DESC:EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:
This Application claims priority from a provisional patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202341029639, filed on 24th day of April 2023, and titled “THREADED COLLET-LOCKING CAP FOR PUSH-TO-CONNECT/QUICK-FIT CONNECTORS FOR FLUIDS”
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to pipe connectors and more particularly to a connector for transferring fluid and a method to operate the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids, gases, and the like. Further, piping connections are necessary to join various pieces of pipe and must be versatile to adapt to changes of pipe direction required in particular piping system implementations. Push-to-Connect or quick-connect fittings are widely used for fast connection of pipes that transfer fluids. Currently, there are different types of quick connect fitting, a push fitting, and the like. Push fit quick connectors are commonly used in a variety of applications, including plumbing, automotive, and pneumatic systems. They are preferred for their ease of use, speed, and reliability, and can be used to make connections in tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas where traditional connectors may not be suitable.
[0003] The existing connectors and methods of assembling the connectors involves at least one of a locking cap a snap-fit, a metal-crimping, an ultrasonic welding, and a press-fit cartridge. These connectors and methods for assembling the connectors sustains several drawbacks like higher material costs, advanced machinery requirements, and are not openable. Also, current existing connectors are not cost-effective, complex to use and unreliable. Further, there is need of a connector joint which provides required strength to the connector to withstand against the fluid pressure of the fluid.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for a connector for transferring fluid and a method to operate the same which addresses the aforementioned issues.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide a connector for fluid transfer by preventing leakages.
[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective connector, and simple to manufacture and assemble.
[0007] Yet, an objective of the present invention is to provide a reliable solution for connector by facilitating openable or unopenable assembly of the connector.
[0008] Further, an objective of the invention is to provide a connector with simple fitting by using push-to connect mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a connector for transferring fluid through at least one pipe is provided. The connector includes a body portion and a top portion. The body portion including a plurality of threads configured internally thereon. The body portion includes a cap accommodated by the body portion. The cap includes a threaded structure and a collet. The threaded structure is configured externally thereon and adapted to fit with the plurality of threads of the body portion. The collet is configured to grip onto the pipe thereby preventing the detachment of a pipe from the body portion. The top portion coupled to the body portion. The top portion includes a plurality of slots configured to remove the cap from the body portion thereby allowing openable fitting of the cap with the body portion as per the requirement of a user.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment a method a method for operating the connector for transferring fluid through at least one pipe is provided. The method includes accommodating, by a body portion, a cap with a threaded structure configured externally thereon, and adapted to fit with the plurality of threads of the body portion. The method also includes removing, by a plurality of slots of a top portion, the cap from the body portion thereby allowing openable fitting of the cap with the body portion as per the requirement of a user.
[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an openable cap fastened on to the body of the connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2a is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2b is a schematic representation of a top sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2c is a schematic representation of a bottom sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1a in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2d is a schematic representation of a side view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 2e is a schematic representation of a connector for transferring fluid for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 3a is a schematic representation of a front view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for permanent fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3b is a schematic representation of a side view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 3c is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3d is a schematic representation of a top sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3e is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 3f is a schematic representation of a connector for transferring fluid for permanent fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a permanent cap fastened on to the body of the connector FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 5a is an isometric view of the permanent cap fastened on to the body of the connector FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 5b is an isometric view of the openable cap fastened on to the body of the connector FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0028] FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method of operation of the connector for transferring fluid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0031] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0033] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a connector for transferring fluid through at least one pipe is provided. The connector includes a body portion and a top portion. The body portion including a plurality of threads configured internally thereon. The body portion includes a cap accommodated by the body portion. The cap includes a threaded structure configured externally thereon and adapted to fit with the plurality of threads of the body portion. The top portion coupled to the body portion. The top portion includes a plurality of slots configured to remove the cap from the body portion thereby allowing openable fitting of the cap with the body portion as per the requirement of a user.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an openable cap fastened on to the body of the connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Typically, the connector (100) includes a body portion (102) and top portion (110).
[0036] The body portion (102) including a plurality of threads configured internally thereon. The body portion (102) also includes a cap (106) accommodated by the body portion. The cap (106) includes a threaded structure (108) configured externally thereon and adapted to fit with the plurality of threads of the body portion. In one embodiment, the cap (106) is configured to accommodate a plurality of pipes. In another embodiment, the cap (106) is designed to be selectively openable or fixed as per the requirement of the user. The cap (106) is configured to accommodate a collet (118). The collet (118) is configured to grip onto the pipe (114) and thereby preventing the detachment of a pipe (114) from the body portion (102)
[0037] The top portion (110) is coupled to the body portion. The top portion (110) includes a plurality of slots (112). The plurality of slots (112) is configured to remove the cap (106) from the body portion (102) thereby allowing openable fitting of the cap (106) with body portion (102) as per the requirement of a user.
[0038] In one embodiment the cap (106) is configured to accommodate a collet (118). The collet (118) is configured to grip onto the pipe (114) thereby preventing the detachment of the pipe (114) from the body portion (102). In one embodiment, the cap (106) keeps the collet (114) in place and ensures that the collet (118) has a firm grip on the pipe (114). In one embodiment, the body portion (102) is configured to accommodate an O-ring (120) for preventing leakages. In another embodiment, the O-ring (120) is a rubber ring which creates an air-tight connection with the pipe (114). In one embodiment, the connector (100) works on a mechanism such that the pipe (114) is inserted easily into the cavity (122) through the collet (118). However, to remove the pipe (114), collet (118) needs to be pressed in, so that the grip is released, and pipe (114) is free to come out.
[0039] FIG. 2a is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the plurality of slots (112) is adapted with a spanner tool used to fasten or loosen the cap (106). Further, the cap (106) includes the threaded structure (108).
[0040] FIG. 2b is a schematic representation of a top sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, each slot of the plurality of slots are equal in diameter. In one embodiment, the cap (106) includes a cavity (122) for facilitating insertion of a pipe (shown in FIG. 4).
[0041] FIG. 2c is a schematic representation of a bottom sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the bottom portion (124) of the cap is a plain surface with the cavity (122) for insertion of the pipe.
[0042] FIG. 2d is a schematic representation of a side view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the threaded structure (108) is adapted to fit into the plurality of threads of the body portion.
[0043] FIG. 2e is a schematic representation of a connector (100) for transferring fluid for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the connector (100) is fabricated with at least one of a plastic and a metal based on the required strength corresponding to the fluid pressure.
[0044] FIG. 3a is a schematic representation of a front view of the cap (106) for transferring fluid from a pipe for permanent fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the plurality of breakable protrusions (116) is arranged along a circumference of the top portion (110). In one embodiment, each pair of the plurality of breakable protrusions (116) is arranged in diagonally opposite to each other.
[0045] FIG. 3b is a schematic representation of a side view of the cap (106) for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 3c is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the cap (106) for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the plurality of breakable protrusions (116) is positioned at a predefined equal distance from each other. In one embodiment, each breakable protrusion of the plurality of breakable protrusions (116) are of equal height.
[0047] FIG. 3d is a schematic representation of a top sectional view of the cap for transferring fluid from a pipe for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 3e is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the cap (106) for openable fitting of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 3f is a schematic representation of a connector (100) for transferring fluid for permanent fitting in of FIG. 1 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the plurality of protrusions (116) is breakable for permanent fitting of the connector with the body.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the permanent cap fastened on to the body of the connector FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the connector (100) is adapted to attach and detach with the pipe (114) by using a push-to-connect mechanism. In one embodiment, the plurality of breakable projections are broken for permanent fitting.
[0051] FIG. 5a is an isometric view of the permanent cap fastened on to the body of the connector FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the tight fitting of the pipe (114) with the cap (106) is to avoid fluid leakages. In one embodiment, the body portion (102) is adapted to accommodate various sizes of pipes. In one embodiment, the permanent cap is fastened, and the plurality of breakable portions (116) are broken for permanent fitting.
[0052] FIG. 5b is an isometric view of the openable cap fastened on to the body of the connector FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the plurality of slots (112) is arranged opposite to each other.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (200) of operation of the connector for transferring fluid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes accommodating, by a body portion, a cap with a threaded structure configured externally thereon, and adapted to fit with the plurality of threads of the body portion in step (202). The method also includes accommodating, a collet, wherein the collet is configured to grip onto the pipe thereby preventing the detachment of a pipe from the body portion. The method also includes accommodating, an O-ring for preventing leakages. The method also includes accommodating, by the cap a plurality of pipes.
[0054] The method (200) also includes removing, by a plurality of slots of a top portion, the cap from the body portion thereby allowing openable fitting of the cap with the body portion as per the requirement of a user in step (204).
Further, the method (200) includes permanent fitting, by a plurality of breakable protrusions of the top portion, the cap with the body portion upon breaking the plurality of breakable protrusions.
[0055] The method also includes fabricating, the connector with at least of a plastic and a metal based on the required strength corresponding to the fluid pressure. In one embodiment, the cap is designed to be selectively openable or fixed as per the requirement of the user. The method also includes to attaching and detaching the connector with the pipe by using a push-to-connect mechanism.
[0056] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable a connector for transferring a fluid through multiple pipes. The connector disclosed in the present disclosure is suitable for a variety of applications, including plumbing, automotive, and pneumatic systems. Further, the connector can be designed to be openable or fixed thereby making the connector versatile for any type of required application. The connector disclosed in the present disclosure provides a tight fitting with threaded interlocking structures thereby achieving a quick-fit mechanism. The connector facilitates with low material costs and is openable. Also, the connector disclosed in the present disclosure is cost-effective, simple to use and reliable.
[0057] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0058] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

,CLAIMS:1. A connector (100) for transferring fluid through at least one pipe comprising:
a body portion (102) comprising a plurality of threads (104) configured internally thereon, wherein the body portion (102) comprises:
a cap (106) accommodated by the body portion (102), wherein the cap (106) comprises:
a threaded structure (108) configured externally thereon, and adapted to fit with the plurality of threads (104) of the body portion (102); and
a collet (118) accommodated by the cap (106), wherein the collet (118) is configured to grip onto the pipe (114) thereby preventing the detachment of a pipe (114) from the body portion (102);
a top portion (110) coupled to the body portion (102), wherein the top portion (110) comprises:
a plurality of slots (112) configured to remove the cap (106) from the body portion (102) thereby allowing openable fitting of the cap (106) with body portion (102) as per the requirement of a user.
2. The connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion (110) comprises a plurality of breakable protrusions (116) extending from the plurality of slots (112),
wherein the plurality of breakable protrusions (116) is adapted to connect the body portion (102) with the cap (106), and
wherein upon breaking the plurality of breakable protrusions (116) causes a permanent fitting of the cap (106) with the body portion (102).
3. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion (102) is configured to accommodate an O-ring (120) for preventing leakages.
4. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap (106) is configured to accommodate a plurality of pipes.
5. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, is fabricated with at least of a plastic and a metal based on the required strength corresponding to the fluid pressure.
6. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap (106) is designed to be selectively openable or fixed as per the requirement of the user.
7. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, is configured to attach and detach with the pipe (102) by using a push-to-connect mechanism.
8. A method (200) for operating the connector for transferring fluid through at least one pipe comprising:
accommodating, by a body portion, a cap with a threaded structure configured externally thereon, and adapted to fit with the plurality of threads of the body portion; (202)
gripping, by a collet of the cap, onto the pipe thereby preventing the detachment of a pipe from the body portion; (204) and

removing, by a plurality of slots of a top portion, the cap from the body portion thereby allowing openable fitting of the cap with the body portion as per the requirement of a user. (206)

Dated this 18th day of September 2023

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant