Apparatus and method for coupling polymer conduits to metallic bodies

• US 4,600,222 A
• Filed: 02/13/1985
• Issued: 07/15/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Waterman Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Waterman Industries
• Inventors: Appling, Donald F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Cornelius J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hanson, Douglas W.
• Application Number:
  US06/701,307
• Time in Patent Office: 517 Days
• Field of Search: 285/158, 285/239, 285/DIG. 16, 285/DIG. 22, 285/330, 285/373, 285/419, 156/293, 156/294, 29/453, 403/261, 403/383
• US Class Current: 285/288.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/406 Clamping parts being collars, bushings or wedges
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 47/24 for joints between metal and plastics pipes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/915 Mastic
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/921 Snap-fit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49876 by snap fit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7098 Non-circular rod section is joint component

Abstract

A polymer socket is secured to a metallic conduit by snapping a split polymer sleeve around the conduit with a flange on the sleeve engaged within a groove in the conduit, and then securing the sleeve against spreading. The securing function is provided by an annular insert bonded within the sleeve. A throughbore within the sleeve provides the socket.

Claims

1. A coupling for securing a polymer pipe in communication with a passage in a metal body, said coupling comprising:

a collar secured to the body and opening into the passage, said collar having an external annular groove extending therearound;

a split polymer sleeve received around the collar, said sleeve having an inwardly directed flange engaged with the annular groove of the collar; and

an annular insert disposed within the sleeve, said insert being complementally engaged with the sleeve and bonded thereto.

2. A coupling according to claim 1 wherein the collar is integral with the metal body.

3. A coupling according to claim 2 wherein the collar and sleeve are provided with complementally engageable anti-rotation means to prevent rotation of the sleeve relative to the collar.

4. A coupling according to claim 3 wherein the collar and sleeve are generally cylindrical and the anti-rotation means comprise complemental flats formed thereon.

5. A coupling according to claim 1 further comprising a gasket between the collar and sleeve to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween.

6. A method of coupling the open end of a metallic conduit in fluid communication with a polymer conduit, said method comprising:

forming an annular groove around the metallic conduit in closely spaced relationship to the open end thereof;

providing a split polymer sleeve proportioned for complemental engagement around the open end of the metallic conduit, said sleeve having an inwardly directed flange engageable with the groove formed in the metallic conduit upon complemental engagement of the sleeve around the metallic conduit;

spreading the sleeve and passing it over the metallic conduit to a condition wherein the flange is in apposition to the groove;

contracting the sleeve to a condition wherein the flange is engaged within the groove;

securing the sleeve in the contracted condition by bonding an annular insert within the sleeve, said insert having a throughbore proportioned for complemental receipt of the polymer conduit; and

bonding the polymer conduit within the throughbore of the insert.

7. A method according to claim 6 further comprising the step of providing a gasket between the sleeve and the metallic conduit to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween upon engagement of the flange within the groove.

8. A method according to claim 6 wherein the insert is secured within the sleeve so as to abut the open end of the metallic conduit.

10. A method according to claim 8 wherein the sleeve is secured in the contracted condition by bonding an annular insert within the sleeve.

9. A method of securing a polymer socket to the open end of a metallic conduit, said method comprising:

providing a shoulder on the conduit adjacent the open end thereof;

providing a split polymer sleeve proportioned for complemental engagement around the open end of the conduit, said sleeve having an inwardly directed flange engageable with the shoulder on the conduit;

spreading the sleeve and passing it over the metallic conduit to a condition wherein the flange is positioned for engagement with the shoulder upon contraction of the sleeve;

contracting the sleeve to a condition wherein the flange is engaged with the sleeve; and

securing the sleeve in the contracted condition.

11. A coupling for securing a polymer conduit to the open end of a metallic conduit, said coupling comprising:

a shoulder fixed relative to the metallic conduit adjacent the open end thereof;

a split polymer sleeve received around the metallic conduit, said sleeve having inwardly directed flange means engaged with the shoulder to prevent separation of the sleeve from the conduit;

an annular polymer insert disposed within the sleeve, said insert being complementally engaged with the sleeve and bonded thereto to hold the flange means in engagement with the shoulder.

12. A coupling according to claim 11 wherein the insert abuts the open end of the metallic conduit.

13. A coupling according to claim 12 further comprising a gasket disposed between the sleeve and the metallic conduit to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween.