APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS FOR PIPE COUPLING

摘要

Apparatus and methods for joining similar pieces of plastic pipe includes using the shape memory of the pipe pieces to slightly deform a “female” end to permit insertion therein of a non-deformed male end. The deformation is sufficient to permit the insertion but not so large as to preclude the substantially complete “recovery” of the female end's shape and size, using the “shape memory” of the pipe material. Embodiments include, without limitation, single-walled (or mono-walled) pipe, pipe formed from multiple material layers, corrugated pipe, flat-walled pipe, and others. Preferred tools and apparatus are disclosed for stretching the female end and maintaining the desired stretch during transportation and storage, for sealing the joint (via adhesive/sealant, flange gasket, O-ring, or the like), and for further protecting the resulting joint.

主权项

1. Apparatus for joining a plurality of pieces of pipe, including a first piece of pipe fabricated with a cross-sectional sidewall pattern along its length that is similar in size and shape to the cross-sectional sidewall pattern of a second piece of pipe, said first piece having a first female end that is temporarily deformed for receiving a non-deformed end of said second piece of pipe, said temporary deformation being both sufficiently large to permit the insertion of said non-deformed end of said second piece of pipe but also sufficiently small to ensure that the material memory of said first end returns said first end toward its original non-deformed configuration with sufficient compressive force to grip said second end and prevent its inadvertent removal from engagement with said first end.