Pipe fitting

Abstract

A pipe fitting (100) has a cap (1) and a body (3). The body has a fitting end (5). Engagement projections (7, 9) extend radially outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the fitting end (5). The cap has a first projection (13) and a second projection (15) having a free end. The projections (13, 15) have receivers (23, 25) to receive the engagement projections (7, 9). The projections allow each projection to flex relative to the other projection. Each projection has a spacer (27, 28, 29, 30) extending radially inwardly at the free end of the projection. When the fitting end is received by the cap, the free end of each projection moves radially outwardly to space an inner circumferential surface of the projection from an outer circumferential surface of the fitting end, thereby providing clearance for the engagement projections (7, 9) to be received by the receivers (23, 25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pipe fitting. Background Technology

[0002] Piping fittings are used to connect pipe lines to each other or to other pipe components. Some piping fittings include a releasable mechanism that allows a user to disconnect the fitting from the pipe line or component. Other fittings may include mechanisms that allow the fitting itself to be disassembled, or require the fitting to be disassembled to allow the connected pipe line or component to be disconnected from the fitting.

[0003] In either case, the mechanism typically requires a complex assembly with many moving parts. Furthermore, the mechanism can allow for alteration of fittings or connected components, making them susceptible to damage or theft.

[0004] In this specification, references have been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, generally to provide context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, references to such external documents or sources of information should not be construed as an admission that such documents or sources are part of the prior art or common general knowledge in the art within any jurisdiction.

[0005] The purpose of at least a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a pipe fitting that is simple in structure and substantially tamper-proof, and / or at least provides a useful alternative to the public. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect of the invention, a pipe fitting is provided, comprising: a cap; and a body including a mounting end configured to be received by the cap, the body including a first engagement protrusion and a second engagement protrusion spaced apart circumferentially and extending radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the mounting end; wherein the cap includes: a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each protrusion having a free end at the receiving end of the cap; the first protrusion including a first receiving portion configured to receive the first engagement protrusion and the second protrusion including a second receiving portion configured to receive the second engagement protrusion; wherein the protrusions are configured to allow each protrusion to flex relative to each other; and wherein each protrusion includes a spacer extending radially inward at the free end of the protrusion; wherein the spacer is configured such that when the mounting end is received by the cap, the free end of each of the protrusions is radially outwardly displaced to space the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end, thereby providing a gap for the receiving portion to receive the engagement protrusion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the assembly end includes a spacer receiving portion configured to receive the spacer so as to allow the free ends of each of the protrusions to move radially inward, thereby engaging the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion with the outer circumferential surface of the assembly end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the receiving portion receiving the engaging protrusion together with the spacer receiving portion receiving the spacer provides a substantially non-releasable connection between the cap and the body.

[0009] In some embodiments, each receiving portion and the corresponding engaging protrusion are configured together to substantially suppress longitudinal translation and / or axial rotation of the cap relative to the body when the receiving portion receives the corresponding engaging protrusion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the spacer receiving portion and the spacer together are configured to substantially suppress longitudinal translation and / or axial rotation of the cap relative to the body when the spacer is received by the spacer receiving portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the body includes at least one engaging ridge that extends longitudinally along the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end and radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end, and is configured to engage between adjacent protrusions.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one engagement ridge is configured to substantially suppress axial rotation of the cap relative to the body when the at least one engagement ridge engages between the adjacent protrusions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the spacer receiving portion includes at least one inward platform extending radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the assembly end.

[0014] In some embodiments, the spacer receiving portion includes a generally annular engagement channel extending radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end.

[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one engagement ridge is configured to engage in a groove between the adjacent protrusions.

[0016] In some embodiments, both the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion include receiving orifices that extend through the radial thickness of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively.

[0017] In some embodiments, the spacer is circumferentially offset from the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the groove is circumferentially offset from the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the body includes: a third engagement protrusion and a fourth engagement protrusion, the third engagement protrusion and the fourth engagement protrusion being circumferentially spaced from the first engagement protrusion and the second engagement protrusion and extending radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end;

[0020] The cap includes a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, each of the third and fourth protrusions having a free end at the receiving end of the cap; the third protrusion includes a third receiving portion configured to receive the third engaging protrusion and the fourth protrusion includes a fourth receiving portion configured to receive the fourth engaging protrusion; wherein the third and fourth protrusions each include a spacer extending radially inward at the free ends of the third and fourth protrusions, respectively.

[0021] In some embodiments, the body includes a hole extending longitudinally through the body from the mounting end, the hole being configured to receive a conduit assembly, and the cap includes a conduit orifice configured to receive a conduit line connectable to the conduit assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, receiving the piping line through the pipe orifice, connecting the piping line to the piping assembly, and connecting the pipe assembly through the orifice and connecting the cap to the body together provide a substantially fluid-tight connection of the piping line to the piping fitting.

[0023] As used in this specification and claims, the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least a portion of...". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims that include the term "comprising", other features may be present besides those beginning with the term in each statement. Related terms such as "comprising" and "including" will be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0024] References to the numerical ranges disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) also include all rational numbers within said ranges (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) and any ranges of rational numbers within said ranges (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7). Therefore, all subranges of all ranges explicitly disclosed herein are explicitly disclosed. The descriptions are merely examples of specific intent, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​should be considered as expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0025] The invention can also be broadly described as including the parts, elements, and features individually or jointly mentioned or indicated in the specification of this application, as well as any or all combinations of any two or more of the said parts, elements, or features.

[0026] For those skilled in the art, numerous changes can be made to the structure and a wide variety of embodiments and applications of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The disclosure and description herein are purely illustrative and not intended to be limiting in any sense. When specific integers having known equivalents in the field to which this invention pertain are referred to herein, such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if separately stated.

[0027] As used herein, the term “(s)” following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular form of the noun.

[0028] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or the context allows for both.

[0029] This invention includes the foregoing, and also contemplates the following configurations, which are given as examples only. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pipe fitting in an assembled state is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 It shows the state of decomposition. Figure 1 A perspective view of the pipe fittings.

[0033] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the main body of the pipe fitting.

[0034] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Top-down perspective view of the front of the cap of the pipe fitting.

[0035] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Top-down perspective view of the rear of the cap of the pipe fitting.

[0036] Figure 6 It shows a semi-assembled state. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the pipe fittings.

[0037] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A front view of the body of the pipe fitting.

[0038] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of the body of the pipe fitting.

[0039] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 Rear view of the cap of the pipe fitting.

[0040] Figure 10 It shows the state of decomposition. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the pipe fittings.

[0041] Figure 11 It shows the state of decomposition. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the pipe fittings.

[0042] Figure 12 The assembly state is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the pipe fittings.

[0043] Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pipe fitting is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 An illustrative embodiment of a pipe fitting 100 in an assembled state is shown. The pipe fitting 100 can be used to provide fluid communication between pipe lines or between pipe features and devices (e.g., valves, boxes, control systems, etc.). The terms "piping application" or "piping system" as used herein can include any system that transports fluids, such as domestic or commercial heating and cooling systems, domestic or commercial hot or cold water systems, industrial waste removal systems, automotive coolant systems, and any other fluid transport system that may be conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0045] In addition, the piping fitting 100 providing fluid communication may include a fluid containing any liquid, any liquid / gas mixture, any gas, or any substantially liquid mixture containing solid particles, etc.

[0046] The pipe fitting 100 may optionally be formed of a deformable material, such as plastic, or a range of metals or metal alloys as described below, and thus may be configured to connect to a pipe line or feature comprising a range of materials, such as plastic hose lines, braided hoses, brass / copper hoses, and any other metal or non-metal pipe feature or device.

[0047] The pipe fitting 100 is shown as having two caps 1 assembled on opposite ends of a single body 3. The opposite ends of the body 3 include mounting ends 5 to which the caps 1 can be attached.

[0048] It should be noted that Figure 1 The body 3 shown in Figure 12 is merely one exemplary configuration of the body 3. Alternatively, the body 3 may include only one mounting end 5, with the other end of the body 3 forming part of a piping component (e.g., a valve), or integrally formed with a wall or other structural feature through which the piping line 301 is fitted to the piping fitting 100. The body 3 may also alternatively include a T-joint, a four-way joint, or any other suitable intermediate pipe joint having multiple mounting ends 5 for connecting multiple piping lines, as described in further detail below. Figure 1 As shown in Figure 12, the body can be substantially straight between the assembly ends 5, or alternatively, in, for example... Figure 13 In the elbow configuration shown, one end of the body is offset at an angle from the other end.

[0049] Therefore, although the instruction manual will use Figure 1 The illustrative embodiment of the pipe fitting 100 shown in Figure 13 is used to describe the principle, function and features of the pipe fitting 100. However, various other embodiments of the pipe fitting 100 will be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and in particular adaptations and modifications to the cap 1 and body 3 to suit different pipe fitting components and applications.

[0050] The following embodiments of the pipe fitting will be described with reference to a cap 1 and a mounting end 5. It should be understood that in at least some embodiments, the pipe fitting will have multiple mounting ends 5 and caps 1, and the same reference numerals will denote the same components.

[0051] Figure 2 and 13 A pipe fitting 100 in a disassembled state is shown. The pipe fitting 100 includes a cap 1 and a body 3. The body 3 includes a mounting end 5 configured to be received by the cap 1. The body also includes a first engagement protrusion 7 and a second engagement protrusion 9 (in... Figure 2 Invisible in the middle, but in Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the first engagement protrusion 7 and the second engagement protrusion 9 are circumferentially spaced apart from each other and extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 11 of the assembly end 5.

[0052] The cap 1 includes a first protrusion 13 and a second protrusion 15, each protrusion having a free end 17, 19 at a receiving end 21 of the cap 1, respectively. The receiving end 21 of the cap 1 is substantially open to receive the mounting end 5 of the body 3. The first protrusion 13 includes a first receiving portion 23 configured to receive a first engaging protrusion 7, and the second protrusion 15 includes a second receiving portion 25 configured to receive a second engaging protrusion 9.

[0053] Figure 1The body 3 shown in Figure 13 also includes third and fourth engagement protrusions 7' and 9', and Figure 1 The cap 1 shown in Figure 13 also includes third and fourth protrusions 13' and 15' having corresponding receiving portions 23' and 25'. The third engaging protrusion 7' ​​and the fourth engaging protrusion 9' are circumferentially spaced from the first engaging protrusion 7 and the second engaging protrusion 9, and also extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5. Furthermore, the third and fourth protrusions 13' and 15' each have free ends 17' and 19' at the receiving end 21 of the cap 1, wherein the third protrusion 13' includes a third receiving portion 23' configured to receive the third engaging protrusion 7', and the fourth protrusion 15' includes a fourth receiving portion 25' configured to receive the fourth engaging protrusion 9'. The third protrusion 13' and the fourth protrusion 15' also each include spacers 27' and 29' extending radially inward at their respective free ends.

[0054] However, in some configurations, the cap 1 may include any number, or even more, of two to eight protrusions 13, 13', 15, 15' and corresponding receiving portions 23, 23', 25, 25', and the body 3 may similarly include any number, or even more, of two to eight engaging protrusions 7, 7', 9, 9'. This also applies to many other parts of the cap 1 and body 3 corresponding to or arranged on the respective features, as described in further detail below. Therefore, any description of the function and features of the first and second engaging protrusions, protrusions, receiving portions, or other parts / features corresponding to or arranged thereon can be equally applied to the third, fourth, fifth, etc., engaging protrusions, protrusions, receiving portions, or other parts / features corresponding to or arranged thereon. The same reference numerals denote the same parts and are preceded by an apostrophe (').

[0055] Therefore, although Figure 1 -13 illustrates a “four-protrusion” embodiment of the pipe fitting 100, but in this specification reference will be made primarily to the first and second engagement protrusions, protrusions, receptacles and components / features corresponding to or arranged thereon.

[0056] Figure 4 and 5A detailed view of the cap 1 is shown. The first and second protrusions 13, 15 are configured to allow each protrusion to bend relative to the other. In this way, each protrusion 13, 15 of the cap 1 can move, flex, or deform relative to each other and relative to the substantially rigid tapered end 2 of the cap 1. Specifically, the free end 17 of the first protrusion 13 and the free end 19 of the second protrusion 15 (and the free ends 17', 19' of any other protrusions 13', 15') can be moved relative to each other. Figure 1 The default circumferential position of the caps shown in Figure 13 is radially outward and optionally radially inward. The features of the cap 1 that provide this functionality are described in further detail below.

[0057] Each protrusion 13, 15 also includes spacers 27, 29 extending radially inward at the free ends 17, 19 of the protrusion 13, 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 13 has two spacers 27, 28 disposed at either lateral end of the first protrusion 13, and similarly, the second protrusion 15 has two spacers 29, 30 disposed at either lateral end of the second protrusion 15. However, in some configurations, each protrusion may have only one spacer, or any suitable plurality of spacers extending from the free ends of the protrusion. Reference to the characteristics and function of spacers 27, 29 also applies to spacers 28, 30.

[0058] Each protrusion 13', 15' also has at least one radially inwardly extending spacer 27', 29' at its free end 17', 19'. Variations of the spacer are as described above.

[0059] Spacers 27 and 29 are configured such that when the mounting end 5 is received by the cap 1, the free ends 17 and 19 of each protrusion 13 and 15 are... Figure 1 The default circumferential positions shown in Figure 13 are radially outwardly shifted. Spacers 27 and 29 are configured such that when the mounting end 5 is received by the cap 1, the inner circumferential surfaces 31 of the protrusions 13 and 15 are spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5. Due to... Figure 6 The radially outward displacement shown provides clearance for the travel of the receiving parts 23, 25 on the corresponding engaging protrusions 7, 9.

[0060] The pipe fitting 100 is thus configured such that the dimensions of the cap 1 and the body 3, and their respective features, correspond to each other, thereby requiring the inner circumferential surface 31 to be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 11 to provide clearance for the receiving portions 23, 25 to travel on the respective engaging protrusions 7, 9.

[0061] This is Figure 7 -11 is best shown, in which Figure 7 and 8A cross-sectional view of body 3 is shown. Figure 9 The rear view of cap 1 is shown. Figure 10 and 11 A cross-sectional view of pipe fitting 100 in its exploded state is shown. (As in...) Figure 10 As can be seen, the dimensions of the pipe fitting 100 are determined such that the diameter D1 of the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5 is substantially equal to the diameter D3 of the inner circumferential surface 31 of the protrusions 13 and 15. Therefore, the receiving end 5 of the cap 1 represents a tight interference fit, requiring considerable force to press the mounting end 5 of the body 3 into the receiving end 21 of the cap 1. This type of assembly typically results in the connection of the components being secured primarily through friction between the component surfaces.

[0062] Therefore, once the cap 1 receives the mounting end 5, the friction generated between the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5 and the inner circumferential surface 31 of the protrusions 13, 15 helps to prevent the cap 1 from being easily removed from the body 3 by simply pulling the two apart in the axial longitudinal direction of the pipe fitting 100.

[0063] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of -13, the first receiving portion 23 and the second receiving portion 25 each include a receiving orifice with a circumferential thickness D7 extending through the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 15, respectively. The circumferential thickness D7 is in the radial direction and can therefore be considered as a radial thickness.

[0064] In the embodiment described, each engagement protrusion 7, 9 (e.g. Figure 11 The circumferential height D5 (as shown) is substantially equal to or greater than the protrusions 13 and 15 (as shown). Figure 10 The circumferential thickness D7 (as shown) is required. In this way, the protrusions 13 and 15 need a gap above this height D5 so that the receiving portions 23 and 25 can receive the protrusions 7 and 9. The circumferential height D5 is in the radial direction and can therefore be considered as the radial height.

[0065] However, in some configurations, the receiving portions 23, 25 may alternatively include a recess extending radially outward from the inner circumferential surface 31 of the protrusions 13, 15 into the thickness D7 of the protrusions 13, 15 but not through the entire circumferential thickness D7. In such embodiments, the circumferential height D5 of each of the engaging protrusions 7, 9 will be changed to be substantially equal to but not greater than the circumferential thickness D7 of the protrusions 13, 15.

[0066] It should be noted that in some embodiments, regardless of whether the receiving portions 23, 25 include an opening or a recess, the circumferential height D5 of each of the engaging protrusions 7, 9 may be less than the circumferential thickness D7 of the protrusions 13, 15.

[0067] In any case, spacers 27 and 29 (in) Figure 10 The circumferential depth D9 (shown in the figure) is configured to be substantially equal to or greater than the circumferential height D5 of each of the engagement protrusions 7, 9, so as to allow sufficient outward radial displacement of the free ends 17, 19 of each of the protrusions 13, 15. The circumferential depth D9 is in the radial direction and can therefore be alternatively considered as the radial depth.

[0068] like Figure 3 and 11 As shown, the outward radial displacement of the free ends 17, 19 of each protrusion 13, 15 can also be aided by providing an annular chamfer 26 around the periphery of the mounting end 5. As the spacers 27, 29 straddle the tapered portion of the annular chamfer 26, they will undergo a gradual initial outward displacement, thereby facilitating the free ends 17, 19 of the protrusions 13, 15 from... Figure 1 The default position shown in -13 is moved to the desired outward radial displacement.

[0069] This can also be achieved through... Figure 3 and 11 A chamfer 32 is provided at the edge of one or each of the engagement protrusions 7, 9 shown to assist in the engagement. Due to the interaction between the spacers 27, 29 and the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5 (and optionally with the annular chamfer 26), the free ends 17, 19 of the already outwardly displaced protrusions 13, 15 may undergo additional final outward displacement as they straddle the tapered portion of the engagement chamfer 32.

[0070] It should be noted that Figure 1 The generally rectangular shape of the engagement protrusions 7, 9 shown in Figure 13 is merely an illustrative example, and the engagement protrusions 7, 9 may take other forms and shapes, as long as they fulfill their intended function. For example, the engagement protrusions 7, 9 may alternatively take the form of a wedge that tapers gradually in the peripheral direction of the mounting end 5, or be recessed or protruding outward in the peripheral direction of the mounting end 5, regardless of whether they are provided with optional engagement protrusion chamfers 32. In any case, the engagement protrusions 7, 9 will typically have an inward platform 34 that contacts the corresponding inner wall of the respective receiving portions 23, 25 to substantially suppress outward longitudinal translation of the cap 1 relative to the body 3 when the cap 1 is engaged with the body 3.

[0071] Therefore, the desired radial outward displacement of the free ends 17, 19 of each protrusion 13, 15 (and thus the subsequent spacing of the inner circumferential surface 31 from the outer circumferential surface 11) is primarily achieved by the arrangement and appropriate configuration of the spacers 27, 29, but can be further aided by the provision of annular chamfers 26 or engaging protrusion chamfers 32.

[0072] Once the inner circumferential surface 31 of the protrusions 13 and 15 is separated from the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5, the mounting end 5 can continue to enter the interior of the cap 1 through the receiving end 21 of the cap 1 until the receiving parts 23 and 25 travel on the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 and align with the engaging protrusions 7 and 9.

[0073] However, in order for the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 to be received by the receiving portions 23 and 25, the inner circumferential surface 31 of the protrusions 13 and 15 must return to its default position where it contacts the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5.

[0074] For this purpose, the assembly end 5 includes a spacer receiving portion configured to receive spacers 27, 29 so as to allow the free ends 17, 19 of each protrusion 13, 15 to be radially inwardly displaced from their radially outwardly displaced positions, thereby engaging the inner circumferential surface 31 of the protrusions 13, 15 with the outer circumferential surface 11 of the assembly end 5 once the cap 1 is fully inserted into the assembly end 5.

[0075] Spacer receiving part includes Figure 2 , 3 The generally annular engagement channel 33 shown in Figures 8 and 10-12 extends radially inward from the outer circumferential surface 31 of the mounting end 5. The generally annular engagement channel 33 shown comprises a plurality of discrete annular engagement channels separated by engagement ridges 37, which will be described in further detail below. Specifically, there are four annular engagement channels 33, each corresponding to a specific one of the protrusions 13, 13', 15, and 15'.

[0076] However, in some configurations, any number of discrete annular engagement channels corresponding to each or more of the spacers 27, 29 may be present. Furthermore, in some configurations (where there is no engagement ridge 37, or the engagement ridge 37 does not extend through the generally annular engagement channel 33), the annular engagement channel 33 may instead extend continuously and uninterruptedly around the entire circumference of the assembly end 5.

[0077] Furthermore, in other configurations, the spacer receiving portion may alternatively include at least one inward platform extending radially inward from the outer circumferential surface 31 of the mounting end 5. The at least one inward platform may, for example, take the form of an inner wall 35 similar to the annular engagement channel 33. If multiple inward platforms are provided, each platform may correspond to each or more of the spacers 27, 29. However, in some configurations, the inward platform may alternatively extend continuously around the entire circumference of the mounting end 5.

[0078] In any case, the dimensions of the spacer receiving portion are determined to correspond to the circumferential depth D9 of the spacer members 27 and 29. This is in Figure 10 and 11As shown, the generally annular engagement channel 33 (in) Figure 11 The circumferential depth D11 (as shown in the diagram) is equal to or greater than that of spacers 27 and 29 (in the diagram). Figure 10 The circumferential depth D9 is shown in the figure.

[0079] This allows the spacers 27, 29 to be received entirely by the generally annular engagement channel 33, thereby allowing the inner circumferential surfaces 31 of the protrusions 13, 15 to return to contact the outer circumferential surface 31 of the mounting end 5. Thus, the engagement protrusions 7, 9 are received entirely by the receiving portions 23, 25.

[0080] The spacer receiving portion, whether comprising a generally annular engagement channel 33, at least one inward platform, or a combination / configuration as described above, can define the edge or periphery of the mounting end 5. Thus, the length D8 of the cap 1 corresponds to the length D10 of the mounting end 5, as... Figure 12 As shown. This, together with the proper configuration of dimensions D1, D3, D9, and D11, essentially confines the assembly end 5 inside the cap 1.

[0081] like Figure 12 As shown, when the mounting end 5 is fully received by the cap 1, there is essentially no free space between the inner circumferential surface 31 and the outer circumferential surface 11, between the periphery of the mounting end 5 (whether it includes the optional annular channel 26) and the inner chamfer 4 of the cap 1, and between the spacers 27, 29 and the inner wall 35 of the generally annular engagement channel 33 (or at least one inward platform).

[0082] Therefore, when the mounting end 5 is fully received by the cap 1, the proper configuration of dimensions D8 and D10, as well as other dimensions D1, D3, D9, D11, helps to substantially suppress the movement of the cap 1 relative to the body 3 due to friction between the contact surfaces / features, thereby helping to prevent the cap 1 from being removed from the body 3.

[0083] However, the main feature of the pipe fitting 100 that prevents the cap 1 from being removed from the body 3 once connected is the engagement protrusions 7, 9 together with the receiving portions 23, 25, and the spacers 27, 29 together with the spacer receiving portions.

[0084] The receiving parts 23 and 25 receive the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 together with the spacer receiving parts (including the generally annular engaging channel 33) receiving the spacers 27 and 29, providing a substantially non-releasable connection between the cap 1 and the body 3.

[0085] Therefore, since the engaging protrusions 7, 9 and the spacers 27, 29 simultaneously press against the corresponding closed surfaces of the receiving portions 23, 25 and the generally annular engaging channel 33 that constrain the engaging protrusions 7, 9 and the spacers 27, 29, the user is prevented from attempting to pull the cap 1 off the body 3 by applying force in the axial longitudinal direction.

[0086] Thus, the receiving portions 23, 25 and the generally annular engagement channel 33 are appropriately sized relative to the engagement protrusions 7, 9 and the spacers 27, 29 so as to constrain and close them in a manner that substantially inhibits the movement of the cap 1 relative to the body 3 once the assembly end 5 is received by the cap 1.

[0087] For example, the length D13 of the connecting protrusions 7 and 9 ( Figure 11 (As shown) is basically equal to the length D15 of the receiving parts 23 and 25. Figure 11 (As shown). Thus, once the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 are received by the receiving portions 23 and 25, the cap 1 is substantially suppressed from translating in the longitudinal direction because the two longitudinal ends of the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 are constrained by the corresponding longitudinal inner walls of the receiving portions 23 and 25.

[0088] In some configurations, for example Figure 1 -13 is an exemplary embodiment in which the width D17 of the engagement protrusions 7 and 9 (in) Figure 7 (As shown in the diagram) can also be substantially equal to the width D19 of the receiving portions 23, 25 (in Figure 11 (As shown in the figure). Thus, once the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 are received by the receiving portions 23 and 25, the cap 1 is substantially suppressed from rotating about the longitudinal direction because the two lateral ends of the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 are constrained by the corresponding lateral inner walls of the receiving portions 23 and 25.

[0089] Therefore, each receiving portion 23, 25 and the corresponding engaging protrusion 7, 9 are configured together to substantially suppress longitudinal translation and / or axial rotation of the cap 1 relative to the body 3 when the receiving portion 23, 25 receives the corresponding engaging protrusion 7, 9.

[0090] In addition, the width D21 of the roughly annular joint channel 33 ( Figure 11 As shown) is basically equal to the width D23 of spacers 27 and 29. Figure 10 (as shown in the diagram). In this way, once the spacers 27, 29 are received by the generally annular engagement channel 33, the cap 1 is substantially suppressed from translation in the longitudinal direction because the two longitudinal ends of the spacers 27, 29 are constrained by the corresponding longitudinal inner walls (including inner walls 35) of the generally annular engagement channel 33.

[0091] Furthermore, in some configurations, when the spacer is positioned on the protrusion, the circumferential length D25 of the given discrete channel of the generally annular engagement channel 33 (in Figure 8 (as shown in the diagram) can correspond to the circumferential length D27 of the spacer (in Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram). In this way, the two sides of the spacer are closed and constrained by the corresponding transverse inner walls of the discrete channels of the generally annular engagement channel 33.

[0092] However, if two or more spacers are arranged on the protrusion, for example in Figure 1 In embodiment -13, the circumferential length D25 of a given discrete channel of the generally annular engagement channel 33 may alternatively correspond to the circumferential length D29 between the positions of the two outermost spacers of the protrusion (spacers 27, 28 for the first protrusion 13, or spacers 29, 30 for the second protrusion 15). Figure 9 (as shown in the diagram). Thus, once the spacer is received by the annular engagement channel 33, the cap 1 is substantially inhibited from rotating about the longitudinal direction because the outermost lateral end of the outermost spacer is constrained by the corresponding lateral inner wall of the given discrete channel of the generally annular engagement channel 33.

[0093] Therefore, the spacer receiving portion and the spacers 27 and 29 are configured together to substantially suppress longitudinal translation and / or axial rotation of the cap 1 relative to the body 3 when the spacer is received by the spacer receiving portion.

[0094] For example, in Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of -13, the circumferential length D25 of a given discrete channel of the generally annular engagement channel 33 is not equal to the circumferential length D27 of the spacers 27, 29. However, the circumferential length D25 is configured to correspond to the circumferential length D29 between the positions of the two outermost spacers 27, 28 of the first protrusion 13 and the outermost spacers 29, 30 of the second protrusion. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of -13, this circumferential length D29 also corresponds to and / or is defined by the engagement ridge 37 described below.

[0095] In this manner, since the particular embodiment of the pipe fitting 100 includes two spacers at the lateral ends of each protrusion, the outermost lateral wall of the outermost spacer of each protrusion contacts the corresponding lateral wall of each engagement ridge 37 in order to substantially suppress rotation about the cap 1 relative to the body 3 in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, even without the engagement ridge 37, or where the engagement ridge 37 does not extend through the generally annular engagement channel 33, the generally annular engagement channel 33 may still have inward lateral walls that constrain the spacers of a given protrusion in the same manner as the engagement ridge 37.

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 13, the body 3 includes at least one engaging ridge 37, which extends longitudinally along the outer circumferential surface 11 of the mounting end 5 and radially outward from the outer circumferential surface and is configured to engage between adjacent protrusions. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of -13, the at least one engaging ridge 37 is configured to engage in a groove 39 between the adjacent protrusions.

[0097] exist Figure 1 In the "four protrusions" embodiment of -13, the groove 39 is provided on the two lateral ends of the first protrusion 13: between the first protrusion 13 and the third protrusion 13' and between the first protrusion 13 and the fourth protrusion 15'; and on the two lateral ends of the second protrusion 15, between the second protrusion 16 and the third protrusion 13' and between the second protrusion 16 and the fourth protrusion 15'. However, in the "two protrusions" embodiment having only the first and second protrusions 13, 15, the groove 39 can be provided on the two lateral ends of the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 15, between these two adjacent protrusions.

[0098] In any case, regardless of whether the cap 1 includes two to eight or more protrusions, at least one engaging ridge 37 is configured to engage between any two adjacent protrusions (or between any two adjacent protrusions).

[0099] Furthermore, in some configurations, the at least one engaging ridge 37 may engage with a discontinuity between adjacent protrusions (e.g., a groove 39, an internal recess (or the like) between adjacent protrusions, or a deformable portion between adjacent protrusions). The deformable portion may include a portion of a material more flexible than the material forming the protrusion, or may include a portion of the material defining or closing the recess, made of the same or more flexible material as the material forming the protrusion. Additionally, in some configurations, the cap 1 may include a combination or a combination / variation of grooves, recesses, or deformable portions between adjacent protrusions.

[0100] It should also be noted that, regardless of the number of protrusions, the circumferential length of the protrusions and their circumferential positions can be configured such that the at least one engaging ridge 37 engages in a groove / recess / deformable portion / or combination / variation thereof having any given circumferential length or thickness.

[0101] For example, in the "double protrusion" embodiment, the first and second protrusions 13 and 15 may have the same characteristics as... Figure 1 The first and second protrusions 13 and 15 shown in the "four protrusions" embodiment of -13 have the same circumferential length and position, with a gap between the first and second protrusions 13 and 15, and third and fourth protrusions 13' and 15' are shown; therefore, at least one engaging ridge 37 will engage between the first and second protrusions 13 and 15 in any of the spaces (having a circumferential length similar to that of the third and fourth protrusions 13' and 15'), and the spaces may include grooves / recesses / deformable portions / or combinations / variations thereof. However, in the preferred embodiment, to be consistent with Figure 1In a similar manner to the "four protrusions" embodiment of -13, the circumferential length of the protrusions is configured to extend substantially around the circumference of the cap 1.

[0102] In any case, bending of adjacent protrusions relative to another protrusion is permitted. Thus, regardless of whether grooves, recesses, deformable portions, or combinations / variations thereof are provided between adjacent protrusions, each protrusion is capable of moving, bending, or deforming relative to each other and relative to the substantially rigid tapered end 2 of the cap 1. Specifically, the grooves / recesses / deformable portions / or combinations / variations thereof between adjacent protrusions should extend from the receiving end 21 of the cap 1 into a considerable length of the cap 1 to allow sufficient flexibility for the free ends 17, 19 of the protrusions relative to... Figure 1 -13 shows their default circumferential positions shifted radially inward or outward. The length of the groove / recess / deformable portion / or combination / variation between adjacent protrusions thus substantially defines the length of each protrusion.

[0103] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of -13, there are four engagement ridges 37 corresponding to four slots 39. The slots 39 and at least one engagement ridge 27 are sized to provide a constrained closure of the engagement ridge 27 through the slots 39.

[0104] For example, the circumferential thickness D31 of at least one joining ridge 27 (as shown) Figure 8 As shown) is basically equal to the circumferential thickness D33 of the groove 39 between adjacent protrusions (e.g. Figure 9 (As shown). In this way, once at least one engaging ridge 27 is received by the groove 39 between adjacent protrusions, the cap 1 is substantially inhibited from rotating about the longitudinal direction because at least one or both lateral sides of the engaging ridge 27 are constrained by the corresponding inner lateral walls of the groove 39 between adjacent protrusions.

[0105] Therefore, the at least one engaging ridge 27 is configured to substantially suppress axial rotation of the cap 1 relative to the body 3 when the at least one engaging ridge 27 engages between adjacent protrusions (or engages in the groove 39 between adjacent protrusions).

[0106] In addition to the configuration of sizes D1-D33, the positions of various features of the cap 1 and the body 3 correspond to each other in order to provide a connection that can be easily and quickly aligned.

[0107] For example, since the receiving portions 23 and 25 are configured to receive the engaging protrusions 7 and 9, the positions of the receiving portions 23 and 25 appropriately correspond to the positions of the engaging protrusions 7 and 9. Similarly, since the groove 29 is configured to receive at least one engaging ridge 37, the position of the engaging ridge 37 appropriately corresponds to the position of the groove 29. Finally, since the spacer receiving portion, including the generally annular engaging channel 33, is configured to receive spacer members 27, 28, 29, and 30, the positions of the separate engaging channels 33 appropriately correspond to the positions of the spacer members 27, 28, 29, and 30.

[0108] As a result, because the positions of the receiving portions 23 and 25 correspond to the positions of the engaging protrusions 7 and 9, the spacers 27, 28, 29, and 30 are circumferentially offset from the first and second receiving portions 23 and 25. This ensures that the spacers 27, 28, 29, and 30 do not contact or abut against the engaging protrusions 7 and 9 during the receiving assembly end 5 of the cap 1.

[0109] It should be noted that, as mentioned above, each protrusion only needs to include one spacer; however, if two or more spacers are provided on a given protrusion, they must be arranged circumferentially offset from the receiving portion of the protrusion for the same reason.

[0110] Furthermore, since the position of the engaging ridge 37 corresponds to the position of the groove 29, the groove 29 is offset circumferentially from the first and second receiving portions 23, 5. This ensures that the engaging ridge 37 does not contact the first and second receiving portions 23, 25 during the receiving assembly end 5 of the cap 1.

[0111] Finally, the first engaging protrusion 7, the second engaging protrusion 9, the third engaging protrusion, and the fourth engaging protrusion (or the fifth engaging protrusion, the sixth engaging protrusion, the seventh engaging protrusion, etc.) are all spaced apart from each other along the circumference.

[0112] Therefore, the various features of the cap 1 and the body 3 are shown to be arranged correspondingly around the circumference of the cap 1 and the body 3 to abut each other. Furthermore, since the various features of the cap 1 are arranged on or corresponding to a given protrusion, the cap 1 can be axially rotated to align any given protrusion having its various features with any given engaging protrusion and the feature of the mounting end 5 adjacent to said engaging protrusion.

[0113] This forms protrusions arranged in a circumferentially symmetrical manner. For example, for Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment of -13, the user can easily rotate the cap 1 or the body 3 by about 90 degrees to align any given protrusion of the cap 1, which has its various features, with any given engaging protrusion of the body 3, thereby quickly and easily joining them together. This also applies to the configuration of the pipe fitting 100, where the cap 1 alternatively includes an odd number of protrusions, such as a cap 1 with three protrusions, and therefore alternatively requires about 120 degrees of rotation to align the features of the cap 1 with the mounting end 5 of the body 3.

[0114] Therefore, by providing engaging protrusions 7, 9, receiving portions 23, 25, spacers 27, 29, spacer receiving portions (generally annular engaging channels 33), and optionally, engaging ridges 37 and grooves 29 between each protrusion, the pipe fitting 100 provides a substantially non-releasable connection between the cap 1 and the body 3. This, in turn, prevents the pipe fitting 100 from being easily disassembled, damaged, or tampered with, thereby providing security for the piping lines connected to the pipe fitting 100 and the features of the pipe assembly 200 surrounded by the pipe fitting 100 (described in further detail below).

[0115] Furthermore, the cap 1 and its various features are preferably integrally formed from a uniform material, as are the body 3 and its various features. Therefore, the pipe fitting 100 provides this essentially non-releasable and tamper-proof connection without requiring a complex assembly with numerous moving parts.

[0116] Preferably, the material includes a deformable material, such as molded plastic. Alternatively, the material may include aluminum, aluminum alloy, brass, brass alloy, steel, stainless steel, steel alloy, or any other suitable metal or metal alloy. In this way, when the spacers 27, 29 are radially displaced outward during the receiving assembly end 5 of the cap 1 and subsequently received by the spacer receiving portion, the free ends 17, 19 of the protrusions 13, 15 return to Figure 1 The default position of -13 allows protrusions 13 and 15 to deform only temporarily or elastically during the period when the cap 1 receives the assembly end 5.

[0117] Therefore, providing the above-mentioned features means that the cap 1 undergoes the shortest elastic deformation time during the use of the pipe fitting 100. As a result, after the cap 1 is connected to the body 3, the protrusions 13, 15 of the cap 1 essentially maintain their original integrity, rather than being permanently or inelastically deformed, and thus weakening the connection between the cap 1 and the body 3.

[0118] It should be noted that the many shapes or forms shown for the various features of the cap 1 and the body 3 (such as the engagement protrusions 7, 9, the receiving portions 23, 25, the annular chamfer 26, the spacers 27, 29, the engagement protrusion chamfer 32, the generally annular engagement channel 33, the engagement ridge 37 and / or the groove 29) are merely illustrative examples, and they may take other forms and shapes as long as they fulfill their intended function.

[0119] For example, the engaging protrusions 7, 9 and the corresponding receiving portions 23, 25 are shown as having a substantially rectangular shape; however, they may alternatively take a wedge, concave, or convex shape as outlined above, for example, as long as the shape still includes the dimensions D13, D15, D17, D19 of the engaging protrusions 7, 9 and the corresponding receiving portions 23, 25 described above, and features such as the inward platform 34 of the engaging protrusions 7, 9 cooperating with the inner wall of the receiving portions 23, 25. This makes the engagement between the two substantially suppress longitudinal translation and / or axial rotation of the cap 1 relative to the body 3 when the receiving portions 23, 25 receive the corresponding engaging protrusions 7, 9.

[0120] Figure 13 An exploded view of an embodiment of the pipe fitting 100 in use is shown. The embodiment of the pipe fitting 100 may have features tailored to… Figure 1 -12 The pipe fitting embodiment describes any one or more of the features and functions described. As shown, when the body 3 includes two mounting ends 5 on opposite ends of the body 3, the pipe fitting 100 can be used to connect a pipe line 301 to another pipe line 401. However, in some cases as described above, the body 3 may alternatively include only one mounting end 5, the other end of the body 3 forming part of a pipe component (e.g., a valve), or integrally formed with a wall or other structural feature through which the pipe line 301 is mounted to the pipe fitting 100.

[0121] In any case, the body 3 includes a hole 41 extending from the mounting end 5 and longitudinally through the body 3. The hole 41 is configured to receive the conduit assembly 200. The cap 1 includes a conduit opening 43 configured to receive a conduit line 301 connectable to the conduit assembly 200. The conduit assembly 200 is in... Figure 13 It is shown in its unfolded state and includes an O-ring 201, an insert 203, and a gripping edge member 205.

[0122] In use, the pipe assembly 200 is first arranged in the hole 41 of the body 3, and then the pipe line 301 passes through the pipe opening 43 of the cap 1. Before the cap 1 is pushed onto the mounting end 5 of the body 3, the open end 303 of the pipe line 301 passes through the gripping edge member 205 and the O-ring 201 to press and receive the cylindrical body of the insert 203 around it, so as to substantially non-releasably connect the cap 1 to the body 3, and thus close the pipe assembly 200 and the open end 303 of the pipe line 301 within the pipe fitting 100.

[0123] Therefore, as described above, this essentially non-releasable connection between the cap 1 and the body 3 prevents the disassembly of the pipe fitting 100, thereby protecting the pipe fitting 100, as well as the pipe assembly 200 and the open end 303 of the conduit line 301 enclosed therein, from theft or damage. Furthermore, when connected, there is essentially no free space between the various features of the pipe fitting 100 (particularly the flexible or deformable features described above, such as the protrusions 13, 15 of the cap 1), making it difficult to deform, pull apart, or displace the flexible features, thereby forcibly removing the cap 1 from the body 3. This prevents specific piping applications using the pipe fitting 100 from becoming unstable or damaged due to changes in pressure, temperature, or flow rate, for example, that could result from damage, theft, or damage to the fitting 100, the pipe assembly 200, and the open end 303 of the conduit line 301 enclosed therein.

[0124] It should be noted that Figure 13 The pipe assembly 200 shown is merely an illustrative example. The pipe assembly 200 may take other suitable forms depending on, for example, the material of the pipe line 301, the composition of the fluid flowing through the pipe assembly 200, and / or the specific application using the pipe fitting 100. For example, the pipe assembly 200 may include more than one O-ring, an insert including multiple moving parts (e.g., retainers or clamps), or other features that a person skilled in the art would conceive of when adapting the pipe fitting 100 to a given application.

[0125] in any case, Figure 13 The pipe assembly 200 shown, including the gripping edge member 205, allows the pipe line 301 to be disconnected from the pipe fitting 100 without disassembling the pipe fitting 100 itself. This can be achieved by simply pushing the edge of the gripping edge member 205, which protrudes from the pipe assembly orifice 43, further into the interior of the pipe fitting 100 while pulling and twisting the pipe line 301 out of the interior of the pipe fitting 100, such that the gripping edge member 205 releases the open end 303 of the pipe line 301 from the insert 203, and thus allows the pipe line 301 to be pulled out from the pipe orifice 43 of the cap 1.

[0126] The gripping edge member 205 can be any other component that a person skilled in the art would conceive of, which can provide similar functionality, or alternatively, once the cap 1 is attached to the body 3, the component can prevent the conduit line 301 from being disconnected.

[0127] It should also be noted that, although Figure 1 The body 3 shown in Figure 13 includes two opposite ends with two mounting ends 5, but it may alternatively include, for example, a T-joint with three ends or a four-way joint with four ends. In any case, the hole 41 can extend from one end to the other end, or, if the body 3 has more than two ends, to the junction of other holes at the other ends. Thus, the body 3 provides fluid communication between the pipe lines to which it is connected.

[0128] Furthermore, each of the other ends may include a mounting end configured in substantially the same manner as the mounting end 5 described throughout this specification, and thus configured to be received by a cap configured in substantially the same manner as the cap 1 described throughout this specification. In this way, the body 3 can be configured to provide connections between multiple pipe lines, wherein each connection is substantially non-releasable and thereby protected from tampering, damage, and / or theft.

[0129] In one exemplary embodiment, the pipe fitting 100 is configured such that the maximum diameter D35 of the pipe fitting 100 is approximately 30 mm, such as Figure 12 As shown. The maximum diameter D35 corresponds to the outer diameter of the cap 1 and the body 3, which are substantially equal in the illustrated configuration. The other dimensions D1-D33 in this exemplary embodiment have the following values: D1 28.6mm, D3 28.6mm, D5 1.1mm, D7 1.1mm, D8 10.9mm, D10 11.8mm, D9 1.1mm, D1 12.0mm, D13 3.8mm, D15 4.3mm, D17 9.4mm, D19 10mm, D2 11.3mm, D23 1.1mm, D25 19.1mm, D29 18.6mm, D27 3mm, D31 1.6mm, D33 1.6mm.

[0130] Therefore, the numerical differences between the above-described pairs of dimensions as "corresponding" or "substantially equal" provide an example of tolerances suitable for this exemplary embodiment. For example, the circumferential depth D11 of the generally annular engagement channel 33 is equal to or greater than the circumferential depth D9 of the spacers 27, 29, as described above. This can be listed above, where D9 is 1.1 mm and D11 is 2.0 mm.

[0131] Furthermore, dimensions D8 and D10, D13 and D15, D17 and D19, D21 and D23, and D25 and D29 are described above as "substantially equal," and as listed above with respect to exemplary embodiments, there may be a difference of less than 1.0 mm between each pair. Conversely, dimensions D1 and D3, D5 and D7, and D31 and D33 have exact matching values. The differences between dimensions described as "corresponding" or "substantially equal" may be less than or greater than those listed above.

[0132] In other embodiments of the pipe fitting 100, the maximum diameter D35 may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 110 mm or larger, and other dimensions D1-D33 may be increased or decreased proportionally to D35.

[0133] Those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions described are merely exemplary and that the dimensions and features of the pipe fittings may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0134] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of example only, and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pipe fitting, comprising: cap; as well as The body includes a mounting end configured to be received by the cap, the body including a first engagement protrusion and a second engagement protrusion spaced apart from each other on the circumference and extending radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end; The cap said cap includes: A first protrusion and a second protrusion, each protrusion having a free end at the receiving end of the cap; The first protrusion includes a first receiving portion configured to receive the first engaging protrusion, and the second protrusion includes a second receiving portion configured to receive the second engaging protrusion. The protrusions are configured to allow each protrusion to flex relative to each other; and Each protrusion includes two spacers extending radially inward at the free end of the protrusion; The spacer is configured such that when the mounting end is received by the cap, the spacer of each protrusion is radially displaced outward due to the interaction between the spacer and the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end, so as to space the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end, thereby providing a gap for the receiving portion to receive the engaging protrusion.

2. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The assembly end includes a spacer receiving portion configured to receive the spacer so as to allow the free ends of each of the protrusions to move radially inward, thereby engaging the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion with the outer circumferential surface of the assembly end.

3. The pipe fitting according to claim 2, wherein, The receiving portion, which receives the engaging protrusion, together with the spacer receiving portion, which receives the spacer, provides a substantially non-releasable connection between the cap and the body.

4. The pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Each receiving portion and its corresponding engaging protrusion are configured together to substantially suppress longitudinal translation and / or axial rotation of the cap relative to the body when the receiving portion receives the corresponding engaging protrusion.

5. The pipe fitting according to claim 2, wherein, The spacer receiving portion and the spacer together are configured to substantially suppress longitudinal translation and / or axial rotation of the cap relative to the body when the spacer is received by the spacer receiving portion.

6. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The body includes at least one engaging ridge that extends longitudinally along the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end and radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end, and is configured to engage between adjacent protrusions.

7. The pipe fitting according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one engagement ridge is configured to substantially suppress axial rotation of the cap relative to the body when the at least one engagement ridge engages between the adjacent protrusions.

8. The pipe fitting according to claim 3, wherein, The spacer receiving portion includes at least one inward platform extending radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the assembly end.

9. The pipe fitting according to claim 3, wherein, The spacer receiving portion includes a generally annular engagement channel extending radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the assembly end.

10. The pipe fitting according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one engagement ridge is configured to engage in a groove between the adjacent protrusions.

11. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Both the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion include receiving portion openings, which extend through the radial thickness of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively.

12. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spacer is offset circumferentially from the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

13. The pipe fitting according to claim 10, wherein, The groove is offset circumferentially from the first receiving part and the second receiving part.

14. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The body includes: The third and fourth engagement protrusions are circumferentially spaced from the first and second engagement protrusions and extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the assembly end. And the cap said therein includes: The third and fourth protrusions, each of the third and fourth protrusions having a free end at the receiving end of the cap; The third protrusion includes a third receiving portion configured to receive the third engaging protrusion, and the fourth protrusion includes a fourth receiving portion configured to receive the fourth engaging protrusion. The third protrusion and the fourth protrusion each include a spacer extending radially inward at the free ends of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion, respectively.

15. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes a hole extending longitudinally through the body from the mounting end, the hole being configured to receive a conduit assembly, and the cap includes a conduit orifice configured to receive a conduit line connectable to the conduit assembly.

16. The pipe fitting according to claim 15, wherein, The mounting end includes a spacer receiving portion configured to receive the spacer to allow radially inward movement of the free ends of each of the protrusions, thereby engaging the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion with the outer circumferential surface of the mounting end. The receiving portion, together with the spacer receiving portion receiving the spacer, provides a substantially non-releasable connection between the cap and the body. The receiving of the conduit line through the conduit orifice, connecting the conduit line to the conduit assembly, and the receiving of the conduit assembly through the orifice, along with the connection of the cap to the body, provide a substantially fluid-tight connection between the conduit line and the conduit fitting.

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