Fittings, fitting assemblies, and torque adapters

Abstract

Embodiments provide a fitting for a pipe connection, a male fitting assembly, and a torque adapter. The fitting for a pipe connection includes a head including a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head, and a shaft attached to the head, wherein the shaft includes a plurality of external threads.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 024,842, filed May 14, 2020, entitled “Accessories, Accessory Components and Torque Adapters”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a fitting and fitting assembly for pipe connections. This disclosure also relates to a torque adapter specifically designed for the fitting and fitting assembly. Background Technology

[0004] Piping connections are used in a variety of systems and for conveying fluids, gases, or other semi-solid materials. To ensure a leak-free piping connection, the seal formed by a flanged pipe (i.e., flared pipe) connection must be compressed with sufficient force. This force is typically generated by threaded fittings tightened onto the pipe flange (i.e., the pipe flare). To provide consistent force, a torque wrench is preferred for tightening threaded fittings, rather than manual insertion. However, existing threaded fittings are designed only for manual insertion and are therefore unsuitable for use with torque wrenches or torque actuators. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages and deficiencies by providing a fitting assembly for pipe connections and a torque adapter specifically designed for the fitting assembly.

[0006] An embodiment provides a male fitting for pipe connection, comprising: a head including a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from the top of the head; and a shaft attached to the head, wherein the shaft includes a plurality of external threads.

[0007] The embodiments also provide male fittings for pipe connections, wherein each first gripping portion includes one or more indentations.

[0008] The embodiments also provide a male fitting for pipe connection, wherein the head further includes a plurality of second gripping portions, each of which is shorter than each of the first gripping portions, and each of the first and second gripping portions has one or more indentations.

[0009] The embodiments also provide a male fitting for pipe connection, wherein the head includes three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

[0010] Embodiments also provide a female fitting for a pipe connection, wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are inclined, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

[0011] Embodiments provide a female fitting for a pipe connection, comprising: a head comprising a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a cylindrical body having internal threads.

[0012] Embodiments also provide a female fitting for a pipe connection, wherein each first gripping portion comprises one or more indentations.

[0013] Embodiments also provide a female fitting for a pipe connection, wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

[0014] Embodiments also provide a female fitting for a pipe connection, wherein three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions are included in the head, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

[0015] Embodiments also provide a female fitting for a pipe connection, wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are inclined, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

[0016] Embodiments provide a male fitting assembly for a pipe connection, comprising: a male fitting shaped to connect to a pipe, wherein the male fitting comprises: a head comprising a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a shaft attached to the head and comprising a plurality of external threads; a first gasket configured to contact a pipe flare of the pipe and distribute force evenly around the pipe flare; an O-ring configured to contact the first gasket; and a second gasket configured to contact the male fitting and the O-ring such that the male fitting rotates without moving the O-ring. The O-ring is configured to (i) be positioned between the first gasket and the second gasket, and (ii) distribute force evenly to the first gasket.

[0017] Embodiments also provide a male fitting assembly for a pipe connection, wherein each first gripping portion comprises one or more indentations.

[0018] Embodiments also provide a male fitting assembly for a pipe connection, wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

[0019] Embodiments also provide a male fitting assembly for pipe connections, wherein three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions are included in the head, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

[0020] Embodiments also provide a male fitting assembly for pipe connections, wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to the bottom of the head.

[0021] Embodiments provide a female fitting assembly for pipe connections, comprising: a female fitting comprising: a head comprising a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a cylindrical body having internal threads; a first gasket configured to contact a pipe flare of a pipe and to distribute force evenly around the pipe flare.

[0022] Embodiments also provide a female fitting assembly for pipe connections, the female fitting assembly further comprising: an O-ring configured to contact the first gasket; and a second gasket configured to contact the female fitting such that the female fitting rotates without moving the O-ring; wherein the O-ring is configured to (i) be located between the first gasket and the second gasket, and (ii) distribute force evenly to the first gasket.

[0023] Embodiments also provide a female fitting assembly for pipe connections, wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

[0024] Embodiments also provide a female fitting assembly for pipe connections, wherein three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions are included in the head, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

[0025] Embodiments also provide a female fitting assembly for pipe connections, wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to the bottom of the head.

[0026] Embodiments provide a torque adapter configured to mate with a head of a fitting for pipe connections, comprising: a fitting mating portion comprising an opening shaped to accommodate the fitting head, wherein the head of the fitting comprises a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head, and one or more sides of one or more first gripping portions press against the fitting mating portion; and a torque applying portion comprising a bore shaped to accommodate an end of a torque tool.

[0027] Embodiments also provide a torque adapter, wherein the head of the fitting further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

[0028] Embodiments also provide a torque adapter, wherein the head comprises three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

[0029] Embodiments also provide a torque adapter, wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to the bottom of the head.

[0030] Embodiments also provide a torque adapter, wherein the torque applying portion is cylindrical in shape, and the hole is square in shape.

[0031] Additional features and advantages of the present application will be apparent from the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The foregoing and other aspects of the present application are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the application, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, of course, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The drawings include the following figures:

[0033] Figure 1 An exploded view of a male fitting assembly according to embodiments described herein is shown;

[0034] Figures 2A-2K A male fitting having a differently shaped head according to different embodiments described herein is shown;

[0035] Figures 3A-3D A male fitting according to different embodiments described herein is shown;

[0036] Figures 4A-4B An exploded view of a male fitting assembly according to different embodiments described herein is shown;

[0037] Figures 5A-5B A schematic view of a pipe assembly according to different embodiments described herein is shown;

[0038] Figures 6A-6B A schematic view of a male fitting assembly connected to a female fitting assembly 400 according to different embodiments described herein is shown;

[0039] Figures 7A-7E A torque adapter having a differently shaped fitting mating portion according to different embodiments described herein is shown;

[0040] Figure 8 A scenario showing a male fitting assembly connected to a metal nipple 800 according to embodiments described herein is shown;

[0041] Figure 9 A scenario showing a female fitting assembly connected to a nozzle according to embodiments described herein is shown;

[0042] Figure 10 A comparison chart between the force (preload) versus torque for an exemplary fitting of the present invention and a fitting of a conventional system according to embodiments described herein is shown; and

[0043] Figure 11 A comparison chart between the average force (preload) versus average estimated torque for an exemplary fitting of the present invention and a fitting of a conventional system according to embodiments described herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following disclosure describes the present invention according to several embodiments, which relate to fittings and fitting assemblies for pipe connections, and torque adapters specifically designed for the fittings and fitting assemblies.

[0045] The shape of the fitting head disclosed herein allows both a secure finger grip and a secure torque tool (e.g., torque wrench or torque driver). To allow for the use of a torque tool, a torque adapter is introduced to interface with the head of the fitting and the torque tool. In one embodiment, one end of the torque tool (e.g., a drill bit) is inserted into the socket of the torque adapter, enabling the torque tool to tighten the fitting assembly through the torque adapter. A conventional off-the-shelf torque wrench or torque driver can be used to tighten the fitting assembly through the torque adapter specifically designed for the fitting assembly. The torque adapter can also prevent the use of some common tools, such as hex wrenches, which would otherwise be used to deliver excessive torque and damage the fitting assembly, as these common tools do not cooperate with the torque adapter. The head design of the fitting described herein provides an ergonomic feel when tightening the fitting assembly by hand. The size of the fitting head is also set such that a typical manual tightening torque will generate enough force to create a seal.

[0046] Figure 1 An exploded view of a male fitting assembly 100 according to embodiments described herein is shown. In this example, the male fitting assembly 100 includes a male fitting 102, two gaskets 104, 106, and an O-ring 108. The first gasket 104 is used to distribute force evenly around a pipe flare 110 of a pipe 112, creating an even pressure to create a seal between the male fitting assembly 100 and the pipe 112. The pipe flare 110 is a part of the pipe 112 and is located at one end of the pipe 112. The pipe flare 110 can be used, for example, to connect the pipe 112 to another pipe (not shown) or to a fitting (not shown). The male fitting 102 is used to connect the male fitting assembly 100 to a metal nipple 800 (not shown). The male fitting 102 is designed to be used with a torque adapter (not shown) to tighten the male fitting assembly 100 to the metal nipple 800.Figure 1 Between (not shown in the image), between pipe 112 and manifold port ( Figure 1 Between (not shown in the image), or between pipe 112 and port ( Figure 1 A seal is created between the pipe 112 (not shown in the diagram). For example, when the pipe 112 is connected to the manifold port via the male fitting assembly 100, the pipe flare 110 is pressed against the bottom of the manifold port, and thus a seal is created between the pipe 112 and the manifold port.

[0047] O-ring 108 can be used to distribute force evenly to the first washer 104. Furthermore, O-ring 108 can increase the compliance of the male fitting assembly 100 and thus allow the fitting to seal under a wider range of torques. O-ring 108 allows the male fitting assembly 100 to withstand and be secured to different torque values. Second washer 106 assists the male fitting 102 in rotating without dragging O-ring 108. Male fitting 102 is designed to rotate smoothly against second washer 106, and second washer 106 presses against O-ring 108. Second washer 106 protects O-ring 108 from the effects of rotation of male fitting 102. Male fitting 102 is similar to a bolt, including a head 114 and a shaft 117 with external threads 119.

[0048] The head 114 can be of various shapes. For example, Figures 2A-2K Further illustrations show male fittings with heads 114 of different shapes. In one embodiment, refer back to the reference. Figure 1 The head 114 is almost cylindrical and can be divided into multiple grasping parts 116 and 118. The number of grasping parts 116 and 118 can vary; Figure 1 In the example, the head 114 has six gripping portions 116, 118. Three gripping portions 116 extend upward from the top of the head 114 and are therefore longer than the other three gripping portions 118. The six gripping portions 116, 118 are evenly spaced, and the shorter gripping portions 118 alternate with the longer gripping portions 116. In one embodiment, an extension 121 of each longer gripping portion 116 (i.e., the portion extending upward from the top of the head 114) can engage with a torque adapter specifically designed for the head 114 of the male accessory 102, such that the male accessory assembly 100 can be secured by a torque tool via the torque adapter.

[0049] Multiple indentations 120 are provided on each gripping portion 116, 118, thereby forming ridges or protrusions on each gripping portion 116, 118. The number of indentations can vary, as can the number of gripping portions. Figure 1In the example shown in FIG. 1, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and therefore three ridges or spines are formed on each gripping portion accordingly. In one embodiment, the two sides of each gripping portion 116, 118 can be straight (i.e., each gripping portion 116, 118 is perpendicular to the bottom of the head 114). Therefore, the two sides of each extension portion 121 are straight. In another embodiment, the two sides of each gripping portion 116, 118 can be angled (i.e., each gripping portion 116, 118 is not perpendicular to the bottom of the head 114). Therefore, the two sides of each extension portion 121 are angled. In the case where each gripping portion 116, 118 has angled sides, the head 114 is more ergonomic to a human hand if the male fitting assembly 100 is fastened manually by a human hand.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, there are two indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be angled. As shown in FIG. 3, in another embodiment, there are two indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be straight. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be angled. As shown in FIG. 5, in another embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be straight. Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be angled. As shown in FIG. 5, in another embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be straight. Figure 3C As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be angled. As shown in FIG. 5, in another embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be straight. Figure 3D As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be angled. As shown in FIG. 5, in another embodiment, there are three indentations 120 on each gripping portion, and the two sides 122, 124 of each extension portion 121 can be straight.

[0051] In one embodiment, the male fitting assembly 100 also includes a pipe retainer 126 around the pipe 112 to prevent the other components including the male fitting 102, two gaskets 104, 106, and the O-ring 108 from sliding back. The pipe retainer 126 is proximate to the head 114 of the male fitting 102, but there is a gap between the pipe retainer 126 and the head 114 of the male fitting 102. The male fitting 102 can be made of a polymeric material, such as nylon, polycarbonate, PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), plastic, metal, etc. In one embodiment, a lubricant can be added to or embedded in the polymeric material of the male fitting 102 so that it can be easily screwed in. The pipe 112 with the pipe flare 110 can be an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) pipe or a FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) pipe. Both EFTE and FEP are inert fluoropolymer-based polymers. In one embodiment, the two gaskets 104, 106 are made of a rigid material, such as stainless steel. The O-ring 108 is made of a chemically resistant elastomeric material, such as a fluoroelastomer (FKM), an ethylene propylene diene (EPDM), or a perfluoroelastomer (FFKM).

[0052] Figure 4A An exploded view of a female fitting assembly 400 is shown, in accordance with embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, if the female fitting assembly 400 is to be connected to the male fitting assembly 100, the female fitting assembly 400 includes a female fitting 402 and a gasket 404, but no O-ring. The male fitting assembly 100 already includes the O-ring 108, and only one O-ring is needed when connecting the female fitting assembly 400 and the male fitting assembly 100. The gasket 404 is used to distribute the force evenly around the pipe flare 406 of the pipe 408 so that an even pressure is formed to create a seal. In another embodiment, if the female fitting assembly 400 is to be connected to a male connector, a manifold port, or a port, then similar to the male fitting assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the female fitting assembly 400 includes a female fitting 402, two gaskets 404, 405, and an O-ring 407. Figure 4B The female fitting assembly 400 shown includes a female fitting 402, two gaskets 404, 405, and an O-ring 407. The female fitting 402 includes a head 410 and a cylindrical hollow body 412. The head 410 of the female fitting 402 is the same as the male fitting 102. The inner wall of the cylindrical hollow body 412 has an internal thread 414 that engages with the external thread 119 of the male fitting 102. The female fitting 402 can be made of the same material as the male fitting 102, or can be made of a different material.

[0053] Figure 5AA schematic diagram of a pipe assembly 500 according to embodiments described herein is shown. In one embodiment, the pipe assembly 500 includes a pipe 502 and two male fitting assemblies 100. Each end of the pipe 502 is connected to a male fitting assembly 100. In another embodiment, each male fitting assembly 100 also includes a pipe retainer 126. Each pipe retainer is proximate to the head 114 of each male fitting 102.

[0054] Figure 5B A schematic diagram of a pipe assembly 500 according to embodiments described herein is shown. In one embodiment, the pipe assembly 500 includes a pipe 502, two male fitting assemblies 100, two springs 504, 506, and a spiral wrap 508. Each spring surrounds a portion of the pipe 502 and is located between the head 114 of the male fitting 102 and the pipe retainer 126. Each spring 504, 506 is used to prevent the pipe 502 from kinking due to bending or other handling operations. The spiral wrap 508 is used to protect the pipe 502, which has a small diameter (and thus is more fragile), and is located between the two pipe retainers 126. The spiral wrap 508 can also be used to bundle multiple pipe assemblies 500 together. As Figure 5B shown, the female fitting assembly 400 can be connected to the male fitting assembly 100.

[0055] Figure 6A A schematic diagram showing a male fitting assembly 100 connected to a female fitting assembly 400 according to embodiments described herein is shown. The pipe flare 406 connected to the female fitting assembly 400 faces and presses against the pipe flare 110 connected to the male fitting assembly 100. The external threads 119 (see Figure 1 ) on the shaft 117 of the male fitting 102 engage with the internal threads 414 (see Figure 4B ) on the inner wall of the female fitting body 412. The first gasket 104 of the male fitting assembly 100 contacts the pipe flare 110 connected to the male fitting assembly 100, while the second gasket 106 of the male fitting assembly 100 contacts the shaft 117. The O-ring 108 is located between the first gasket 104 and the second gasket 106. The male fitting 102 rotates smoothly against the second gasket 106, and the second gasket 106 presses against the O-ring 108. The first gasket 104 of the male fitting assembly 100 and the third gasket 404 of the female fitting assembly 400 distribute the force evenly around both pipe flares 110, 406, such that an even pressure is formed to create a seal between the two pipe flares 110, 406. In this way, the pipe 408 connected to the female fitting assembly 400 and the pipe 112 connected to the male fitting assembly 100 are securely connected.

[0056] Figure 6B A schematic diagram showing a male fitting assembly 100 connected to a manifold port 600 according to embodiments described herein is shown. This embodiment is similar to Figure 6AThe difference between the embodiments shown is that the pipe flare 110 of the male fitting assembly 100 is pressed against the inlet of the manifold port 600. In one embodiment, the male fitting assembly 100 can be connected to any mating port as long as the male fitting 102 can be inserted into the mating port, and the external threads 119 (see Figure 1 ) on the male fitting 102 can engage with the internal threads on the inner wall of the mating port.

[0057] Figure 7A A schematic view of a torque adapter 700 according to embodiments described herein is shown. The torque adapter 700 includes a fitting engagement portion 702 and a torque application portion 704. The fitting engagement portion 702 of the torque adapter 700 can be various shapes. As shown, the fitting engagement portion 702 has different shapes. In the example shown, Figures 7B-7E the fitting engagement portion 702 is a hollow cylindrical shape, and there is an opening 706 at the top of the fitting engagement portion 702, and the fitting engagement portion 702 can include one or more recesses configured to engage one or more longer gripping portions 116 of the head 114. Referring to Figure 7A and Figure 1 , the fitting engagement portion 702 engages with the head 114 of the male fitting 102 or the head 410 of the female fitting 402. The two sides 122 and 124 of the extended portion 121 of the at least one longer gripping portion 116 of the head 114 press against the inner walls of the recesses of the fitting engagement portion 702. The head 114 of the male fitting 102 or the head 410 of the female fitting 402 is securely engaged with the fitting engagement portion 702, and thus there is no slippage between the head 114 and the fitting engagement portion 702. The tube 112 extends from the head 114, and when the longer gripping portion 116 of the head 114 is engaged with the fitting engagement portion 702, the tube 112 is in the slot 708. The slot 708 is used to accommodate the tube 112 and keep the tube 112 unobstructed when the male fitting 102 or the female fitting 402 is tightened by the torque adapter 700. In one embodiment, the torque application portion 704 is cylindrical in shape, and there is a hole or socket 712, such as a square hole or socket 712, in the torque application portion 704. One end of a torque tool, such as a drill bit, is inserted into the hole or socket of the torque application portion while the head 114 of the male fitting 102 or the head 410 of the female fitting 402 is engaged with the fitting engagement portion 702. Figures 7B-7E

[0058] ​When a user applies force to the handle of a torque tool, that force can be transmitted, for example, from the hand through the drill bit, the torque application portion 704, and the fitting engagement portion 702 to the head 114 of the male fitting 102 or female fitting 402. Therefore, the torque tool can secure the fitting assembly (male fitting assembly 100 or female fitting assembly 400) by means of a torque adapter 700. Conventional off-the-shelf torque tools (such as torque wrenches or torque drives) can be used to secure the fitting assembly via the torque adapter 700, which is specifically designed for the fitting assembly. In one embodiment, the user can apply force by hand to the torque application portion 704 without a torque tool; simultaneously, the head 114 of the male fitting 102 or female fitting 402 engages with the fitting engagement portion 702. This manual mode can be used in situations where the head 114 of the male fitting 102 or female fitting 402 is difficult to reach.

[0059] Male fitting assembly 100 or female fitting assembly 400 can be used in different scenarios requiring pipe connections. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the male fitting assembly 100 can be connected to the metal connector 800. The inner wall of the metal connector 800 has an internal thread 414 that mates with the external thread 119 of the male fitting 102. For another example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the female fitting assembly 400 can be connected to the nozzle 900. One end of the female fitting body 412 engages with the external threaded port of the nozzle 900.

[0060] Figure 10 A force (preload) versus torque comparison graph is shown between exemplary fittings (male fitting 102 or female fitting 402) and conventional fittings (e.g., standard commercially available 1 / 4”-28 threaded fittings). Figure 10 As shown, under the same torque, the exemplary fitting can generate a greater force or preload than the standard fitting. In other words, the exemplary fitting can generate a higher sealing pressure than the standard fitting. Therefore, the exemplary fitting is more efficient than the standard fitting in converting torque into preload.

[0061] Figure 11 A graph comparing the average force (preload) versus the average estimated torque is shown between the exemplary fitting (male fitting 102 or female fitting 402) and a conventional fitting (e.g., a standard fitting). The exemplary fitting is fastened by multiple users, and Figure 11 A comparison between the average force and the average estimated torque is depicted. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the exemplary accessory can generate greater force or preload and higher initial torque than the standard accessory. It can be inferred that the exemplary accessory has better grip.

[0062] With respect to particular features and elements of the illustrative embodiments, the specification can use terminology such as "one," "a," and "the" to describe particular features or elements. It should be appreciated that these terms are not intended to mean the existence of only one of the particular features or elements, but rather are intended to mean at least one of the particular features or elements. That is, the terms "one," "a," and "the" include the plural as well as the singular. For example, the term "a feature" means one or more features.

[0063] Further, it should be appreciated that the following description uses various examples of a number of different examples of various elements of the illustrative embodiments to further illustrate example implementations of the illustrative embodiments and to aid in the understanding of the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. These examples are intended to be non-limiting and do not exhaust the various possibilities for implementing the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. In light of the description provided herein, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0064] The systems and processes of the figures are not exhaustive. Other systems, processes, and menus can be derived from the principles of the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are only for illustrative purposes. Modifications to the current design can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the embodiments. As described herein, various systems, subsystems, agents, managers, and processes can be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or combinations thereof. Unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" the claim elements herein are not to be construed as the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0065] While the present invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is not to be limited by what has been described, but only by the scope of the patent claims. It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims should be construed in light of the full scope and range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A male fitting for pipe connections, comprising: a head comprising a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a shaft attached to the head, wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of external threads; wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

2. The male fitting of claim 1, wherein, Each first gripping portion comprises one or more indentations.

3. The male fitting of claim 1, wherein, The head comprises three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

4. The male fitting of claim 1, wherein, Two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

5. A female fitting for pipe connections, comprising: a head comprising a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a cylindrical body having internal threads; wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

6. The female fitting of claim 5, wherein, Each first gripping portion comprises one or more indentations.

7. The female fitting of claim 5, wherein, The head comprises three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

8. The female fitting of claim 5, wherein, Two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

9. A male fitting assembly for pipe connections, comprising: a male fitting shaped to connect to a pipe, wherein the male fitting comprises: a head comprising a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a shaft attached to the head and comprising a plurality of external threads; a first gasket configured to contact a pipe flare of the pipe and to distribute force evenly around the pipe flare; an O-ring configured to contact the first gasket; and a second gasket configured to contact the male fitting and the O-ring such that the male fitting rotates without moving the O-ring, wherein the O-ring is configured to (i) be positioned between the first gasket and the second gasket, and (ii) distribute force evenly to the first gasket; wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each the first and second gripping portions has one or more indentations.

10. The male fitting assembly of claim 9, wherein, Each first gripping portion comprises one or more indentations.

11. The male fitting assembly of claim 9, wherein, The head comprises three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions, and each first gripping portion alternates with each second gripping portion.

12. The male fitting assembly of claim 9, wherein, Two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

13. A female fitting assembly for pipe connections, comprising: a female fitting comprising: a head comprising a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a cylindrical body having internal threads; a first gasket configured to contact a pipe flare of a pipe and to distribute force evenly around the pipe flare; wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

14. The female fitting assembly of claim 13, further comprising: an O-ring configured to contact the first gasket; and a second gasket configured to contact the female fitting such that the female fitting rotates without moving the O-ring; wherein the O-ring is configured to (i) be positioned between the first gasket and the second gasket, and (ii) distribute force evenly to the first gasket.

15. The female fitting assembly of claim 13, wherein, the head includes three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions, each first gripping portion alternating with each second gripping portion.

16. The female fitting assembly of claim 13, wherein, two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

17. A torque adapter configured to mate with a head of a fitting for a pipe connection, comprising: a fitting mating portion comprising an opening shaped to receive the head of the fitting, wherein the head of the fitting comprises a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head, and one or more sides of one or more first gripping portions press against the fitting mating portion; and a torque applying portion comprising a hole shaped to receive an end of a torque tool; wherein the head of the fitting further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each first and second gripping portion has one or more indentations.

18. The torque adapter of claim 17, wherein, the head includes three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions, and each first gripping portion alternating with each second gripping portion.

19. The torque adapter of claim 17, wherein, two sides of each first gripping portion are beveled, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

20. The torque adapter of claim 17, wherein, the torque applying portion is cylindrical in shape, and the hole is square in shape.

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