# US 2011/0209775 A1 · Simplified low insertion force sealing device capable of self restraint and joint deflection

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- Number: US 2011/0209775 A1
- Document ID: US20110209775A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/103,126
- Filed: 2011-05-09
- Published: 2011-09-01
- Earliest claimed: 2009-10-09
- Assignees: Mueller International, LLC
- Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV; William H. Owen
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20110209775A1

## CPC

- F16L 37/52: Universal joints, i.e. with a mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction
- F16L 17/035: the sealing rings having two lips parallel to each other
- F16L 37/0845: {by means of retaining members associated with the packing member}
- Y10T 29/49872: Confining elastic part in socket
- Y10T 137/0447: Including joint or coupling
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A method of use of a conduit coupling system, sealing device, and bell are disclosed herein. The method comprises positioning a sealing device inside a bell coupled to one end of a first conduit, inserting a spigot of a second conduit through the sealing device inside the bell, wherein the sealing device is adapted to move axially within the bell in the direction of the insertion of the spigot and in a radial direction from a centerline of the conduit, and partially removing the spigot from the bell, wherein a segment of the sealing device engages the outer surface of the spigot end as the spigot end is partially removed from the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first conduit. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of coupling at least two conduits, comprising:
positioning a sealing device inside a bell coupled to one end of a first conduit;
inserting a spigot of a second conduit through the sealing device inside the bell, wherein the sealing device is adapted to move axially within the bell in the direction of the insertion of the spigot and in a radial direction from a centerline of the conduit; and
partially removing the spigot from the bell, wherein a segment of the sealing device engages the outer surface of the spigot end as the spigot end is partially removed from the bell.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the bell has a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first conduit, the bell has a concave annular inner surface, and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the radial loading of the segment increases as the spigot is removed from the bell.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, wherein the radial loading of the locking segment increases exponentially.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the sealing device comprises:
at least one segment comprising a convex outer surface; and
a K-type gasket coupled to the segment.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, further comprising compressing the K-type gasket upon insertion of the spigot end.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein withdrawal of the spigot end is due to one of external forces or internal hydraulic forces.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the step of inserting a spigot end of a second conduit through the sealing device inside the bell is completed manually.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the step of inserting a spigot end of a second conduit through the sealing device inside the bell is completed without the use of mechanical devices.