Title of Invention

A PIPE FITTING ASSEMBLY FOR AN INLET MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Abstract A pipe fitting assembly is provided for an intake manifold defining a generally cylindrical bore and having at least one tab portion defining at least one groove. The pipe fitting assembly includes a fitting member having a generally cylindrical portion configured for insertion into the bore such that the fitting member is rotatable between a first and second position. At least one flange is formed on the fitting member and is operable to engage the at least one groove when the fitting member is rotated from the first position to the second position, thereby preventing the removal of the cylindrical portion from the bore. A tube member is also provided having a first end mounted with respect to the fitting member and a second end mounted with respect to the intake manifold. The tube member is operable to retain the fitting member in the second position.
Full Text GP-309348-PTE-JEK
1
CLOCK AND ANCHOR PIPE FITTING AND METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe fitting for an intake manifold of an
internal combustion engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pipe fittings are typically held within an intake manifold by a "clock and
lock" mounting strategy. Such a strategy typically employs snap fit features on the pipe
fitting and/or the intake manifold, such that the pipe fitting is inserted into the manifold
and rotated or "clocked" against the bias force of a retaining feature into engagement
with the locking feature, thereby locking the pipe fitting with respect to the intake
manifold.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A pipe fitting assembly is provided for a component, such as an intake
manifold of an internal combustion engine, defining a generally cylindrical bore and
having at least one tab portion defining at least one groove. The pipe fitting assembly
includes a fitting member having a generally cylindrical portion configured for insertion
into the generally cylindrical bore such that the fitting member is rotatable between a
first and second position. At least one flange is formed on the fitting member and is
operable to engage the at least one groove when the fitting member is rotated from the
first position to the second position, thereby preventing the removal of the generally
cylindrical portion from the generally cylindrical bore. A tube member is also provided
having a first end mounted with respect to the fitting member and a second end
mounted with respect to the component. The tube member is operable to retain the
fitting member in the second position.
[0004] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of
the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the

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best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Figure 1 is a partially exploded view of an intake manifold and a pipe
fitting assembly mountable thereto;
[0006] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a portion of the intake manifold and a
pipe fitting of the pipe fitting assembly of Figure 1, illustrating the pipe fitting in a first
position; and
[0007] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a portion of the intake manifold and
the pipe fitting of Figure 2, illustrating the pipe fitting in a second position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to
like or similar components throughout the several views, there is shown in Figure 1 a
component, such as an intake manifold assembly 10 for an internal combustion engine,
not shown. The intake manifold assembly 10 includes an intake manifold 12 and a pipe
fitting assembly 14 mountable thereto (shown separated from the intake manifold 12 in
Figure 1). The intake manifold 10 includes a plenum 16 in communication with a
plurality of intake runners 18. The plenum 16 and intake runners 18 cooperate to convey
intake air to the internal combustion engine. The intake manifold 12 of Figure 1 is
formed from plastic; however, the intake manifold 12 may be formed from cast metal,
such as aluminum, magnesium, etc. while remaining within the scope of that which is
claimed. The intake manifold 12 defines a generally cylindrical bore 20 that extends into
the plenum 16. A first and second tab 22 and 24, respectively, extend from the intake
manifold 12 and are provided adjacent to the generally cylindrical bore 20. The first tab
22 defines a first groove 26. shown in Figures 2 and 3, while the second tab 24 defines a
second groove 28, also shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0009] The pipe fitting assembly 14 includes a pipe fitting 30 and a quick-connect
fitting 32. A tube 34 includes a first end portion 36. mounted to the pipe fitting 30. and a

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second end portion 38, mounted to the quick-connect fitting 32. The tube 34 is
preferably formed from a semi-flexible plastic material to allow proper positioning of the
quick-connect fitting 32. The pipe fitting 30 includes a generally cylindrical portion 40
sufficiently configured for insertion into the generally cylindrical bore 20. first and
second flanges 42 and 44, respectively, are formed on the pipe fitting 30 and cooperate
with the first and second grooves 26 and 28 of Figures 2 and 3 to retain the generally
cylindrical portion 40 of the pipe fitting 30 within the generally cylindrical bore 20 as
discussed in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to Figures 2 and 3. A seal 46. such
as an o-ring seal, is provided on the generally cylindrical portion 40 of the pipe fitting
and is operable to sealingly engage the generally cylindrical bore 20. The quick-connect
fitting 32 is operable to engage a fitting 48, thereby mounting or fixing the second end
portion 38 of the tube 34 with respect to the intake manifold 12. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that the quick-connect fitting may be configured to mount the second end
portion 38 of the tube 34 to another component, in lieu of the intake manifold 12, such as
an evaporative emission purge valve, not shown.
[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the pipe fitting assembly 14 forms a portion of an
evaporative emission control system. As such, the tube 34 is configured to convey
evaporative emission gases, indicated as arrows 50. from the quick-connect fitting 32 to
the pipe fitting 30 for subsequent introduction to the plenum 16 of the intake manifold 12.
[0011] Referring to Figures 2 and 3. there is shown a top view of a portion of the
intake manifold 12 having the pipe fitting 30 mounted thereto. Figure 2 illustrates the
pipe fitting 30 in a first position. In the first position, the pipe fitting 30 may be readily
removed or separated from the intake manifold 12 through axial displacement. By
clocking or rotating the pipe fitting 30 in the counter-clockwise direction, as indicated by
arrows 52, the pipe fitting is moved from the first position to a second position, as shown
in Figure 3. With the pipe fitting 30 in the second position, the first and second flanges
42 and 44 engage a respective first and second groove 26 and 28. The rotation of the
pipe fitting 30 into the second position is limited by stops 54 and 56 operable to engage a
respective first and second flange 42 and 44. With the first flange 42 in engagement with
the first groove 26 and the second flange 44 in engagement with the second groove 28.

GP-309348-PTK-JEK
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axial movement of the pipe fitting 30 with respect to the intake manifold 12 is
substantially prevented. Additionally, in the case of over-pressurization of the intake
manifold 12, such as by backfire, the first and second tabs 22 and 24 are operable to
retain the pipe fitting 30 with respect to the intake manifold 12. The first and second tabs
22 and 24, as well as the first and second flanges 42 and 44 may be characterized as
lacking a locking feature operable to prevent the rotation of the pipe fitting 30 from the
second position to the first position.
[0012] Referring to Figures 1 through 3, to assemble or mount the pipe fitting
assembly 14 with respect to the intake manifold 12, the generally cylindrical portion 40
of the pipe fitting 30 is inserted into the generally cylindrical bore 20 of the intake
manifold. The pipe fitting 30 is then clocked or rotated from the first position, shown in
Figure 2 to the second position shown in Figure 3. In doing so, axial displacement of the
pipe fitting 30 with respect to the intake manifold is prevented. Subsequently, the quick-
connect fitting 32 is mounted or attached to the intake manifold 12 via the fitting 48. By
fixing or anchoring the second end portion 38 of the tube 34 with respect to the intake
manifold 12, the tube 34 substantially prevents the rotation of the pipe fitting 30 with
respect to the intake manifold 12, thereby maintaining the pipe fitting 30 in the second
position.
[0013] The "clock and anchor" mounting nature of the pipe fitting assembly 14
provides benefits over traditional 'clock and lock" mounting strategies since the simpler
design contains no "lock", "retain", and "unlock" features. Therefore, the pipe fitting
assembly is easier to install since there is no "retain" force to overcome to engage the
"lock" function during assembly.
[0014] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described
in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various
alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims.

GP-309348-PTE-JEK
5
CLAIMS
1. A pipe fitting assembly for a component defining a generally
cylindrical bore and having at least one tab portion defining at least one groove, the pipe
fitting assembly comprising:
a fitting member having a generally cylindrical portion configured
for insertion into the generally cylindrical bore such that said fitting member is rotatable
between a first and second position;
at least one flange formed on said fitting member and operable to
engage the at least one groove when said fitting member is rotated from said first position
to said second position to prevent the removal of said generally cylindrical portion from
the generally cylindrical bore;
a tube member having a first end mounted with respect to said
fitting member and a second end operable to anchor said tube member; and
wherein said tube member is operable to retain said fitting member
in said second position when said second end is anchored.
2. The pipe fitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the component is an
intake manifold for an internal combustion engine.
3. The pipe fitting assembly of claim 1, wherein said second end of
said tube member includes a quick connect fitting.
4. The pipe fitting assembly of claim I, wherein said tube member is
formed from plastic.
5. The pipe fitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the component is an
intake manifold for an internal combustion engine and wherein said tube member is
operable to convey evaporative emission gases to said fitting member.

GP-309348-PTE-JEK
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6. An intake manifold assembly for an internal combustion engine
comprising:
an intake manifold defining a generally cylindrical bore;
at least one tab portion defining at least one groove;
a fitting member having a generally cylindrical portion configured
for insertion into said generally cylindrical bore such that said fitting member is rotatable
between a first and second position;
at least one flange formed on said fitting member and operable to
engage the at least one groove when said fitting member is rotated from said first position
to said second position to prevent the removal of said generally cylindrical portion from
the generally cylindrical bore;
a tube member having a first end mounted with respect to said
fitting member and a second end mounted with respect to one of said intake manifold and
another component; and
wherein said tube member is operable to retain said fitting member
in said second position.
7. The intake manifold assembly of claim 6, wherein said second end
of said tube member includes a quick connect fitting.
8. The intake manifold assembly of claim 6, wherein said tube
member is operable to convey evaporative emission gases to said fitting member.
9. The intake manifold assembly of claim 6, wherein said generally
cylindrical portion of said fitting member extends into a plenum portion of said intake
manifold.
10. A method of retaining a pipe fitting with respect to a component
defining a generally cylindrical bore, the method comprising:

GP-309348-PTE-JEK
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inserting a generally cylindrical portion of the pipe fitting into the
generally cylindrical bore;
rotating the pipe fitting from a first position to a second position
such that at least one flange formed on the pipe fitting engages at least one grove defined
by a tab member generally adjacent to the generally cylindrical bore to prevent the
removal of said generally cylindrical portion from the generally cylindrical bore;
mounting an end of a tube member with respect to the component,
wherein another end of said tube member is mounted with respect to the pipe fitting: and
wherein said tube member is operable to retain the pipe fitting with
respect to the component by substantially preventing the rotation of the pipe fitting from
said second position to said first position.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the component is an intake
manifold for an internal combustion engine.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein mounting said end of said tube
member with respect to the component includes attaching a quick connect fitting to the
component.
Dated this 29th day of FEBRUARY 2008

A pipe fitting assembly is provided for an intake manifold
defining a generally cylindrical bore and having at least one tab portion defining at least
one groove. The pipe fitting assembly includes a fitting member having a generally
cylindrical portion configured for insertion into the bore such that the fitting member is
rotatable between a first and second position. At least one flange is formed on the
fitting member and is operable to engage the at least one groove when the fitting
member is rotated from the first position to the second position, thereby preventing the
removal of the cylindrical portion from the bore. A tube member is also provided
having a first end mounted with respect to the fitting member and a second end
mounted with respect to the intake manifold. The tube member is operable to retain the
fitting member in the second position.

Documents:

00386-kol-2008-abstract.pdf

00386-kol-2008-claims.pdf

00386-kol-2008-correspondence others.pdf

00386-kol-2008-description complete.pdf

00386-kol-2008-drawings.pdf

00386-kol-2008-form 1.pdf

00386-kol-2008-form 2.pdf

00386-kol-2008-form 3.pdf

00386-kol-2008-form 5.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(05-12-2013)-ABSTRACT.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(05-12-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(05-12-2013)-DRAWINGS.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(05-12-2013)-FORM-1.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(05-12-2013)-FORM-2.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(05-12-2013)-FORM-3.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(05-12-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-ABSTRACT.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-ANNEXURE TO FORM-3.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-CLAIMS.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-DRAWINGS.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-FORM-1.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-FORM-2.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-PA.pdf

386-KOL-2008-(19-02-2013)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

386-KOL-2008-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

386-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

386-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.2.pdf

386-kol-2008-form 18.pdf

386-KOL-2008-OTHERS.pdf

386-KOL-2008-PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf


Patent Number 260919
Indian Patent Application Number 386/KOL/2008
PG Journal Number 22/2014
Publication Date 30-May-2014
Grant Date 28-May-2014
Date of Filing 29-Feb-2008
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Applicant Address 300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 CARL E. FONVILLE 1845 WINTERGREEN COURT ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48103-9727
2 DIPAK R. PATEL 678 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE, GRAND BLANC, MICHIGAN 48439
PCT International Classification Number F16L37/256; F16L37/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 11/696212 2007-04-04 U.S.A.