Tube coupler

• US 3,976,314 A
• Filed: 01/03/1975
• Issued: 08/24/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Paul M. Hankison
• Original Assignee: Paul M. Hankison
• Inventors: Graham, Charles H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Callaghan, Thomas F.
• Application Number:
  US05/538,503
• Time in Patent Office: 599 Days
• Field of Search: 285/340, 285/238, 285/DIG. 22, 285/382.7, 285/403, 285/345, 285/423, 285/356, 285/156, 285/150, 285/179, 285/417
• US Class Current: 285/238
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 33/32 comprising parts outside the hoses only F16L33/24 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 47/32 Branch units, e.g. made in one piece, welded, riveted
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/915 Mastic

Abstract

A coupler or fitting for connecting ductile tubes or pipes includes a coupler body having one or more ports therein, and a ferrule which is friction-fitted within each port, the ferrule having a radially-inward flaring lip for biting into and locking a tube inserted therein and for creating a seal between the tube and the body, and a radially-outward flaring lip for biting into and locking the ferrule within the body.

Claims

1. A coupler for a ductile tube comprising:

a. a body having at least two generally cylindrical ports therein;

b. a generally cylindrically-shaped thin-walled ferrule, said ferrule having a substantially uniform wall thickness throughout the entire length thereof and insertable within at least one port of said body, the outside surface of said ferrule forming a snug, friction fit with the port wall to sealingly engage the port wall;

c. said ferrule having a single radially-inward flaring continuous circumferential lip at the inner extremity thereof, and a radially-outward flaring continuous circumferential lip at the outer extremity thereof;

d. said radially-outward flaring lip biting into the port wall when inserted therein to retain it in place and prevent dislocation therefrom; and

e. said radially-inward flaring lip biting into the exterior surface of the tube when inserted therein, said lip locking the tube within said body and providing a fluid seal between the tube and said body.

2. A coupler as in claim 1 including first means for preventing the tube from being inserted beyond a predetermined point within said port.

3. A coupler as in claim 2 wherein said first means comprises said port having a reduced diameter section.

4. A coupler as in claim 1 including second means for preventing said ferrule from being inserted beyond a predetermined point with said bore.

5. A coupler as in claim 4 wherein said second means comprises an annular portion having a larger diameter than the remainder of said port at the outer end of said port, said radially-outward flaring lip fitting therein.