Abstract:
A connection joint brazed to a heat exchanger may employ a first block and a second block. The first block may have two fluid passages that align with two fluid passages of the second block. A first male insert may reside within a first fluid passage of each of the first block and the second block and a second male insert may reside within a second fluid passage of each block. Each of the male inserts may employ a first seal and a second seal with a raised boss region midway between the seals. The raised boss portion lies at the mated flats of the juncture of the first and second blocks, which are chamfered to permit part of the boss to locate in each of the chamfers. The seals may be o-rings they may be molded onto an insert base using an over molding or double shot manufacturing process.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a pipe joint design for connecting parts for fluid transfer. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. Heat exchangers, such as an evaporator for a vehicle air conditioner, typically have a block that serves as the inlet and outlet point for fluid to flow into and from a heat exchanger. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the block  2  is a one-piece part that is machined from one solid piece of material, such as aluminum. While such one piece blocks have generally been satisfactory for their given purpose, they are not without their share of limitations. One limitation of current blocks is the cost of machining the part from a large piece of aluminum stock. Another limitation of current blocks is the time and machining cost of making the block. Because the inlet  4  and outlet  6  of the block extend from the base  8  of the block, and the entire block is one piece, machining the inlet  4  and outlet  6  involves intricate time consuming steps and consumes and expends expensive machining tooling. Additionally, because the inlet  4  and outlet  6  are permanently part of the base  8  and form the block  2 , the overall evaporator package is larger than it might otherwise be, and because of such size is larger and may be more expensive to ship. Finally, the permanent, protruding inlet and outlets are a point of breakage or damage during shipping, such as to a vehicle assembly plant, and installation, such as into a vehicle. 
         [0003]    What is needed then is a device that does not suffer from the above disadvantages. This will provide a non-one piece device whose base is manufactured from a smaller overall piece of material, does not require extensive, intricate machining steps, offers light-weight pieces, and provides the option of a smaller overall shipping package. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. A connection joint for a heat exchanger may employ a first block defining a flat first side and a flat second side that are parallel to each other. The joint may also employ a second, nearly identical block. Each block may have a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage passing through the first and second flat sides and the first and second fluid passages may be parallel to each other. The second block may define a flat third side and a flat fourth side. The third and fourth flat sides may be parallel to each other with a third fluid passage and a fourth fluid passage passing through the third and fourth flat sides with the third and fourth fluid passages being parallel to each other. A first male insert may reside within the first fluid passage of the first block and the third fluid passage of the second block to hold the two blocks against each other. The first male insert may further employ a first groove containing a first seal around an outside diameter proximate a first end and a second groove containing a second seal around an outside diameter proximate a second end. A second male insert may reside within the second fluid passage of the first block and the fourth fluid passage of the second block. The second male insert may have a third end and a fourth end. The second male insert may further employ a third groove containing a third seal around an outside diameter and proximate the third end, and a fourth groove containing a fourth seal around an outside diameter and proximate the fourth end, such that the second side of the first block and the third side of the second block may be held flat against each other by the first male insert and the second male insert. 
         [0005]    The first male insert may further employ a central boss, the central boss having an outside diameter larger than either the first seal of the first groove or the second seal of the second groove. The first male insert may further employ a first leading surface and a second leading surface, the first and second leading surfaces may be farther from the central boss than the first seal of the first groove or the second seal of the second groove. Furthermore, the first male insert may further employ a first trailing surface and a second trailing surface, the first and second trailing surfaces may be closer to the central boss than the seal of the first groove or the seal of the second groove. Moreover, the first male insert may further employ a first inclined surface leading from the first trailing surface to the outside diameter of the central boss. 
         [0006]    The connection joint may further employ a first chamfer at an intersection of the first fluid passage of the first block and the flat second side, such that the first inclined surface of the first male insert abuts against the first chamfer. A second inclined surface may lead from the second trailing surface to the outside diameter of the central boss. The second block may further employ a second chamfer at an intersection of the third fluid passage of the second block and the flat third side, such that the second inclined surface of the first male insert abuts against the second chamfer. 
         [0007]    A centerline of the first fluid passage of the first block may align with a centerline of the third fluid passage of the second block. A centerline of the second fluid passage of the first block may align with a centerline of the fourth fluid passage of the second block. The flat first side of the first block may be connected to an evaporator, such as by brazing, welding, soldering, or use of fasteners, such as screws. 
         [0008]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Corresponding reference numerals may indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a one-piece male block for an inlet and outlet of a heat exchanger according to the prior art; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of female blocks for an inlet and outlet of a heat exchanger according to the present teachings; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a male-male seal with accompanying o-rings, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present teachings; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a male-male seal with accompanying seals, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present teachings; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an assembled female block to female block connection using seals of the present teachings; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an assembled female block to female block connection using seals of the present teachings; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a side view of an assembled female block to female block connection that is attached to a heat exchanger. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to accompanying  FIGS. 2-7 .  FIG. 2  depicts a first female block  10  and a second female block  12 . The first female block  10  has a first hole  14  and a second hole  16 . Additionally, the first hole  14  has a first chamfer  18  while the second hole  16  has a second chamfer  20 . The first hole  14 , also an inlet hole for an air conditioning evaporator  22  ( FIG. 7 ), has a first chamfer  14 , while the second hole  16 , also an outlet hole from the air conditioning evaporator  22 , has a second chamfer  20 . Similarly, and continuing with  FIG. 2 , the second female block  12  has a third hole  24  and a fourth hole  26 . The third hole  24 , also part of the inlet hole for an air conditioning evaporator  22 , has a third chamfer  28 , while the fourth hole  26  has a fourth chamfer  30 . 
         [0018]    Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2 , the first female block  10  and second female block  12  may be joined together using an insert seal  32 , which is depicted in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 . More specifically, the insert seal  32  may have a base portion  34  over which a first o-ring  36  and a second o-ring  38  may be installed. With more specific reference to  FIG. 3 , the base portion  34  has a first groove  40 , within which the first o-ring  36  may be situated, and a second groove  42 , within which the second o-ring  38  may be situated. Continuing, the base portion  34  has a first leader portion  44  and a second leader portion  46 , each leader portion  44 ,  46  being at an end of the insert seal  32  so that the insert seal  32  may be aligned with the holes  14 ,  16  of the first female block  10  and holes  24 ,  26  in the second female block  12 . Continuing, the insert seal  32  may have a first trailing portion  48  and a second trailing portion  50  located on an opposite side of a respective o-ring  36 ,  38  from a respective leader portion  44 ,  46 . To facilitate alignment and insertion into a hole  14 ,  16  of the first female block  10 , as an example, the leading portion  44  and trailing portion  48  have equal diameters. Similarly, the leading portion  46  and trailing portion  50  may also have equal diameters. As an example, the insert seal  32  may be inserted into the first hole  14  of the first female block  10  from either end of the insert seal  32 . That is, either leading portion  44  or leading portion  46  may be inserted into the first hole  14 . The insert seal  32  is symmetrical about a central vertical axis  52  and a central horizontal axis  54 . 
         [0019]    The insert seal  32  of  FIG. 3  also employs a central boss  56  that is bifurcated by the central horizontal axis  54  and is symmetrical about the central vertical axis  52 . More specifically, the central boss  56  has a land  58 , which has a larger diameter than either of the leading portions  44 ,  46  or trailing portions  48 ,  50 , and is used to stop the insert seal  32  from being inserted any farther into either of the first female block  10  or second female block  12 , and more specifically, from being inserted into any of the holes  14 ,  16 ,  24 ,  28  in the blocks  10 ,  12 . In addition to the circular land  58 , the central boss  56  has a first inclined surface  60  and a second inclined surface  62 , one on each side of the land  58 . The first and second inclined surfaces  60 ,  62  blend or connect the land  58  with a trailing portion  48 ,  50 . 
         [0020]    The inclined surfaces  60 ,  62  also serve another purpose, which is to contact an inclined surface on the female blocks  10 ,  12 . As an example, and with reference to  FIG. 5 , the inclined surface  60  of the insert seal  32  contacts the inclined surface  64  of the female block  10 , and because of such contact of inclined surfaces  60 ,  64 , the insert seal  32  reaches its farthest insertion point into the female block  10 . With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , when the insert seal  32  is inserted into the female block  10 , the female block  12  may then be inserted over the insert seal  32 . Upon the female block  12  being inserted over the insert seal  32 , the second inclined surface  62  of the insert seal  32  will contact or rest against the inclined surface  66  of the second female block  12 , as depicted. When the insert seal  32  is fully inserted within the first female block  10  and second female block  12 , the first o-ring  36  compresses and seals against the inside diameter  68  of the hole  14  of the first female block  10  and the second o-ring  38  compresses and seals against the inside diameter  70  of the hole  24  of the second female block  12 . The installation of the insert seal  32  described above has been in conjunction with the smaller hole  14  of the first female block  10 ; however, the same procedure may be used for the larger hole  16  of the first female block  10 . Similarly the same procedure may be applied to the larger hole  26  of the second female block  12  as is applied to the smaller hole  24  of the second female block  12 . When insertions are complete, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the insert seal  32  may reside within the hole  14  and hole  24 , and a second insert seal  72  may reside within the hole  16  of the first female block  10  and the hole  26  of the second female block  12 . 
         [0021]    Another feature of the central boss  56  of  FIG. 3  is that it acts as a locator or type of stop for an installer. More specifically, as the first insert seal  32  is inserted into the first female block  10 , and the central boss  56 , and more specifically, the inclined surface  60  makes contact with the inclined surface  64  of the first female block  10 , an installer instantly knows that a complete installation has been made because the first insert seal  32  can not be pressed any further. Removal and replacement of the first insert seal  32  may be made with a pair of pliers, for example. 
         [0022]    Although the first insert seal  32  has been described above using plastic as a manufacturing material; however, other materials and methods may be used. For instance, nylon may be used to manufacture, such as with injection molding, the first insert seal  32 . Additionally, aluminum could be used in a pipe end forming operation, sheet metal stamping and deep drawing using spring steel may be used to manufacture the first insert seal  32 . Finally, although perhaps more time consuming from a manufacturing perspective, the first insert seal  32  could be machined from plastic or aluminum, such as from bar stock. Although the o-rings  36 ,  38  described above have been presented as separate parts that may be installed over the first insert seal  32 , the o-rings  36 ,  38  may be over molded onto the first insert seal  32 . 
         [0023]    There are multiple advantages to the use of the first female block  10 , the first insert seal  32 , and the second insert seal  72 , as compared to the block  2  of  FIG. 1 . One advantage is that a smaller machined aluminum component is required. Regarding the device depicted in  FIG. 1 , the entire block  2 , including the protruding inlet  4  and outlet  6  are machined from aluminum. However, with the teachings of the present disclosure in  FIG. 5 , only the first female block  10  is machined from aluminum. The insert seal  32  and insert seal  72  may be manufactured from plastic and inserted into the first female block  10 . Thus, raw aluminum material and associated machining is conserved and less expensive plastic for the first insert seal  32  and second insert seal  72  is utilized. Another advantage is that because the size of the first female block  10 , in accordance with the present teachings, is smaller than the overall size of the block  2  depicted in  FIG. 1 , the packaging of the combination of a heat exchanger, such as an evaporator  22 , and the first female block  10 , which is brazed to the evaporator  22 , is smaller than if the block  2  of  FIG. 1  is brazed to the evaporator  22 . The first insert seal  32  and the second insert seal  72  may be installed or pressed into the first female block  10  at any time, such as after arrival of the evaporator  22  at a vehicle assembly factory. Such is not possible with the block  2  depicted in  FIG. 1  because the entire block  2  is one piece and becomes part of the heat exchanger upon its brazing to the heat exchanger. Upon brazing the block  2  to a heat exchanger, the inlet  4  and outlet  6  protrude and become susceptible to breaking during shipping to further assembly operations. 
         [0024]    Another advantage is that because the first insert seal  32  and second insert seal  72  are separate physical pieces and may be manufactured from plastic, the overall weight of the combination of the first female block  10 , the first insert seal  32 , and second insert seal  72  is less than an entire block  2 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , that is made from aluminum. Another advantage is that if either of the first insert seal  32  or second insert seal  72  becomes damaged, replacement is quick and simple and does not require replacement of an aluminum part that is brazed to the evaporator  2 . 
         [0025]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , another embodiment of the teachings is depicted. More specifically, an insert seal  80  is depicted in which a first seal  82  and a second seal  84  may be manufactured onto an insert seal base  86  in either an insert molding process or a dual shot molding process. The insert seal base  86 , also known as a holder, may be manufactured from a material such as aluminum, plastic (e.g. nylon), or spring steel as described above. The first seal  82  and second seal  84  may be manufactured from EPDM, which is an ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber. Similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4  is pressed into the first female block  10  beginning with the leading portion  88  and as the first seal  82  makes contact with the inside diameter  68  of the first hole  14 , the insert seal  80  aligns with the first hole  14  until the central boss  92  contacts the inclined surface  64  of the first female block  10 . More specifically, the insert seal  80  protrudes into the first hole  14  until the first inclined surface  94  contacts the inclined surface  64  of the first female block  10 . Because the insert seal  80  is symmetric about a central vertical axis  96  and a central horizontal axis  98 , the central boss  92  has a second inclined surface  100  that is on an opposite side of a boss land  102 . 
         [0026]    Continuing with  FIG. 4 , to assist the first seal  82  in maintaining its shape during insertion of the insert seal  80  and from moving in any fashion from the position to perform its intended function of sealing, the first seal  82  is equipped with one or more support braces  104 . The support brace  104  helps to maintain the location of the first seal  82  relative to the central boss  92 . More specifically, the support brace  104  provides a fixed distance between the central boss  92  and the first seal  82 . The distance between the first seal  82  and the central boss  92  may vary depending upon the overall size of the insert seal  80 , such as the overall longitudinal length of the insert seal  80  and the overall outside diameter of the central boss  92 . 
         [0027]    Similar to the embodiment of the insert seal  32  depicted in  FIG. 3 , the insert seal  80  depicted in  FIG. 4  also employs a central boss  92  with an overall or outside diameter that is larger than the outside diameters of the first seal  82  and the second seal  84 , which themselves may have equal outside diameters. Similar to the first seal  82 , the second seal  84  may be equipped with support braces  104  to maintain a prescribed distance between the central boss  92  and the second seal  84 . The support braces  104  also prevent the first seal  82  and second seal  84  from moving or compressing longitudinally along the length of the insert seal  80  during movement of the evaporator to which the first female block  10  is installed. Although not specifically depicted, the first seal  82  and second seal  84  protrude into the outside diameter of the leading portion  88  and leading portion  90 , respectively, and are imbedded in the leading portions  88 ,  90 , respectively. That is, there are grooves, similar to the grooves  40 ,  42  of the insert seal  32  of  FIG. 3 , into which the first seal  82  and second seal  84  of the insert seal  80  of  FIG. 4  may be situated. When the insert seal  80  of  FIG. 4  is inserted, for example, into the first hole  14  of  FIG. 5 , the cross-section is the same as for the insert seal  32  when it is installed into the first hole  14  of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0028]    Turning to  FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present teachings is depicted. More specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 6  depicts an insert seal  110  with a first seal  112 , a second seal  114 , a third seal  116  and a fourth seal  118 . The advantage of using a first seal  112  and a second seal  114  to seal against the inside diameter  68  of the first hole  14  of the first female block  10  is that liquid will be better sealed from leaking to the outside of the first female block  10  through the first hole  14 . Similarly, the third seal  116  and fourth seal  118  seal against the inside diameter  70  of the third hole  24 . The cross-sectional view depicted in  FIG. 6  may represents the type of insert seal  32  depicted in  FIG. 3  or the type of insert seal  80  depicted in  FIG. 4 , with the addition of one additional seal within each of the first female block  10  and second female block  12 .  FIG. 6  has a mirror image about broken line  74  that is not depicted. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  depicts the first female block  10  brazed to an evaporator  22 . Additionally, the first female block  10  is joined or connected to the second female block  12  using the first insert seal  32  and the second insert seal  72 , as explained above. Although not depicted, the second female block  12  may be connected to another structure, such as an inlet tube for a refrigerant liquid and an outlet tube for a refrigerant gas. 
         [0030]    In another description of the teachings, a connection joint  21  ( FIG. 7 ) for a heat exchanger  22  may employ a first block  10  having a non-protruding flat first side  11  that may be connected (e.g. brazed) to the heat exchanger  22 . A non-protruding flat side is a surface that has nothing protruding from its surface, although a hole may be present in the flat surface. Brazing may be performed at locations  13 , for example, between the first flat side  11  and heat exchanger  22 . The joint may also possess a non-protruding flat second side  15 , the first and second flat sides  11 ,  15  being parallel to each other and also having a first fluid passage  17  and a second fluid passage  19  passing through the first and second flat sides  11 ,  15 , the first and second fluid passages  17 ,  19  being parallel to each other. A second block  12  may have a non-protruding flat third side  23  and a non-protruding flat fourth side  25 , the third and fourth flat sides  23 , being parallel to each other with a third fluid passage  27  and a fourth fluid passage  29  passing through the third and fourth flat sides  23 ,  25 , the third and fourth fluid passages being parallel to each other. 
         [0031]    A hollow first male insert  32  may reside within the first fluid passage  17  of the first block  10  and the third fluid passage  27  of the second block  12 . The first male insert  32  may have a first groove  40  containing a first seal  36  around an outside diameter proximate a first end of the first male insert  32 . The first seal  36  may reside within the first fluid passage  17 . A second groove  42  may containing a second seal  38  around an outside diameter proximate a second end of the first male insert  32 . The second seal  38  may reside within the second fluid passage  27 . A central boss  56  may have an outside diameter larger than either the first seal  36  or the second seal  38 . A first leading surface  44  and a second leading surface  46  may be farther from the central boss  56  than the first seal  36  or the second seal  38 . A first trailing surface  48  and a second trailing surface  50  may be closer to the central boss  56  than the seal  36  of the first groove  40  or the seal  38  of the second groove  42 . A first inclined surface  60  may lead from the first trailing surface  48  to an outside diameter of the central boss  56 . A second inclined surface  62  may lead or blend from the second trailing surface  50  to an outside diameter of the central boss  56 . A hollow second male insert  33  may reside within the second fluid passage  19  of the first block  10  and the fourth fluid passage  29  of the second block  12 . The second male insert  33  may further employ a third groove  35  containing a third seal  37  around an outside diameter and proximate a third end  39 . A fourth groove  41  containing a fourth seal  43  is positioned around an outside diameter and proximate a fourth end  45 . 
         [0032]    Continuing, a central boss  47  may be located midway between the third end  39  and the fourth end  45  of the second male insert  33 . A third leading surface  49  and a fourth leading surface  51  may be farther from the central boss  45  than the third seal  37  or the fourth seal  43 . A third trailing surface  53  and a fourth trailing surface  55  may be closer to the central boss  47  than the third seal  37  or the fourth seal  43  of the second male insert  33 . A third inclined surface  57  may lead from the third trailing surface  53  to an outside diameter of the central boss  47  of the second male insert  33 . A fourth inclined surface  59  may lead from the fourth trailing surface  55  to an outside diameter of the central boss  47  of the second male insert  33 . The second side  15  of the first block  10  and the third side  23  of the second block  12  are held flat against each other by the first male insert  32  and the second male insert  33 . 
         [0033]    The first block  10  may employ a first chamfer  61  at an intersection of the first fluid passage  17  and the flat second side  15  and the second block  12  may employ a third chamfer  63  at an intersection of the third fluid passage  27  and the flat third side  23 . The first inclined surface  60  of the first male insert  32  abuts against the first chamfer  61  and the second inclined surface  62  of the first male insert  32  abuts against the third chamfer  63 . 
         [0034]    The first block  10  may employ a second chamfer  65  at an intersection of the second fluid passage  19  and the flat second side  15 , and the second block  12  may employ a fourth chamfer  67  at an intersection of the fourth fluid passage  29  and the flat third side  23 . The third inclined surface  57  of the second male insert  33  abuts against the second chamfer  65  and the fourth inclined surface  59  of the second male insert  33  abuts against the fourth chamfer  67 . A centerline  69  of the first fluid passage  17  of the first block  10  aligns with a centerline  69  of the third fluid passage  27  of the second block  12 , and a centerline  71  of the second fluid passage  19  of the first block  10  aligns with a centerline  71  of the fourth fluid passage  29 . 
         [0035]    Turning in part to  FIG. 6 , the connection joint  21  may further employ a first male insert with a fifth groove containing a seal  112  and a sixth groove containing a seal  118  around an outside diameter of the first male insert. A second male insert may further employ a seventh groove containing a seventh seal and an eighth groove containing an eighth seal around an outside diameter of the second male insert. An advantage of a connection joint with additional seals is a joint that may contain a higher pressure liquid or gas and provide more durable or reliable sealing. The connection joint  21  may further employ a first threaded through hole  73  and a second threaded through hole  75  in the first block  10  while the second block  12  may further define a third threaded through hole  77  and a fourth threaded through hole  79 . The first threaded through hole  73  and the third threaded through hole  77  may be aligned and the second threaded through hole  75  and the fourth threaded through hole  79  may be aligned when the joint  21  is assembled. 
         [0036]    A connection joint  21  for a heat exchanger  22  may employ a first block  10  having a non-protruding flat first side  11  that is brazed to the heat exchanger  22  and a non-protruding flat second side  15 , the first and second flat sides  11 ,  15  may be parallel to each other and also having a first fluid passage  17  and a second fluid passage  19  passing through the first and second flat sides  11 ,  15 . The first and second fluid passages  17 ,  19  may be parallel to each other. A second block  12  may have a non-protruding flat third side  23  and a non-protruding flat fourth side  25 . The third and fourth flat sides  23 ,  25  may be parallel to each other with a third fluid passage  27  and a fourth fluid passage  29  passing through the third and fourth flat sides  23 ,  25 . The third and fourth fluid passages  27 ,  29  may be parallel to each other. 
         [0037]    In yet another example of the teachings, and with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , a hollow first male insert  80  may reside within the first fluid passage  17  of the first block  10  and the third fluid passage  27  of the second block  12 . The first male insert  80  may employ a first seal  82  around an outside diameter proximate a first end  86 . A second seal  84  may reside around an outside diameter and proximate a second end of the first male insert  32 . The second seal  84  may also reside within the third fluid passage  27 . A central boss  92  may have an outside diameter larger than either the first seal  82  or the second seal  84 . A plurality of first support braces  104  may be located between the central boss  92  and the first seal  82 , the central boss  92  and the first seal  82  may define a gap that is in width equal to a length of each of the plurality of first support braces  104 . A first leading surface  88  and a second leading surface  90  may be farther from the central boss  92  than the first seal  82  or the second seal  84 . A first trailing surface  81  and a second trailing surface  83  may be closer to the central boss  92  than the seal  82  or the seal  84 . A first inclined surface  94  may lead from the first trailing surface  81  to an outside diameter of the central boss  92  and a second inclined surface  100  may lead from the second trailing surface  83  to an outside diameter of the central boss  92 . 
         [0038]    A second hollow male insert, which may be the same as that depicted in  FIG. 4 , may reside within the second fluid passage  19  of the first block  10  and the fourth fluid passage  29  of the second block  12 , and serve a similar function as the first hollow male insert  80 . The second male insert may further employ a third seal around an outside diameter and proximate a third end of the insert, a fourth seal around an outside diameter and proximate a fourth end, a central boss located midway between the third end and the fourth end of the second male insert, a plurality of support braces located between the central boss and the second seal such that the central boss and the second seal define a gap equal to a length of each of the plurality of second support braces. 
         [0039]    Additionally, the second male insert may further employ a third leading surface and a fourth leading surface, the third and fourth leading surfaces being farther from the central boss than the third seal or the fourth seal, a third trailing surface and a fourth trailing surface, the third and fourth trailing surfaces being closer to the central boss than the third seal or the fourth seal of the second male insert, a third inclined surface leading from the third trailing surface to an outside diameter of the central boss of the second male insert, a fourth inclined surface leading from the fourth trailing surface to an outside diameter of the central boss of the second male insert. The second side of the first block and the third side of the second block are held flat against each other by the first male insert and the second male insert. 
         [0040]    Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
         [0041]    The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.