Patent ID: 7364206
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A compression fitting for rigid or semi-rigid pipes composed of metal, rigid plastic material, or metal-plastic multi-layer, the compression fitting comprising: an internal element onto which a pipe having a pipe wall is fitted, said internal element having a plurality of axially spaced circumferential grooves, wherein a bottom of each groove defines a seat in which an elastic seal ring gasket is positioned, said internal element having an external surface; an external sleeve having a substantially cylindrical shape with a cylindrical inner surface and an external surface for positioning around a portion of pipe fitted on the internal element and for radial compression such that said external sleeve deforms the pipe, whereby the pipe wall adheres to the bottom of the grooves, wherein the width of each of said grooves is greater than the thickness of the pipe wall and maximum depth of each of said grooves is equal to at least a quarter of the thickness of the pipe wall, said external surface of the external sleeve comprising circumferential protruding beads, each of said beads being aligned with each groove of said internal element with the pipe wall located between said internal element and said external sleeve, the width of each of said beads being less than the width of each of the grooves of the internal element and the height of each of said beads being at least equal to the depth of each of the grooves, each of said beads receiving radial compression via a cylindrical wall such that each of said beads deforms the external sleeve with respect to its cylindrical shape, whereby portions of said cylindrical inner surface of said external sleeve has a reduced internal diameter, said cylindrical inner surface of said external sleeve and said external surface of said internal element being in contact with the pipe, said external sleeve radially deforming the pipe wall to penetrate said grooves such that thickness of said pipe wall is not substantially reduced.