Patent Document

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/246,562, filed on Sep. 27, 2011, entitled “Piping Joint Assembly, System and Method”, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/473,418, filed Apr. 8, 2011 and entitled “Piping Joint Assembly, System and Method”, and which is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/981,855, entitled “Piping Joint Assembly, System and Method”, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/807,072, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,089, issued on Jan. 4, 2011. The disclosures of all of the above are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to fluid flow systems, and more particularly to an improved push-fit piping joint assembly, system and method that facilitates the repair and re-use of piping system parts without coining or threaded end caps. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids (e.g., liquid, gas (such as air) or plasma). For example, homes, schools, medical facilities, commercial buildings and other occupied structures generally require integrated piping systems so that water and/or other fluids can be circulated for a variety of uses. Liquids and/or gases such as cold and hot water, breathable air, glycol, compressed air, inert gases, cleaning chemicals, waste water, plant cooling water and paint and coatings are just some examples of the types of fluids and gases that can be deployed through piping systems. Tubing/piping types can include, for example, copper, stainless steel, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “pipe” or “piping” will be understood to encompass one or more pipes, tubes, piping elements and/or tubing elements. 
         [0004]    Piping connections are necessary to join various pieces of pipe and must be versatile in order to adapt to changes of pipe direction required in particular piping system implementations. For example, fittings and valves may be employed at the ends of open pieces of pipe that enable two pieces of pipe to fit together in a particular configuration. Among fitting types there are elbows, “tees”, couplings adapted for various purposes such as pipe size changes, ends, ball valves, stop valves, and partial angle connectors, for example. 
         [0005]    In the past, pipe elements have been traditionally connected by welding and/or soldering them together using a torch. Soldering pipe fittings can be time-consuming, unsafe, and labor intensive. Soldering also requires employing numerous materials, such as copper pipes and fittings, emery cloths or pipe-cleaning brushes, flux, silver solder, a soldering torch and striker, a tubing cutter and safety glasses. The process for soldering pipes can proceed by first preparing the pipe to be soldered, as the copper surface must be clean in order to form a good joint. The end of the pipe can be cleaned on the outside with emery cloth or a specially made wire brush. The inside of the fitting must be cleaned as well. Next, flux (a type of paste) can be applied to remove oxides and draw molten solder into the joint where the surfaces will be joined. The brush can be used to coat the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe with the flux. Next, the two pipes are pushed together firmly into place so that they “bottom out”—i.e., meet flush inside the fitting. The tip of the solder can be bent to the size of the pipe in order to avoid over-soldering. With the pipes and fitting in place, the torch is then ignited with the striker or by an auto-strike mechanism to initiate soldering. After heating for a few moments, if the copper surface is hot enough such that it melts when touched by the end of the solder, the solder can then be applied to the joint seam so that it runs around the joint and bonds the pipe and fitting together. 
         [0006]    In recent years, push-fit technology has been employed with piping systems to reduce the dangers and time involved in soldering joints. Push-fit methods require minimal knowledge of pipe fitting and involve far fewer materials than soldering. For example, one may only need the pipes, quick-connect fittings, a chamfer/de-burring tool and tubing cutter in order to connect pipes using push-fit technology. 
         [0007]    The steps involved in connecting piping systems using push-fit technology can be outlined as follows. First, the pipe is cut to the appropriate length and the end of the pipe is cleaned with the de-burring tool. Then the pipe and fitting are pushed together for connection. The fitting is provided with a fastening ring (also called a collet, grip ring or grab ring) having teeth that grip the pipe as it is inserted. The fastening ring device is employed to provide opposing energy, preventing the device from disconnection while creating a positive seal. Accordingly, no wrenches, clamping, gluing or soldering is involved. Push-fit and/or quick-connect technology for piping systems can be obtained, for example, through Quick Fitting, Inc. of East Providence, R.I., USA, suppliers of the CoPro® line of pipe fittings and related products. Also, such technology is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,089, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0008]    In past pipe coupling technology, the fastening ring is inserted into the fitting body along with a plastic grip ring support that typically fails under extensive tensile testing. Further, the coupling must then be either coin rolled, glued or receive a threaded cap member to retain the fastening ring inside the fitting body. In addition to the added steps for the manufacture and assembly of the coupling, the strength of the plumbing joint is determined by the retaining cap member. The additional steps and components add significant labor and manufacturing costs to the final product cost and reduce the overall production capability due to the extensive time required for proper assembly. 
         [0009]    In addition to the above, when using a threaded retaining cap method, the process of cutting threads into the fitting body and the retaining cap elevates the cost of machining the fitting components. Further, the threaded end cap method requires mechanical assembly as well as the added cost and application of a thread sealant to the threads. In prior efforts that employ a coined retaining cap method, the process of coining the fitting body as the retaining cap significantly increases the cost of final assembly of the fitting. Additionally, the coining process permanently encapsulates the fastening ring inside the fitting, whereby the fastening ring cannot be removed without complete destruction of the ring and fitting. 
         [0010]    Along with additional assembly steps and increased manufacturing costs, past pipe fittings and connection methods do not allow repair for various reasons. In some cases, this is because they are factory sealed, for example. In other cases, it is because the separation of the fitting from the pipe can damage or induce wear on the parts. For example, some push-fit pipe fittings provide permanently fixed demounting rings for removing the fittings. The demounting rings can be depressed axially to lift the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe, such that the pipe can then be withdrawn. This arrangement, however, can subject the pipe fittings to tampering and shorter life. In addition, while fastening ring devices work effectively as an opposing retaining member, their functionality makes them nearly impossible to dismount, remove or detach for re-use. The fastening rings are thus permanently affixed unless they are cut and removed, which then destroys the fastening ring. 
         [0011]    Whether connected by traditional soldering methods or with push-fit methods, past efforts have been specifically provided for the connection of like materials and lack the ability to connect two unlike materials, such as copper with CPVC, PEX or stainless steel, or any other combination of unlike materials. Past methods further invariably require the replacement of fittings and valves, and do not allow re-use of the fittings or valves in instances where only a small internal component needs to be repaired or replaced. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention provides, in part, a pipe fitting assembly package as well as a removal method allowing one to re-use push-fit piping fittings without damage to the fitting elements or the pipe. The present invention connects tubing/piping using no tools, clamps, solder or glues, while creating a leak-free seal at the connected joining area. Further, unlike prior methods, the present invention can join both like and unlike piping elements in any combination, and without coining or threading the elements into place. 
         [0013]    The quick connection pipe joint assembly package provided as part of the present invention employs a one-piece retaining ring and pusher that, when removed, exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanisms of the fitting. The retaining ring and pusher member (“release pusher” for purposes of this disclosure) moves axially and can push the fastening ring of the present invention in order to facilitate the release of a cylindrical object such as a piping element held within the fitting. 
         [0014]    For purposes of the present disclosure, a fitting (also referred to as a body member) can encompass a valve member and other piping elements including, but not limited to: a coupling joint, an elbow joint, a tee joint, a stop end, a ball valve member, tubing and other objects having cylindrical openings. In one embodiment of the present invention, a dual seal is provided with sealing member gasket inserts (e.g., O-ring members) that fit side-by-side within a first radial housing element or chamber defined in the interior wall of the fitting. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single sealing member is employed. In addition, at each pipe receiving end of the fitting, a second radial housing element or chamber is machined into the interior wall to retain the edges of the fastening ring. The interior housing elements provide integrated support for the sealing members and fastening ring when opposing force is applied to piping elements that have been inserted into the fitting pipe. In one embodiment, a flexible metal support snap ring gland member is employed to provide additional support for the fastening ring. In another embodiment of the present invention, a housing divider element is inserted into the cavity axially outwardly of the sealing member(s) and axially inwardly of the fastening ring member. The housing divider element provides structural stability while also acting as a divider between the first and second radial housing elements. In another embodiment of the present invention, a sealing or O-ring member stabilizer element is positioned within the first housing element and axially inwardly of the sealing members. The sealing member stabilizer element is provided so as to prevent the sealing members from being “hooked” by an inserted tube or pipe and pulled further within the cavity of the fitting. The sealing member stabilizer element retains the sealing members in place within the first radial housing element. In this embodiment of the present invention, the packing arrangement can therefore comprise the sealing member stabilizer element, one or more sealing members, the housing divider element, the fastening ring, the support snap ring and the release pusher. 
         [0015]    In one aspect of the present invention, once the fastening ring is inserted into the fitting, the fastening ring does not require any additional method or device to retain it under opposing force. The integrated radial housing element provides for a more stable fastening ring connection with the ability to withstand significantly higher tensile pulling forces than the prior art. As a result, the stability of the quick fitting fastening connection is not determined or co-dependent on a plastic retainer, threaded end cap or machined coined retainer. 
         [0016]    The release pusher provided as part of the present invention is primarily employed to facilitate the release of tubing, piping and other cylindrical objects inserted into a fitting. The release pusher is manually pushed into the fitting body and tapered edges of the release pusher generally or nearly abut the installed fastening ring. When it is desired to release an inserted pipe, for example, from the fitting, the release pusher can be forced in the direction of the fastening ring such that its angular surfaces depress the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe, thereby allowing the pipe to be removed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an exploded front perspective view of one embodiment of the piping joint assembly package of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exploded front perspective cross-sectional view of the piping joint assembly package of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the present invention according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the fitting of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are detailed cross-sectional views of encircled portions  6 - 6  and  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 , respectively. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the release pusher of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a left side view of one embodiment of the fastening ring of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the fastening ring of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a right side cross-sectional view of the fastening ring taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is an exploded front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piping joint assembly package of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the present invention according to  FIG. 12 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the fitting of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portions  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a front view of one embodiment of the flexible support snap ring gland member of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a right side cross-sectional view of the snap ring gland member taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a front view of a sealing ring stabilizer member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the sealing ring stabilizer member taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a left side view of the sealing ring stabilizer member of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  22 - 22  of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is an exploded front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piping joint assembly package of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the present invention according to  FIG. 23 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a detailed cross-sectional view of encircled portion  26 - 26  of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 26  showing a housing divider element and a support snap ring element according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    In the push-fit piping joint assembly  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , elements of the joint assembly as shown include: a fitting (i.e., fitting body member)  12  having an inner wall  13  and outer wall  15 , a fastening ring  18 , two substantially identical sealing members  14 ,  16  (which can be optionally lubricated) and a release pusher  20 . The fastening ring and sealing members together provide one embodiment of a packing arrangement for the present invention, and each has an internal diameter that allows for smooth and snug engagement of a piping or tubing element external surface  24 . The fitting  12  is substantially hollow with a pipe receiving opening  100  therein. The fastening ring and sealing ring(s) are also hollow in the sense that their internal diameters define respective internal cavities or hollow areas through which a pipe or tube can extend. In one embodiment, the interior diameters of the fastening ring  18  (as measured to the teeth  19  and not the ring cylindrical base) and sealing members  14 ,  16  are substantially the same, and the interior diameters of the fitting  12  and the release pusher  20  are substantially the same. Further, the interior diameters of the fastening ring  18  and sealing members  14 ,  16  are slightly less than that of the fitting  12  and release pusher  20  so as to facilitate proper operation of the present invention. The release pusher  20  is substantially cylindrical and includes an external tip  21  at the fastening ring engaging end thereof. 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the fitting  12  can be forged CW617N brass, with full porting and full flow fitting, for example. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fitting can be formed in order to obtain the desired shape, features and elements. Such forming can be by hydroforming or hydromolding, compression forming, vacuum forming, pressure forming, tube forming and other established forming methods. Forming can be an alternative method to metal die stamping, for example. The lubricant for the sealing members  14 ,  16  can be a food grade lubricant, for example. It will be appreciated that the sealing members can comprise a flat ring or washer-type seal member in addition or as an alternative to a circular member of substantially circular cross-section. The fastening ring  18  can comprise a spring steel formulation, for example, that enables the fastening ring to be malformed during installation, while springing back into its originally manufactured position once installed. The fastening ring is capable of grabbing an inserted pipe&#39;s surface via two or more teeth  19  to ensure connections cannot be pulled apart. The fastening ring teeth are angled downward from the perimeter of the ring, toward the fitting and away from the cap, such that when the pipe is inserted, the teeth exert a pressure against the pipe to discourage the pipe from slipping or moving back out of the fitting. No wrenches, solder, welding, glue and/or twisting and turning the elements are required to form a connection. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  8 , for example, the release pusher  20  includes a radially outer ledge  26 , the external tip  21  and outer wall segments  25 ,  27 . The release pusher can comprise an injection-molded plastic material or a metal material such as brass, for example. When pressure is applied on the back side  30  of the release pusher  20 , the external tip  21  can engage the inside surface  32  of the fastening ring teeth  19  as will be described in more detail below, and the ledge back wall  29  can removeably engage a retaining lip  34  extending radially inwardly of the fitting inner wall  13  at the axially outermost position of the fitting, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0046]    In one embodiment of the release pusher of the present invention, the outer wall segments  25 ,  27  comprise a single linear segment from the radially outer ledge to the external tip. In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the first outer wall segment  25  extends linearly at a first angle C from the radially outer ledge  26  to an outer wall intermediate point  36 , and the second outer wall segment  27  extends linearly from the outer wall intermediate point  36  to the external tip  21  at a second angle D. 
         [0047]    During removal, a tool such as a specially adapted wrench, for example, can be applied to the outer top surface of the release pusher so as to exert a pushing and lifting force that causes the release pusher outer ledge to disengage the retaining lip  34 . Once the release pusher is removed, the internal packing arrangement components are exposed for removal and/or replacement. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 through 7 , the fitting  12  is formed with first  40  and second  42  radial housing elements or chambers. The first radial housing element  40  houses sealing members  14 ,  16 , and the second radial housing element  42  houses the fastening ring  18 . The sealing members can be housed so as to substantially abut one another within the first radial housing element  40 . Further, the sealing members  14 ,  16  are shown axially inward of the fastening ring  18 , when in position within the fitting  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 through 14 , the second radial housing element  42  also houses a support snap ring gland member  90 , described in more detail below. 
         [0049]    The first radial housing element  40  is formed by a first housing back wall segment  44 , the fitting inner wall  13  and a housing separator segment  46 . The second radial housing element  42  is formed by the housing separator segment  46 , the fitting inner wall  13  and a second housing front wall segment  48 . The inner wall  13  is not labeled within the recesses of the housing elements  40 ,  42 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the second housing front wall segment  48  has a top angled guiding surface  50 , which permits sliding engagement with the fastening ring circumferential base  52  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) when the fastening ring  18  is either being inserted or removed. The top angled guiding surface  50  of the second housing front wall segment  48  extends from the fitting inner wall  13  at an axially outer position  53  thereof to a front wall segment tip  54  at an axially inner position  55  of the fitting inner wall  13 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the housing separator segment  46  has a plateau surface  58  and a front wall  60  with a front tip  62 . The housing separator segment also includes a top angled backing surface  64  that extends from the front wall tip  62  to the plateau surface  58 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance E from the fitting inner wall  13  to the separator segment front tip  62  is approximately the same as the distance from the fitting inner wall  13  to the second housing front wall segment tip  54 . In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the distance E from the fitting inner wall  13  to the separator segment front tip  62  is less than the distance from the fitting inner wall  13  to the second housing front wall segment tip  54 . This distance E can be changed as necessary to facilitate engagement and movement of the fastening ring  18  within the second radial housing element, as desired. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the top angled guiding surface  50  of the second housing front wall segment  48  can extend at an angle A measured from the fitting inner wall. Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the top angled backing surface  64  can extend at an angle B measured from the fitting inner wall. In one embodiment of the present invention, angles A and B are substantially the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, angle B can range from approximately 9 degrees to approximately 52 degrees, and angle A can range from approximately 6.5 degrees to approximately 50 degrees. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, angle B is greater than angle D of the release pusher  20  (see  FIG. 8 ) so as to facilitate proper operation of the present invention as described below. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9  through  11 , the fastening ring  18  can be a split ring member having a circumferential base  52  and two circumferential end points  66  that do not connect. The fastening ring can further include fixture points  68  for handling and compressing the fastening ring. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixture points  68  are provided at the split end so that a tool designed to hold the fastening ring at the fixture points can more easily handle and compress the fastening ring in order to assist with assembly or disassembly. Once compressed, the fastening ring is easily insertable into the second radial housing element  42  of the fitting  12  by releasing the hold on the fixture points  68 , thereby allowing the fastening ring to expand such that the circumferential base engages the walls of the second radial housing element. The fastening ring can be removed from the second radial housing element in similar manner. No wrenches, solder, welding, glue and/or twisting and turning the elements are required to form or disengage a connection. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the teeth  19  of the fastening ring  18  can extend at an angle F from the horizontal axis G, wherein F ranges from approximately 39 degrees to approximately 68 degrees. In one embodiment of the present invention, angle F is approximately 56 degrees. 
         [0052]    In operation of the present invention in accordance with the above embodiment, the fitting  12  of the present invention is provided and one or more sealing members  14 ,  16  are inserted into the first radial housing element  40 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Next, the fastening ring  18  is inserted into the second radial housing element  42 , and release pusher  20  is snapped into engagement with the retaining lip  34  of the fitting  12 . When a pipe  70  is inserted, it travels through the release pusher  20  into the pipe receiving cavity  100  of the fitting  12 , engaging the fastening ring  18  and the one or more sealing members  14 ,  16 . The sealing members provide a strong, leak-free seal and the fastening ring prohibits any inclination the pipe may have to slide out of position adjacent the pipe end point lip  71  (see  FIG. 3 ) inside the pipe fitting  12 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 12-18  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first radial housing element  40  of the pipe fitting  12  is substantially the same as described above. Further, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the fitting  12 , sealing members  14 ,  16 , release pusher  20  and fastening ring  18  are similarly present. However, the second radial housing element  42  includes a front wall segment  72  that does not have a top angled guiding surface. Rather, the front wall segment  72  of the second radial housing element  42  extends radially outwardly and into the fitting inner wall  13 . As such, the second radial housing element  42  includes the inner wall surface  13  for engaging the circumferential base  52  of the fastening ring  18 , as well as a surface  74  for engaging the circumferential base  92  of a snap ring  90 . Surface  75  provides a guiding surface for the release pusher  20  as it is pushed axially inwardly of the fitting in order to depress the fastening ring teeth so as to allow removal of an inserted pipe member, for example. As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the snap ring  90  includes a fastening ring-engaging surface  94  and a release pusher engaging surface  96 , and is positioned in place in the fitting when the release pusher  20  is snapped or popped into engagement with the retaining lip  34  of the fitting  12 . The snap ring  90  can comprise a spring steel formulation. Further, circumferential base  92  can extend from the horizontal axis H of the snap ring  90  at an angle I of between approximately 6.5 degrees and approximately 50 degrees. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, angle I is approximately 40 degrees. 
         [0054]    While the fastening ring  18  is shown in  FIG. 12  as being a split ring, the fastening ring in this embodiment of the present invention can also be an integral ring that is not split. As such, and given the lower profile of the front wall segment  72  of the second radial housing element  42 , the fastening ring can be more easily inserted into the second radial housing element without as much initial deformation as that associated with the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , for example. 
         [0055]    In the embodiment of the present invention with the snap ring  90 , the snap ring can be provided with a split similar to that provided in fastening ring  18  in  FIG. 1 . After placing the fastening ring into the second radial housing element, the support snap ring gland  90  can be compressed with a tool using fixture points (not shown) similar to that shown for the fastening ring  18  of  FIG. 10 , and then positioned within the second radial housing element  42 . The compression of the supporting snap ring gland is released, and the ring returns to its original manufactured size, thereby acting to retain the fastening ring in position. Next, the release pusher  20  can be pushed into place such that the ledge back wall  29  removably engages the lip member  34  of the fitting  12 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 19-27  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 24-26 , the fitting includes an inner wall  110   a  that defines a piping element receiving cavity therein. The fitting includes a first radial housing element or chamber  140  formed by axially extending inner wall  110   b,  radially extending inner wall  112  and an outer wall  116  of housing divider element  115 . The first radial housing element  140  houses the sealing members  114 ,  117  and a sealing ring stabilizer member  120 . The second radial housing element or chamber  142  is bounded by a radially extending inner wall  122 , axially extending inner wall  110   c  and radially extending outer wall  124 . The second radial housing element  142  houses the divider element  115 , fastening ring  125 , support snap ring  128  and at least part of release pusher  130 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , for example, the radially extending wall  112  provides the first radial housing element with a radial extension to the axially extending wall  110   b  beyond that provided by inner wall  110   a.  Further, the radially extending inner wall  122  provides the second radial housing element with a radial extension to the axially extending inner wall  110   c  beyond that provided by inner wall  110   b.  Accordingly, the fitting is provided with two chambers in the form of first and second radial housing elements of increasing radial extension in order to accommodate the piping packing arrangement of this embodiment of the present invention. In this way, the sealing member(s), the sealing member stabilizer element and a portion of the housing divider element  115  can snugly fit within the first radial housing element, and the remainder of the housing divider element  115 , the fastening ring, the snap ring support member and the release pusher can snugly fit within the second radial housing element while providing the necessary structure to facilitate the secure retention and optional removal of an inserted piping element in accordance with many of the purposes of the present invention. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIGS. 25-26 , the housing divider element  115  is adapted to snugly fit within the axially inward portion of the second radial housing element  142 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing divider element  115  comprises a unitary, monolithic member having an outer wall  116  with a fitting wall-engaging portion comprising an axially aligned segment  131  and a radially aligned segment  132 . As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 26 , the axially aligned segment  131  cooperatively engages inner wall  110  of the fitting, and the radially aligned segment  132  cooperatively engages inner wall  122  so as to provide a solid and stable platform as required by the present invention. The housing divider element  115  further comprises a bottom wall  133  that cooperatively engages inner wall  110  of the fitting, and an internal wall  134  having an angled portion  135  and a platform  136  formed by radially extending ledge element  137  and axially extending ledge element  138 . The divider element  115  further includes a front lip wall  139  that engages support snap ring  128  as disclosed below. 
         [0058]    In one embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 24 ,  26  and  27 , the support snap ring member  128  comprises a generally cylindrical and hollow monolithic member having an outer wall  160 , an inner wall  162 , a bottom wall  164  and a top wall  166 . The inner wall  162  includes a notch comprising lead wall radial  168  and axial  170  portions for engaging the housing divider element front lip wall  139 . The inner wall  162  further has an internal radial wall  171  that engages the fastening ring  125  to provide support during operation. The top wall  166  comprises a top wall primary axial portion  172 , a top wall secondary axial portion  174  and a top wall radial portion  176  and cooperatively engages release pusher  130  as it is inserted into the fitting  12 . 
         [0059]    Given the construction and arrangement described above, and as shown in  FIGS. 24-27 , the second radial housing element  142  includes a packing arrangement comprising the housing divider element  115 , fastening ring  125 , support snap ring  128  and release pusher  130 . The fastening ring  125  rests on the platform  136  of the divider element  115 , thereby not extending all of the way to the interior wall  110  of the fitting  12 . The support snap ring  128  engages the fastening ring  125  so as to snugly hold the fastening ring against the housing divider element  115 , and the angled portion  135  of the internal wall  134  of the divider element permits the fastening ring  125  to bend axially inwardly when pushed by the release pusher  130 , which permits the ring to be lifted off of an inserted piping element to thereby allow the piping element to be removed from the fitting. The release pusher  130  is provided with angled outer edge  180 , body portion  182  and catch wall members  184 ,  186  in order to provide adequate surface area for engaging the support snap ring  128  when inserted into the fitting. As such, the release pusher  130  can rest snugly in position within the fitting. When a piping element is inserted into the fitting, as shown on the left in  FIG. 24 , for example, the release pusher  130  is maintained in position by the piping element  101 , fitting  12 , snap ring  128  and fastening ring  125 . The snap ring  128  maintains contact with the fitting  12 , release pusher  130 , fastening ring  125  and housing divider element  115 . The fastening ring  125  maintains contact with the piping element  101 , the release pusher  130 , housing divider element  115  and snap ring  128 . The divider element  115  maintains contact with the fitting  12 , the piping element  101 , the fastening ring  125  and the snap ring  128 . The divider element  115  further maintains contact with the sealing member  114  as described below. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIGS. 19-22 , the sealing ring stabilizer member  120  comprises a hollow ring-shaped member having a base portion  150 , an angled ledge portion  152  and a curved sealing member engaging surface  154 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the curved sealing member engaging surface  154  is formed with a radius X that can range from approximately 0.055 inches to approximately 0.415 inches, inclusive. The surface  154  faces the adjacent sealing member (e.g.,  114  or  117 ) when installed. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 24 , the sealing ring stabilizer member  120  is positionable within the internal cavity of the piping member  101  so as to be axially inward of the sealing ring(s) therein. The sealing member stabilizer element is provided so as to prevent the sealing members from being “hooked” by an inserted tube or pipe and pulled further within the cavity of the fitting. The sealing member stabilizer element retains the sealing members in place within the first radial housing element. As shown in  FIGS. 23-24 , for example, the packing arrangement according to this embodiment of the present invention comprises the sealing member stabilizer element  120 , at least one sealing member  114 ,  117 , the housing divider element  115 , the fastening ring  125 , the support snap ring  128  and the release pusher  130 . 
         [0062]    In operation of the present invention in accordance with  FIGS. 19-27 , the fitting  12  of the present invention is provided and as a formed fitting as described with respect to previous embodiments above. For instance, the fitting can be by hydroforming or hydromolding, compression forming, vacuum forming, pressure forming, tube forming and/or other established forming methods. The sealing member stabilizer element  120  along with one or more sealing members  114 ,  117  are inserted into the first radial housing element  140 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . Next, the divider element  115  and the fastening ring  125  are inserted into the second radial housing element  142 , followed by snap ring member  128  and release pusher  130 , which is snapped into engagement with the snap ring member as shown in  FIGS. 24 ,  26  and  27 . It will be appreciated that fastening ring member  125  and snap ring member  128  can be provided with a split as described in connection with other embodiments above, or can be integrated members without any split thereon. Providing a split fastening ring and snap ring member can facilitate installation and removal as described above. The divider element  115  abuts the sealing member  117  to snugly retain it in place within the first radial housing element. When a pipe or tubing  101  is inserted, it travels through the release pusher  130  into the pipe receiving cavity of the fitting  12 , engaging the fastening ring  125  and the one or more sealing members  114 ,  117 . The sealing members provide a strong, leak-free seal and are hindered from being hooked and pulled further into the fitting by stabilizer member  120 . Further, the fastening ring  125  prohibits any inclination the pipe or tubing may have to slide out of position inside the pipe fitting  12 . If it is desired to remove the pipe of tubing, the release pusher can be pushed further into the fitting (for example, using an external tool as described above), which causes the fastening ring  125  to release its hold on the pipe or tubing, thereby allowing the pipe or tubing to be pulled out of the fitting without damaging any internal parts. 
         [0063]    The angles and dimensions described herein will be understood to be exemplary and provided as embodiments associated with proper working operation of the present invention. For example, the angles of the top surfaces of members  46  and  48  contribute to the stability of the present invention as well as the easy manipulation of its component parts. 
         [0064]    The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Technology Category: f