Patent ID: 6131964
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
An apparatus for making a tube connection, said apparatus comprising:(a) a sleeve having an interior surface adapted for receiving a tube section therein and an exterior surface, said exterior surface including;(i) a locking mechanism disposed on an outer portion of said exterior surface of said sleeve, said outer portion having a first end and a second end,(ii) an upwardly inclined surface extending inwardly from said second end of said outer portion,(iii) a generally cylindrical sleeve wall that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis extending through said sleeve from one end to another, said generally cylindrical sleeve wall extending continuously inwardly from said upwardly inclined surface to a stop flange,(iv) said stop flange disposed substantially adjacent said generally cylindrical sleeve wall and extending radially outwardly from said exterior surface of said sleeve; and(b) a driver mechanism for engaging and deforming said sleeve and concurrently such tube section engaged within said sleeve when said driver is forced longitudinally along said exterior surface of said sleeve, said driver mechanism having at least two cylindrical sections for engaging said exterior surface of said sleeve, a first one of said at least two cylindrical sections of said driver being lockingly engaged by said locking mechanism of said outer portion of said sleeve and a second one of said at least two cylindrical sections of said driver engaging said generally cylindrical sleeve wall of said sleeve, a first face end of said driver contacting said stop flange of said sleeve.