Patent Publication Number: US-2009230678-A1

Title: Compression fitting adjustment system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     There exist in the relevant art apparatus that are used to permanently or removably connect the apparatus to a duct (such as a length of pipe or tubing), in which the apparatus maintains a fluid tight seal between portions of the apparatus and the exterior surface of the duct by means of a compression member being held in place against the exterior surface of the duct. Such apparatus are sometimes referred to as a “compression connector” herein. For example, a pipe fitting, which is also sometimes referred to as a “compression fitting” in the relevant art, may have a tubular rigid or semi-rigid member (such as a ferrule) that is slipped over the exterior surface of a pipe. The pipe is then inserted into the fitting, and the tubular compression member is compressed against the pipe&#39;s exterior surface by the interior surfaces of the fitting, forming a fluid-tight seal between the pipe and the fitting. The present invention generally relates to a device that permits the apparatus (such as the pipe fitting) to be used with different sizes of ducts (such as the pipe) other than the size of duct originally designed to be used with the apparatus. 
     As an example for purposes of discussion, a typical type of compression connector (which is by no means exclusive) may use a tubular compression member that is designed to fit tightly against the exterior surface of a duct to which the apparatus is to be connected. Narrowing the example further, the compression connector may be comprised of a coupling that is designed to connect two lengths of pipe together. In this case, the coupling may be comprised of two tubular compression members, each of which is designed to slip over and fit tightly against the exterior surface of each of the pipes near their respective ends. As a result, the compression member is designed to be used, and may only be used, for pipes having a particular diameter or relatively narrow range of diameters. The end of each length of pipe is inserted into an interior space at each end of the coupling. The interior space is generally bounded by a casing sidewall that conforms to the expected size and shape of the pipes for which the coupling is designed. Typically, as described in more detail below, an end cap that fits over the pipe and the compression member is then screwed down onto the casing. The geometry of the interior surfaces of the casing and the end cap is such that as the end cap is screwed onto the casing, the compression member is compressed against the pipe, so that it is forced even tighter against the exterior surface of the pipe. This compression causes a seal to be formed between the coupling and the pipe that is intended to be fluid-tight over the anticipated range of operating pressures (the pressure within the pipes and interior space of the coupling) of the coupling-pipe system. 
     This type of coupling (as an example of a compression connector) often has several disadvantages. For example, because the compression members of the coupling are designed for use with only a particular size (or narrow range of sizes) of pipe, the coupling can only be used with the particular size (or sizes) of pipe. If the user desires to use the coupling to connect two pipes of different sizes, he or she must often use other types of fittings (such as bushings and adapters) to reduce or enlarge the size of one or both of the pipes so that they can be used with the coupling. Alternatively, the user must procure another coupling of a different size. In either case, the user may incur additional expense in purchasing additional bushings or adapters or a replacement coupling designed to be used with different sizes of pipe. This may also cause the user to make additional trips to the supply warehouse or store, creating additional expense and wasted time. Thus, there is a need for a device that may be used to easily and inexpensively adapt the coupling so that the coupling may be used with more than one size of pipe. 
     It is to be noted that the device of the present invention is not limited to use with lengths of pipe and tubing alone. It may also be used with other types of ducts, such as conduit, tubing (including medical or food grade tubing), pipeline, hose, channel, vent, a container spout, or other similar ducts or combinations of such ducts, including those having different cross-sectional shapes (such as square or hexagonal). It is also to be noted that the device of the present invention may be used for ducts transporting gases or liquids or both, so that references to a “fluid” herein are intended to refer to both gases and liquids. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a device and methods of using the device that meet the needs discussed above in the Background section. As described in greater detail below, the present invention, when used for its intended purposes, has many advantages over other devices known in the art, as well as novel features that result in a new device and methods for its use that are not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any prior art devices or methods, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a device is disclosed for use with a compression connector. The compression connector is further comprised of a casing member and at least one compression member. The at least one compression member is adapted to be positioned between the casing member and a first duct, so that a fluid-tight seal is adapted to be formed between the compression connector and the first duct by compression of the at least one compression member between the exterior surface of the first duct and the casing member. In this embodiment, the device is generally comprised of size adjusting means and adjuster sealing means, both of which are described in more detail below. The size adjusting means are adapted for being positioned between a portion of the exterior surface of a second duct and at least a portion of the casing member, as described in more detail below. The second duct generally has a smaller outside cross-sectional perimeter than the first duct. The size adjusting means are also adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the exterior surface of the second duct and the size adjusting means, as described in more detail below. The adjuster sealing means provide a fluid tight seal between the size adjusting means and the casing member, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the adjuster sealing means may be further comprised of a washer, gasket or o-ring positioned between the size adjusting means and the casing member. In other embodiments, the adjuster sealing means may be further comprised of an adhesive, adhesive tape, glue, epoxy or any combination thereof positioned between the size adjusting means and the casing member. In some embodiments, the device further comprises the compression connector or the duct or both. The present invention also includes certain kits, such as a kit comprising any combination of components comprising the size adjusting means, a kit comprising the size adjusting means and the casing member, a kit comprising any combination of components comprising the size adjusting means and the casing member, and a kit comprising the adjuster sealing means in combination with any combination of components comprising the size adjusting means or the casing member or both. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the casing member is further comprised of at least one case cap having a duct opening, a case body having a casing interior space and comprising at least one case body open end adjoining the casing interior space, and case cap connecting means (described in more detail below) for removably or permanently connecting the at least one case cap to the case body at the at least one case body open end. In the preferred embodiment, the case cap connecting means are comprised of threads on a portion of the case body approximately adjacent to the at least one case body open end and corresponding threads on a surface of the at least one case cap, so that the at least one case cap is adapted to be screwed onto the case body at the at least one case body open end. In this embodiment, the size adjusting means are further comprised of a hollow adjusting compression member, a first adjusting member (or case body adjusting member), and a second adjusting member (or case cap adjusting member). The hollow adjusting compression member is comprised of two open ends, each adjoining an interior space of the adjusting compression member. The hollow adjusting compression member is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the second duct. The case body adjusting member is positioned between a portion of the case body and a portion of the adjusting compression member. The case cap adjusting member is positioned between a portion of the case cap and a portion of the adjusting compression member. The adjusting compression member is adapted to be compressed between the case body adjusting member, the case cap adjusting member, and the second duct. This compression preferably causes a fluid-tight seal to be formed between the case body adjusting member and the second duct. 
     In operation, and considering a compression connector in the form of a coupling as an example, the case cap, and then the compression member associated with that case cap, may be removed from one end of the coupling. The case body adjusting member, along with the adjuster sealing means, may then be positioned approximately adjacent to the case body of the coupling. For example, the adjuster sealing means may be comprised of a layer of adhesive covered by a peel-off strip that is positioned around the perimeter of a surface of the case body adjusting member that interfaces with the case body. The peel-off strip may be removed, and the case body adjusting member may then be positioned within the case body so that the adhesive layer abuts against the interior surface of the case body, creating a fluid-tight seal between the case body adjusting member and the case body. The case cap adjusting member, along with adjuster sealing means, may be positioned approximately adjacent to the case cap of the coupling in a manner similar to that described above for the case body adjusting member and the case body. Alternatively, no adjuster sealing means may be used with the case cap adjusting member. The end of the second duct may then be inserted into and through the duct opening of the case cap and the case cap adjusting member. The hollow adjusting compression member may then be slipped over the end of the second duct and positioned on the exterior surface of the second duct near its end. The case cap, with the duct and the hollow adjusting compression member operatively connected thereto, may then be reconnected to the case body so that the hollow adjusting compression member is positioned between the case body adjusting member and the case cap adjusting member. As the case cap is screwed down onto the case body (in embodiments where the case cap connecting means are comprised of threads), the adjusting compression member is compressed between the case body adjusting member, the case cap adjusting member, and the exterior surface of the second duct. This compression is adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the case body adjusting member and the duct over the range of operating pressures for which the coupling is designed. 
     The present invention therefore meets the needs described above in the Background section. For example, the device of the present invention may be used to connect a compression connector to a second duct having a smaller exterior dimension than a larger first duct for which the compression connector has been designed. Thus, the present invention may save time and expense for users of compression connectors in certain circumstances, as described in more detail above in the Background section. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more primary features of the present invention. There are additional features that are also included in the various embodiments of the invention that are described hereinafter and that form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. This invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but the drawings are illustrative only and changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a device of the present invention, as viewed from the side of and above one end of the device. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 , as viewed from above one end of the device. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , as taken along the lines  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a case body adjusting member, as viewed from the side of and above the case body adjusting member. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of yet another embodiment of a case body adjusting member, as viewed from the side of and above the case body adjusting member. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a case cap adjusting member, as viewed from the side of and above the case body adjusting member. 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a device of the present invention, as viewed from the side of and above one end of the device. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 7 , as viewed from above one end of the device. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , as taken along the lines  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a case body adjusting member, which is a part of the device illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 9 , as viewed from the side of and above the body adjuster flange portion of the case body adjusting member. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a case cap adjusting member, which is a part of the device illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 9 , as viewed from the side of and above the cap adjuster flange portion of the case cap adjusting member. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of another embodiment of size adjusting means, as viewed from above one end of the size adjusting means. 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the embodiment of the size adjusting means illustrated in  FIG. 12 , as taken along the lines  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjusting compression member, which is a part of the size adjusting means illustrated in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , as viewed from the side of and above one end of the adjusting compression member. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a case body adjusting member, which is a part of the size adjusting means illustrated in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , as viewed from the side of and above the body adjuster flange portion of the case body adjusting member. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a case cap adjusting member, which is a part of the size adjusting means illustrated in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , as viewed from the side of and above the cap adjuster holding portion of the case cap adjusting member. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred aspects, versions and embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred aspects, versions and embodiments, it is to be noted that the aspects, versions and embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to those aspects, versions and embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, portions and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     One embodiment of the present invention  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 1  presents a partially exploded view of the device  10 ,  FIG. 2  presents a plan view from above one end of the device  10 , and  FIG. 3  presents a sectional view of the device  10 . The device  10  may be used for connecting to one or more ducts (such as pipes  50 ,  55 ). In this embodiment, the device  10  is generally comprised of a compression connector  15 , size adjusting means, and adjuster sealing means, all of which are described in more detail below. The compression connector  15  is further comprised of a casing member  20  and compression means (compression member  30  in this embodiment), which are described in more detail below. The casing member  20  is further comprised of a case body  21 , case caps  22 ,  23 , and case cap connecting means (threads  21   b ,  21   e ,  22   b ,  23   b  in this embodiment), which are described in more detail below. The size adjusting means  40  are comprised of an adjusting compression member  41 , a first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  42  in this embodiment), and a second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  43  in this embodiment). In some embodiments, as described in more detail below, the present invention may be comprised of the size adjusting means  40  alone, or the size adjusting means  40  (described in more detail below) in combination with the adjuster sealing means (washer  44  in this embodiment, and as described in more detail below), the casing member  20  or the duct (pipe  55 ) or any of the same. The features of the present invention are now described in more detail. 
     Although the ducts (pipes  50 ,  55 ) illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3  have a tubular shape, the ducts (pipes  50 ,  55 ) may be comprised in whole or in part of conduit, tubing (including medical or food grade tubing), pipeline, duct, hose, channel, vent or other similar objects or combinations of such objects that may be currently known in the relevant art or that may be developed in the relevant art in the future. The ducts (pipes  50 ,  55 ) may also have other shapes (such as a cross-sectional shape as an elliptical, triangle, square, rectangle, polygon, or another combination of linear and curved segments) in other embodiments. The ducts (pipes  50 ,  55 ) may also be comprised of any materials suitable for constructing conduit, tubing, pipeline, duct, hose, channel, vent or similar objects. Examples include metals (such as steel, steel alloys, aluminum, copper, brass, or other metals or metal alloys), polymers (such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), rubber, synthetic rubber (including NEOPRENE), silicon, and other polymers), wood, glass, fiberglass, carbon-based and other composites, or other materials or a combination of such materials. It is also to be noted that the device  10  of the present invention may be used for ducts (pipes  50 ,  55 ) transporting gases or liquids or both, so that references to a “fluid” herein are intended to refer to both gases and liquids. In various embodiments, the compression connector  15  may be used to connect to one or more ducts (pipes  50 ,  55 ), as described in more detail below. 
     In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the compression connector  15  is further comprised of a casing member  20  and compression connecting means (comprising compression member  30  in this embodiment), which are described in more detail below. The casing member  20  is further comprised of a hollow, approximately tubular-shaped case body  21  and a case cap  22 ,  23  positioned at each end of the case body  21 . Case cap  23  may have any of the characteristics, features, structure, functions and operation as case cap  22 , as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The case cap  22  has a duct opening  22   a  positioned therein that is of a size and shape adapted to receive the duct (pipe  50 ). The case cap  22  may be removably or permanently connected to the case body  21  by case cap connecting means, which are described in more detail below. Although the case body  21  is approximately tubular-shaped in the illustrated embodiment, the casing member  20  may have other shapes in other embodiments of the device  10 , as long as the casing member  20  has an interior space  20   a  and a duct opening  22   a  adjoining the interior space  20   a , wherein the duct opening  22   a  is of a size and shape adapted to receive the duct (pipe  50 ). In addition, the case body  21  may be comprised of any suitable type of material. For example, the case body  21  may be comprised of metal (such as steel, steel alloys, aluminum, copper, brass, or other metals or metal alloys), polymers (such as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, rubber, and other polymers), wood, fiberglass, carbon-based or other composites, or other materials or a combination of such materials. The case body  21  may be fabricated using any suitable means. For example, a case body  21  constructed of PVC may be formed by injection molding and a case body  21  constructed of brass may be formed by metal injection molding or casting in a mold. In the case of a compression connector  15  designed for use with room temperature domestic potable water and capable of accommodating rigid ducts (pipe  50 ) in the range of ¾″ to ½″ nominal diameter, the case body  21  may preferably be tubular in shape and be constructed of PVC. 
     In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the case cap  22  is approximately cylindrical in shape and may be permanently or removably attached to the open end  21   a  of the case body  21  adjacent to the case cap  22  by the case cap connecting means, which are described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, which is the preferred embodiment, the case cap connecting means are comprised of threads  21   b  on the outside surface of the portion of the case body  21  adjacent to the open end  21   a  of the case body  21  and corresponding threads  22   b  on the interior surface of the tubular portion of the case cap  22 . Thus, the case cap  22  may be placed over the open end  21   a  of the case body  21 , and may then be screwed down onto the case body  21 . The case cap  22  may have a different shape in other embodiments, as long as the case cap  22  cooperates with the case body  21  and the compression member  30  to accommodate the operation of the device  10 , as described in more detail herein. The case cap  22  may generally be comprised of any materials or combinations of materials that may be used to construct the case body  21 , as described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . Although the case cap  22  need not be constructed of the same material as the case body  21 , the case cap  22  is preferably constructed of the same material. The case cap  22  may be fabricated using any suitable manufacturing means. For example, a case cap  22  comprised of PVC may be formed by injection molding, and a case cap  22  constructed of brass may be formed by metal injection molding or casting in a mold. In addition, the case cap connecting means may be comprised of means other than the illustrated threads  21   b ,  22   b . For example, other case cap connecting means that may be used to removably connect the case cap  22  to the case body  21  comprise clasps, clamps, clips, pins, hinges, other pivoting connectors or other types of connectors, either alone or in conjunction with one another in different combinations. Examples of case cap connecting means that may be used to permanently connect the case cap  22  to the case body  21  include adhesives, epoxies, welding, fusing, nails, screws, nuts, bolts, or other fasteners or a combination of such means. Preferably, the case cap  22  is generally of the shape illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3  and has a threaded case cap connecting means. 
     In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the compression member  30  is tubular in shape and is positioned between the case cap  22  and the case body  21 . In other embodiments, the compression member  30  may have another shape, as long as the compression member  30  cooperates with the case cap  22  and the case body  21  to accommodate operation of the device  10 , as described in more detail below. For example, the compression member  30  may generally have the shape of any type of ferrule that is used with various types of compression connectors, which are well known in the relevant art or that may be developed in the relevant art in the future. In addition, the compression member  30  may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment of the device  10 , the compression member  30  may be comprised of rubber, synthetic rubber (including NEOPRENE), elastomers or other flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid polymers, or combinations of such materials, along with a combination that may include a fabric, cloth or mesh constructed of natural materials (such as cotton), polymers, metals or metal alloys, or other materials or a combination of materials. In other embodiments, the compression member  30  may be comprised of metal (such as steel, steel alloys, aluminum, copper, brass, or other metals or metal alloys), polymers (such as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, and other polymers), wood, fiberglass, carbon-based or other composites, or other materials or a combination of such materials. The compression member  30  may be fabricated using any suitable means. For example, a compression member  30  constructed of rubber may be formed by casting in a mold. In the case of a device  10  designed for use with room temperature domestic potable water and capable of accommodating rigid ducts (pipe  11 ) in the range of ¾″ to ½″ nominal diameter that utilizes a case body  21  constructed of PVC, the compression member  30  may preferably be tubular in shape and be constructed of rubber or synthetic rubber. 
     In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the compression connecting means are comprised of the compression member  30  and the casing member  20  operating in a manner that utilizes compression between the casing member  20 , the compression member  30 , and the duct (pipe  50 ) in a manner adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the compression connector  15  and the duct (pipe  50 ). In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the interior surface  21   c  of the case body  21  and a portion of the interior surface  22   c  of the case cap  22  located approximately adjacent to the case body open end  21   a  are adapted to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the exterior surface  30   a  of the compression member  30 . As the case cap  22  is screwed onto the case body  21 , the interior surfaces  21   c ,  22   c  of the case body  21  and the case cap  22  impinge against the exterior surface  30   a  of the compression member  30 , causing the compression member  30  to be compressed against the exterior surface of the duct (pipe  50 ). This compression is adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the compression member  30  and the duct (pipe  50 ) and between the compression member  30  and the case body  21  within the designed operating pressures of the compression connector  15 . The case cap  22  is typically screwed onto the case body  21  to an extent that causes the compression to be adequate to form the desired fluid-tight seal. Thus, when fluid is present within the interior space  20   a  of the casing member  20  and the interior space  50   a  of the duct (pipe  50 ), the fluid-tight connection between the casing member  20 , the compression member  30 , and the duct (pipe  50 ) hold the fluid within such interior spaces  20   a ,  50   a  of the casing member  20  and the duct (pipe  50 ), so that the fluid does not escape through the interfaces between the duct (pipe  50 ), the compression member  30 , and the case body  21 . 
     In various embodiments of the device  10 , the compression connector  15  may be comprised of almost any form of connector utilizing compression sealing means. Generally, this means may include any connecting means that involves a member being compressed against the exterior surface of a duct to form a fluid-tight seal between the connector and the duct. As an example of another type of such connector, the compression member  30  may be constructed as a part of the case cap  22  or the case body  21 , as is described in more detail below and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 . In these cases, the fluid-tight seal may be created by compression of only a portion of the compression member  30  against the casing member  20  and the duct (pipe  50 ) because the portion of the compression member  30  that is attached to the casing member  20  may be sealed by means other than compression. In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the compression connector  15  is generally in the configuration of a coupling, so that it can accommodate connection to two ducts (such as pipes  50 ,  55 ) simultaneously. In other embodiments, the compression connector  15  may be incorporated in a variety of ways in any standard types of fittings, which may be fabricated as a part of or be attached to the compression connector  15 . For example, the compression connector  15  may be fabricated as a portion of a 45 degree or 90 degree elbow, in which compression connecting means may be located at either or both openings of the elbow or in combination with any other connecting means (such as a male iron pipe (MIP) or female iron pipe (FIP) connection). As yet another example, the compression connector  15  may be fabricated as a portion of a tee, in which compression connecting means may be located at one or more openings of the tee and in combination with any other connecting means (such as a male iron pipe (MIP) or female iron pipe (FIP) connection), each being positioned in various openings of the tee that receive ducts (such as pipes  50 ,  55 ). Similarly, the compression connector  15  may be formed to have substantially the same geometry and configuration of any type of fitting or connector that may be used to connect to ducts, with compression connecting means positioned in openings designed to receive ducts in a variety of combinations in conjunction with any other connecting means. Thus, in various embodiments, the compression connector  15  may be used to connect to one or more ducts utilizing compression connecting means or other means or a combination of compression connecting means and such other means. 
     In the embodiment of the compression connector  15  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the other open end  21   d  of the case body  21  and the case cap  23  that is adapted to be connected to it may have substantially the same structure, features, characteristics, functions and operation as the open end  21   a  of the case body  21  and the case cap  22 , as described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . As a result, the illustrated case cap  23  is approximately cylindrical in shape and may be permanently or removably attached to the open end  21   d  of the case body  21  adjacent to the case cap  23  by the case cap connecting means, which are comprised of threads  21   e  on the outside surface of the portion of the case body  21  adjacent to the open end  21   d  of the case body  21  and corresponding threads  23   b  on the interior surface of the tubular portion of the case cap  23 . Thus, the case cap  23  may be placed over the open end  21   d  of the case body  21 , and may then be screwed down onto the case body  21 . A compression member (not illustrated, but substantially the same as compression member  30  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 ) may be used to connect ducts (such as pipe  50 ) that are of the appropriate size to the compression connector  15 . 
     The compression connector  15 , however, is generally adapted to be connected to one size of duct (pipe  50 ) or to ducts (pipe  50 ) within a narrow range of sizes and shapes. Thus, if the user of the compression connector  15  attempts to connect the compression connector  15  to a second duct (such as pipe  55 ) that is smaller than the design size of duct (pipe  50 ), the compression member  30  is generally too large to compress against the exterior surface of the second duct (such as pipe  55 ) in a manner that will form a fluid-tight seal between the second duct (such as pipe  55 ) and the casing member  20 . In such cases, the size adjusting means  40  and the adjuster sealing means (washer  44  in this embodiment, as described in more detail below) of the present invention may be used to connect the second duct (pipe  55 ) to the compression connector  15 . Generally, the size adjusting means  40  are adapted to be positioned between a portion of the exterior surface of the second duct (pipe  55 ) and at least a portion of the casing member  20 . The size adjusting means  40  are also adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the exterior surface of the second duct (pipe  55 ) and the size adjusting means  40  in those cases where the second duct (pipe  55 ) has a smaller outside cross-sectional perimeter than the first duct (pipe  50 ), which is of the size and shape designed for use with the compression connector  15 . In the illustrated embodiment, the size adjusting means  40  are comprised of a hollow adjusting compression member  41 , a first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  42  in this embodiment), and a second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  43  in this embodiment). 
     The hollow adjusting compression member  41  may generally have any of the same structures, features, characteristics, functions, and operation as the compression member  30  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , except that the size and shape of the adjusting compression member  41  is such that it is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the second duct (pipe  55 ), and to be compressed between the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  42  in this embodiment), the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  43  in this embodiment), and the second duct (pipe  55 ), so that a fluid-tight seal is adapted to be formed between the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  42  in this embodiment) and the second duct (pipe  55 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting compression member  41  is approximately tubular in shape and is comprised of two open ends  41   a ,  41   b , each adjoining an interior space of the adjusting compression member  41 . In other embodiments, the adjusting compression member  41  may have a different shape and configuration, such as any shape that may be used for the compression member  30 , as described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . As another example, the adjusting compression member  41  may have a different tubular shape with a ridge portion on its outside surface as is the case for the adjusting compression member  541  described in more detail below and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 14 . The adjusting compression member  41  may generally be comprised of any material or materials that may comprise the compression member  30 , as described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . The adjusting compression member  41  may also be fabricated using any means that may be used to fabricate the compression member  30 , as described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . In the case of a compression connector  15  having a casing member  20 , case body adjusting member  42 , and case cap adjusting member  43  constructed of PVC and designed for use with room temperature domestic potable water and capable of accommodating rigid ducts (pipe  55 ) in the range of ¾″ to ½″ nominal diameter, the adjusting compression member  41  may preferably be tubular in shape and be constructed of rubber or synthetic rubber. 
     In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  42  in this embodiment) is positioned between a portion of the casing member  20  and a portion of the adjusting compression member  41  at one open end  41   a  of the adjusting compression member  41 . In the illustrated embodiment, the case body adjusting member  42  is comprised of an adjuster flange portion  42   a , an adjuster flange transition portion  42   b  that extends from the adjuster flange portion  42   a , and an adjuster sheath portion  42   c  that extends from the adjuster flange transition portion  42   b . The case body adjusting member  42  is also comprised of an inside surface  42   d  and an outside surface  42   e . In the illustrated embodiment, the case body adjusting member  42  is positioned approximately within the case body open end  21   d , which is also approximately adjacent to the case body  21 . By “approximately within the case body open end  21   d ” and “approximately adjacent to the case body  21 ,” it is meant that the case body adjusting member  42  is adapted to be positioned within the case body open end  21   d  with the adjuster flange portion  42   a  or the adjuster flange transitional portion  42   b  (or both) adjacent to the open end  21   d  and the adjoining interior surface  21   f  of the case body  21 , respectively, but that other members, such as adjuster sealing means (which are described in more detail below, but such as washer  44 ) may be positioned between the adjuster flange portion  42   a  and the adjuster flange transition portion  42   b , on the one hand, and the open end  21   d  and interior surface  21   f  of the case body  21 , on the other hand. Also in this embodiment, the adjuster flange transition portion  42   b  and the adjuster sheath portion  42   c  extend into the interior space  20   a  of the casing member  20 . The adjuster flange portion  42   a , the adjuster flange transition portion  42   b , and the adjuster sheath portion  42   c  may have another positioning and configuration in other embodiments, as may be necessary for the adjusting case body member  42  to be operatively connected to the casing member  20  and to operatively engage the remaining components of the size adjusting means  40 . For example, the adjusting case body member  42  may have a different length of adjuster sheath portion  142   c  (shorter in this embodiment), as is illustrated in the case body adjusting member  142  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As another example, the adjusting case body member  42  may have a different shape, as described in more detail below and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface  42   e  of the adjusting case body member  42  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to the portion of the interior surface  21   f  of the case body  21  that is adjacent to the open end  21   d  of the case body  21 . In other embodiments, adjuster sealing means may be positioned between the exterior surface  42   e  of the case body adjusting member  42  and the interior surface  21   f  of the case body  21 , as described in more detail below. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface  42   e  of the adjuster flange transition portion  42   b  and the adjuster sheath portion  42   c  is positioned approximately adjacent to the interior surface  21   f  of the case body  21 , but this need not be the case in all embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the inside surface  42   d  of the adjusting case body member  42  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to a portion of the exterior surface  41   c  of the adjusting compression member  41  that is adjacent to the open end  41   a  of the adjusting compression member  41 . The adjusting case body member  42  may be comprised of any suitable type of material. For example, the adjusting case body member  42  may be comprised of metal (such as steel, steel alloys, aluminum, copper, brass, or other metals or metal alloys), polymers (such as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, rubber, and other polymers), wood, fiberglass, carbon-based or other composites, or other materials or a combination of such materials. The adjusting case body member  42  may be fabricated using any suitable means. For example, an adjusting case body member  42  constructed of PVC may be formed by injection molding and an adjusting case body member  42  constructed of brass may be formed by metal injection molding or casting in a mold. In the case of a compression connector  15  having a casing member  20  constructed of PVC and designed for use with room temperature domestic potable water and capable of accommodating rigid ducts (pipe  55 ) in the range of ¾″ to ½″ nominal diameter, the adjusting case body member  42  may preferably have the illustrated shape and be constructed of PVC. 
     In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  43  in this embodiment) is positioned between a portion of the casing member  20  and a portion of the adjusting compression member  41  at the other open end  41   b  of the adjusting compression member  41 . In the illustrated embodiment, the case cap adjusting member  43  has a lofted, approximately annular shape and is comprised of an outside surface  43   a  and an inside surface  43   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the case cap adjusting member  43  is positioned approximately within the duct opening  23   a  of the case cap  23 , which is also approximately adjacent to the case cap  23 . By “approximately within the duct opening  23   a ” and “approximately adjacent to the case cap  23 ,” it is meant that the case cap adjusting member  43  is adapted to be positioned within the duct opening  23   a  with the exterior surface  43   a  of the case cap adjusting member  43  positioned adjacent to the duct opening  23   a  of the case cap  23 , but that other members, such as adjuster sealing means (which are described in more detail below) may be positioned between the case cap adjusting member  43  and the duct opening  23   a . It is to be noted that the case cap adjusting member  43  may have another positioning and configuration in other embodiments, as may be necessary for the case cap adjusting member  43  to be operatively connected to the case cap  23  and to operatively engage the remaining components of the size adjusting means  40 . For example, the case cap adjusting member  43  may have a different shape, as described in more detail below and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface  43   a  of the case cap adjusting member  43  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to the portion of the interior surface  23   c  of the case cap  23  that is adjacent to the duct opening  23   a  of the case cap  23 . In other embodiments, adjuster sealing means may be positioned between the exterior surface  43   a  of the case cap adjusting member  43  and the interior surface  23   c  of the case cap  23 , as described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the inside surface  43   b  of the case cap adjusting member  43  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to a portion of the exterior surface  41   c  of the adjusting compression member  41  that is adjacent to the other open end  41   b  of the adjusting compression member  41 . The case cap adjusting member  43  may be comprised of any suitable type of material or materials that may comprise the case body adjusting member  42 . Although the case body adjusting member  42  and the case cap adjusting member  43  need not be comprised of the same material, they are preferably comprised of the same material or materials. The case cap adjusting member  43  may be fabricated using any suitable means. For example, a case cap adjusting member  43  constructed of PVC may be formed by injection molding and a case cap adjusting member  43  constructed of brass may be formed by metal injection molding or casting in a mold. In the case of a compression connector  15  having a casing member  20  constructed of PVC and designed for use with room temperature domestic potable water and capable of accommodating rigid ducts (pipe  55 ) in the range of ¾″ to ½″ nominal diameter, the case cap adjusting member  43  may preferably have the illustrated shape and be constructed of PVC. 
     In the embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the device  10  is further comprised of adjuster sealing means for providing a fluid tight seal between the size adjusting means  40  and the casing member  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the adjuster sealing means is comprised of a washer  44  that is positioned between the adjuster flange portion  42   a  and the open end  21   d  of the case body  21 . As the case cap  23  is screwed onto the case body  21 , the washer  44  is compressed between the adjuster flange portion  42   a  and the open end  21   d  of the case body  21  so that a fluid-tight seal is adapted to be formed between the case body adjusting member  42  and the case body  21  at their interface with the washer  44 . In other embodiments, the adjuster sealing means may also be comprised of a washer  44  that is positioned in a different location relative to the adjusting member  42  or the casing member  20  or both. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the washer  144  may be positioned adjacent to a portion of the adjuster flange transition portion  142   b , rather than adjacent to the adjuster flange portion  142   a . In other embodiments, the adjuster sealing means may comprise more than one washer  44 ,  144 . For example, in some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise both a washer  44  and a washer  144 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . In embodiments where the adjuster sealing means are comprised of one or more washers  44 ,  144 , the washer or washers  44 ,  144  may be comprised of any suitable material. Examples of such materials include rubber, synthetic rubber (including NEOPRENE), other elastomers or polymers (such as silicon, polyethylene, and other polymers), or other materials or a combination of such materials, along with a combination that may including cloth, fabric or other materials. In some embodiments, especially devices  10  that operate under high pressures, the washers  44 ,  144  may be comprised of metal (such as copper, brass, or other metals or metal alloys), fiberglass, carbon-based or other composites, or other materials or a combination of such materials. It is to be noted that the washers  44 ,  144  may have a different shape than that illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . For example, the washers  44 ,  144  may be in the form of a gasket or an o-ring, or have a shape characterized by any combination of linear segments or curved segments or both when viewed from almost any angle. 
     In other embodiments, the adjuster sealing means may take a form other than a washer  44 ,  144 , gasket, o-ring or similar member. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the case body adjusting member  242  may be further comprised of one or more layers of adhesive  242   f ,  242   g  positioned on the outside surface  242   e  of the case body adjusting member  242 . Thus, an adhesive layer  242   f  may be positioned on the exterior surface of  242   e  of the adjuster flange transition portion  242   b  approximately adjacent to the adjuster flange portion  242   a , and another adhesive layer  242   g  may be positioned on the exterior surface of  242   e  of the adjuster flange transition portion  242   b  approximately adjacent to the adjuster sheath portion  242   c . In various embodiments, the case body adjusting member  242  may be comprised of one or more of such adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  positioned on various locations on the outside surface  242   e  of the case body adjusting member  242 . The adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  may be comprised of any suitable type of material, such as adhesive, glue, epoxy or other joining compound or a combination of such means that is stored in a container or other receptacle, such as tube  260  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Generally, the user of the case body adjusting member  242  may remove the lid from the container  260 , place some of the adhesive from the container  260  on all or a portion of the outside surface  242   e  of the case body adjusting member  242  or on a portion of the interior surface of the casing member (not illustrated) where contact with the case body adjusting member  242  is anticipated or on a combination of such surfaces. The case body adjusting member  242  may then be positioned approximately within the case body in the manner described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . As the case body adjusting member  242  is inserted, the adhesive is spread over the adjacent surfaces so that a film or layer  242   f ,  242   g  of adhesive is created between the case body adjusting member  242  and the case body. The adhesive film  242   f ,  242   g  may provide for a relatively permanent attachment of the case body adjusting member  242  and the case body, so that the case body adjusting member  242  is not easily removed from the case body. An example of this type of adhesive is Cyanoacrylate (methyl-2-cyanoacrylate), which may be typically sold under the trademark SUPERGLUE. Alternatively, the adhesive film  242   f ,  242   g  may provide for non-permanent attachment of the case body adjusting member  242  to the case body, so that the case body adjusting member  242  may be relatively easily removed from the case body after use of the device is completed. An example is an adhesive similar to rubber cement made from a polymer (such as latex) mixed in a solvent such as acetone, hexane, heptane or benzene to keep the polymer fluid prior to use. 
     In addition, as is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the adjuster sealing means may be comprised of one or more adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  and a peel-off strip  242   h ,  242   i , respectively, positioned over the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g . The adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  may be comprised of any suitable adhesive and the peel-off strips  242   h ,  242   i  are positioned over the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  to protect them and keep them from setting or drying out during storage prior to use of the device. Preferably, the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  are comprised of an adhesive material that is resistant to the fluid contained in the duct (not illustrated) and the peel-off strips  242   f ,  242   g  are comprised of paper or a polymer material. For example, the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  and peel-off strips  242   f ,  242   g  may be comprised of double coated urethane, vinyl or polyethylene adhesive tapes with release liners, such as those manufactured by the 3M Company. In operation, and prior to positioning the case body adjusting member  242  approximately within the open end of the case body (as described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 ), the user of the case body adjusting member  242  pulls on the peel-off strips  242   h ,  242   i  until the peel-off strips  242   f ,  242   g  are removed from the case body adjusting member  242 , exposing the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g . The case body adjusting member  242  is then positioned approximately within the open end of the case body, as described above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . The adhesive in the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  adheres to the outside surface  242   e  of the case body adjusting member  242 , as well as the adjoining surfaces of the case body, providing a fluid-tight seal between the case body adjusting member  242  and the case body when the adhesive in the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  is allowed to set. It is to be noted that in other embodiments of the present invention, adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  with peel-off strips may be positioned on an interior surface of the case body either with or without an adhesive layer  242   f ,  242   g  being present on the case body adjusting member  242 . In other embodiments, an adhesive layer  242   f ,  242   g  may be used in conjunction with other adjuster sealing means, such as washers  44 ,  144  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . 
     As is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , adjuster sealing means may also be used in conjunction with the case cap adjusting member  343 . For example, the case cap adjusting member  343  may further comprise one or more adhesive layers  343   c ,  343   d  that are positioned on the outside surface  343   a  of the case cap adjusting member  343 . The adhesive layers  343   c ,  343   d  may be comprised of substantially any of the structures, features, characteristics, functions and operation as the adhesive layers  242   f ,  242   g  comprising the case body adjusting member  242  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 5 . Thus, as is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the adhesive layers  343   c ,  343   d  are covered with a peel-off strip. In operation, the peel-off strip is removed, exposing the adhesive layers  343   c ,  343   d , and the case cap adjusting member  343  is then positioned approximately within the duct opening of the case cap (not illustrated) in the manner described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the adjuster sealing means utilized with the case cap adjusting member  343  may take another form, such as the washers  44 ,  144 , gaskets, o-rings and other means described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , or a combination of such means with or without adhesive layers  343   c ,  343   d . It is to be noted that adjuster sealing means (such as adhesive layers  343   c ,  343   d ) may not be utilized with every embodiment of the case cap adjusting member  343  because it is not always necessary to form a fluid-tight seal between the case cap adjusting member  343  and the case cap. 
     Referring to the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3  as an example, the present invention also includes methods of using the size adjusting means  40  and the adjuster sealing means (washer  44 ). For example, the method may include positioning the cap adjusting member  43  approximately adjacent to the casing member  20  (approximately within the duct opening  23   a  of the case cap  23 ), positioning the case body adjusting member  42  approximately adjacent to the casing member  20  (approximately within the open end  21   d  of the case body  21 ), and positioning the adjusting compression member  41  adjacent to the second duct (pipe  55 ). These may be performed in any order. The method then comprises, in any order, positioning the case cap adjusting member  43  adjacent to the adjusting compression member  41  and positioning the case body adjusting member  42  adjacent to the adjusting compression member  41 . The method further comprises compressing the adjusting compression member  41  between the case cap adjusting member  43 , the case body adjusting member  42 , and the second duct (pipe  55 ). This compression is adapted to form a fluid tight seal between the second duct (pipe  55 ) and the case body adjusting member  42 . 
     Referring to the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3  as an example, it is to be noted that the size adjusting means  40  may have different shapes and configurations in other embodiments as may be necessary to operatively connect the size adjusting means  40  to the casing member  20  and the duct (pipe  55 ). Thus, the size and shape of the size adjusting means  40  may take almost any size, shape and configuration in order to accommodate different sizes and shapes of compression connectors  15 , so that the size adjusting means  40  are not limited to the size, shape and configuration illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . An example is represented by the device  410  illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , in which  FIG. 7  presents a partially exploded view of the device  410 ,  FIG. 8  presents a plan view from above one end of the device  410 ,  FIG. 9  presents a sectional view of the device  410 , and  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  present perspective views of the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442 ) and the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  443 ), respectively, comprising the device  410 . The device  410  may be used for connecting to one or more ducts (such as pipes  450 ,  455 ). In this embodiment, the device  410  is generally comprised of a compression connector  415 , size adjusting means, and adjuster sealing means, all of which are described in more detail below. The compression connector  415  is further comprised of a casing member  420  and compression means (compression members  431 ,  432  in this embodiment), which are described in more detail below. The casing member  420  is further comprised of a case body  421 , case caps  422 ,  423 , and case cap connecting means (threads  421   b ,  421   e ,  422   b ,  423   b  in this embodiment), which are described in more detail below. Except as described below, the casing member  420  may have substantially the same structure, features, characteristics, functions, and operation as any of the embodiments of the casing member  20  of the compression connector  15  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . In addition, and except as described below, the compression members  431 ,  432  may also have substantially the same structure, features, characteristics, functions, and operation as any of the embodiments of the compression member  30  of the compression connector  15  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment of the compression connector  415  illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , however, the compression members  431 ,  432  are operatively connected to the case caps  422 ,  423 , respectively, so that they may not generally be removed from the case caps  422 ,  423 , respectively. In this embodiment, and considering compression member  431  as an example, as the case cap  422  is screwed onto the case body  421 , the compression member  431  impinges upon a portion of the interior surface (not illustrated, but substantially the same as the interior surface  421   f ) of the case body  421  adjacent to the open end  421   a  of the case body  421 . As the case cap  422  is further screwed down onto the case body  421 , the interior surface of the compression member  441  is compressed against the exterior surface of the duct (pipe  450 ), forming a fluid-tight seal between the compression connector  415  and the duct (pipe  450 ). Thus, in the embodiment of the device  410  illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , the compression connecting means are comprised of the compression member  431 , as it is operatively connected to the case cap  422 , and the casing member  20  operating in a manner that utilizes compression between the casing member  420 , the compression member  431 , and the duct (pipe  450 ) in a manner adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the compression connector  415  and the duct (pipe  450 ). 
     The compression connector  415 , however, is also generally adapted to be connected to one size of duct (pipe  450 ) or to ducts (pipe  450 ) within a narrow range of sizes and shapes. The size adjusting means  440  and the adjuster sealing means (compression of the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442 ) against the case body  421  in this embodiment, as described in more detail below) of the present invention may be used to connect a second duct (pipe  455 ) to the compression connector  415 . Generally, the size adjusting means  440  are adapted to be positioned between a portion of the exterior surface of the second duct (pipe  455 ) and all or a portion of the casing member  420 . The size adjusting means  440  are also adapted to form a fluid-tight seal between the exterior surface of the second duct (pipe  455 ) and the size adjusting means  440  in those cases where the second duct (pipe  455 ) has a smaller outside cross-sectional perimeter than the first duct (pipe  450 ), which is of the size and shape designed for use with the compression connector  415 . In the illustrated embodiment, the size adjusting means  440  are comprised of a hollow adjusting compression member  441 , a first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442  in this embodiment), and a second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  443  in this embodiment). 
     In this embodiment, the hollow adjusting compression member  441  may generally have any of the same structures, features, characteristics, functions, and operation as the adjusting compression member  41  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , except that the size and shape of the adjusting compression member  441  is such that it is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the second duct (pipe  455 ), and to be compressed between the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442  in this embodiment), the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  443  in this embodiment), and the second duct (pipe  455 ), so that a fluid-tight seal is adapted to be formed between the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442  in this embodiment) and the second duct (pipe  455 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting compression member  441  has approximately the same shape as the adjusting compression member  41  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the adjusting compression member  441  may have a different shape and configuration. For example, the adjusting compression member  441  may have a different tubular shape with a ridge portion on its outside surface as is the case for the adjusting compression member  541  described in more detail below and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 14 . 
     In the embodiment of the device  410  illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442  in this embodiment) is positioned between a portion of the casing member  20  and a portion of the adjusting compression member  441  at one open end of the adjusting compression member  441 . The first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442 ) may have substantially the same structure, features, characteristics, functions, and operation as any of the embodiments of the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  42 ) of the device  10  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, the case body adjusting member  442  is comprised of a body adjuster flange portion  442   a , a body adjuster sheath portion  442   c  that extends from the body adjuster flange portion  442   a , and a body adjuster end portion  442   j  that is positioned at the distal end of the body adjuster sheath portion  442   c . The case body adjusting member  442  is also comprised of an inside surface  442   d  and an outside surface  442   e . In the illustrated embodiment, the case body adjusting member  442  is positioned approximately within the case body open end  421   d , which is also approximately adjacent to the case body  421 . By “approximately within the case body open end  421   d ” and “approximately adjacent to the case body  421 ,” it is meant that the case body adjusting member  442  is adapted to be positioned within the case body open end  421   d  with the body adjuster flange portion  442   a  or the body adjuster sheath portion  442   c  (or both) adjacent to the open end  421   d  and the adjoining interior surface  421   f  of the case body  421 , respectively, but that other members, such as adjuster sealing means (which are described in more detail below) may be positioned between the body adjuster flange portion  442   a  and the body adjuster sheath portion  442   c , on the one hand, and the open end  421   d  and interior surface  421   f  of the case body  421 , on the other hand. The body adjuster end portion  442   j  is adapted to stop the travel of the duct (pipe  455 ) into the case body  421 . The body adjuster flange portion  442   a , the body adjuster sheath portion  442   c , and the body adjuster end portion  42   c  may have another positioning and configuration in other embodiments, as may be necessary for the adjusting case body member  442  to be operatively connected to the casing member  420  and to operatively engage the remaining components of the size adjusting means  440 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface  442   e  of the adjusting case body member  442  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to the portion of the interior surface  421   f  of the case body  421  that is adjacent to the open end  421   d  of the case body  421 . In other embodiments, adjuster sealing means may be positioned between the exterior surface  442   e  of the case body adjusting member  442  and the interior surface  421   f  of the case body  421 , as described in more detail below. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface  442   e  of the adjuster sheath portion  442   c  is positioned approximately adjacent to the interior surface  421   f  of the case body  421 , but this need not be the case in all embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the inside surface  442   d  of the adjusting case body member  442  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to a portion of the exterior surface  441   c  of the adjusting compression member  441  that is adjacent to the open end of the adjusting compression member  441 . 
     In the embodiment of the device  410  illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  443  in this embodiment) is positioned between a portion of the casing member  420  and a portion of the adjusting compression member  441  at the other open end of the adjusting compression member  441 . The second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  443 ) may have substantially the same structure, features, characteristics, functions, and operation as any of the embodiments of the first adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  42 ) of the device  10  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, the case cap adjusting member  443  is comprised of a cap adjuster flange portion  443   e  and a cap adjuster sheath portion  443   f  that extends from the cap adjuster flange portion  443   e . The case cap adjusting member  443  is also comprised of an outside surface  443   a  and an inside surface  443   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the case cap adjusting member  443  is positioned approximately within the open end  432   b  of the compression member  432 , which is also approximately adjacent to the compression member  432 . By “approximately within the within the open end  432   b  of the compression member  432 ” and “approximately adjacent to the compression member  432 ,” it is meant that the case cap adjusting member  443  is adapted to be positioned within the open end  432   b  of the compression member  432  with the cap adjuster flange portion  443   e  or the cap adjuster sheath portion  443   f  (or both) adjacent to the open end  432   b  and the adjoining interior surface of the compression member  432 , respectively, but that other members, such as adjuster sealing means (which are described in more detail below) may be positioned between the outside surface  443   a  of the case cap adjusting member  443 , on the one hand, and the open end  432   b  and adjacent interior surface of the compression member  432 , on the other hand. The cap adjuster flange portion  443   e  and the cap adjuster sheath portion  443   f  may have another positioning and configuration in other embodiments, as may be necessary for the adjusting case cap member  443  to be operatively connected to the casing member  420  and to operatively engage the remaining components of the size adjusting means  440 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface  443   a  of the adjusting case cap member  443  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to the portion of the interior surface of the compression member  432  that is adjacent to the open end  432   b  of the compression member  432 . In other embodiments, adjuster sealing means may be positioned between the exterior surface  443   a  of the case cap adjusting member  443  and the interior surface of the compression member  432 , as described in more detail below. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the outside surface  443   a  of the cap adjuster sheath portion  443   f  is positioned approximately adjacent to the interior surface of the compression member  432 , but this need not be the case in all embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the inside surface  443   b  of the adjusting case cap member  443  generally has a size and shape so that it fits adjacent to a portion of the exterior surface  441   c  of the adjusting compression member  441  that is adjacent to the open end of the adjusting compression member  441 . 
     In the embodiment of the device  410  illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , the device  410  is further comprised of adjuster sealing means for providing a fluid tight seal between the size adjusting means  440  and the casing member  420 . In the illustrated embodiment, the adjuster sealing means are comprised of the case body adjusting member  442  (and in particular, the body adjuster flange portion  442   a ) being compressed against the open end  421   d  of the case body  421  as the case cap  423  is screwed onto the case body  421 , so that a fluid-tight seal is adapted to be formed between the case body adjusting member  442  and the case body  421  at their interface. In other embodiments of the device  410 , the adjuster sealing means may be comprised of any of the adjuster sealing means, such as washer  44  and adhesive layers with and without peel-off strips, which are described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 6 . In addition, the adjuster sealing means may be positioned in different locations relative to the case body adjusting member  442  or the case cap adjusting member  443  or both, on the one hand, and the casing member  420 , on the other hand. The device  410  illustrated in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11  may be operated using substantially the same methods as are described above for the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , except that the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  443 ) is positioned approximately adjacent to the compression member  431 , rather than directly against another surface of the case cap  423 , as is the case with the case cap adjusting member  43  and the case cap  23  of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . 
     The size adjusting means  540  illustrated in  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 16  represents yet another example of a different configuration of the size adjusting means  40 ,  440  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, the size adjusting means  540  may be used with substantially any of the embodiments of the casing members  20 ,  420  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 . Generally, the size adjusting means  540  are adapted to be positioned between a portion of the exterior surface of a second duct (not illustrated) and all or a portion of the casing member (not illustrated). Also in this embodiment, the size adjusting means  540  are comprised of a hollow adjusting compression member  541 , a first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  542 ), a second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  543 ), and adjuster sealing means, which are not illustrated, but which may be comprised of any of the adjuster sealing means described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 . The first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  542 ) and the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  543 ) generally have the same exterior shape and features as the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  442 ) and second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  443 ), respectively, described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , so that they may be used with the casing member  420  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 . In other embodiments, the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  542 ) and the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  543 ) may have any other suitable exterior shape and characteristics, such as the exterior shape and characteristics of the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  42 ) and the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  43 ), respectively, described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , so that they may be used with the casing member  20  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . Similarly, except as described below, the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  542 ) and the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  543 ) may generally have the same interior shape and features as the first adjusting members (case body adjusting members  42 ,  442 ) and the second adjusting members (case cap adjusting members  43 ,  443 ), respectively, described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 . 
     In this embodiment, however, the case cap adjusting member  543  is comprised of a cap adjuster flange portion  543   e , a cap adjuster sheath portion  543   f  that extends from the cap adjuster flange portion  543   e , and a cap adjuster holding portion  543   g  that is positioned at the distal end of the cap adjuster sheath portion  543   f . The cap adjuster holding portion  543   g  has a channel  543   h  that is recessed into its interior surface. Also in this embodiment, the adjusting compression member  541  has the approximately tubular shape illustrated, with a ridge portion  541   d  extending circumferentially around its outside surface  541   c . In this embodiment, the adjusting compression member  541  is preferably constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, and more preferably, is constructed of the same material as the case cap adjusting member  543 . The ridge portion  541   d  of the adjusting compression member  541  is adapted to be positioned within the channel  543   h  of the case cap adjusting member  543 , so that the adjusting compression member  541  is operatively connected to the case cap adjusting member  543 . Thus, once the adjusting compression member  541  is positioned within the case cap adjusting member  543 , the adjusting compression member  541  is not normally removed from the case cap adjusting member  543 . Assuming use with a casing member having a structure, features, characteristics, functions and operation substantially the same as the casing member  420  described in more detail above and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 , as the case cap (not illustrated) is screwed onto the case body (not illustrated), the open end  541   a  of the adjusting compression member  541  impinges upon a portion of the inside surface  542   d  of the case body adjusting member  542 . As the case cap is further screwed down onto the case body, the adjusting compression member  541  is adapted to be deflected radially inward by the inside surface  542   d  of the case body adjusting member  542 , so that the interior surface of the adjusting compression member  541  is compressed against the exterior surface of the duct (not illustrated), forming a fluid-tight seal between the size adjusting means  540  and the duct. It is to be noted that in other embodiments, the adjusting compression member  541  may be operatively connected to the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  543 ), rather than the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  542 ). In these embodiments, the interior features of the first adjusting member (case body adjusting member  542 ) and the second adjusting member (case cap adjusting member  543 ) may be reversed in order to accommodate proper operation of the size adjusting means  540 . 
     The present invention also includes kits (not directly illustrated) that comprise various combinations of components of the present invention, such components being described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, referring to the devices  10 ,  410  illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 16  (and variations thereof also illustrated in all of such figures) as an example, a kit may comprise any embodiment of the compression connector  15 ,  415 , any embodiment of the size adjusting means  40 ,  440 ,  540 , and any embodiment of the adjuster sealing means, or any combination comprising one or more of the same. A kit may also comprise any combination of the components (adjusting compression member  41 ,  441 ,  541 , case body adjusting member  42   142 ,  242 ,  442 ,  542 , and case cap adjusting member  43 ,  343 ,  443 ,  543 ) comprising the size adjusting means  40 ,  440 ,  540  (and variations thereof illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 16 ) and any combination thereof that also includes any embodiment of the adjuster sealing means. As another example, a kit may also comprise any combination of the components (adjusting compression member  41 ,  441 ,  541 , case body adjusting member  42   142 ,  242 ,  442 ,  542 , and case cap adjusting member  43 ,  343 ,  443 ,  543 ) comprising the size adjusting means  40 ,  440 ,  540  (and variations thereof illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 16 ), and any combination of any embodiment of the components (case body  21 ,  421  and case caps  22 ,  23 ,  422 ,  423  in the illustrated embodiments) comprising the casing member  20 ,  420 .