Flexible tube connection

Claim 1

In a tube connection including a fitting having an internal space for receiving a tube end, an outer wall portion defining an opening through which the tube end extends into said space, an inner wall portion defining the inner end of said space, and a resilient annular seal in said space inwardly adjacent said outer wall portion, said tube end extending in coaxially sealed association through said seal to axially inwardly thereof, the improvement comprising the provision on the tube end of a formed radial enlargement defining the axially inner distal portion of said tube end coaxially abutting the axial inner end of said seal whereby said seal effectively sealingly, resiliently supports said tube end against axially outward withdrawal thereof from said space, said enlargement comprising a radially out-turned axially outer portion engaging said resilient seal in the normal made-up arrangement of the fitting, a radially inturned distal axially inner end portion confronting said inner wall portion of the fitting whereby abutment of said inner end portion with said inner wall portion limits axially inward movement of the tube end through said space, and a rounded radially outer portion permitting movement of the seal over said enlargement both axially inwardly and outwardly to permit the seal to be installed on said tube end by movement thereof axially outwardly over said enlargement, and permit said enlargement to move axially outwardly through said seal into abutment with said outer wall as a result of an axiAlly outward urging of said tube end and to move subsequently axially inwardly to said normal made-up arrangement wherein said enlargement is disposed axially inwardly of the seal said seal sealingly engaging said fitting and said tube end in all axial positions of said tube end therein.