Connector and method of manufacture

Abstract

A connector includes a hollow member having an open first end and an open second end joined by a bore extending through the body having a first bore section and a second bore section that is stepwise reduced from the first bore section creating an annular shoulder therebetween. The first bore section tapers inwardly from the shoulder toward a third bore section, a sealing member receiver integrally formed into the connector and located within the second bore section near the third bore section. A sealing member seated within the sealing member receiver and at least partially protrudes inwardly into the second bore section. A method of manufacturing a connector includes the steps of providing a mold that defines a cavity, providing an insert assembly located within the cavity, and providing a sealing member within the mold contacting the insert assembly and partially exposed to the cavity; compressing the sealing member such that the contact between the insert assembly and sealing member is maintained as the connector is molded; and providing molten plastic material into the mold cavity to form the connector.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.