Abstract:
A fluid connector comprising a base having a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the base comprising at least one annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, at least one ring-shaped seal, each seal located within the at least one annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, and, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to a fluid connector, and, more specifically, to a fluid connector with a body which allows for swiveling of the body to prevent excessive stress and strain on the fluid connector. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Fluid connectors are integral components for automotive applications. Since an automotive system is made up of various components such as a radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to travel not only within each component but also between components. An example of fluid traveling between components is the transmission fluid traveling from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler in order to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid. Fluid predominantly moves between components via flexible or rigid hoses which connect to each component by fluid connectors. 
         [0003]    Fluid connectors are typically configured in a fixed orientation with respect to inlet and outlet, regardless of what vehicle they are used in, and regardless of what components they are intended to connect, and regardless of where those components may be located in different vehicles. This fixed, rigid configuration causes complications for the positioning of fluid hoses since the hoses must be bent and contorted in order to fit properly. If a fluid hose is bent or contoured in excess, this can place excessive stress and strain on the connection between the fluid connector and the fluid hose, causing the connection to become weak. Additionally, the connection between the fluid connector and fluid hose may leak fluid due to an improper fit which in turn could cause excessive fluid loss of critical components such as the engine, causing overheating and possible damage if not discovered and fixed. 
         [0004]    A possible solution to this problem would be to install angled fluid connectors which would direct the fluid hose in the appropriate direction. Unfortunately, if the angle at which the fluid connector is bent is also fixed, this doesn&#39;t solve the problem if the connected components are rearranged in a new configuration. 
         [0005]    Another possible solution to this problem is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0012329 (Brown). Brown discloses a swivel fitting for two pipes where one of the pipes has a substantially concave end and the other pipe has a substantially convex end, with the one pipe fitting into the other. Unfortunately, Brown fails to disclose a type of securement means other than the concave seal itself. If excessive force is placed on the swivel fitting, the seal will fail and fluid passing through the fitting may potentially leak. Additionally, Brown fails to disclose a method of securing the fitting to a fluid transfer component. 
         [0006]    Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a fluid connector which allows for various mounting angles with a fluid hose, where the mounting angle can be adjusted depending on the application. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention broadly comprises a fluid connector, comprising a base having a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the base comprising at least one annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, at least one ring-shaped seal, each seal located within the at least one annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, and, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole. 
         [0008]    Additionally, the present invention comprises a fluid connector, comprising a base, the base comprising a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base further comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and at least one annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, at least one ring-shaped seal, each seal located within the at least one annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole, the connector further comprising a retainer clip fixedly secured to the body, the retainer clip positioned within the second through-hole. 
         [0009]    Additionally, the present invention comprises a fluid connector, comprising a base, the base comprising a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the base comprising a first annular groove and a second annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, a first ring-shaped seal, the first seal located within the first annular groove, a second ring-shaped seal, the second seal located within the second annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole and, a retainer clip fixedly secured to the body, the retainer clip positioned within the second through-hole, the retainer clip arranged to secure a connector tube to the fluid connector. 
         [0010]    A primary object of the invention is to provide a fluid connector which can swivel at various angles to prevent excessive stress and strain on the joint between the fluid connector and a hose connected thereto which could lead to failure of the seals within the fluid connector, or a failure of the connecting hose. 
         [0011]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawings and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying figures, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of fluid connector  20  of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2 a    is a perspective view of base  24 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2 b    is a cross-sectional view of base  24  taken generally along line  2   b  in  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0016]      FIG. 3 a    is a perspective view of body  22 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3 b    is a cross-sectional view of body  22  taken generally along line  3   b  in  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0018]      FIG. 4 a    is a perspective view of washer  29 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4 b    is a cross-sectional view of washer  29  taken generally along line  4   b  in  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0020]      FIG. 5 a    is a side view of fluid connector  20  with body  22  rotated within base  24 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5 b    is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector  20  with body  22  rotated within base  24  taken generally long line  5   b  in  FIG. 1 ; and, 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of fluid connector  20  with tube  50  secured to body  22 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. It is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
         [0024]    Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0025]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention. The assembly of the present invention could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, and/or pneumatics. 
         [0026]    Adverting now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of fluid connector  20 . Fluid connector  20  broadly comprises body  22 , base  24 , and washer  29  (shown in more detail in  FIG. 4 a   ). As shown in the figure, body  24  comprises through-hole  23  which allows a fluid to pass through body  22 . Additionally, retainer clip  26   a  is arranged within apertures  26   b  and secure tube  50  to body  22  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Base  24  comprises through-hole  28  which allows body  22  to be mounted within base  24 . It should be noted that through-hole  28  has a substantially larger diameter than the diameter of through-hole  23 . This difference in diameter allows body  22  to swivel within base  24  while still remaining sealed for fluid transfer. In a preferred embodiment, surface  24   a  is threaded to secure base  24  to a fluid transfer component such as a radiator or transmission (not shown). It should be appreciated, however, that the use of different securement methods is possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, surface  24   a  of base  24  could be a smooth surface which allows fluid connector  20  to be press fit into a fluid transfer component using an interference fit. Rim  25  is secured to base  24  and prevents fluid connector  20  from being inserted too far within a fluid transfer component which could affect the strength of the connection between surface  24   a  of base  24  and a fluid transfer component (not shown). Additionally, seal  40  (shown in  FIG. 5 a   ) is operatively arranged between lip  25  and surface  24   a  and aids in additional sealing fluid connector  20  with a fluid transfer component (not shown). 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    are a perspective view and cross-sectional view, respectively, of base  24 . The cross-section is taken generally along line  2   b  in  FIG. 2 a   . As shown in the figures, surface  24   b  of base  24  comprises groove  31  and groove  32  which allow for a seal to be placed within each to seal the connection between body  22  and base  24 . Groove  31  and groove  32  are substantially similar to one another and are operatively arranged to allow for sealing of body  22  with base  24 . Additionally, base  24  comprises rim  33  which comprises screw threads that are operatively arranged on rim  33  in a preferred embodiment. Lip  25  has a substantially larger diameter than base  24  in ensure base  24  is secured properly to a fluid transfer component (not shown). 
         [0028]      FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    are a perspective view and cross-sectional view, respectively, of body  22 . The cross-section is taken generally along line  3   b  in  FIG. 3 a   . In a preferred embodiment, surface  22   a  of body  22  is partially spherical which allows body  22  to pivot approximately a maximum of 25 degrees from centerline  60  (shown in  FIG. 5 a   ) while being mounted within base  24 . It should be appreciated, however, that the use of different shapes for surface  22   a  is possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, surface  22   a  of body  22  could be partially elliptically shaped which would still allow movement of body  22  within base  24 . The greatest range of movement is achieved by having surface  24  partially spherically shaped compared to any other type of shape which could be used for surface  22   a . Body  22  comprises aperture  23  where tube  50  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) is inserted and secured via retainer clip  26   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) which is mounted within apertures  26   b . Groove  34  is arranged on surface  22   b  and allows seal  46  (shown in  FIG. 5 b   ) to be operatively arranged therein to further seal the connection between tube  50  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) and surface  22   b  of body  22 . 
         [0029]      FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    are a perspective view and cross-sectional view, respectively, of washer  29 . The cross-section is taken generally along line  4   b  in  FIG. 4 a   . Washer  29  broadly comprises aperture  38 , aperture  39 , surface  29   a , and surface  29   b . Washer  29  secures within through-hole  28  of base  24  in order secure body  22  within base  24 . As shown in the figure, aperture  39  has a smaller diameter than the diameter of aperture  38 . Surface  29   b  connects both aperture  38  and  39  and has a contour which matches that of the shape of surface  22   a  of body  22 . The contour of surface  29   b  secures body  22  within base  24  and allows body  22  to swivel within base  24  while still having fluid connector  20  sealed for fluid transfer. Surface  29   a  of washer  29  engages surface  22   b  of base  24  in order to seal body  22  within base  24  (shown in  FIG. 5 b   ). 
         [0030]      FIG. 5 a    is a perspective view of fluid connector  20 . As shown in the figures, body  22  is arranged to swivel with respect to centerline  60 , which prevents additional stress and strain on the connection between tube  50  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) and body  22  if an angled connection is required to connect certain fluid transfer components such as a transmission with a radiator. In  FIG. 5 a   , the body is shown tilted leftwardly with respect to centerline  60 . It is important to note that body  22  can swivel in all directions, with the range of movement limited to the size of through-hole  28 , through-hole  26 , and the shape of surface  22   b . Seal  40  is arranged between rim  25  and rim  33 . As fluid connector  20  is secured to a fluid transfer component via screw threads arranged on surface  24   a , seal  40  is compressed between rim  25  and the housing of the fluid transfer component (not shown), further sealing the outer surface of fluid connector  20  to ensure fluids only travel through through-hole  23  of body  22 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 5 b    is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector  20  taken generally along line  5   b  in  FIG. 1 . As shown in the figure, seals  42  and  44  and operatively arranged within grooves  31  and  32 , respectively. Seals  42  and  44  are compressed between body  22  and base  24  which prevents fluid from leaking out of fluid connector  20  from the connection between body  22  and base  24 . Additionally, seals  42  and  44  engage surface  22   a  of body  22  and allow body  22  to swivel within base  24  while remaining sealed. It can also be seen that surface  22   a  of body  22  and surface  29   b  of washer  29  are complementary and allow body  22  a range of motion. In a preferred embodiment, seals  40 ,  42 ,  44 , and  46  are rubber O-rings. It should be appreciated, however, that the use of different types of seals is possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. Additionally, a single seal can be utilized in order to seal base  24  with body  22 . 
         [0032]    In order to assemble fluid connector  20 , first seals  42  and  44  are inserted into base  24 . Then body  22  is inserted into base  24  and then washer  29  is used to secure body  22  within base  24 . In a preferred embodiment, washer  29  is secured to base  24  via crimping of base  24  after both body  22  and washer  29  are inserted within body  24 . It should be appreciated, however, that the use of different securement methods is possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, washer  29  can have screws threads operatively arranged on surface  29   a  with corresponding screw threads positioned on surface  24   b  of base  24 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of fluid connector  20  and tube  50 . As shown in the figure, tube  50  inserts into through-hole  23  of body  22 . A raised lip on tube  50  (not shown) engages retainer clip  26   a  and prevents tube  50  from being removed after insertion into through-hole  23 . Rim  52  is arranged on tube  50  in order to position tube  50  properly within body  22 . In a preferred embodiment, body  22 , base  24 , washer  29 , and tube  50  are manufactured from a metal such as aluminum or steel. It should be appreciated, however, that the use of different types of materials is possible and considered to be within the scope of the present invention as claimed. For example, fluid connector  20  could be manufactured from injection molded plastic. 
         [0034]    It will be appreciated that various aspects of the above-disclosed invention and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           20  fluid connector 
           22  body 
           22   a  surface 
           22   b  surface 
           23  through-hole 
           24  base 
           24   a  surface 
           24   b  surface 
           25  rim 
           26   a  retainer clip 
           26   b  aperture 
           28  through-hole 
           29  washer 
           29   a  surface 
           29   b  surface 
           31  groove 
           32  groove 
           33  rim 
           34  groove 
           38  aperture 
           39  aperture 
           40  seal 
           42  seal 
           44  seal 
           46  seal 
           50  tube 
           52  rim 
           60  centerline