Tube coupling assembly

Abstract

A tube coupling assembly for use in connecting first and second fluid-carrying tubes comprising an annular sleeve member and an annular ferrule which are operably affixable to respective ones of the tubes. A tube connector and a coupling nut threadingly engage one another so as to force first and second spherical surfaces of the sleeve member against generally frusto-conical surfaces of the ferrule and coupling nut respectively, thereby forming a fluid sealing means and accommodating angular misalignment between the tubes. An internal locking means is provided for preventing the disengagement of the sealing means. The coupling nut and tube connector each include wrenching surfaces which must be used to torque the assembly, with the applied torque and counter-torque avoiding torsional loading of the tubes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.