Patent ID: 6336641
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: B63G,F16J,F41F

Abstract:
A break-away end cap and tube assembly comprising:a tube member having an open end, and an inner tube surface having a recessed region formed therein; an end cap for securing the open end of said tube member, said end cap having an outer flange portion with an outer peripheral surface consistent in diameter with an outer diameter of said tube member, a body portion depending from said outer flange portion, said body portion having an inner face and a diameter less than a diameter of said outer flange portion, at least one recessed opening formed within said body portion, each of said at least one recessed opening having an inner end and an outer open end, and a pilot hole formed at the base end of each of said at least one recessed opening, said pilot hole being aligned with a longitudinal axis of said recessed opening and extending into said body portion; a normally biased spring member seated in said recessed opening of said end cap body portion; a retractable pin positioned radially outward of said normally biased spring member within said body portion recessed opening, said retractable pin including a base end in surface contact with said spring member, an outer end having a beveled surface, and a longitudinal opening formed through said retractable pin, the longitudinal opening including a stepped portion adjacent the outer end; and an anchoring member insertable into said longitudinal opening of said retractable pin and through said spring member, said anchoring member including an anchoring end fastenable within said body portion pilot hole and a head end seating on the stepped portion of said retractable pin longitudinal opening; wherein the beveled portion of said retractable pin seats within said recessed region and is held therein with the normally biased pressure of said spring member.