Patent Description:
Tubes are used to carry a variety of liquids and/or gases. Couplings or connectors are used to join the tubes in various ways so the tubes can be arranged in a myriad of possible configurations to move material through the tubes. The tubes may be stiff or rigid as with metal or plastic pipes used in household plumbing applications, or the tubes may be flexible. Connectors are used for end-to-end connection of tubes, or they can route tubes at different directions relative to the tube axis. For example, connectors can be employed to change the direction of piping, such as by <NUM>° or <NUM>° angle with respect to a flow passage through the pipe to which the connector is connected. Connectors can also be employed to branch or split piping in different directions. For example, a single pipe section can be connected by a T-fitting or a Y-fitting or a multi-tube joint or a change in diameter.

However, existing tube connectors may be difficult to assemble or require special tools to assemble them. For example, threaded connectors may require a wrench to hold one part while rotating a mating part. There is thus a need for a connector that does not require tools to connect a tube to a connector so the connector may be achieved manually, without tools.

Some existing connectors require deformation to join two parts or to join the connector to the tube. For example, the ends of garden hoses have an outer portion of a hose bib crimped around the outside of the tube to connect the male or female hose bib to the garden hose. Similarly, <CIT> for example, has a user manually deform an end portion of a sleeve so that two parts of a connector cannot move axially apart, thus securing the parts of the connector together. There is thus a need for a simpler connector that does not require manual deformation to join parts.

Some connectors are irreversible and may not be removed except by destroying the connector. A welded or soldered pipe joint is an historic example of a permanent connector. But there is sometimes a need to uncouple a tube and reuse the connector. There is thus a need for a connector that may be uncoupled without destroying the connector.

It is desirable that the fluid connectors not leak, as it may lead to loss of system pressure, or harmful puddles of liquids, or worse if hazardous materials are transported through the tubes. Achieving good fluid seals with fast-connecting couplings is always difficult. There is thus a continuing need for an improved connector that connects fast and provides a fluid-tight seal at least at pressures several times greater than the expected operational pressure of the tubular connector. <CIT> discloses a connector body according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. According to the present invention, there is provided a connector according to claim <NUM>. Such a connector is characterised by the characterising feature of claim <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the latch is configured to move in a direction away from and towards the catch in order to engage the catch.

In an embodiment, the latch extends transversely from the side wall connected thereto.

In an embodiment, the latch extends in a direction of about <NUM> degrees transversely to the side wall.

In an embodiment, the catch is in the form of a recess or projection.

In an embodiment, engagement of the catch with the latch assists in preventing rotation of the sleeve relative to the connecting body.

In an embodiment, an external force being applied over a distance from at least the demount ring to the cartridge is unable to move the demount ring to a position that engages with the teeth to allow the fluid tube to be released.

In an embodiment, the external force is provided on a free end of the demount ring.

In an embodiment, the free end of the demount ring ends substantially in a similar plane to an end of the cartridge.

In an embodiment, the connector includes a protecting ring that is configured to assist in protecting the seal.

In an embodiment, the protecting ring includes a stop that assists in ensuring the seal is captured in a space where retention of the seal is suitable.

In an embodiment, the protecting ring includes a protrusion that assists in supporting the fluid tube.

In still further variations, the sealing ring may move axially a distance of about <NUM>-<NUM> between the protecting ring and the shoulder on the connecting body. The assembly may include the fluid tube passing through the sleeve opening and grab ring teeth and sealing ring. In a further embodiment, the fluid tube contacts the fluid tube stop in the connecting body and the fluid passage extends all the way through the connector body. The connecting body advantageously includes one or more of a straight-line connector, a T connector, a Y-connector, an elbow connector, or a connector changing diameter, or a blind end.

The sealing ring can advantageously move about <NUM>-<NUM> along the cylindrical recess between the protecting ring and the inwardly extending shoulder on the connecting body. The protecting ring preferably has an axial length sufficient to prevent the grab ring teeth from contacting the sealing ring, and may further have an inclined surface which is inclined inward toward the longitudinal axis and toward the distal end of the connector to protect the sealing ring from the grab ring teeth. The demount ring may have a cylindrical demount tube on its proximal end extending along the longitudinal axis and having an inner diameter about the same as but slightly larger than an outer diameter D of the fluid tube so the tube can pass through the demount tube during use. The tube on the proximal end of the cartridge part may encircle the cylindrical demount tube and extend in the proximal direction about the same distance as or slightly greater than the cylindrical demount tube. Advantageously, the proximal ends of the cylindrical tubes end in substantially the same plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the proximal end of the cylindrical demount tube ends distal of the proximal end of the tube on the cartridge part. The proximal end of the sleeve may include a rounded outer surface and/or an inclined surface extending around the circumference of the sleeve end - mostly to strengthen the sleeve's end.

The connector may also have the following variations. The connecting body may comprise one of a straight-line connector, a T connector, a Y-connector, an elbow connector, a blind end connector, or a connector changing diameter. The connecting body advantageously has a fluid passage extending all the way through the connecting body. Moreover, the connector advantageously includes the fluid tube and has the grab ring engaging an outer surface of the fluid tube to restrain removal of the fluid tube from the connector, with the sealing ring providing a fluid tight connection around a circumference of the fluid tube.

In a further embodiment, there is also provided a kit for connecting two fluid tubes. The kit may include a plurality of connectors as described herein along with at least one tube having an outer diameter D at one end of the tube for connection with one of the connectors. The kit advantageously has connector assemblies in which the sealing ring can move about <NUM>-<NUM> along the cylindrical recess between the protecting ring and the inwardly extending shoulder on the connecting body. The kit advantageously includes a connecting body that comprises one of a straight-line connector, a T connector, a Y- connector, an elbow connector, a blind end connector, or a connector changing diameter. The kit advantageously has a demount ring with a cylindrical demount tube on its proximal end that extends along the longitudinal axis and has an inner diameter about the same as but slightly larger than D so the tube can fit snugly inside the cylindrical demount tube. The kit also advantageously has the tubular proximal end of the cartridge encircling the cylindrical demount tube, with the proximal end of the demount tube not extending beyond the proximal end of the cylindrical tube on the cartridge part.

By way of example only, other embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, wherein:.

As used herein, the relative directions and terms inward and outward are with respect to the longitudinal axis, with inward being toward the longitudinal axis and outward being away from that axis. The relative directions and terms distal and proximal are with respect to a connector fastened to an end of a tube, with the distal direction being toward the end of the connector on the end of the tube, and the proximal direction being toward the beginning of the tube segment to which the connector is fastened. The relative direction and term lateral or laterally are in a plane generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

<FIG> illustrate a connector <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM>. The connector <NUM> includes an annular connecting body <NUM>, a sleeve <NUM>, a seal in the form of sealing ring <NUM>, a protecting part in the form of protecting ring <NUM>, a grab part in the form of grab ring <NUM>, a cartridge in the form of cartridge part <NUM> and a demount part in the form of demount ring <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cartridge part <NUM> may be configured as a cartridge ring.

By way of a brief summary, the connecting body <NUM> includes a catch <NUM> at a distal end of the connector <NUM>. The catch <NUM> is in the form of a groove that extends radially around the connecting body <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> has at least one and, in this embodiment, four latches <NUM> extending inwardly at a proximal end of the connector <NUM>. The latches <NUM> engage the catch <NUM> to connect the sleeve <NUM> to the connecting body <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> has other parts, as outlined above and in further detail below, held between and preferably contained within the connecting body <NUM> and sleeve <NUM>. For instance, the sealing ring <NUM> is urged towards or rests against an internal shoulder <NUM> of the connecting body <NUM> by the protecting ring <NUM> having an inwardly stepped distal end <NUM> contacting the sealing ring <NUM>. The grab ring <NUM> has an annular base <NUM> with a plurality of protrusions in the form of teeth <NUM> extending inward and distally toward the connecting body <NUM>. The cartridge part <NUM> has a tubular wall <NUM> on its distal end and a smaller diameter proximal end <NUM>. The tubular wall <NUM> fits into a recess in the connecting body <NUM> having an annular, internal shoulder <NUM> that limits the motion along the axis in the longitudinal direction. The tubular wall <NUM> extends along the longitudinal axis <NUM> and encloses the sealing ring <NUM>, the protecting ring <NUM> and the grab ring <NUM>.

The demount ring <NUM> is also located within the sleeve <NUM> and it has a tubular proximal (free) end <NUM> passing through the proximal end <NUM> of the cartridge part <NUM> as it extends along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The (free) end <NUM> has no externally extending part connected thereto. A stop flange <NUM> is between the distal end surface <NUM> and the proximal tubular end <NUM> and contacts an internal stop <NUM> on the cartridge part <NUM>, preferably formed by an internal shoulder on the cartridge part <NUM>. The demount ring <NUM> has a distal end advantageously taking the form of an outwardly facing surface <NUM> inclined toward the longitudinal axis and inclined toward the connecting body <NUM> and configured to generally conform to the conical shape formed by the inclined grab ring teeth <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> are likewise inclined toward the sealing ring <NUM>.

To further elaborate on the components above, the connecting body <NUM> may be of metal (e.g., brass, stainless steel) or plastic suitable for the intended use, such as polyethylene or PPR or UHMWP. The fluid transported by the tubes <NUM> and pressures will determine the suitable material for the tubes and for the connector body <NUM>. In <FIG>, the connecting body <NUM> is shown as a blind connector which has end wall <NUM> closing off the fluid path through the connecting body <NUM> and from the tube <NUM> connected to that connecting body. The end wall <NUM> forms a tube stop which limits movement of the tube <NUM> through the connecting body <NUM>.

However, to form other connector assemblies required in industry, the connecting body may be a straight-line connecting body 24a or coupler (<FIG>), a T connecting body 24b (<FIG>), an elbow connecting body 24c (<FIG>), a blind end connecting 24d (<FIG>) which blocks flow through the pipe (similar to connecting body <NUM>), a connector changing diameter of the connected pipes (not shown), an angle connecting body 24e (<FIG>), a multiline (or <NUM>-way) connecting body 24f (<FIG>), a wye (Y) connecting body <NUM> (<FIG>), a tee-wye connector (not shown), or another type of connector or combinations of connectors. Naturally, the connecting bodies 24a-<NUM> may have a similar or the same catching arrangement to the catch <NUM>.

The various connector assemblies shown in <FIG> may have one or more parts of the connector <NUM> described above, and the description of those parts is not repeated although some of the part numbers are shown in the figures. In particular, it will be appreciated that the connecting bodies 24a-<NUM> may be used instead of the connecting body <NUM> whilst the remaining parts of the connector <NUM> (i.e. the sleeve <NUM>, the sealing ring <NUM>, the protecting ring <NUM>, the grab ring <NUM>, the cartridge part <NUM> and the demount ring <NUM>) are used to create the respective connectors. As can be seen in <FIG>, multiple connectors are respectively used on each end of the connecting bodies 24a-<NUM> to form the connector assemblies. If the fluid passage extends through the connecting body 24a-24c, 24e-<NUM>, then a tube stop may take the form of an internal shoulder on the connecting body 24a-24c, 24e-<NUM> encircling the flow passage, and preferably forming an annular surface.

As seen in <FIG>, the proximal end of the connecting body <NUM> is slightly chamfered so it may resiliently urge the resilient laches <NUM> outward as the sleeve <NUM> and connecting body <NUM> are moved relative to each other until the latch <NUM> engages the catch <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the same feature may be included on any one of the connecting bodies 24a-<NUM>. An inclined exterior shoulder <NUM> adjacent the catch <NUM> may optionally be provided with the shoulder inclined inward and toward the proximal end so as to be aligned with the latch <NUM>. The shoulder <NUM> may prevent the latch <NUM> from being bent inward and may strengthen the latch-catch connection to better resist separation along the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> has a sleeve sidewall <NUM> from which the latches <NUM> extend. The latches <NUM> comprise a resiliently flexible protrusion. The latches <NUM> extends away from the sleeve sidewall <NUM> towards the axis <NUM>. That is, in this embodiment, the latches <NUM> are in the form of tabs and have an opening <NUM> at the proximal end of each tab. In this regard, the latch <NUM> may comprise an elongated member resiliently urged in a direction to engage the catch <NUM>. Accordingly, the latch <NUM> extends transversely to the axis <NUM> in order to suitably engage with the catch <NUM>.

The depicted latch <NUM> is shown as a generally rectangular plate cut into the sidewall <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> and bent inward toward the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The opening <NUM> in the sidewall defines an end of the latch <NUM> (before it is bent inward) and two parallel cuts aligned with axis <NUM> extend to the opening <NUM> to define the remaining two sides of the generally rectangular plate forming the latch. As the sidewall <NUM> is curved, the free end of the latch <NUM> is slightly curved, advantageously at the same general curvature as the radially outward extending flange forming the catch <NUM>. The latches <NUM> typically extend at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees transversely to the axis <NUM> when captured by the catch <NUM>. This assists with achieving a higher burst pressure as the latches <NUM> are less likely to fail. Separately, the sleeve <NUM> has an axially aligned opening <NUM> in its proximal end sized to allow passage of a first fluid tube <NUM>, with the opening advantageously defined by a cylindrical tube.

The sealing ring <NUM> is made of resilient material such as rubber, EPDM or other suitable elastomers. The sealing ring <NUM> is shown as an O-ring with a circular cross-section but may have various cross-sectional shapes. The inner and outer diameter of the sealing ring <NUM> are selected to fit into and seal against the connecting body <NUM> and to form a fluid tight seal with the tube <NUM> passing through the inner diameter of the sealing ring <NUM>. Advantageously, the internal shoulder <NUM> of the connecting body <NUM> is configured to seal against the sealing ring <NUM>, and in the depicted embodiment the internal shoulder <NUM> is shown as having a curved corner between the axial and radial portions of the shoulder <NUM> which curve is selected to conform to shape and size of the cross-section of the sealing ring <NUM>.

The protecting ring <NUM> has its distal end <NUM> (i.e., one end) configured to fit inside the proximal end of the connecting body <NUM> to trap the sealing ring <NUM> between the shoulder <NUM> and the protecting ring <NUM>. The sealing ring <NUM> is advantageously allowed axial motion, preferably about <NUM>-<NUM> motion along longitudinal axis <NUM>. Thus, the sealing ring <NUM> may advantageously move about <NUM>-<NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM> between the protecting ring <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> of the connecting body. The protecting ring's distal end <NUM> is preferably cylindrical as is the larger diameter, outer body of the annular, protecting ring <NUM>, so as to form an annular, radially inward extending shoulder acting as stop <NUM> that contacts the annular, proximal end of the connecting body <NUM> to limit the relative positions of the protecting ring <NUM> and connecting body <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The shoulder or stop <NUM> also centers the protecting ring <NUM> within the connecting body <NUM> and by locating the distal end <NUM> of the protecting ring <NUM> relative to the stop <NUM> on the protective ring <NUM>, it allows that distal end <NUM> to extend a predetermined distance into the (cylindrical) recess that extends from the connecting body's shoulder <NUM> to the proximal end of the connecting body <NUM> and thereby determine the preferred <NUM>-<NUM> axial movement of the sealing ring <NUM> within that (cylindrical) recess. In other words, the protecting ring <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> extending away from the stop <NUM> that assists in locating it in the fluid passage extending through the connecting body <NUM>. The extension of projection <NUM> through at least part of the connecting body <NUM> assists in fluid tube support and achieving higher pressure ratings. Furthermore, the stop <NUM> prevents a tolerance stack up that may affect the location of the sealing ring <NUM> and its subsequent sealing. Accordingly, the projection <NUM> assists in assembly as calibration requirements may be reduced. Separately, the stop <NUM> extends radially outward only a short distance and less than a radial thickness of the proximal end of the connecting body <NUM>.

The protecting ring <NUM> advantageously has an inclined surface <NUM> inclined inward and toward the distal end of the connector <NUM>, so as to generally align with the teeth <NUM> of the grab ring <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> forms a generally conical surface. The axial length of the protecting ring <NUM> and the inclined surface <NUM> prevent the teeth <NUM> from contacting and damaging the sealing ring <NUM>.

The annular grab ring <NUM> is preferably of metal with a flat, radially extending base <NUM>, and inclined teeth <NUM> encircling the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> are equally spaced and sufficient in number to resiliently engage the outer surface of the tube <NUM> and restrain it from being removed along the axis <NUM>. The grab ring <NUM> is held between the cartridge part <NUM> and the protecting ring <NUM>. Advantageously, a proximal end of the protecting ring <NUM> contacts the distal side of the base <NUM>, while internal shoulder <NUM> on the cartridge part <NUM> contacts the proximal side of the base <NUM>. As the teeth <NUM> flex outward when the tube <NUM> passes through the opening formed by the teeth <NUM>, the teeth <NUM> bend toward the generally conical surface <NUM> on the protecting ring <NUM>. One or all of the inner diameters of the protecting ring <NUM> and the relative angles of the teeth <NUM> and surface <NUM> and the inner diameter of tubular proximal end <NUM> of the demount ring <NUM>, may limit the maximum diameter of the tube <NUM> inserted through the grab ring <NUM> and protecting ring <NUM>.

As outlined above, the cartridge part <NUM> has a second internal shoulder forming stop <NUM> inward of the shoulder <NUM>. The shoulder <NUM> forms an axially aligned face against which the stop flange <NUM> on the demount ring <NUM> rests to limit axial motion of the demount ring <NUM> relative to the cartridge part <NUM> in one axial direction. The tubular proximal end <NUM> of the demount ring <NUM> is inserted from the distal end of the cartridge part <NUM> until the stop flange <NUM> contacts the radially extending, annular shoulder <NUM> on the cartridge part <NUM>. Thus, the cartridge part <NUM> limits motion along the longitudinal axis <NUM> (in the proximal direction) of the demount ring <NUM> and/or the grab ring <NUM>. The demount ring <NUM> can move in the distal direction along axis <NUM> and can spread the grab ring teeth <NUM> outward to disengage those teeth from the tube <NUM> previously engaged by those teeth <NUM>. Thus, pushing in the distal direction on the proximal end of the demount ring <NUM> may disengage the grab ring teeth <NUM> from the tube <NUM> and allow removal of the tube <NUM> from the connector <NUM>.

The demount ring <NUM> is positioned on the cartridge part <NUM> to move therealong. The inclined surface <NUM> of the demount ring <NUM> is on a proximal side of the grab ring teeth <NUM>, while the inclined surface <NUM> on the protecting ring <NUM> is on the distal side of the grab ring teeth <NUM>. The grab ring teeth <NUM> are between the inclined surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Advantageously, the inclined surface <NUM> on the demount ring <NUM> is configured to engage the base of the teeth <NUM> adjacent the grab ring's base <NUM>.

To further detail the construction of the connector <NUM>, the protecting ring <NUM> advantageously has an engaging member on its outer surface mating with another engaging part on the cartridge part <NUM>. The depicted construction has an engaging member in the form of a slight outward protrusion <NUM>, preferably a slightly raised, circumferential ring with inclined leading and/or trailing edges. The protrusion <NUM> is located and configured to fit into an engaging part in the form of a circumferential recess <NUM> in the inside of the tubular wall <NUM> of the cartridge part <NUM>. Advantageously, when the protrusion <NUM> on the protecting ring <NUM> engages the recess <NUM> on the cartridge part <NUM>, the two parts are held together so as to secure the grab ring <NUM> between the shoulder <NUM> on the cartridge part and the proximal end of the protecting ring. Moreover, the demount ring <NUM> is preferably already seated with its stop <NUM> on the stop <NUM> of the cartridge part <NUM> so the snap connection of the protrusion and recess <NUM>, <NUM> also restrains the demount ring <NUM> from moving out of the cartridge part <NUM>. The demount ring <NUM> can move axially between the shoulder <NUM> and the grab ring <NUM>. The cartridge part <NUM> and protecting ring <NUM> may thus form a snap-fit sub assembly restraining movement of the demount ring <NUM> and grab ring <NUM>, so all those parts may move as a unit.

The cartridge part <NUM> has the diameter of its tubular wall <NUM> selected so that it contacts the connecting body <NUM>. When the cartridge part <NUM> contacts the connecting body <NUM>, the grab ring <NUM> is trapped between the protecting ring <NUM> and the internal shoulder <NUM> on the cartridge part <NUM>, with the demount ring <NUM> located so its inclined surface <NUM> does not urge the grab ring teeth <NUM> outward and away from the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Advantageously, the protecting ring <NUM> extends into the connecting body <NUM> and, as outlined above, allows the sealing ring <NUM> to move axially about <NUM>-<NUM> before contacting the protecting ring or the shoulder <NUM> on the connecting body <NUM>. The axial motion of the sealing ring <NUM> is insufficient to allow the sealing ring <NUM> to skew or tilt enough to become misaligned when the distal end of the tube <NUM> contacts the sealing ring <NUM>.

With the above in mind, the sleeve <NUM> has opening <NUM> in its proximal end sized to allow the proximal end <NUM> of the cartridge part <NUM> to pass. Advantageously, the fit is snug so the sleeve <NUM> radially supports the proximal end <NUM> of the cartridge part <NUM>, which in turn supports the proximal end <NUM> of the demount ring <NUM>, which supports the tube <NUM> passing through the demount ring <NUM>. The proximal end of the sleeve <NUM> is shown with an inwardly inclined surface <NUM> and a rounded reduction in diameter <NUM> at its proximal end. These contours increase the radial and axial stiffness of the sleeve <NUM>, and allow a suitable length of the parts contained within the sleeve <NUM>. By way of example, the proximal end of the sleeve <NUM> includes a straight portion next to the rounded reduction <NUM> that suitably increases the strength of the retainer and stops unrolling of the sleeve <NUM>. The outer periphery of the sleeve <NUM> preferably conforms to the outer shape of the parts inside the sleeve <NUM>, including the portion of the connecting body <NUM> enclosed by the sleeve <NUM>. Advantageously, as seen in <FIG>, the distal end of the sleeve <NUM> overlaps a portion of the connecting body. The remainder of the connecting body <NUM> will vary, as outlined above, depending on whether the connecting body <NUM> is an in-line connector, an elbow connector, a T-connector, a Y-connector, a multi-tube connector, or a blind end connector as depicted in <FIG>, or another type of connector.

For ease of reference, it is also noted that the connecting body <NUM> may be made of metal or suitable plastic compatible with the fluid being carried by the tube <NUM>. By way of example, a connecting body <NUM> made of a modified PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) may be suitable, with one such PPSU sold under the trademark Acudel®. PPSU or PSU (polysulfone) may also be suitable. The sealing ring <NUM> is advantageously made of rubber or suitable elastomer. For example, a sealing ring <NUM> of EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) may be suitable. The protecting ring <NUM> can be made of a suitable plastic, with Nylon a possible option. The grab ring <NUM> in this embodiment is made from stainless steel. The cartridge part <NUM> is made of a suitable strong polymer compatible with the fluid carried in the tube <NUM>. A cartridge part <NUM> made of POM (polyoxymethylene) is potentially suitable. A demount ring <NUM> made of the same POM material is also believed suitable. The sleeve <NUM> is advantageously of stainless steel, and advantageously drawn to shape by successive drawing steps with the opening <NUM> and latches <NUM> punched in the later drawing stages.

For assembly, the demount ring <NUM> and grab ring <NUM> are contained between the cartridge part <NUM> and protecting ring <NUM> by the protrusion and recess <NUM>, <NUM>, described above to form a sub-assembly. Separately, the sealing ring <NUM> is placed into the connecting body <NUM> and the above-described sub-assembly is then inserted into the connecting body <NUM> so the distal end of the protecting ring <NUM> enters the cylindrical recess of the connecting body <NUM> until the stop <NUM> contacts the proximal end of the connecting body <NUM>, trapping the sealing ring <NUM> between the shoulder <NUM> of the connecting body <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the protecting ring <NUM>. Following this, the sidewall <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is passed over the intervening parts and the proximal end of the connecting body <NUM>, until the sleeve latch <NUM> engages catch <NUM> to lock the sleeve <NUM> to the connecting body <NUM> and form the connector <NUM>. For the latch <NUM> to engage the catch <NUM>, the latch <NUM> rotates in a first direction, as the sleeve <NUM> moves relative to the connecting body <NUM>, and then returns in an opposite direction to be retained by the catch <NUM>. Whilst being retained by the catch <NUM>, the latch <NUM> extends in a transverse direction to the axis <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be provided as a separate, assembled part, or it may be provided in an unassembled state.

In a further embodiment, it would be appreciated that, for example, the sleeve <NUM>, the protection ring <NUM>, the grab ring <NUM>, the cartridge part <NUM> and the demount ring <NUM> may form a subassembly during production. This subassembly may then be compressed onto the connecting body <NUM> with the sealing ring <NUM> therein. With this in mind, during production of the connector <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention, the latch <NUM> may require the above subassemblies to be compressed to allow it to engage with the catch <NUM>. That is, one or more of the internal components of the subassemblies need to be compressed to a point that allows the latch <NUM> to engage with the catch <NUM>. After the compression force is released, one or more internal components of the subassemblies would then assist in applying a tension force on the sleeve <NUM>. This tension force would then lock the latch <NUM> against the catch <NUM>, substantially preventing rotation of the sleeve <NUM> about the axis <NUM>. The engagement of the latch <NUM> with the catch <NUM> in this regard also assists in providing the forces necessary to sustain the integrity of the connector <NUM> when a (high pressure) fluid passes therethrough.

In addition, in other embodiments, the assembly of the connector <NUM> may include a tube liner that is retained within the connector <NUM>. The tube liner assists in supporting the inner wall of the tube <NUM>. In this regard, the tube liner would be located inboard of the demount ring <NUM> and configured to receive the tube <NUM> thereover.

After assembly of the connector <NUM>, the tube <NUM> may then be inserted through the open end of the connector <NUM>. The tube <NUM> is inserted through the sleeve <NUM>, demount ring <NUM> and encircling tubular wall <NUM> of the cartridge part <NUM> until the distal end of the tube <NUM> passes through the grab ring <NUM>, protecting ring <NUM> and sealing ring <NUM> before contacting the internal shoulder <NUM> which stops relative axial movement of the tube <NUM> through the distal end of the connector <NUM>. The grab ring <NUM> and its teeth <NUM> prevent the tube <NUM> from being pulled out of the proximal end of the connector <NUM>, while the shoulder <NUM> on the connecting body <NUM> (or 24a-<NUM>) prevents the tube <NUM> from being pushed out the distal end of the connecting body <NUM>. The outer diameter D of the tube <NUM> is sufficiently larger than the smaller inner diameter of the sealing ring <NUM> to form a fluid tight seal. Depending the amount of fluid seal or leakage that is desired or permitted, the interference fit between the sealing ring <NUM> and tube <NUM> will vary. The sealing ring <NUM> is advantageously allowed to slide axially in the cylindrical recess ending with shoulder <NUM> a distance of about <NUM>-<NUM>. However, if desired, the sealing ring <NUM> could be pressed against the shoulder <NUM> by the distal end <NUM> of the protecting ring <NUM>. That is, the projection <NUM> may, for instance, extend to a position to compress the sealing ring <NUM>. This may increase the integrity of the sealing by the sealing ring <NUM> but, as appreciated from above, needs to be traded off with a tolerance stack during assembly.

To avoid accidental disengagement of the tube <NUM> from the connector <NUM>, the tubular proximal end <NUM> of the demount ring <NUM> has an axial length selected to end with the proximal end of the cartridge part <NUM>. Thus, the tubular proximal end <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the cartridge part <NUM> are in the same general plane. Advantageously the demount ring <NUM> is slightly distal of the plane through the proximal end <NUM> and/or proximal end <NUM>, by about <NUM> or less. The cartridge part <NUM> contacts the connecting body <NUM> and it is desirable to have those connected parts stationary relative to the demount ring <NUM> which can move axially toward the connecting body <NUM>. To avoid accidental contact with the proximal end of the demount ring <NUM> from moving the demount ring <NUM> and reducing the gripping force of the grab ring <NUM> on the tube <NUM>, it is desirable to have the proximal end of the demount ring <NUM> flush with or slightly distal of the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM> so the connecting body <NUM> or the cartridge part <NUM> resists axial movement cartridge part restricts axial movement of the demount ring <NUM> when a force is provided over at least the demount ring <NUM> to the cartridge part <NUM> or the connecting body <NUM>. In other words, the demount ring <NUM> is positioned such that an external force being applied from at least the demount ring <NUM> to the cartridge part <NUM> will not allow the demount ring <NUM> to move to a position to disengage the teeth <NUM> from the tube <NUM>. On this basis, in order to release the tube <NUM>, the connector <NUM> requires a specific tool to engage the demount ring <NUM> alone whilst not engaging another component of the connector <NUM>.

With the above in mind, if the connector <NUM> is to be removed from the tube <NUM>, the demount ring <NUM> is pushed toward the distal end of the connector (with a specific tool) and towards the connecting body <NUM> so the inclined surface <NUM> on the demount ring <NUM> spreads the grab ring teeth <NUM> outward, disengaging them from the outer surface of the tube <NUM> and allowing the tube <NUM> to be removed along the axis <NUM>. It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, based on the present specification, that the various parts of the connector <NUM> encircle and prevent lateral movement of the tube <NUM> relative to the connector <NUM> and parts of that assembly, and that those parts also prevent removal of the tube <NUM> laterally from the connector <NUM>.

Advantageously, the connector <NUM> allows parts to be arranged and snapped together for use relatively conveniently. The connector <NUM> does not require manual deformation of any parts to create a connection as the connector <NUM> need only be placed on the end of the tube <NUM> and either or both of the parts moved axially together in order to connect them, with the sealing ring <NUM> providing a fluid tight connection while the connecting body <NUM> (or 24a-<NUM>) allows the tube <NUM> to be used in a variety of fluid connections. If desired to disconnect the parts, the demount ring <NUM> may be used and pressed manually to disengage the tube, although preferably a tool is used to engage the proximal end of the demount ring <NUM> and move it to release the grab ring <NUM> and disengage the tube <NUM>. If desired to open up the connector <NUM>, a tool could be inserted into each opening <NUM> in the sleeve sidewall <NUM> to urge the latches <NUM> out of engagement with the catch <NUM> and thus disassemble the connector <NUM>. Advantageously, though, the sleeve's sidewall opening <NUM> does not allow manual access by a user's fingers to release latch <NUM> from catch <NUM> and the use of two or more mating latches and catch(es) along with a tight fit of the sleeve <NUM> around the enclosed parts, makes it impractical to release the latches <NUM> sequentially from the catch(es) <NUM>. Thus, disengaging the latches <NUM> from the catch(es) <NUM> is preferably not achieved without special purposed tools or requires permanently deforming at least one latch <NUM> or catch <NUM>. Thus, the latch and catch <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably not a releasable connection and instead requires deformation or breakage which leaves a visible record that the latches were disconnected. Preferably, the latch and catch <NUM>, <NUM> form a permanent connection between the sleeve and catch body that cannot be removed without breaking the connector <NUM>.

As outlined above, the connector <NUM> may be formed from one or more materials. For high strength or high-pressure applications, it is believed suitable to make all parts of suitable metal, except the sealing ring <NUM>. The material used for the tube <NUM> will vary with the intended use, and may include metal pipes (e.g., copper, brass, iron), stiff plastic pipes (e.g., for plumbing), flexible tubes of plastic or flexible tubes of braided metal, braided plastic or other braided materials.

To further illustrate the above options in materials, a connector <NUM>' having a connecting body <NUM>' made of metal (e.g., brass) is shown in <FIG>, and in which like numbers refer to the same parts and the descriptions of such parts are not repeated. Modified parts are denoted by a prime marking ( ' ) while new parts are given new numbers. The metal connecting body <NUM>' omits the inclined exterior shoulder <NUM> and instead has a uniform diameter outer surface <NUM>'. The protecting ring <NUM>' has a flange <NUM> extending radially outward from the outer surface of the annular protecting ring <NUM>', with a plurality of axially aligned ribs <NUM> extending from the distal end of the flange <NUM> toward the distal end of the protecting ring <NUM>'. The ribs <NUM> and flange <NUM> help center the protecting ring <NUM>' in the cartridge part <NUM> on the longitudinal axis <NUM> - while reducing the weight of the protecting ring <NUM>'. The protecting ring <NUM>' has a stepped inner surface to help reduce weight, with a step <NUM> interposed between the inclined surface <NUM>' and the proximal end of the protecting ring <NUM>'. cartridge part. In this variation, it is also suitable to make the sealing ring <NUM> from EPDM, the protecting ring <NUM>' from Nylon, the grab ring <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> from stainless steel, and the cartridge part <NUM> and demount ring <NUM> are made of POM.

Separately, to illustrate that the connector of the present invention may be suitably scaled, <FIG> illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention. The connector <NUM>" in <FIG> includes a connecting body <NUM>", a sleeve <NUM>", a sealing ring <NUM>", a protecting ring <NUM>", a grab ring <NUM>", a cartridge part <NUM>" and a demount ring <NUM>". The components of the connector <NUM>" are substantially similar to those of connector <NUM> (only different size) but with the following notable differences. In a similar manner to the connector <NUM>', the connecting body <NUM>" includes a uniform diameter outer surface <NUM>'. That is, the surface <NUM>' is in the form of a slot extending at least partway round the connecting body <NUM>". Furthermore, the connector <NUM>" includes sleeve <NUM>" with a size reduction <NUM>" connecting two offset surfaces. One of the offset surfaces forms the opening <NUM>" whilst the other offset surface includes the latch <NUM>" therein.

Any one of the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" may be provided in a kit form that includes the unassembled parts forming the connector, but preferably includes one or more of the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" alone, or with at least one tube configured to fit into one or more of the connector assemblies and form a fluid tight seal. Advantageously, the kit comprises a plurality of connectors <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" or a length of tube <NUM> and at least one or two connectors <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>". The kit may include a plurality of connectors <NUM> and a plurality of tubes <NUM> sized to provide a fluid tight connection with the connector <NUM>. Any of the above kits may include a connector body <NUM>-<NUM> that comprises an in-line connector, an elbow connector, a T-connector, a Y-connector, a multi-tube connector or a blind end connector, or any combination of these connector bodies <NUM>-<NUM>, or other connector bodies.

The above description is given by way of example. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope of the invention, including various ways of connecting the demount ring <NUM> and the cartridge part <NUM>, such forming an axial slot along the length of the demount ring <NUM>, with the slot sufficiently large that the demount ring could compress enough to fit through the proximal end of the cartridge part <NUM> and expand so the stop flange engaged the second internal shoulder <NUM> on the cartridge part <NUM> to connect those parts. Thus, the invention is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

In this specification, adjectives such as left and right, top and bottom, hot and cold, first and second, and the like may be used to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where context permits, reference to a component, an integer or step (or the alike) is not to be construed as being limited to only one of that component, integer, or step, but rather could be one or more of that component, integer or step.

In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claim 1:
A connector comprising:
a connecting body (<NUM>) having a fluid passage that extends at least part way therethrough;
a seal (<NUM>) configured to provide a seal with an outer portion of a fluid tube;
a cartridge (<NUM>) located near the connecting body, the cartridge having a hollow portion therethrough;
a grab part (<NUM>) having one or more teeth (<NUM>) cartridge part that are configured to retain the fluid tube, the grab part being located between the cartridge and the seal;
a demount part (<NUM>) being movable within the hollow portion of the cartridge and configured to move the one or more teeth to a position to allow the fluid tube to be released; and
a sleeve (<NUM>) covering at least part of the cartridge (<NUM>) and the connecting body (<NUM>), wherein a latch is located on the sleeve and a mating catch (<NUM>) is located on the connecting body such that engagement of the latch with the catch connects the sleeve to the connecting body (<NUM>) and assists in restraining movement of the cartridge (<NUM>), wherein the latch (<NUM>) includes one or more protrusions extending from a sidewall of the sleeve and is configured to rotate about the sidewall connected thereto in order to engage with the catch, the demount part having a demount tube extending through the sleeve opening (<NUM>) and the cartridge having a cartridge tube encircling the demount tube; characterised in that the cartridge tube also extends through the sleeve opening.