Miniature tube fitting having a barbed stem portion surrounded by a protective shroud and method for making same
First Claim
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1. A molded tube fitting, comprising:
- (a) a body defining a first pathway for the flow of fluid therethrough;
(b) a first end including a stem portion having a tapered stem portion adapted to be inserted into tubing defining a second pathway for the flow of fluid, the stem portion including barb means for gripping the interior of the tubing;
(c) a shroud portion radially spaced apart from the stem portion and encircling at least a portion of the stem portion, the shroud being free from attachment with the stem portion along at least a portion of the stem portion and cooperating with the stem portion to define an annular space for receipt of the tubing, the shroud defining two windows enabling mold elements to be removably inserted therethrough so as to form the barb means along the stem portion; and
(d) a second end for interconnection of the molded tube fitting to a third pathway for the flow of fluid, the first, second, and third pathways being in fluid communication.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A molded miniature tube fitting (200) having a barbed stem portion (204) surrounded by a protective shroud (206) and method for making same. The shroud (206) including windows (230) therein so as to enable undercutting of a portion of the stem portion (204) so as to form a barb (224).
118 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A molded tube fitting, comprising:
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(a) a body defining a first pathway for the flow of fluid therethrough; (b) a first end including a stem portion having a tapered stem portion adapted to be inserted into tubing defining a second pathway for the flow of fluid, the stem portion including barb means for gripping the interior of the tubing; (c) a shroud portion radially spaced apart from the stem portion and encircling at least a portion of the stem portion, the shroud being free from attachment with the stem portion along at least a portion of the stem portion and cooperating with the stem portion to define an annular space for receipt of the tubing, the shroud defining two windows enabling mold elements to be removably inserted therethrough so as to form the barb means along the stem portion; and (d) a second end for interconnection of the molded tube fitting to a third pathway for the flow of fluid, the first, second, and third pathways being in fluid communication. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A molded tube fitting, comprising:
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(a) a body defining a first pathway for the flow of fluid therethrough; (b) a first end including a stem portion having a tapered stem portion adapted to be inserted into tubing defining a second pathway for the flow of fluid, the tapered stem portion being free from a longitudinally extending part line, the stem portion including barb means for gripping the interior of the tubing; (c) a shroud portion radially spaced apart from the stem portion and encircling at least a portion of the stem portion, the shroud being free from attachment with the stem portion along at least a portion of the stem portion and cooperating with the stem portion to define an annular space for receipt of the tubing, the shroud defining two windows enabling mold elements to be removably inserted therethrough so as to form the barb means along the stem portion; and (d) a second end for interconnection of the molded tube fitting to a third pathway for the flow of fluid, the first, second, and third pathways being in fluid communication.
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12. A molded tube fitting, comprising:
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(a) a body defining a first pathway for the flow of fluid therethrough; (b) a first end including a stem portion having a tapered stem portion adapted to be inserted into tubing defining a second pathway for the flow of fluid, the tapered stem portion being free from a longitudinally extending part line, the stem portion including a transversely extending shoulder portion, the shoulder portion being formed adjacent the tapered stem portion, thereby forming a sharp barb used for gripping the interior of the tubing; (c) a shroud portion radially spaced apart from the stem portion and encircling at least a portion of the stem portion, the shroud being free from attachment with the stem portion along at least a portion of the stem portion and cooperating with the stem portion to define an annular space for receipt of the tubing, the shroud defining two windows enabling mold elements to be removably inserted therethrough so as to form the transversely extending shoulder portion; and (d) a second end for interconnection of the molded tube fitting to a third pathway for the flow of fluid, the first, second, and third pathways being in fluid communication.
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Specification