Self-restrained pipe joint system and method of assembly
AssigneeMueller International, LLC
InventorsMikhail German, Leo Fleury
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A self-restrained pipe joint system and method of assembly to connect two lengths of pipe in a mechanical joint, which maximizes the advantages of both restrained push-on joints as well as mechanical joints, as are known commonly in the art. The invention has application to long-run pipe lengths as well as to appurtenances, including fittings and connections. The gasket contains locking members that act to restrain separation upon the instance of any force tending to separate the connected pipe lengths.
Claims18
A mechanical pipe joint system for joining a male piping member having an outer surface with an outer diameter and female piping member having a bell portion configured to receive a portion of the mail piping member and defining an inner surface having a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the male piping member outer surface so as to define a sealing cavity therebetween when joined, said joint system comprising:
- a retaining flange configured to be attached to the female piping member and defining a circular opening sized to accommodate the male piping member;
- and
- a restraining gasket for sealing and restraining the male piping member relative to the female piping member, the restraining gasket comprising:
- a sealing portion configured to be disposed substantially within the sealing cavity and to discourage fluid leakage between the inner surface of the female piping member opening and the outer surface of the male piping member;
- a flange portion configured to position the restraining gasket relative to the retaining flange;
- and
- a restraining portion comprising a plurality of circumferentially-spaced restraining segments formed from a material harder than a material of the male piping member and configured to engage the outer surface of the male piping member, a surface of the sealing cavity, and the retaining flange so as to restrain the male piping member within the female piping member as an extractive force is applied to the male member of the pipe joint system.
A method of assembling a self-restrained pipe joint system, comprising the steps of:
- disposing a restraining elastomeric gasket within an opening of a female piping member;
- affixing a retaining flange to the end of the female piping member;
- and
- inserting a spigot end of a male piping member of the pipe joint system into the female member of the pipe joint system through a circular opening in the retaining flange.
A method of assembling a self-restrained pipe joint system, comprising the steps of:
- disposing a retaining portion of the restraining elastomeric gasket into a retaining counterbore of the retaining flange;
- inserting a sealing portion of the restraining gasket, assembled with the retaining flange, within sealing cavity of the female piping member;
- affixing the retaining flange to the female piping member;
- and
- inserting a spigot end of a male piping member of the pipe joint system into the female member of the pipe joint system through a circular opening in the retaining flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.