Patent Abstract:
A quick connector assembly that provides fluid communication between a first conduit and a second conduit. The quick connector assembly includes a housing and a retainer. The housing has a first end that connects with the first conduit, has a second end that connects with the second conduit, and has a fluid passage that extends between the first and second ends. The retainer is carried by the housing and has a portion located in the fluid passage of the housing.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/343,846, filed May 4, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to quick connector assemblies that join fluid conduits in a substantially leak-proof connection. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. Connection joints that join two fluid lines are currently known in the art. One limitation of some current connection joints is the necessity to use tools, such as screwdrivers, to tighten screws that secure one or both of the fluid lines together. Another limitation of some current connection joints is their tendency to give a user the impression that the fluid connection lines are securely joined together, when in fact they are not, thus potentially separating during the transfer of fluid within the lines and through the connection joint. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a quick connector assembly including a housing and a retainer. The housing provides fluid communication between a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit has a flange. The housing has a first end that connects with the first conduit, and the housing has a second end that connects with the second conduit. The housing also has a fluid passage that extends between the first and second ends. The retainer is carried by the housing. The retainer has a portion that is located in the fluid passage of the housing. When connecting the housing and the first conduit, the flange of the first conduit makes contact with the portion of the retainer and displaces the portion outwardly with respect to the fluid passage of the housing. During further connection, the flange passes the portion of the retainer so that the portion springs inwardly against the first conduit. Abutment between the flange and the portion of the retainer inhibits separation of the housing and the first conduit. 
         [0005]    In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a quick connector assembly including a housing and a wire spring. The housing is constructed to provide fluid communication between a conduit and a hose. The conduit has a flange. The housing has a fluid passage, and the housing has an opening in a wall of the housing. The opening is open to the fluid passage. The wire spring is wrapped externally around a portion or more of the housing. The wire spring has a portion that is extended through the opening and that is located within the fluid passage of the housing. When the housing receives the conduit, the flange of the conduit makes contact with the portion of the wire spring, and the contact of the flange displaces the portion outwardly with respect to the fluid passage of the housing and also displaces the portion forwardly with respect to the direction of reception of the conduit. During further reception, the flange passes the portion of the wire spring so that the portion springs inwardly and rearwardly against the conduit. Abutment between the flange and the portion, and abutment between the portion and a surface of the opening, inhibits separation of the housing and the conduit. 
         [0006]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a quick connector assembly including a housing, a wire spring, and a tab. The housing is constructed to provide fluid communication between a conduit and a hose. The conduit has a flange. The housing has a first end that receives the conduit, and the housing has a second end that is inserted into the hose. The housing has a fluid passage that extends between the first and second ends. The housing further has a first opening, a second opening, and a through-hole. The wire spring is carried by the housing. The wire spring has a first leg that is extended through the first opening and that is located within the fluid passage. The wire spring has a second leg that is extended through the second opening and that is located within the fluid passage of the housing. The tab has a first portion that is extended through the through-hole and that is located within the fluid passage at a position that is forward of the first and second legs with respect to the direction of reception of the conduit. The tab has a second portion that is located exteriorly of the housing. When the housing receives the conduit, the flange makes contact with the first and second legs and displaces the first and second legs outwardly with respect to the fluid passage, and displaces the first and second legs forwardly with respect to the direction of reception of the conduit. During further reception, the flange passes the first and second legs so that the first and second legs spring inwardly and rearwardly against the conduit. The flange contacts the first portion of the tab and displaces the tab outwardly with respect to the fluid passage of the housing. And during further reception, the flange passes the first portion of the tab. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements, and wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a right side view of an embodiment of a connector assembly joined to conduit; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a left side view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged side view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged bottom view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged top view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged top view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is an end view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  from the end of the conduit that is connected to the connector assembly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  joined to a conduit; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an O-ring, bushing, retainer, insertion verification tab, and conduit, according to an embodiment of a connector assembly; 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  and conduit residing within the connector assembly; 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1 , including a retainer, and a conduit locked within the connector assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  with a conduit contacting an insertion verification tab within the connector assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting an O-ring, bushing, retainer, and insertion verification tab; 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a conduit around which an O-ring, busing, retainer, and insertion verification tab may be situated, relative to the conduit; 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting a hole through which an insertion verification tab can pass; 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting a passage through which the insertion verification tab can pass; 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting a passage through which an insertion verification tab can pass; 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting passage through which an insertion verification tab can pass; 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an insertion verification tab depicting flexible tabs, a hook, and nodules; 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  is a rear view of an insertion verification tab depicting flexible tabs and nodules; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  and a conduit with the conduit engaging a retainer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    With reference now to  FIGS. 1-24  of the drawings the operative workings of embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully. In general, a quick connector assembly is used to facilitate the transition between two conduits, in one example a metal pipe and a rubber hose, without the use of a hose clamp; though in some embodiments a hose clamp can be used. Turning first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a quick connector assembly  10  is depicted with a conduit  12  residing within the connector assembly  10 . In one embodiment, the connector assembly  10  employs a housing  14 , a retainer  16 , an insertion verification tab or tab  18 , an O-ring  20  ( FIG. 13 ), and a bushing  22  ( FIG. 13 ). The conduit  12  is inserted into and locks within the connector assembly  10 . The connector assembly  10  may be utilized to connect a fluid transfer line, such as a rubber hose (not depicted), to a nipple with ridges or barbs  24  around a hollow inlet  26 . The hollow inlet  26  may also be used as an outlet. Continuing, the housing  14  has a conduit or hose stop  28  against which a conduit or hose may reside when installed over the barbs  24 . The housing  14  can be made of a plastic material such as nylon  66 , 33% glass filled; other materials could be suitable and could be used. The housing  14 , as a molded plastic structure may have multiple features molded into it in order to facilitate the acceptance of the hollow conduit  12 , such as a metal or plastic pipe, within the interior of the housing  14 . More specifically, and with reference to  FIGS. 3-6 , the housing  14  may employ an opening or groove  28  that passes through the wall thickness of the housing  14  and around a majority of the circumference of the housing  14 .  FIG. 6  depicts the groove  28  on the bottom of the housing  14 . The groove  28  is molded into the housing at an angle, that is, the groove  28  is not perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the fluid passage through the housing  14 . The angle at which the groove  28  is molded into the housing facilitates the direction of movement of the retainer  16  within the groove  28 . More specifically, the retainer  16 , which may be a piece of steel such as spring steel or wire, resides in a first position depicted with numeral  30 , before insertion of the conduit  12 . 
         [0033]    Upon insertion of the conduit  12  into the connector assembly  10  as depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 , the retainer  16  will move according to the angle of the groove  28  from the position  30  to the position  32  as the conduit  12  makes contact with the retainer  16 . From the position  30  and to the position  32 , the retainer  16  is displaced outwardly with respect to a fluid passage  48  and is displaced forwardly with respect to the direction of insertion of the conduit  12 . A first exterior wall  34  of the connector assembly  10  provides a surface for the retainer  16  to bear against as the conduit  12  is pressed into the connector assembly  10  and against the retainer  16 . A second exterior wall  36  may also reside on an outside of the connector assembly, parallel to the first exterior wall  34 , and together with the first exterior wall  34 , form part of the groove  28 , within which the retainer  16  may reside. Between the exterior walls  34 , 36  the groove is not though to the fluid passage  48  of the connector assembly  10  and is rather located externally of the fluid passage  48  and externally of the housing  14 ; however, other portions of the groove  28  are through the wall of the connector assembly  10  so that the retainer  16 , in position  30  and position  32 , may make physical contact against the conduit  12 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  clearly depicts a bottom view of the connector assembly  10  and the groove  28 , and more specifically, depicts how a first portion  38  of the groove  28  is formed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the conduit  12  and the connector assembly  10 , while a second portion  40  of the groove  28  is formed at a right angle to, or is perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the conduit  12  and the connector assembly  10 . Similarly, the top view of the connector assembly  10  of  FIG. 7  depicts how the retainer  16  moves within the groove  28  of the connector assembly  10  during insertion of the conduit  12  into the connector assembly  10 . More specifically, before the conduit  12  is inserted into the connector assembly  10 , the one-piece retainer  16  is in position  30 . When the conduit  12  is inserted into the connector assembly  10 , a flange  42  ( FIG. 10 ) of the conduit  12  contacts a portion or more of the retainer  16 , which is in position  30 . As insertion of the conduit  12  continues into the connector assembly  10 , the flange  42  pushes, urges, and displaces the retainer  16  from position  30  into position  32 . The retainer moves within the groove  28  and between its surfaces, which initially is at an angle that is not ninety degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis of the conduit  12 . As the conduit  12  continues even further into the connector assembly  10 , the retainer  16  reaches the end of the angled portion of the groove  28  and may then proceed within the groove  28  at a ninety degree angle to the conduit  12 , as depicted in  FIG. 10 . As soon as prongs  44 ,  46  of the retainer  16  move outwardly (toward the outside diameter of the connector assembly  10 ) such that the distance between the prongs  44 ,  46  is larger than or equal to the diameter of the flange  42 , the retainer  16  and prongs  44 ,  46  move inwardly and spring back into the position  30 , as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  depicts two positions of the retainer  16 . The first position  30  depicts the first prong  44  in a position in which the conduit  12  has either not yet been inserted or a position in which the conduit  12  has been fully inserted. The second position  32  of the prong  44  of the retainer  16  depicts a position in which the conduit  12  is undergoing insertion. Stated differently, when the prongs  44 ,  46  of the retainer  16  are at position  32 , the conduit is undergoing insertion and when the prongs  44 ,  46  of the retainer  16  are at position  30 , insertion and installation either has not started or is complete. 
         [0036]      FIG. 10  depicts the fully inserted position of the conduit  12  with the retainer  16  in position  30  blocking the flange  42  of the conduit  12  from exiting the passage  48  of the housing  14  and therefore inhibiting separation of the housing  14  and the conduit  12 . That is, the retainer  16  is between the flange  42  and the exit of the passage  48  of the housing  14 .  FIG. 10  also depicts the position  32  of the retainer  16  with its prongs  44 ,  46  location at a position in order to permit the flange  42  to pass in order for the retainer to assume the position  30  and lock the flange  42  and conduit  12  within the housing  14 . With reference again to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of the connector assembly  10  will be explained. More specifically, the groove  28  is angled so that after installing the conduit  12  into the housing  14  to a depth that permits the conduit  12  to lock behind the retainer  16 , as depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 14 , if the conduit  12  is pulled or forced in the opposite rearward direction, or non-insertion direction, an end of surface  50  of the groove  28  in the housing  14  will prevent the retainer  16  from spreading apart and outwardly and rearwardly, as is necessary for insertion of the conduit  12 , as described above.  FIGS. 12 and 13  also depict, in perspective cross-sectional views, how the retainer  16  resides between the exit of the passage  48  of the housing  14  and the flange  42  of the conduit  12 . In this embodiment, because the retainer  16  is a single piece of material, such as a stainless steel spring wire, the retainer  16  maintains its shape and position against the flange  42  unless forced by contact in another direction, as described above in connection with insertion of the conduit  12  into the housing  14 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 12  also depicts another embodiment of the present teachings. More specifically, the bushing  22  has a rounded or beveled edge  52  that permits easy insertion of the conduit  12  into the passage  48  of the housing  14 . Similarly, the conduit  12  has a rounded or beveled end  54  that will assist in directing the conduit  12  into the connector assembly  10 , such as if the beveled end  54  strikes the beveled edge  52  of the bushing  22 . Next to the bushing  22 , the O-ring  20  resides to create a fluid-tight seal between the conduit and the housing  14 . The seal that the O-ring  20  provides prevents fluid from passing beside and around the O-ring  20 . Because the O-ring  20  compresses, it also assists in maintaining the position of the conduit  12  within the housing  14  by maintaining a constant and equal force against the conduit  12  where the O-ring  20  contacts the conduit  12 .  FIG. 14  also shows that the O-ring  20  and bushing  22  maintain their positions within the housing  14  during insertion and removal of the conduit  12 . More specifically,  FIG. 14  depicts a ridge  56  that protrudes toward a centerline of the housing  14 . The ridge  56  mates with or fits into a valley  58  of the bushing  22  and prevents movement fore and aft within the housing  14 , or stated differently, movement back-and-forth in the direction of the centerline of the conduit  12  and housing  14  is restricted or prevented. With continued reference to  FIG. 14 , because the O-ring  20  is located against the bushing  22  on one side, and the housing structure itself on the other side, the O-ring  20  is prevented from moving within the housing  14 . 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIGS. 15-20 , an explanation of the insertion verification tab  18  will be presented. With reference first to  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23 , the insertion verification tab  18  has a top button  60 , a stalk  62 , a first tab  64 , a second tab  66 , a tension post  68 , a hook  70  with a land  72 , a first nodule  74 , and a second nodule  76 . When viewed in the rear view of  FIG. 23 , the first tab  64  and second tab  66  are molded in an arcuate configuration to impart tension in the tension post  68  when the tabs  64 ,  66  are pressed flat against the housing in their installed position, as depicted in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 15 . Because the tabs  64 ,  66  are flexible, they act as a spring to place the tension post  68  in tension when the insertion verification tab  18  is in its installed position as in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 15 . Tension results in the tension post  68  between the tabs  64 ,  66  and the hook  70  because the hook  70  is situated under and against part of the housing  14  when the tabs  64 ,  66  are in flexure and compressed against the top surface of the housing  14 . With the tabs  64 ,  66  trying to unflex and relax to their unstressed state, but being prevented from doing so by the position of the hook  70  under and against an interior surface of the housing  14 , the tension post  68  is placed into constant tension. Continuing when in its installed position, the insertion verification tab  18  passes through a hole  78  ( FIG. 19 ) in the top of the housing  14  and the tabs  64 ,  66  abut against a vertical wall perpendicular to a top surface  80  of the housing  14 . As depicted in  FIG. 15 , the conduit  12  is not yet fully inserted into the passage  48  of the housing  14 . For clarity,  FIG. 16  depicts the relative positions of the connector assembly  10 , including the housing  14 , insertion verification tab  18 , O-ring  20 , bushing  22 , retainer  16 , and groove  28  in the housing  14  are depicted without the conduit  12 . Similarly,  FIG. 17  depicts the relative positions of the conduit  12 , insertion verification tab  18 , O-ring  20 , bushing  22 , and retainer  16  without the housing  14 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged view of the housing  14  within which the hole  78  through which the insertion verification tab  18  passes. The hole  78  is located through the top wall and inside diameter  82  of the housing  14 . As depicted, the land  72  of the hook  70  of the insertion verification tab  18  resides against the inside diameter of the passage  48  of the housing  14 .  FIG. 18  also depicts the first nodule  74  and the second nodule  76  at the end of the insertion verification tab  18 . The nodules  74 ,  76  in conjunction with the insertion verification tab  18  will be explained later. 
         [0040]    Turning now to  FIG. 19 , details of the hole  78  in the housing  14  through which the insertion verification tab  18  passes will be described. More specifically, the hole  78  is in the outer or exterior wall of the housing  14  and in one embodiment is a through hole that passes from inside the passage  48  of the housing  14  and through the top surface  80  of the housing  14 . The hole  78  is square as viewed from the top surface  80 , as depicted in  FIG. 20 , but other shapes are possible. Continuing with  FIG. 19 , the hole  78  is molded such that not all opposing sides are parallel. More specifically, as depicted in  FIG. 19 , a first wall  84  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing  14  while its opposing or second wall  86  is not. The second wall  86  is closer to the first wall  84  deeper into the hole  78 ; that is, the hole size is larger at the top surface  80  and decreases with the depth of the hole  78  through the wall of the housing  14 . One reason for a tapered hole that is larger at one end, such as at the exterior surface of the housing, of the hole  78  than the other end, such as at an interior surface  88  of the housing  14 , of the hole  78  will now be explained. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 16 , before inserting the conduit  12  into the connector assembly  10 , the insertion verification tab  18  can be in place through the hole  78  of the housing  14 , and can be situated as depicted. Next, the conduit  12 , with its rounded or beveled end  54  first, is inserted into the connector assembly  10 , and more specifically, into the passage  48  of the housing  14 . As the conduit  12  is pushed deeper into the housing  14 , the flange  42  will eventually contact the retainer  16 , as depicted in  FIG. 24 . More specifically, the flange  42  first contacts the retainer  16  when the retainer  16  is in position  30 . Then due to the angle of the groove  28  as it is molded from the exterior of the housing  14  to the conduit  12 , the retainer  16  is moved outwardly and forwardly, and away from the conduit  12 , toward the exterior or outside diameter of the housing  14 . The retainer  16  moves to position  32 , as depicted in  FIG. 24 , when the conduit  12  is nearly fully inserted. As depicted in  FIG. 24 , the retainer  16  is spread or separated to its largest degree when the retainer  16  is contacting the outside diameter of the flange  42 . Next, upon pushing the conduit  12  a little farther into the passage  48  of the housing  14 , the retainer will again move and spring into position  30 . With the conduit  12  fully pushed into the housing  14 , and the retainer  16  in position  30 , the flange  42  is locked between the retainer  16  in position  30  and the bushing  22 . Thus, even if the conduit  12  is pulled in the rearward direction of arrow  90 , the retainer  16  will prevent the removal of the conduit  12 . More specifically, because the groove  28  is angled, when the conduit  12  is moved in direction  90 , the flange  42  will actually direct the retainer  16  into the conduit  12  instead of away from the conduit  12 , which would be necessary to remove the conduit. Thus, the connector assembly  10  has a conduit locking and snapping feature that functions using the flange  42 , retainer  16 , and angled groove  28  molded completely through the housing  14  wall around much of the retainer. 
         [0042]    While the above structure and method of conduit  12  insertion ensures that the conduit  12  is locked within the housing  14 , the insertion verification tab  18  permits a user to actually see that the conduit  12  is locked in place. Stated differently, the insertion verification tab  18  provides visual verification to a user that the conduit  12  is locked into place within the housing  14 . More specifically,  FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the housing  14 , conduit  12 , retainer  16 , and the insertion verification tab  18 . More specifically, when the flange  42  of the conduit  12  strikes the hook  70  of the insertion verification tab  18 , the flange  42  has already outwardly biased the retainer  16 , as explained above, and passed by the retainer  16  to cause the retainer  16  to snap, click, or move into the position depicted in  FIG. 11 , which is on one side of the flange  42 , with the hook  70  being on the opposite side of the flange  42 . As a user continues to push the conduit  12  into the housing  14 , the tapered front portion  91  ( FIG. 22 ) of the insertion verification tab  18  contacts the flange  42  of the conduit and the hook  70  is forced off of the interior surface  88  ( FIG. 11  and  FIG. 18 ). When the hook  70  is forced from the interior surface  88  of the housing  14  due to the force of the flange  42  on the tapered front portion  91  of the insertion verification tab  18 , the tension in the tension post  68 , together with the stored energy in the first tab  64  and second tab  66 , causes the hook  70  to pull into or move into the hole  78 . When the hook  70  moves into the hole  78 , the entire insertion verification tab  18  moves away from the top surface  80  of the housing  14 . More specifically, and to indicate to an observer that the conduit flange is securely stowed between the retainer  16  in position  30  and the bushing  22 , the first tab  64  and the second tab  66  move from their compressed and flattened position, as depicted in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 16 , to their unstressed and arched position depicted in  FIG. 10 . To assist in guiding the tabs  64 ,  66  into and away from the housing  14 , a top wall  92  protrudes perpendicularly from the top surface  80 . When a user can physically view a gap  94  between top surface  80  and the tabs  64 ,  66 , then the user knows that the land  72  of the hook  70  has been moved from the interior surface  88  of the housing  14  and that the flange  42  of the conduit is secure in its location between the retainer  16  and the bushing  22 . 
         [0043]    Upon secure installation of the flange  42  as described above, the insertion verification tab  18  may then be removed by a user. If a user chooses not to remove the insertion verification tab  18 , it will loosely remain in the hole  78  of the housing  14  in part because the tension in the tension post  68  has been removed and the land  72  of the hook  70  has been removed from the inside diameter  82  of the housing  14 , but also because of the first nodule  74  and the second nodule  76 . More specifically, the nodules  74 ,  76  prevent the insertion verification tab  18  from falling from the housing  14  because the distance between a first tip  96  of the first nodule  74  and a second tip  98  of the second nodule  76  is greater than a width  100  of the hole  78  through which the insertion verification tab  18  passes in order to be removed from the housing  14 . However, because the insertion verification tab  18  may be molded or made from a plastic material that is compressible or deformable, the insertion verification tab  18  may be removed entirely from the housing  14  through the hole  78  by somewhat forcefully pulling on the button  60  of the insertion verification tab  18 . In response to such pulling, the nodules  74 ,  76  will deform and pass through the hole  78  of the housing  14 . Pulling the insertion verification tab  18  from the housing  14  is possible when the land  72  of the hook  70  no longer resides on the interior surface  88  of the housing  14 , after being forced from such a position, as previously described. 
         [0044]    Therefore, in one embodiment what is disclosed is a connector assembly employing the tubular housing  14  defining the groove or opening  28  through at least a portion of a wall of the housing  14 , and the through hole  78 . Additionally, the assembly may employ the retainer  16 , such as a stainless steel spring wire retainer, that passes through the groove  28 , and may employ the insertion verification tab  18  that passes through the through hole  78 . The assembly may further employ the tubular conduit  12  defining the annular flange  42  that protrudes radially outwardly from the conduit  12 , the flange  42  having a diameter that is larger than the tubular conduit  12 . 
         [0045]    Optionally, the connector assembly may employ the annular bushing  22  positioned within the housing  14  such that the flange  42  of the tubular conduit  12  is positioned between the bushing  22  and the retainer  16 . The annular O-ring  20  may reside against the bushing  22  on a side of the bushing  22  opposite the retainer  16 . The groove  28  in the housing  14  may be formed at an angle other than ninety degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing  14  to facilitate the passing of the flange  42  deeper into the housing  14 . The angle of the groove  28  in the housing  14  may then prevent removal of the conduit  12  as the retainer  16  reaches a closed end of the groove  28 . During insertion of the conduit  12 , the flange  42  may contact a first side of the retainer  16 , such as a side of the retainer  16  facing the insertion end (where the conduit  12  enters the housing  14 ) of the housing  14 , and upon completion of insertion of the conduit  12 , the flange  42  may contact a second side of the retainer  16 , or that side of the retainer  16  not facing the end of the housing  14  where the conduit  12  enters the housing  14 . Stated differently, during insertion of the conduit  12 , the flange  42  may contact a first side of the retainer  16  and upon completion of insertion of the conduit  12 , that is, when the land  72  of the hook  70  of the insertion verification tab  18  is forced into the hole  78 , the flange  42  contacts a second side of the retainer  16 . The retainer  16  may be a spring steel wire that biases into and out of the groove  28  of the housing  14 , and is locatable in and out of the fluid passage  48 , during insertion of the conduit  12  into the housing  14  due to the flange  42  contacting the retainer  16 . 
         [0046]    The insertion verification tab  18  may employ the main stalk  62  with a first end (the end with the disc or button  60 ) and a second end (the end with the hook  70 ). The disc  60 , which may be molded to the first end of the main stalk  62 , may be used for grasping by human fingers to extract the stalk  62  from the housing after full insertion of the conduit  12 , as described above. The hook  70  with the flat land  72  may be molded to the second end of the main stalk  62 , and the first tension tab  64  and the second tension tab  66  may be molded to the main stalk  62  between the disc  60  and the hook  70 . The first tension tab  64  and the second tension tab  66  may be arched such that only an edge or tip of each, such as that portion of each most distal to the stalk  62 , is closest to the housing  14  before insertion of the stalk  62  into the housing  14 , so that they act as springs and flex to place part of the stalk  62  into tension when the tabs  64 ,  66  are pressed against the housing  14 , with part of the tabs  64 ,  66  still connected to the stalk  62 , and the land  72  of the hook  70  is contacting the inside surface  88  of the housing  14 . The first and second tension tabs  64 ,  66  may be forced flat against the top surface  80  of the housing  14  thereby creating tension in the main stalk between the first and second tension tabs  64 ,  66  and the hook  70 . 
         [0047]    The insertion verification tab  18  may further employ the first nodule and the second nodule located at the second end of the main stalk, or that end of the stalk with the hook  70 . A distance between the first nodule tip  96  most distal from the main stalk and the second nodule tip  98  most distal from the main stalk is less than a shortest distance between opposing parallel sides of the through hole  78 . The nodules  74 ,  76  and the walls of the hole  78  may deform to permit removal of the insertion verification tab  18  from the housing  14  after complete insertion of the conduit  12  into the housing  14  and the forcing by the flange  42  of the hook  70  into the hole  78 . The stalk  62  may flex to permit such positioning of the hook  70  for removal of the stalk  62 . 
         [0048]    It is to be understood that the foregoing description is not a definition of the invention, but is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0049]    As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “for instance,” and “such as,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5