Integrated piping conduit with adaptor device and method
View Patent ↗Embodiments of an integrated piping conduit in accordance with aspects of the present invention include a push-to-connect fitting integrated with an adaptor device and associated methods. Embodiments include an adaptor having a body portion, and an ear member extending at least partially radially outwardly and at least partially axially outwardly from the outer surface of the body portion.
1. A conduit device for ingress and egress to a utility box, comprising:
a fitting having an interior wall and an exterior wall, wherein the interior wall defines a fitting cavity extending along an axis through the fitting, wherein the fitting comprises a wedge portion integrally formed with the fitting and having an external surface, wherein the external surface of the wedge portion comprises a thread, and wherein the fitting exterior wall comprises a collar portion integrally formed with the fitting and extending radially outwardly of the fitting exterior wall, wherein the fitting is formed so as to provide a sealing ring compartment with an interior surface, a fastening ring compartment with an interior surface and a pusher locking member compartment with an interior surface, wherein the radial distance from the axis to the pusher locking member compartment is greater than the radial distance from the axis to the fastening ring compartment, and further wherein the radial distance from the axis to the fastening ring compartment is greater than the radial distance from the axis to the sealing ring compartment; and
an adaptor comprising a body portion with an interior wall and an outer circumferential wall, wherein the interior wall defines an opening extending through the adaptor along an adaptor axis, and wherein the fitting is removably engageable with the adaptor, wherein the adaptor further comprises at least one ear member integrally formed with the body portion so as to comprise a single unitary member, with the at least one ear member extending radially outwardly from the outer circumferential wall of the body portion of the adaptor;
at least one sealing member positioned within the fitting cavity, wherein the at least one sealing member has a substantially ring-shaped body forming an opening extending axially therethrough; and
a fastening ring positioned within the fitting cavity, wherein the fastening ring has a substantially ring-shaped body forming an opening extending axially therethrough.
2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one sealing member positioned within the sealing ring compartment, wherein the at least one sealing member has a substantially ring-shaped body forming an opening extending axially therethrough; and
a fastening ring positioned within the fastening ring compartment, wherein the fastening ring has a substantially ring-shaped body forming an opening extending axially therethrough.
3. The device of claim 2 , further comprising:
a sealing member stabilizer positioned within the fitting cavity between the at least one sealing member and the fastening ring;
a pusher locking member positioned within the pusher locking member compartment and adjacent the fastening ring; and
a release pusher positioned at least partly within the fitting cavity and in sliding engagement with the pusher locking member.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fastening ring comprises a radially outer surface from which at least one nub extends radially outwardly.