CLAM SHELL PUSH-TO-CONNECT ASSEMBLY

摘要

A plumbing fitting includes a housing defining a socket with an internal annular shoulder for sealably receiving a cartridge. A two-piece cylindrical cartridge has semi-cylindrical interlocking halves that lockably engage a grab ring positioned between the interlocking halves of the cartridge. The grab ring has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing and cartridge past the grab ring. The cartridge includes a ring seal positioned against the annular shoulder and internal wall of the socket for sealably coupling the cartridge to the socket and sealably coupling a fluid conduit to the cartridge. The cartridge may be held within the housing socket by a crimped-over end. Also, an integral release ring may be coupled to the cartridge, such that a separate tool is unnecessary to disconnect a fluid conduit from the fitting.

主权项

1. A cartridge for inserting into a plumbing fitting to allow a push-to-connect coupling of a fluid conduit to said fitting, said cartridge comprising:
a generally cylindrical cartridge defined by a pair of mating semi-cylindrical sections and having a side wall with an internal annular groove; and a grab ring having inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into said cartridge past said grab ring, said grab ring extending into said annular groove of said cartridge for holding said grab ring in position between said sections of said cartridge.