Fluid connector with full insertion assurance cap with secondary latches

A fluid connector assembly includes a connector body receiving a tubular member locked in place by a retainer clap carried on the connector body. An assurance cap mounted over the tubular member is movable to a forward most latched position on the connector body relative to the tubular member only when the tubular member is in the fully inserted, latched position in the connector body. The assurance cap body includes a plurality of alternating primary latch fingers and step fingers respectively engageable with a recess groove in the connector body and a raised surface on the tubular member. Secondary latches can include an inner support ring carried on the assurance cap body comprising an inner end engageable with a raised surface on the tubular member when the primary latched fingers are engaged with the recessed groove in the connector body.

BACKGROUND

The present apparatus relates to fluid connectors including a fluid carrying tubular member which is coupled to a fitting body connected to a device which uses the fluid. In an automotive application, the fluid carrying components are connected at one end to an automatic transmission and at another end to a cooler disposed within a vehicle radiator. Other automotive applications using fluid connectors include turbo connections.

Such quick connectors typically include a resilient clip carried on the fitting body which is adapted to snap behind a raised shoulder of an end form on the tubular member when the tubular member is fully inserted into the fitting body to lock the tubular member in place.

Assurance caps can be used to insure full insertion of the tubular member in the body. As assurance cap is carried by the tubular member and slides over the tubular member insertion end of the body and snaps over the outer edges of the resilient clip. If the tubular member is not fully inserted in the body such that the resilient clip is not seated behind the raised shoulder on the tubular member, raised portions of the resilient clip extend further radially outward from the body and interfere with the complete movement of the assurance cap to its fully installed position thereby providing an indication to the installer that the tubular member is not fully latched in the body.

SUMMARY

A fluid connection with an assurance cap for assuring full insertion and latching of a tubular member in a connector body comprising an endform spaced from a first insertion end defining a radially disposed shoulder, a connector body comprising a bore with one open end receiving the tubular member. A retainer clip is carried on the connector body and extends partially into the bore to engage the shoulder of the tubular member to lock the tubular member in the connector body when an insertion end of the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore in the fitting body. An assurance cap is slidably mounted relative to the tubular member. The assurance cap defining an annular body with a plurality of primary latch fingers with end projections configured for latching in a recessed groove in the connector body spaced from one end of the connector body to latch the assurance cap on the connector body only when the tubular member is fully inserted into the connector body. A secondary latch is carried on the assurance cap body for engaging one of the retainer clip and the tubular member to secondarily latch the assurance cap to the tubular member only when the tubular is fully inserted into the bore in the connector body.

The primary latch fingers may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced primary latch fingers extending from a first end of the assurance cap body.

In one aspect, the primary latch fingers include a radially inward projection formed on a flexible end of the primary latch finger; and a radially outward opening groove formed in the connector body, spaced from the one open end of the connector body, the groove and the projections on the primary latch fingers engageable to primarily latch the assurance cap to the connector body only when the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore in the connector body.

The secondary latch may include an inner support ring fixed in the assurance cap body radially inward of the primary latch fingers, the inner support ring comprising a through bore through which the tubular member extend, the inner support ring comprising an inner end positioned to engage a surface on the tubular member to provide a secondary latch between the assurance cap body and the tubular member when the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore in the connector body.

The surface on the tubular member is axially spaced from the endform and defines a raised surface on the tubular member.

The secondary latch may include a plurality of stepped fingers circumferentially spaced between the primary latch finger, each of the stepped fingers comprising an inner stepped surface configured to overlay a radially outward portion of the retainer clip when the assurance cap is latched to the quick connector body and the tubular member to resist radially outward expansion of the retainer clip.

The primary latch fingers may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced primary latch fingers extending from a first end of the assurance cap body, and one stepped finger disposed intermediate at least one primary latch finger.

The plurality of primary latch fingers may be arranged in circumferentially spaced pairs of adjacent side-by-side arranged primary latch fingers, and one stepped finger is interposed between each pair of primary latch fingers.

The raised portion of the connector body may include an outward extending tapered portion extending from the outer diameter of the connector body to the outer surface of the raised portion on the connector body.

The raised portion formed on a receiving end of the fitting body comprising an outer diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the receiving end of the fitting body extending from the receiving end of the fitting body, an annular recess positioned adjacent to the raised portion for receiving the latch fingers of the assurance cap in a latch position of the assurance cap on the fitting body.

The connector assembly including the assurance cap body comprising pivotally connected first and second sections lockable in a continuous annular body about the tubular member, and the first and second section of the assurance cap body being pivotally movable relative to a pivotally connected end to allow mounting of the assurance cap body around the tubular member.

The connector assembly including secondary latch includes an inner support ring fixed in the assurance cap body radially inward of the primary latch fingers, the inner support ring comprising a through bore through which the tubular member extends, the inner support ring comprising an inner end positioned to engage a surface on the tubular member to provide a secondary latch between the assurance cap body and the tubular member when the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore in the connector body, the surface on the tubular member is axially spaced from the endform and defines a raised surface on the tubular member; a plurality of stepped fingers circumferentially spaced between the primary latch fingers, and each of the stepped fingers comprising an inner stepped surface configured to overlay a radially outward portion of the retainer clip when the assurance cap is latched to the quick connector body and the tubular member to resist radially outward expansion of the retainer clip.

The connector assembly includes the primary latch fingers further including a plurality of circumferentially spaced primary latch fingers extending from a first end of the assurance cap body, and one step finger disposed intermediate at least one primary latched finger.

The connector assembly including the plurality of primary latch fingers arranged in circumferentially spaced pairs of adjacent side-by-side arranged primary latch fingers, and one stepped finger interposed between each pair of primary latch fingers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is depicted prior art fluid connector20which locks first end22of tubular member24in connector or fitting body26which is itself removably mountable in a port, such as by engagement of external threads28on one end of body26with internal threads in the port.

Tubular member24is generally made of metallic materials, but rigid plastic material may also be employed. Tubular member24comprises a generally constant diameter extending from first end22.

Head section30extends from first end22at first diameter portion32to an outward extending endform comprising tapered raised surface34which terminates at a large diameter end and radially extending shoulder36.

Connector body26can be, but need not necessarily be, integrally made from a single piece of metallic or plastic material. Body26comprises through bore40extending from first end42to opposite second end44. Bore40need not have a constant diameter between first and second ends42and44. Annular internal groove46is formed in body26intermediate first and second ends42and44and receives seal member48, such as an O-ring, for sealing tubular member24to body26and to prevent fluid leakage there between.

As described above, body26comprises externally threaded end portion28spaced from first end42. Recessed radially inward extending groove50can be formed in certain applications adjacent one end of threaded end portion28and annular collar52to receive a washer, not shown. Hexagonal portion54is formed adjacent annular collar52. Reduced diameter receiving portion56comprising a generally constant diameter extends from one end of hexagonal portion54to second end44of body26. Recessed, outward opening, annular groove58is formed in receiving portion56. Groove58comprises a constant closed inner end facing bore40in body26which is interrupted by one or more circumferentially spaced slots.

Retainer clip60is mounted in groove58. Retainer clip60can be, but need not necessarily be formed of a spring wire. Retainer clip60can be formed with inwardly extending protrusions which project through the slots in groove58, when retainer clip60is in a relaxed state behind tapered shoulder36on tubular member24, to lock tubular member24to connector body26.

When first end22of tubular member24is inserted to receiving portion56of body26, first end22and head section30of tubular member24slide through receiving portion56toward first end42of body26. The inward extending protrusions on retainer clip60seated in groove58slide along tapered surface34on tubular member24causing retainer clip60to expand radially outward moving the protrusions on retainer clip60out of bore40until tapered shoulder36of tubular member24slides past one end of retainer clip60. At this point, the protrusions on retainer clip60snap radially inward into bore40behind tapered shoulder36locking tubular member24in body26. Also, at this point during the insertion process, the outermost portions of retainer clip60extend only slightly above the outer surface of receiving portion56of the body26.

Prior art assurance cap62shown inFIG. 1, carried on tubular member24, can then be slid over receiving portion56of body26. Assurance cap62includes inward opening recess64which is positioned between the ends of assurance cap62to encompass the outer portions of retainer clip60extending outward from body26when retainer clip60is in the fully seated position in groove58behind tapered shoulder36of tubular member24. This provides the installer with a visual indication that tubular member24is fully inserted and seated in body26in a fluid sealed position.

In the event that tubular member24is not fully inserted into body26such that it is not in the position shown inFIG. 1, the outer portions of clip60will have been pushed radially outward into a radially expanded state as clip60rides up along the tapered surface34of tubular member24. The outer tips of the outer portions of retainer clip60then extend further outward beyond the outer surface of receiving portion56of the body26in an interference position with the sliding movement of assurance cap62. This interference prevents assurance cap62from being slid fully forward such that recess64cannot snap over clip60. Since assurance cap62is therefore not in a fully forward position, the installer has a visual indication that tubular member24is not fully inserted into body26.

FIGS. 2-8depict alternate assurance cap500mounted on fluid connector assembly420. Fluid connector assembly420locks first end422of fluid flow tubular member or conduit424(hereafter “tubular member424” at first) in connector body426which is itself removably mountable in a port, such as by engagement of external thread428on one end of body426with internal threads in the port of an external device, connector, housing, etc.

Tubular member424comprises a generally constant diameter extending from first end422. Head section430extends from first end422at a first diameter432to an outward extending endform comprising tapered radially outward endform ramp portion434which terminates in a large diameter end and radially extending shoulder436. Raised bead or collar437is formed on the exterior surface of tubular member424and extends axially from radially extending shoulder436for a short distance to end or shoulder438which transitions to the constant first diameter of the overall tubular member424.

Connector body426comprises through bore440extending from first end442to opposite second end444. Bore440may or may not have a constant diameter between first and second ends442and444. Annular internal groove446is formed in connector body426intermediate first and second ends442and444and receives a seal member, such as O-ring448, for sealing tubular member424to connector body426and to prevent fluid leakage there between.

Connector body426comprises external threaded end portion428spaced from first end442. Radially inward extending groove450can be formed adjacent one end of threaded end portion428for receiving external seal member451, such as an O-ring, for sealing connector body426to the external component. Hexagonal portion454is formed adjacent to recess450.

Annular recess or groove476of a first diameter extends axially from one edge of hexagonal portion454. Recess476terminates in a radially outward extending shoulder at one end of annular ring470. Annular ring470transitions into radially inward extending ramp or conical surface472which transitions into an axially extending surface466comprising an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of recess476. Axial surface466transitions into recess or groove468. Groove468includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures469, with three apertures being employed, for example, for three-protrusion retainer clip460. Recess468transitions into larger diameter end annular ring464which extends to second end444of body426.

Resilient retainer clip460(“clip460”) mounted in groove468can be, but need not necessarily be formed of a single piece of spring wire. Clip460can be formed with a plurality of radially inward extending protrusions which project through slots or apertures469in groove468when clip460is in a relaxed state behind the radially extending shoulder436on tubular member424to lock tubular member424to connector body426. At the same time, clip460can be in a relaxed state prior to insertion of tubular member424into open insertion second end444of connector body426.

When first end422of tubular member424is inserted into open second end444of connector body426, first end422and head section430of tubular member424slide through the aperture in bore440at second end444of connector body426toward first end442of connector body426. The inwardly extending protrusions on clip460slide along tapered endform ramp portion434on tubular member424causing clip460to expand radially outward moving the protrusions on resilient clip460out of groove468until radially extending shoulder436on the end of outward tapered endform ramp portion434of tubular member424slide past one end of clip460. At this point, the protrusions on clip460snap radially inward into bore440in connector body426behind radially extending shoulder436locking tubular member424in connector body426.

As shown inFIGS. 2-8, assurance cap500is in the form of a one-piece body, which may be molded, machined or otherwise formed out of plastic, metal, such as aluminum, etc.

Assurance cap500is formed with first outer annular ring502at first end503. Inner support ring504, generally in the form of a cylindrical annular member, comprises first end506generally disposed coplanar with first end503of first annular outer ring502and second opposed end508spaced a distance by a tubular wall of inner support ring504from the first end506of the inner support ring504. Inner support ring504includes a hollow interior defining through bore510extending between first and second ends506and508.

A plurality of radially extending ribs512form spokes extending radially outward between inner support ring504and first outer annular ring502. Ribs512are circumferentially spaced about the first end of first outer annular ring502and have an overall length extending from first end503of first outer annular ring502and first end506of inner support ring504for a predetermined distance less than the length of inner support ring504as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7.

A plurality of primary latch fingers520and a plurality of stepped fingers522are formed on the body of assurance cap500and are arranged in an annular, circumferential spaced, arrangement extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of assurance cap500from first annular ring502at first end503of assurance cap500.

Primary latch fingers520and stepped fingers522are arranged in a generally alternating arrangement around the periphery of first end503of assurance cap500. Although primary latch fingers520and stepped fingers522may alternate in a circumferentially spaced side-by-side arrangement of one primary latch finger520located between two stepped fingers, by example only, as shown inFIGS. 4-7, two primary latch fingers520are arranged in a spaced side-by-side pair between single stepped fingers522. This arrangement of two primary latch fingers520between two spaced stepped fingers522continues in a circumferential consecutive manner about the periphery of the body of assurance cap500.

Primary latch fingers520are formed of an axially extending member with a generally planar, slightly arcuate leg524which is recessed a short distance below the outer periphery of first outer annular ring502. Elongated rib or structural support526is integrally formed on leg524and projects axially from the outer peripheral edge of annular ring502. Rib526provides structural support for leg524of primary latch fingers520while still allowing flexure of primary latch fingers520as described hereafter.

Leg524of each primary latch finger520terminates in outer end528. Projection530is formed on outer end528of primary latch fingers520and projects radially inward from inner surface532of primary latch finger520to form shoulder534extending radially inward from outer end528of primary latch finger520.

Stepped fingers522have outmost first step540which terminates in outer end541contiguous with outer end528of each primary latch finger520. Second step542is disposed axially adjacent first step540and comprises an inner surface disposed radially inward of the inner surface of first step540. Third step544is disposed axially adjacent second step542and includes an inner surface disposed radially inward of the inner surface of second step542.

Primary latch fingers520and stepped fingers522are circumferentially spaced apart by slots550which open at first ends528and541of primary latch fingers520and stepped fingers522, respectively. Slots550are generally axially aligned with ribs512. Slots550provide a degree of flexibility to primary latch fingers520and stepped fingers522.

Referring toFIGS. 3B and 8, assurance cap500is first installed over tubular member424from either end of tubular member424prior to formation of endform ramp portion434adjacent first end422of tubular member424. Endform ramp portion434slidably captures assurance cap500on tubular member424.

Alternately, assurance cap500may be inserted over tubular member424from the end of tubular member424opposite first end422prior to the connection of the opposite end of tubular member424to another component. Endform ramp portion434, in this alternate installation, can be pre-formed on tubular member424prior to the mounting of assurance cap500from the opposite end of tubular member424.

When tubular member424is to be coupled to quick connector body426, first end422of tubular member424is inserted through open first end444of connector body426. The ramp surface of endform ramp portion434of tubular member424will engage the radially inward extending projection on clip460and force the entire clip radially outward until, when first end422of tubular member424is fully inserted into bore440in connector body426, the projections on clip460snap radially inward to their relaxed normal state behind radially extending shoulder436on endform ramp portion434on tubular member424.

With tubular member424locked to connector body426by clip460, the operator can slide assurance cap500toward hex portion454of quick connector body426. Projections530on outer ends528of primary latch fingers520will engage ramp surface472on connector body426forcing the ends of primary latch fingers520radially outward. When assurance cap500is in the fully forward position, projections530snap into recess or groove476on connector body426latching assurance cap500to quick connector body426. At the same time, as shown inFIG. 3B, second step542of each stepped finger522will be located circumferentially over the outer surface of clip460. This arrangement holds clip460in its normal non-expanded state and prevents expansion of clip460due to any axial separation forces exerted on connector body426and/or tubular member424tending to disengage or separate connector body426and tubular member424. Stepped fingers552thereby act as an axillary latch for assurance cap500.

The arrangement of a pair of primary latch fingers520, one stepped fingers522, pair of primary latch fingers520, etc. about the circumference of assurance cap500enables one or two stepped fingers522to be in contact with clip560at all annular positions of assurance cap500relative to quick connector body426.

When projections530on primary latch fingers520are in the fully latched position in groove476on quick connector body426, inner end508of inner support ring504will be in engagement with shoulder438on raised bead or flange437on tubular member424. This serves as a secondary latch function securing assurance cap500to connector body426and tubular member424in the fully inserted position of tubular member424in connector body426between engaged projections530of primary latch fingers520in groove476and engaged inner end508of inner support ring504with flange437on tubular member424.

Referring briefly toFIG. 8, the primary function of assurance cap500is to insure that tubular member424is fully inserted into quick connector body426so that tubular member424can be latched in place by clip460. During the insertion of tubular member424into bore440in quick connector body426, the installer may feel resistant to forward insertion movement of tubular member424into bore440when, for example, first end422of tubular member424contacts O-ring448in the interior of quick connector body426. This may give a false full insertion indication to the installer. However, assurance cap500is configured so that at all non-fully inserted position of tubular member424relative to quick connector body426, projections530on ends528of primary latch fingers520will not be fully latched in recess or groove476in connector body426; but rather, will be in engagement with ramp surface472on radial outer surface470on connector body as shown inFIG. 8. This prevents latching of primary latch fingers520to quick connector body426. A non-fixed position of body426or a slight pull-out movement by the installer exerted on assurance cap500moving assurance cap500away from body426will provide an indication of non-latching of assurance cap500to quick connector body426.

At the same time, assurance cap500, due to the rib support structure of primary latch fingers520and the number of such primary latch fingers520on assurance cap500and primary latching of projections530of primary latch fingers520in groove476of quick connector body426and engagement of inner end508of inner support ring504with shoulder438on radially extending shoulder436on tubular member424, provides a resistance force sufficient to prevent axial separation of tubular member424from quick connector body426despite any axial separation forces acting on quick connector body and tubular member424.

FIG. 9depicts fluid connector20ofFIG. 1which is used to sealingly lock the tubular member24to the body26. However, fluid connector20inFIG. 9includes novel assurance cap70which provides assurance of a full insertion of tubular member24into body26and, at the same time, provides secondary latches to hold assurance cap70on body26and to provide an additional latching force against disengagement of tubular member24from body26.

Assurance cap70, shown in an assembled position inFIG. 9and in detailed views inFIGS. 10-14andFIGS. 15A-15D, can be formed of a material having a suitable strength, such as high strength plastic, or a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc.

In this aspect, assurance cap70is in the form of annular body72comprising first end74, opposed second end76, and intermediate sidewall78extending between first and second ends74and76. At least one or a plurality of slots80, with three slots80shown by example, are formed through first end74and a portion of sidewall78to separate sidewall78into a plurality of fingers with three fingers82,84and86being shown by example inFIGS. 10-14. Slots80and intervening fingers82,84, and86provide flexibility to assurance cap70allowing first end74of assurance cap70to flex radially outward over the outer surface of receiving portion56of body26until assurance cap70has reached its fully forward position of movement, as described hereafter.

First end74of each of fingers82,84, and86comprises rounded over end portion90which terminates in radially inward extending edge92forming shoulder94. Shoulder94is configured to snap over and engage mating shoulder96formed along one side of open ended annular groove98formed in body26between hexagonal portion54and receiving portion56of body26. Shoulders94on each of the three fingers82,84, and86, which extend over substantially the entire circumference of assurance cap70, provide a secure circumferential secondary latching force to secure assurance cap70on body26as well as providing additional latching force to resist separation of tubular member24from body26.

Second end76of assurance cap70comprises a partially closed, irregularly shaped endwall100which includes keyhole shaped aperture102comprising reduced diameter or width first end portion104and larger diameter second end portion106. The walls forming first end portion104and second end portion106are generally arcuate to enable assurance cap70to be mounted over first end22of tubular member24as described hereafter and shown inFIGS. 15A-15D.

Diametrically opposed, inward extending fingers110and112are provided generally centrally in endwall100on second end76of assurance cap70. Fingers110and112, with only finger112shown inFIG. 10, have inward curled wall114terminating in inner edge wall116. As shown inFIG. 9, wall114is generally parallel to intermediate sidewall78of assurance cap70, with inner edge wall116facing, but spaced from resilient clip60.

Fingers110and112provide an additional engagement or latching function for assurance cap70on fluid connector20when assurance cap70is in the full forward, latched position shown inFIG. 9.

FIGS. 15A-15Ddepict the orientation of tubular member24and assurance cap70for mounting of assurance cap70over first end22of tubular member24and tapered surface34. At the time of assembly, assurance cap70is oriented as shown inFIG. 15Bwith longitudinal axis120extending through keyhole shaped aperture102oriented at an angle along axis line122of tubular member24inFIG. 15Ato bring larger diameter or width second end portion106of keyhole shaped aperture102over large diameter end37of tapered surface34of tubular member24.

The other end of assurance cap70can then be pivoted in the direction of arrow124inFIG. 15Cto move entire keyhole shaped aperture102over large diameter end37of tapered surface34of tubular member24until first end74of assurance cap70clears large diameter end37of tapered surface34of tubular member24.

After large diameter end37of tapered shoulder36of tubular member24has been urged past the inner edges of large diameter end portion106of keyhole aperture102in assurance cap70, assurance cap70can be tilted upward toward a perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of tubular member24and moved longitudinally along tubular member24until the inner edges of keyhole shaped aperture102are completely past large diameter end37of tapered surface34of tubular member24, as shown inFIG. 15C. Assurance cap70can then be urged or slid into smaller diameter first end portion104of keyhole shaped aperture102to center assurance cap70with respect to tubular member24as shown inFIG. 15D.

Referring now toFIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C, there is depicted another aspect of assurance cap130which functions in the same manner as assurance cap70described above and shown inFIGS. 9-15D. Assurance cap130includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, spaced fingers132, each with radially inward extending edge134terminating in shoulder136configured to latchably engage edge96of groove98in fluid connector20to secure assurance cap130in position at its forward most position of movement relative to tubular member24and body26. It should be noted that instead of three longer circumferential length fingers82,84, and86, fingers132in assurance cap130are smaller in length and greater in number to provide a greater degree of flexibility to enable assurance cap130to be easily slid over the raised end of receiving portion56of body26.

Assurance cap130comprises a body with hinge140interconnecting first body section142with second body section144. First and second body sections142and144are pivotally movable with respect to each other about hinge140from an open position shown inFIG. 16Bwhich enables assurance cap130to be mounted over tubular member24to a closed position forming a continuous body about tubular member24by pivotal movement of first and second body sections142and144toward each other about hinge140until latch finger146on second body section144engages latch recess148in opposite first body section142as shown inFIG. 16B. The engagement of latch finger146in latch recess148locks first and second body sections142and144of assurance cap130into a continuous body encircling tubular member24.

It should also be noted that the second end of assurance cap130comprises a radially inward extending skirt formed of first skirt portion152on first body section142of assurance cap130and second skirt portion154on second body section144of assurance cap130. Arcuate inner edges156and158respectively on first and second skirt portions152and154form a continuous annular edge configured to engage or be slightly spaced from the outer surface of tubular member24when assurance cap130is slid to its forward most position over tubular member24and latched to body26as shown inFIG. 16C. First and second skirt portions152and154also act to center assurance cap130about tubular member24during the forward sliding movement of assurance cap130.

Raised annular rib160is formed on the outer surface of assurance cap130between the first and second ends to act as a gripping surface to facilitate movement of assurance cap130from a rest position about tubular member24to its forward position shown inFIG. 16C.

The two-part hinged cap described above and shown inFIGS. 16A-16Bmay be applied to any of the other assurance caps described herein. Particularly, assurance cap500described above and shown inFIGS. 2-8can be split into two hinged body section by a slit along one of the slots550, annular ring502at first end503of assurance cap500and inner support ring504. This hinged arrangement for assurance cap500enables assurance cap500to be snapped around tubular member424after endform ramp portion434has been formed on tubular member424.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bshow another modification in assurance cap170. In this aspect, assurance cap170comprises a unitary, close annular, one-piece cylindrical-shaped body172. The first end of body172comprises a plurality of fingers174spaced apart by longitudinally extending slots176. Inward extending edges178terminating in radially inward extending shoulder180extend from one end of each of the fingers174to engage edge96of groove98in body26to latch assurance cap170to body26in a forward most position of movement indicating full insertion of tubular member24in body26.

Annular radially outward extending ring182is formed intermediate the first end and opposed second end of body172to act as a gripping surface to facilitate movement of assurance cap170.

Second end184of body172includes continuous annular outer ring186and radially inward conical-shaped skirt188extending from outer ring186to inner edge190. A plurality of radially extending slots192are formed in skirt188and extend from the inner edge190partially through the radial extent of skirt188. Slots192divide 188 into a plurality of radially inward, conically tapered fingers194. Slots192provide flexibility to fingers194to enable assurance cap170to be forcibly urged over large diameter end portion37of tapered surface34on tubular member24to mount assurance cap170on tubular member24prior to insertion of tubular member24into body26.

FIGS. 18A and 18Bdepict another aspect of assurance cap200which is substantially similar to assurance cap170in that assurance cap200is formed of continuous one-piece body201comprising a plurality of fingers202at first end spaced apart by slots204. Fingers202terminate in inward extending edge206comprising inner shoulder208to engage edge96in groove98of body26when assurance cap200is moved to its forward position relative to body26indicating full insertion of tubular member24in body26.

Radially outward extending rib210is formed in body201intermediate the first and second ends. Second end212of body201is formed as annular ring214from which conically shaped radially inward extending skirt216extends to inner edge218defining an aperture the same size or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the constant diameter portion of tubular member24.

In this aspect of assurance cap200, skirt216does not include any slots. This aspect includes assurance cap200installed on tubular member24before the ramp or endform is formed.

Referring now toFIGS. 19A and 19B, there is depicted another aspect of body230, which includes variations from body26shown inFIG. 9. As most of body230is identically constructed as body26, only variations between body230and body26will be described in detail.

In body230depicted inFIGS. 19A and 19B, the receiving portion extending from first end232of body230comprises first diameter end portion234and second smaller diameter end portion236disposed on opposite sides of groove238which receives resilient clip60. Raised intermediate annular ring240is formed adjacent to second end portion236and includes radially outward, extending conically shaped, tapered endwall242extending from second end portion236. The outer diameter of ring240is larger than the diameters of first and second end portions234and236of the receiving portion of body230.

Recessed groove244is formed between annular ring240and hexagonal shaped portion54of body230. Inner surface246of groove244comprises a diameter smaller than the diameter of second end portion236of the insertion portion of body230to define a recess for receiving the latch portions of the fingers of the assurance cap in the fully inserted position relative to body26.

During such forward sliding movement of any of the assurance caps described above, the radially inward turned fingers of the assurance cap flex outward over tapered endwall242and then along the outer surface of ring240before snapping in latched engagement with groove244to provide the secondary latch function for the assurance cap.

In another variation of body260shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, again body260is substantially the same as body26and only variations there between will be described in detail.

Like body230shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B, body260comprises first end262from which extends first end portion264of the receiving portion at a first diameter. The receiving portion includes second end portion266, also at the same diameter to define recess268for resilient clip60.

Body260also includes raised annular ring270comprising an outer diameter greater than the first diameters of first and second end portions264and266. Radially outward, conical shaped tapered surface272extends from second end portion266to raised annular ring270. Recess or groove274is formed between raised annular ring270and hexed shaped portion54of body260. Inner surface276of groove274is spaced at the same first diameter of first and second end portions264and266of the receiving portion of body260.

In this aspect, annular ring270forms a raised outermost portion of the receiving portion of body260. The difference between the outer diameter of annular ring270and inner surface276of adjacent groove274requires that the fingers on the assurance cap can be flexed outward over the raised outer edge of annular ring270before snapping over the outer edge of annular ring270into groove274.

Referring now toFIGS. 21A and 21B, there is depicted another variation in the construction of assurance cap300. In this aspect, assurance cap300is similar to assurance cap70described above and shown inFIGS. 2-8Dexcept that the assurance cap300includes two small latch fingers302and304extending from intermediate annular portion306. Fingers302and304, which can be provided in any number, such as two, three, or more fingers, are configured more as standalone latch fingers rather than the closely separated fingers82,84and86on assurance cap70, which have a much longer circumferential extent.

Latch fingers302and304are constructed similarly to latch fingers82,84and86in assurance cap70and are designed to snap into and latch in groove98on body26when tubular member24is fully inserted into body26.

Fingers302and304are spaced apart about the circumference of assurance cap300in an angular orientation designed to intercept the raised portions of the resilient clip which would extend outward beyond the upper extent of receiving portion56of body26from groove98when tubular member24is not fully inserted in body26. Thus, for example, in a two finger construction shown inFIGS. 21A and 21B, the two fingers302and304are spaced less than 180° apart to one side of assurance cap300and greater than 180° apart on the other side of assurance cap300.

As shown inFIG. 21B, fingers302and304are circumferentially spaced so that at least one of fingers302or304is in a interference position with retainer clip60so as to strike a raised portion of retainer clip60extending out of groove68in body26to prevent full movement of assurance cap300to the fully forward latched position. This assures that assurance cap300functions in its intended manner regardless of its angular orientation with respect to the protrusions and outer portions of retainer clip60in the groove58.