Reliance Worldwide has filed a patent for a push-to-connect fitting. The fitting includes a connector body, sealing member, grab ring, cartridge, retainer sleeve, latches, and an interference portion. The patent also describes a method of manufacturing the connector assembly, involving obtaining a connector body, retainer sleeve, positioning an interference portion, internal components, and pressing the retainer sleeve around the connector body and interference portion. GlobalData’s report on Reliance Worldwide gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Reliance Worldwide, intelligent HVACs was a key innovation area identified from patents. Reliance Worldwide's grant share as of September 2023 was 62%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A method of manufacturing a push-to-connect fitting
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230288001A1) describes a method of manufacturing a connector assembly. The method involves obtaining a connector body and a retainer sleeve. The retainer sleeve is positioned over the connector body, with an interference portion interposed between them. The interference portion causes a portion of the inner sleeve surface to expand in diameter, creating an interference fit between the retainer sleeve and the connector body. This prevents rotation of the retainer sleeve relative to the connector body.
The connector body may also have a catch surface and the retainer sleeve may have latches. When the retainer sleeve is pressed around the connector body and the interference portion, the latches engage the catch surface. This further secures the retainer sleeve to the connector body.
Additionally, the connector body may have a shoulder surface with a frustoconical profile. When the retainer sleeve is pressed around the connector body and the interference portion, the inner sleeve surface engages the shoulder surface. This causes expansion of the second sleeve end to a larger diameter and facilitates centering of the retainer sleeve.
Another method of manufacturing a connector assembly is described in the patent. This method involves obtaining a connector body and a retainer sleeve with latches. The retainer sleeve is pressed over the connector body, and the latches are pressed inwardly to provide effective latch or engagement with the connector body.
The patent also describes a system for manufacturing a connector assembly. The system includes a first station with a tool member and a second station with another tool member. The first station is used to press the retainer sleeve over the connector body, while the second station is used to engage the latches of the retainer sleeve with the connector body.
Overall, the patent describes methods and systems for manufacturing connector assemblies with secure and reliable connections between the retainer sleeve and the connector body. These methods and systems involve the use of interference fits, latches, and engagement mechanisms to ensure proper assembly and prevent rotation or disconnection of the components.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
