# US 6,179,341 B2 · Quick connect retainer having tolerance for wide band of male tube dimensions

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- Number: US 6,179,341 B2
- Document ID: US6179341B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 08/673,574
- Filed: 1996-07-01
- Granted: 2001-01-30
- Earliest claimed: 1996-07-01
- Assignees: Bundy Corporation
- Inventors: Mark G. Ketcham; Stephen H. Gunderson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6179341B2

## CPC

- F16L 37/0987: {the flexible hook being progressively compressed by axial tensile loads acting on the coupling}
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL

## Abstract

A quick connector coupling comprises a hollow connector body and a male tube received and secured in the connector body. The male tube has a radially enlarged upset. A retainer is disposed in the connector body and has an inner base ring through which the male tube extends. The retainer also has compressive members which abut a shoulder formed in the connector body to secure the retainer in the connector body. The compressive members extend towards the base ring and terminate before reaching the base ring to define a space between the compressive members and the base ring. The upset is captured in this space thereby securing the male tube in the connector body. A chamfer is formed in the base ring to provide tolerance for a wider band of male tube dimensions.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A connector to receive a tube end having at least one radially enlarged upset comprising:
a hollow female connector body;
a retainer disposed in said connector body, said retainer having an annular inner base ring and defining a cylindrical surface to receive the tube end, and said retainer further defining compressive members;
said base ring having a limit surface facing said compressive members and a chamfer intersecting said limit surface and said cylindrical surface;
said compressive members defining an inner surface and a locking surface intersecting said inner surface, and further defining a space between said limit surface and said compressive members for securing the radially enlarged upset in said connector body;
wherein the diameter of the intersection of said locking surface with said inner surface of said compressive members being approximately as large as the diameter of the intersection of said chamfer with said limit surface.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said chamfer provides tolerance for a wide band of male tube dimensions.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

a connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inner surface of said compressive members provides tolerance for a wide band of male tube dimensions.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

A connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said chamfer is adapted to accommodate a sloping wall portion of the upset.