In the example provided, the fluid conduit system 10 is employed to route and deliver potable water and as such, the tubes 12 may be constructr~d of popper and include conventional commercially available hard drawn tubing sticks 12a and conventional soft tubing 1 ~b (also referred to herein as aannealed", or "flexible metal" tubing) of the type that is commercially available in a coiled form from _7_ r , , sources such as Mueller Industries, Inc, of Memphis, Tennessee. Those skilled in the art wit! appreciate, however, that the tubes 'i 2 may be made out of any suitable metal or plastic material and that the teachings of the present invention have application to fluid conduit systems that route and deliver other types of fluids, including gases. With reference to Figure 2, each tube 12 is constructed such that it defines an internal diameter 20 of a predetermined size and it's inside surface 22 is generally smooth and suited for sealing against an associated fitting 14.
[0038, The fitting 14 inciudes a structural portion 3Q and a seal portion 32.
Those skilled in the art wi!! appreciate that although the particular fitting illustrated is a coupling or union, the teachings of the present invention have applicability to various other types of fittings, including elbows, tees, caps, adapters, reducers, bushings, etc.
[0039 The structural portion 30 rrtay be made from any structural material, such as plastic, ceramic, copper, brass, bronze, stainless steel or another metal.
In the example provided, the structural portion 30 is r~'~ade of ~;opper so as to eliminate the potential for a galvanic reaction with the copper of the tubes 12.
The $tructura,l portion 30 rnay include a tubular end 40 that is configured to be inserted into an end 42 of an associated tube 72, Optionally, the structural portion 30 rnay further include an 2~butting flange 44 that abuts the tubular end 40 and which may serve as a stop" that limits the distance in which the tubular end 40 may be inserted into the tube 12.
_g_ r , , [t~4p~ The Inner surface 48 of the tubular end 40 may be smooth and may include a chamfer 50 or similar feature that is configured to minimize turbulence and pressure losses, white the outside surface b1 of the tubular end 4p may include one or more discontinuities 52. Where employed, each discontinu'tty 52 aids in axially fixing the tubular end 40 to the seal portion 3~ and as such may be a step, a groove ar recess, a tooth-like feature or a barb-like feature, for example, that abuts or engages the seal portion 32. In the example provided, we employed four equally spaced apart barbs 52a that are tapered to facilitate the insertion of the tubular end ~40 into the seat portion 32, but which tend to engage the seal portion 32 to thereby inhibit the axial separation or withdrawal of the tubular end 40 from the seal portion 32.
[0041, Those skilled in the art will appreciate frvrn this disclr~$ure, however, that despite the discrete and independent construction of the seal portion 32 in the particular embodiment illustrated, various other processes may be employed to fabricate the seal portion 32 and couple it to the tubular end 40.
For exarrtple, overmolding may bE employed to farm the seal portion 32 directly onto the tubular end 40 of the structural portion 30.
[0042a The seal portion 32 is engaged to the tubular end 40 and may be configured to seal against both the inside surface ~ of the tube 12 and the outside surface 5t of the tubular end 40. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the seal portion 32 is a collar or sleeve 60 that may be made of a suitable material, such as nylon, TEFLON?, EPD1VI, or a material permitted under IV~~
6~
_g_ standards. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the seal portirrn 32 could be otherwise configured. For example, the seal portion 32 may include one or more seal members, such as O-rings 62, as illustrated in i=lgure 3, or may include a sleeve 66 that carries one or more seal members 68 as illustrated in Figure 4. Furthermore, in those embodiments that employ a seal portion 32 with a sleeve (e.g., sleeve ~0 or sleeve 66~, the sleeve coi,ald be configured with an annular collar 70 as shown ir1 Figures 2 and 4, which nnay be configured to abut (and optionally seal against} the end 42 of the tube 12, In t>lese embodiments, the structural portion ~0 may include an abutting flange 4.4 that is positioned against the annular collar 70 opposite the end 42 of the tube 12 to thereby support the annular collar ~0 as well as to serve a,> a "'stag" that limits the distance in which the tubular end 40 may be inserted into the tube 12.
Alternately ar in addition to any of the aforementioned seal configurations, a sealant, such as art anaerobic sealant, may be applied to the fitting 14 and/or the tube 12 to further ensure sealing engagement between l:he fitting 14 and the tube 12.
[0043 Returning to ~gu~e 2, the fitting 14 in this example may be readily withdrawn from the tube 12 and as such, a means for axially securing the tube and the fitting 14 to one another is necessary. Furkherrnor$, in this example the sleeve 60 does not seal against either the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 or the outside surface 81 of the tubular end 40 upon its insertion into the end 42 of the tube 12, since the sleeve 60 is about 0.002 to about 0.005 inch smaller in diameter than the internal diameter ~0 of the tube rte. Accordingly, a foal 80 (Figs. 6 and 7) is employers in this example to form a crimp 81 or otherwise deform the end 42 of the tube 12 (see, e.g., Figure 5) t~ inhibit the withdrawal of the fitting 1.4 from the tube 12 as well as to cause the sleeve 60 to sealingly engage both the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 and the outside surface 61 of the tubular end 40 of the fitting 14. Employment of the crimp 8'I at another such deformation to secure the tube 12 and the fitting t 4 to one another is significant in that no flames are employed and the process can be completed on tubing in some instances where a fluid, such as water, is still contained in the tube ~
2.
[0044 Although the crimp 81 has been illustrated as being continuous about the perimeter of the tube 1~, those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the crimp 81 may be formed otherwise. For example, the crimp 81 may consist of one or more crimp sections that extend about a portion of the perimeter of the tube 't2.
(0045] In Figures 6 and ~', a tool constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention is generally indicated I~y reference numeral 80, The tool 80 may include a tool body 82 and a jaw assembly 84. Th$ foal body 82 may be generally similar to a Made) 320-~E Crimp 'Tool that is commercially av2~ilable from the Ridge Tool Company and as such, a detailed discussion of the foal body 82 need not be provided herein. Briefly, the tool body 82 may incPude a linear actuator 86 that may be selectively actuated to o~perata the jaw assembly 84. The linear actuator 86 may include a barrel 88, which is optionally rotatable r about its longitudinal axis 9U. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the tool body 82 may alternatively be powered in another rrrarsner, such as manually ar hydraulically. As the plumbing contractor will likely employ several different sizes of tubing, several differently sized jaw assemblies 84 are provided, allowing the pic~mbing aontraCtor to remove a jaw assembly 8~l of one site from the tool body 82 and install a jaw assembly 8~ of another size to the tool body 82 as needed.
[t~04fi] With additional reference to >=igure 8, the jaw assembly 8~ may include a jaw 90 and a pair of discrete die members 92a and 9~b: The jaw 90 may include a pair of opposed members 94 that may be coupled to the barrel $8 of tho tool body 82. Operation of the linear actuator 86 opens and closes the op~sed members 84 in a conventional and well known manner, The die members 92a and 92b cooperate to define a die cavity 96 that delineates the sh2~pe and configuration of the crimp or deformation. 'The die members 92a and 92b may be coupled to ttte opposed members 94 so as to be pivotable relative to one another about an axis 98 that may be generally normal to the longitudinal axis 90 of the bane( 88. In the particular example provided, each die member 92a and 92b may include a stem 100 that may be inserted into an associated one of the opposing members 94. A fastener, such as a conventional external snap ring (not shown), may be employed to retain the stem 100 to the opposing member 94 in a manner that permits rotation of the stem 100 yet inhibits its withdrawal from the opposing member 94.
...... . .FW. r,r .~~~w~~~~:s:~~"~~~~x...~~.,x~ar...._.~..
[004?~ Ganfiguration of the jaw assembly 84 with pivctable die members 92a and 92b permits the crimp or deformation to be formed more precisely.
More specifically, the die members 92a and 92b tend to self-center an the tube 12 (i.e., so that the longitudinal axis of the die cavity 96 is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the tube 12) so that in those instances where the user does not align the jaw 9t1 absolutely perpendicular to the tube 12, the die members 92a and 92b will pivot upon contact with the tube 12 such that the axis 96a of the die cavities '38 is coincident with the axis 12d of the tube 12 as is illustrated in Figure 8.
[0148, With regard to the embodiments of Figures 3 and ~, crimping or deformation of the tube'~2 may be employed to secure the fitting 14 to the tube 12 in an axial direction. Depending on the size and sealing capacity of the seal portion 32, however, crimping or deformation in an area proximate the seal portion 32 or portions thereof may be unnecessary or undesirable. tn Figure 3, for example, the O-rings 62 of the seal portion 32, which are located in a seal groove 62b formed in the structural portion 3Q, are sled to sealingly engage the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 upon insertion of the fitting 14 into the tube 12 so that deformation of the tube 12 in the area proximate the O-rings 62 is not necessary to create a seal between the fitting 14 and the tube i2. Given that e8ch tJ-ring 62 is configured to seal ag2urlst both the tube 14 and the structural portion 30, the use of multiple O~rings 62 provides a level of sealing redundancy.
~f course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that sealing redundancy is options! and need not be emptayed.
(t1~49~ As another example, the t7~ring 68 of the seal portion 3~ illustrated in Figure 4 also seals against the inside surface 2~ of the tube 12 upon insertion of the fit~ng 14 into the tuba 12. The tube 12, however, is crimped of deformed so that the inside surface 22 of the end ~2 of the tube t 2 is abutted against the collar 66. The collar 66 serves to limit the deformation of the end 42 of the tube 12 so that the O-ring t;8 is deformed in a predetermined manner, while the crimp or deformation serves to inhibit the withdrawal of the fitting 14 from the tube 12.
Optionally, the collar 66 may also be deformed so as to provide additional sealing capacity between the tubular end 40 and the inside surface 22_ In the example provided, a groove 102 in the collar G6 constrains the t~-ring 68 to limit the manner and degree to which the O-ring 68 deforms and thereby ensure that the sealing integrity of the C,~-ring 6$ is not compromised during the installation of the fitting 14.
iDO~~~ One aspect of the flexibility of our fluid conduit system is shown in Figure 9 wherein the structr~ral portion 3t~ of the fttting 14 is illustrated as being suitable for use with several differently sized tubes 1~e and 12f. in this example, seal portions 32e and 32f are provided which vary in their outer diameter so as to be readily employed to sea! against the inside surface of the tubes iCe and 12f, respectively. This flexibility is noteworthy since it permits significant reductions in the fabrication costs ~e.g., tooling, losses in praduc,~tivityy as a result of change-_14_ over) of the fittings as compared to the known fittings, which are associated with a single and specific tube sire.
[Ota5't] Another aspect of the flexibility of our fittings 14 is illustrated in Figure 10, In this example, the seaE portion 32 is illustrated as being optional, so that the fitting 14 may be coupled to a tube 12 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention or to a different conduit material, such as commercially available PF~C tubing 110. In situations where the structural portion 30 is to be coupled to a tube 1~ in accordance with the teachings of the pr$sent invention, the seal portion 32 may be coupled or otherwise associated with the tubular end 44 and the fitting 14 instilled into the tube 12. if, on the other hand, a different tubular material is to be employed, a different seal (not shown) rnay be employed or the seat portion 32 may be omitted altogether. In the example shown, the tubular end 40 of the structural portion 30 may be inserted into the PEX
tubing 110 and coupled thereto in a conventional manner (as through an external crimp ring 172, far example). This flexibility is noteworthy since it facilitates a reduction in the overall quantify and cost of plumber's inventory through the stocking a single type of fitting that is suitable for use with several types of fluid conduit systems.
~I White the fitting 14 has been described thus far as including a generally cylindrical tubular end 40, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention, in its broader aspects, may be constructed somewhat differently>
For example, the fitting may be formed with a bullhead 120 or such as shown in Figures 1 i and 12 to further resist axial separation of the fitting 14 and the tube 12. In these embodiments, the tubular end ~IOa is installed to the end 42 of the tube and the end 42 of the tube 12 is crimped or deformed sa as to define a reduced diameter portion 124 that abuts the bullhead 120 to thereby inhibit the withdrawal of the tubular end 40a from the tube 12. T'he fittings 14 of Figures 11 and 12 are illustrated to be substantially similar to one another, differing only iri that the fitting 14 of Figure 'k 1 employs two O-ring seals 62, whereas the fitting 14 of Figure 12 employs a sleeve 60 that is similar to that shown in Figure 2 but which is overmoided onto or otherwise permanently seGUred to the tubular end 40a of tha structural portion 3d.
C0053j Figures 13 and 14 illustrate yet another embodiment of the fitting 14. In this embodiment, the tubular end 40b includes one ar mare grooves 130, which ate illustrated to be U-shaped in the example provided. As with the fittings i4 that are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the seal portion 32 of the fittings 14 may be configured so as to seal against tire inside surface 22 of the tube 12 upon insertion so that the tube 12 need not be deformed to effect sealing engagement between the seal portion 32 and either of the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 or the outside surface 51 of the tubular end 40 of the structurai portion 30, In the particular example provided, no portion of the tube i'~ in the immediate vicinity of each seal (e.g., O-ring 62) that forms the seal portion 32 is deformed.
[0054] A toot rnay be employed to deform, crirrip or extrude portions 142 of the tube 12 into each of the grooves 13Q to thereby inhibit axial movement of the _1 g_ structural pardon 30 relative to the tube 12. The too! may be powered by an appropriate means (e.g., manually, hydraulically, pneumatically ar electrically).
Qne suitable toot 140 is illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. The tool 140 is similar to a cdnventianal tube cutter 4e.g., similar to a No. 15~ Tubing Cutter that is manufactured by the Ridge Tool Company) and includes a pair of rollers 146, which support and center the tube 12, one or more farming wheels 148 (two forming wheels 148 are employed in the example provided) and an in~crernenting mechanism 150 having a yoke 162 ante Which the farming wheels 148 are rotatably mounted. Each forming wheel 148 includes an edge 156 that may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the c~ro~rves 1~p (Fig. i8). The incrementing mechanism 150 rnay include a screw jack 't58 for adjustably moving the forming wheels 148 toward or away from the rollers i46. in operation, the tool i40 may be rotated about the tube 12 as the wheel$ 148 (via the incrementing mechanism 150) are moved toward the rollers i 46, thereby causing the wheels 148 to push the portions 142 of the tube 12 into a corresponding one of the grooves 130 formed in tire struct~rra.! portion 30 of the fitting 14. Unlike a tube cutter, however, the tool 140 preferably includes an adjustable stop 180 for limiting the movement of the wheels 148 toward the rollers 146. Those skilled in the art will appreciates that the tool 140 may be equipped with one wheel 148 in the alternative.
[OU55~ Those skilled in the art will also appreciate from this disclosure that the tcyo9 140 may be configured to locate on a surface of the abutting flange 44.
_1T_ Configuration of the tool in this manner permits tire "farming means" to be positioned cansistentiy relative to the grooves 13a, provided that the structural portion 30 of the fitting 14 is constructed such that the distance between the surface of the abutting flange 44 and the grooves 130 remains relatively consistent from fitting 14 to fitting 14. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that either surface of the abutting flange 44 may be selected as the "datum surfaoe", In the example of Figures 17 and 18, the "near sideR of the abutting flange 44 (i.e., ti7e surface of the abutting flange 44 immediately adjacent the end 40 of the structural portion 3~ being fastened to a tube 12) was chosen to locate the crimps 81 relative to the abutting flange 44, as the ability to locate the tool i 40a by pushing ~ against the abutting flange 44 was preferred.
X0056] The tool 140a may include a tool bady 8~a and a jaw 90a, which may be generally similar to the configuration of a r,.omm~ercially available bokt cutter. rhs tool l4pa may further include a pair of discrete die members 92c and 92d, which are generally similar to the die members 92a and 92b, discussed above (i.e., rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the tube 12).
Alternatively, the die members 92c artd 92d may be fixed in a stationary (i.e., non-rotating) position, ~'he die members 92c and 92d may bg fixedly but removably coupled to the jaw 9c~a and may include projections 96c that extend into the die cavity 96. Depending on the deslrsd configuration of the crimp 81, the projections 96c may be formed about the perimeter of the die cavity 9~ so that the crimp 81 will bs substantially continuous abaUt the perimeter of the tube _1 g_ _._.._. _~n. . ..eMr~ ,~ "".. ,,~._~~~ ~"..Kr~~~~.~. m ...._,. ~m_ ~,~a,~,~,..".._~.~._~._ _,._...
12, or may extend partially about the perimeter of the die cavity 9g.
Operation of the tool body 82a (i.e., moving the handles of the tool body 82a relative to one another) opens and closes the jaw 90a in a conventional and well known manner to thereby move the die members 92c and 92d relative to one another. !n the alternative, the tool may be configured to utilize the apposite side (i.e., "far side) of the abutting flange 44 or both sides of the abutting flange 44 to locate th~a gaol relative to the grooves t 30 with appropriate modifications to the tool (e.g., to the die members).
[0057] (one or both of the die member$ (e.g., 9~c andlor 92d) may include indicia for stamping, embossing or otherwise markings the tube 12 with a mark in an area proximate the fitting 14 so as to identify that the crimp or crimps 81 had been formed with a suitable (e.g., approved, licensed] tool, in tha example provided, the indicia is a raised mark ident'rfied by the reference fetter T
in Figure 17, which as those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, stamps a mark into the tube 12 when the die members 92c and 9~d are closed an the tube 12 to fom~ the crimps St . the indicia or mark may be of any desired form and may be a trademark of the tool, the fittings and/or the fluid conduit system. In the example provided, the raised mark T is a syrnrnetricai trademark that is associated with the toot, the fittings and the fluid conduit system, While the raised mark T rnay be located anywhere slang the length of the die members 92c andlor 92d, we chose a location proximate the abutting flange ~.4.
Accordingly, the raised mark T may be employed not only to identify whether a suitable tool .__ .__._... .rv ~. .~.R, w~...~~,~v~~~.,,.~~~. ..,. ~.m~,. ~,~~.~,.~~,.rM.
....~.____ .... _ _ _____.__.__.._._..
, , had been employed io form the crimps 8i, but also tar Indicate whether the f'~tting t4 had been installed to the tube 12 properly prior to the formation of the crimps 81. For example, if the fitting 14 was not fully installed to the tube 12, the marls on the tube 12 that is formed by the raised mark may "fall off" the end of the tube so as to be incomplete or missing altogether. Similarly, the position of the mark on the tube 72 that is formed by the raised mark T relative to the abutting flange 44 may be employed tc~ identify situations where the dies 9~c and 92d were not abutted against the abutting flange 44 prior to fomling the crimps 81.
I0058~ With reference to Figure 19, a family of fittings constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The family of fittings i 00 may include a 45°
elbow 102, a 90° elbow 1 Q4, a cap 106, a tee 1 OEi and a union 110. Each member of the family of fittings 1 d0 includes a structural portion 30 and a seal portion 32 which are generally similar to those that are illustrated in Figure 19 except that the grooves 130 on the structural portion 30, while still beiing generally U-shaped, are somewhat wider and less rounded. Although the tee, elbow and union fittings of the family of fittings 100 are illustrated as employing two or more structural portions 30 and seal portions 32 that are identically sized, those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that they may be ft~rmed such that one or more of the structural portions 30 andlor seal portions 32 is differently sized from a remaining ane of the structural portion 30 and/or seal portion 32. For example, the tee 108 in Figure 20 is illustrated as having structural portions 30a, 30b and r 3Uc and seal portions 32a, 32b and 32c wherein stn~ctural portion 30c and seal portion 32c are sized differently (i.e., smaller in the particular example show) than structural portions 30a and 3~b and seal portions 32a and 32b, respectively.
(0059] Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the family of fittings 100 may include various "adapter fittings", having the abave-discussed structural portion 30 and seal portion 3~? on one end and another plumbing configuration 252 on the opposite end 250, as is illustrated in the example of Figure 21. While Figure 21 illustrates that th$ other plumbing configuration 252 may ba a solder connection, truss skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that various other known plumbing connections, such as a compression flitting, a flare fitting, male pipre threads, and female pipe threads, may also be emplrayed.
[0060] Those skilled in the art wih also appreci<~.te from this disclosure that the 45° and 90° elbows may be formed somewhat differently from that which is illustrated in Figure 19 to provide a gradual bend as tlha fitting changes direction, as conventional solder fittings are typically constnacted. With reference to Figures 22 and 23, an exemplary 90° fitting 14 con~~tructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. T'he structural portions 30 of~
the fitting 30 may include a chamfer 50 that extends about the interior edge of the structural portion 30, [0061] Another fluid conduit system con$tructed in accordance with the te2~chings of the present invention is iilustrated in Figure 24. In this $xample, the _21 _ ~
t fluid conduit system includes a family of first fittings SOU and a family of second fittings 302. The family of first fittings 300 may include a tee fitting 310, a 90°
elbow fitting 312, a A5° elbow fitting 31~t and a cap fitting 316 that are generally similar to standard solder type fittings except that their openings 320 have an inner diameter that is similar to the inner diameter of the tubes 12 (Fig. i ), whereas standard solder-type fittings have openings with an inner diameter that is similar to the outer diameter of the tubes 12. The second fittings 302 include various types of unions, including nstraight~ unions 33D and reducing unions 332, 334. One advantage of this fluid conduit system is tflat the plumbing contractor need not stock specific types of reducing fittings (i.e., tees and elbows), as any reductions may be made through use of a reducing union. Another advantage of this fluid conduit system is that the family of first fittings 300 may be produced and rttarketed vrvrth or without pre-installed fittings from the family of second fiitings 302 as Shawn in Fgure 25.
j~62~ While the invention has been descn'bed in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as ~fettned ire the claims, Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements andJor functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements andJor functions of one .22_ r .
embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment ~~ appropriate, unless described otherwise, 2~bove. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. TherafQre, it is intended that the invent'bn not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention wiil include any embodiments falling within the foregoing descript'ron and the appended Claims.
.... __,.._.. _,._ _.... ~~ m~.. "~M..~..,a.,~.m~~.~~,::»..,m.,-~~,...roM..
.....~,~ ~..,x~",m"~...~ .~ _ . _ ~ _ _.
[0044 Although the crimp 81 has been illustrated as being continuous about the perimeter of the tube 1~, those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the crimp 81 may be formed otherwise. For example, the crimp 81 may consist of one or more crimp sections that extend about a portion of the perimeter of the tube 't2.
(0045] In Figures 6 and ~', a tool constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention is generally indicated I~y reference numeral 80, The tool 80 may include a tool body 82 and a jaw assembly 84. Th$ foal body 82 may be generally similar to a Made) 320-~E Crimp 'Tool that is commercially av2~ilable from the Ridge Tool Company and as such, a detailed discussion of the foal body 82 need not be provided herein. Briefly, the tool body 82 may incPude a linear actuator 86 that may be selectively actuated to o~perata the jaw assembly 84. The linear actuator 86 may include a barrel 88, which is optionally rotatable r about its longitudinal axis 9U. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the tool body 82 may alternatively be powered in another rrrarsner, such as manually ar hydraulically. As the plumbing contractor will likely employ several different sizes of tubing, several differently sized jaw assemblies 84 are provided, allowing the pic~mbing aontraCtor to remove a jaw assembly 8~l of one site from the tool body 82 and install a jaw assembly 8~ of another size to the tool body 82 as needed.
[t~04fi] With additional reference to >=igure 8, the jaw assembly 8~ may include a jaw 90 and a pair of discrete die members 92a and 9~b: The jaw 90 may include a pair of opposed members 94 that may be coupled to the barrel $8 of tho tool body 82. Operation of the linear actuator 86 opens and closes the op~sed members 84 in a conventional and well known manner, The die members 92a and 92b cooperate to define a die cavity 96 that delineates the sh2~pe and configuration of the crimp or deformation. 'The die members 92a and 92b may be coupled to ttte opposed members 94 so as to be pivotable relative to one another about an axis 98 that may be generally normal to the longitudinal axis 90 of the bane( 88. In the particular example provided, each die member 92a and 92b may include a stem 100 that may be inserted into an associated one of the opposing members 94. A fastener, such as a conventional external snap ring (not shown), may be employed to retain the stem 100 to the opposing member 94 in a manner that permits rotation of the stem 100 yet inhibits its withdrawal from the opposing member 94.
...... . .FW. r,r .~~~w~~~~:s:~~"~~~~x...~~.,x~ar...._.~..
[004?~ Ganfiguration of the jaw assembly 84 with pivctable die members 92a and 92b permits the crimp or deformation to be formed more precisely.
More specifically, the die members 92a and 92b tend to self-center an the tube 12 (i.e., so that the longitudinal axis of the die cavity 96 is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the tube 12) so that in those instances where the user does not align the jaw 9t1 absolutely perpendicular to the tube 12, the die members 92a and 92b will pivot upon contact with the tube 12 such that the axis 96a of the die cavities '38 is coincident with the axis 12d of the tube 12 as is illustrated in Figure 8.
[0148, With regard to the embodiments of Figures 3 and ~, crimping or deformation of the tube'~2 may be employed to secure the fitting 14 to the tube 12 in an axial direction. Depending on the size and sealing capacity of the seal portion 32, however, crimping or deformation in an area proximate the seal portion 32 or portions thereof may be unnecessary or undesirable. tn Figure 3, for example, the O-rings 62 of the seal portion 32, which are located in a seal groove 62b formed in the structural portion 3Q, are sled to sealingly engage the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 upon insertion of the fitting 14 into the tube 12 so that deformation of the tube 12 in the area proximate the O-rings 62 is not necessary to create a seal between the fitting 14 and the tube i2. Given that e8ch tJ-ring 62 is configured to seal ag2urlst both the tube 14 and the structural portion 30, the use of multiple O~rings 62 provides a level of sealing redundancy.
~f course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that sealing redundancy is options! and need not be emptayed.
(t1~49~ As another example, the t7~ring 68 of the seal portion 3~ illustrated in Figure 4 also seals against the inside surface 2~ of the tube 12 upon insertion of the fit~ng 14 into the tuba 12. The tube 12, however, is crimped of deformed so that the inside surface 22 of the end ~2 of the tube t 2 is abutted against the collar 66. The collar 66 serves to limit the deformation of the end 42 of the tube 12 so that the O-ring t;8 is deformed in a predetermined manner, while the crimp or deformation serves to inhibit the withdrawal of the fitting 14 from the tube 12.
Optionally, the collar 66 may also be deformed so as to provide additional sealing capacity between the tubular end 40 and the inside surface 22_ In the example provided, a groove 102 in the collar G6 constrains the t~-ring 68 to limit the manner and degree to which the O-ring 68 deforms and thereby ensure that the sealing integrity of the C,~-ring 6$ is not compromised during the installation of the fitting 14.
iDO~~~ One aspect of the flexibility of our fluid conduit system is shown in Figure 9 wherein the structr~ral portion 3t~ of the fttting 14 is illustrated as being suitable for use with several differently sized tubes 1~e and 12f. in this example, seal portions 32e and 32f are provided which vary in their outer diameter so as to be readily employed to sea! against the inside surface of the tubes iCe and 12f, respectively. This flexibility is noteworthy since it permits significant reductions in the fabrication costs ~e.g., tooling, losses in praduc,~tivityy as a result of change-_14_ over) of the fittings as compared to the known fittings, which are associated with a single and specific tube sire.
[Ota5't] Another aspect of the flexibility of our fittings 14 is illustrated in Figure 10, In this example, the seaE portion 32 is illustrated as being optional, so that the fitting 14 may be coupled to a tube 12 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention or to a different conduit material, such as commercially available PF~C tubing 110. In situations where the structural portion 30 is to be coupled to a tube 1~ in accordance with the teachings of the pr$sent invention, the seal portion 32 may be coupled or otherwise associated with the tubular end 44 and the fitting 14 instilled into the tube 12. if, on the other hand, a different tubular material is to be employed, a different seal (not shown) rnay be employed or the seat portion 32 may be omitted altogether. In the example shown, the tubular end 40 of the structural portion 30 may be inserted into the PEX
tubing 110 and coupled thereto in a conventional manner (as through an external crimp ring 172, far example). This flexibility is noteworthy since it facilitates a reduction in the overall quantify and cost of plumber's inventory through the stocking a single type of fitting that is suitable for use with several types of fluid conduit systems.
~I White the fitting 14 has been described thus far as including a generally cylindrical tubular end 40, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention, in its broader aspects, may be constructed somewhat differently>
For example, the fitting may be formed with a bullhead 120 or such as shown in Figures 1 i and 12 to further resist axial separation of the fitting 14 and the tube 12. In these embodiments, the tubular end ~IOa is installed to the end 42 of the tube and the end 42 of the tube 12 is crimped or deformed sa as to define a reduced diameter portion 124 that abuts the bullhead 120 to thereby inhibit the withdrawal of the tubular end 40a from the tube 12. T'he fittings 14 of Figures 11 and 12 are illustrated to be substantially similar to one another, differing only iri that the fitting 14 of Figure 'k 1 employs two O-ring seals 62, whereas the fitting 14 of Figure 12 employs a sleeve 60 that is similar to that shown in Figure 2 but which is overmoided onto or otherwise permanently seGUred to the tubular end 40a of tha structural portion 3d.
C0053j Figures 13 and 14 illustrate yet another embodiment of the fitting 14. In this embodiment, the tubular end 40b includes one ar mare grooves 130, which ate illustrated to be U-shaped in the example provided. As with the fittings i4 that are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the seal portion 32 of the fittings 14 may be configured so as to seal against tire inside surface 22 of the tube 12 upon insertion so that the tube 12 need not be deformed to effect sealing engagement between the seal portion 32 and either of the inside surface 22 of the tube 12 or the outside surface 51 of the tubular end 40 of the structurai portion 30, In the particular example provided, no portion of the tube i'~ in the immediate vicinity of each seal (e.g., O-ring 62) that forms the seal portion 32 is deformed.
[0054] A toot rnay be employed to deform, crirrip or extrude portions 142 of the tube 12 into each of the grooves 13Q to thereby inhibit axial movement of the _1 g_ structural pardon 30 relative to the tube 12. The too! may be powered by an appropriate means (e.g., manually, hydraulically, pneumatically ar electrically).
Qne suitable toot 140 is illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. The tool 140 is similar to a cdnventianal tube cutter 4e.g., similar to a No. 15~ Tubing Cutter that is manufactured by the Ridge Tool Company) and includes a pair of rollers 146, which support and center the tube 12, one or more farming wheels 148 (two forming wheels 148 are employed in the example provided) and an in~crernenting mechanism 150 having a yoke 162 ante Which the farming wheels 148 are rotatably mounted. Each forming wheel 148 includes an edge 156 that may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the c~ro~rves 1~p (Fig. i8). The incrementing mechanism 150 rnay include a screw jack 't58 for adjustably moving the forming wheels 148 toward or away from the rollers i46. in operation, the tool i40 may be rotated about the tube 12 as the wheel$ 148 (via the incrementing mechanism 150) are moved toward the rollers i 46, thereby causing the wheels 148 to push the portions 142 of the tube 12 into a corresponding one of the grooves 130 formed in tire struct~rra.! portion 30 of the fitting 14. Unlike a tube cutter, however, the tool 140 preferably includes an adjustable stop 180 for limiting the movement of the wheels 148 toward the rollers 146. Those skilled in the art will appreciates that the tool 140 may be equipped with one wheel 148 in the alternative.
[OU55~ Those skilled in the art will also appreciate from this disclosure that the tcyo9 140 may be configured to locate on a surface of the abutting flange 44.
_1T_ Configuration of the tool in this manner permits tire "farming means" to be positioned cansistentiy relative to the grooves 13a, provided that the structural portion 30 of the fitting 14 is constructed such that the distance between the surface of the abutting flange 44 and the grooves 130 remains relatively consistent from fitting 14 to fitting 14. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that either surface of the abutting flange 44 may be selected as the "datum surfaoe", In the example of Figures 17 and 18, the "near sideR of the abutting flange 44 (i.e., ti7e surface of the abutting flange 44 immediately adjacent the end 40 of the structural portion 3~ being fastened to a tube 12) was chosen to locate the crimps 81 relative to the abutting flange 44, as the ability to locate the tool i 40a by pushing ~ against the abutting flange 44 was preferred.
X0056] The tool 140a may include a tool bady 8~a and a jaw 90a, which may be generally similar to the configuration of a r,.omm~ercially available bokt cutter. rhs tool l4pa may further include a pair of discrete die members 92c and 92d, which are generally similar to the die members 92a and 92b, discussed above (i.e., rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the tube 12).
Alternatively, the die members 92c artd 92d may be fixed in a stationary (i.e., non-rotating) position, ~'he die members 92c and 92d may bg fixedly but removably coupled to the jaw 9c~a and may include projections 96c that extend into the die cavity 96. Depending on the deslrsd configuration of the crimp 81, the projections 96c may be formed about the perimeter of the die cavity 9~ so that the crimp 81 will bs substantially continuous abaUt the perimeter of the tube _1 g_ _._.._. _~n. . ..eMr~ ,~ "".. ,,~._~~~ ~"..Kr~~~~.~. m ...._,. ~m_ ~,~a,~,~,..".._~.~._~._ _,._...
12, or may extend partially about the perimeter of the die cavity 9g.
Operation of the tool body 82a (i.e., moving the handles of the tool body 82a relative to one another) opens and closes the jaw 90a in a conventional and well known manner to thereby move the die members 92c and 92d relative to one another. !n the alternative, the tool may be configured to utilize the apposite side (i.e., "far side) of the abutting flange 44 or both sides of the abutting flange 44 to locate th~a gaol relative to the grooves t 30 with appropriate modifications to the tool (e.g., to the die members).
[0057] (one or both of the die member$ (e.g., 9~c andlor 92d) may include indicia for stamping, embossing or otherwise markings the tube 12 with a mark in an area proximate the fitting 14 so as to identify that the crimp or crimps 81 had been formed with a suitable (e.g., approved, licensed] tool, in tha example provided, the indicia is a raised mark ident'rfied by the reference fetter T
in Figure 17, which as those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, stamps a mark into the tube 12 when the die members 92c and 9~d are closed an the tube 12 to fom~ the crimps St . the indicia or mark may be of any desired form and may be a trademark of the tool, the fittings and/or the fluid conduit system. In the example provided, the raised mark T is a syrnrnetricai trademark that is associated with the toot, the fittings and the fluid conduit system, While the raised mark T rnay be located anywhere slang the length of the die members 92c andlor 92d, we chose a location proximate the abutting flange ~.4.
Accordingly, the raised mark T may be employed not only to identify whether a suitable tool .__ .__._... .rv ~. .~.R, w~...~~,~v~~~.,,.~~~. ..,. ~.m~,. ~,~~.~,.~~,.rM.
....~.____ .... _ _ _____.__.__.._._..
, , had been employed io form the crimps 8i, but also tar Indicate whether the f'~tting t4 had been installed to the tube 12 properly prior to the formation of the crimps 81. For example, if the fitting 14 was not fully installed to the tube 12, the marls on the tube 12 that is formed by the raised mark may "fall off" the end of the tube so as to be incomplete or missing altogether. Similarly, the position of the mark on the tube 72 that is formed by the raised mark T relative to the abutting flange 44 may be employed tc~ identify situations where the dies 9~c and 92d were not abutted against the abutting flange 44 prior to fomling the crimps 81.
I0058~ With reference to Figure 19, a family of fittings constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The family of fittings i 00 may include a 45°
elbow 102, a 90° elbow 1 Q4, a cap 106, a tee 1 OEi and a union 110. Each member of the family of fittings 1 d0 includes a structural portion 30 and a seal portion 32 which are generally similar to those that are illustrated in Figure 19 except that the grooves 130 on the structural portion 30, while still beiing generally U-shaped, are somewhat wider and less rounded. Although the tee, elbow and union fittings of the family of fittings 100 are illustrated as employing two or more structural portions 30 and seal portions 32 that are identically sized, those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that they may be ft~rmed such that one or more of the structural portions 30 andlor seal portions 32 is differently sized from a remaining ane of the structural portion 30 and/or seal portion 32. For example, the tee 108 in Figure 20 is illustrated as having structural portions 30a, 30b and r 3Uc and seal portions 32a, 32b and 32c wherein stn~ctural portion 30c and seal portion 32c are sized differently (i.e., smaller in the particular example show) than structural portions 30a and 3~b and seal portions 32a and 32b, respectively.
(0059] Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the family of fittings 100 may include various "adapter fittings", having the abave-discussed structural portion 30 and seal portion 3~? on one end and another plumbing configuration 252 on the opposite end 250, as is illustrated in the example of Figure 21. While Figure 21 illustrates that th$ other plumbing configuration 252 may ba a solder connection, truss skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that various other known plumbing connections, such as a compression flitting, a flare fitting, male pipre threads, and female pipe threads, may also be emplrayed.
[0060] Those skilled in the art wih also appreci<~.te from this disclosure that the 45° and 90° elbows may be formed somewhat differently from that which is illustrated in Figure 19 to provide a gradual bend as tlha fitting changes direction, as conventional solder fittings are typically constnacted. With reference to Figures 22 and 23, an exemplary 90° fitting 14 con~~tructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. T'he structural portions 30 of~
the fitting 30 may include a chamfer 50 that extends about the interior edge of the structural portion 30, [0061] Another fluid conduit system con$tructed in accordance with the te2~chings of the present invention is iilustrated in Figure 24. In this $xample, the _21 _ ~
t fluid conduit system includes a family of first fittings SOU and a family of second fittings 302. The family of first fittings 300 may include a tee fitting 310, a 90°
elbow fitting 312, a A5° elbow fitting 31~t and a cap fitting 316 that are generally similar to standard solder type fittings except that their openings 320 have an inner diameter that is similar to the inner diameter of the tubes 12 (Fig. i ), whereas standard solder-type fittings have openings with an inner diameter that is similar to the outer diameter of the tubes 12. The second fittings 302 include various types of unions, including nstraight~ unions 33D and reducing unions 332, 334. One advantage of this fluid conduit system is tflat the plumbing contractor need not stock specific types of reducing fittings (i.e., tees and elbows), as any reductions may be made through use of a reducing union. Another advantage of this fluid conduit system is that the family of first fittings 300 may be produced and rttarketed vrvrth or without pre-installed fittings from the family of second fiitings 302 as Shawn in Fgure 25.
j~62~ While the invention has been descn'bed in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as ~fettned ire the claims, Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements andJor functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements andJor functions of one .22_ r .
embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment ~~ appropriate, unless described otherwise, 2~bove. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. TherafQre, it is intended that the invent'bn not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention wiil include any embodiments falling within the foregoing descript'ron and the appended Claims.
.... __,.._.. _,._ _.... ~~ m~.. "~M..~..,a.,~.m~~.~~,::»..,m.,-~~,...roM..
.....~,~ ~..,x~",m"~...~ .~ _ . _ ~ _ _.
Claims (21)
1. A fluid conduit system comprising:
a fluid conduit having an inner diameter;
a crimp formed on the fluid conduit, the crimp having an inside dimension that is smaller than the inner diameter; and a fitting having a structural portion and a seal portion, the structural portion having at least one crimp groove into which the crimp is at least partially received, the at least one crimp groove extending about the circumference of the structural portion, the seal portion being carried by the structural portion and sealingly engaging the inner diameter of the fluid conduit, the seal portion being axially offset from the crimp groove.
a fluid conduit having an inner diameter;
a crimp formed on the fluid conduit, the crimp having an inside dimension that is smaller than the inner diameter; and a fitting having a structural portion and a seal portion, the structural portion having at least one crimp groove into which the crimp is at least partially received, the at least one crimp groove extending about the circumference of the structural portion, the seal portion being carried by the structural portion and sealingly engaging the inner diameter of the fluid conduit, the seal portion being axially offset from the crimp groove.
2. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein the seal portion is disposed between two crimp grooves.
3. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein the fitting further includes an annular flange that is axially spaced apart from the crimp groove by a predetermined distance.
4. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein the seal portion includes an elastomeric seal.
5. The fluid conduit system of Claim 4, wherein the elastomeric seal includes at least one O-ring.
6. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the fluid conduit is formed of hard drawn tubing sticks.
7. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the fluid conduit is formed of flexible metal tubing,
8. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein the crimp groove is generally U-shaped.
9. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein the seal portion includes a plurality of discrete seal members, each seal member being configured to sealingly engage the inner diameter of the fluid conduit.
10. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein the crimp extends in a continuous manner about the perimeter of the fluid conduit.
11. The fluid conduit system of Claim 1, wherein the crimp comprises at least one crimp section, each crimp section extending only partially about the perimeter of the fluid conduit,
12. A method for forming a fluid conduit system, the method comprising:
providing a fitting having a structural portion and a seal portion, the seal portion being coupled to the structural pardon;
inserting the structural portion into a tube such that the seal portion sealingly engages an inside surface of the tube; and deforming only the tube to couple the fitting to the tube.
providing a fitting having a structural portion and a seal portion, the seal portion being coupled to the structural pardon;
inserting the structural portion into a tube such that the seal portion sealingly engages an inside surface of the tube; and deforming only the tube to couple the fitting to the tube.
13. The method of Claim 12, wherein the structural portion has one or more crimp grooves, each of the crimp grooves extending about a circumference of the structural portion and wherein a portion of the tube being received into at least one crimp groove when the tube is deformed.
14. The method of Claim 13, wherein the fitting further includes a flange and wherein the tube is deformed at a location that is axially spaced apart from the flange by a predetermined dimension.
15. The method of claim 74, wherein before the deforming step the method further comprises locating a crimping too! against a surface of the flange.
16. The method of Claim 73, wherein prior to deforming the tube, a plurality of dies are positioned about the tube and the dies are forced against the tube.
17. The method of Claim 13, wherein portions of the tube are received into each crimp groove when the tube is deformed.
18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the portions of the tube are deformed substantially simultaneously.
19. A tool for securing a fitting to a tube, the tool including a jaw and a pair of die members, the jaw being disposed about a first axis and including a pair of opposed die members, each of the die members being pivotably coupled to an associated one of the opposed members and pivotable about a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis,
20. The tool of Claim 19, wherein the jaw is rotatably disposed about the first axis.
21. A method for forming a fluid conduit system, the method comprising:
providing a fitting having a structural portion and a seal portion, the seal portion being removably coupled to the structural portion;
selecting one of a plastic tube and a metal tube;
if the plastic tube is selected:
installing a crimp collar about the plastic tubing;
inserting only the structural portion of the fitting into the plastic tubing;
and deforming the crimp collar to fix the plastic tubing to the structural portion of the fitting;
otherwise, inserting the fitting into the metal tube such that the seal portion is proximate an inside surface of the metal tube; and deforming only the tube to couple the fitting to the metal tube.
providing a fitting having a structural portion and a seal portion, the seal portion being removably coupled to the structural portion;
selecting one of a plastic tube and a metal tube;
if the plastic tube is selected:
installing a crimp collar about the plastic tubing;
inserting only the structural portion of the fitting into the plastic tubing;
and deforming the crimp collar to fix the plastic tubing to the structural portion of the fitting;
otherwise, inserting the fitting into the metal tube such that the seal portion is proximate an inside surface of the metal tube; and deforming only the tube to couple the fitting to the metal tube.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US47059903P | 2003-05-15 | 2003-05-15 | |
| US60/470,599 | 2003-05-15 | ||
| US10/739,983 | 2003-12-18 | ||
| US10/739,983 US7516990B2 (en) | 2003-05-15 | 2003-12-18 | Fluid conduit system and fittings therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2467126A1 true CA2467126A1 (en) | 2004-11-15 |
Family
ID=33424010
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002467126A Abandoned CA2467126A1 (en) | 2003-05-15 | 2004-05-12 | Fluid conduit system and fittings therefor |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US7516990B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2467126A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA04004576A (en) |
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| DE20018312U1 (en) * | 2000-10-26 | 2001-05-10 | Franz Viegener Ii Gmbh & Co Kg | Press tool |
| SE524308C2 (en) * | 2001-12-27 | 2004-07-27 | Volvo Lastvagnar Ab | End connection for pipes allowing relative rotational movement including a sleeve inserted into the pipe end |
| US7237809B2 (en) * | 2004-05-07 | 2007-07-03 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Coiled tubing connector |
-
2003
- 2003-12-18 US US10/739,983 patent/US7516990B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-05-12 CA CA002467126A patent/CA2467126A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-14 MX MXPA04004576A patent/MXPA04004576A/en active IP Right Grant
-
2007
- 2007-10-31 US US11/931,347 patent/US20080048448A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20040227346A1 (en) | 2004-11-18 |
| MXPA04004576A (en) | 2005-06-08 |
| US20080048448A1 (en) | 2008-02-28 |
| US7516990B2 (en) | 2009-04-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |