Patent ID: 6202284
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: B21D,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming a pipe joint from a pipe fitting having at least one mouth opening and at least a single length of mating metal pipe, the method comprising the steps of:providing a generally cylindrical sleeve having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the sleeve having a proximate end and a distal end defining a length therebetween, the proximate end forming the at least one mouth opening for the fitting;forming a circumferential groove within the interior surface of the sleeve between the proximate and distal ends thereof;locating a seal ring within the circumferential groove;providing at least one inspection divet located between the circumferential groove and distal end of the sleeve which penetrates the exterior surface of the sleeve to the interior thereof to reveal an outer surface of the mating length of metal pipe for verifying the proper insertion of the metal pipe;forming the proximate end of the sleeve so that it narrows in internal diameter in the direction of the distal end thereof to form a positive stop for the mating length of metal pipe to properly locate the mating length of metal pipe at a desired portion within the pipe joint;inserting a mating length of pipe within the mouth opening of the fitting until the mating length of pipe is properly located against the positive stop;applying a uniform circumferential sizing pressure to the exterior surface of the sleeve along substantially the entire length thereof including said inspection divet to uniformly reduce the sleeve's external and internal diameter and engage the mating length of pipe within the interior surface of the sleeve.