Patent ID: 8758922
Filing Date: 2014-06-24
Classification: F16L,F28F,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A manifold assembly, comprising: a first manifold member having a first tubular wall with a first end and a second end, the first tubular wall further having a first inner surface defining a first central aperture that extends from the first end to the second end, the first and second ends of the first tubular wall having a thickness that is less than a thickness of a remaining portion of the first tubular wall extending between the first and second ends, the first tubular wall further having a first plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the first manifold member further having a first plurality of tubular port members disposed on the first tubular wall over the first plurality of apertures, the first manifold member further having a first sealing member disposed on the first inner surface proximate to the first end, the first sealing member being constructed of a material different than a material of the first tubular wall, the first manifold member further having a first male connecting portion extending from the second end; a second manifold member having a second tubular wall with a third end and a fourth end, the second tubular wall further having a second inner surface defining a second central aperture that extends from the third end to the fourth end, the second tubular wall further having a second plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the second manifold member further having a second plurality of tubular port members disposed on the second tubular wall over the second plurality of apertures, the second manifold member further having a second sealing member disposed on the second inner surface proximate to the third end, and a second male connecting portion extending from the fourth end; the first male connecting portion of the first manifold member configured to be removably coupled to the fourth end of the second manifold member within the second central aperture such that the second sealing member of the second manifold member contacts an outer surface of the first male connecting portion; and a connecting fitting having a tubular coupling portion, an abutment ring, and a tubular body, the abutment ring being disposed around an outer surface of the tubular coupling portion a predetermined distance from an end of the tubular coupling portion, the tubular coupling portion configured to be removably coupled to the first end of the first manifold member within the first central aperture such that the first sealing member of the first manifold member contacts the outer surface of the tubular coupling portion and the abutment ring abuts against the first end of the first manifold member; and a retaining member configured to be slidably disposed on the tubular body of the connecting fitting and to removably hold the connecting fitting on the first end of the first manifold member, the retaining member having a ring-shaped portion, first and second finger portions, and first, second, and third tabs, the first and second finger portions extending in a first direction from the ring-shaped portion, the ring-shaped portion defining a third central aperture, the first, second, and third tabs of the retaining member being coupled to the ring-shaped portion and extending inwardly from the ring-shaped portion into the third central aperture, the tubular body of the connecting fitting being received through the third central aperture of the ring-shaped portion, a diameter of the third central aperture being less than a diameter of the abutment ring.