Patent ID: 8272671
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A fluid line connector comprising: a body having an externally threaded first end terminating in a rim, an externally threaded second end terminating in a rim, and a central axial passageway; a first seal shoulder projecting inwardly from the central passageway and positioned at a first distance from the first end of the body; a second seal shoulder projecting inwardly from the central passageway and positioned at a second distance from the second end of the body; an annular first seal sized to be received in the axial passageway at the first end of the body, the annular first seal having a first axial end, a length, and a second axial end, the length being substantially the same as the first distance such that the second axial end of the annular first seal resides substantially at a plane defined by the rim at the first end of the body when the annular first seal is disposed in the axial passageway with its first axial end abutting the first seal shoulder; an annular second seal sized to be received in the axial passageway at the second end of the body, the annular second seal having a first axial end, a length, and a second axial end, the length being substantially the same as the second distance such that the second axial end of the annular second seal resides substantially at a plane defined by the rim at the second end of the body when the annular second seal is disposed in the axial passageway with its first axial end abutting the second seal shoulder; a first ferrule and sealing ring member having one portion that defines a generally annular first sealing ring sized to extend into the axial passageway at the first end of the body and to engage the second axial end of and compress an annular first seal disposed therein, and another portion that defines a tapered and slotted first ferrule; a second ferrule and sealing ring member having one portion that defines a generally annular second sealing ring sized to extend into the axial passageway at the second end of the body and to engage the second axial end of and compress an annular second seal disposed therein, and another portion that defines a tapered and slotted second ferrule; a first nut threadable onto the first end of the body to capture the first ferrule and sealing ring member between the first nut and the annular first seal; a second nut threadable onto the second end of the body to capture the second ferrule and sealing ring member between the second nut and the annular second seal; the first nut being internally configured such that when the first nut is tightened onto the first end of the body, the first sealing ring is urged into the axial passageway and against the second axial end of the annular first seal to compress the annular first seal within the axial passageway at the first end of the body and to collapse the slotted first ferrule radially inwardly for gripping a fluid line; and the second nut being internally configured such that when the second nut is tightened onto the second end of the body, the second sealing ring is urged into the axial opening and against the second axial end of the annular second seal to compress the annular second seal within the axial passageway at the second end of the body and to collapse the slotted second ferrule radially inwardly for gripping a fluid line.