Patent ID: 6095197
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
An arrangement for connecting adjacent open ends of first and second pipes in a sealed manner, wherein each of said first and second pipes has a generally circular cross section, said arrangement comprising:a flanged coupling adapter having first and second opposed generally circular apertures for receiving the open ends of said first and second pipes, respectively, and for maintaining the open ends of said first and second pipes in sealed contact;a generally cylindrical member adapted for insertion in the open end of at least one of said first and second pipes so as to engage an inner surface of the pipe, said member having first and second opposed open ends and a single-tapered slot extending the length of said member between the first and second opposed ends thereof, said slot defined by first and second inner edges of said member, wherein said first and second inner edges are arranged transversely and nontransversely, respectively, relative to the opposed ends of said generally cylindrical member; anda wedge inserted in the slot of said generally cylindrical member and including a first untapered edge having a first notched portion extending the length thereof and a second, opposed tapered edge having a second notched portion extending the length thereof, wherein the first inner edge of said cylindrical member is inserted in said first notched portion and the second inner edge is inserted in said second notched portion, and wherein said cylindrical member and said wedge are disposed in intimate contact with the entire circumference of the inner surface of the pipe.