Pipe connector systems, devices and methods
AssigneeQuickHub, LLC
InventorDonald Gene Huber
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems, devices and methods for pipe connectors and associated components are disclosed. Features for no hub clamps, for locking mechanisms on no hub clamps, for tools for no hub clamps, and for gaskets are described. The gaskets may be hourglass-shaped or otherwise taper outward near the ends to facilitate assembly onto pipe ends and that compress inward when a clamp is secured over the gasket. The gaskets may reduce in circumference at the gasket ends upon contraction of the gasket by a clamp onto two pipe ends. The gaskets may include collapsible sections that collapse upon contraction of the gasket by a clamp onto two pipe ends. The gaskets may include wedges at the collapsible regions that extend axially and protrude into the channel.
Claims20
A gasket comprising:
- a rounded sidewall defining a channel therethrough, the channel defining a central axis, the sidewall comprising a top end, a middle portion, and a bottom end opposite the top end;
- a membrane section at the top end of the sidewall extending axially toward the middle portion and connecting two circumferentially separated portions of the sidewall adjacent to the membrane section, the membrane section having a smaller radial thickness than that of the two circumferentially separated portions of the sidewall adjacent to the membrane section;
- a wedge located on a radially inward surface of the membrane section, the wedge protruding from the membrane section toward the channel and extending along the membrane section;
- and
- a first, second and third annular seal extending circumferentially along an inside surface of the sidewall and radially inwardly from the inside surface, the first and second annular seals being discontinuous and interrupted by the membrane section, and the third annular seal extending continuously along the inside surface of the sidewall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.