Abstract:
A threaded connection element adapted to reside in secure embedded relation within a wall structure of a fluid containment unit. The connection element includes a proximal portion adapted to engaging a thickness dimension of the wall structure and a distal threaded portion adapted to project away from the wall structure for attachment to an engagement structure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This Non-Provisional Application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/986,084 filed Nov. 7, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to threaded connection elements and, more particularly, to threaded connectors including a proximal base adapted to reside below a surface of a support wall structure and a threaded distal end adapted to project away from the support wall structure for attachment to a removable engagement member. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Fluid containment units such as oil pans, chemical storage reservoirs and the like may form part of a fluid distribution circuit. Such containment units may incorporate entrance and/or exit ports to permit fluid to be introduced and expelled as required. In some instances, it may be desirable to use a connection element at the entrance and/or exit port to establish a fluid connection between the containment unit and an exterior member such as a filter or the like. Such connection elements may be required to withstand multiple cycles of engagement and disengagement with the filters or other engagement members as they are replaced over time. Thus, the connection unit may benefit from relatively substantial structural stability. Conversely, the containment unit itself may not be required to exhibit substantial structural strength. Thus, the use of relatively thin-walled materials of construction may be desirable to reduce weight. 
         [0004]    Due to the different strength requirements for the connection element and the fluid containment unit, forming the connection element as an integral portion of the fluid containment unit may not be desirable. Likewise, attachment by welding or similar connection techniques may not be suitable for polymer containment units and/or thin-walled units and may be difficult to reverse in the event that the connection element becomes damaged. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a threaded connection element adapted to reside in secure embedded relation within a wall structure of a fluid containment unit. The connection element includes a proximal portion adapted to engaging a thickness dimension of the wall structure and a distal threaded portion adapted to project away from the wall structure for attachment to an engagement structure. 
         [0006]    According to one exemplary feature, a proximal portion of the connection element includes a knurled ring segment including an irregular surface adapted to engage the thickness dimension of the wall structure. 
         [0007]    According to another exemplary feature, a proximal portion of the connection element includes a knurled ring segment adapted to engage the thickness dimension of the wall structure and a flange structure disposed at a position rearward of the knurled ring segment adapted for seated relation against an underside of the wall structure. 
         [0008]    Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features throughout the various views. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic side view of a first embodiment of a connection element in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic cut-away view of the connection element of  FIG. 1  housed within a containment wall structure of a fluid containment vessel in attached relation with a removable filter. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic side view of a second embodiment of a connection element in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic cut-away view of the connection element of  FIG. 3  housed within a containment wall structure of a fluid containment vessel in attached relation with a removable filter. 
       
    
    
       [0013]    Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalence thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a connection element  10  consistent with the present disclosure. The connection element  10  has a generally hollow unitary body defining an interior through bore for use in conveying fluid along the interior of the connection element. As shown, the body of the connection element  10  includes a knurled ring segment  12  including an arrangement of projections in the form of teeth disposed in a pattern circumferentially about a proximal portion of the connection element  10 . The outer edges of the teeth define an effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment  12 . As shown, a collar segment  14  is disposed in forward adjacent relation to the knurled ring segment  12 . In the illustrated exemplary construction, the collar segment  14  has an outer surface defining a collar diameter which is less than the effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment  12 . A radial shoulder  16  extends between the collar segment  14  and a reduced diameter neck portion  20  having a diameter less than the collar segment  14 . As shown, the radial shoulder  16  may have a rounded forward edge, although a sharp edge may likewise be utilized if desired. A threaded segment  22  defining a nipple is disposed forward of the neck portion  20 . As will be described further hereinafter, the threaded segment  22  is adapted to engage a thread-accepting displaceable member. In the illustrated construction, the threaded segment includes a lead-in chamfer  24  at the first thread to facilitate threaded engagement with the displaceable member. The connection element is preferably cold-formed using relatively heavy gauge steel or other metal rod stock although other structural materials may likewise be utilized if desired. 
         [0015]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the connection element  10  of  FIG. 1  is shown in threaded relation within a removable filter  30  shown in phantom. As illustrated, the connection element  10  is held in partially embedded relation within a wall segment  32  defining an outer wall of a fluid containment unit such as an oil pan or the like. In the illustrated arrangement, the threaded segment  22  projects outwardly away from an exterior surface  34  of the wall segment  32  to engage the filter  30 . The knurled ring segment  12  is disposed at a position below the exterior surface  34  such that the knurled ring segment  12  engages at least a portion of the thickness dimension in the wall segment  32  and is held in clamped relation by the surrounding wall segment. As will be appreciated, the contoured surface of-the knurled ring segment  12  substantially limits rotation of the connection element  10  thereby facilitating a tight threaded relation between the connection element  10  and the filter  30  or other displaceable member. Accordingly, torque applied to the filter  30  does not translate to rotation in the connection element  10 . Moreover, the presence of the connection element  10  within the wall segment  32  may provide enhanced stability to the wall segment  32 . 
         [0016]    By way of example only, insert molding may be used to achieve the desired orientation of the connection element  10  within the wall segment  32  to achieve secure engagement. Such insert molding may be carried out by first forming the connection element  10  and thereafter molding the wall segment  32  around a portion of the knurled ring segment  12  and the collar segment  14  such that a portion of the material forming the wall segment  32  extends into the depressions between the raised surfaces around the knurled ring segment  16 . A portion of the material forming the wall segment  32  may also extend in overlying relation to at least a portion of the radial shoulder  16  and/or behind a rear surface of the knurled ring segment  12  to further aid in locking the connection element  10  in place. In performing such insert molding, any suitable material of construction may be used to form the wall segment  32 . By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary materials for forming the wall segment  32  may include plastics, composites and metals such as aluminum and the like. 
         [0017]    As will be appreciated, the connection element  10  is also adapted for press-fit insertion into position within the wall segment  32 . In such a practice, the connection element may be pressed into a preformed opening extending across the wall segment  32 . The pressure between the wall segment  32  and the knurled ring segment  12  thereafter prevents rotation of the connection element  10 . Such a press-fit arrangement may be particularly well suited for use in wall segments formed from materials of relatively high resiliency including plastics, resilient metals and the like. 
         [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a connection element  110  wherein elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by corresponding reference numerals within a  100  series. The exemplary connection element  110  is in the form of a unitary hollow body including a knurled ring segment  112  with an arrangement of teeth disposed in a pattern circumferentially about the connection element  110  with interposed depressions between the teeth. The outer edges of the teeth define an effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment  112 . A collar segment  114  is disposed in forward adjacent relation to the knurled ring segment  112 . In the exemplary construction, the collar segment  114  has an outer surface defining a collar diameter which is less than the effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment  112 . A radial shoulder  116  extends between the collar segment  114  and a reduced diameter neck portion  120  having a diameter less than the collar segment  114 . As shown, the radial shoulder  116  may have a rounded forward edge, although a sharp edge may likewise be utilized if desired. A threaded segment  122  is disposed forward of the neck portion  120 . In the illustrated construction, the threaded segment  122  includes a lead-in chamfer  124  at the first thread to facilitate threaded engagement with a displaceable member. 
         [0019]    The connection element  110  illustrated in  FIG. 3  further includes a flange member  140  disposed rearward of the knurled ring segment  112 . The flange member  140  defines an annular ring having an edge surface projecting radially away from a central longitudinal axis. As shown, the flange member  140  is characterized by an outer diameter greater than the effective outer diameter of the knurled ring segment  112 . The flange member  140  is spaced apart from the knurled ring segment  112  by a reduced diameter spacing segment  142  to define a forward-facing flange shoulder  144 . Although the flange shoulder  144  is illustrated as rounded, a sharp-edge configuration may likewise be utilized if desired. 
         [0020]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in the condition wherein the connection element  110  is embedded within a wall segment  132 , the flange shoulder  144  may be seated against an interior surface  146  of the wall segment  132  with outer edges of the flange member  140  extending to an outboard position. The flange member  140  thus acts to block the connection element  110  against withdrawal in an outward direction. 
         [0021]    As with the earlier described embodiment, the connection element  110  is adapted for insert molding at a desired position within the wall segment  132  to achieve a secure construction. Such insert molding may be carried out by first forming the connection element  110  and thereafter molding the wall segment  132  around a portion of the knurled ring segment  112  and the collar segment  114  such that a portion of the material forming the wall segment  132  extends into the depressions between the raised surfaces around the knurled ring segment  116 . A portion of the material forming the wall segment  132  may also extend in overlying relation to at least a portion of the radial shoulder  116  and behind a rear surface of the knurled ring segment  112  in overlying relation to the forward facing flange shoulder  144  to further aid in locking the connection element  110  in place. In performing such insert molding, any suitable material of construction may be used to form the wall segment  132 . By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary materials for forming the wall segment  132  may include plastics, composites and metals such as aluminum and the like. 
         [0022]    As will be appreciated, the connection element  110  is also adapted for press-fit insertion into position within the wall segment  132 . In such a practice, the connection element may be pressed into a pre-formed opening located at the interior surface  146  and extending across the wall segment  132 . Insertion is terminated when the flange member reaches the blocking position with the flange shoulder pressed against the interior surface  146 . The pressure between the wall segment  132  and the knurled ring segment  112  thereafter prevents rotation of the connection element  110 . Such a press-fit arrangement may be particularly well suited for use in wall segments formed from materials of relatively high resiliency including plastics, resilient metals and the like. 
         [0023]    Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
         [0024]    Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.