Patent ID: 7267372

Claim:
A tube connector system comprising: a first sleeve having a first inside surface; a second sleeve coupled to first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second inside surface that opposes the first inside surface; a split ring located axially between the first and second inside surfaces, the split ring comprising a first end and a second end wherein a gap is defined between the two ends, and wherein an outer surface portion at the first end is tapered defining an outer ramp and wherein an inner surface portion at the second end is tapered defining an inner ramp; and a tube surrounded by the ring, wherein when the first sleeve and the second sleeve are brought together, the first and second inside surfaces exert a force radially compressing the split ring causing the inner ramp to ride over the outer ramp, wherein the split ring comprises a body, a leg extending from a first end of the body and a second leg extending from a second end of the body opposite the body first end, wherein the split ring first end with the outer ramp is formed on the first end of the body, and wherein the split ring second end with inner ramp is formed on a free end of the second leg, and wherein a second gap is defined between the first leg and the second end of the body, wherein the two gaps are staggered relative to each other, and wherein a second outer ramp is formed on the outer surface at the body second end and wherein a second inner ramp is formed at inner surface at the free end of the second leg and wherein when the split ring is radially compressed, the second inner ramp rides on the second outer ramp.