Abstract:
The instant invention describes an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly having an inlet and outlet conduit for providing transportation of a fluid from a fluid supply source, i.e. a water spigot, to a fluid dispensing source, such as a hose. The inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly uses a minimal number of interconnecting parts, thereby reducing the need for continued maintenance. When maintenance is required, the improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly is quickly and easily disassembled to provide quick replacement of worn parts. In addition, the improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly is constructed in such a manner that wear and tear of the outlet conduit resulting from long-term use is minimized.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The instant invention relates to an inlet/outlet assembly for transporting fluids from a fluid source to a remote location; and more particularly, to an inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit for use with a hose reel. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Garden hoses are a necessity for homeowners and the like for lawn and garden care, as well as general all-around home care. Typically, hoses are found either wound and left on the ground near a water spigot, or wound on one of many known hose reel-type storage devices. These devices include portable hose reel carts, stationary frames, and stationary hose reel hangers that can be mounted to a surface of a building, such as an outer wall of a house. A typical portable hose reel cart, or frame, includes a rotatable reel or spool in which a hose is wrapped around, positioned between a pair of side frames. The hose reel cart may further contain a pair of hubs which are coupled to the housing structure. Common hose reel assemblies may also contain a crank for rotating the reel or spool such that the hose can be wound or unwound about the spool. To provide for flow of water from a water source to the hose, hose reel structures further contain water conduits. Typical water conduits have a movable outlet tube and a generally stationary inlet tube. The stationary inlet of the conduit extends away from the reel and is structured to be coupled to a supply hose which is further coupled to a water supply. The movable outlet of the conduit is disposed on the circumference of the reel. An outlet hose is coupled to the movable outlet and is used to deliver water to the end use. The hose is merely wound upon the reel for storage, and pulled or dispensed from the reel for use. These carts include wheels to permit ready transport of the hose from one location to another. 
         [0003]    Hose carts are commonly purchased by the general consumer, wherein it is desirable that the hose cart can be easily assembled with minimal use of hand tools. In an effort to provide easy-to-assemble hose reel assemblies, they are typically made of plastic and sold with as many preassembled parts as possible. While such efforts have provided the general consumer with a product that is ready to use out of the box, disassembly for maintenance or repair can be difficult for some consumers. For example, in some prior art devices, it is difficult to have difficulty in secure the reel hub which is necessary for the introduction of water. The reel hub must allow rotation yet allow the device to be hooked up to a water supply wherein the hose can be reeled inward or outward without interfering with the flow of water. Seals within the hub allow rotation without leakage. The problem occurs when the seal requires service, either in the form of lubrication or replacement. In addition, the water conduit, such as inlet and outlet devices, often needs lubrication or replacement. Sealing devices, such as O-rings, are often used to prevent fluid leakage. Long-term use or storage of the hose reel assemblies in changing climates requires maintenance to ensure that the hose reel works properly. Typical hose reels require the consumer to disassemble the inlet/outlet assembly in order to replace worn sealing devices or the inlet/outlet conduits themselves. As such, maintenance procedures that are difficult or require extended amounts of time result in the consumer failing to properly maintain the hose reel assemblies. Failure to properly maintain the devices results in further deterioration and eventual failure. 
         [0004]    Therefore, what is needed in the art is an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit which can be maintained without the need for costly tools and time consuming replacement procedures. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0005]    Various hose reel assemblies are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,512,361 and 5,046,520 set forth hose cart storage apparatuses which consist of various pre-assembled components that are easily assembled upon receipt by the average consumer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,424 describes a hose cart having improved hub connections. The hose reel includes a syringe type hub attachment which allows for maintenance of water seals without tools. In addition, the hub design allows for the placement of a crank for rotation of the hose reel flange in either a left hand or right hand position with the water coupling portion exchangeable by quick release of the syringe type hub attachment. 
         [0006]    Vital to any hose reel assembly is the ability to transfer water from a water source to a hose typically wound around a spool. Such transfer of water is usually conducted by fluid conduits. U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0121067 describes a hose reel assembly having inlet/outlet conduit assemblies. The hose reel assembly includes an inlet conduit which is inserted within an outlet conduit. The inlet conduit includes a generally cylindrical body having a retaining clip groove extending at least partially circumferentially about the inlet body. A clip assembly is also included which engages the inlet conduit without the use of tools. The clip assembly includes an elongated body having a first end, a pivot point, a clip structure, and a second end. The clip assembly body is pivotally coupled to the hose reel assembly frame adjacent to a basket assembly conduit inlet end and structured to pivot in a plane of motion. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,289 describes a hose reel assembly having a folding crank handle, an easily accessible and identifiable release, a water system, and an autotrack device that can be engaged/disengaged. The water system includes an inlet member, a rotating outlet member, and an interlocking device structured to couple the inlet and outlet members. The inlet is described as being coupled to the hose reel assembly housing structure and having a generally circular body extending into the reel. The outlet member is coupled to the reel and has a wide diameter body extending into the reel. Accordingly, the inlet member is designed to extend into the outlet body. An O-ring is disposed at the interface between the inlet and outlet members to resist water leaking. The interlock structure is releasably coupled to the inlet and outlet members and includes one or more grooves in the outer surface of the inlet member, and at least one opening in the outlet body. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,790 discloses a reel assembly having a hub and opposing flanges that may be disassembled into at least two primary components that may be at least partially nested with one another for compact storage and transport. The reel assembly further includes a pair of opposing flanges projecting radially outwardly from opposite end portions of the hub to form an annular channel for receiving a length of the hose. The reel assembly further includes an axle having first and second end portions. The axle is coaxial with the hub and operatively coupled with the hub in a manner that permits selective rotation of the hub about the axle. A swivel connector is operatively coupled to a hose adjacent the second end portion of the axle and a swivel cap is disposed around one end portion of the swivel connector. The swivel cap is releasably coupled with the second end portion of the axle and has at least one locking tab that is shaped and sized to be releasably received by the second end portion of the axle. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,454 discloses a fluid handling system having a swivel for connecting a stationary fluid source line to a fluid service line that is wound upon a reel. The system includes a reel, an axle, a fluid source line, and a swivel connector. The system requires a rotor cap having at least one locking pin for preventing the movement of the rotor cap with respect to an axle. The rotor cap secures the fluid source line and a rotor within the swivel in position, allowing a housing within the swivel to freely rotate with the fluid service line and reel. The swivel is coupled to the fluid source line using a crimping ferrule to eliminate the necessity of predisposing mating components on the fluid source line. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,402 discloses a rotary union assembly having a rotor with an elongated central shaft with forward and rearward ends, an aperture extending forwardly through the shaft from the shaft rearward end to an aperture forward end spaced rearwardly from the shaft forward end and a port. The assembly further includes a rotor housing rotatably mounted on the rotor forward end for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The housing contains a radially projecting arm having a radially extending port. A central flange projects radially from the shaft rearwardly of the housing. The assembly has a means operably mounted on the central shaft, rearwardly of the central flange, for releasably securing the rotor to a tubular support member, and is removably connected to the central shaft forwardly of the housing, for releasably securing the housing on the shaft while permitting rotatable movement of the housing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The instant invention describes an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly having an inlet and outlet conduit for providing transportation of a fluid from a fluid supply source, i.e. a water spigot, to a fluid dispensing source, such as a hose. The inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly uses minimal number of interconnecting parts, thereby reducing the need for continued maintenance. When maintenance is required, the improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly is quickly and easily disassembled to provide quick replacement of worn parts. In addition, the improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly is constructed in such a manner that wear and tear of the outlet conduit resulting from long-term use is minimized. 
         [0012]    In an illustrative, albeit preferred embodiment, the inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly for transporting a fluid from a first position to a second position comprises an inlet conduit, and outlet conduit. The inlet fluid conduit has a generally cylindrically shaped inlet conduit main body having a first end adapted for attachment to a water source and a second end adapted for coupling to an outlet conduit. The second end has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of an outlet conduit. A flange is arranged about the circumference of the inlet main body conduit and has a front surface, a back surface, a portion thereof adapted for receiving a securing member, and a tab extending outwardly from said back surface for engaging the wall or frame of a hose reel assembly to prevent said circular member from rotating. 
         [0013]    The outlet conduit has a generally cylindrically shaped horizontal outlet conduit body which is sized to extend through a central portion of a hose reel spool. The horizontal outlet conduit body has a first end having an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the second end of the inlet conduit, and a second end defined by a vertical outlet conduit body having an L-shaped portion for extending through the side portion of a hose spool. The L-shaped portion has at least one end adapted for attachment to a fluid dispensing device, such as a hose. Insertion of the inlet device within the inlet device forms an inlet/outlet assembly which provides fluid passageway from said fluid source to said fluid dispensing device. In this configuration, damage (formation of internal grooves as a result of rotation) to the outlet device is minimized. 
         [0014]    The inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly may further include including a securing member for securing the inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly. The securing member being a generally C-shaped clip defined by a first end, a second end, and two generally parallel arms extending from the first end. Each of the arms contains engaging members for engaging the inlet and outlet conduit. For example, engaging members engage the inlet conduit at one or more slotted openings adapted for receiving the securing member engaging members. The outlet member contains a recessed channel which is adapted for receiving the securing member engaging members, whereby insertion of the engagement members within the recessed channel allows rotation of the outlet device conduit while the inlet device remains fixed in position. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly. 
         [0016]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly that is easily assembled and disassembled. 
         [0017]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly having increased strength and durability. 
         [0018]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly utilizing a minimal number of parts. 
         [0019]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly having an outlet conduit insertable within an inlet conduit, and a clip member. 
         [0020]    It is yet another object of the instant invention to provide for an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly in which damage to the outlet conduit resulting from continued use is minimal. 
         [0021]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the inlet conduit in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a back perspective view of the inlet conduit in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a cross section view of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly, in an unlocked position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly, in a locked position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a clip member in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a back perspective view of the inlet conduit engaged with a clip member; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly in accordance with the instant invention, illustrating the creation of internal grooves as a result of long term usage; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a cross section view of a prior art fluid conduit assembly, illustrating the creation of internal grooves as a result of long term usage; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly, in an unlocked position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly, in a locked position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clip member in accordance with the instant invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly, generally referred to as  10 , is illustrated. While the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly can be made of any material, such as various types of plastic, it is preferably made of die-casted metal, such as, but not limited to, aluminum or zinc, which provides the necessary strength, durability, and precision needed to perform its functions. The die-cast aluminum further provides stronger engagement with mating hose couplings, and further allows for secondary operations on mating and O-ring sealing surfaces which better hold surface finish conditions, eliminate draft and hold tolerances needed for consistent and improved fluid sealing. The inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10  may be used for various applications that require transfer of fluids from one place to another. A common application of the assembly  10  includes being part of a hose reel assembly. Accordingly, the instant invention will be described using such an application. However, placement or use in hose reel assemblies is not a limiting application as the assembly  10  can be placed in other devices as well. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10  includes an inlet conduit  12 , an outlet conduit  14 , and a securing member  16 . The inlet conduit  12  includes a first end  18  and a second end  20 , see  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The distance between the first end  18  and the second end  20  defines the inlet conduit main body  22 . In the preferred embodiment, the inlet conduit main body  22  is generally cylindrical in shape. The inlet conduit main body  22  has an inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the outlet conduit  14 . The first end  18  is designed to be coupled or attached to an external fluid supply, such as a hose connected to water supply line (not illustrated). As such, the first end  18  contains threading  24  or other hose connectors. The first end  18  further includes an opening  26 . The second end  20  is constructed and arranged to couple or engage with a portion of the outlet conduit  14  and contains an opening  28 . A generally smooth bore  29  extends between the first end  18  and the second end  20 . 
         [0038]    Arranged circumferentially around the outer surface  30  of the inlet conduit main body  22  is a flange  32 . The flange  32  is illustrated as having a generally circular shape. However, such shape is illustrative of a particular embodiment and such shape is not limiting. The flange  32  contains a front surface  34 , a back surface  36 , an outer edge  38  and an inner edge  40 . Positioned along the circumference of the flange  32  and extending inwardly toward the center are horizontal edges  42  and  44 . Between horizontal edges  42  and  44  is an open space  46 . The open space  46  is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the securing member  16 . Opposing the horizontal edges  42  and  44  is tab  48  which secures to or engages the wall or frame of a hose reel assembly to prevent the flange and/or the inlet conduit  12  from rotating. The tab  48  contains a rounded front portion  50 , a rectangular portion  52  directly coupled to the back surface  36  of the flange  32 , and a second generally rectangular member  54  which extends in an outward direction from the back surface  36 . 
         [0039]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the outlet conduit  14  includes a first end  56  and a second end  58 . The distance between the first end and the second end defines a generally cylindrically shaped horizontal outlet conduit body  60 . The horizontal outlet conduit body  60  is shaped to extend through the central portion of a hose spool. Accordingly, the length can be varied depending on the length of the hose spool. The outlet conduit first end  56  contains opening  62 . The horizontal outlet conduit body  60  has an outer diameter which is smaller than the internal diameter of the inlet conduit  12 . A first outlet conduit bore  64 , see  FIG. 4 , extends the length of the horizontal outlet conduit body  60 . The bore  64  may be uniformly shaped from end to end, or alternatively may contain tapering. The first end  56  is sized and shaped to couple or engage the inlet conduit  12  through insertion within the second end  20  of the inlet conduit  12 . Positioned along the outer surface  66  of the horizontal outlet conduit body  60  are gussets  68  and  70 . A plurality of outwardly extending keyed flanges  72  and  74  are sized and shaped to provide support for, coupling to and/or engaging with the hose reel spool or the wall or frame of the hose reel assembly. The keyed flanges  72  and  74  prevent the hose reel spool from separating or moving as it rotates. Positioned at the second end  58  of the horizontal outlet conduit body  60  is a generally cylindrical vertical outlet conduit body  78 . 
         [0040]    The vertical outlet conduit body  78  includes a top end  80 , a bottom end  82 , and a vertical outlet conduit main body  84  extending therethrough. The interior of the vertical outlet conduit main body  84  contains a bore  85 , see  FIG. 4 , which is sized and shaped in the same manner as the bore  64 . The top portion  80  contains a traverse positioned L-shaped portion  86  terminating in opening  88 . The opening  88  may define the second end of the outlet conduit  14 . The L-shaped portion  86  is designed to be coupled or attached to a fluid dispensing device, such a san elongated hose member (not illustrated). As such, the L-shaped portion  86  contains threading  90  or other hose connectors. The bottom end  82  may be reversibly sealed, using for example, a plug  91  which may contain sealing members, such as threading  92  and an O-ring  93 . Alternatively, the bottom end may be permanently sealed. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10  in an assembled state. Notably, a portion of the outlet conduit  14 , which contains a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the inlet conduit  12 , is inserted into a portion of the inlet conduit  12 . In the assembled state, the first end  56  of the horizontal outlet conduit body  60  is inserted into the opening  20  of the inlet conduit  12  and through the smooth bore  29 , towards the first end  18  of the inlet conduit. In this manner, a fluid connection is made in which water entering from the opening  26  of the inlet conduit  12  can travel through the fluid passageway, formed by the insertion of the first end  56  of horizontal outlet conduit body  60 , towards the opening  88  of the vertical outlet conduit body main body  84 . A fluid passage is created, therefore, which allows fluid passage from the outside of the hose reel assembly to the hose wound on the spool. Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the horizontal outlet conduit body  60  may include one or more O-ring grooves  94 , as well as one or more O-rings  96  structured to be partially or fully placed within the O-ring grooves  94 . When the O-rings  96  are disposed within the O-ring grooves  94  and the horizontal outlet conduit body  60  is inserted within the inlet conduit  12 , the O-rings  96  engage both the inlet member  12  and the horizontal outlet conduit body  60 , preventing, or substantially minimizing fluid traveling through the gaps between the bore  29  of the inlet conduit  12  and the horizontal outlet conduit body  60 . 
         [0042]    The inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10  further includes a securing member, illustrated herein as a clip member  98 , see  FIG. 7 , which is sized and shaped to engage portions of the inlet conduit  12  and the outlet conduit  14 . The clip member  98  has a generally C-shaped body configuration having a first end  100  and a second end  102 . The first end is defined by a generally rounded portion  104 . Two substantially parallel arms  106  and  108  extend from the generally rounded portion  104 . Each of the arms  106  and  108  contain an engaging member,  110  or  112 . The engaging members  110  and  112  are sized and shaped to couple with at least a portion of the inlet conduit  12  and the outlet conduit  14 . For example, the engaging members may contain a curved portion  114  which is sized and shaped to engage the horizontal outlet conduit body  60 . Additionally, angled sides  116  or  118  may be sized and shaped for ease of insertion into and removal out of a portion of the inlet conduit  12 . 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment, the clip member  98  is aligned with the back surface  36  of the flange  32  of the inlet conduit  12 , see  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the clip member  98  in the unsecured position. In such a position, a tab  120  is positioned between horizontal edges  42  and  44  within open space  46 . The arms  106  and  108  and the engaging members  110  and  112  rest at or near the inlet conduit main body  22 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10  is illustrated in the locked position. From the unlocked position illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a user engages the tab  120  by exerting a force inwardly, i.e. towards the inlet conduit main body  22 . As the tab  120  is pushed in, the first end  100  and the arms  106  and  108  of the clip member  98  move toward the inlet conduit main body  22 . The movement of the clip member  98  allows the engaging members  110  and  112  to engage the inlet conduit main body  22  through slotted openings  122  and  124  (see  FIG. 3 ) sized and shaped to receive the engaging members  110  and  112 , see  FIG. 8 . The engaging members  110  and  112  are also sized and shaped to engage a portion of the horizontal outlet conduit body  60  once inserted within the inlet conduit main body  22 . Preferably, when inserted within the inlet conduit main body  22 , a recessed channel  125 , see  FIG. 1 , circumferentially arranged about the horizontal outlet conduit body  60  aligns with the slotted openings  120  and  122 . The curved surfaces  114  and  116  are positioned within the recessed channel  124 , allowing the outlet conduit  14  rotational movement while, and the inlet conduit  12  remains fixed. To unlock the clip, the user simply exerts a force in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the inlet conduit main body  22 . Once in the unlocked position, the inlet conduit  12  can easily be removed from the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10  for maintenance or replacement. 
         [0044]    When used with a hose reel assembly, the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10  is designed such that the back surface  36  of the flange  32  of inlet conduit  12  can be coupled to the frame or the hose reel assembly structure (not illustrated). The first end  18  of the inlet conduit main body  22  rests outside of the hose reel assembly structure. The outlet conduit  14  extends within the central portion of the hose reel spool and through a portion of the spool for attachment of a hose member (not illustrated). In this configuration, the inlet conduit  12  remains fixed in position while the outlet conduit  14  rotates. As described previously, in order to minimize fluid flow between the inlet conduit  12  and the outlet conduit  14 , the outlet conduit contains one or more O-rings. One of the problems associated with constant rotation of the outlet conduit is the wear on the O-rings and the formation of internal grooves  126  formed within the bore  29  as the O-rings press against the rotating surface of the bore  29 , see  FIG. 9 . Because the outer diameter of the outlet conduit  14  is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet conduit  12 , thereby allowing the outlet conduit  14  to be inserted within the inlet conduit  12 , the formation of the internal grooves  126  occurs within the inlet conduit  12 . In contrast to prior art fluid conduits  128 , see  FIG. 10 , where the outlet conduit  130  has a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the inlet conduit  132 , thereby allowing the inlet conduit  132  to be inserted within the outlet conduit  130 , formation of internal grooves  134  (as a result of contact with O-rings  133 ) is formed within the outlet conduit  130 . Since formation of internal grooves provides opportunity for fluid leaking, the instant invention provides the user the ability to quickly and easily maintain the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly not accomplished by other prior arts conduits. Since the internal grooves are formed within the inlet conduit, the user simply detaches the conduit and replaces it with a new conduit. In order to fix the prior art assemblies illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the user would have to replace the outlet conduit, which, as a result of it extending through the spool, is costly, time consuming and difficult. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , an alternative embodiment of the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly  10 , in which the clip member  135  is positioned along the front surface  34  of the flange  32  is illustrated. The locking member in accordance with the illustrated embodiment contains many of the same features, including a generally C-shaped body configuration having a first end  136  and a second end  138 , see  FIG. 13 . Two substantially parallel arms  140  and  142  extend from the first end  136 . Each of the arms  140  and  142  contain an engaging member,  144  and  146 . Near the first end  136  is a locking structure which allows insertion of a securing hardware, such as a screw, to secure the clip member  135  to the flange  32 . The engaging members  144  and  146  are sized and shaped to couple or engage with at least a portion of the inlet conduit  12  and the outlet conduit  14  in the same manner as described previously. Since the clip assembly  135  is positioned along the front surface  34  of the flange  32 , the engaging members  144  and  146  are inserted into slotted openings located towards the first end  18  of the main body  22 , see  FIG. 11 . To place the clip member  135  in the locking position, the user applies a force on tab  148  inwardly toward the main body  22 , and tightens the securing device, illustrated herein as a screw  150  and washer  152 , see  FIG. 12 , once the clip is in place. 
         [0046]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0047]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0048]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.