Patent Publication Number: US-2023160503-A1

Title: Methods and apparatus for using crimp rings on flexible tubing

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/839,408, filed Dec. 12, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/485,755, filed Apr. 14, 2017, the contents of each of the above applications are hereby incorporated in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years polymeric pipes and tubes have displaced conventional steel pipe and copper tubing in a variety of services and applications. The polymeric pipes and tubes typically require crimp rings to hold the pipes or tubes onto fittings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist those of skill in the art in making and using a crimping tool for crimping a metallic crimp ring, reference is made to the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of a crimp ring and crimp dies as taught herein. Illustrative embodiments are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered as limiting. In the figures: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an uncrimped crimp ring for connecting an end of a non-metallic flexible tube to a fitting; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate a top perspective view and a side perspective view, respectively, of the crimp ring shown in  FIG.  1    in a crimped configuration; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a non-metallic flexible tube connected to a nipple of a fitting by the crimp ring shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a first non-metallic flexible tube connected to a second non-metallic flexible tube by a barbed connector using crimp rings shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate a top perspective view of a first crimp die and a second crimp die, respectively, for crimping the crimp ring shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate a side perspective view of the first crimp die and the second crimp die shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , respectively; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a side perspective view of the first crimp die mated with the second crimp die shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B ; 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 F  illustrate additional embodiments of the first crimp die and the second crimp die as taught herein; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates the first crimp die and the second crimp die shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  mounted to a press; 
         FIG.  10    is an exemplary press apparatus for crimping a metallic crimp ring as taught herein; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a crimp ring within the first crimp die and the second crimp die shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B ; 
         FIGS.  12 A- 12 F  illustrate an exemplary mount for the first crimp die as taught herein; 
         FIGS.  13 A- 13 F  illustrates an exemplary mount for the second crimp die as taught herein; and 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an exemplary method for crimping a metallic crimp ring as taught herein. 
     
    
    
     The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Described in detail herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for securing a non-metallic flexible tube to an inner hollow device, such as a fitting, using a crimp ring. At least one crimp die is used to crimp or compress the crimp ring onto an end of the non-metallic flexible tube and around the fitting, creating a positive mechanical lock and a liquid tight seal. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an uncrimped crimp ring  100  for connecting an end of a non-metallic flexible tube to a fitting. In an exemplary embodiment, the crimp ring  100  comprises a circular 360 degree metallic body with a smooth exterior surface and an inner diameter slightly greater than an outer diameter of the non-metallic flexible tubing being connected to the fitting. An interior surface of the crimp ring  100  may have a smooth surface or a rough surface. The crimp ring  100  can receive an end of the non-metallic flexible tubing, which can be inserted into and through the crimp ring  100 , as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . In an exemplary embodiment, the crimp ring  100  is composed of stainless steel. 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate the crimp ring  100  shown in  FIG.  1    in a crimped configuration.  FIG.  2 A  illustrates a top perspective view of the crimp ring  100 .  FIG.  2 B  illustrates a side perspective view of the crimp ring  100 . As illustrated, a first outer portion  202  and a second outer portion  204  of the metallic body are crimped. As used herein, crimping the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  involves similarly compressing the first and second outer portions  202  and  204  of the crimp ring  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  are crimped onto a non-metallic flexible tube, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , using a crimp die set having a first crimp die and a second crimp die as taught and illustrated herein. Crimping the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100  annularly compresses the non-metallic flexible tube. For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the non-metallic flexible tube may be compressed radially inward onto a fitting. During the compression, an inner and an outer diameter of the first outer portion  202  and an inner and an outer diameter of the second outer portion  204  are reduced as the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  are urged into the non-metallic flexible tube to secure the first and/or second outer portions  202  and  204 . 
     During the annular compression of the outer portions of the crimp ring  100 , embodiments of the crimp die set descried herein control a final shape of the crimp ring  100  for strength and appearance purposes. As explained further below, crimping the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100  creates an annular bead  206  in a center portion of the crimp ring  100 . As the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100  are annularly compressed, the material being compressed requires a place to go and is forced into the center portion, creating the annular bead  206 . In one embodiment, each of the outer portions  202 ,  204  accounts for 25% of a width of the crimp ring  100  (measured along a center axis  210  of the crimp ring  100 ) and the annular bead  206  in the center portion accounts for 50% of the width of the crimp ring  100 . In alternative embodiments, the outer portions  202 ,  204  account for a greater or a lesser percentage of the width of the crimp ring  100  (e.g., approximately 10-25% or approximately 25-40%). Likewise, in alternative embodiments, the annular bead  206  accounts for a greater or a lesser percentage of the width of the crimp ring  100  (e.g., approximately 20-80%). 
     An inner and an outer diameter of the annular bead  206  is greater than the inner and the outer diameter of the outer portions  202 ,  204 . The inner and the outer diameter gradually increases from the first outer portion  202  to a midway point of the annular bead  206  and decreases from the midway point of the annular bead  206  to the second outer portion  204 , such that the annular bead  206  has a curved or arcuate profile. 
     The annular bead  206  provides pressure relief for the non-metallic flexible tube in areas where the crimp ring  100  is compressing the non-metallic flexible tube. The pressure relief lessens and/or prevents deforming or stretching of the non-metallic flexible tube potentially caused by the compression of the crimp ring  100 . The annular bead  206  further prevents the crimp ring  100  from being deformed as the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  are compressed. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-metallic flexible tube is silicone tubing. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and as illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , the crimp ring  100  has a smooth exterior surface to reduce a chance of cutting into or through sealed sterile bags transporting tubing and/or devices that includes one or more crimp rings  100 . If a sterile bag were punctured during transportation, it would become non-sterile and possibly unusable by an end user. Non-limiting examples of crimping devices that may puncture sealed bags are zip ties and barb locks that have sharp edges and raised surfaces. This type of packaging is commonly used within the medical industry for transportation between facilities and for transferring devices into and out of clean room environments. 
       FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a non-metallic flexible tube  302  connected to a barbed nipple  303  of a connector fitting  304  by the crimp ring  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . In an exemplary embodiment, the non-metallic flexible tube  302  is platinum cured silicone tubing. An end portion of the non-metallic flexible tube  302  is compressed onto the fitting  304  using the crimp ring  100 . The fitting  304  can be made of either metal or plastic or a composition of both and may include at least one barbed section, such as the barbed nipple  303 , for frictional engagement with the flexible tube  302 . In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible tubing  302  has a hardness Durometer Rating of  50 A- 80 A. 
     In some embodiments, connection of the non-metallic flexible tube  302  to the fitting  304  can be achieved by urging an uncrimped crimp ring  100  onto an end of the flexible tube  302  such that the flexible tube is received and passes through the uncrimped crimp ring  100 . Subsequently, the fitting  304  can be inserted into the end of the flexible tube  302  such that the fitting  304  is received by the flexible tube  302 . Once the fitting  304  is seated (inserted and engaged with flexible tube  302 ), the crimp ring  100  is positioned around a portion of the flexible tube  302 , for example, between the barbed nipple  303  of the fitting  304  and a flange  305  of the fitting  304  acting as a stop for the flexible tube  302 , into which the fitting  304  has been inserted. The crimp ring  100  is then crimped by the crimp die set as taught herein to compress the non-metallic flexible tube  302  onto the fitting  304 , as shown at  306 . The flexible tube  302  is compressed between the crimp ring  100  and the fitting  304  by the compressed first and second outer portions  202 ,  204 , which creates a stop with the barbed nipple  303 . The annular bead  206  provides an uncompressed area that relives stress on the flexible tube  302 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a first non-metallic flexible tube  302  connected to a connector fitting  402  using the crimp ring  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . In some embodiments, the connector fitting  402  is the same as connector fitting  304 . Opposite to the first non-metallic flexible tube  302  connected to the fitting  402  is a second non-metallic flexible tube  303  attached to the connector fitting  402  by the crimp ring  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . In an exemplary embodiment, the fitting  402  is composed of plastic, as would be used, for example, in a hose connection to a medical device. Each crimp ring  100  is composed of a malleable ferrous or non-ferrous metal (e.g., copper, brass, steel, etc.). 
     Each crimp ring  100  includes the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  that are crimped. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  of each crimp ring are crimped onto the non-metallic flexible tube  302 ,  303 . The first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  annularly compress the non-metallic flexible tube  302 ,  303  onto the fitting  402 . Crimping the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  creates the annular bead  206  in a center portion of each crimp ring  100 . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  illustrate a top perspective view of a crimp die set  500  as taught herein. The crimp die set  500  was used to crimp the crimp rings  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 4   . The crimp die set  500  includes a first crimp die  502  shown in  FIG.  5 A  and a related embodiment in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 F , and a second crimp die  504  shown in  FIG.  5 B  and a related embodiment in  FIGS.  13 A- 13 F .  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  illustrate a crimp die set  500  configured for crimping onto a straight fittings, while  FIGS.  12 A- 12 F  and  FIGS.  13 A- 13 F  illustrate the crimp die set  500  that includes relief cuts into the first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504  to allow for crimping onto a “Y-fitting.” 
     The first crimp die  502  includes a first curved contact surface  506  and a second curved contact surface  508  that extend parallel to one another along, and on opposite sides of a center axis  501 . The first curved contact surface  506  is spaced apart from the second curved contact surface  508  by a radial trench  510  aligned with the center axis  501 . The first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  are spaced apart a sufficient distance for contacting a first outer portion  202  and a second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100 . The first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  each form a semi-circle. In some embodiments, the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  extends circumferentially 180 degrees from a first end to a second end of the curved contact surface to form a generally concave surface. 
     In some embodiments, the first crimp die  502  includes slots  512  located on adjacent sides of the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  along the center axis  501 . The slots  512  are configured to receive respective guide fingers  513 ,  514 ,  515 , and  516  of the second crimp die  504 , as described below with respect to  FIG.  5 B  and  FIGS.  13 A- 13 F . In one embodiment, the slots  512  and the fingers  513 ,  514 ,  515 , and  516  are approximately the same width. 
     The first crimp die  502  further includes guide fingers  518  located between the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  of the first crimp die  502  and further define the geometry of the radial trench  510  aligned with the central axis  501 . The guide fingers  518  inserts into a trench  520  positioned along a center axis  503  in the second crimp die  504  shown in  FIG.  5 B  when the die set  500  is engaged. In one embodiment, a width of the guide fingers  518  and the trench  520 , measured perpendicularly relative to the center axes  501  and  503 , respectively, is 25% to 75% of a width of the crimp ring  100 . In alternative embodiments, the width of the guide fingers  518  and the trench  520  are a greater or a lesser percentage of the width of the crimp ring  100 . As illustrated, the guide fingers  518  extend outwardly past the height of the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508 . In an exemplary embodiment, the guide fingers  518  are tapered with smooth edges. 
     The second crimp die  504  is cooperatively engageable with the first crimp die  502 . The second crimp die  504  includes a first curved contact surface  519  and a second curved contact surface  521  that are spaced apart and extend parallel to one another along the center axis  503 . A trench  520  extends on the center axis  503  between the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521 . In some embodiments, the trench  520  is a radial trench, like the radial trench  510 . In additional embodiments, the trench  520  is a slot. The first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  are spaced apart at a sufficient distance for contacting with the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  each form semi-circles. In some embodiments, the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  extends circumferentially 180 degrees from a first end to a second end of the curved contact surface such that the first and second curved contact surfaces  519  and  521  have a generally concave surface. The second crimp die  504  further includes the guide fingers  513  and  514  that extend outwardly from the first curved contact surface  519  and includes the guide fingers  515  and  516  that extend outwardly from the second curved contact surface  521 . As illustrated, the guide fingers  513 ,  514 ,  515 , and  516  are tapered with smooth edges. 
     The curved contact surfaces  506 ,  508  of the first crimp die  502  are spaced at a specified distance that corresponds to a width of the crimp ring  100 , such that a distance between an outer edge of each of the contact surfaces is equal to or greater than the width of the crimp ring  100 . Likewise, the curved contact surfaces  519 ,  521  of the second crimp die  504  are spaced at a specified distance that corresponds to a width of the crimp ring  100 , such that a distance between an outer edge of each of the contact surfaces is equal to or greater than the width of the crimp ring  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  of the first crimp die  502  are spaced apart a substantially same distance as the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  of the second crimp die  504  such that when the first and second die  502  and  504  are engaged, the first curved contact surface  506  aligns with the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  508  aligns with the second curved contact surface  521  to form generally circular openings. When the first and second die  502  and  504  are engaged about an embodiment of the crimp ring  100 , the first curved contact surfaces  506  and  519  can form the first outer portion of the compressed crimp ring and the second curved contact surfaces  508  and  521  can form the second outer portion of the compressed crimp ring. The space between the paired curved contact surfaces (e.g., defined by the radial trench  501  and radial trench  520 ) forms an annular bead  206  along a center portion of the crimp ring  100 . The annular bead  206  has substantially a same width as the space between the paired curved contact surfaces. 
     In other embodiments, the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  of the first crimp die  502  are spaced apart at a different distance than the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  of the second crimp die  504  such that when the first and second die  502  and  504  are engaged, the first curved contact surface  506  is offset relative to the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  508  is offset relative to the second curved contact surface  521 . When the first and second die  502  and  504  are engaged about an embodiment of the crimp ring  100 , the first curved contact surfaces  506  and  519  can form the first outer portion of the compressed crimp ring and the second curved contact surfaces  508  and  521  can form the second outer portion of the crimped crimp ring. The offset between the first curved contact surfaces  506  and  519 , the offset between the second curved contact surfaces  508  and  521 , and the space between the paired curved contact surfaces (e.g., defined by the radial trench  501  and radial trench  520 ) form an annular bead  206  along a center portion of the crimp ring  100 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first crimp die  502  is positioned opposite to the second crimp die  504  and the crimp ring  100  placed between the crimp dies  502 ,  504 . The crimp dies  502 ,  504  are configured to engage with each other to crimp the crimp ring  100 . More specifically, the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  of the first crimp die  502  contact and compress a section of the first outer portion  202  and a section of the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100 , respectively. Likewise, the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  of the second crimp die  504  contact and compress a section of the first outer portion  202  and a section of the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100 , respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first crimp die  502  annularly compresses a first half of the crimp ring  100  and the second crimp die  504  annularly compresses a second half of the crimp ring  100 , such that when the crimp ring is compressed around the assembled flexible tube and the fitting, the compressed crimp ring forms a positive mechanical lock and/or a liquid tight seal. The compression causes excess material of crimp ring  100  to be pushed into the trenches  510 ,  520 , creating the annular bead  206  shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   . 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate a side perspective view of the crimp die set  500  shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , including the first crimp die  502  shown in  FIG.  6 A  and the second crimp die  504  shown in  FIG.  6 B . The first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504  are positioned opposite each other for engaging. Upon engaging, the guide fingers  513 ,  514 ,  515 ,  516  of the second crimp die  504  are configured to insert into the slots  512  of the first crimp die  502 . For illustration purposes, a line  522 A is shown that marks the terminal ends of the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  and the beginning of the guide fingers  513 ,  514 ,  515 , and  516 . Likewise, a line  522 B is shown that marks the terminal ends of the first curved contact surface  506  and the second curved contact surface  508  and the beginning of the guide fingers  518 . However, in alternative embodiments, the lines  522 A,  522 B could be located in different positions. 
     The guide fingers  518  of the first crimp die  502  are configured to insert into the trench  520  of the second crimp die  504 , adjacent to the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521 . 
     The first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100  are compressed by the curved contact surfaces  506 ,  508 ,  519 , and  521 , creating the annular bead  206  in a center portion of the crimp ring  100  that protrudes into trenches  510 ,  520 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates the cooperative engagement of the first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504  shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . The guide fingers  513 ,  514 ,  515 , and  516  of the second crimp die  504  are inserted into the slots  512  of the first crimp die  502 . The guide fingers  518  of the first crimp die  502  are inserted into the trench  520  of the second crimp die  504  in between the guide fingers  513 ,  514 ,  515 , and  516 . 
     The cooperative engagement of the first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504  creates a circular contact area  524  where the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100  are compressed. A circular contact area exists on both sides of the engaged first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 F  illustrates additional embodiments of a crimp die set  800  as taught herein. The crimp die set  800  includes a first crimp die  802  and a second crimp die  804 .  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate a top perspective view of the crimp die set  800 .  FIGS.  8 C and  8 D  illustrate a side perspective view of the crimp die set  800 .  FIG.  8 E  illustrates a side perspective view of the first crimp die  802  mated with the second crimp die  804 .  FIG.  8 F  illustrates a top perspective view of the first crimp die  802  mated with the second crimp die  804 . 
     The first crimp die  802  and a second crimp die  804  are mounted to mounting blocks  825  having a polygon shape. The first crimp die  802  and a second crimp die  804  can be mounted to any size mounting block. The first crimp die  802  includes a first curved contact surface  806  and a second curved contact surface  808  that extend parallel to one another along a center axis  801 . The first curved contact surface  806  is spaced apart from the second curved contact surface  808  by a radial trench  810  aligned with the center axis  801 . The first curved contact surface  806  and the second curved contact surface  808  are spaced apart a sufficient distance for contacting a first outer portion and a second outer portion of a crimp ring. 
     In some embodiments, the first crimp die  802  includes slots  812  located on adjacent sides of the first curved contact surface  806  and the second curved contact surface  808  along the center axis  801 . The slots  812  are configured to receive guide fingers  813 ,  814 ,  815 , and  816  of the second crimp die  804 . 
     The first crimp die  802  further includes guide fingers  818  located between the first curved contact surface  806  and the second curved contact surface  808  of the first crimp die  802 . The guide fingers  818  further define the geometry of the radial trench  810  aligned with the central axis  801 . The guide fingers  818  insert into a trench  820  positioned along a center axis  503  in the second crimp die  804  when the die set  800  is engaged. As illustrated, the guide fingers  818  extend outwardly past the height of the first curved contact surface  806  and the second curved contact surface  808 . In an exemplary embodiment, the guide fingers  818  are tapered with smooth edges. 
     The second crimp die  804  is cooperatively engageable with the first crimp die  802 . The second crimp die  804  includes a first curved contact surface  819  and a second curved contact surface  821  that are spaced apart and extend parallel to one another along a center axis  803 . The radial trench  820  extends between the first curved contact surface  819  and the second curved contact surface  821 . The first curved contact surface  819  and the second curved contact surface  821  are spaced apart at a sufficient distance for contacting with the first outer portion and the second outer portion of the crimp ring. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide fingers  813 ,  814 ,  815 , and  816  of the second crimp die  804  are tapered with smooth edges. 
     In some embodiments, the first curved contact surface  806  and the second curved contact surface  808  of the first crimp die  802  are spaced apart a substantially same distance as the first curved contact surface  819  and the second curved contact surface  821  of the second crimp die  804  such that when the first and second die  802  and  804  are engaged, the first curved contact surface  806  aligns with the first curved contact surface  819  and the second curved contact surface  808  aligns with the second curved contact surface  821  to form generally circular openings. When the first and second die  802  and  804  are engaged about an embodiment of the crimp ring  100 , the first curved contact surfaces  806  and  819  can form the first outer portion of the compressed crimp ring and the second curved contact surfaces  808  and  821  can form the second outer portion of the compressed crimp ring. The space between the paired curved contact surfaces (e.g., defined by the radial trench  801  and radial trench  820 ) forms an annular bead (e.g., annular bead  206 ) along a center portion of the crimp ring  100 . The annular bead has substantially a same width as the space between the paired curved contact surfaces. 
     In other embodiments, the first curved contact surface  806  and the second curved contact surface  808  of the first crimp die  802  are spaced apart at a different distance than the first curved contact surface  819  and the second curved contact surface  821  of the second crimp die  804  such that when the first and second die  802  and  804  are engaged, the first curved contact surface  804  is offset relative to the first curved contact surface  819  and the second curved contact surface  808  is offset relative to the second curved contact surface  821 . When the first and second die  802  and  804  are engaged about an embodiment of the crimp ring  100 , the first curved contact surfaces  806  and  819  can form the first outer portion of the compressed crimp ring and the second curved contact surfaces  808  and  821  can form the second outer portion of the compressed crimp ring. The offset between the first curved contact surfaces  804  and  819 , the offset between the second curved contact surfaces  808  and  821 , and the space between the paired curved contact surfaces (e.g., defined by the radial trench  801  and radial trench  820 ) form an annular bead along a center portion of the crimp ring  100 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first crimp die  802  is positionable opposite to the second crimp die  804  and the crimp ring  100  is placed between the crimp die  802  and the crimp die  804 . The crimp dies  802  and  804  are configured to cooperatively engage with each other to crimp the crimp ring  100  to the flexible tubing. More specifically, the first curved contact surface  806  and the second curved contact surface  808  of the first crimp die  802  contact and compress a section of the first outer portion  202  and a section of the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100 . Likewise, the first curved contact surface  819  and the second curved contact surface  821  of the second crimp die  804  contact and compress a section of the first outer portion  202  and a section of the second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first crimp die  802  annularly compresses a first circumferential half of the first and second outer portions crimp ring  100  and the second crimp die  804  annularly compresses a second circumferential half of the first and second outer portions of the crimp ring  100  to form a positive mechanical lock. The compression causes excess material of crimp ring  100  to be pushed into the radial trenches  810  and  820 , creating the annular bead  206  in a center portion of the crimp ring  100 . 
     One suitable material for use in forming the crimp dies taught herein is type 420 stainless steel. In one embodiment, the crimp dies are hardened to 50-52 RHc. In alternative embodiments, the crimp dies have a higher or a lower hardness rating. In some embodiments, the radial trench should be 25 to 75% in width of the crimp rings width being used. Lead-in and interlocking die angular dimensions are gradual and may range from 1 degree to 45 degrees in size. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates the crimping die set cooperatively engaged as taught herein. The first crimping die  502  is mounted to a press arm  902 . The second crimp die  504  is mounted to a platen. In alternative embodiments, the first crimping die  502  and the second crimp die  504  may be mounted in different configurations, such as the second crimp die  504  mounted to the press arm  902  and the first crimp die  502  mounted to the platen. The press associated with the arm  902  may use hydraulic, mechanical, or pneumatic power to generate a compressive force. 
       FIG.  10    is an exemplary press  1002  for crimping the crimp ring  100  using the first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504 . The press  1002  includes the press arm  902  and a platen  1004 . The press  1002  is actuated to cooperatively engage the first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504  to crimp the metallic crimp ring  100 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates the crimp ring  100  seated within the first curved contact surface  519  and the second curved contact surface  521  of the second crimp die  504 . As illustrated, the crimp ring  100  is located between the first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504 . The crimp ring  100  has been crimped by cooperative engagement of the first crimp die  502  and the second crimp die  504  to connect an end portion of a non-metallic flexible tube  1102  to a fitting  1104  to form a mechanical lock and/or a liquid tight seal. The crimped crimp ring  100  includes the annular bead  206  in a center portion of the crimp ring  100 . 
       FIGS.  12 A- 12 F  illustrate exemplary views of another embodiment of the first crimp die  502  of crimp die set  500  shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . The embodiment of the first crimp die shown in  FIGS.  12 A-F  is similar in structure to the embodiment of the first crimp die shown in  FIGS.  5 A-B , except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like reference numbers are used to refer to like structures. As shown in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 F , the first crimp die  502  can include outside relief cuts  1202  formed into the first crimp die  502  to allow for crimping onto a “Y-fitting.” This ensures that the crimp die set  500  can be properly engaged for crimping onto a “Y-fitting. 
       FIGS.  13 A- 13 F  illustrate additional exemplary views of the second crimp die  504  of crimp die set  500  shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B .  FIGS.  13 A- 13 F  include outside relief cuts  1302  into the second crimp die  504  to allow for crimping onto a “Y-fitting.” This ensures that the crimp die set  500  can be properly engaged for crimping onto a “Y-fitting. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates an exemplary method for crimping a metallic crimp ring. The method includes providing in step  1702  the first crimp die  502 ,  802  having a first curved contact surface and a second curved contact surface. The second curved contact surface is spaced apart from the first curved contact surface as described herein. A radial trench extends between the first curved contact surface and the second curved contact surface. 
     The method further includes providing in step  1704  a second crimp die  504 ,  804  cooperatively engageable with the first crimp die  502 ,  802 . The second crimp die  504 ,  804  includes a first curved contact surface and a second curved contact surface. The second curved contact surface is spaced apart from the first curved contact surface as described herein. A trench extends between the first curved contact surface and the second curved contact surface. 
     The method also includes placing in step  1706  the metallic crimp ring  100  between the first crimp die  502 ,  802  and the second crimp die  504 ,  804 . The method further  1708  includes converging the first crimp die  502 ,  802  with the second crimp die  504 ,  804 . Converging the first crimp die  502 ,  802  with the second crimp die  504 ,  804  reduces in step  1710  an inner diameter and an outer diameter of a first outer portion  202  and a second outer portion  204  of the crimp ring  100  by compressing the first outer portion  202  and the second outer portion  204  radially inward. In addition, the radial trench of the first crimp die  502 ,  802  and the trench of the second crimp die  504 ,  804  form in step  1710  an annular bead in a center portion of the metallic crimp ring  100 . 
     The description herein is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to create and use the crimping tools and crimping rings described above. Various modifications to the example embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, in the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
     In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term is intended to at least include all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where a particular exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of system elements, device components or method steps, those elements, components or steps can be replaced with a single element, component or step. Likewise, a single element, component or step can be replaced with a plurality of elements, components or steps that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages are also within the scope of the invention. 
     Exemplary flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods can include more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the exemplary flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary flowcharts can be performed in a different order than the order shown in the illustrative flowcharts.