Pipe fitting with grip ring
AssigneeMueller International, LLC
InventorRyan Fairchild Larson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Example aspects of a pipe fitting, a pipe fitting assembly, and a method for tightening a pipe fitting assembly are disclosed. The pipe fitting can comprise a fitting body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first fitting end, and an second fitting end, the inner surface defining a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, a portion of the inner surface defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting end; and an engagement assembly comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel, the metal grip ring defining a ring body and a plurality of teeth extending inward from the ring body, the engagement assembly configured to slide along the tapered region.
Claims25
A pipe fitting comprising:
- a fitting body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first fitting end, and an second fitting end, the inner surface defining a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, a portion of the inner surface defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting end;
- and
- an engagement assembly comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel, the metal grip ring defining a ring body and a tooth extending inward from the ring body, the engagement assembly configured to slide along the tapered region.
A pipe fitting assembly comprising:
- a fitting body defining a first fitting end, a second fitting end, and a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end;
- and
- a gasket disposed in the channel, the gasket defining a gasket first lateral end, a gasket second lateral end, a gasket outer surface, and a gasket inner surface, a plurality of flanges extending substantially radially inward from the gasket inner surface.
A method for tightening a pipe fitting assembly comprising:
- inserting a pipe into a channel of a pipe fitting in an inward direction, the pipe fitting defining an inner surface, an first fitting end, and an second fitting end, the inner surface defining the channel, the channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end;
- engaging the pipe with an engagement assembly disposed within the channel;
- pulling the pipe in an outward direction opposite of the inward direction;
- and
- sliding the engagement assembly along a tapered region of the inner surface to increasingly press the engagement assembly into engagement with the pipe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.