Quick connect tube coupling and method of assembling the same

• US 6,641,177 B1
• Filed: 08/25/2000
• Issued: 11/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Precision Design Concepts LLC
• Original Assignee: Precision Design Concepts LLC
• Inventors: Pinciaro, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Bochna, David
• Application Number:
  US09/649,432
• Time in Patent Office: 1,166 Days
• Field of Search: 285/242, 285/239, 285/241, 285/244, 285/257, 285/319, 285/921, 285/245
• US Class Current: 285/242
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/0087 Therapeutic baths with agitated or circulated water
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/60 Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00 plumbing E03C1/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 33/225 a sleeve being movable axially
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/0985 the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part F16L37/0982 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/921 Snap-fit

Abstract

A coupling system for coupling flexible tubing between ports includes a port element provided with a barb, and a clamp which secures the tubing over the port element. A first end of the clamp is formed as a plurality of axially extending resilient, yet stiff, fingers having a barb at a tip. The fingers are biased slightly inward toward a center of the channel to define an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the tubing. A diameter at the second end of the clamp is larger than a diameter of the tubing to allow for easier installation of the tubing through the channel of the clamp. A diameter of a portion of the channel between the first end and the second end is substantially the same or slightly smaller than the diameter of the tubing such that the clamp snugly grips the tubing without affecting the flow through the tubing. In use, the tubing is inserted through the second end of the clamp, and the tubing is then positioned over the barb of the port element. The clamp is then forcibly slid along the tubing such that the barbs ride over and then lock about the barb of the port element. This simple and quick operation creates a water-tight seal. In another embodiment, the second end of the clamp is provided with a plurality of alternating pegs and holes oriented parallel to the axis of the clamp which detachably couples two clamps in a back-to-back arrangement.

Claims

1. An apparatus for clamping a flexible tubing which is coupled to a port of a plumbing fixture, the port having a barb with a larger diameter than an inner diameter of the flexible tubing, said apparatus comprising:

a clamping member having a first end, a second end, a clamping portion between said first and second ends, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers, each tapering inward toward a center of said channel and having an radially inwardly directed catch which includes a blunt inner portion, said fingers defining a first interior diameter measured at said catch, said second end having a second interior diameter, and said clamping portion having a third interior diameter larger than said first interior diameter and smaller than said second interior diameter.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said clamping member is molded as a single piece.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

each said finger includes a ramped portion at an end of said finger.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said second end of said clamping member is provided with detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said second end of said clamping member to another clamping member.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:

said detachable coupling means includes a plurality of projections and a plurality of holes sized for an interference fit with said plurality of projections.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said third diameter is larger than the exterior diameter of the tubing.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second clamping member having a first end, a second end, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said second clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers,

wherein said second ends of each of said clamping members include detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said second ends of said clamping members to each other.

8. A coupling assembly for coupling flexible tubing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter to a plumbing fixture, said coupling assembly comprising:

a) a unitary plumbing fixture defining a tubular port provided with a circumferential barb at a port end thereof and a catch, said barb tapering in outer diameter from a maximum outer diameter to said port end; and

b) a clamping member having a first end, a second end, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers each having a radially inwardly directed barb and a ramped portion at an end of said finger, said fingers defining a first inner diameter measured at said barbs, said second end having a second inner diameter, and a portion between said first and second end having a third inner diameter larger than said first inner diameter and said maximum outer diameter of said circumferential barb,

wherein when said tubular port of said plumbing fixture is inserted into the tubing and said clamping member is provided over the tubing and said tubular port, said barbs of said clamping member engage in said catch and secure said clamping member and the tubing to said port.

9. A coupling assembly according to claim 8, wherein:

said clamping member is molded as a single piece.

10. A coupling assembly according to claim 8, wherein:

each said finger includes a blunt inner portion.

11. A coupling assembly according to claim 8, wherein:

said catch is at least partially defined by a groove.

12. A coupling assembly according to claim 11, wherein:

said groove is at least partially defined by a lip.

13. A coupling assembly according to claim 12, wherein:

said lip is tapered toward said barb.

14. A coupling assembly according to claim 8, wherein:

said second end of said clamping member is provided with detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said second end of said clamping member to another clamping member.

15. A coupling assembly according to claim 14, wherein:

said detachable coupling means includes a plurality of projections and a plurality of holes sized for an interference fit with said plurality of projections.

16. A coupling assembly according to claim 8, further comprising:

c) a second clamping member, wherein said clamping members each include detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said clamping members to each other.

17. A tubing coupling assembly, comprising:

a) flexible tubing having an end with an inner diameter and an outer diameter;

b) a plumbing fixture having a tubular port provided with a circumferential barb at a port end thereof and a catch, said circumferential barb tapering in outer diameter from a maximum outer diameter to said port end; and

c) a first clamping member having a first end, a second end, a clamping portion between said first and second end, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers each having an radially inwardly directed barb,

wherein said end of said flexible tubing is provided over said circumferential barb of said port, and said first clamping member is provided over said tubing and said port such that said barbs on said fingers engage said catch of said port and said clamp clamps said tubing between said clamping portion and said circumferential barb of said port of said plumbing fixture; and

d) a second clamping member substantially the same as said first clamping member each of said first and second clamping members includes detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said second ends of said first and second clamping members to each other.

18. A tubing assembly according to claim 17, wherein:

said second end has a second diameter, and said clamping portion has a third diameter smaller than said second diameter.

19. An apparatus for clamping a flexible tubing which is coupled to a port of a plumbing fixture, the port having a barb with a larger diameter than an inner diameter of the flexible tubing, said apparatus comprising:

a clamping member having a first end, a second end, a clamping portion between said first and second ends, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers, each tapering inward toward a center of said channel, having an radially inwardly directed catch and including a ramped portion at an end of said finger, said fingers defining a first interior diameter measured at said catch, said second end having a second interior diameter, and said clamping portion having a third interior diameter larger than said first interior diameter and smaller than said second interior diameter.

20. An apparatus for clamping a flexible tubing which is coupled to a port of a plumbing fixture, the port having a barb with a larger diameter than an inner diameter of the flexible tubing, said apparatus comprising:

a clamping member having a first end, a second end, a clamping portion between said first and second ends, and an axial channel therethrough,

said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers, each tapering inward toward a center of said channel, and having an radially inwardly directed catch, said fingers defining a first interior diameter measured at said catch,

said second end having a second interior diameter and being provided with detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said second end of said clamping member to another clamping member, and

said clamping portion having a third interior diameter larger than said first interior diameter and smaller than said second interior diameter.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein:

said detachable coupling means includes a plurality of projections and a plurality of holes sized for an interference fit with said plurality of projections.

22. An apparatus for clamping a flexible tubing which is coupled to a port of a plumbing fixture, the port having a barb with a larger diameter than an inner diameter of the flexible tubing, said apparatus comprising:

a) a first clamping member having a first end, a second end, a clamping portion between said first and second ends, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers, each tapering inward toward a center of said channel and having an radially inwardly directed catch, said fingers defining a first interior diameter measured at said catch, said second end having a second interior diameter, and said clamping portion having a third interior diameter larger than said first interior diameter, and smaller than said second interior diameter; and

b) a second clamping member having a first end, a second end, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said second clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers,

wherein said second ends of each of said first and second clamping members include detachable coupling means, for detachably coupling said second ends of said first and second clamping members to each other.

23. A coupling assembly for coupling flexible tubing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter to a plumbing fixture, said coupling assembly comprising:

a) a unitary plumbing fixture defining a tubular port provided with a circumferential barb at a port end thereof and a catch, said barb tapering in outer diameter from a maximum outer diameter to said port end; and

b) a clamping member having a first end, a second end, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers each having a radially inwardly directed barb and a blunt inner portion, said fingers defining a first inner diameter measured at said barbs, said second end having a second inner diameter, and a portion between said first and second end having a third inner diameter larger than said first inner diameter and said maximum outer diameter of said circumferential barb,

wherein when said tubular port of said plumbing fixture is inserted into the tubing and said clamping member is provided over the tubing and said tubular port, said barbs of said clamping member engage in said catch and secure said clamping member and the tubing to said port.

24. A coupling assembly for coupling flexible tubing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter to a plumbing fixture, said coupling assembly comprising:

a) a unitary plumbing fixture defining a tubular port provided with a circumferential barb at a port end thereof and a catch, said barb tapering in outer diameter from a maximum outer diameter to said port end, and said catch being at least partially defined by a groove, said groove being at least partially defined by a lip, and said lip being tapered towards said barb; and

b) a clamping member having a first end, a second end, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers each having a radially inwardly directed barb, said fingers defining a first inner diameter measured at said barbs, said second end having a second inner diameter, and a portion between said first and second end having a third inner diameter larger than said first inner diameter and said maximum outer diameter of said circumferential barb,

wherein when said tubular port of said plumbing fixture is inserted into the tubing and said clamping member is provided over the tubing and said tubular port, said barbs of said clamping member engage in said catch and secure said clamping member and the tubing to said port.

25. A coupling assembly for coupling flexible tubing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter to a plumbing fixture, said coupling assembly comprising:

a) a unitary plumbing fixture defining a tubular port provided with a circumferential barb at a port end thereof and a catch, said barb tapering in outer diameter from a maximum outer diameter to said port end; and

b) a clamping member having a first end, a second end, and an axial channel therethrough,

said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers each having a radially inwardly directed barb, said fingers defining a first inner diameter measured at said barbs,

said second end having a second inner diameter and including a detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said second end of said clamping member to another clamping member, and

a portion between said first and second end having a third inner diameter larger than said first inner diameter and said maximum outer diameter of said circumferential barb,

wherein when said tubular port of said plumbing fixture is inserted into the tubing and said clamping member is provided over the tubing and said tubular port, said barbs of said clamping member engage in said catch and secure said clamping member and the tubing to said port.

26. A coupling assembly for coupling flexible tubing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter to a plumbing fixture, said coupling assembly comprising:

a) a unitary plumbing fixture defining a tubular port provided with a circumferential barb at a port end thereof and a catch, said barb tapering in outer diameter from a maximum outer diameter to said port end;

b) a first clamping member having a first end, a second end, and an axial channel therethrough, said first end of said clamping member being formed as a plurality of axially extending fingers each having a radially inwardly directed barb, said fingers defining a first inner diameter measured at said barbs, said second end having a second inner diameter, and a portion between said first and second end having a third inner diameter larger than said first inner diameter and said maximum outer diameter of said circumferential barb,

wherein when said tubular port of said plumbing fixture is inserted into the tubing and said clamping member is provided over the tubing and said tubular port, said barbs of said clamping member engage in said catch and secure said clamping member and the tubing to said port; and

c) a second clamping member, wherein said clamping members each include detachable coupling means for detachably coupling said clamping members to each other.