Adapter coupling

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12486929-B2
Application number	US-202318352196-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jul 13, 2023
Priority date	Dec 28, 2015
Publication date	Dec 2, 2025
Grant date	Dec 2, 2025

Abstract

A coupling for joining a flanged pipe element to a non-flanged pipe element has segments that are connected end to end and surround a central space. Flange portions extend from one side of the segments. Each segment defines two channels, one of which receives a split ring for gripping the non-flanged pipe; the other channel receives a seal. A flanged tube is also positioned between the segments. The flange of the tube is positioned adjacent to the flange portions of the segments. The seal engages the tube and the non-flanged pipe element. The flange portions of the segments are bolted to the flange of the flanged pipe element and the flange of the tube is captured between the flanged portions of the segments and the flange of the flanged pipe element.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A combination, comprising:
a plurality of segments attached to one another end to end in a preassembled state by fasteners to form a loop around a central space, wherein in said preassembled state, said plurality of segments are supported in spaced relation while attached to one another to allow insertion of a first pipe element into said central space, each of said segments comprising a first side and a second side, wherein a channel is disposed between the first and second sides of the plurality of segments, wherein the channel extends circumferentially around and faces said central space; a flexible, resilient sealing ring positioned in said channel, the sealing ring comprising first and second lobes that each extend radially inwardly to define first and second ring inner seal surfaces, respectively; and a tube comprising:
a first end disposed and retained within the central space while the segments are in the preassembled state,
a first protrusion extending radially outwardly and disposed proximate the second sides of the plurality of segments, wherein the first protrusion limits an extent to which the first end of the tube can extend axially into the central space,
a second protrusion extending radially outwardly and disposed within the central space while the segments are in the preassembled state, wherein the second protrusion is axially disposed between the first protrusion and the first end, wherein the second sides of the plurality of segments and the first lobe of the sealing ring are both axially disposed between the first and second protrusions, wherein the first lobe is axially disposed between the second protrusion and the second sides of the plurality of segments, and the second protrusion extends radially outwardly farther than an inner radial extent of the first lobe such that the second protrusion and first lobe help retain the tube within the sealing ring while the segments are in the preassembled state, and
a sealing surface disposed between the first and second protrusions on an outer surface of the tube;
wherein the combination is shaped and configured such that an end of the first pipe element may be axially inserted into the central space, and
wherein the combination is shaped and configured such that once the end of the first pipe element is properly inserted into the central space, the fasteners can be tightened so as to draw the plurality of segments toward one another and the central space and thereby cause the first ring inner seal surface to sealingly engage the sealing surface of the tube, and the second ring inner seal surface to sealingly engage a sealing surface of the first pipe element.

2 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein:
the second protrusion comprises a first surface that slopes radially inwardly as the first surface progresses axially toward the first end of the tube; the second ring inner seal surface has a diameter sized to receive said first pipe element upon insertion of said first pipe element into the central space; said plurality of segments comprises no more than two said segments; and the fasteners comprise two threaded fasteners.

3 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the second protrusion comprises a first surface that slopes radially inwardly as the first surface progresses axially toward the first end of the tube.

4 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the second ring inner seal surface has a diameter sized to receive said first pipe element upon insertion of said first pipe element into the central space.

5 . The combination of claim 4 , wherein said sealing ring has an outer surface engaged with and supporting said plurality of segments in a preassembled state in spaced apart relation sufficient to allow said first pipe element to be inserted into said central space.

6 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of segments comprises no more than two said segments.

7 . The combination of claim 6 , wherein the fasteners comprise two threaded fasteners.

8 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the first and second protrusions each extend continuously around an entire circumference of the tube.

9 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the combination is shaped and configured to join the first pipe element with a second pipe element.

10 . The combination of claim 9 , wherein the first and second pipe elements comprise different types of pipe elements, and wherein the combination is an adapter coupling that is shaped and configured to join the different types of pipe elements to each other.

11 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments, the fasteners, and the sealing ring together define a preassembled pipe coupling.

12 . The combination of claim 11 , wherein the combination is a preassembled pipe coupling that includes the plurality of segments, the fasteners, the sealing ring, and the tube.

13 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the sealing ring comprises a radially-inwardly projecting rib disposed between the first and second lobes.

14 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the second protrusion extends radially outwardly less far than an inner radial extent of the second sides of the plurality of segments prior to tightening of the fasteners such that there is a radial clearance between the second protrusion and the second sides of the plurality of segments.

15 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein: the combination is shaped and configured to join the first pipe element with a second pipe element; and the combination is shaped and configured to be attached to the first pipe element before being attached to the second pipe element.

16 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein the first pipe element comprises a plain end pipe element.

17 . The combination of claim 1 , wherein:
the combination is shaped and configured to join the first pipe element with a second pipe element; and the second pipe element comprises a flanged pipe element.

18 . The combination of claim 17 , wherein the tube and plurality of segments are shaped and configured to mount to the flanged pipe element.

19 . A combination, comprising:
a plurality of segments attached to one another end to end by fasteners to form a loop around a central space, each of said segments comprising a first side and a second side, wherein a channel is disposed between the first and second sides of the plurality of segments, wherein the channel extends circumferentially around and faces said central space; a flexible, resilient sealing ring positioned in said channel, the sealing ring comprising first and second lobes that each extend radially inwardly to define first and second ring inner seal surfaces, respectively; and a tube comprising:
a first end disposed within the central space,
a first protrusion extending radially outwardly and disposed proximate the second sides of the plurality of segments, wherein the first protrusion limits an extent to which the first end of the tube can extend axially into the central space,
a second protrusion extending radially outwardly and disposed within the central space, wherein the second protrusion is axially disposed between the first protrusion and the first end, wherein the second sides of the plurality of segments and the first lobe of the sealing ring are both axially disposed between the first and second protrusions, wherein the first lobe is axially disposed between the second protrusion and the second sides of the plurality of segments, and the second protrusion extends r

Assignees

• Victaulic Co Of America

Inventors

• Cuvo Anthony J
• Bowman Matthew A

Classifications

• F16L47/24

  for joints between metal and plastics pipes · CPC title

• F16L47/14

  Flanged joints · CPC title

• F16L23/22

  made exclusively of a material other than metal · CPC title

• F16L23/032

  characterised by the shape or composition of the flanges · CPC title

• F16L23/024 Primary

  characterised by how the flanges are joined to, or form an extension of, the pipes · CPC title