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 method for connecting pipes using a gasket to create a seal, the method comprising:
- placing a first end of the gasket over a first pipe end, the gasket defining an opening extending axially;
- placing a second end of the gasket over a second pipe end;
- and
- tightening a band about the gasket to cause an axially-extending membrane section of the gasket sidewall to collapse such that axially-extending sidewall portions adjacent to the membrane section move circumferentially closer together in response to tightening the band, wherein the membrane section is thinner than the adjacent sidewall portions.
A method of sealingly connecting first and second pipe ends using a gasket, the method comprising:
- placing a first end of the gasket over the first pipe end;
- placing a second end of the gasket over the second pipe end;
- and
- compressing the gasket onto the first and second pipe ends to cause first and second axially-extending sidewall portions of the gasket adjacent a membrane section to move circumferentially closer together.
A method of sealingly connecting pipe ends using a gasket, the method comprising:
- placing opposing ends of an axially-extending opening of the gasket over the pipe ends;
- and
- changing the shape of the gasket from an hourglass to a cylindrical shape via compressing the gasket with a band and thereby folding in a circumferential direction one or more axially-extending membrane sections located along a sidewall of the gasket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.