Patent ID: 6913292
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A pipe coupling sealingly engageable with a pipe end, said pipe coupling comprising: a coupling housing having a socket with a diameter sized to receive and circumferentially support said pipe end; a first expanded region positioned adjacent to one end of said socket, said first expanded region having a larger diameter than said socket and a shoulder positioned between said socket and said first expanded region; a sealing member positioned in said first expanded region to effect a seal between said pipe coupling and said pipe end, said sealing member being engaged with said shoulder; a second expanded region positioned adjacent to said first expanded region, said second expanded region forming an open end of said coupling housing for receiving said pipe end; a retainer interfitting within said second expanded region, said retainer comprising a ring having a plurality of projections extending substantially radially outwardly therefrom, said projections engaging said second expanded region for inhibiting relative rotational motion between said retainer and said coupling; a plurality of flexible, resilient, elongated teeth arranged circumferentially around said ring, said teeth projecting substantially radially inwardly from said ring and being angularly oriented toward said socket, said teeth being engageable circumferentially with said pipe end for retaining said pipe end within said pipe coupling; a support washer interfitting within said second expanded region between said retainer and said open end of said coupling housing, said support washer comprising circumferential flange and a circumferential collar arranged transversely to said circumferential flange, said circumferential flange being oriented substantially radially and in overlapping engagement with said lip, said circumferential collar being substantially coaxial with said socket and extending inwardly of said pipe coupling toward said retainer, said circumferential collar engaging and supporting said teeth; and a lip attached to said coupling housing and positioned at said open end, said lip extending substantially radially inwardly and overlapping and engaging said support washer to capture said support washer, said retainer and said sealing member between said shoulder and said lip.