Patent ID: 7213610

Claim:
A drop tube assembly adapted for use with a liquid reservoir, the drop tube assembly comprising: a) a first drop tube segment comprising a first conduit including first and second end portions, at least the second end portion of the first conduit having a first wall with an inner surface, wherein the first wall includes edges defining an aperture; b) a second drop tube segment comprising: i) a second conduit including first and second end portions, at least the first end portion of the second conduit having a second wall with inner and outer surfaces, wherein the second end portion of the first conduit and the first end portion of the second conduit are attached together, at least portions of the first and second conduits cooperating to at least partially define a liquid flow path, and a fastener receiving structure on the second wall, with the fastener receiving structure being devoid of any opening extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the second wall; and ii) a valve assembly comprising: a valve member associated with the first end portion of the second conduit, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member and adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the first end portion of the second conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir; c) an interstitial space interposed between at least portions of the inner surface of the first wall and the outer surface of the second wall; d) a fastener extending through the aperture and the interstitial space to engage the fastener receiving structure, wherein the fastener at least partially secures the first conduit relative to the second conduit; and e) a sealing member at least partially disposed between the first wall and the second wall, the sealing member being operative to inhibit fluid communication between the interstitial space and the liquid flow path; wherein, the edges have a first position and a second position, wherein the edges when in the first position of the first wall extend radially outwardly from other portions of the first wall adjacent to the edges, and when in the second position extend radially inwardly from other portions of the first wall adjacent to the edges, the edges of the first wall are shaped at least partially into the fastener receiving structure after the first conduit is attached to the second conduit to assist in securement of the first conduit relative to the second conduit.