CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

摘要

A connector assembly includes a connector having an inner member with first and second open ends and a bore extending therebetween. The inner member is formed of a material which is impervious to a particular fluid to flow through the connector assembly. An outer member encapsulates the inner member and is formed of a material dissimilar from the material of the inner member, which material resists abrasions and other deleterious elements to which the connector is exposed. Flexible retaining latches are formed integrally on the outer member of the connector and snap over an annular projection formed on a tubular conduit upon insertion of the conduit through the first open end and into the bore of the inner member. An elastomeric seal disposed in the bore of the inner member provides a fluid tight seal between the conduit and inner member. Another elastomeric seal is located within the bore of the inner member adjacent the second open end, and provides a fluid tight seal with a tubular member inserted therein. The tubular member may be a multi-wall conduit of dissimilar materials to provide both physical protection and prevent effusion. The connector is formed by a method of premolding the inner member of a first plastic material and then inserting the elastomeric seals and metal washer therein. Next, the inner member is placed in a mold cavity and the outer member is molded about and encapsulates the inner member and secures the seals and metal washer within the inner member. A rigid one-piece plastic retaining clip may be slidably mounted within aligned apertures in one end of the connector to removably secure an end of the tubular conduct therein with the metal washer securing the tubular member within the other end of the connector.