Patent ID: 8366155
Filing Date: 2013-02-05
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A coupler for sealing a joint between a first pipe and a second pipe, said coupler comprising: a cylindrical first center section having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end of said first center section having a threaded outer surface and a flanged inner surface, said second end of said first center section having a threaded outer surface and a flanged inner surface; a cylindrical second center section having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end of said second center section having a threaded inner surface dimensioned to engage said threaded outer surface of said second end of said first center section, said second end of said second center section having a threaded outer surface and a flanged inner surface; a cylindrical first cap ring having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end of said first cap ring having a flanged inner surface, said second end of said first cap ring having a threaded inner surface dimensioned to engage said threaded outer surface of said first end of said first center section; a cylindrical second cap ring having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end of said second cap ring having a threaded inner surface dimensioned to engage said threaded outer surface of said second end of said second center section, said second end of said second cap ring having a flanged inner surface; a first gasket ring dimensioned to be received between said flange of said second end of said first center section and said second center section so that, when said first center section and said second center section are screwed together, said first gasket ring is squeezed between said flange of said second end of said first center section and said second center section forming a seal between said first center section and said second center section; a second gasket ring dimensioned to encircle said first pipe and be received between said flange of said first end of said first cap ring and said flange of said first end of said first center section so that, when said first cap ring and said first center section are screwed together, said second gasket ring is squeezed between said flange of said first end of said first cap ring and said flange of said first end of said first center section forming a seal between said first cap ring, said first center section, and said first pipe; a third gasket ring dimensioned to encircle said second pipe and be received between said flange of said second end of said second center section and said flange of said first end of said second cap ring so that, when said second center section and said second cap ring are screwed together, said third gasket ring is squeezed between said flange of said second end of said second center section and said flange of said first end of said second cap ring forming a seal between said second center section, said second cap ring, and said second pipe; and wherein said first center section has a first tab and said second center section has a second tab engagable with said first tab so that, when said first center section and said second center section are screwed together, said first tab and said second tab can be engaged.