Pipe joint restraint
AssigneeSecurus, Inc.
InventorsVirgil E. O'Neil, James F. LeStage
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A joint restraint is provided for a curved pipe joint having a curved pipe section joining two adjacent pipe sections. The pipes are joined using tubular sleeves held by hose clamps to form fluid tight seals, with two clamps on each end of the curved pipe sections and two clamps on each proximal end of the adjacent pipe sections. An inner strap extends between and fastens to one of the clamps on each adjacent pipe section forming a chord of an arc. An outer strap extends along an outer periphery of the joined pipes and fastens to the other clamps on each adjacent pipe section. The straps are in a plane through a center of the flow path of the joined pipes
Claims37
A pipe joint having a first flow path with a first centerline passing through a first adjacent pipe section, a pipe fitting and a second adjacent pipe section so the pipe fitting separates the adjacent pipe sections, each adjacent pipe section being sealingly joined to the pipe fitting by tubular seals, the joint comprising:
- a first strap extending between the adjacent pipe sections, the first strap having opposing ends each connected to one of a first and second pipe connector, on the same side of the first strap, each first and second pipe connector encircling and clamping to a different one of the first and second adjacent pipe sections, the first strap having a length extending in a first plane also containing the first centerline.
A kit for maintaining the position of pipe sections that are joined to a pipe fitting having a first flow path with a first centerline passing through first and second adjacent pipe sections during use, the pipe fitting separating the adjacent pipe sections during use, the kit comprising
- a first strap having opposing ends each of which is fastened to a first pipe connector extending from the same side of the first strap, each first pipe connector being of sufficient size to encircle a different one of the adjacent pipe sections during use, the first strap having a length sufficient to extend at least between the adjacent pipe sections in a straight line during use;
- a second strap having opposing ends each of which is fastened to a second strap pipe connector and extending from the same side of the strap, each second pipe connector being of sufficient size to encircle a different one of the adjacent pipe sections during use, the outer strap having a length sufficient to extend at least around an outer periphery of the pipe fitting and reach the adjacent pipe sections during use;
- wherein the first and second pipe connectors comprise adjustable diameter ring clamps.
A method of restraining movement of pipe sections sealingly joined to a pipe fitting by tubular seals, the pipe fitting having a first flow path with a first centerline through first and second adjacent pipe sections, the method comprising:
- placing a first strap between the first and second adjacent pipe sections, the first strap having a length with opposing ends each connected to one of a first and second pipe connector, on the same side of the first strap;
- connecting the first and second pipe connectors to a different one of the first and second adjacent pipe sections so the first strap extends in a first plane also containing the first centerline;
- placing a second strap having a length with opposing ends with each end connected to one of a third and fourth pipe connector so the third end is adjacent the same adjacent pipe section as the first pipe connector;
- connecting the third pipe connector diametrically opposite the first strap to the same adjacent pipe section as the first pipe connector;
- connecting the fourth pipe connector to either the other adjacent pipe section or to the pipe fitting so that the length of the second strap lies in the first plane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.