Patent ID: 6409221
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A joint for connecting a first pipe to a second pipe, said joint comprising a male joint member and a female joint member, wherein:said male joint member comprising cylindrical first and second tubes, said first tube having a first outer diameter, a first length, a proximal end coaxially attached to said first pipe and a distal end, said second tube having a second outer diameter less than said first outer diameter, a second length, a proximal end coaxially attached to said first tube distal end, and a distal end, said second tube further comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced first locking tabs having an axial length and extending outwardly from said second tube adjacent said distal end, said first locking tabs having an outer diameter approximately equal to said first outer diameter; said female joint member comprising a cylindrical third tube having a proximal end coaxially attached to said second pipe and a distal end, said third tube having an inner diameter approximately equal to said first outer diameter and a length approximately equal to said first length plus said second length, said third tube further comprising a plurality of second locking tabs extending inwardly from said third tube and spaced circumferentially generally the same as said first locking tabs and located axially a distance from said third tube proximal end approximately equal to said first locking tabsâ€² axial length, said second locking tabs having an inner diameter approximately equal to said second outside diameter; whereby said male joint member can be slidably inserted into said female joint member such that said first locking tabs slide past said second locking tabs whereupon said male joint member may be rotated relative to said female joint member to locate said first locking tabs behind said second locking tabs.