Patent Abstract:
A push fitting joint packaging arrangement allows the re-use and repair of push-to-connect fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In one embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement comprises a sealing member, a fastening ring, a retaining ring member and a shield member. In various embodiments, the shield member has a substantially cylindrical interior surface, and a non-cylindrical exterior surface.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to fluid flow systems, and more particularly to a push-fit joint assembly, device and method that facilitates the simple connection, disconnection, repair and re-use of piping and tubing system parts without coining or threaded end caps. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids (e.g., liquid, gas (such as air) or plasma). For example, homes, schools, medical facilities, commercial buildings and other occupied structures generally require integrated piping systems so that water and/or other fluids can be circulated for a variety of uses. Liquids and/or gases such as cold and hot water, breathable air, glycol, compressed air, inert gases, cleaning chemicals, waste water, plant cooling water and paint and coatings are just some examples of the types of fluids and gases that can be deployed through piping systems. Tubing and piping types can include, for example, copper, stainless steel, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “pipe” or “piping” will be understood to encompass one or more pipes, tubes, piping elements and/or tubing elements. 
         [0003]    Piping connections are necessary to join various pieces of pipe and must be versatile in order to adapt to changes of pipe direction required in particular piping system implementations. For example, fittings and valves may be employed at the ends of open pieces of pipe that enable two pieces of pipe to fit together in a particular configuration. Among fitting types there are elbows, “tees”, couplings adapted for various purposes such as pipe size changes, ends, ball valves, stop valves, and partial angle connectors, for example. 
         [0004]    In the past, pipe elements have been traditionally connected by welding and/or soldering them together using a torch. Soldering pipe fittings can be time-consuming, unsafe, and labor intensive. Soldering also requires employing numerous materials, such as copper pipes and fittings, emery cloths or pipe-cleaning brushes, flux, silver solder, a soldering torch and striker, a tubing cutter and safety glasses, for example. The process for soldering pipes can proceed by first preparing the pipe to be soldered, as the copper surface must be clean in order to form a good joint. The end of the pipe can be cleaned on the outside with emery cloth or a specially made wire brush. The inside of the fitting must be cleaned as well. Next, flux (a type of paste) can be applied to remove oxides and draw molten solder into the joint where the surfaces will be joined. The brush can be used to coat the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe with the flux. Next, the two pipes are pushed together firmly into place so that they “bottom out”—i.e., meet flush inside the fitting. The tip of the solder can be bent to the size of the pipe in order to avoid over-soldering. With the pipes and fitting in place, the torch is then ignited with the striker or by an auto-strike mechanism to initiate soldering. After heating for a few moments, if the copper surface is hot enough such that it melts when touched by the end of the solder, the solder can then be applied to the joint seam so that it runs around the joint and bonds the pipe and fitting together. 
         [0005]    In recent years, push-fit technology has been employed with piping systems to reduce the dangers and time involved in soldering joints. Push-fit methods require minimal knowledge of pipe fittings and involve far fewer materials than soldering. For example, one may only need the pipes, quick-connect fittings, a chamfer/de-burring tool and tubing cutter in order to connect pipes using push-fit technology. 
         [0006]    The steps involved in connecting piping systems using push-fit technology can be outlined as follows. First, the pipe is cut to the appropriate length and the end of the pipe is cleaned with the de-burring tool. Then the pipe and fitting are pushed together for connection. The fitting is provided with a fastening ring (also called a collet, grip ring or grab ring) having teeth that grip the pipe as it is inserted. The fastening ring device is employed to provide opposing energy, preventing the device from disconnection while creating a positive seal. Accordingly, no wrenches, clamping, gluing or soldering is involved. Push-fit and/or quick-connect technology for piping systems can be obtained, for example, through Quick Fitting, Inc. of Warwick, R.I., USA, suppliers of the CoPro®, ProBite®, LocJaw™, BlueHawk™ CopperHead® and Push Connect® lines of push fittings and related products. Also, such technology is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,089, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,161, U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,915, U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,576, U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,122, U.S. Pat. No. 8,480,134, U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,974 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,981, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
         [0007]    In past pipe coupling technology, the fastening ring is inserted into the fitting body along with a plastic grip ring support that typically fails under extensive tensile testing. Further, the coupling must then be either coin rolled, glued or receive a threaded cap member to retain the fastening ring inside the fitting body. In addition to the added steps for the manufacture and assembly of the coupling, the strength of the plumbing joint is determined by the retaining cap member. The additional steps and components add significant labor and manufacturing costs to the final product cost and reduce the overall production capability due to the extensive time required for proper assembly. 
         [0008]    In addition to the above, when using a threaded retaining cap method, the process of cutting threads into the fitting body and the retaining cap elevates the cost of machining the fitting components. Further, the threaded end cap method requires mechanical assembly as well as the added cost and application of a thread sealant to the threads. In prior efforts that employ a coined retaining cap method, the process of coining the fitting body as the retaining cap significantly increases the cost of final assembly of the fitting. Additionally, the coining process permanently encapsulates the fastening ring inside the fitting, whereby the fastening ring cannot be removed without complete destruction of the ring and fitting. 
         [0009]    Along with additional assembly steps and increased manufacturing costs, past pipe fittings and connection methods do not allow repair for various reasons. In some cases, this is because they are factory sealed, for example. In other cases, it is because the separation of the fitting from the pipe can damage or induce wear on the parts. For example, some push-to-connect fittings provide permanently fixed demounting rings for removing the fittings. The demounting rings can be depressed axially to lift the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe, such that the pipe can then be withdrawn. This arrangement, however, can subject the fittings to tampering and shorter life. In addition, while fastening ring devices work effectively as an opposing retaining member, their functionality makes them nearly impossible to dismount, remove or detach for re-use. The fastening rings are thus permanently affixed unless they are cut and removed, which then destroys the fastening ring. 
         [0010]    Whether connected by traditional soldering methods or with push-fit methods, past efforts have been specifically provided for the connection of like materials and lack the ability to connect two unlike materials, such as copper with CPVC, PEX or stainless steel, or any other combination of unlike materials. Past methods further invariably require the replacement of fittings and valves, and do not allow re-use of the fittings or valves in instances where only a small internal component needs to be repaired or replaced. Further, past products and methods do not provide enhanced protective retainers among various packing components such that, in the event of degrading or catastrophic failure of internal parts, such parts would be precluded from separating or moving out of the fitting. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present invention provides, in part, a push fitting assembly package that facilitates the re-use of push fittings without damage to the fitting elements or the pipe. The present invention connects piping using no tools, clamps, solder or glues, while creating a leak-free seal at the connected joining area. Further, the present invention can join both like and unlike piping elements without coining or threading the elements into place. The present invention also provides a protective retainer on various packing components such that, in the event of degrading or catastrophic failure of internal parts, such parts would be precluded from separating. As described, various embodiments of the present invention can withstand up to 3600 pounds of pressure or more, and are thus employable within a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) environment. 
         [0012]    The quick connection pipe joint assembly package provided as part of the present invention employs a release pusher member that, when removed, exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanisms of the fitting. The release pusher member, also called the “release pusher” moves axially and can push the fastening ring of the present invention in order to facilitate the release of a cylindrical object such as a piping element held within the fitting. 
         [0013]    For purposes of the present disclosure, a fitting (also referred to as a body member) can encompass a valve member and other piping elements including, but not limited to: a coupling joint, an elbow joint, a tee joint, a stop end, a ball valve member, tubing and other objects having cylindrical openings. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more sealing member gasket inserts (e.g., O-ring members) fits within a first sealing ring compartment defined in the interior wall of the fitting. In addition, a fastening ring support compartment is machined into the interior wall to retain at least a portion of the body of the fastening ring. The interior housing elements provide integrated support for the sealing member(s) and fastening ring when opposing force is applied to piping elements that have been inserted into the fitting. In various embodiments, a retaining ring and shield member are employed within a retaining ring support compartment machined into the interior wall of the fitting to provide additional support for the fastening ring and to cooperate with the release pusher to facilitate connection and disconnection of piping elements. 
         [0014]    Various embodiments of the present invention provide a novel push fitting joint packing arrangement comprising a sealing ring member, a fastening ring, a fastening ring support member, a shield member, a retaining ring member and a release pusher member. The shield member provided as part of the present invention can be configured so as to be slidable into the fitting and snapped into place during installation prior to the retaining ring member. The shield member can be provided with flat or substantially flat sides to drop into position at an angle other than perpendicular to the central axis of the fitting. No coining is necessary in order to insert the shield member. 
         [0015]    The release pusher provided as part of the present invention is employed to facilitate the release of tubing, piping and other cylindrical objects inserted into a fitting. The release pusher is manually pushed into the cavity formed by the tube support member within the fitting body and tapered edges of the release pusher generally or nearly abut the installed fastening ring. When it is desired to release an inserted pipe, for example, from the fitting, the release pusher can be forced in the direction of the fastening ring such that its angular surfaces depress the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe, thereby allowing the pipe to be removed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an exploded front perspective view of one embodiment of a piping joint assembly package in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded front perspective cross-sectional view of the piping joint assembly package of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the piping joint assembly package of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front cross-sectional view of the piping joint assembly package as installed in a pipe fitting in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the fitting of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a front view of one embodiment of a shield member of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the shield member taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a retaining ring in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a right side cross-sectional view of the retaining ring taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a front view of a fastening ring support member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a right side cross-sectional view of the retaining ring taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a front view of a release pusher member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a right side cross-sectional view of the release pusher member taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a detailed view of encircled portion  18 - 18  of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    In the push-fit piping joint assembly  10  of one embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , elements of the joint assembly as shown include: a fitting (i.e., fitting body member)  12  having an inner wall  13  and an outer wall  15 . The inner wall  13  forms a cavity  150  extending along a central axis  11  that extends axially through the fitting. The respective diameters of the inner wall  13  and outer wall  15  as measured from the central axis  11  increase from an axially inner segment  21  of the fitting to the axial mid-segment  23  of the fitting, and from the axial mid-segment  23  of the fitting to the axially outer segment  25  of the fitting. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the fitting  12  includes a first interior wall portion  191  separated from a second interior wall portion  192  by tube stop  33 . At least the first interior wall portion  191  is formed so as to include a sealing ring compartment  41 , a fastening ring compartment  42  and a retaining ring compartment  43 . In various embodiments of the present invention, the compartments  41 ,  42  and  43 , as well as tube stop  33 , are formed as part of the inner surface of the fitting  12  through hydroforming or similar methods. In this way, internal compartments within the fitting  12  are sized so as to receive packing arrangement elements as described herein, and the fitting with compartments and tube stop comprises a monolithic, integrated structure. 
         [0036]    In various embodiments of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 6 , retaining ring compartment  43  comprises a front wall portion  130 , a back wall portion  132  and a first linear segment  133  of the inner wall  13 . The back wall portion  132  can have an interior face  150 , a radially inner wall  44  and an exterior face  45 . In various embodiments, the radially inner wall  44  is not parallel with the axis  11 , but rather extends radially outwardly from an axially inner edge  47  to an axially outer edge  48 . In this way, packing arrangement components to be inserted into the fitting need not be perfectly and/or perpendicularly aligned with the radially inner wall  44 , but rather can meet the back wall portion  132  at different angles while still being manipulable into the fitting opening. The radially inner wall  44  thus facilitates ease of insertion and removal of packing arrangement components without coining 
         [0037]    As further shown in  FIG. 6 , fastening ring compartment  42  can comprise a second linear segment  135  extending from the front wall portion  130  of retaining ring compartment  43  to a riser segment  137  of the inner wall  13 , and sealing ring compartment  41  can comprise a third linear segment  139  extending from the riser segment  137  to a sealing ring stop wall  140  of the inner wall  13 . The inner wall  13  of the fitting  12  can also include an axially inner segment  142  extending from the sealing ring stop wall  140  to the tube stop  33 . In various embodiments of the invention, the compartments  41 ,  42  and  43  and the elements comprising the compartments can be provided in both the first  191  and the second  192  interior wall portions of the fitting  12 , and can be substantially mirror images of one another. As further shown in  FIG. 6 , the axially inner segment  21  of the fitting  12  encompasses the axially inner segment  142  of the inner wall  13 , the axial mid-segment  23  of the fitting  12  encompasses the sealing ring compartment  41  and the fastening ring compartment  42 , and the axially outer segment  25  of the fitting  12  encompasses the retaining ring compartment  43 . In various embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the fitting external wall  15  has an axially internal portion  152 , an axial mid-portion  154  and an axially outer portion  156 . The axially internal portion  152  has a first radial distance from the axis  11 , the axial mid-portion  154  has a second radial distance from the axis  11 , and the axially outer portion  156  has a third radial distance from the axis  11 , wherein the third radial distance is larger than either of the first and second radial distances, and the second radial distance is larger than the first radial distance. In this way, the fitting  12  maintains a profile and structure that permits it to house the elements of the packing arrangement as described herein, while retaining significant strength to withstand up to 3600 pounds of pressure or more. 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, a packing arrangement of the present invention can comprise one or more of: at least one sealing ring member  14  (which can be optionally lubricated), a sealing ring support member  17 , a fastening ring  18 , a fastening ring support member  20 , a shield member  22 , a retaining ring member  24  and a release pusher  26 . In various embodiments, the fastening ring  18 , sealing member  14 , sealing ring support member  17  and release pusher  26  each have an internal diameter that allows for smooth and snug engagement of a piping or tubing element external surface (not shown), whereas the shield member  22  and retaining ring member  24  do not contact any piping or tubing element inserted into or removed from the fitting. Further, the release pusher  24  does not contact fitting inner wall  13  during operation. The fitting  12  is substantially hollow, in the sense that the inner wall  13  defines a pipe receiving opening  30  extending axially therethrough. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the fitting  12  can be forged CW617N brass, with full porting and full flow fitting, for example. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , for example, the inner wall  13  of the fitting  12  includes an internal stop  33  extending radially inwardly from the inner wall  13  so as to provide a circumferential resistance to tubes inserted on either side of the fitting. The lubricant for the one or more sealing members  14  can be a food grade lubricant, for example. It will be appreciated that the sealing members can comprise a flat ring or washer-type seal member in addition or as an alternative to a circular member of substantially circular cross-section. The fastening ring  18  can comprise a spring steel formulation, for example, that enables the fastening ring to be malformed during installation, while springing back into its originally manufactured position once installed. The fastening ring is capable of grabbing an inserted pipe&#39;s surface via two or more teeth  19  to ensure connections cannot be pulled apart. The fastening ring teeth  19  are angled downward from the substantially cylindrical perimeter or base  70  of the ring, toward the tube stop  33  and away from the retaining ring compartment  43 , such that when the pipe is inserted, the teeth exert a pressure against the pipe to discourage the pipe from slipping or moving back out of the fitting. No wrenches, solder, welding, glue and/or twisting and turning the elements are required to form a connection. Specifically, the combination of the sealing ring  14 , fastening ring  18 , shield member  22  and retaining ring member  24  provide a push-fit piping assembly when inserted into any cylindrical pipe in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0040]    In various embodiments, one or more sealing members  14  is of sufficient size to firmly fit within the sealing ring compartment  41  and against third linear wall  139  of the inner wall  13  of the fitting. Fastening ring  18  includes a base portion  70  and a plurality of bifurcated or square edged teeth  19  extending inwardly from and along the base  70 , wherein the base portion  70  is of sufficient diameter to firmly fit within the fastening ring compartment  42  and against second linear segment  135  of the inner wall  13  when the device is assembled. In various embodiments, sealing ring support member  17  includes an axially inner wall  60  and an axially outer wall  62 , wherein the sealing ring support member  17  is positioned at least partially within the sealing ring compartment  41  and at least partially within the fastening ring support compartment  42 , and further wherein the sealing ring support member axially inner wall  60  is adapted to be in mating contact with the sealing ring  14 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the axially inner wall  60  can be formed with an axially extending rampart base  64  and a rampart wall  65  extending radially outwardly of the rampart base  64 . The rampart base  64  can engage the third linear segment  139  of the inner wall  13  and rampart wall  65  can engage the riser segment  137  of the inner wall  13  to provide stable support for the axial pressures received by the support member  17  during operation. The radially interior edge  63  of the sealing ring support member  17  can engage an inserted pipe during operation, and assists in guiding a pipe over the sealing ring  14  for proper alignment. The radially inner wall  69  of support member  17  is angled so as to permit flexing of the fastening ring teeth  19  to a limited degree as the release pusher moves the teeth  19  axially inwardly during operation to facilitate insertion or removal of a piping element. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the base portion  70  of the fastening ring  18  has a front wall  72 , a rear wall  73  and a radially outer edge  74 . In various embodiments, the base portion  70  is positioned within the fastening ring support compartment  42  such that the outer edge  74  engages the second linear segment  135 , and such that the front wall  72  is in mating contact with the axially outer wall  62  of the sealing ring support member  17 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 3, 5 and 12 through 14 , the fastening ring support member  20  can include a first axial wall  80 , a second axial wall  82  and a radially outer wall  83 , wherein the fastening ring support member can be positioned within the fastening ring support compartment such that the radially outer wall  83  engages the second linear segment  135  of the inner wall  13  of the fitting, and such that the first axial wall  80  of the fastening ring support member  20  is in mating contact with the rear wall  73  of the fastening ring  18 . In this way, the fastening ring base  70  is securely maintained between the first axial wall  80  of the fastening ring support member  20  and the axially outer wall  62  of the sealing ring support member  17 . As further shown in  FIGS. 12 through 14 , the support member  20  includes a radially inner surface  86 , a beveled back edge  85  extending from the second axial wall  82  to the inner surface  86 , and an angled front edge  87  extending from the first axial wall  80  to the inner surface  86 . The angled front edge  87  provides at least partial support to the back edges  165  of the fastening ring teeth  19  during operation. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 8 and 18 , the shield member  22  comprises a body having inner  90  and outer  92  faces, an inner edge surface  93  and an outer edge surface  94 , wherein the inner edge surface  93  is substantially cylindrical, and the outer edge surface  94  is not cylindrical. In various embodiments, the outer edge surface  94  is formed with at least two parallel, diametrically opposed edge segments  95  and further is formed with at least two non-parallel, diametrically opposed edge segments  96 . As shown in  FIG. 18  each of the parallel edge segments  95  has a width W 1 , and each of the non-parallel edge segments  96  has a width W 2 , where W 2  is greater than W 1 . In this way, the shield member  22  can slide through the opening  200  created by the back wall portion  132  of the retaining ring compartment  43  before the retaining ring  24  is snapped into place. The parallel edge segments  95  can be aligned with the interior edge  47  defining the fitting opening  200  so as to be insertable without coining Once inserted, the edge segments  96  of the shield member outer edge surface  94  are in mating contact with the first linear segment  133  of the retaining ring compartment  43 , whereas the edge segments  95  are not. Further, a first portion  97  of the outer face  92  of the shield member is in mating contact with the front wall portion  130  of the retaining ring compartment  43 , and a second portion  98  of the shield member outer edge surface  92  is not in mating contact with the retaining ring compartment, but is rather in contact with the second axial wall  82  of the fastening ring support member  20 . In various embodiments, the inner face  90  of the shield member  22  is in mating contact with an axially external wall  102  of the retaining ring member  24 , once the retaining ring member is installed. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5 and 9 through 11 , the retaining ring member  24  has an axially internal wall  101 , an axially external wall  102 , a radially internal wall  104 , and a radially external wall  106 . In various embodiments, the axially external wall  102  extends from an overhang surface  110  to a ledge surface  107  of the radially internal wall  104 . Further, a radially extending mid-wall  112  extends from the overhang surface  110  to a radially outer portion  109  of the radially external wall  106 . A radially extending side wall  114  extends from the ledge surface  107  of the radially internal wall  104  to a platform surface  108  of the radially internal wall  104 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the radially outer portion  109  of the radially external wall  106  acts as guide for the outer surface  126  of the release pusher  26 . Further, the mid-wall  112  acts as a retainer for the annular retaining edge  31  of the release pusher  26 . The edge  31  can slide along the overhang surface  110  of the retaining ring member  24  when the release pusher  26  is pushed axially inwardly to engage the fastening ring teeth  19 . The radially extending side wall  114  engages the back wall portion  132  of the inner wall  13  of the fitting  12 , while the ledge surface  107  is in mating contact with the first linear segment  133  of the inner wall. Further, the axially external wall  102  engages the shield member  22  as described above. 
         [0045]    As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 15 through 17 , the release pusher  26  is substantially cylindrical, includes an external tip  29  at the fastening ring engaging end  160  thereof, and further includes an annular retaining edge  31  extending radially outwardly of an outer wall  126 ,  128  of the release pusher  26 . In various embodiments, the outer wall portion  128  that extends axially inwardly into the fitting  12  during operation can have an external radius that is smaller than the external radius of the outer wall portion  126  of the pusher, which facilitates the sliding contact between outer wall portion  128  and fastening ring support member  20 , as well as the sliding contact between outer wall portion  126  and retaining ring member  24  during operation. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the release pusher retaining edge  31  can include a radial outer ledge  124 , a front wall  127  and a back wall  130 . Shield member  22  can be designed and positioned such that it does not contact outer wall portion  128  of the release pusher  26  during operation, so as to minimize any resisting force on the operation of the release pusher. However, it will be appreciated that in various embodiments, the shield member  22  inner edge  93  can extend to the outer wall  128  of the release pusher  26 . In various embodiments, the release pusher  26  can comprise an injection-molded plastic material or a metal material such as brass, for example. When pressure is applied on the back side  162  of the release pusher  26 , the external tip  29  can engage the inside surface  165  of the fastening ring teeth  19 , and the edge back wall  130  can removeably engage a retaining lip  112  extending radially inwardly from the axially inner wall  110  of retaining ring  24 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0046]    In various embodiments, the fastening ring  18  can be a split ring member or can be an integral member with no split. A split can facilitate insertion and/or removal, by allowing the diameter of the base  18  to be slightly reduced through pressure so that the fastening ring can be more readily manipulable. In further embodiments, the fastening ring support member can also be split. In various embodiments, the shield member  22  can be provided with teeth on the inner edge  93  thereof to act as a secondary fastening ring. Further, in various embodiments, the sealing ring support member  17  and/or the fastening ring support member  20  can be integrally formed into the inner wall  13  of the fitting, thereby becoming a unitary, monolithic structure with the fitting. 
         [0047]    In operation, the fitting  12  of the present invention is provided and one or more sealing members (e.g.,  14 ) are inserted into the sealing ring compartment  41 . Next, in the embodiments with an independent sealing ring support member  17 , this member  17  is inserted so as to extend into the sealing ring compartment adjacent the sealing ring  14 . It will be appreciated that a portion of the sealing ring support member  17  will also lie in the fastening ring compartment  42 , as described above, and shown, for example, in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The fastening ring  18  is then inserted into the fastening ring support compartment  42 , followed by the fastening ring support member  20 . Next, the shield member  22  is inserted without any coining or threaded connection adjacent the fastening ring support member, and the retaining ring  24  is then inserted into the retaining ring compartment so as to abut the shield member  22  as described above. The release pusher  26  is then snapped into engagement with the inner surface  104  of the retaining ring member  24 . When a pipe (not shown) is inserted, it travels through the release pusher  26  into the pipe receiving cavity  200  of the fitting  12 , engaging the fastening ring  18  and the one or more sealing members  14 . The sealing members provide a strong, leak-free seal and the fastening ring prohibits any inclination the pipe may have to slide out of position. 
         [0048]    The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5