Female ISO flared union with integrated mating brake ISO F flared port

Abstract

A brake union assembly for establishing a sealed connection between first and second fluid-bearing flared tubes (14, 16), the brake union assembly comprising: a female body (18) having a first open end and a second open and internally threaded end; a flaring mating port (12) inserted into the body through the first end; the first flared pipe is inserted into the first end and is in contact with the first end surface of the matching port; the punching machine is used for forming an inward flaring at the first open end so as to capture the matching port and the first pipe end form; a second flared tube inserted through the second open end and in contact with a second end surface of the mounting port; and a mating flared nut (46) coaxially surrounding the second tube, the flared nut presenting an external thread at a front end threadably interengageable with the internal thread of the female body.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to USSN 18 / 122,408, filed March 16, 2023, which claims the benefit of 63 / 321,144, filed March 18, 2022. Both applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a flared tube end fitting incorporated into a fluid and fluid line connection system. More specifically, the present invention discloses a female ISO flare union having an integrated mating detent ISO F flare port for providing a secure and leak-free connection between first and second fluid carrying tubes inserted into opposing open ends of the female union. The present invention also discloses a method of forming a fluid tight union between the first and second fluid carrying tubes. Background Art

[0004] Prior art records examples of flaring and other end connections for establishing reliable seals between relative tube end forms. The first example in this regard is taught by the flared fitting assembly of Schroeder US 6,729,659, which teaches a first connecting member and a second connecting member that are adapted to be cooperatively connected together. The first connecting member has a first through hole, one end of which is adapted to receive and retain the first tube. The second connecting member has a second through hole, which is adapted to be arranged on a second tube having an outwardly flared end. An arcuate seat surface is arranged in the first through hole of the first connecting member. The conical flared seat surface is arranged in the second through hole of the second connecting member, and the second through hole is adapted to engage with the outer surface of the flared end of the second tube, so that when the first and second connecting members are cooperatively connected, a line seal is formed between the inner surface of the flared end of the second tube and the arcuate surface.

[0005] US Pat. No. 5,346,262 to Liebig describes a further example of a related pipe connection, which is provided for thin-walled, small-diameter metal pipes, in particular for brake, fuel and hydraulic lines on motor vehicles and for use in refrigeration equipment, wherein at least one metal pipe is provided with a flange at the end to be connected, the metal pipes being surrounded in each case by a sleeve, one of the sleeves being deformable in order to form a fixed connection between the sleeves, the deformable sleeve being configured as an outer sleeve, which in the assembled state surrounds another sleeve configured as an inner sleeve - at least over part of its length. The inner sleeve is provided with a rounded thicker portion at the end closest to the flange, so that a portion of the outer sleeve behind this thicker portion is deformable.

[0006] US 10,895,336 to Koyuncu et al. teaches a tube connection device for a tube having a flared end defining a tapered front surface and a rear surface. A threaded sleeve has a through hole for receiving the tube. A connector having a tapered seat surface (for receiving the front surface of the flared end) and a threaded portion can be engaged with the threaded sleeve. When tightening the threaded sleeve, a ring is arranged between the rear surface of the flared end and the threaded sleeve.

[0007] Stavros US2021 / 0301959 teaches a fluid connector assembly having a connector body with a female end portion and a male end portion. The female end portion includes an inner bore extending through the female end portion from an annular opening to an inner seat. The inner seat defines a concave frustoconical surface. The male end portion includes an inner bore axially aligned with the female bore, the inner bore extending from an opening at the head end of the male end portion to a second opening at the inner seat of the female end portion.

[0008] The head end includes an abutment surface disposed about the first opening. The connector body is arranged to receive an elongated tube having a female flared end extending from the first opening through the male bore, wherein the flared end is located on the inner seat. The connector body is further adapted to receive an elongated tube having a spherical / male flared end (through the female bore and the male bore), wherein the spherical / male flared end extends outwardly from the first opening at the head end, wherein the spherical / male flared end is located on the abutment surface.

[0009] A further example of the prior art of a hard pipe structure is shown in CN 208793842, which includes a brake hard pipe, a hard pipe bolt and a hard pipe nut. The hard pipe bolt is threadedly connected with the hard pipe nut, wherein both ends are equipped with flared openings around the brake hard pipe. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention discloses a female ISO (International Organization for Standardization) flared union having an integrated mating brake ISO F flared port for providing a secure and leak-free connection between first and second fluid carrying tubes inserted into the female union, the female union forming part of a brake line union or similar fluid delivery system. The female body has a first open end and a second open and internally threaded end. The flared mating port is inserted into the body through the first end. The first outwardly annularly flared insertion end of the first tube is inserted into the first end and contacts the first end surface of the mating port.

[0011] The stamping operation forms an inward flare at the first open end of the female body to capture the mating port and the first tube end form. The second outward annular flared insertion end form of the second tube is inserted through the second open end and contacts the second end surface of the mounting port. The mating flare nut coaxially surrounds the second fluid carrying tube and presents a plurality of external threads at a front end that threadably interengage with the internal threads of the female body, and is tightened so that the front end of the mating flare nut abuts against the inner ledge of the second outward annular flared insertion end form of the second tube segment.

[0012] Other features include a machined annular stop disposed within the inner diameter of the female body, the annular stop contacting the flared mating port. The first and second end faces of the flared mating port each further include an inward dovetail profile, the annular flared end form of each of the first and second tubes abutting against the dovetail profile.

[0013] Also disclosed is a corresponding method for forming a fluid-tight flexible joint between first and second fluid-carrying tubes, comprising the steps of constructing a female body having a first open end and a second open and internally threaded end, inserting a flared mating port into the body through the first end, inserting a first outwardly annularly flared insert end form of the first tube into the first end to contact a first end surface of the mating port, and stamping an inwardly flared opening into the first open end to capture the mating port and the first tube end form.

[0014] Other steps include inserting the second outwardly annularly flared insertion end form of the second tube through the second open end and into contact with the second end surface of the mating port. Other steps further include advancing a mating flared nut coaxially surrounding the second fluid-carrying tube and presenting a plurality of external threads at a front end so as to threadably interengage with the internal threads of the female body and actuating the front end of the mating flared nut to abut against an inner flange of the second outwardly annularly flared insertion end form of the second tube segment.

[0015] Further embodiments are disclosed for establishing a fluid tight union for interconnecting, for example, front and rear brake lines and include a female body having a first open end and a second open end of reduced diameter, a plurality of internal threads extending from the first open end to an internal shoulder communicating with the second open end of reduced diameter. The rear fluid carrying line further has a first expanded end profile such that when the female body slides along the rear fluid carrying line, the internal shoulder abuts against the first expanded end profile, wherein the rear line extends from the second open end.

[0016] The front fluid carrying conduit presents a second expanded end profile that mates with the first expanded end profile after being inserted through the first open end. The flare nut coaxially surrounds the front fluid carrying conduit and has an integral extended body that presents external annular threads that interengage with the internal threads of the female body. The narrow front abutment portion of the flare nut has an end profile that is sized to contact an opposing surface of the second end profile, and tightening the flare nut in a direction toward the first open end actuates the second end profile against the first end profile, thereby fluidly sealing the front and rear fluid carrying conduits within the female body.

[0017] The first expanded end profile may further include a female flared end form and the second expanded end profile includes a male flared end form. A press crimping operation utilizes a die to deform the reduced diameter portion of the female body inwardly against the rear fluid carrying tube. At least the rear fluid carrying tube includes a polyamide coating to shield the tube during the crimping process to prevent damage.

[0018] Other features include a female receiving end form that presents a rear beveled profile varying between 120 and 138 degrees relative to a centerline axis extending through the rear fluid carrying conduit. As shown, the female union body may also present a hexagonal outer shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Reference will now be made to the drawings, read in conjunction with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a length section view of a female threaded union having an inwardly stamped / riveted flared port and an ISO flared mating port mounted therein, with a male tube with an end form engaged within the female union and abutting against the flared mounting port;

[0021] Figure 2 is an illustration of a scheme for forming a pipe end fitting, which includes installing an ISO flare mating port and an ISO flare in a female union, and then punching an inward annular end flare on the female end to secure the male pipe and the ISO flare mounting port;

[0022] Figure 3 Explained Figure 2 The initial operating steps outlined in , whereby the ISO flare-fit port is inserted into the female nut end until it contacts a machined stop configured in its inner diameter;

[0023] Figure 4 Explained Figure 3a subsequent operating step in which an ISO flared end in the form of a male pipe end is inserted into the female nut end until it contacts the previously installed mating port so that the parts are ready to be riveted or clamped together in a stamping operation;

[0024] Figures 5A-5C The punch riveting operation includes the following steps: Figure 4 Length sections of each initial installation view shown ( Figure 5A ), intermediate riveting / punching operation ( Figure 5B ) (wherein the inward annular flare is configured in the female end form) and Figure 1 The corresponding stamping diagram ( Figure 5C ), and illustrates the finished flared end resulting from the stamping / riveting operation;

[0025] Figure 6 Basically reproduces the previous torque operation on the mating flare and nut. Figure 5C pictorial diagram;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 , depicting a second tube having a flared end being inserted into the female nut from the opposite direction, contacting the opposite end face of the ISO flare mating port, and after the twisting operation, the internal threads of the female nut interengage with the opposite mating external threads of the male mating flare nut coaxially surrounding the second tube and being installed behind the second tube end flared end form within the second end of the female nut, resulting in the female union nut being captured on the second tube and the mating ISO flare union being captured inside, twisting / torquing the male nut to the female union clockwise, causing both ISO flares to be sealed into the ISO ports;

[0027] Figure 8-10 A series of line views are shown corresponding to the punching / riveting forming operation of forming the flared end with the female nut after pre-insertion of the ISO flared mating port and the first male pipe end form;

[0028] Fig.11 depicts a perspective view of a brake union according to a further embodiment, the brake union being crimped with a rear brake line to prevent the union from sliding away from a mating connector during assembly;

[0029] Fig.12 Shown Fig.11 A length section view of a female threaded union shown for connecting a brake line extending from a rear wheel with a further brake line extending from a front vehicle system (including an ABS control unit), thus allowing the manufacture of a vehicle subassembly without the need to use long and small diameter tubing that is susceptible to bending or kinking;

[0030] Fig.13 A perspective view showing the female receiving flare configured in the rear brake line, which is cold formed to a specific degree according to OEM specifications;

[0031] Fig.14 is an assembly plan view depicting the female union sliding up from the back of the molded seal port on the brake tube;

[0032] Fig.15 is from Fig.12 an enlarged fragmentary view taken from above, depicting the female flared end of the rear brake line abutting the internal step of the union; and

[0033] Fig.16 is an illustration of a stamping crimping operation utilizing a die to lock a rear brake line to a female union, the brake line further comprising a polyamide or similar coating to prevent the masking layer from being damaged during the crimping process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the present invention discloses a female ISO flared flexible joint. Figure 1 Generally 10, it has an integrated mating detent ISOF flared mating port 12 for inserting the first 14 and the second 16 of the female union (see Figure 7 ) provide a safe and leak-free connection between fluid-carrying pipes. Figure 1 As further shown in the length section view of the female threaded union, the female threaded union includes a body 18 in the shape of a nut (if viewed from a perspective view) having a first end flare 20 formed by stamping or riveting (see also Figure 2-5A The end flare 20 is formed after the ISO flare fitting port 12 is pre-installed, and the outward annular flared insertion end form 22 of the first male tube 14 contacts the end flare 20, and the end flare 20 is engaged in the female union 10 and abuts against the flare fitting port 12.

[0035] Refer to Figure 1 , the female union body 18 defines a smooth inner diameter 24, and the ISO flared mating port 12 is installed in the inner diameter 24 from the first insertion direction. The mating port 12 presents a smooth, typically annular outer surface 26 (see Figure 2 ) which is closely sized so as to be located within the smooth inner diameter 24 of the female union 10 in close, adhering contact.

[0036] The mating port 12 further includes inwardly flared or dovetailed surfaces 28 and 30 (see Figure 2 ), the annular flared end form of each first male tube 14 (previously indicated at 22) and the opposite and similar flared end ( Figure 7In this way, a continuous fluid flow path is established between the inner diameter of each tube section 14 and 16 (see 34 and 36 respectively) and the adjacent ISO flare fitting port 12 (see further inner diameter 38).

[0037] like Figure 3 As depicted, the female union body 18 also includes an annular inwardly projecting end stop 40 that defines the insertion limit of the ISO flare mating port 12. A plurality of internal threads 42 are disposed in the female union body 18 from a second end face 44 opposite the first end of the female union, which is defined by the riveted / stamped flare 18.

[0038] like Figure 7 As shown, a mating flare nut 46 having an inner diameter 48 is coaxially pre-installed on the second male pipe section 16. The flare nut 46 further presents a plurality of external threads 48 at a front end, which are threadably interengaged with the internal threads 42 of the female union body 18, and fully tightening causes the front end abutment 50 of the mating flare nut 46 to actuate against the inner flange of the flared end 32 of the second pipe section 16.

[0039] Figure 2 1 shows a diagram of a method for forming a pipe end fitting, which includes installing an ISO flare mating port 12 in a female union 18 and an ISO flare 22 of a pipe section 14. Then, a stamping or similar riveting operation (such as Figure 2 and Figure 5B Each of the male tubes 14 and 16 (shown at 52) ​​forms an inward annular end flare 20 at the female end to secure the pre-inserted first male tube 14 having the ISO flare 22 and the ISO flare mating port 12 in a sealing arrangement.

[0040] Next Figure 3 , the diagram shows Figure 2 An initial operating step is outlined by which the ISO flare fitting port 12 is inserted into the female nut end until contact is made with a machined stop disposed in its inner diameter (again see abutment at 40). Figure 4 Explained Figure 3 The subsequent operating step in which the ISO flared end 22 in the form of the male tube 14 is inserted into the female nut end 18 until it contacts the previously installed mating port 12 so that the parts are ready to be riveted or clamped together in a suitable riveting or stamping operation.

[0041] Figures 5A-5C The punch riveting operation includes the following steps: Figure 4 Length sections of each initial installation view shown ( Figure 5A ), intermediate riveting / punching operations (again as Figure 5B52 in) (wherein the inward annular flare 20 is configured in the female end form) and, finally, with Figure 1 The corresponding stamping diagram ( Figure 5C ), and illustrates the finished flared end 20 resulting from the stamping / riveting operation, by which the flared mating port 12 is secured with the first tube 14 and the flared ISO end profile 22 within the female union.

[0042] Figure 6 Basically reproduced Figure 5C Schematic diagram of the present invention, and is before the torque operation is formed on the mating flared portion 12 and the female nut body 18. This further reference Figure 7 To depict, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 , and wherein a second tube 16 having a flared end 32 is inserted into the flare fitting 12 from the opposite direction (through a second open end face 44 defining internal threads 42) and contacts the opposite end face 30 of the ISO flare fitting port 12.

[0043] At this time, as previously described, the externally coaxially supported mating flare nut 46 is moved forward along the second tube 16 until its external threads 48 are rotatably engaged with the internal threads 42 disposed in the female union nut body 18. The mating male flare nut 46 is rotated clockwise so as to be twisted into the female nut 18, so that the female union nut is clamped on the second tube 16 and the mating ISO flare port 12 is clamped inside, so that the two oppositely arranged tubes 14 / 16 are sealed to the ISO flare mating port 12 by compressing the corresponding tube flare ends at 22 and 32.

[0044] at last, Figure 8-10 A series of line views are shown corresponding to the associated stamping / riveting forming operations for forming the flared end with the female nut 12, as is known in the prior art, again after pre-insertion of the ISO flare mating port 12 and the first male pipe end form 22 (not shown).

[0045] Figure 8 Again a variation of the riveting / stamping arrangement 52 is depicted which is combined with a pair of end-form compression locking pliers 54 / 56 fixed (such as a punch) which are pressed against the female nut body 18 to produce a flared end form, which occurs by machining a contour groove 58 / 60 in the locking pliers 54 / 56 into which the material of the annular end face of the female joint contacts and in this manner forces the material to fold around the rear end of the patterned ring 62 defined in the stamping arrangement 52.

[0046] Fig. 9 A rotational end view of the selected locking pliers 54 and the first or second tube 14 / 16 is shown. Fig.10The complete operation of forming the flared end profile is further depicted.

[0047] It is further understood that the punching / riveting operation depicted and described herein may be applicable to Figure 1-7 The female union body 18, the ISO flare mating port 12, the first and second male tubes 14 / 16, and the mating flare nut 46 may all be made of a suitable grade of steel or other non-corrosive metal. Without limitation, it is also contemplated that the components of the present invention may be made of other non-metallic materials including aluminum, and further not limited to durable and rigid polymers and similar composite materials.

[0048] Also disclosed is a method for forming a fluid-tight union between first and second fluid-carrying tubes, comprising the steps of constructing a female body having a first open end and a second open and internally threaded end, inserting a flared mating port into the body through the first end, and inserting a first outwardly annularly flared insert end form of the first tube into the first end in contact with a first end face of the mating port. Other steps include stamping an inwardly flared opening at the first open end to capture the mating port and the first tube end form, and inserting a second outwardly annularly flared insert end form of the second tube through the second open end in contact with a second end face of the mating port.

[0049] Other steps include advancing a mating flare nut coaxially surrounding the second fluid-carrying tube and presenting a plurality of external threads at a front end so as to threadably engage with the internal threads of the female body, actuating the front end of the mating flare nut to abut against an inner flange in the form of a second outwardly annularly flared insertion end of the second tube segment.

[0050] Reference Fig.11 , depicts a perspective view of a brake union according to a further embodiment, generally designated 100. A front-positioned brake line 102 is provided, such as extending from an ABS control unit (not shown). A rear-positioned brake line 104 extends from a female union body (represented by an elongated hexagonal nut-shaped member 106) to a rear wheel (not shown) of a vehicle. Without limitation, the brake lines shown may be replaced by any fluid-carrying tube associated with any relevant application contemplated by the present invention.

[0051] like Fig.12As shown in the length section view of FIG. 1 , the front brake line 102 presents an outward annularly expanded profile, which is shown without limitation as an ISO plug-in male end form 108, which, after installation, opposes and abuts against a corresponding expanded profile of a female end form 110 configured in the rear brake line 104. Without limitation, the male end form 108 and the female end form 110 may be opposite to that shown in the reconfiguration of the front brake line 102 and the rear brake line 104.

[0052] A perspective view of the rear brake line 104 is shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the female receiving end form 110 is better depicted. Without limitation, the end form 110 can be cold formed to have a rear bevel profile ( Fig.12 and Fig.15 118 in ) presents a specified flare, such as Fig.12 As shown at 112 , the flare may vary between 120 degrees and 138 degrees relative to a centerline axis extending through the rear conduit 104 , depending on OEM specifications.

[0053] like Fig.12 The female body 106 shown depicts an internal thread 114 communicating with the front open end of the union body 106, and a reduced diameter and smooth interior 116 communicating with the rear open end 116. In a first installation step, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown in the assembly plan view of FIG. 1 , the female union 106 slides upward along the back of the sealing port formed on the brake line 104 (see arrow 117), so that the outer tubular diameter of the ground line 104 is close to the size of the reduced smooth inner diameter open end 116 of the female union (see Fig.15 ).

[0054] like Fig.15 As further shown, this is from Fig.12 , depicting the female flared end of the rear brake line 104 - including the rear contour surface 118 which abuts against the inner opposing contour step 120 of the union once it has been fully slid forward onto the rear line 104. At this point, Fig.16 A diagram of a stamping and crimping operation utilizing a die 122 to lock the rear brake line 104 to the female union 106 is depicted.

[0055] The downward punching force (see 124) of the die 122 is applied to the narrow diameter end 126 of the female union 106, which deforms the relative inner ring of the end (see further Fig.16126') such that its inner reduced diameter 116 also deforms inwardly against the relative outer diameter of the rear brake line 104 to lock the rear brake line to the female union body 106. Without limitation, the brake tube 104 may further include a polyamide or similar coating to mask the brake tube during the stamping process to prevent damage.

[0056] Refer to Figure 11-12 , a redesigned mating flared nut is shown at 126 (with Figure 7 46 in the figure). Fig.12 As best shown in the cross-sectional view of , the flared nut 126 is depicted in phantom and includes an integral extended body 128 that exhibits external annular threads 130 that interengage with the internal threads 114 of the female union body 106 .

[0057] The flare nut also includes a narrow front abutment portion 132 having an arcuate end profile 134 sized to contact an opposing reverse arcuate surface 136 of the ISO male flare 108 (see again). Fig.12 ). In this manner, the flare nut is fully tightened in the direction toward the front open end so that the front abutment 132 of the mating flare nut 126 actuates against the female seat contour of the flare 110 of the rear brake line 104 (which has been previously crimped onto the union 106 to prevent the union from slipping from the mating joint during assembly). The crimped union further provides stability and alignment to the front brake line male flare when twisted into the union.

[0058] According to the present design, the present invention allows the brake line extending from the rear wheel to be connected with the further brake line extending from the front vehicle system including the ABS control unit, which allows the sub-assembly manufacturing of the vehicle to be completed without the need to use long and small diameter tubes that are prone to bending or kinking. As mentioned above, the crimped brake union is used to connect the rear brake from each tire to the front brake control unit to facilitate the completion of the modular sub-assembly of the vehicle without requiring long small diameter tubes that have a tendency to bend.

[0059] Other advantages of the present invention include lower sealing torque values ​​compared to standard unions, and less opportunity for union misalignment when mating the unions during production. Other improvements include reduced scrap and rework associated with OEM assembly facilities, and the ability to remove two fasteners from the vehicle, which is associated with reducing weight and making the assembly process more ergonomic.

[0060] Having described the inventor's invention, other and more preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The detailed description and drawings are further understood to support the disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for implementing the claimed teachings have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

[0061] The foregoing disclosure is further understood to be not intended to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed or to the specific field of use. Therefore, in view of the present disclosure, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible. Having described the embodiments of the disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0062] In the above description, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various embodiments disclosed herein may be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure should be considered illustrative, with the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art how to make and use the various embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood that the disclosure shown and described herein should be considered as representative embodiments. The representative elements, materials, processes or steps illustrated and described herein may be replaced with equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps. In addition, certain features of the disclosure may be used independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the description of the disclosure. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of", "having", "being" used to describe and claim the disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., allowing items, parts or elements not explicitly described to also exist. Mentioning the singular should also be understood to involve the plural.

[0063] In addition, various embodiments disclosed herein should be understood in the sense of explanation and interpretation, and should never be understood as limitations to the present disclosure. All connection references (e.g., attachment, attachment, connection, connection, etc.) are only used to help readers understand the present disclosure, and should not cause limitations, especially the position, orientation or use of the system and / or method disclosed herein. Therefore, connection references (if any) should be broadly understood. In addition, such connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.

[0064] In addition, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first," "second," "third," "primary," "secondary," "major," or any other general and / or numerical terms, should also be used merely as identifiers to help the reader understand the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and shall not create any limitations, especially the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation and / or modification relative to or over another element, embodiment, variation and / or modification.

[0065] It is also understood that one or more of the elements described in the drawings / figures may also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in some cases, which is useful depending on the specific application. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, any signal hatches in the drawings / figures should be considered only as exemplary and not limiting.

Claims

1. A union assembly for establishing a sealed connection between first and second fluid-carrying tubes, comprising: a female body having a first open end and a second open and internally threaded end; a flared mating port inserted into the body through the first end; a first outwardly annularly flared insertion end of the first tube in the form of a first end that is inserted into the first end and contacts the first end surface of the mating port; a punch for forming an inward flare at the first open end to capture the mating port and the first tube end form; a second outwardly annularly flared insertion end form of a second tube inserted through the second open end and contacting a second end surface of the mounting port; and a mating flare nut coaxially surrounding said second fluid carrying tube, said flare nut presenting a plurality of external threads at a forward end threadably interengaging with said internal threads of said female body, wherein tightening of said flare nut actuates the forward end into abutment against an inner flange in the form of said second outwardly annularly flared insertion end of the second tube segment.

2. The union assembly of claim 1, further comprising a machined annular stopper disposed within the inner diameter of the female body in contact with the flared mating port.

3. The union assembly of claim 1, said first and second end surfaces of said flared mating port each further comprising an inward dovetail profile, said annular flared end form of each of said first and second tubes abutting against said dovetail profile.

4. A method for forming a fluid tight joint between first and second fluid carrying tubes, comprising the steps of: constructing a female body having a first open end and a second open and internally threaded end; inserting a flared fitting port into the body through the first end; inserting a first outwardly annularly flared insertion end form of the first tube into the first end to contact the first end surface of the mating port; stamping and forming an inwardly flared opening at the first open end to capture the mating port and the first tube end form; inserting a second outwardly annularly flared insertion end form of the second tube through the second open end and into contact with the second end surface of the mating port; A mating flare nut coaxially surrounding the second fluid-carrying tube and presenting a plurality of external threads at a front end is advanced so as to threadably engage with the internal threads of the female body, and the front end of the mating flare nut is abutted against an inner flange in the form of a second outwardly annularly flared insertion end of the second tube segment to actuate.

5. A union assembly for establishing a sealed connection between front and rear fluid-carrying conduits, comprising: A female body having a first open end and a second open end with a reduced diameter, a plurality of internal threads extending from the first open end to an internal step communicating with the second open end with a reduced diameter; the rear fluid carrying conduit having a first expanded end profile such that the internal step abuts against the first expanded end profile when the female body slides along the rear fluid carrying conduit, wherein the rear conduit extends from the second open end; the front fluid carrying conduit having a second expanded end profile that mates with the first expanded end profile after being inserted through the first open end; a flare nut coaxially surrounding the front fluid carrying conduit and having an integrally extended body presenting external annular threads that interengage with the internal threads of the female body, a narrow front abutment portion of the flare nut having an end profile sized to contact an opposing surface of the second end profile, tightening the flare nut in a direction toward the first open end causing the second end profile to actuate against the first end profile to fluidly seal the front and rear fluid carrying conduits within the female body.

6. The union assembly of claim 5, the first expansion end profile further comprising a female flared end form, and the second expansion end profile comprising a male flared end form.

7. The union assembly of claim 5, further comprising a stamping crimping operation utilizing a die to deform the reduced diameter portion of the female body inwardly against the rear fluid carrying tube.

8. The union assembly of claim 7, further comprising at least the rear fluid carrying tube comprising a polyamide coating to shield the tube during crimping to prevent damage.

9. The union assembly of claim 6, further comprising a female receiving end form presenting a rear beveled profile varying between 120 degrees and 138 degrees relative to a centerline axis extending through the rear fluid carrying conduit.

10. The union assembly of claim 5, the female body further comprising a hexagonal outer shape.

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