Pipe fitting apparatus and methods
AssigneeQuixxSmart Structures, Inc.
InventorLawrence Sorgi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described are embodiments of a pipe fitting or connector. The fitting may be used as an atomic element in constructing a variety of different structures, such as shelving formed from pipes, rods, tubular structures and the like that may be connected using a pipe fitting. The pipe fitting may include a punched hole in a top portion and a matching punched hole in a corresponding bottom portion of a sleeve into which a pipe may be inserted. The holes may be used as a visual indicator that the pipe is fully inserted in the fitting. The holes in the top and bottom portions of the sleeve may also be used with a fastener to securely hold an inserted pipe in place by passing a fastener through the holes in the top and bottom portions of the sleeve and also passing the fastener through corresponding holes in the inserted pipe.
Claims16
A method for connecting at least one pipe to a fitting which includes at least two sleeves joined at a connection wherein at least one sleeve is formed of a first upper portion and a separate second lower portion such that each longitudinal edge of the first portion is positioned in a spaced-apart, adjacent relationship with each longitudinal edge of the second portion to form a member having an opening for receiving a pipe and the at least one sleeve further includes at least one alignment hole positioned remotely from the connection of the at least two sleeves and a pocket opening in both the upper and lower portion positioned between the alignment hole and the connection of the at least two sleeves comprising:
- inserting said pipe into the opening in said member to a first point of insertion;
- determining, using the at least one alignment hole in said member, whether said pipe is inserted to a predetermined desired point;
- and
- securing the pipe to the first and second portions of the at least one sleeve forming the member by inserting a fastener through each pocket opening and securing a fastening element to the fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.