Patent ID: 6733047
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A method of joining a first flexible elongated tube having a substantially constant nominal inner diameter and a second tube endform, the second tube endform having a radially enlarged flange, the method comprising the steps of:enlarging one end of the first tube to form an end bore having a longitudinally extending inner surface with an inner diameter greater than the nominal inner diameter of the first tube; inserting a seal element into a bore of the end first tube; providing a retainer element with a through bore extending between opposed ends, at least one latch member unitarily extending from one end and an elongated, axially extending outer surface carried at an other end; disposing the other end of the retainer element in the end bore of the first tube; welding the longitudinally extending inner surface of the first tube to the axially ending outer surface of the retainer element; and, inserting the second tube endform into the first tube endform through the bore in the retainer element until the latch member on the retainer element engages the radially enlarged flange on the second tube endform to couple the second tube endform to the first tube.