摘要 |
<p>TITLE: EXPANSION COUPLING FOR LARGE DIAMETER PLASTIC PIPES An expansion coupling connecting a first pipe with a second pipe includes an imperforate expansion member having a first cylindrical end capable of fitting to and forming an impervious fluid seal with the first pipe and a second cylindrical end capable of fitting to and forming an impervious fluid seal to the second pipe. Integrally formed with and interspaced between the first and second cylindrical ends is an expandable, contractable bellows. A sliding sleeve fits over the expansion member and both protects it and prevents distortion of the bellows portion of the expansion member. The sliding sleeve has a first sleeve member, a portion of which connects to the first pipe and a portion of which extends over the bellows, and a second sleeve member, a portion of which connects to the second pipe and a portion of which slides over that portion of the first sleeve member located over the bellows. As the bellows expands and contracts the respective sleeve members slide with respect to each other.</p> |