Importance

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Abstract

A conduit coupling having a body with an axially extending bore formed therethrough from a first end to a second end. The bore is defined by an inner wall including a frusto-conical surface converging toward the body first end. A radially constrictible and generally annular retaining collet is positioned in the bore. The collet includes an outer frusto-conical surface mating with the frusto-conical surface defined by the inner wall and is axially movable relative thereto. The collet has an inner toothed surface defining a collet inner diameter and at least two radially inwardly extending bite-teeth defining therebetween a distance less than the collet inner diameter and less than an outer diameter of a conduit inserted into the bore so that the bite-teeth engage an outer surface of the conduit. In this manner, upon axial outward movement of the conduit, the frusto-conical surface of the collet bears against the frusto-conical surface of the body inner wall to radially constrict the collet. The inner-toothed surface of the radially constricted collet firmly engages the conduit outer surface to prevent the withdrawal of the conduit from the bore. The coupling, which has both single and double-ended configurations, provides unobstructed and reliable communication between conduits or between a conduit and a piece of equipment. The inwardly directed and circumferentially spaced bite-teeth prevent slippage between a conduit and the collet, but do not significantly interfere with conduit insertion into the coupling.

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First Claim