Abstract: The disclosed bushing assembly has a housing with a central bore for receiving a bushing sleeve that is dimensioned to fit a predetermined sway bar. The housing and sleeve have various combinations of mating projections and recesses that secure the sleeve in the housing. A bushing kit has a plurality of sleeves that are dimensioned to fit different predetermined sway bars and an appropriate sleeve can be selected at the time of installation. The housing and the sleeve are flexible.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipeline system that includes a pipe segment and a reusable pipe fitting. The pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit within a tubing annulus of the pipe segment. The reusable pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a body bore and a pipe engaging assembly including a collapsible collar with teeth that extend radially inward. The collapsible collar contracts radially inward such that the collapsible collar engages the tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting to the pipe segment when the pipe engaging assembly is secured to the fitting body and expands radially outward such that the collapsible collar disengages from the tubing of the pipe segment to enable the reusable pipe fitting to be re-deployed at another pipe segment when the pipe engaging assembly is unsecured from the fitting body.

Abstract: A pipe system for transporting liquid. The pipe system connects adjacent pipes and includes a pipe having a coupler cup formed in an end thereof. The coupler cup is configured for receiving and end of a second pipe therein. The pipe system includes a coupler cap adapted to snap onto the coupler cup. The coupler cap also has an opening for receiving the second pipe therethrough to couple the first pipe and the second pipe. A seal is disposed between the coupler cap and the coupler cup to provide a sealed pipe system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a sleeve that comprises a tubular portion, a receiving portion, and a coupling portion. The tubular portion has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to an inner diameter of a flexible hose such that the tubular portion is capable of being inserted within the flexible hose. The receiving portion extends outward from the tubular portion to thereby define a channel between the receiving portion and the tubular portion for receiving an end portion of a flexible hose. The coupling portion is for coupling the sleeve, and thereby, the flexible hose, to a component.

Abstract: A tube clamp device for supporting tubing has two halves. Each half has a channel designed to engage a tube. One half has a tooth, or male joint, that corresponds to a gap, or female joint, of the other half, such that each half engages both the tube and the other half to secure the tube without requiring a fastener.

Abstract: A drainage device may include a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end. The drainage device may further include a hub coupled to the proximal end of the catheter. The hub may include a fastener element configured to secure the distal end of the catheter. In some aspects, the fastener element may be a hinged element. In some aspects, the drainage device may further include a puncture element including a tip and an expander portion. In still other aspects, the puncture element may also include an attachment portion.

Abstract: A compression type pipe connector for joining a pipe segment to another node in a pipeline or another pipeline segment. The connector has pipe connector compression segments that are extricably and interlockingly connected to one another to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The pipe connector is configured to form an outer bore through which fluids transported, disposed or trapped within an annulus formed within a multi-layered flexible pipeline can flow through while providing a central bore through which hydrocarbons transported through the inner diameter of the pipeline can flow. The segments of the pipe connector are connected together via vertical and horizontal compression bolts to effect a fluid-tight seal between the connector segments.

Abstract: A hose end adaptor for holding an inner component to be nested within an outer tube of a hose includes a first support portion for receiving the outer tube and a second support portion on which a component to be nested within the outer tube is mountable.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a flexible pipe (101) to a further flexible pipe (102) in an end-to-end configuration includes an elongate tubular element (30) having a first and second end (33, 34) and an outer surface having a raised central region (35). At least one vent passage (55) extends at least partially across the raised central region (35).

Abstract: A connecting system for quickly securing a hollow tube to a structure or to another hollow tube using a connector that has a housing with a tapered interior edge that operably engages a locking element positioned therein. When the tube is inserted into the locking element, the locking element holds and locks the tube in place in the connector. A guide ring may be provided within the connector to facilitate proper alignment of the tube within the connector and provide excellent electrical conductivity throughout the entire tube connecting system. One or more bearings may be provided as part of the locking element to facilitate initial tube insertion and then compression locking of the tube by the locking element. The connector can include a variety of structure engaging portions to allow the connector to be operably secured to a variety of structures such as electrical junction boxes, electrical conduits, tubes, armored cables, metal clad cables, flexible metal cables and the like.

Abstract: A fluid connector having a connector body that is connectable to a first fluid system. The connector body includes a connection mechanism that is connectable to a tube of a second fluid system, and the connector body defines a fluid passageway that allows fluid to flow between the first fluid system and the second fluid system. A connector sleeve surrounds the connector body and is connected thereto, and the connector sleeve is actuatable relative to the connector body between a retracted position and a connected position. The connector sleeve actuates the connection mechanism as the connector sleeve is actuated from the retracted position to the connected position. In addition, the fluid connector is devoid of coil springs and dynamic seals.

Abstract: A quick fit connector is disclosed for the return line of fuel injectors in an internal combustion engine. The connector includes a T- or L-shaped connector body having at least one connection branch insertable in a fuel return port of a fuel injector, a lower plate, an upper plate and a spring clip. The upper plate is slidingly mounted on the spring clip and the connector body and is movable between an unlocked position, in which the spring clip is in unloaded condition and free from any engagement with the fuel injector, and a locked position in which the spring clip is in loaded condition and engages the fuel injector and the lower plate.

Abstract: A cannula device including: a nasal cannula having nasal pipes; respiration-gas flow tubes connected to the nasal cannula; an adaptor pipe communicated with the respiration-gas flow tubes; a connector pipe removably attached to the adaptor pipe; and a respiration-gas supplying tube connected to the connector pipe, in the cannula device, one of the adaptor pipe and the connector pipe is a female member having a receiving part and the other is a male member having an inserting part; and the male member is removably inserted into the female part, and the cannula device further including: a ring-shape part formed on a base-end part of the inserting part as a protruding ridge or a recessed groove extending on whole circumference of the inserting part; and a lock piece formed on the receiving part, having a projection part locking the ring-shape part of the inserting part inserted in the receiving part.

Abstract: A collet device with an adjustable snap value can have a tubular body and beams. The tubular body can have a main body, an inner member in an inner area of the main body, and an outer member in an area external to the main body. The inner member and the outer member can each be axially moveable relative to the main body. The beams can be axially coupled to the main body, and a portion of the beams may extend axially from the tubular body. A length of the portion of the beams that extend axially from the tubular body can be adjustable by moving the inner member or the outer member for changing a snap value of the collet. The snap value corresponding to a magnitude of force exertable by the beams in a direction of a mating body that can be positioned radially adjacent to the beams.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to connection assemblies providing a connection between a tubing and a port. The port can be disposed within and particularly extending through a bore of the port. The port and tube are coupled to provide an aseptic connection.

Abstract: A coupling device for sealingly coupling a first wall defining a flexible pipe (11) to a tubular nozzle (9) of a connector (1) in a biopharmaceutical assembly, the coupling device including the connector (1) including the tubular nozzle (9), on which one end of the pipe can be inserted along an axis A, a plurality of flexible tabs (3) extending from an intermediate area (7) of the coupling body toward the free end (1a) of the nozzle, an abutment clamp (16), a connection interface (6), a separate ring (2), axially movable between an inoperative position and an operative position, for covering the flexible tabs (3) such as to push same radially inward in order to press the pipe onto the nozzle in the operative position, the tabs extending substantially parallel to the axis (A) when the ring (2) is in the operative position.

Abstract: A connection fitting (10) for a pipe, including a tubular body (12), an O-ring (14) mountable on outer side of tubular body (12), a substantially tubular collet (16) having a first end and a second end and having a memory, a substantially annular and resilient grab ring (20) for gripping the outer side of a pipe inserted into the collet (16), a substantially tubular spacer ring (22) locatable on the free side of the grab ring (20), a collet retainer (18), and a tubular protection ring (24) locatable within the spacer ring (22), wherein when the collet retainer (18) engages with the collet (16) and causes the collet (16) to lock onto the tubular body (12) apertures (66) in the collet retainer (18) permit portions of the protection ring (24) to be seen after connection of a pipe to the connection fitting (10) is completed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and methods for securing a medical catheter. The apparatus includes a tube wall that defines a lumen extending longitudinally there through. The tube wall comprising: a plurality of flexible fingers extending along a portion of the tube wall, a longitudinal slot disposed between each pair of adjacent fingers, each of the fingers comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface. An outer protrusion extends outwardly from the exterior surface of each finger. An inner protrusion extends inwardly from the interior surface of each finger. The inner protrusions are configured to frictionally engage an outer surface of the medical catheter disposed within the lumen when the plurality of flexible fingers are moved inwardly in response to an external force applied to the outer protrusions.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a connector apparatus for a semi-flexible tubing. The connector apparatus includes an inner sub having a first end disposable within a semi-flexible tubing and a second end connectable to various other downhole tools. The first end of the inner sub includes at least one depression disposed thereon that is generally alignable with at least one depression disposed on the semi-flexible tubing. The connector apparatus also includes an external sleeve disposable outside of the semi-flexible tubing. The external sleeve having at least one opening disposed therein generally aligned with the at least one depression in the first end of the inner sub. This disclosure is also directed to a method of installing the connector apparatus on a semi-flexible tubing and a method of running the semi-flexible tubing and a downhole tool into a wellbore via the connector apparatus disclosed herein.

Abstract: Component connector for connecting cylindrical components includes an elastic sleeve which surrounds the components, the elastic sleeve can be braced, a radially deformable fixing sleeve is provided which encloses elastic sleeve. Elastic sleeve is braced via radial deformation of fixing sleeve in a perpendicular direction to a longitudinal axis of fixing sleeve, and at least one clamping ring is provided for radially deforming fixing sleeve. Fixing sleeve has a profiled outer wall and clamping ring has an oppositely profiled inner wall so clamping ring can be pushed concentrically onto fixing sleeve in an accurately fitting manner, during a relative rotation of clamping ring, placed in an accurately fitting manner, in a closing direction, the fixing sleeve can be deformed radially inwardly by the surface profiling; and, during a relative rotation of clamping ring counter to the closing direction, the surface profiling prevents any rotation.

Abstract: A pipe joint is equipped with a body, and an attachment and detachment mechanism by which a fluid tube is mounted detachably with respect to the body. A pawl of a chuck that constitutes the attachment and detachment mechanism includes a stopper member that abuts against an outer circumferential surface of the fluid tube, and piercing members, distal ends of which project more toward a side of the fluid tube than the stopper member and pierce into the outer circumferential surface of the fluid tube.

Abstract: A wire spring retained end cap for a firearm sound suppressor is provided. The discharge end of the firearm sound suppressor has a notched internal bore and a female threaded portion that receives a threaded male portion of the end cap. The threaded end cap has a channel and wire spring disposed within the channel. The wire spring biases a detent within one of the notches of the internal bore, thereby preventing the end cap from loosening during use of the firearm sound suppressor. The end cap is easily removed to clean or service the firearm sound suppressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a flexible pipe (101) to a further flexible pipe (102) in an end-to-end configuration. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular element (30) comprising a first and second end (33, 34) and an outer surface comprising a raised central region (35). At least one vent passage (55) extends at least partially across the raised central region (35).

Abstract: A connection device for the plug connection of at least one media line includes a housing part with at least one reception orifice for plugging in a plug portion connected or connectable to the at least one media line. The housing part includes a basic part and an insert part. The basic part is releasably connected with a form fit to the insert part via a latching connection. The latching connection holds the insert part releasably and is formed by a C-shaped spring clip which is seated on the outside of the basic part and engages with at least one latching extension radially through an orifice of the basic part into a circumferential latching groove of the insert part.

Abstract: A coupler configured to be attached to an end of a corrugated tube having a hollow shaft configured to be inserted within the corrugated tube and a flange surrounding at least a portion of the hollow shaft. The flange has a width larger than the inside diameter of the corrugated tube. A first and second arm is attached to the flange by flexible hinges. Each arm defines a clamp configured to engage an outer surface of at least one of the plurality of corrugations when the arm pivots about the flexible hinge. Each clamp may include a locking feature configured to lock the clamp to the first arm to the second arm and the clamp of the second arm to the first arm.

Abstract: The polymer pipe joint assembly includes a fitting, positioned inside the polymer pipe, a coupling, having at least one cylindrical section, which covers the pipe and fitting, the assembly having a sleeve capable of changing its geometrical dimensions and shape under pressure. The sleeve has at least one cylindrical section placed between the pipe and coupling, the fitting has a shoulder on its outside surface, restricting the movement of the pipe and sleeve, while the inside surface of the coupling has a lead-in chamfer. The change of the dimensions of the sleeve can be performed both by selecting different types of sleeve material or by its construction.

Abstract: A tissue tunneler including an expandable attachment mechanism for securing a catheter. In one variation, the tissue tunneler comprises an elongate tunneler with a protrusion extending from the proximal end of the tunneler. An expansion mechanism is provided on the protrusion for insertion into the catheter. An oversleeve slidably disposed over the elongated tunneler may be provided to engage the expansion mechanism and trap the catheter between the oversleeve and the expansion mechanism. In another variation, the expansion mechanism may comprise of an expandable O-ring configured to engage an inner surface within a catheter.

Abstract: A connecting device for a washing machine or other apparatuses that connect to a water conduit includes a main body configured to connect to a water supply hose, having a passage through which water passes; a sealing unit in the main body, configured to contact the water conduit; a fixing unit in the main body, fixed to or in contact with an outer surface of the water conduit; and a tightening unit that screws onto the main body, configured to press and/or fix the fixing unit to the water conduit when the tightening unit is tightened. There is no need for a separate tool, because the connecting device is easily and conveniently connected by hand tightening the tightening unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an anti-kinking device having a neck portion having a threaded internal surface; and a coil portion connecting the neck portion and a terminal portion; wherein the coil portion has a central coil axis and comprises a plurality of spaced apart windings with open spaces between each winding in a relaxed state, each winding having a substantially cylindrical inner wall, a substantially cylindrical outer wall, and sidewalls connecting the inner and outer walls, the sidewalls having planar angled portions with respect to the coil axis. In an aspect, the device can have a terminal portion having a threaded internal surface. There is also disclosed a hose system comprising a hose inserted through the disclosed device. The device can prevent kinking of the hose.

Abstract: A connector includes a connector main body having a mounting tube for mounting a hose; and a lock member loosely fitted in a guide member of the connector main body slidably in an axis line direction. The lock member includes a claw member provided to stand from an inner wall face in a mounted hose direction facing thereto. The mounting tube includes a projecting piece on an outer end circumference. After the hose has been inserted into the mounting tube, if the hose or the lock member is pulled, the lock member moves forward, so that the hose is locked by the claw member, and the hose is clamped by the projecting piece provided on a mounting tube side and the lock member. As a result, the hose can be easily connected, and a high sealing property can be obtained.

Abstract: A coupler configured to be attached to an end of a corrugated tube having a hollow shaft configured to be inserted within the corrugated tube and a flange surrounding at least a portion of the hollow shaft. The flange has a width larger than the inside diameter of the corrugated tube. A first and second arm is attached to the flange by flexible hinges. Each arm defines a clamp configured to engage an outer surface of at least one of the plurality of corrugations when the arm pivots about the flexible hinge. Each clamp may include a locking feature configured to lock the clamp to the first arm to the second arm and the clamp of the second arm to the first arm.

Abstract: The system comprises a clamping collar (10) suitable for being brought resiliently from its rest configuration in which its diameter is small to an expanded configuration. The system further comprises a support ring (20) suitable for being encircled by the collar, and an expander (40) suitable for co-operating with the ring firstly to hold the ring in an expanded configuration in which the collar (10) encircling the ring is also in its expanded configuration when the expander and the ring are in a first relative position, and secondly to enable the ring to contract and the clamping system to tighten under the resilient return force exerted by the collar encircling the ring when the expander and the ring are in a second relative position.

Abstract: A fitting assembly is provided that includes a bracket comprising at least one fitting having a first opening and a second opening, in which the second opening includes at least one ledge on an inner sidewall of the fitting and the first opening is interconnected with a first tube, in which the bracket, the fittings and the first tube are a unitary structure. A seal assembly is present in the second opening of the at least one fitting of the bracket, and a second tube in engaged to the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a frictional bore surface and at least one gasket, which are in contact with the second tube.

Abstract: A positive completion coupler insert (100) configured to be inserted into a coupler (150) is provided according to the invention. The coupler insert (100) includes a conduit support insert (110) configured to be retained in a coupler bore (151) of the coupler (150) and a conduit support (140) configured to fit into and be retained by the conduit support insert (110). The conduit support (140) is configured to generate a first audible sound when inserted to a first insertion point in the conduit support insert (110) and is configured to generate a second audible sound when inserted to a second insertion point.

Abstract: A pipe coupling adapted to support a pipe which is freely insertable into the coupling. The coupling includes a hollow body having external threads and a tapered inner surface. A nut having internal threads is co-operable with said body external threads at a first end and with an outwardly converging inner tapered surface at a second end. The coupling includes a deformable gripping member having an internal bore which receives said pipe. The bore includes a first internal surface and a second internal surface, where the second internal surface is of a smaller diameter than the first internal surface. This configuration accommodates pipes of a different diameters. Both of the first and second internal surfaces typically have projections that engage the pipe upon tightening of the nut. The projections for of one of the two different surfaces engage the pipe, depending on its diameter.

Abstract: A hose connection system comprises a body including an internal cavity and a port in fluid communication with a portion of the internal cavity. In addition, the system comprises a hose end fitting positioned in the cavity. The hose end fitting includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member concentrically disposed about the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial slits. Further, the system comprises a plurality of wedge members arranged circumferentially about the outer tubular member. Still further, the system comprises an annular piston movably disposed within the internal cavity of the body. An end of the piston has an inner frustoconical surface that slidingly engages the plurality of wedge members. The piston is configured to move axially through the body and compress the wedge members and the outer tubular member radially inward.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a barb clamp for fluid connection to a flexible tube, the flexible tube having an inner bore defined by a predetermined inner diameter for providing a fluid flow path. The barb clamp includes a barb connector having the same predetermined inner diameter as the flexible tube and a tapered end insertable into the tube. A sleeve and collet lock over the tubing and barb connector to prevent liquid material entering between the barb and tube. The tapered end of the barb connector terminates at a point so that there is no transition between the inner diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the barb connector to provide no pressure differential in the tube between the outside and inside of the barb clamp.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device includes a body part, fastening parts, and pressurizing parts. The body part has a multi-stepped insertion hole penetrating the central portion thereof, a stepped latching portion formed on the inner circumference of the insertion hole, and first projections continuously formed on the upper surfaces of the externally threaded portions. Each of the fastening parts has an internally threaded portion formed on the inner circumference thereof and is screwed onto the externally threaded portion, a coupling hole penetrating the central portion thereof so as to be in communication with the insertion hole, a first inclined plane formed around the boundary between the internally threaded portion and the insertion hole. Each of the pressurizing parts has a stepped foot portion formed on the outer circumference of one side thereof.

Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting to a first pipe includes a second pipe and a fastener. The second pipe has a number of connection sections of difference outer diameters, one of which is fittingly coupled to the first pipe. The fastener sleeves on the first pipe and the second pipe and fastens the first pipe to the second pipe.

Abstract: A transmission element, which has a permanent nondetachable connection, is producible employing an axial pressing technique using simple means. The transmission element for workpiece connections to be axially compressed includes a flange section and a transmission section. The transmission section exhibits a substantially cylindrical internal peripheral surface, and the wall thickness of the transmission section tapers from the end proximal to the flange section to the end distal to the flange section. The transmission element is manufactured from a heat-resistant plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a barb clamp for a flexible tube having a predetermined inner diameter defining a passageway therein and an outer surface. The clamp includes a barb connector having a tubular configuration with a first end for disposing within an end of the tube, a cylindrical collet having a through center aperture slidable over the first end of the barb connector, the collet having a first end and a second end, the first end including a plurality resilient members each having a first lateral edge having a first interlocking portion and an opposing second lateral edge having a second interlocking portion, and a cylindrical sleeve having a through center aperture for slidably receiving the collet.

Abstract: A fitting for a whirlpool joins a pair of pipes. The fitting includes a coupling from which one of the pipes extends, the coupling having a flexible member adapted to cause a seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to seal against themselves, and a first thread. A nut engages the coupling and has a second thread for engaging the first thread and a surface for engaging the flexible member and causing the seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves while the second thread engages the first thread. The first thread and the second thread have an angle whereby the flexible member causes the seal to sealingly engage the first and second pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves in a quarter turn of the nut.

Abstract: A crimp sleeve includes a cylindrical side wall having a plurality of slots cut therein to form a plurality of fingers. Each finger includes a shank and an inwardly extending tab. The shanks of the fingers are formed at an inward angle relative to the sleeve wall. The tips of the tabs define a tip diameter which forms an interference fit with the nipple on which the sleeve is to be installed. The interference fit between the tabs and the nipple allows the sleeve to be pre-loaded on the nipple. When the end of a length of tubing is inserted in the sleeve, the tubing will contact the shanks of the fingers and urge the fingers outwardly, increasing the tip diameter.

Abstract: A plug connector for pipelines, in particular pipelines made of plastic, having a housing part comprising, in two-part form, a receiving part for a retaining element and fluid seal; and a coupling part for coupling the housing part to an assembly, and can be sealed with respect to the assembly, characterized in that the housing part is divided in such a way that the receiving part can be sealed directly with respect to the assembly.

Abstract: A barb clamp for use with a flexible tube is taught, the flexible tube having an inner bore defined by a predetermined inner diameter for providing a fluid flow path. The barb clamp includes a barb connector having the same predetermined inner diameter as the flexible tube and a tapered end insertable into the tube. A sleeve and collet lock over the tubing and barb connector to prevent liquid material entering between the barb and tube. The tapered end of the barb connector terminates at a point so that there is no transition between the inner diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the barb connector to provide no pressure differential in the tube between the outside and inside of the barb clamp.

Abstract: A barb clamp for connection to a flexible tube is taught, the flexible tube having an inner bore defined by a predetermined inner diameter for providing a fluid flow path. The barb clamp includes a barb connector having the same predetermined inner diameter as the flexible tube and a tapered end insertable into the tube. A sleeve and collet lock over the tubing and barb connector to prevent liquid material entering between the barb and tube. The tapered end of the barb connector terminates at a point so that there is no transition between the inner diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the barb connector to provide no pressure differential in the tube between the outside and inside of the barb clamp.

Abstract: A connection device for fluid lines has an annular or sleeve-shaped insert provided for assembly by plugging in a circularly cylindrical socket in a support component. The insert comprises an annular or sleeve-shaped cage element (18) in the form of a metal bent stamping with an annular support section (27) having several claw elements (33) and several support legs (34) extending from the support section in the same axial direction. The claw elements (33) serve for securing an inserted fluid line and the support legs (34) serve for supporting a preceding seal.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for fastening cables, fibers or wave hoses in position with multiple ways, and for waterproof capability. The fastening device includes a first casing, an inner holding part, a waterproof screw annulus, a positioning nut, a connecting casing, a second casing, an inner buckled nut, a resilient washer, and a constricting gasket. The first casing and the second casing are respectively engaged with the waterproof screw annulus and the connecting annulus. The first casing and the second casing take force to the wave hose for holding the cable or fiber in place in multiple ways, and avoid shifting or breaking off from drawing outside.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for fastening cables, fibers or wave hoses in position with multiple ways, and for waterproof capability. The fastening device includes a first casing, an inner holding part, a waterproof screw annulus, a positioning nut, a connecting casing, a second casing, an inner buckled nut, a resilient washer, and a constricting gasket. The first casing and the second casing are respectively engaged with the waterproof screw annulus and the connecting annulus. The first casing and the second casing take force to the wave hose for holding the cable or fiber in place in multiple ways, and avoid shifting or breaking off from drawing outside.

Abstract: A connector assembly having a male member, a female member and a retainer for releasably securing the male member and the female member. The retainer has inner retainer arms for engaging the male member and an interior portion of the female member, and an outer retainer flange for engaging an outer portion of the female member.