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.
Claims20
A gasket for connecting two pipe ends, the gasket comprising:
- a rounded sidewall defining a channel therethrough in a first direction, the sidewall comprising a top end, a middle portion, and a bottom end opposite the top end;
- a ridge extending along an inner surface of the sidewall near the middle portion and protruding radially inwardly therefrom;
- the top end defining a first inner width;
- the bottom end defining a second inner width;
- and
- the middle portion defining a third inner width,
- wherein the third inner width is less than each of the first and second inner widths.
A gasket for connecting two pipe ends, the gasket comprising:
- a rounded sidewall defining a channel therethrough in a first direction, the sidewall comprising a top end, a middle portion, and a bottom end opposite the top end;
- and
- the top and bottom ends each configured to reduce in circumference upon contraction due to clamping of the gasket about the two pipe ends.
A gasket for connecting two pipe ends, the gasket comprising:
- a rounded sidewall defining a channel therethrough in a first direction, the sidewall comprising a top end, a middle portion, and a bottom end opposite the top end,
- wherein the top and bottom ends each have a smaller width and circumference in a contracted configuration compared to an expanded configuration, due to clamping of the gasket about the two pipe ends to force the gasket from the expanded configuration into the contracted configuration, and
- wherein in the expanded configuration the top and bottom ends each have a larger width than the middle portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.