Patent ID: 8727387
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A coupler assembly for use with pipe comprising: a unitary annular body forming first and second cylindrical openings for surrounding a pipe or piping sections to facilitate forming a fluid-tight seal therein, the unitary annular body comprising a medial portion and first and second lateral portions integrally connected at opposite ends of said medial portion, the medial, and first and second lateral portions being made from a first material having a first durometer; annular sealing members integrally co-extruded with the first and second lateral portions, the annular sealing members being made from a second material having a second durometer relatively lower than said first durometer of said first material for forming a fluid-tight seal around a pipe or between piping sections; and a reinforcing section constructed of said first material integrally formed within said first material in said first and second lateral portions, the reinforcing sections covering at least a portion of said annular sealing members wherein said reinforcing sections in said first and second lateral portions have a reduced cross-sectional area relative to the cross-sectional area of said lateral portions surrounding said reinforcing sections.