Patent ID: 6988748
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A fluid coupling assembly comprising: a first and a second tube, each tube having an outwardly flared end made of a malleable material, a one-piece first connector having a throughbore, a first end and a second end, said first connector having a radially inwardly extending rim at said first end of said first connector, said first connector being disposed over said first tube so that said tube extends outwardly from said first end of said first connector and so that said rim registers with one side of said flared end of said first tube, said first connector having internal threads at said second end of said first connector, a one-piece second connector having a throughbore, a first end and a second end, said second connector having a flared surface at said second end of said second connector, said second connector being disposed over said second tube so that said second tube extends outwardly from said first end of said second connector and so that said second connector flared surface registers with one side of said second tube flared end, said second connector having external threads adjacent said second connector second end dimensioned to threadably engage said internal threads of said first connector, an annular seal member longitudinally slidably mounted in said first connector throughbore, said seal member having a first abutment surface which registers with a second side of said first tube flared end and a second abutment surface which registers with a second side of said second tube flared end, wherein upon threadably securing said first and second connectors together, said flared ends of said first and second tubes are sandwiched between said first connector rim, said second connector flared surface and said abutment surfaces on said seal member and comprising means for retaining said seal member in said first connector throughbore when said first and second connectors are both attached to or detached from one another.