Process for forming a connector for tube and pipe fittings

Abstract

Connector that includes a first element having a threaded portion and a rounded end, a second element having an end structured to slidably contact the rounded second end of the first element, and a third element having a conical bore. The second element extends through the conical bore for movement within the conical bore, and a threaded end structured and arranged to mate with the threaded portion of the first element. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 855,424 filed May 28, 2004, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a process for forming a fitting for connecting tubes, pipes, and / or solid rods together. Moreover, when the tubes or pipes are utilized for transmitting fluids, e.g., liquids or gases, the connections provide sufficient sealing to prevent leakage of the fluid. [0004] 2. Discussion of Background Information [0005] Prior designs allow for one directional alignment at a point of contact between the fitting and the mating part. If it were necessary or desired to connect, via a tube, pipe, or rod, two objects having connector mounts that are offset from each other, i.e., not positioned in a straight line, some bending of the tube, pipe, or rod would be r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a process for forming a fitting for coupling parts, such as pipes, tubes, or rods, that allows for a defined pivoting range of movement of the parts relative. This eliminates the need for bending the parts, reducing stress and improving tolerance between the two objects being connected. The invention also allows for telescoping tube configurations between the objects being connected and enables a rounded end on a first element, a conical bore in a connector nut, and a flared end on a second element to slidably contact the rounded end. The invention also includes a connector that includes a rounded end on a first element, a conical bore in a connector nut, and a flared end on a second element to slidably contact the rounded end. The technical effects of the invention include improved flexibility, reduced stress, and improved tolerance between parts.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, as engineering variances and tolerances make it impossible to produce two tubes, pipes, or rods that are exactly alike, such production is likewise impossible when producing large volumes of parts.

Even with the standard tolerances given in the manufacturing process, stresses arise when connections are made.

This arrangement, while allowing pivoting movement, does not provide support for the tubes in the region of the pivoting movement.

As with the above-described patent to Krenz, the clamp of Yamaga does not provide support for the gas pipes in the pivoting region.

Once again, the housing of Aaron, III does not provide support for the pivoting pipe, which could result in the failure of the weld, and, therefore, the entire coupling.

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