Ted A Swanson

US Patent:

57221502, Mar 3, 1998

Filed:

Jan 6, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/778611

Inventors:

Ted A. Swanson - Austin TX

Assignee:

BLR Enterprises - San Marcos TX

International Classification:

B21D 3900

US Classification:

29508

Abstract:

An assembly for attaching a new hose to an existing fitting includes an expandable split ring having an internal diameter less than the diameter of a preformed radially outwardly extending annular wall on the fitting, and a collar that is positionable over the fitting and the expandable split ring. The collar has a radially inwardly extending wall portion and a deformable sleeve portion. The split ring is positionable adjacent the annular wall on the fitting, and the radially inwardly extending wall portion of the collar is positionable in an abutting relationship with the expandable split ring. The deformable sleeve portion of the collar is inwardly deformable to provide retention of the collar, split ring, and hose on the fitting. The present invention solves the problem of the need for new fittings when modifying existing refrigeration systems to accept new refrigerants.