Pipe retainer
AssigneePrabhat Industries
InventorsRyan C. Boelter, Claus H.H. Boelter, Yogesh H. Dhruv, Gregory D. Cady, Warren R. Etches
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A joint structure for connecting lengths of pipe uses a plurality of teeth to engage the surface of at least one end of the adjacent lengths of pipe to connect the ends. A deformable member applies forces to the plurality of teeth to engage the surfaces. In an aspect, the plurality of teeth are releasable. In another aspect, the plurality of teeth are permanently engaged into the surfaces.
Claims20
An apparatus for joining lengths of pipe wherein each length pipe has a spigot end and a bell end, wherein the bell end is elongated to form a bell extension configured to enable the insertion of a retention device, the retention device comprising:
- a. a plurality of teeth engaging at least one surface of the spigot end or the bell extension;
- and
- b. a deformable member engaging at least the bell extension or spigot end for resiliently urging the plurality of teeth into engagement.
An apparatus for joining lengths of pipe wherein each length pipe has a spigot end and a bell end, wherein the bell end is elongated to form a bell extension configured to enable the insertion of a retention device, the retention device comprising:
- a. a deformable member comprising:
- i. an outer surface;
- ii. an inner surface, wherein the inner surface forms an insert opening to receive the spigot end;
- iii. a distal end;
- iv. a proximal end;
- v. a base ring oriented at the proximal end;
- and
- vi. a plurality of slits that run from the distal end to the proximal end and terminate at the base ring configured to allow the flexible body to be deformed when inserted;
- and
- b. a plurality of teeth configured to retain the spigot end within the deformable member and the deformable member within the bell extension, the plurality of teeth comprising:
- i. a first portion of the plurality of teeth found on the interior surface of the flexible body oriented in a distal direction and configured to engage the outer surface of the spigot end;
- and
- ii. a second portion of the plurality of teeth found on the exterior surface of the flexible body, the second portion of the plurality of teeth oriented in a proximal direction and configured to engage the inner surface of the bell extension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.