Patent ID: 6039361
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A plumbing compression fitting for use in coupling a first pipe end of a first pipe to an opposing end of a second pipe, comprising:a coupling housing defining a flow passage therethrough, and having a first pipe securing end for engaging the first end of the first pipe, and a second pipe securing end for engaging the end of the second pipe, said flow passage dimensioned to accommodate the ends of the pipes and having a first cross-sectional area;a capture nut having an axial opening in communication with said passageway and dimensioned to accommodate the first pipe, said capture nut defining an angled annular seat and being configured to threadably engage said first pipe securing end of said coupling housing;a grab ring dimensioned to be received in said capture nut, said grab ring having a circumference, an inner grab surface dimensioned to circumscribe the first pipe, an inclined radiused outer surface disposed to engage said angled seat, and a front surface, said grab ring defining a gap in said circumference which narrows as said capture nut is tightened upon said first pipe securing end to compressively retain the first pipe in said housing;an O-ring dimensioned to fit between said first pipe securing end of said coupling housing and said front surface of said grab ring to provide a water tight seal between the pipe and said coupling housing;said inclined radiused outer surface of said grab ring defining a camming surface which, when engaged by said angled seat, is subject to a force generally perpendicular to said seat, so that as said capture nut is tightened upon said first pipe securing end, said grab ring will be totally retained within said capture nut and will simultaneously move toward to engage compress said O-ring against said first pipe securing end and also tighten about the first pipe such that said grab ring remains free of engagement with said first pipe securing end.