Flexible pipe connector
First Claim
1. A flexible pipe connector for connecting lengths of corrugated pipe, said connector comprising:
- a flexible and stretchable tube member having a cylindrical wall with a thickness of approximately 0.02 to 0.04 inches and inner and outer surfaces, said member defining at least one female end having a receiving length with a mouth at a first end and a stop means formed at a second end, said mouth being adapted to slideably receive an end of said corrugated pipe until said pipe end contacts said stop means;
wherein said receiving length is capable of stretching sufficiently radially outward and exerting sufficient radially inward compressive forces to create a water-tight seal when a corrugated pipe end is inserted into said receiving length.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible pipe connector is disclosed having two female ends, each for receiving a length of corrugated pipe and creating a gravity flow water-tight seal between the two lengths of corrugated pipe. The flexible pipe connector is made of flexible, stretchable plastic material, with each female end having a receiving length with a mouth at a first end thereof and a stopping flange at a second end thereof. Each female receiving end is constructed to stretch radially outward along a substantial length of the corrugated pipe which is inserted into the mouth and receiving length, such that the receiving length exerts radially inward compressive forces against the outer diameter of the corrugated pipe effectuating a gravity flow water-tight seal. The invention also includes a male-to-female form of connector having a female end and a male end, which coupler is adapted to be used to connect a corrugated pipe to a flexible seal member of a drop box and is able to receive a speed leveling device. Additionally, a female-to-female connector for use in sealably connecting smooth-walled, hard plastic drain pipes. Clamp means are disclosed to assist the flexible pipe connector in creating a pressure water-tight seal.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A flexible pipe connector for connecting lengths of corrugated pipe, said connector comprising:
a flexible and stretchable tube member having a cylindrical wall with a thickness of approximately 0.02 to 0.04 inches and inner and outer surfaces, said member defining at least one female end having a receiving length with a mouth at a first end and a stop means formed at a second end, said mouth being adapted to slideably receive an end of said corrugated pipe until said pipe end contacts said stop means;
wherein said receiving length is capable of stretching sufficiently radially outward and exerting sufficient radially inward compressive forces to create a water-tight seal when a corrugated pipe end is inserted into said receiving length.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
- 8. The invention of claim 8, wherein a plurality of annular ribs are disposed on said outer surface of said cylindrical wall to assist in positionally locating said clamping means on said connector.
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15. A female-to-female flexible pipe connector for connecting two lengths of corrugated pipe, said female-to-female pipe connector comprising:
a flexible, stretchable tube member having a cylindrical wall with a thickness of approximately 0.02 to 0.04 inches and inner and outer surfaces, said tube member having at each end thereof a female end having a receiving length with a mouth at a first end and a stop means at a second end, each said mouth being adapted to slideably receive an end of said corrugated pipe so that said pipe end can be inserted a sufficient sealing distance into the receiving length until said pipe end contacts said stop means, wherein said receiving length of each said female end is capable of stretching sufficiently radially outward and exerting sufficient radially inward compressive forces to create a water-tight seal when a corrugated pipe end is inserted into said receiving length. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A male-to-female flexible pipe connector comprising:
a flexible, stretchable tube member having a cylindrical wall with a thickness of approximately 0.02 to 0.04 inches and inner and outer surfaces, said tube member defining at opposite ends thereof a female connector end and a male connector end, said female end having a receiving length with a mouth at a first end and a stop means at a second end, said mouth being adapted to slideably receive an end of a corrugated pipe so that said pipe end can be inserted a sufficient sealing distance into said receiving length until said pipe end contacts said stop means;
wherein said receiving length is capable of stretching sufficiently radially outward and exerting sufficient radially inward compressive forces to create a water-tight seal when a corrugated pipe end is inserted into said receiving length.- View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A flexible pipe connector for connecting lengths of smooth-walled pipe, said connector comprising:
a flexible stretchable tube member having a cylindrical wall with inner and outer surfaces, said member defining at least one female end having a receiving length with a mouth at a first end and a stop means formed at a second end, said mouth being adapted to slideably receive an end of said smooth-walled pipe until said pipe end contracts said stop means;
wherein said receiving length is capable of stretching sufficiently radially outward and exerting sufficient radially inward compressive forces to create a water-tight seal when a smooth-walled pipe end is inserted into said receiving length.- View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A combination pipe joint comprising:
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a first corrugated pipe having a plurality of crests and valleys and having an end; a second corrugated pipe having a plurality of crests and valleys and an end; and a flexible, stretchable connecting tube member having a cylindrical wall with a thickness of approximately 0.02 to 0.04 inches and inner and outer surfaces, said tube member including a pair of female connector ends each slideably receiving one of said ends of said first and second corrugated pipes, each of said female connector ends including a receiving length stretched radially outward along a length of said corrugated pipes that are inserted in each of said female connector ends, wherein said receiving lengths exert radially inward compressive forces against said corrugated pipe ends and tightly grip said crests of said corrugated pipes to create a water-tight seal between said first and second corrugated pipes and said tube member. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification