Abstract:
A clampless tube connection is disclosed, wherein at least one of a conduit and a tube has integrated sealing and locking features.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a clampless tube connection and more particularly to a clampless tube connection with integrated sealing and locking features for connection to a conduit. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is common practice to employ flexible hose or tubing between relatively rigid and stationary parts so that the hose or tubing forms a conduit for the transfer of fluids therebetween. The flexible tubing facilitates use of less stringent dimensional standards between parts. A typical example is the use of flexible tubing for connection to an air cleaner. 
         [0003]    Tube clamps such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps are used at areas of interconnection. The strategy for connecting the conduit and tube requires the use of additional parts which add to the complexity of assembly and require additional assembly time. 
         [0004]    It is therefore considered desirable to produce a tube for interconnecting rigid and stationary parts that includes integrated sealing and locking features, wherein the connection permits the transfer of fluids therebetween. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Harmonious with the present invention, a tube for interconnecting rigid and stationary parts that includes integrated sealing and locking features, wherein the connection permits the transfer of fluids therebetween has surprisingly been discovered. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a conduit comprises a hollow tube having a first end and a second end; a hollow conduit adapted to be connected to the first end of the tube; a connecting structure formed on one of the tube and the conduit, the connecting structure adapted to engage the other of the tube and the conduit to militate against a separation of the tube and the conduit; and a sealing structure disposed between the tube and the conduit to facilitate a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a conduit comprises a hollow tube having a first end and a second end; a hollow conduit adapted to be connected to the first end of the tube; a connecting structure formed on one of the tube and the conduit, the connecting structure adapted to engage the other of the tube and the conduit to militate against a separation of the tube and the conduit, wherein a wall of one of the tube and the conduit includes an aperture formed therein for receiving the connecting structure formed on the other of the tube and the conduit; and a sealing structure disposed between the tube and the conduit to facilitate a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a conduit comprises a hollow conduit having a first end and a second end; a tube adapted to be connected to the first end of the conduit; a connecting structure formed on one of the conduit and the tube, the connecting structure adapted to engage the other of the conduit and the tube to militate against a separation of the conduit and the tube; and a sealing structure disposed between the conduit and the tube to facilitate a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The above, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary perspective view of a tube showing a portion in section in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary perspective view of a conduit for connecting to the tube shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary sectional view of the tube shown in  FIG. 1  assembled with the conduit shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a tube and a conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a tube and a conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a tube and a conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a tube and a conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an exploded sectional view of the tube and the conduit shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a tube and a conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a tube and a conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary sectional view of the tube shown in  FIG. 10  assembled with the conduit shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a tube and a conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary sectional view of the tube shown in  FIG. 12  assembled with the conduit shown in  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a tube  10  according to an embodiment of the invention, such as a clean air tube, for example. In the embodiment shown, the tube  10  is formed from rubber, although other flexible materials may be used as desired. The tube  10  includes a wall  12  having a shoulder  14  formed thereon, and forms a hollow interior  16 . An inner diameter d of the tube  10  on a first side  18  of the shoulder  14  is smaller than an inner diameter D of a second side  20  of the shoulder  14 . An outer surface  22  of the wall  12  includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending protuberances  24 . A distal end  28  of the tube  10  has a radially outwardly extending flange  26  formed thereon. At least one aperture  30  is formed in the wall  12  between the protuberances  24  and the flange  26 . It is understood that the aperture  30  can be formed in other locations such as between adjacent protuberances  24 , for example, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The wall  12  surrounding the aperture  30  includes a sloped first surface  31  and a substantially flat second surface  33 . An inner surface  32  of the wall  12  includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending sealing structure  34 . The sealing structure  34  shown are radially inwardly extending protuberances. However, other sealing structure can be used as desired. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows a conduit  40  according to an embodiment of the invention, such as an outlet of an air cleaner box, for example. In the embodiment shown, the conduit  40  is formed from plastic, although it is understood that other materials may be used as desired. The conduit  40  includes a wall  42  having a hollow interior  43 , an inner surface  45 , and an outer surface  48 . A radially outwardly extending lip  44  is formed at a distal end  46  of the conduit  40 . The outer surface  48  of the conduit  40  includes at least one radially outwardly extending protuberance  50  formed thereon. It is understood that the conduit  40  includes a corresponding number of protuberances  50  as apertures  30  formed in the tube  10 . The protuberance includes a sloped first surface  52  and a substantially flat second surface  54 . Optionally, the wall  42  of the conduit  40  can also include at least one aperture  56  formed thereon for receiving a fastening screw (not shown). 
         [0026]    When assembled as shown in  FIG. 3 , the outer surface  48  of the wall  42  of the conduit  40  is received in the hollow interior  16  of the tube  10 . The protuberances  50  of the conduit  40  are received by the apertures  30  formed in the tube  10 . The sloped first surface  52  of the conduit  40  seats against the sloped first surface  31  of the wall  12  of the tube  10 , and the substantially flat second surface  54  of the conduit  40  seats against the substantially flat second surface  33  of the wall  12  of the tube  10 . An end of the lip  44  of the conduit  40  abuts an inner surface of the shoulder  14  formed on the wall  12  of the tube  10 . The sealing structure  34  of the tube  10  engages the outer surface  48  of the wall  42  of the conduit  40  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. It is understood that the aperture  30  formed on the tube  10  can be formed on the conduit  40  and the protuberance  50  formed on the conduit  40  can be formed on the tube  10 . In this case, the flange  26  would also be formed on the conduit  40 , the outer surface  22  of the tube  10  would be received in the hollow interior  43  of the conduit  40 , and the sealing structure  34  would be formed on the inner surface  45  of the conduit  40 . It is also understood that the sealing structure  34  could be formed on the outer surface  48  of the wall  42  of the conduit  40  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0027]    In use, the tube  10  is joined to the conduit  40  by inserting the end  46  of the conduit  40  into the tube  10 . The end  46  of the conduit  40  slides into the tube  10  until the protuberances  50  of the conduit  40  are received in the apertures  30  of the tube  10 . The seating of the first surfaces  31 ,  52  and second surfaces  33 ,  54  of the wall  12  and the protuberance  50  militates against relative movement between the tube  10  and the conduit  40 . The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  34  of the tube  10  and the outer surface  48  of the wall  42  of the conduit  40  allow for a fluid (not shown) to flow through the tube  10  and the conduit  40  and militates against leakage of the fluid therefrom. The aperture  56  formed in the conduit  40  receives the fastening screw and permits the conduit  40  to be connected to an additional part (not shown). Accordingly, a substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the tube  10  and the conduit  40 . If it is desired to detach the tube  10  from the conduit  40 , the flange  26  of the tube  10  or the protuberances  24  are simultaneously gripped to pull the conduit  40  and the tube  10  away from one another and detach the conduit  40  from the tube  10 . 
         [0028]    The connection between the tube  10  and the conduit  40  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  shows a conduit  110  and a tube  140  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a wall  112  of the conduit  110  forms a hollow interior  116 . A protuberance  150  is formed on an outer surface  120  of the wall  112 . 
         [0030]    The tube  140  has a longitudinal axis L and includes a wall  142  forming a hollow interior  143 , an inner surface  145 , and an outer surface  148 . A distal end  146  of the tube  140  includes a substantially L-shaped aperture  130  formed therein. The aperture  130  extends axially from the distal end  146  of the wall  142 . At a predetermined distance, the aperture  130  extends laterally, and then axially towards the end  146  to terminate at a locking slot  132 . The inner surface  145  of the tube  140  includes at least one radially inwardly extending sealing structure  134  formed thereon for sealingly engaging the outer surface  120  of the wall  112  of the conduit  110 . 
         [0031]    To assemble, the protuberance  150  is aligned with the aperture  130 . The conduit  110  and the tube  140  are joined and twisted to position the protuberance  150  formed on the conduit  110  in the locking slot  132  of the aperture  130 . The sealing structure  134  of the tube  140  engages the outer surface  120  of the wall  112  of the conduit  110  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The protuberance  150  and aperture  130  can be formed on either of the conduit  110  and the tube  140  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is also understood that the sealing structure  134  could be formed on the outer surface  120  of the wall  112  of the conduit  110  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0032]    In use, the twist locking described above militates against relative movement between the conduit  110  and the tube  140 . The sealing structure  134  formed on the inner surface  145  of the wall  142  of the tube  140  sealingly engages the outer surface  120  of the wall  112  of the conduit  110  and militates against fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  134  of the tube  140  and the outer surface  120  of the wall  112  of the conduit  110  allows for a fluid (not shown) to flow through the conduit  110  and the tube  140 . Accordingly, the substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the conduit  110  and the tube  140 . If it is desired to detach the conduit  110  from the tube  140 , the conduit  110  can be pushed together with the tube  140 , then twisted and pulled away from the tube  140 . 
         [0033]    The connection between the conduit  110  and the tube  140  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  shows a conduit  210  and a tube  240  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a wall  212  of the conduit  210  forms a hollow interior  216 . An outer surface  220  of the conduit  210  includes a protuberance  250  having a lip  251 . 
         [0035]    The tube  240  has a longitudinal axis L and includes a wall  242  forming a hollow interior  243 , an inner surface  245 , and an outer surface  248 . A distal end  246  of the tube  240  includes a protuberance  260  formed thereon. A distal end  262  of the protuberance  260  has a lip  264  formed thereon. The lip  264  is adapted to abut the lip  251  formed on the conduit  210 . The inner surface  245  of the tube  240  includes at least one radially inwardly extending sealing structure  234  formed thereon for sealingly engaging the outer surface  220  of the wall  212  of the conduit  210 . 
         [0036]    To assemble, the protuberance  250  is aligned adjacent to the protuberance  260 . The conduit  210  and the tube  240  are joined and twisted to abut the lip  264  with the lip  251 . The sealing structure  234  of the tube  240  engages the outer surface  220  of the wall  212  of the conduit  210  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The protuberances  250 ,  260  can be formed on either of the conduit  210  and the tube  240  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is also understood that the sealing structure  234  could be formed on the outer surface  220  of the wall  212  of the conduit  210  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0037]    In use, the twist locking described above militates against relative movement between the conduit  210  and the tube  240 . The sealing structure  234  formed on the inner surface  245  of the wall  242  of the tube  240  sealingly engages the outer surface  220  of the wall  212  of the conduit  210  and militates against fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  234  of the tube  240  and the outer surface  220  of the wall  212  of the conduit  210  allows for a fluid (not shown) to flow through the conduit  210  and the tube  240 . Accordingly, the substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the conduit  210  and the tube  240 . If it is desired to detach the conduit  210  from the tube  240 , the conduit  210  can be twisted and then pulled away from the tube  240 . 
         [0038]    The connection between the conduit  210  and the tube  240  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  shows a conduit  310  and a tube  340  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a wall  312  of the conduit  310  forms a hollow interior  316 . An outer surface  320  of the conduit  310  includes a protuberance  350  having a lip  351  and an indent  353 . 
         [0040]    The tube  340  has a longitudinal axis and includes a wall  342  forming a hollow interior  343 , an inner surface  345 , and an outer surface  348 . A distal end  346  of the tube  340  includes a protuberance  360  formed thereon. The protuberance  360  has an aperture  366  having a first section  368  and a second section  370  formed therein. The first section  368  accommodates the protuberance  350  formed on the conduit  310  therein. The second section  370  is adapted to receive the protuberance  350  formed on the conduit  310  to militate against relative movement therebetween. The inner surface  345  of the tube  340  includes at least one radially inwardly extending sealing structure  334  formed thereon for sealingly engaging the outer surface  320  of the wall  312  of the conduit  310 . 
         [0041]    To assemble, the protuberance  350  is aligned with the first section  368  of the aperture  366 . The conduit  310  and the tube  340  are joined and twisted to position the protuberance  350  in the second section  370  of the aperture  366 . The sealing structure  334  of the tube  340  engages the outer surface  320  of the wall  312  of the conduit  310  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The protuberances  350 ,  360  can be formed on either of the conduit  310  and the tube  340  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is also understood that the sealing structure  334  could be formed on the outer surface  320  of the wall  312  of the conduit  310  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0042]    In use, the twist locking described above militates against relative movement between the conduit  310  and the tube  340 . The sealing structure  334  formed on the inner surface  345  of the wall  342  of the tube  340  sealingly engages the outer surface  320  of the wall  312  of the conduit  310  and militates against fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  334  of the tube  340  and the outer surface  320  of the wall  312  of the conduit  310  allows for a fluid (not shown) to flow through the conduit  310  and the tube  340 . Accordingly, a substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the conduit  310  and the tube  340 . If it is desired to detach the conduit  310  from the tube  340 , the conduit  310  can be pushed toward the tube  340  and twisted and pulled away from the tube  340 . 
         [0043]    The connection between the conduit  310  and the tube  340  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show a conduit  410  and a tube  440  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a wall  412  of the conduit  410  forms a hollow interior  416 . An outer surface  420  of the conduit  410  includes a protuberance  450  formed thereon and terminates in a distal end  455 . The protuberance has a first side  452  that is substantially flat and a second surface  454  that is sloped. 
         [0045]    The tube  440  has a longitudinal axis L and includes a wall  442  forming a hollow interior  443 , an inner surface  445 , and an outer surface  448 . The inner surface  445  includes a channel  472  and at least one radially inwardly extending sealing structure  434  formed thereon. An end  476  of the channel  472  has a sloped surface  474  for receiving second surface  454  of the protuberance  450  formed on the conduit  410 . The sealing structure  434  is adapted to sealingly engage the outer surface  420  of the conduit  410 . 
         [0046]    To assemble, the protuberance  450  is aligned with the channel  472 . The conduit  410  and the tube  440  are joined and the protuberance  450  is received in the channel  472 . The substantially flat first surface  452  of the protuberance  450  abuts the channel  472 , and the sloped second surface  454  of the protuberance  450  seats against the sloped surface  474  of the channel  472 . The sealing structure  434  of the tube  440  engages the outer surface  420  of the wall  412  of the conduit  410  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The protuberance  450  and the channel  472  can be formed on either of the conduit  410  and the tube  440  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is also understood that the sealing structure  434  could be formed on the outer surface  420  of the wall  412  of the conduit  410  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0047]    In use, the locking described above militates against relative movement between the conduit  410  and the tube  440 . The sealing structure  434  formed on the inner surface  445  of the wall  442  of the tube  440  sealingly engages the outer surface  420  of the wall  412  of the conduit  410  and militates against fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  434  of the tube  440  and the outer surface  420  of the wall  412  of the conduit  410  allows for a fluid (not shown) to flow between the conduit  410  and the tube  440 . Accordingly, a substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the conduit  410  and the tube  440 . If it is desired to detach the conduit  410  from the tube  440 , the tube  440  can be squeezed to move the protuberance  450  out of the channel  472  formed in the tube  440  wherein the conduit  410  is simultaneously pulled away from the tube  440 . 
         [0048]    The connection between the conduit  410  and the tube  440  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  shows a conduit  510  and a tube  540  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a wall  512  of the conduit  510  forms a hollow interior  516 . An outer surface  520  of the conduit  510  includes a radially outwardly extending protuberance  550  having an upper wall  580  and an aperture  582  formed therein. 
         [0050]    The tube  540  has a longitudinal axis L and includes a wall  542  forming a hollow interior  543 , an inner surface  545 , and an outer surface  548 . A distal end  546  of the tube  540  includes a radially outwardly extending protuberance  560  formed thereon. The protuberance  560  includes a lip  564  adapted to engage the upper wall  580  of the protuberance  550  formed on the conduit  510 . A sealing structure  534  formed on an inner surface  545  is adapted to sealingly engage the outer surface  520  of the wall  512  of the conduit  510 . 
         [0051]    To assemble, the aperture  582  is aligned with the protuberance  560  and the conduit  510  and the tube  540  are joined. The aperture  582  receives the protuberance  560  and the lip  564  abuts the upper wall  580  of the protuberance  550 . The sealing structure  534  of the tube  540  engages the outer surface  520  of the wall  512  of the conduit  510  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The protuberances  550 ,  560  can be formed on either of the conduit  510  and the tube  540  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is also understood that the sealing structure  534  could be formed on the outer surface  520  of the wall  512  of the conduit  510  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0052]    In use, the locking described above militates against relative movement between the conduit  510  and the tube  540 . The sealing structure  534  formed on the inner surface  545  of the wall  542  of the tube  540  sealingly engages the outer surface  520  of the wall  512  of the conduit  510  and militates against fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  534  of the tube  540  and the outer surface  520  of the wall  512  of the conduit  510  allows for a fluid (not shown) to flow between the conduit  510  and the tube  540 . Accordingly, a substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the conduit  510  and the tube  540 . If it is desired to detach the conduit  510  from the tube  540 , the lip  564  of the protuberance  560  formed on the tube  540  can be squeezed to move the lip  564  below the upper wall  580  of the protuberance  550  formed on the conduit  510  and the conduit  510  is simultaneously pulled away from the tube  540 . 
         [0053]    The connection between the conduit  510  and the tube  540  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 10 and 11  show a conduit  610  and a tube  640  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a wall  612  of the conduit  610  forms a hollow interior  616 . An outer surface  620  of the conduit  610  includes a channel  672  formed therein. 
         [0055]    The tube  640  has a longitudinal axis L and includes a wall  642  forming a hollow interior  643 , an inner surface  645 , and an outer surface  648 . A distal end  646  of the tube  640  includes a protuberance  660  formed thereon. A distal end  662  of the protuberance  660  includes a lip  664  adapted to be received in the channel  672  formed in the conduit  610 . A sealing structure  634  formed on the inner surface  645  is adapted to sealingly engage the outer surface  620  of the conduit  610 . 
         [0056]    To assemble, the protuberance  660  is aligned with the channel  672 . The conduit  610  and the tube  640  are joined and the lip  664  is received in the channel  672 . The sealing structure  634  of the tube  640  engages the outer surface  620  of the wall  612  of the conduit  610  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The protuberance  660  and the channel  672  can be formed on either of the conduit  610  and the tube  640  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is also understood that the sealing structure  634  could be formed on the outer surface  620  of the wall  612  of the conduit  610  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0057]    In use, the locking described above militates against relative movement between the conduit  610  and the tube  640 . The sealing structure  634  formed on the inner surface  645  of the wall  642  of the tube  640  sealingly engages the outer surface  620  of the wall  612  of the conduit  610  and militates against fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  634  of the tube  640  and the outer surface  620  of the wall  612  of the conduit  610  allows for a fluid (not shown) to flow between the conduit  610  and the tube  640 . Accordingly, a substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the conduit  610  and the tube  640 . If it is desired to detach the conduit  610  from the tube  640 , the tube  640  can be squeezed to move the lip  664  formed in the tube  640  out of the channel  672 , wherein the conduit  610  is simultaneously pulled away from the tube  640 . 
         [0058]    The connection between the conduit  610  and the tube  640  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show a conduit  710  and a tube  740  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a wall  712  of the conduit  710  forms a hollow interior  716 . An outer surface  720  of the conduit  710  includes a channel  772  formed therein. A lip  784  is formed around an outer edge  786  of the channel  772 . 
         [0060]    The tube  740  has a longitudinal axis L and includes a wall  742  forming a hollow interior  743 , an inner surface  745  and an outer surface  748 . A distal end  746  of the tube  740  includes a protuberance  760  formed thereon. A distal end  762  of the protuberance  760  includes a lip  764  having a groove  788  formed at a first end  790  thereof. The lip  764  is adapted to be received in the channel  772  formed in the conduit  710 , and the groove  788  is adapted to receive the lip  784  formed on the conduit  710 . A sealing structure  734  formed on the inner surface  745  is adapted to sealingly engage the outer surface  720  of the conduit  710 . 
         [0061]    To assemble, the protuberance  760  is aligned with the channel  772  and the conduit  710  and the tube  740  are joined. The lip  764  formed on the tube  740  is received in the channel  772  of the conduit  710  and the lip  784  formed on the conduit  710  is received by the groove  788  formed in the tube  740 . The sealing structure  734  of the tube  740  engages the outer surface  720  of the wall  712  of the conduit  710  to form a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The protuberance  760  and the channel  772  can be formed on either of the conduit  710  and the tube  740  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is also understood that the sealing structure  734  could be formed on the outer surface  720  of the wall  712  of the conduit  710  without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0062]    In use, the locking described above militates against relative movement between the conduit  710  and the tube  740 . The sealing structure  734  formed on the inner surface  745  of the wall  742  of the tube  740  sealingly engages the outer surface  720  of the wall  712  of the conduit  710  and militates against fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing engagement between the sealing structure  734  of the tube  740  and the outer surface  720  of the wall  712  of the conduit  710  allows for a fluid (not shown) to flow between the conduit  710  and the tube  740 . Accordingly, a substantially fluid tight locked connection is established between the conduit  710  and the tube  740 . If it is desired to detach the conduit  710  from the tube  740 , the tube  740  can be squeezed to move the lip  764  formed in the tube  740  out of the channel  772  and the lip  784  out of the groove  788  formed in the tube  740 , wherein the conduit  710  is simultaneously pulled away from the tube  740 . 
         [0063]    The connection between the conduit  710  and the tube  740  is made without the use of additional structure such as worm gear clamps, constant tension clamps, or wire clamps as used in prior art connections. Accordingly, a cost of materials and a time of assembly are minimized. 
         [0064]    The structure discussed above that is employed to join and lock the conduits  40 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 , together with the tubes  10 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340 ,  440 ,  540 ,  640 ,  740  is collectively referred to as connecting structure. 
         [0065]    From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.