Fittings, Components, and Associated Tools

Abstract

Fittings that generally include a unitary body having an outer surface and an inner lumen forming a void within said unitary body. The lumen is configured to receive threads for mating with the threads of a female sub end of a pipe or tube. The outer surface includes at least one aperture for receiving a tool that can be inserted within said aperture so as to rotate the fitting about an axis that extends through the lumen of the unitary body. The at least one apertures provide a safe and convenient way to tighten and loosen the fitting during the process of coupling pipe or tubing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A component, comprising:
 a unitary body, said unitary body comprising a length, a distal end, a proximal end, an outer surface, and a lumen;   wherein said outer surface extends around said length of said unitary body between said proximal end and said distal end;   wherein said lumen extends within said unitary body in a distal direction from said proximal end of said unitary body, said lumen generally defining a void within said unitary body, wherein a portion of said lumen is cylindrical, said cylindrical portion further including threads configured to receive a threaded female sub end of a pipe or tube;   wherein said unitary body further comprises at least one aperture, said at least one aperture extending from an opening at said outer surface of said unitary body and ending at a location within said unitary body, said at least one aperture configured to receive a tool for rotating said fitting around an axis that extends from said distal end to said proximal end so as to permit the tightening and loosening of said fitting to a threaded female sub end of a pipe or tube.   
     
     
         2 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture further includes a protrusion extending into said aperture, said protrusion configured to releasably secure a tool for tightening and loosening said fitting. 
     
     
         3 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture comprises two apertures. 
     
     
         4 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture comprises four apertures 
     
     
         5 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture comprises eight apertures. 
     
     
         6 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture further comprises a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         7 . The fitting of  claim 6 , wherein said cylindrical shape comprises a diameter of at least one inch. 
     
     
         8 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein said unitary body comprises 4130 alloy steel. 
     
     
         9 . The fitting of  claim 6 , wherein said unitary body comprises a generally circular side view. 
     
     
         10 . The fitting of  claim 9 , wherein said unitary body comprises a height of 7⅛ inches when standing on an opening of an aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The fitting of  claim 9 , wherein said outer surface comprises a variable topography. 
     
     
         12 . The fitting of  claim 9 , wherein said proximal end is located 2⅝ inches from said distal end. 
     
     
         13 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein said threads begin at said proximal end of said unitary body and extend distally into said cylindrical lumen portion, wherein said threads end prior to said distal end of said unitary body. 
     
     
         14 . A component, comprising:
 a unitary body, said unitary body comprising a length, a distal end, a proximal end, an outer surface, and a lumen;   wherein said outer surface extends around said length of said unitary body between said proximal end and said distal end;   wherein said lumen extends within said unitary body in a distal direction from said proximal end of said unitary body, said lumen generally defining a void within said unitary body, wherein a portion of said lumen is cylindrical, said cylindrical portion further including threads configured to receive a threaded female sub end of a pipe or tube;   wherein said unitary body further comprises at least one aperture, said at least one aperture extending from an opening at said outer surface of said unitary body and ending at a location within said unitary body so as to provide an aperture depth, said at least one aperture configured to receive a tool for rotating said fitting around an axis that extends from said distal end to said proximal end so as to permit the tightening and loosening of said fitting to a threaded female sub end of a pipe or tube; and   wherein said outer surface further comprises a ridge.   
     
     
         15 . The component of  claim 14 , wherein said unitary body comprises eight apertures. 
     
     
         16 . The component of  claim 15 , wherein each of said eight apertures further includes an aperture wall. 
     
     
         17 . The component of  claim 16 , wherein said eight apertures are connected by said ridge. 
     
     
         18 . The component of  claim 17 , wherein said ridge is defined by a plurality of lower topographical regions within said outer surface of said unitary body.