Abstract:
A push-to-connect fitting release assistance assembly, device and method allows for simplified manual operation of a push-to-connect fitting through a clip device capable of manual fit around a fitting adapted for such use. In various embodiments, the clip device comprises a base portion and first and second leg portions, where the leg portions are adapted to provide a gradually increasing or decreasing axial pressure to a release pusher member included as part of the fitting assembly. In various embodiments, the main body component of the fitting is adapted with axially inner, intermediate and outer portions that provide a snug mechanical fit with the clip device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to fluid flow systems, and more particularly to a push-to-connect fitting release assistance assembly, device and method that facilitates the simple connection, disconnection, repair and re-use of piping and tubing system parts. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids (e.g., liquid, gas (such as air) or plasma). For example, homes, schools, medical facilities, commercial buildings and other occupied structures generally require integrated piping systems so that water and/or other fluids can be circulated for a variety of uses. Liquids and/or gases such as cold and hot water, breathable air, glycol, compressed air, inert gases, cleaning chemicals, waste water, plant cooling water and paint and coatings are just some examples of the types of fluids and gases that can be deployed through piping systems. Tubing and piping types can include, for example, copper, stainless steel, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “pipe” or “piping” will be understood to encompass one or more pipes, tubes, piping elements and/or tubing elements. 
     Piping connections are necessary to join various pieces of pipe and must be versatile in order to adapt to changes of pipe direction required in particular piping system implementations. For example, fittings and valves may be employed at the ends of open pieces of pipe that enable two pieces of pipe to fit together in a particular configuration. Among fitting types there are elbows, “tees”, couplings adapted for various purposes such as pipe size changes, ends, ball valves, stop valves, and partial angle connectors, for example. 
     In the past, pipe elements have been traditionally connected by welding and/or soldering them together using a torch. Soldering pipe fittings can be time-consuming, unsafe, and labor intensive. Soldering also requires employing numerous materials, such as copper pipes and fittings, emery cloths or pipe-cleaning brushes, flux, silver solder, a soldering torch and striker, a tubing cutter and safety glasses, for example. The process for soldering pipes can proceed by first preparing the pipe to be soldered, as the copper surface must be clean in order to form a good joint. The end of the pipe can be cleaned on the outside with emery cloth or a specially made wire brush. The inside of the fitting must be cleaned as well. Next, flux (a type of paste) can be applied to remove oxides and draw molten solder into the joint where the surfaces will be joined. The brush can be used to coat the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe with the flux. Next, the two pipes are pushed together firmly into place so that they “bottom out”—i.e., meet flush inside the fitting. The tip of the solder can be bent to the size of the pipe in order to avoid over-soldering. With the pipes and fitting in place, the torch is then ignited with the striker or by an auto-strike mechanism to initiate soldering. After heating for a few moments, if the copper surface is hot enough such that it melts when touched by the end of the solder, the solder can then be applied to the joint seam so that it runs around the joint and bonds the pipe and fitting together. 
     In recent years, push-fit technology has been employed with piping systems to reduce the dangers and time involved in soldering joints. Push-fit methods require minimal knowledge of pipe fittings and involve far fewer materials than soldering. For example, one may only need the pipes, quick-connect fittings, a chamfer/de-burring tool and tubing cutter in order to connect pipes using push-fit technology. 
     The steps involved in connecting piping systems using push-fit technology can be outlined as follows. First, the pipe is cut to the appropriate length and the end of the pipe is cleaned with the de-burring tool. Then the pipe and fitting are pushed together for connection. The fitting is provided with a fastening ring (also called a collet, grip ring or grab ring) having teeth that grip the pipe as it is inserted. The fastening ring device is employed to provide opposing energy, preventing the device from disconnection while creating a positive seal. Accordingly, no wrenches, clamping, gluing or soldering is involved. Push-fit and/or quick-connect technology for piping systems can be obtained, for example, through Quick Fitting, Inc. of Warwick, R.I., USA, suppliers of the CoPro®, ProBite®, LocJaw™, BlueHawk™, CopperHead® and Push Connect® lines of push fittings and related products. Also, such technology is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,089, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,161, U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,915, U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,576, U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,122, U.S. Pat. No. 8,480,134, U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,974 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,981, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     In past pipe coupling technology, the fastening ring is inserted into the fitting body along with a plastic grip ring support that typically fails under extensive tensile testing. Further, the coupling must then be either coin rolled, glued or receive a threaded cap member to retain the fastening ring inside the fitting body. In addition to the added steps for the manufacture and assembly of the coupling, the strength of the plumbing joint is determined by the retaining cap member. The additional steps and components add significant labor and manufacturing costs to the final product cost and reduce the overall production capability due to the extensive time required for proper assembly. 
     In addition to the above, when using a threaded retaining cap method, the process of cutting threads into the fitting body and the retaining cap elevates the cost of machining the fitting components. Further, the threaded end cap method requires mechanical assembly as well as the added cost and application of a thread sealant to the threads. In prior efforts that employ a coined retaining cap method, the process of coining the fitting body as the retaining cap significantly increases the cost of final assembly of the fitting. Additionally, the coining process permanently encapsulates the fastening ring inside the fitting, whereby the fastening ring cannot be removed without complete destruction of the ring and fitting. 
     Along with additional assembly steps and increased manufacturing costs, past pipe fittings and connection methods do not allow repair for various reasons. In some cases, this is because they are factory sealed, for example. In other cases, it is because the separation of the fitting from the pipe can damage or induce wear on the parts. For example, some push-to-connect fittings provide permanently fixed demounting rings for removing the fittings. The demounting rings can be depressed axially to lift the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe, such that the pipe can then be withdrawn. This arrangement, however, can subject the fittings to tampering and shorter life. In addition, while fastening ring devices work effectively as an opposing retaining member, their functionality makes them nearly impossible to dismount, remove or detach for re-use. The fastening rings are thus permanently affixed unless they are cut and removed, which then destroys the fastening ring. 
     Whether connected by traditional soldering methods or with push-fit methods, past efforts have been specifically provided for the connection of like materials and lack the ability to connect two unlike materials, such as copper with CPVC, PEX or stainless steel, or any other combination of unlike materials. Past methods further invariably require the replacement of fittings and valves, and do not allow re-use of the fittings or valves in instances where only a small internal component needs to be repaired or replaced. 
     SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides, in part, a push fitting assembly package that facilitates the re-use of push fittings without damage to the fitting elements or the pipe. The present invention connects piping using no tools, clamps, solder or glues, while creating a leak-free seal at the connected joining area. Further, unlike prior methods, the present invention can join both like and unlike piping elements in any combination, and without coining or threading the elements into place. 
     The quick connection pipe joint assembly package provided as part of the present invention employs a release pusher member that, when removed, exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanisms of the fitting. The release pusher member, also called the “release pusher” moves axially and can push the fastening ring of the present invention in order to facilitate the release of a cylindrical object such as a piping element held within the fitting. 
     For purposes of the present disclosure, a fitting (also referred to as a body member) can encompass a valve member and other piping elements including, but not limited to: a coupling joint, an elbow joint, a tee joint, a stop end, a ball valve member, tubing and other objects having cylindrical openings. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more sealing member gasket inserts (e.g., O-ring members) fits within a first sealing ring compartment defined in the interior wall of the fitting. In addition, at each pipe receiving end of the fitting, a tube support member compartment is machined into the interior wall to retain at least a portion of the body of the fastening ring. The interior housing elements provide integrated support for the sealing member(s) and fastening ring when opposing force is applied to piping elements that have been inserted into the fitting. In one embodiment, a tube support member is employed to provide additional support for the fastening ring and to cooperate with the release pusher to facilitate connection and disconnection of piping elements with less required force. 
     The release pusher provided as part of the present invention is employed to facilitate the release of tubing, piping and other cylindrical objects inserted into a fitting. In various embodiments, a clip device acts to push and release the release pusher into/from the cavity formed by the tube support member within the fitting body. When it is desired to release an inserted pipe, for example, from the fitting, the release pusher can be forced in the direction of the fastening ring such that its angular surfaces depress the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe, thereby allowing the pipe to be removed. The clip is provided with a body portion and leg portions adapted to provide increasing pressure on the axially outer edge of the release pusher as the clip is secured in place around the outside of the fitting. Similarly, when the clip is removed, pressure on the release pusher is gradually decreased, thereby releasing the pusher from the fastening ring teeth to allow the teeth to securely retain any inserted pipe within the fitting. The fitting body is adapted for optimal mechanical connection with the clip device while maintaining proper functioning of internal components maintained within different interior portions of the fitting as described in more detail hereinafter. In various embodiments, the clip member can be operated by a user so as to be able to manipulate the release pusher within the fitting with one hand, while the other hand can insert and/or remove a pipe element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded front perspective view of one embodiment of a fitting assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded front perspective view of an embodiment of a fitting assembly in accordance of the present invention with inserted package elements in one portion of the fitting. 
         FIG. 3  is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fitting assembly in accordance with the present invention with inserted fitting elements. 
         FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  with no inserted fitting elements. 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of a tube support member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a right side cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of a release pusher in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a right side cross-sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIGS. 11 through 13  are front cross-sectional views of different stages of advancement of a clip device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention as it is secured around a fitting end and engages a release pusher in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of a clip device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a right side cross-sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a right side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clip member of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the clip member of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the push-to-connect fitting assembly  10  according to embodiments of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , elements of the assembly as shown include: a fitting (i.e., fitting body member or main body component)  12  having an interior wall  13  and exterior wall  15 , a fastening ring  18 , one or more sealing members  16  (which can be optionally lubricated), a sealing ring support member  20 , a tube support member  22  and a release pusher  24 . The fastening ring  18  and sealing member  16  together provide one embodiment of a packing arrangement for the present invention, and each has an internal diameter that allows for smooth and snug engagement of a piping or tubing element external surface (not shown) when inserted into the opening  55 . The fitting  12  inner wall defines a pipe receiving opening  55  extending axially therethrough along axis  25 . In one embodiment, the interior diameters of the fastening ring  18  (as measured to the teeth  19  and not the ring cylindrical base  17 ) and sealing member  16  are substantially the same, and the interior diameters of the fitting  12  and the release pusher  24  are substantially the same. Further, the interior diameters of the fastening ring  18  and sealing member  16  are slightly less than that of the fitting  12  and release pusher  24  so as to facilitate proper operation of the present invention. The release pusher  24  is substantially cylindrical and includes an external tip  26  at the fastening ring engaging end thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , for example. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the main body component  12  includes first  30  and second  31  segments, divided by a tube stop  29 . The tube stop  29  extends radially inwardly of the inner surface  13  in order to provide a stopping surface for inserted tubes and pipes. Each of the first  30  and second  31  segments includes an axially inner portion  32 , an axially intermediate portion  34  and an axially outer portion  36 , with the axially inner portion  32 , axially intermediate portion  34  and axially outer portion  36  being integrally formed and each having a respective interior wall  42 ,  44 ,  46 , exterior wall  52 ,  54 ,  56 , interior radius R 2 , R 3  and/or R 4 , R 5  and an exterior radius R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , wherein the exterior radius R 7  of the axially intermediate portion  34  is larger than the exterior radius R 6  of the axially inner portion  32 , and wherein the exterior radius R 8  of the axially outer portion  36  is larger than the exterior radius R 6  of the axially inner portion  32  and the exterior radius R 7  of the axially intermediate portion  34 . In this way, and among other things, the present invention provides a greater sized opening at the pipe or tubing entry area  55  on the fitting  12  and a tighter opening within the axially inner portion  32 . In addition, the sizing and spacing of the axially inner  32 , intermediate  34  and outer  36  portions provides greater surface area and resistance and/or gripping surfaces for the clip device  90  as described in greater detail hereinafter. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a first ridge  51  extends radially outwardly from the outer wall  15  from a wall segment  60  forming a boundary for the axially inner portion  32  to a wall segment  62  forming a boundary for the axially intermediate portion  34 . A second ridge  53  extends radially outwardly from wall segment  62  to a wall segment  64  forming a boundary for the axially outer portion  36 . The first ridge  51  and the wall segment  62  form a first exterior wall portion  250  of the fitting, and the second ridge  53  and the wall segment  64  form a second exterior wall portion  252  of the fitting, as shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 10 and 11 , for example. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the axially outer portion  36  of the first segment  30  terminates in an axially outer rim  38  that extends radially inwardly of the interior wall  13 . In various embodiments, the axially outer rim  38  has an internal radius R 1  that is substantially the same as the axially intermediate portion internal radius R 3  or R 4 . In various other embodiments, the radially inner edge  39  of the axially outer rim  38  is sloped such that the radius varies from a shorter size at the axially inner edge  40  of the radially inner edge  39  to a longer size at the axially outer edge  41  of the radially inner edge  39  of the axially outer rim  38 . In this way, the opening formed by the inner edge  39  for a pipe or tubing element to be inserted is more receptive to insertion angles of a pipe or tubing element that may not be perfectly aligned with the axis  25 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the interior radius R 3  or R 4  of the axially intermediate portion  34  is larger than the interior radius R 2  of the axially inner portion  32 , and the interior radius R 5  of the axially outer portion  36  is larger than the interior radius R 2  of the axially inner portion  32  and the interior radius R 3  or R 4  of the axially intermediate portion  34 . Additionally, the axially intermediate portion  34  can be provided with a radial step  43  extending radially inwardly such that the axially intermediate portion  34  includes a first interior wall portion  44 A having an internal radius R 3  and a second interior wall portion  44 B having an internal radius R 4 , where the portions  44 A and  44 B are separated by the radial step  43 . As described elsewhere herein, the radial step  43  assists in providing an engaging surface for the sealing ring support member  20  as part of the packing arrangement provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a sealing ring  16  is maintained against ridge  51  and within the first interior wall portion  44 A of the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component  12 , and a sealing ring support member  20  is maintained partially within the first interior wall portion  44 A and partially within the second interior wall portion  44 B of the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component  12 . In one embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring or sealing ring can be positioned adjacent the first sealing ring. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the tube support member  22  is maintained against rim  38  and partially within the interior wall  46  of the axially outer portion  36  of the main body component  12  and partially within the second interior wall portion  44 B of the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 , the tube support member  22  has a radially interior surface  80 , against which the release pusher  24  is slidably maintained during operation. The tube support member  22  includes an axially inner edge  82 , a retaining lip  111 , an axially inner wall segment  112  as part of the radially interior surface  80 , and an axially outer wall segment  113  as part of the radially interior surface. The tube support member  22  further includes a radially outer surface  84  comprising an axially inner segment  87 , an axially intermediate segment  88  and an axially outer segment  86 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the axially intermediate segment  88  extends radially outward further than the radial outward extension of the axially inner  87  and outer  86  segments. Further, the axially inner segment  87  extends radially outward further than the radial outward extension of the axially outer segment  86 . In this way, the tube support member outer surface  84  can substantially mate with the inner surface  13  of the fitting  12 , as the axially outer segment  86  lies in substantially flush engagement with the radially inner edge  39  of the axially outer rim  38 , the axially intermediate segment  88  lies in substantially flush engagement with the interior wall  46  of the axially outer portion  36  of the fitting, and the axially inner segment  87  lies in substantially flush engagement with the interior wall portion  44 B of the axially intermediate portion  34  of the fitting  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The tube support member  22  further includes a first wall member  89  extending from the axially inner segment  87  to the axially intermediate segment  88 , and a second wall member  91  extending from the axially outer segment  86  to the axially intermediate segment  88 . In embodiments of the present invention, the tube support member  22  can comprise a spring steel formulation, and can be provided as a unitary, unsplit member or can be provided with a split similar to the embodiment of the fastening ring described elsewhere herein. 
     A fastening ring  18  is maintained within the second interior wall portion  44 B of the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component  12 , with the fastening ring base  17  being held between an axially inner edge  82  of the tube support member  22  and an axially outer edge  85  of the sealing ring support member  20 . The fastening ring  18 , which can be an integral, unsplit ring or can be a split ring member, has a substantially circumferential base  17  with teeth  19  extending radially inwardly therefrom. In the embodiments where the fastening ring is a split ring, the fastening ring can include two circumferential end points (not shown) that do not connect, with fixture points for handling and compressing the fastening ring, such that a tool designed to hold the fastening ring at the fixture points can more easily handle and compress the fastening ring in order to assist with assembly or disassembly of embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, and once compressed, the fastening ring is easily insertable into the fitting  12  by releasing the hold on the fixture points, thereby allowing the fastening ring to expand such that the circumferential base engages the walls of the second radial housing element. The fastening can be removed from the second radial housing element in similar manner. No wrenches, solder, welding, glue and/or twisting and turning the elements are required to form or disengage a connection. 
     The fastening ring  18  can comprise a spring steel formulation, for example, that enables the fastening ring to be malformed during installation, while springing back into its originally manufactured position once installed. The fastening ring is capable of grabbing an inserted pipe&#39;s surface via two or more teeth  19  to ensure connections cannot be pulled apart. The fastening ring teeth are angled downward from the substantially cylindrical perimeter of the ring, toward the axially inner portion  32  and away from the axially external portion  36 , such that when a pipe is inserted, the teeth exert a pressure against the pipe to discourage the pipe from slipping or moving back out of the fitting. No wrenches, solder, welding, glue and/or twisting and turning the elements are required to form a connection. Specifically, the combination of the fastening ring, an O-ring support member, a tube support member and release pusher provide a push-fit piping assembly when inserted into any cylindrical pipe fitting in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the fastening ring  18  includes a substantially cylindrical base  17  that has a plurality of bifurcated or square edged teeth  19  extending inwardly from and along the base  17 . The teeth  19  of the fastening ring  18  can extend at various angles from the base axis as measured when the teeth are at rest position and are not stressed by the insertion of a pipe, for example. The number of teeth can readily vary in number and size. 
     In one embodiment, the fitting  12  can be forged CW617N brass, with full porting and full flow fitting, for example. The lubricant for the sealing members  16  can be a food grade lubricant, for example. It will be appreciated that the sealing members  16  can comprise a flat ring or washer-type seal member in addition or as an alternative to a circular member of substantially circular cross-section. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the sealing ring support member  20  has a circumferential base  92 , an axially inner edge  93  that acts as a sealing member-engaging surface and an axially outer edge  85  that acts as a fastening ring-engaging surface. The sealing ring support member  20  can be comprised of metal or plastic, for example. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 through 10 , for example, the release pusher  24  is substantially cylindrical and includes an outer wall  65 , an inner wall  66 , a back edge  67  and a leading tip  26 . In various embodiments, the outer wall  65  comprises a leading segment  68 , a recessed segment  69  and a trailing segment  70 . In various embodiments of the release pusher  24  of the present invention, the leading segment  68  comprises a single linear segment from a radially outer ledge  71  to the leading tip  26  (not shown). In various other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a first leading outer wall segment  72  extends linearly at a first angle from the radially outer ledge  71  to a leading outer wall intermediate point  73 , and a second leading outer wall segment  774  extends linearly from the outer wall intermediate point  73  to the leading tip  26  at a second angle. Further, in various embodiments, the release pusher recessed segment  69  lies radially inwardly of the trailing segment  70  and the radially outer ledge  71 , with an outer ledge back wall  74  extending from the outer ledge  71  to the recessed segment  69 , and with a trailing segment front wall  75  extending from the trailing segment  70  to the recessed segment  69 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , for example. 
     The release pusher  24  can comprise an injection-molded plastic material or a metal material such as brass, for example. When pressure is applied on the back edge  67  of the release pusher  24 , the leading tip  26  can engage the inside surface of the fastening ring teeth  19 , and the outer ledge back wall  74  can removeably engage a retaining lip  111  of the tube support member  22 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . As the release pusher  24  is inserted into the fitting  12 , the radially outer ledge  71  is crimped somewhat as it slides along the axially outer wall segment  113  of the tube support member  22 . The recessed segment  69  provides sufficient resilience to allow the outer ledge  71  to flex backwardly and away from tip  26  as the release pusher is inserted into the fitting. Once the outer ledge  71  passes the retaining lip  111  of the tube support member, the outer ledge  71  expands such that the outer ledge back wall  74  lies in substantially flush engagement with the retaining lip  111  and the outer ledge  71  lies in substantially flush engagement with the axially inner wall segment  112  of the tube support member  22 . In this way, the release pusher  24  is held in place against the tube support member  22  within the fitting  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The acute angle formed between the retaining lip  111  and the axially inner wall segment  112  of the tube support member  22  assists in retaining the release pusher  24  with a stronger retaining force and much higher “failure pressure”, meaning the release pusher requires a much higher pulling pressure before it will fail and/or break out of the retained position during testing. 
     The trailing segment  70  of the release pusher  24  is slidably engaged with the axially outer wall segment  113  once the release pusher  24  is inserted, and this slidable engagement assists the release pusher  24  in traveling substantially along the axis  25  of the fitting during operation. During removal, a tool such as a specially adapted wrench, for example, can be applied to the outer top surface of the release pusher so as to exert a pushing and lifting force that causes the release pusher outer ledge  71  to disengage the retaining lip  111 . Once the release pusher is removed, the internal packing arrangement components are exposed for removal and/or replacement as necessary or desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 11 through 15 , the clip device  90  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a base portion  150  having a substantially semi-circular body portion  151  that is provided with a first body portion end  152 , a second body portion end  154  and a body wall  156 . The body wall  156  has an interior surface  158  and an exterior surface  160 , with the body wall interior surface  158  defining a cavity  161  extending axially through the base portion  150 . The body portion  151  further has an end wall  164  extending radially inwardly of the interior surface of the body wall  156 , with the end wall  164  having an outer surface  165 , an inner surface  168  and a medial surface  170 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 through 15 , the clip device  90  also includes a first leg portion  180  extending from the first body portion end  152  and having a radially outer surface  173 , a radially inner surface  174 , a posterior axially outer surface  171 , a posterior axially inner surface  172 , a posterior medial surface  175 , a first leg portion top portion  176  and a first leg portion bottom portion  178 , wherein the posterior medial surface  175  has a width that tapers from a first width W 1  at the first leg portion top portion  176  to a second width W 2  at the first leg portion bottom portion  178 , such that the first width W 1  is greater than the second width W 2 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 11 through 15 , the second leg portion  182  extends from the second body portion end  154  and has a radially outer surface  184 , a radially inner surface  186 , a posterior axially outer surface  188 , a posterior axially inner surface (shown at  772  in  FIG. 17 ), a posterior medial surface  190 , a second leg portion top portion  192  and a second leg portion bottom portion  194 , wherein the posterior medial surface  190  has a width that tapers from a wider dimension at the second leg portion top portion  192  to a smaller dimension at the second leg portion bottom portion  194 , similar to that shown for the first leg portion  180  in  FIG. 15 . 
     The base portion  150 , first leg portion  180  and second leg portion  182  are of unitary construction, and thereby form a monolithic device. The first leg portion posterior axially outer surface  171 , posterior axially inner surface  172  and posterior medial surface  175  extend from the end wall  164  of the body portion  151 , and the second leg portion posterior axially outer surface  188 , posterior axially inner surface (shown at  772  in  FIG. 17 ) and posterior medial surface  190  extend from the end wall  164  of the body portion  151 . In various embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 2 , the first leg portion  180  and second leg portion  182  extend from the base portion  150  in substantially parallel relation. As such, the leg portions  180 ,  182  are substantially mirror images of one another. 
     In various embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 11 , for example, the body wall interior surface  158  and the end wall inner surface  168  help define a clip axially outer end engaging compartment  200 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the body wall  156  includes a posterior portion  210  and an anterior portion  212 , the first leg portion  180  includes a posterior portion  220  and an anterior portion  222 , and, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the second leg portion  182  includes a posterior portion  230  and an anterior portion  232 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the body wall anterior portion  212  extends radially inwardly of the body wall posterior portion  210 . The body wall anterior portion  212  further includes a radially inner surface  214  and an axially outer wall  216 , wherein the body wall anterior portion radially inner surface  214  helps define a fitting axially interior engaging compartment  218 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the body wall  156  includes a lead wall  211  extending radially inwardly of the axially interior portion of the body wall anterior portion radially inner surface  214 , with the lead wall  211  including an outer surface  215 , an inner surface  217  and a medial surface  219 , and wherein the lead wall inner surface  217  and the body wall anterior portion radially inner surface  214  further define the fitting axially interior engaging compartment  218 . The axially outer wall  216  of the body wall anterior portion  212  further defines the fitting axially outer end engaging compartment  200 , along with the body wall interior surface  158  and the end wall inner surface  168 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the first leg portion  180  includes an anterior axially outer surface  223 , an anterior axially inner surface  224 , and an anterior medial surface  225  extending from the lead wall  211 . The second leg portion  182  includes an anterior axially outer surface  523 , an anterior axially inner surface  524 , and an anterior medial surface  525  (all shown in  FIG. 17 ) extending from the lead wall  211 , and these elements are substantially mirrored versions of their counterparts  223 ,  224  and  225 , respectively, of the first leg portion  180 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the first leg portion anterior medial surface  225  and the lead wall  211  have a width W 3 , and this width W 3  is less than the widths W 1  and W 2  of the first leg portion posterior medial surface  175  shown in  FIG. 15 , in various embodiments of the present invention. The second leg portion  182  includes an anterior medial surface of similar width such that the leg portions are substantially uniform and mirror images of one another. It will be appreciated that the width dimension W 3  is sufficient to provide locking and/or retaining force when the leg portions  180 ,  182  are positioned downwardly about a main body component  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 through 13 , for example. It will also be appreciated that the widths W 1  and W 2  are of sufficient dimension to provide an axially inward pushing force to the end  67  of the release pusher  24  as external force is applied to the clip  90  along the outer surface  160  of the body wall  156 , as illustrated by the sequence in  FIGS. 11 through 13 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 through 13 , the interior surfaces  217 ,  214 ,  158  and  168  are adapted to engage the first  250  and second  252  exterior wall portions of the main body component  12 . As force is applied to the outer surface  160  of the body wall  156 , the posterior axially inner surfaces (e.g.,  172  of first leg portion  180 ) contacts the end  67  of the release pusher member  24  so as to influence axial sliding movement of the release pusher member  24  within the cavity  55 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 through 15 , the release device base portion  150  has a substantially semi-circular body portion  151  having a first body portion end  152 , a second body portion end  154  and a body wall  156 , wherein the end wall  164  has an outer surface  165 , an inner surface  168  and a medial surface  170 . In various embodiments, the interior surface  217  extends radially inwardly of the body wall anterior portion radially inner surface  214  at a substantially perpendicular angle, as shown in  FIGS. 11 through 13 . In various other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 16 , for example, the interior surface  217  extends radially inwardly of the body wall anterior portion radially inner surface  214  at a substantially obtuse angle, such that the interior surface  217  engages and directly abuts ridge  51  substantially along the entire external surface of the ridge  51  when engaged with the fitting. 
     In operation, the main body component  12  of the present invention is provided and one or more sealing members  16  are inserted into the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component  12  and retained against the first interior wall portion  44 A thereof. Next, the sealing ring support member  20  is inserted so as to fit snugly within the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component  12 , and retained against the first  44 A and second  44 B interior wall portions. The support member  20  abuts the sealing ring member  16 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , for example. The fastening ring  18  is then inserted such that its base  17  is securely retained against the second interior wall portion  44 B of the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component  12 , and the base is further securely retained between the sealing ring support member  20  and the tube support member  22 . The tube support member is inserted so as to be retained in the axially outer portion  36  and the second interior wall portion  44 B of the axially intermediate portion  34  of the main body component, as well as against the inner wall of the outer rim  38  of the main body component  12 . The release pusher is then inserted as described above. The clip  90  is then positioned around the external surfaces  250 ,  252  of the main body component  12 , and as force is applied, the leg posterior axially inner surfaces (e.g.,  172 ) push the edge  67  of the release pusher  24  axially inwardly so as to slide inwardly along the inner surface of the tube support member  22  and thereby push the teeth  19  of the fastening ring  18  axially inwardly. In this way, sufficient room is created for a pipe member to be inserted. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the clip  90 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the leg posterior axially inner surface  172  does not extend to the inner wall  244  of the axially outer end engaging compartment  200  of the clip  90 , as it does in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 through 15 . Rather, it extends towards wall  244  and meets a leg platform  255  which extends radially inwardly of wall  244 . Thus, in this embodiment, the end wall  164  of the body portion  151  of the clip  90  extends to the top portion  176  of leg portions  180  and  182 , and then the radially exterior portion  259  of the end wall  164  extends in the form of leg platforms  255  to the bottom portion  178  of leg portions  180 ,  182 . Further, the radially interior portion  258  of the end wall  164  extends to the top portion  176  of leg portions  180 ,  182 , and then the leg portions  180 ,  182  extend to respective bottom portions  178  in sloped fashion, as shown and described with regard to  FIG. 15  above and in connection with widths W 1  and W 2  shown therein. Leg platforms  255  include a rim engaging surface  270  and a riser surface  272  extending from the posterior axially inner surfaces  172  of the legs  180 ,  182  to the rim engaging surface  270 . As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the rim engaging surface  270  is coplanar with the interior surface  168  of the wall  164 . 
     In this way, as the clip  90  is positioned around the main body component  12 , and as force is applied, the leg posterior axially inner surfaces  172  push the edge  67  of the release pusher  24  axially inwardly while the rim engaging surfaces  270  of the leg platforms  255  engage the axially outer rim  38  of the main body component  12 . The extra engagement of the leg platforms  255  with the main body component  12  enhances stability and effectiveness of the clip  90  during operation. It will be appreciated that the action of the clip  90  in pushing the edge  67  of the release pusher  24  creates room for a pipe member to be inserted similar to that described above. 
     When a pipe is inserted, it travels through the release pusher  24  into the pipe receiving cavity  55  of the main body component  12 , engaging the fastening ring  18  and the sealing member  16 . When the pipe is fully inserted (i.e., when the leading edge of the pipe contacts tube stop  29 ), the clip  90  can be raised away from the main body component  12 , allowing the release pusher  24  to return to its relaxed and engaged position with the retaining lip  111  of the tube support member  22 . In this position, the teeth  19  of the fastening ring  18  engage the side walls of the inserted pipe in order to retain the pipe securely within the main body component  12 . The sealing members provide a strong, leak-free seal and the combination of the sealing ring support member  20 , the fastening ring  18  and the tube support member  22  prohibits any inclination an inserted pipe may have to slide out of position. It will be appreciated that the elements of the present invention permit a user to manually hold the clip  90  and the fitting  12  in one hand, apply pressure to the clip  90  with the same hand, such that the pressure is transferred to the release pusher  24  and thus the fastening ring teeth  19 . A pipe held in the user&#39;s other hand can then be inserted or withdrawn while the fastening ring teeth  19  are in the extended position caused by the release pusher pressure. Once the pipe is either inserted or removed, the user can release the pressure being applied to the clip  90  using the same hand that has been holding the clip and fitting, to thereby release the pressure being applied by the release pusher on the fastening ring teeth  19 . 
     The angles, dimensions and materials described herein will be understood to be exemplary and provided as embodiments associated with proper working operation of the present invention. Further, it will be appreciated that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the members of the push connect joint assembly can be formed through hydroforming processes. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can be provided whereby the fitting and/or main body component includes independent packing arrangements on both sides of the tube stop  29 , where the packing arrangements comprise at least two of the following: sealing ring, sealing ring support member, fastening ring, tube support member, release pusher, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , for example. 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.