Patent ID: 6443501
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A method of coupling two tubes, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a first tube having an upset formed a given distance from end of said first tube; (b) providing a second tube having an expanded end and an upset formed at junction of said expanded end and remainder of the second tube, said upset of said second tube extends radially outwardly from said expanded end; (c) providing a retainer having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface; (d) inserting one of said first tube and said second tube into said retainer such that one of said upset of said first tube and said upset of second tube surpasses said first abutment surface of said retainer; (e) inserting end of first tube into said expanded end of said second tube; and (f) sliding said retainer until said second abutment surface of said retainer surpasses other of said upset of said first tube and said upset of said second tube.