Patent ID: 6173995
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
A self-flaring fitting assembly for semi-flexible, convoluted pipes or tubing, which comprises:an adaptor having a tube receiving bore, which comprises: a first section having a diameter; a second section having a reduced diameter; and an internal stop shoulder intermediate thereto which prevents said tube from passing completely through said adaptor, wherein said stop shoulder extends radially inwardly forming an acute angle with said first section of said adaptor;a nut having a tube receiving bore and a stop shoulder;adjustable interengaging means on said nut and on said first section of said adaptor for moving said nut in threaded engagement towards said adaptor; anda spilt bushing assembly having a bore and comprising: at least two alignable and substantially arcuate bushing sections that, when assembled together, define an opening: at least two spaced internal ribs; an acutely angled first end; and a second end which is engageable with said stop shoulder of said nut;wherein, when said bushing sections of said split bushing assembly are assembled on an end of a convoluted tube that has been inserted through said nut, such that said internal ribs of said split bushing assembly contact circumferential grooves on said end of said convoluted tube, and when said end of said convoluted tube with said bushing sections assembled thereon is inserted into said first section of said adaptor and said nut moved in threaded engagement toward said adaptor, a first convolution of said end of said convoluted tube is compressed between said internal stop shoulder of said adaptor and said first end of said split bushing assembly in a flared configuration.