Abstract:
A block fitting for coupling tubing segments having a pair of seals, one of the seals being a radial seal and the other seal being an axial seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of an air conditioning system upon failure of one of the pair of seals.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/151,396 filed on May 20, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,167, hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a fitting for a vehicle air conditioning system and more particularly to a block fitting for coupling tubing segments, the fitting having a pair of seals wherein one of the pair of seals is a radial seal and the other of the pair of seals is an axial seal, the fitting militates against leakage during operation of an air conditioning system upon failure of one of the pair of seals. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In assembly line manufacturing of vehicles, it is desirable that air conditioning line fittings be secured using a power nut driver rather than using a torque wrench. For this reason, peanut or block fittings are often employed. 
     Conventional air conditioning systems have employed block fittings having several shortcomings. The block fittings of prior art systems include restricted flow diameters in the tubing within the fitting resulting in undesirable pressure losses. Prior art fittings are typically produced from thick block material resulting in heavy and expensive fittings. Additionally, the prior art fittings are produced with a single o-ring seal. Therefore, if a surface of the tubing or seal becomes damaged, undesirable leakage of refrigerant fluid may occur. 
     It would be desirable to produce a fitting for use in an air conditioning system which militates against pressure loss, militates against leakage of refrigerant, and is inexpensive to produce. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Consistent and consonant with the present invention, a fitting for use in an air conditioning system which militates against pressure loss, militates against leakage of refrigerant, and is inexpensive to produce has surprisingly been discovered. 
     The fitting for an air conditioning system comprises: 
     a male tube with an end and an outer wall, the male tube having a radially outwardly extending annular flange formed thereon and an annular groove formed in the outer wall spaced from the end and the annular flange; 
     a female tube adapted to receive the male tube, the female tube having a flared end to cooperate with the male tube; 
     a first o-ring disposed between the annular flange of the male tube and the flared end of the female tube to provide at least an axial seal between the male tube and the female tube; 
     a second o-ring disposed within the annular groove to provide at least a radial seal between the male tube and the female tube; 
     a male fitting having an aperture formed therein adapted to receive the male tube; 
     a female fitting having an aperture formed therein adapted to receive the female tube; and 
     fastening means for securely holding the male fitting and the female fitting adjacent one another to engage the male tube and the female tube. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional elevation view incorporating the features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1  showing the male block fitting; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the male block fitting; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial sectional view taken along line  6 — 6  of  FIG. 5  showing the male block fitting; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial sectional view taken along line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 7  showing the backer plate; and 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly  FIG. 1 , there is shown generally at  10  a block or peanut fitting incorporating the features of the invention. The block fitting  10  includes a male block portion  12  and a female block portion  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the male block  12  has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end. The male block  12  includes a first generally circular aperture  16  adapted to receive a male tube or conduit  18 . It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between the male tube  18  and the wall forming the first aperture  16 . Splines formed on the wall forming the first aperture  16  can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  16  is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. The male block  12  includes a second generally circular aperture  20  adapted to receive a stud  22 . In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  20  is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. 
     An annular lip  24  is formed on one side  25  of the male block  12  and is adapted to receive an outer flared portion  26  at the end of a female tube or conduit  28 . A flange  30  of the male tube  18 , which may be formed by crimping, for example, abuts a side  25  of the male block  12  and an inner wall of an outer flared portion  26  of a female tube  28 . A gap  32  is left between the flared portion  26  of the female tube  28  and the male tube  18  adjacent the flange  30 . The gap  32  is on the side of the flange  30  opposite the side of the flange  30  which abuts the side  25  of the male block  12 . A first o-ring  34  is sealingly disposed in the gap  32 . An annular groove  36  is formed in the outer surface of the male tube  18 , by rolling or machining, for example, near an end  38  of the male tube  18 . A second o-ring  40 ″ is disposed in the groove  36  and abuts an inner surface  42  of the female tube  28 . An inner flared portion  44  of the female tube  28  is formed adjacent the end  38  of the male tube  18 . Although rubber o-rings are shown in the drawings, it is understood that other conventional sealing materials could be used such as fluoroelastomers, for example. 
     In the embodiment shown, the female block  14  has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end to match the shape of the male block  12 . The female block  14  includes a first generally circular aperture  46  adapted to receive the female tube  28 . In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  46  is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. An annular ridge  47  surrounds the first aperture  46  of the female block  14  and abuts the outer flared portion  26  of the female tube  28 . The female block  14  includes a second generally circular aperture  48  adapted to receive the stud  22 . It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between stud  22  and the wall forming the second aperture  48 . Splines formed on the wall forming the second aperture  48  can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  48  is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point disposed on the major axis of the ellipse. The stud  22  is inserted through the second aperture  48  of the female block  14  and the second aperture  20  of the male block  12 . A nut  50  threadingly engages the stud  22  to tightly hold the male block  12  adjacent the female block  14  and sealingly engages the male tube  18  and the female tube  28 . It is understood that other fasteners could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . A block fitting  60 ′ includes a male block portion  62 ′ and a female block portion  14 ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the male block  62 ′ has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end. The male block  62 ′ includes a first generally circular aperture  16 ′ adapted to receive a male tube or conduit  18 ′. It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between the male tube  18 ′ and the wall forming the first aperture  16 ′. Splines formed on the wall forming the first aperture  16 ′ can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  16 ′ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. The male block  62 ′ includes a second generally circular aperture  20 ′ adapted to receive a stud  22 ′. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  20 ′ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. 
     A flange  30 ′ of the male tube  18 ′, which may be formed by crimping, for example, abuts a side  64 ′ of the male block  62 ′ and an inner wall of an outer flared portion  26 ′ of a female tube  28 ′. A gap  32 ′ is left between the flared portion  26 ′ of the female tube  28 ′ and the male tube  18 ′ adjacent the flange  30 ′. The gap  32 ′ is on the side of the flange  30 ′ opposite the side of the flange  30 ′ which abuts the side  64 ′ of the male block  62 ′. A first o-ring  34 ′ is sealingly disposed in the gap  32 ′. An annular groove  36 ′ is formed in an outer surface of the male tube  18 ′, by rolling or machining, for example, near an end  38 ′ of the male tube  18 ′. A second o-ring  40 ′ is disposed in the groove  36 ′ and abuts an inner surface  42 ′ of the female tube  28 ′. An inner flared portion  44 ′ of the female tube  28 ′ is formed adjacent the end  38 ′ of the male tube  18 ′. Although rubber o-rings are shown in the drawings, it is understood that other conventional sealing materials could be used such as fluoroelastomers, for example. 
     In the embodiment shown, the female block  14 ′ has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end to match the shape of the male block  62 ′. The female block  14 ′ includes a first generally circular aperture  46 ′ adapted to receive the female tube  28 ′. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  46 ′ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. An annular ridge  47 ′ surrounds the first aperture  46 ′ of the female block  14 ′ and abuts the outer flared portion  26 ′ of the female tube  28 ′. The female block  14 ′ includes a second general y circular aperture  48 ′ adapted to receive the stud  22 ′. It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between stud  22 ′ and the wall forming the second aperture  48 ′. Splines formed on the wall forming the second aperture  48 ′ can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  48 ′ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. The stud  22 ′ is inserted through the second aperture  48 ′ of the female block  14 ′ and the second aperture  20 ′ of the male block  62 ′. A nut  50 ′ threadingly engages the stud  22 ′ to tightly hold the male block  62 ′ adjacent the female block  14 ′ and sealingly engages the male tube  18 ′ and the female tube  28 ′. It is understood that other fasteners could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . A block fitting  80 ″ includes a male block portion  62 ″ and a female block portion  82 ″. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the male block  62 ″ has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end. The male block  62 ″ includes a first generally circular aperture  16 ″ adapted to receive a male tube or conduit  18 ″. It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between the male tube  18 ″ and the wall forming the first aperture  16 ″. Splines formed on the wall forming the first aperture  16 ″ can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  16 ″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. The male block  62 ″ includes a second generally circular aperture  20 ″ adapted to receive a stud  22 ″. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  20 ″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. 
     A flange  30 ″ of the male tube  18 ″, which may be formed by crimping, for example, abuts a side  64 ″ of the male block  62 ′ and an inner wall of an outer flared portion  84 ″ of a female tube  86 ″. A gap  32 ″ is left between the flared portion  84 ″ of the female tube  86 ″ and the male tube  18 ″ adjacent the flange  30 ″. The gap  32 ″ is on the side of the flange  30 ″ opposite the side of the flange  30 ″which abuts the side  64 ″ of the male block  62 ″. A first o-ring  34 ″ is sealingly disposed in the gap  32 ″. An annular groove  36 ″ is formed in an outer surface of the male tube  8 ″, by rolling or machining, for example, near an end  38 ″ of the male tube  18 ″. A second o-ring  40 ″ is disposed in the groove  36 ″ and abuts an inner surface  88 ″ of the female tube  86 ″. An inner flared portion  90 ″ of the female tube  86 ″ is formed adjacent the end  38 ″ of the male tube  18 ″. Although rubber o-rings are shown in the drawings, it is understood that other conventional sealing materials could be used such as fluoroelastomers, for example. 
     In the embodiment shown, the female block  82 ″ has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end to match the shape of the male block  62 ″. The female block  82 ″ includes a first generally circular aperture  92 ″ adapted to receive the female tube  86 ″. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  92 ″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. An annular sloped portion  93 ″ surrounds the first aperture  92 ″ of the female block  82 ″ and abuts the outer flared portion  84 ″ of the female tube  86 ″. The female block  82 ″ includes a second generally circular aperture  94 ″ adapted to receive the stud  22 ″. It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between stud  22 ″ and the wall forming the second aperture  94 ″. Splines formed on the wall forming the second aperture  94 ″ can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  94 ″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. The stud  22 ″ is inserted through the second aperture  94 ″ of the female block  82 ″ and the second aperture  20 ″ of the male block  62 ″. A nut  50 ″ threadingly engages the stud  22 ″ to tightly hold the male block  62 ″ adjacent the female block  82 ″ and sealingly engages the male tube  18 ″ and the female tube  86 ″. It is understood that other fasteners could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     A fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . A block fitting  100 ′″ includes a male block portion  62 ′″ and a female block portion  102 ′″. The male block  62 ′″ has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end. The male block  62 ′″ includes a first generally circular aperture  16 ′″ adapted to receive a male tube or conduit  18 ′″. It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between the male tube  18 ′″ and the wall forming the first aperture  16 ′″. Splines formed on the wall forming the first aperture  16 ′″ can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  16 ′″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. The male block  62 ′″ includes a second generally circular aperture  20 ′″ adapted to receive a stud  22 ′″. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  20 ′″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. 
     A flange  30 ′″ of the male tube  18 ′″, which may be formed by crimping, for example, abuts a side  64 ′″ of the male block  62 ′″ and an inner wall of an outer flared portion  84 ′″ of a female tube  86 ′″. A gap  32 ′″ is left between the flared portion  84 ′″ of the female tube  86 ′″ and the male tube  18 ′″ adjacent the flange  30 ′″. The gap  32 ′″ is on the side of the flange  30 ′″ opposite the side of the flange  30 ′″ which abuts the side  64 ′″ of the male block  62 ′″. A first o-ring  34 ′″ is sealingly disposed in the gap  32 ′″. An annular groove  36 ′″ is formed in an outer surface of the male tube  18 ′″, by rolling or machining, for example, near an end  38 ′″ of the male tube  18 ′″. A second o-ring  40 ′″ is disposed in the groove  36 ′″ and abuts an inner surface  88 ′″ of the female tube  86 ′″. An inner flared portion  90 ′″ of the female tube  86 ′″ is formed adjacent the end  38 ′″ of the male tube  18 ′″. Although rubber o-rings are shown in the drawings, it is understood that other conventional sealing materials could be used such as fluoroelastomers, for example. 
     In the embodiment shown, the female block  102 ′″ has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end to match the shape of the male block  62 ′″. The female block  102 ′″ includes a first generally circular aperture  104 ′″ adapted to receive the female tube  86 ′″. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  104 ′″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. An annular sloped portion  106 ′″ surrounds the first aperture  104 ′″ of the female block  102 ′″ and abuts the outer flared portion  84 ′″ of the female tube  86 ′″. The female block  102 ′″ includes a second generally circular aperture  108 ′″ adapted to receive the stud  22 ′″. It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between stud  22 ′″ and the wall forming the second aperture  108 ′″. Splines formed on the wall forming the second aperture  108 ′″ can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  108 ′″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. 
     A backer plate  110 ′″ is disposed adjacent the female block  102 ′″ in a cutout portion  112 ′″ of the female block  102 ′″. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the backer plate includes a central aperture  114 ′″ adapted to receive the stud  22 ′″. The backer plate  110 ′″ also includes a pair of shoulder portions  116 ′″. The stud  22 ′″ is inserted through the aperture  114 ′″ of the backer plate  110 ′″, the second aperture  108 ′″ of the female block  102 ′″, and the second aperture  20 ′″ of the male block  62 ′″. A nut  50 ′″ threadingly engages the stud  22 ′″ to tightly hold the male block  62 ′″ adjacent the female block  102 ′″ and the female block  102 ′″ adjacent the backer plate  110 ′″. The nut  50 ′″ and the stud  22 ′″ cooperate to sealingly engage the male tube  18 ′″ and the female tube  86 ′″. It is understood that other fasteners could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     A fifth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 9. A  block fitting  120 ″″ includes a male block portion  62 ″″ and a component block portion  122 ″″ The component block  122 ″″ is a refrigerant system component such as a condenser block or compressor manifold, for example. The male block  62 ″″ has a generally elliptical shape with one end of the ellipse having a slightly smaller radius than the other end. The male block  62 ″″ includes a first generally circular aperture  16 ″″ adapted to receive a male tube or conduit  18 ″″. It is desirable, although not critical, to have a press fit between the male tube  18 ″″ and the wall forming the first aperture  16 ″″. Splines formed on the wall forming the first aperture  16 ″″ can also be used to accomplish the desired interference fit. In the embodiment shown, the first aperture  16 ″″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the larger radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. The male block  62 ″″ includes a second generally circular aperture  20 ″″ adapted to receive a threaded stud  124 ″″. In the embodiment shown, the second aperture  20 ″″ is disposed adjacent the end of the ellipse having the smaller radius and has a center point on the major axis of the ellipse. 
     A flange  30 ″″ of the male tube  18 ″″, which may be formed by crimping, for example, abuts a side  64 ″″ of the male block  62 ″″ and an inner wall  126 ″″ of the component block  122 ″″. The inner wall  126 ″″ is adapted to receive the male tube  18 ″″. A gap  32 ′″ is left between the inner wall  126 ″″ and the male tube  18 ″″ adjacent the flange  30 ″″. The gap  32 ″″ is on the side of the flange  30 ″″ opposite the side of the flange  30 ″″ which abuts the side  64 ″″ of the male block  62 ″″. A first o-ring  34 ″″ is sealingly disposed in the gap  32 ″″. An annular groove  36 ″″ is formed in an outer surface of the male tube  18 ″″, by rolling or machining, for example, near an end  38 ″″ of the male tube  181 ′″. A second o-ring  40 ′″ is disposed in the groove  36 ″″ and abuts the inner wall  126 ″″ of the component block  122 ″″. An inner flared portion  128 ″″ of the component block  122 ″″ is formed adjacent the end  38 ″″ of the male tube  18 ″″. Although rubber o-rings are shown in the drawings, it is understood that other conventional sealing-materials could be used such as fluoroelastomers, for example. 
     The component block  122 ″″ includes an aperture  130 ″″ adapted to receive the stud  124 ″″. In the embodiment shown, the aperture  130 ″″ threadingly engages the stud  124 ″″. It is understood that other fasteners could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The stud  124 ″″ is inserted through the second aperture  20 ″″ of the male block  62 ″″. A nut  50 ″″ threadingly engages the stud  124 ″″ to tightly hold the male block  62 ″″ adjacent the component block  122 ″″ and sealingly engages the male tube  18 ″″ with the inner wall  126 ″″ using the first o-ring  34 ″″ and the second o-ring  401 ″″. 
     The assembly and operation of the embodiments of the invention will now be described. To assemble the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the male tube  18  is inserted in the first aperture  16  of the male block  12 . The female tube  28  is inserted in the first aperture  46  of the female block  14 . The first o-ring  34  and the second o-ring  40  are placed on the male tube  18  in the orientation shown in FIG.  1 . The male tube  18  is then inserted into the female tube  28  and the male block  12  and the female block  14  are moved adjacent one another. Then, the stud  22  is inserted into the second aperture  48  of the female block  14  and through the second aperture  20  of the male block  12 . The nut  50  is then engaged with the threaded portion of the stud  22  and tightened to sealing engage the male tube  18  and the female tube  28 . 
     Once assembled, the male block  12  and the female block  14  cooperate to create a sealed, tight fit between the male tube  18  and the female tube  28  and preclude relative axial and rotational movement between the male tube  18  and the female tube  28 . The first o-ring  34  and second o-ring  40  provide a seal on two different surfaces. The first o-ring  34  provides an axial seal on the flange  30  of the male tube  18 . The second o-ring  40  provides a radial seal between the annular groove  36  of the male tube  18  and the inner wall  42  of the female tube  28 . The two surface sealing provides redundant sealing which safeguards against leakage should one of the seals or the sealing surfaces be damaged. Additionally, the seal and tube arrangements allow the inner diameter through the block fitting  10  to remain substantially the same as the inner diameter of the male tube  18  and the female tube  28 , thereby minimizing frictional losses in fluid flow through the connection. 
     To assemble the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the male tube  18 ′ is inserted in the first aperture  16 ′ of the male block  62 ′. The female tube  28 ′ is inserted in the first aperture  46 ′ of the female block  14 ′. The first o-ring  34 ′ and the second o-ring  40 ′ are placed on the male tube  18 ′ in the orientation shown in FIG.  3 . The male tube  18 ′ is then inserted into the female tube  28 ′ and the male block  62 ′ and the female block  14 ′ are moved adjacent one another. Then, the stud  22 ′ is inserted into the second aperture  48 ′ of the female block  14 ′ and through the second aperture  20 ′ of the male block  62 ′. The nut  50 ′ is then engaged with the threaded portion of the stud  22 ′ and tightened to sealing engage the male tube  18 ′ and the female tube  28 ′. 
     Once assembled, the male block  62 ′ and the female block  14 ′ cooperate to create a sealed, tight fit between the male tube  18 ′ and the female tube  28 ′ and preclude relative axial and rotational movement between the male tube  18 ′ and the female tube  28 ′. The first o-ring  34 ′ and second o-ring  40 ′ provide a seal on two different surfaces. The first o-ring  34 ′ provides an axial seal on the flange  30 ′ of the male tube  18 ′. The second o-ring  40 ′ provides a radial seal between the annular groove  36 ′ of the male tube  18 ′ and the inner wall  42 ′ of the female tube  28 ′. The two surface sealing provides redundant sealing which safeguards against leakage should one of the seals or the sealing surfaces be damaged. Additionally, the seal and tube arrangements allow the inner diameter through the block fitting  60 ′ to remain substantially the same as the inner diameter of the male tube  18 ′ and the female tube  28 ′, thereby minimizing frictional losses in fluid flow through the connection. In this embodiment, the end of the female tube  28 ′ is protected against damage as it does not protrude beyond the edge of the female block  14 ′ facing the male block  62 ′. 
     To assemble the third embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the male tube  18 ″ is inserted in the first aperture  16 ″ of the male block  62 ″. The female tube  86 ″ is inserted in the first aperture  92 ″ of the female block  82 ″. The first o-ring  34 ″ and the second o-ring  40 ″ are placed on the male tube  18 ″ in the orientation shown in FIG.  5 . The male tube  18 ″ is then inserted into the female tube  86 ″ and the male block  62 ″ and the female-block  82 ″ are moved adjacent one another. Then, the stud  22 ″ is inserted into the second aperture  94 ″ of the female block  82 ″ and through the second aperture  20 ″ of the male block  62 ″. The nut  50 ″ is then engaged with the threaded portion of the stud  22 ″ and tightened to sealing engage the male tube  18 ″ and the female tube  86 ″. 
     Once assembled, the male block  62 ″ and the female block  82 ″ cooperate to create a sealed, tight fit between the male tube  18 ″ and the female tube  86 ″ and preclude relative axial and rotational movement between the male tube  18 ″ and the female tube  86 ″. The first o-ring  34 ″ and second o-ring  40 ″ provide a seal on two different surfaces. The first o-ring  34 ″ provides an axial seal on the flange  30 ″ of the male tube  18 ″, as well as axial and radial seals on the sloped portion of the outer flared portion  84 ″ of the female tube  86 ″. The second o-ring  40 ″ provides a radial seal between the annular groove  36 ″ of the male tube  18 ″ and the inner wall  88 ″ of the female tube  86 ″. The two surface sealing provides redundant sealing which safeguards against leakage should one of the seals or the sealing surfaces be damaged. Additionally, the seal and tube arrangements allow the inner diameter through the block fitting  80 ″ to remain substantially the same as the inner diameter of the male tube  18 ″ and the female tube  86 ″, thereby minimizing frictional losses in fluid flow through the connection. In this embodiment, the end of the female tube  86 ″ is protected against damage as it does not protrude beyond the edge of the female block  82 ″ facing the male block  62 ″. 
     To assemble the fourth embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the male tube  18 ′″ is inserted in the first aperture  16 ′″ of the male block  62 ′″. The female tube  86 ′″ is inserted in the first aperture  104 ′″ of the female block  102 ′″. The first o-ring  34 ′″ and the second o-ring  40 ′″ are placed on the male tube  18 ′″ in the orientation shown in FIG.  7 . The male tube  18 ′″ is then inserted into the female tube  86 ′″ and the male block  62 ′″ and the female block  102 ′″ are moved adjacent one another. Then, the stud  22 ′″ is inserted into the aperture of the backer plate  110 ′″, the second aperture  108 ′″ of the female block  102 ′″, and through the second aperture  20 ′″ of the male block  62 ′″. The nut  50 ′″ is then engaged with the threaded portion of the stud  22 ′″ and tightened to sealing engage the male tube  18 ′″ and the female tube  86 ′″. 
     Once assembled, the male block  62 ′″ and the female block  102 ′″ cooperate to create a sealed, tight fit between the male tube  18 ′″ and the female tube  86 ′″ and preclude relative axial and rotational movement between the male tube  18 ′″ and the female tube  86 ′″. Additionally, the backer plate  110 ′″ provides additional support and stiffening for the female block  102 ′″ to militate against leakage. The first o-ring  34 ′″ and second o-ring  40 ′″ provide a seal on two different surfaces. The first o-ring  34 ′″ provides an axial seal on the flange  30 ′″ of the male tube  18 ′″, as well as axial and radial seals on the sloped portion of the outer flared portion  84 ′″ of the female tube  86 ′″. The second o-ring  40 ′″ provides a radial seal between the annular groove  36 ′″ of the male tube  18 ′″ and the inner wall  88 ′″ of the female tube  86 ′″. The two surface sealing provides redundant sealing which safeguards against leakage should one of the seals or the sealing surfaces be damaged. Additionally, the seal and tube arrangements allow the inner diameter through the block fitting  100 ′″ to remain substantially the same as the inner diameter of the male tube  18 ′″ and the female tube  86 ′″, thereby minimizing frictional losses in fluid flow through the connection. In this embodiment, the end of the female tube  86 ′″ is protected against damage as it does not protrude beyond the edge of the female block  102 ′″ facing the male block  62 ′″. 
     To assemble the fifth embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the male tube  18 ″″ is inserted in the first aperture  16 ″″ of the male block  62 ″″. The first o-ring  34 ″″ and the second o-ring  40 ″″ are placed on the male tube  18 ″″ in the orientation shown in FIG.  9 . The stud  124 ″″ is threaded into the aperture  130 ″″ of the component block  122 ″″. The male tube  18 ″″ is then inserted into the component block  122 ″″ adjacent the inner wall  126 ″″. Concurrently, the stud  124 ″″ is inserted into the second aperture  20 ″″ of the male block  62 ″″. The nut  50 ″″ is then engaged with the threaded portion of the stud  124 ″″ and tightened to sealing engage the male tube  18 ″″ with the inner wall  126 ″″ of the component block  122 ″″ using the first o-ring  34 ″″ and the second o-ring  40 ″″. 
     Once assembled, the male block  62 ″″ and the component block  122 ″″ cooperate to create a sealed, tight fit and preclude relative axial and rotational movement between the male tube  18 ″″ and the component block  122 ″″. The first o-ring  34 ″″ and second o-ring  40 ″″ provide a seal on two different surfaces. The first o-ring  34 ″″ provides an axial seal on the flange  30 ″″ of the male tube  18 ″″, as well as axial and radial seals on a sloped portion of the inner wall  126 ′″. The second o-ring  40 ″″ provides a radial seal between the annular groove  36 ″″ of the male tube  18 ″″ and the inner wall  126 ″″. The two surface sealing provides redundant sealing which safeguards against leakage should one of the seals or the sealing surfaces be damaged. Additionally, the seal and tube arrangement allows the inner diameter through the block fitting  120 ″″ to remain substantially the same as the inner diameter of the male tube  18 ″″ thereby minimizing frictional losses in fluid flow through the connection. 
     By using the configurations illustrated in the drawings, the thickness of the male blocks and the female blocks are also minimized. 
     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.