Rotating snap connection assembly

Abstract

A connector providing a rotating snap connection for connecting tubes, hoses and/or other conduits where the rotatable portion of the connector snap fits with the remaining portion of the connector is described. A first connector can include a body defining a first internal passage, a connecting end defining a second internal passage, and a connecting mechanism rotatably connecting the connecting end to the body such that the second internal passage of the connecting end is fluidly connected with the first internal passage. A second connector can include a first body, a second body rotatably connected to the first body via a connecting structure, and a connecting structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A connecting fitting configured to connect to a body comprising:
 a sidewall;   an interior passageway; and   a retention projection configured to fit into a retention groove of a body connection of the body,   wherein the interior passageway is configured to provide fluid communication to an interior passageway in the body.   
     
     
         2 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 1   wherein the retention projection comprises a side wall; and   wherein the side wall of the retention projection is configured to meet with a side wall of the retention groove of the body connection of the body.   
     
     
         3 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 an interference area configured to receive a sealing barb of the body connection of the body. 
 
     
     
         4 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 3  wherein the interference area is configured to allow the sealing barb to extend outwardly and embed into the interference area. 
     
     
         5 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 3  wherein the interference area is configured to allow the sealing barb to expand into the sidewall thereby creating a fluid tight seal between the interior passageway and the interior passageway of the body. 
     
     
         6 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a flared area configured and dimensioned to receive the body connection of the body. 
 
     
     
         7 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 6  wherein the flared area is configured to slide over a cone-shaped portion of the body connection of the body. 
     
     
         8 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 6  wherein the flared area is configured to flex outwardly as the connection fitting is moved toward the body connection. 
     
     
         9 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 6  wherein the flared area is configured to flex outwardly as the connection fitting is moved toward the body connection while a cone-shaped portion of the body connection flexes inwardly. 
     
     
         10 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 6  wherein the flared area is configured to snap inwardly as the retention projection enters the retention groove of the body connection of the body. 
     
     
         11 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 1  wherein the connecting fitting is configured to fit over the body connection. 
     
     
         12 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 1  wherein the interior passageway defines the retention projection. 
     
     
         13 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a connecting end fitting stop surface structured and arranged to meet a stop surface on the body. 
 
     
     
         14 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 1  wherein the connecting fitting is further configured to connect with a tube or hose. 
     
     
         15 . A connecting fitting configured to connect to a body comprising:
 a sidewall;   an interior passageway;   a retention projection configured to fit into a retention groove of a body connection of the body; and   an interference area configured to receive a sealing barb of the body connection of the body,   wherein the interior passageway is configured to provide fluid communication to an interior passageway in the body.   
     
     
         16 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 15   wherein the retention projection comprises a side wall; and   wherein the side wall of the retention projection is configured to meet with a side wall of the retention groove of the body connection of the body.   
     
     
         17 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 15  wherein the interference area is configured to allow the sealing barb to extend outwardly and embed into the interference area. 
     
     
         18 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 15  wherein the interference area is configured to allow the sealing barb to expand into the sidewall thereby creating a fluid tight seal between the interior passageway and the interior passageway of the body. 
     
     
         19 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 15  further comprising:
 a flared area configured and dimensioned to receive the body connection of the body. 
 
     
     
         20 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 19  wherein the flared area is configured to slide over a cone-shaped portion of the body connection of the body. 
     
     
         21 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 19  wherein the flared area is configured to flex outwardly as the connection fitting is moved toward the body connection. 
     
     
         22 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 19  wherein the flared area is configured to flex outwardly as the connection fitting is moved toward the body connection while a cone-shaped portion of the body connection flexes inwardly. 
     
     
         23 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 19  wherein the flared area is configured to snap inwardly as the retention projection enters the retention groove of the body connection of the body. 
     
     
         24 . The connecting fitting configured to connect to a body according to  claim 15  wherein the connecting fitting is further configured to connect with a tube or hose.