Joining device for connecting tubes

Claim 1

A joining device for use in connection with one or more tubes, or the like, comprising: a base portion, at least one branch portion integral with and extending from said base portion and capable of insertion into said tubes, locking means carried by said branch portion for holding said branch portion within a tube, said locking means comprising a body portion having a pair of bearing surfaces and being pivotally supported at a position in said branch portion for limited angular movement between first and second predetermined limit positions, said locking means further including protruding retaining surfaces formed as spaced projecting portions integral with said body portion, said body portion including first and second rearward surfaces, each adapted to independently engage an inner wall of said branch portion, thereby defining the extent of said limited angular movement, said bearing surfaces projecting beyond a transverse side of said branch portion, said bearing surfaces being insertable in succession together with said branch portion into a tube whereupon during said insertion a first of said pair of bearing surfaces is substantially freely receivable by the tube and thereafter the second of said pair is only forceably receivable by said tube due to lever action resulting from engagement of said first bearing surface with internal surfaces of the tube, and means for movably securing said locking means to said branch portion said securing means comprising holding means integral with portions of said branch portion for contacting said protruding retaining surfaces, the cooperation of said holding means and said protruding retaining surfaces facilitating arcuate movement of said body portion with respect to said branch portion.