Patent ID: 7546852

Claim:
A flexible insert kit for flexible tubing, comprising: an O-ring dimensioned and configured for sliding over the flexible tubing; a compression nut adapted for fitting over the flexible tubing and mating with an externally threaded fitting, the nut compressing the O-ring to form a seal around the tubing; and an insert adapted for insertion into the flexible tubing, the insert consisting essentially of an elongated, unencumbered resilient, helical coil, thereby providing unrestricted flexibility, the insert having opposed first and second ends, said first end of the coil having an enlarged annular flange defining said first end and being adapted for abutting an open end of the flexible tubing, and a hollow, rigid, cylindrical sleeve having opposed first and second ends, the second end of the sleeve being enlarged and secured to the enlarged flange of the coil and being adapted for abutting an open end of the flexible tubing, and wherein the first end of the sleeve being secured to the coil, whereby the insert prevents collapse of the flexible tubing when the compression nut is tightened but permits bending of the flexible tubing while restricting the radius of bending to avoid cracks in the tubing adjacent the compression nut.