Patent ID: 6899354
Filing Date: 2005-05-31
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A joining assembly comprising: a first conduit member for receiving and sealingly joining a second conduit member, the first conduit member comprising: a central longitudinal axis; a generally radially extending conduit end surface; a first inner conduit surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis from the conduit end surface to a radially outward end of a second inner conduit surface; the second inner conduit surface extending generally radially from the first inner conduit surface to a third inner conduit surface; the third inner conduit surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis from the second inner conduit surface to a fourth inner conduit surface; the fourth inner conduit surface extending generally radially from the third inner conduit surface to a fifth inner conduit surface; the fifth inner conduit surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis from the fourth inner conduit surface to a sixth inner conduit surface; the sixth inner conduit surface extending generally radially inwardly from the fifth inner conduit surface; seventh inner conduit surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis from the sixth inner conduit surface; wherein the third inner conduit surface has a first portion proximate the second inner conduit surface and a second portion remote from the second inner conduit surface; an annular gasket member comprising: a first gasket surface extending generally radially and abutting against the fourth inner conduit surface; a second gasket surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and corresponding to the fifth inner conduit surface; a third gasket surface extending generally radially and corresponding to the sixth inner conduit surface; a fourth gasket surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and abutting against the second portion of the third inner conduit surface; a fifth gasket surface extending generally radially inwardly towards the central longitudinal axis from an end of the fourth gasket surface opposite from the first gasket surface; and a sixth gasket surface extending from the fifth gasket surface to the third gasket surface, wherein the sixth gasket surface comprises a sealing member extending radially inwardly; an annular retainer member comprising: a first retainer surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and abutting against the first inner conduit surface; a second retainer surface extending generally radially inwardly from the first retainer surface and abutting against the second inner conduit surface; a third retainer surface extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and abutting against the first portion of the third inner conduit surface; a fourth retainer surface extending generally radially inwardly from the third retainer surface and corresponding to the fifth gasket surface; wherein the retainer member is fixed to the first conduit member at the second retainer surface; and wherein the gasket member is locked against axial movement in a direction towards the end conduit surface by the fourth surface of the retainer member and wherein the gasket member is locked against axial movement in a direction away from the end conduit surface by the fourth inner conduit surface of the conduit member.