Patent ID: 9127795
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for joining a first conduit to a second conduit, the first and second conduits extending in an axial direction, comprising: a first coupler for attachment to an end of the first conduit; a second coupler for attachment to an end of the second conduit and for engagement to the first, coupler; a snap-fit fastener for fastening the first coupler to the second coupler, the snap-fit fastener being formed of at least two identical members having one of inherent flex and tension, each identical member including: an inner surface and a radially spaced outer surface, a female end with a T-shaped slot extending radially through the member and opening out into the inner surface and the outer surface; and an opposite male end with a corresponding T-shaped portion which is circumferentially snap fit into the slot via one of the inner surface and the outer surface to be radially received in the T-shaped slot, wherein the T-shaped portion of one identical member cooperates with the T-shaped slot of the other of the at least two identical members to snap-fit and lock together therewith by action of said one of flex and tension, such that the at least two identical members, arranged male end-to-female end, fit around a periphery of the first and second couplers when the first and second couplers are engaged; wherein the apparatus includes a gap between the first and second couplers in the axial direction which enables relative movement between the first coupler and the second coupler, and wherein the fastener is secured around the first coupler and second coupler in a manner that permits relative circumferential movement of the fastener relative to each of the first coupler and the second coupler after assembly; wherein the first coupler is a female coupler and the second coupler is a male coupler to be received by the first coupler; and wherein at least a portion of the T-shaped portion of the male end has a thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface equal to a depth of the slot from the inner surface to the outer surface.