Patent ID: 7908730
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for connecting a push to connect fitting cartridge to a pneumatic brake or a pneumatic height control valve comprising the steps of: positioning a plurality of protrusions axially spaced apart on an outer surface of a plastic push to connect fitting cartridge; positioning a cartridge shoulder on the push to connect fitting cartridge, which abuts a port shoulder when said push to connect fitting cartridge is inserted into said port; positioning an O-ring in a channel on the outer surface of the push to connect fitting cartridge, the O-ring positioned adjacent one of said plurality of protrusions and axially spaced apart from the cartridge shoulder; positioning a port in a housing of the pneumatic brake or a pneumatic height control valve for receiving the plastic push to connect fitting cartridge therein, the port having an inner surface; forming an undercut in an inner surface of the port; axially advancing the plastic push to connect fitting cartridge into the port such that the plurality of protrusions advance past the undercut; wherein when the plastic push to connect fitting cartridge is fully inserted into the port, the O-ring does not pass the undercut so as to be maintained axially apart from the undercut; and forming an interlock between the push to connect fitting cartridge and the port through the interaction of the protrusion with the undercut and wherein the plurality of protrusions simultaneously contact the inner surface of the port when the plastic push to connect fitting cartridge is fully inserted into the port.