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US 12,716,533 B2Granted
Press fitting
AssigneeReliance Worldwide Corporation
InventorsJoseph Derres Catalano, Sai Kishore Ravisankar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present application relates to press fittings. The press fittings may include a connector body and a press sleeve. The connector body includes a connection segment and a retainer segment. The connection segment is configured to receive a conduit. The press sleeve may be crimped on the conduit and the connection segment.
Claims20
A press fitting comprising:
- a connector body having a first end, and an opposite, second end, the connector body including a first connection segment at the first end and a second connection segment at the second end, the connector body includes surface portions on outer surfaces of the first and second connection segments, the connector body further includes a circumferential rib centrally positioned between the first and second connection segments, and circumferential walls radially projecting from the connector body on opposing sides of the circumferential rib, wherein the circumferential walls and the circumferential rib together define respective channels in the connector body, the circumferential rib and the circumferential walls being integrally formed with the connector body;
- a first press sleeve adapted to be received over the first connection segment of the connector body;
- and
- a second press sleeve adapted to be received over the second connection segment of the connector body;
- wherein the first and second press sleeves each include a distal end and a proximal end, when the first and second press sleeves are attached to the connector body, the respective channels of the connector body receives a lip of the proximal ends of the first and second press sleeves to form a snap fit connection therewith;
- wherein the circumferential rib is configured to engage an outer surface of the first and second press sleeves to facilitate a secure connection with the connector body;
- wherein the circumferential rib is configured to facilitate location of a pressing tool in relation to the first and second press sleeves to ensure proper alignment of the pressing tool;
- and
- wherein the circumferential rib includes a stem portion and a crossbar portion that together form a T-shaped rib that extends along opposing sides of the connector body.
6 more elements
A press fitting comprising:
- a connector body having a connection segment and a retainer segment, the connection segment including a plurality of barbs, the retainer segment having a pair of circumferential walls defining a channel therebetween;
- and
- a press sleeve adapted to be received over the connection segment of the connector body and adapted to be coupled to the retainer segment;
- wherein the press sleeve includes a distal end and a proximal end, and when the press sleeve is attached to the connector body, the channel of the connector body receives a lip of the proximal end of the press sleeve to form a snap fit connection therewith;
- wherein the press sleeve further includes a sleeve body, a flange forming the distal end of the press sleeve, and a locator rib formed integrally with the sleeve body between the proximal end and the distal end of the press sleeve;
- and
- wherein the locator rib and the flange define a crimp region axially therebetween to facilitate location of a pressing tool in relation to the press sleeve to ensure proper alignment of the pressing tool relative to the plurality of barbs on the connection segment of the connector body.
4 more elements
A method of forming a press fitting, the method comprising:
- forming a flat disk made from metallic material;
- deep-drawing the flat disk into a mold to form a cup-shaped sleeve preform including a bottom wall and a side wall;
- forming a locator rib into the side wall of the cup-shaped sleeve preform;
- forming an aperture into the bottom wall of the cup-shaped sleeve preform;
- and
- forming a flange into a distal end of the side wall of the cup-shaped sleeve preform.
3 more elements
A method for assembling a fitting, the method comprising:
- selecting a conduit to be used in forming the press sleeve;
- forming a locator rib in the conduit such that the locator rib is positioned correctly when the press sleeve is fully formed;
- forming a lip at a proximal end of the press sleeve, wherein a portion of the conduit is deformed inwardly to form the lip;
- cutting the conduit to a desired part length;
- forming a flared flange at the distal end of the press sleeve, wherein the flared flange is formed using a flaring mandrel that engages and expands the distal end of the press sleeve;
- and
- performing finishing operations on the press sleeve, wherein the finishing operations include deburring and polishing.
4 more elements
A press fitting comprising:
- a connector body having a first end, and an opposite, second end, the connector body including a first connection segment at the first end and a second connection segment at the second end, the connector body includes surface portions on outer surfaces of the first and second connection segments, the connector body further includes a circumferential rib centrally positioned between the first and second connection segments, and circumferential walls radially projecting from the connector body on opposing sides of the circumferential rib, wherein the circumferential walls and the circumferential rib together define respective channels in the connector body, the circumferential rib and the circumferential walls being integrally formed with the connector body;
- a first press sleeve adapted to be received over the first connection segment of the connector body;
- and
- a second press sleeve adapted to be received over the second connection segment of the connector body;
- wherein the first and second press sleeves each include a distal end and a proximal end, when the first and second press sleeves are attached to the connector body, the respective channels of the connector body receives a lip of the proximal ends of the first and second press sleeves to form a snap fit connection therewith;
- wherein the circumferential rib is configured to engage an outer surface of the first and second press sleeves to facilitate a secure connection with the connector body;
- wherein the circumferential rib is configured to facilitate location of a pressing tool in relation to the first and second press sleeves to ensure proper alignment of the pressing tool;
- and
- wherein the first and second press sleeves each include a sleeve body having a locator rib integrally formed therewith to facilitate location of a pressing tool.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.