COUPLING MECHANISM
First Claim
1. A coupling mechanism for connecting together a plurality of pipes, the coupling mechanism comprising:
- a first portion including a first wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a first channel;
a second portion including a second wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a second channel; and
a hinge portion connecting together the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to pivot about the hinge portion;
wherein, in an open configuration of the coupling mechanism, the first portion is laterally adjacent to the second portion,and in a closed configuration of the coupling mechanism, the first portion and the second portion are folded together about the hinge portion to form a first lumen encased by the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first lumen includes a first end section having a first substantially smooth inner surface, a second end section having a second substantially smooth inner surface, and an intermediate section positioned between the first end section and the second end section, wherein the intermediate section is configured to prevent advancement of a first pipe positioned in the first end section and a second pipe positioned in the second end section.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Coupling mechanisms for connecting a plurality of pipes are provided. The coupling mechanisms may include a first portion including a first wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a first channel, a second portion including a second wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a second channel, and a hinge portion connecting together the first portion and the second portion. The first portion and second portion may be configured to pivot about the hinge portion. In an open configuration of a coupling mechanism, the first portion may be laterally adjacent to the second portion. In a closed configuration of a coupling mechanism, the first portion and the second portion may be folded together about the hinge portion to form a first lumen encased by the first wall and the second wall.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A coupling mechanism for connecting together a plurality of pipes, the coupling mechanism comprising:
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a first portion including a first wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a first channel; a second portion including a second wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a second channel; and a hinge portion connecting together the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to pivot about the hinge portion; wherein, in an open configuration of the coupling mechanism, the first portion is laterally adjacent to the second portion, and in a closed configuration of the coupling mechanism, the first portion and the second portion are folded together about the hinge portion to form a first lumen encased by the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first lumen includes a first end section having a first substantially smooth inner surface, a second end section having a second substantially smooth inner surface, and an intermediate section positioned between the first end section and the second end section, wherein the intermediate section is configured to prevent advancement of a first pipe positioned in the first end section and a second pipe positioned in the second end section. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 21, 22, 23)
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11. -12. (canceled)
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14. A method for connecting together a plurality of pipes, the method comprising:
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positioning a coupling mechanism in an open configuration, the coupling mechanism including; a first portion including a first wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a first channel; a second portion including a second wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a second channel; and a hinge portion connecting together the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to pivot about the hinge portion; wherein, in the open configuration, the first portion is laterally adjacent to the second portion; positioning a first pipe in the first channel of the first portion at a first end of the first channel; positioning a second pipe in the first channel of the first portion at a second end of the first channel opposite the first end; and folding together the first portion and the second portion about the hinge portion to encase the first pipe within a first end section defined by the first wall and the second wall and encase the second pipe within a second end section defined by the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first end section includes a first substantially smooth inner surface, and the second end section includes a second substantially smooth inner surface, wherein an intermediate section is positioned between the first end section and the second end section and is configured to prevent advancement of the first pipe positioned in the first end section and the second pipe positioned in the second end section. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A pipe system, comprising:
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a plurality of pipes; and a coupling mechanism configured to fluidly connect together the plurality of pipes, the coupling mechanism including; a first portion including a first wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a first channel; a second portion including a second wall having a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape and defining a second channel; a hinge portion connecting together the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to pivot about the hinge portion; and a lock mechanism coupled to the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first portion and the second portion are folded together about the hinge portion to encase open ends of the plurality of pipes within a first end section and a second end section defined by the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first end section includes a first substantial smooth inner surface, and the second end section includes a second substantially smooth inner surface, wherein an intermediate section is positioned between the first end section and the second end section and is configured to prevent advancement of the plurality of pipes encased within the first and second end sections; wherein a key mechanism is engaged with the lock mechanism to secure together the first portion and the second portion. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. (canceled)
Specification