Abstract:
An overmolded end form for flexible tubing includes windows that are formed to reduce the thickness of the end form, and increase its flexibility. The windows are spaced from each other to provide an area for display of information, such as a logo or part number.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application relates to a flexible tubing having a relatively flexible overmolded end form, wherein space is provided on the end form for the provision of information. 
         [0002]    Plumbing fixtures typically include an end fitting, such as a pipe extending into a wall, and toward a shut-off valve. This end fitting is connected to various plumbing equipment, such as a faucet, etc. by flexible tubing. Some provision is required for securing the flexible tubing to the end fitting. 
         [0003]    It is known to provide an overmolded end form on the flexible tubing at an end to be received within the end fitting. Nuts then secure the overmolded end form to the end fitting. 
         [0004]    There has been a good deal of design work in the field of end forms. One development that has been utilized in overmolded end forms is the provision of cut-out “windows” which extend into the body of the end form to provide a reduced thickness at several spaced locations. The windows provide more flexibility in the end form. Also, the windows support and prevent kinking at a nut and end form interface. In the known end forms that utilize such windows, the windows extend over the great majority of a circumferential extent of the end form. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In the disclosed embodiment of this invention, there are relatively large areas provided circumferentially between spaced windows. These relatively large areas provide a space to imprint logos, part numbers, etc. The relatively large areas are provided with over 60%, and in a disclosed embodiment, over 90% of the overall circumference of the end form. In a particular disclosed embodiment, there are two spaced areas, and the total circumferential range of the two combined spaces was over 150°. In a disclosed embodiment, it approached 180°. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, there are two sets of larger windows, with a smaller sub-window on one circumferential side. The space for the logo, part number, or other information, is at an opposed circumferential side. 
         [0007]    These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  schematically shows a first plumbing installation. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows an alternative structure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a disclosed end form. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  is one side of a first embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  shows an opposed side of the first embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view through the first embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  shows a second embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0015]    A plumbing assembly  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As known, an end fitting  22 , such as a shut-off valve receives a nut  24 . The nut  24  secures a tubing  26  by capturing a head  28  molded onto the tubing. A seal  30  may also be included. When the nut  24  is secured onto threads  32  on the end fitting  22 , the nut secures the tubing  26  to the end fitting. The head  28  (or  38  in the  FIG. 2  embodiment) is molded onto the tubing  26 . In  FIG. 2 , nut  36  captures the head  28  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The different heads  28  and  38  as shown in  FIG. 1  are merely examples. Various other shapes would come within the scope of this invention. 
         [0016]    As can be appreciated from  FIGS. 1-3 , a series of rows of windows  44  are formed into the outer periphery of an extension section  40  of the overmolded end form. These windows  44  extend circumferentially between ends  46  and  48 . The ends  46  and  48  of opposed sets of windows  44  are spaced by an area  50 . The area  50  may be utilized to display information such as a logo, part number, etc. Typically, the information can be molded into the end form. As shown, a recess  201  helps highlight the information. The purpose of the windows  44  is to provide additional flexibility, support, etc. to the overmolded portion as mentioned above. Also as mentioned above, in the prior art the windows cover the great majority of the circumferential extent of the overmold end form. Retainer tab  200  holds the nut on the end form prior to assembly. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in a first embodiment, an opposed area  52  for receiving additional information (here a part number) is formed on an opposed side from the area  50 . 
         [0018]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , the combined angles over which the areas  50  and  52  extend are greater than 120°, and, in fact, approach 180°. 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 5B , in a further embodiment  140 , the area  150  is as shown in the first embodiment, however the opposed side  152  is actually provided with two spaced lands with an intermediate sub-window  154 . With this embodiment, there is less surface area for display of information, however, the area  150  is still large enough for display of information, and the smaller areas  152  can also display information. Again, the surface area of area  152 , over which information can be displayed, is still greater than 60°, and is actually approaching 90°. 
         [0020]    As shown, the information can be raised from the nominal surface, or simply printed on the surface. Also, the number and shape of the windows is merely an example. Other numbers and shapes would come within the scope of this invention. 
         [0021]    The end form may be molded from PEX, and onto a PEX tube. However, the invention is not limited to any particular material. In one embodiment, the overmold is injected molded onto an extruded tube to provide a bond. The product is then cross-linked by electron beaming. Other cross-linking techniques may be used. However, other methods of forming the combination would also come within the scope of this invention. 
         [0022]    Although a nut is disclosed to secure the end form, other retention methods, such as a quick connect, may be utilized. 
         [0023]    Although embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.