Flared cone fitting

Abstract

The present invention is an improved flared cone fitting of the type having a male portion and a female portion having a tube, an inverted conical annulus, a nut, and a joinder portion. It is improved by the joinder portion including a back-side annular face, which may define a void. The joinder portion may also include an abutment intended to contact a shoulder of a fitting nut and properly direct forces exerted on the nut.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 653,446 filed Feb. 16, 2005, entitled FLARED CONE FITTING, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to hydraulic hose fittings. More particularly, it relates to flared cone fittings and more specifically, the present invention relates to improved female portions of flared cone terminations, for tube and hose fittings.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Flared cone fittings are known in the art. Typically, the female portion forms part of a separate fitting or connector that connects a hydraulic hose to a machine, equipment, or fixture or is fixed upon or is a part of a tube that connects the tube to a machine, equipment, or fixture.[0006]As depicted in prior art FIGS. 1 and 2, a female portion of flared cone fitting 100 or 200 includes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention is directed to a systems and methods which employ a flared cone fitting, including a female portion, of simplified construction that provides an improved resistance to leakage brought on by loosening caused by twisting of the tube, or brought on by excessive torque applied to the nut.

[0014]An object of the present invention is to provide a flared cone fitting, including a female portion, of simplified construction.

[0015]A further object of the present invention is to provide a flared cone fitting, including a female portion, having improved resistance to leakage brought on by loosening caused by twisting or vibration of the tube or over tightening of the connection.

[0017]More specifically embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a flared cone fitting that includes a male portion and a female portion adapted to sealingly mate with the male portion, the female portion preferably includes a tube; defining a joinder portion. The joinder portion might comprise an inverted conical annulus including a back-side annular face. The tube of various embodiments has an inside diameter with an extended peripheral limit having a diameter corresponding to the tube inside diameter. The joinder portion may further comprise a void having a portion extending radially beyond the extended peripheral limit and axially interior to the inverted conical annulus. Preferably, the void enables the female potion to flex relative to the male portion without loosening a nut joining the male portion and the female portion. To this end the void might reduce friction between the tube and a nut joining the male portion and the female portion, whereby the reduction in friction reduces loosening of the nut. Preferably the joinder portion is integral, or unitary, and might comprise an abutment extending substantially orthogonal from the tube. The nut joining the male portion and the female portion might include an internal shoulder that orthogonally contacts the abutment.

Problems solved by technology

Problematically, tightening of the nut results in a tendency of the nut to seize upon the exterior surface of the inverted conical annulus.

In this condition, the torque exerted upon the nut by a wrench is absorbed, interfering with continued tightening of the connection.

Application of additional torque in an attempt to overcome the seized condition may merely damage the various components without improving the seal.

These problems are not conducive to establishing a leak-tight seal.

Problematically, this form involves greater cost and complexity.

Further, this form also produces a connection without give or flexibility.

Both of these joints have significant disadvantages in both production and operation.

First, these styles of fittings have a tendency to loosen, leak, and fail under certain conditions.

When the female portion is twisted in relation to the male portion of the fitting, such as under the influences of impacts upon the fitting or vibration, the friction between the female portion and the nut can cause the nut to turn and to loosen.

It is believed that the lack of give or flexibility of the connection exacerbates this tendency to loosen.

Second, this tendency to loosen can lead an installer of the fitting being encouraged to use additional torque on the fitting to overcome this deficiency, which can lead to failure of the various components, particularly the nut.

As stated, the second of the two forms (200) suffers the additional disadvantage of requiring a separate sleeve (222) to be produced and fitted to the tube, adding to the cost and complexity of producing female portion 210 of the flared cone fitting.

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