Corrugated pipe structure
AssigneeHancor, Inc.
InventorTimothy R. Toliver
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pipe structure includes an annular corrugation centered on an axis. The corrugation has a cylindrical liner centered on the axis, two annular sidewalls extending radially outward from axially opposite ends of the liner, and an annular crown extending axially between radially outer ends of the sidewalls. An annular cavity is centered on the axis and is bounded by the liner, the sidewalls and the crown. A structural filler is contained within the cavity.
Claims20
A pipe structure comprising:
- a bell centered on an axis, said bell having an open outer end and a barrel configured to telescopically receive a section of another pipe structure inserted inward through said open outer end, said bell further having an annular backwall extending radially inward from said barrel;
- a first corrugation axially adjacent to said bell;
- and
- a reinforcing structure extending axially from said bell to said first corrugation to constrain axial movement of said bell relative to said first corrugation.
A method of reinforcing a bell of a pipe, said bell having a barrel configured to telescopically receive a section of another pipe, said method comprising:
- inserting a proving ring within said barrel, said proving ring having a predetermined outer circumference;
- wrapping a strap about said barrel with a tension that forces a radially inner surface of said barrel to adopt an inner circumference that equals the outer circumference of said proving ring;
- installing said strap about said barrel to resist circumferential expansion of said radially inner surface of said barrel;
- and
- removing said proving ring.
A method of reinforcing a bell of a pipe, said bell having a barrel configured to telescopically receive a section of another pipe, said method comprising:
- wrapping a strap about said barrel;
- fastening two portions of said strap together to form said strap into a band having a predetermined inner circumference;
- said inner circumference chosen such that said band forces a radially inner surface of said barrel to adopt and maintain a desired inner circumference.
A pipe structure comprising:
- an annular corrugation centered on an axis, said corrugation comprising a cylindrical liner centered on the axis, two annular sidewalls extending radially outward from axially opposite ends of said liner, and an annular crown extending axially between radially outer ends of said sidewalls;
- an annular cavity centered on said axis and bounded by said liner, said sidewalls and said crown;
- and
- a structural filler contained within said cavity, said filler having a solid state attained by curing of said filler while confined within said cavity.
A pipe structure comprising:
- an annular corrugation centered on an axis, said corrugation comprising a cylindrical liner centered on the axis, two annular sidewalls extending radially outward from axially opposite ends of said liner, and an annular crown extending axially between radially outer ends of said sidewalls;
- an annular cavity centered on said axis and bounded by said liner, said sidewalls and said crown;
- and
- a structural filler contained within said cavity, said filler being a foam.
A pipe structure comprising:
- an annular corrugation centered on an axis, said corrugation comprising a cylindrical liner centered on the axis, two annular sidewalls extending radially outward from axially opposite ends of said liner, and an annular crown extending axially between radially outer ends of said sidewalls;
- an annular cavity centered on said axis and bounded by said liner, said sidewalls and said crown;
- and
- a filler contained within said cavity in a solid state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.