I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to fluid connectors for plumbing apparatus and, in particular, to a low profile adapter ring which facilitates the connection of plumbing fittings of different sizes.
II. Description of the Prior Art
While it is preferred that connections between fluid conducting devices is universal to allow the use of any manufacturers products, many manufacturers have developed individual standards. Consumers would prefer that any fluid connector they purchase can be immediately connected to the plumbing device. However, manufacturers have adopted differing connection standards. Furthermore, it would be advantageous for a manufacturer of flexible connectors to stock a limited variety of connectors which could be used in connection with different plumbing devices.
For instance, in order to install a flexible connector between a {fraction (1/2)} inch faucet shank and the {fraction (15/16)} inch male member of a toilet fill valve, either a specialized connector or an adapter fitting must be used. The stocking of specialized connectors can be cost prohibitive. The prior known adapters include longitudinally separated threads which add to the length of the connection and create an unsightly arrangement. Such adapters typically include a tubular body with outer threads at one end and inner threads at the other end thereby creating an elongated device.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior known connections by providing an adapter which can accommodate connections of different sizes without a substantial increase in length.
The adapter of the present invention includes a substantially tubular body having a throughbore. The body is formed with identical nested threads on the inner and outer surfaces of the body creating a male-female adapter. By way of example, the outer threads are formed at 14 threads per inch and the inner threads are formed at 14 threads per inch. However, in order to facilitate a minimal reduction, such as from a {fraction (15/16)} inch connector, the threads on the inner and outer surface are formed in synchronous alignment. The troughs of the inner threads align with the crests of the outer threads, and vice-versa. Furthermore, in order to accommodate the required reduction in the connection, the major diameter of the internal thread is greater than the minor diameter of the external thread. This results in an adapter of minimum length and minimum wall thickness to accommodate a variety of connections.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views and in which:
Referring first to
Referring now to
As is best shown in
In use, the adapter ring 20 can be used to transition between, for example, a ½-inch male member 12 and a {fraction (15/16)}-inch female nut 16. In such a case, the adapter ring 20 will have inner diameter of ½-inch and an outer diameter of {fraction (15/16)} inch. The adapter 20 may be threadably attached to the male threaded member 12. Thereafter, the female nut 16 is threadably attached to the adapter ring 20 creating a secure connection between the components while not adding substantial length to the connection.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/519,246 filed on Nov. 12, 2003.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60519246 | Nov 2003 | US |