Abstract:
A connector for connecting lengths of conduit sections having an outer corrugated surface, comprising a body having apertures, an outer rigid surface and an inner deformable surface as well as opposite open extremities. The inner surface defines a channel for receiving at least one conduit section through at least one of the open extremities. Fasteners are inserted into the channel through said apertures. When the corrugated conduit is fitted into the channel, the fasteners are insertable through the apertures for extending into the channel thereby interfering with the corrugated surface of the conduit and substantially preventing the conduit from being removed from the channel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/681,020 filed on May 16, 2005, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/686,463 filed on Jun. 2, 2005, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to connectors. More specifically but not exclusively, the present invention is concerned with a connector to interconnect drainage conduit sections. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Drainage conduits made of plastic material are commonly used for underground applications such as domestic, agricultural, forestry and industrial drainage, and waste disposal systems. Generally, drainage conduits have corrugations that provide transversal reinforcement to minimize the possibility of collapse when they are buried. These corrugations, which may and may be defined by individually spaced apart rings or by one helicoidal extending corrugation, may further flexibility to the conduits, allowing them to be bent lengthwise. 
     Conventional drainage conduits are often found in sections having a length as long as 20 or 40 feet. When installed in the field, these sections generally need to be assembled end to end to define a drainage path that is longer than the available length of drainage conduit sections. 
     The assembly of consecutive drainage conduit sections may be both tedious and time consuming, since it is generally performed on site (i.e., in a trench in the ground), and often requires the manipulation of large diameters and lengthy conduit sections having various flexibilities. Additionally, drainage conduits often carry liquid or semi-liquid matter which generally needs to be kept inside. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a connector assembly that allows the assembly of two consecutive sections of drainage conduits end to end in such a way as to minimize separation occurrences and that facilitates eventual disassembly. The present invention seeks to meet this and related needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to provide an improved connector assembly for drainage conduit. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting lengths of conduit sections having an outer corrugated surface, said connector comprising: a body comprising apertures, outer and inner surfaces, and opposite open extremities, said inner surface defining a channel for receiving at least one conduit section through at least one of said open extremities; fasteners for being inserted into said channel through said apertures;
         wherein when the corrugated conduit is fitted into said channel, said fasteners being insertable through said apertures for extending into said channel thereby interfering with the corrugated surface of the conduit substantially preventing the conduit from being removed from said channel.       

     In an embodiment, the corrugated surface defines successive and alternating annular peaks and valleys, each said fastener extending into a given valley thereby interfering with the peaks adjacent to the given valley. 
     In an embodiment, said fastener comprises a bottom portion for extending into said channel through said aperture and a top portion that is so configured and sized as to be prevented from being inserted into said aperture. In an embodiment, said outer surface comprises a cavity about a said aperture for receiving said fastener top portion therein. In an embodiment, said fastener comprises a neck portion between said top and bottom portions. In an embodiment, said neck portion comprising breakable portion for being broken under a force, thereby disengaging said fastener from said connector. In an embodiment, said neck comprises reinforcement portions. In an embodiment, said neck comprises grooves for being engaged by a mouth defined by said aperture. 
     In an embodiment, said fastener comprises a bottom portion having a resilient deformable portion, said deformable portion being deformed during insertion into said aperture and regaining a non deformed configuration when fully inserted into said channel thereby substantially preventing said fastener from being removed from said aperture. In an embodiment, said deformable portion comprises at least one protrusion. In an embodiment, said deformable portion in non deformed configuration is greater in size than said aperture. In an embodiment, said bottom portion comprises an elongate tapered configuration. 
     In an embodiment, said fastener comprises a an elongate bottom portion defining wing elements, said aperture comprising slits, said wing elements corresponding to said slits. 
     In an embodiment, said inner surface comprises a stopper protruding into said channel for stopping a conduit section at a predetermined position within said channel. In an embodiment, said stopper comprises an annular protrusion. In an embodiment, said annular protrusion is positioned nearer to one of said open extremities. In an embodiment, said annular protrusion provides for a conduit section to be connected thereto. In an embodiment, said annular protrusion provides for a conduit section to be welded thereto. In an embodiment, said annular protrusion is about the middle of the distance between said open extremities. In an embodiment, said stopper comprises a plurality of separate and annularly aligned protruding members. 
     In an embodiment, said inner surface comprises a seal member. In an embodiment, said seal member provides for a sealing fit with the conduit section. In an embodiment, said seal member comprises a gasket. In an embodiment, said seal member comprises a sealing surface and opposite tapered ends. In an embodiment, said seal member comprises a contact surface for sealing contact with the conduit section, said contact surface comprising rib elements. In an embodiment, said seal member comprises a stopper protruding into said channel for stopping a conduit section at a predetermined position within said channel. In an embodiment, said stopper comprises an annular protrusion. In an embodiment, said annular protrusion is about the middle of the distance between said open extremities. In an embodiment, said stopper comprises a plurality of separate and annularly aligned protruding member. 
     In an embodiment, said outer surface comprises reinforcing elements. In an embodiment, said reinforcing elements comprise ribs. In an embodiment, said body comprises a flexion portion thereof which provides said body with flexibility. In an embodiment, said body comprises a reinforcing portion thereof. In an embodiment, said reinforcing portion comprises areas that are thicker than the rest of said body. In an embodiment, wherein said body comprises a welding portion thereof for being welded to a conduit section. 
     In an embodiment, said body comprises two separate members being joined together at a junction thereof. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting lengths of conduit sections, said connector comprising: a body comprising outer and inner surfaces and opposite open extremities, said inner surface defining a channel for receiving at least one conduit section through at least one of said open extremities; a seal member mounted to said inner surface and comprising a contact surface; wherein when the conduit is fitted into said channel, said seal member contact surface engages the conduit in a sealing fit therewith. 
     In an embodiment, said seal member comprises a gasket. In an embodiment, said seal member comprises opposite tapered ends. In an embodiment, said contact surface comprises rib elements in an embodiment, said seal member comprises a stopper protruding into said channel for stopping a conduit section at a predetermined position within said channel. In an embodiment, said stopper comprises an annular protrusion. In an embodiment, said annular protrusion is positioned about the middle of the distance between said open extremities. In an embodiment, said stopper comprises a plurality of separate and annularly aligned protruding member. 
     In an accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting lengths of conduit sections, said connector comprising a body comprising two separate body members joined at a junction thereof, said body comprising outer and inner surfaces and opposite open extremities, and said inner surface defining a channel for receiving at least one conduit section through at least one of said open extremities. 
     In an embodiment, the present invention relates to connectors and more specifically to a connector for drainage conduits that are typically used for carrying liquid or semi-solid matters from one location to another. The connector includes a body provided with a passage, apertures and clips, the clips being so configured and sized as to and removable from the connector such that the drainage conduits may be securely assembled to and disassembled from the connector. In an embodiment, the connector of the present invention further comprises a gasket for sealingly engaging drainage conduit sections. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Unless defined otherwise or the context clearly dictates otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. 
     As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “include” and “includes”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or process steps. 
     The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes an inherent variation of error for the device or the method being employed to determine the value. 
     The term connector as used herein also comprises the terms “sealing joint” as well as a “coupler”. 
     Terms such as “mounted”, “connected,” “attached,” and “linked” may be used interchangeably herein and encompass direct as well as indirect connection, attachment, linkage or conjugation unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Where a value is explicitly recited, it is to be understood that values which are about the same quantity or amount as the recited value are also within the scope of the invention, as are ranges based thereon. 
     The term “plastic” covers a range of synthetic or semi synthetic polymerization products. They are composed of organic condensation or addition polymers and may contain other substances to improve performance or economics. There are few natural polymers generally considered to be “plastics”. Plastics are designed with immense variation in properties such as heat tolerance, hardness and resiliency. 
     The term “metal” designates any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc. 
     The term “alloy” is meant to signify a combination in a compound of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and where the resulting material has metallic properties. The resulting metallic substance generally has properties significantly different from those of its components. For example, steel is stronger than iron, one of its main elements. 
     The term “rubber” refers to an elastic material obtained from the latex sap of trees (especially trees of the genera  Hevea  and  Ficus ) that can be vulcanized and finished into a variety of products, and is meant to include any of various synthetic elastic materials whose properties resemble natural rubber. 
     The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the appended drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a connector according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, shown mounted to an end of a conduit section; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a detail view taken from enclosure  3   a  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a section view taken along line  3   b - 3   b  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a clip used with the connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view showing the clip of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view showing two drainage conduits about to be interconnected via the connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a partially sectioned side elevation view showing two drainage conduits interconnected via the connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a partially sectioned side elevation view showing the assembly of the clip to the connector; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a connector according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial section view taken along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9  and showing two drainage conduits assembled via the connector;  FIG. 10   a  is an enlarged view of the portion  10   a  of  FIG. 10  showing one end portion of the connector;  FIG. 10   b  is an enlarged view of the portion  10   a  of  FIG. 10  showing another end portion of the connector opposite the end portion of  FIG. 10   a;    
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a connector according to a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a section view taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a connector according to a fourth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of the connector of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a section view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevation view showing a drainage conduit being assembled to the connector of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a section view taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a connector according to a fifth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevation view of the connector of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a section view taken along line  21 - 21  of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a connector according to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view showing a drainage conduit assembled to the connector of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view showing another drainage conduit being assembled to the connector of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a side section view of a connector according to a seventh illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a connector according to an eighth illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a front elevational view of the connector of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a sectional front view of  FIG. 26  taken along line  27 - 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a connector according to a ninth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a front sectional view of  FIG. 29  taken along line  30 - 30 . 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with a tenth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a front elevational view of the connector of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33   a  is a font sectional view of  FIG. 31  taken along line  33   a - 33   a;    
         FIG. 33   b  is an enlarged view of portion  33   b  of  FIG. 33   a;    
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with a eleventh illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a front sectional view of  FIG. 34  taken along line  35 - 35 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a clip used in the invention in accordance with an embodiment thereof; 
         FIG. 37  is a side elevational view of the clip of  FIG. 36 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the connector for drainage conduits will first be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8  of the appended drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , the connector is generally identified by the reference  30  and is mountable to drainage conduits, generally identified by the references  31  and  32  (only  31  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 ). In the illustrated non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  30  includes a body  34 , four apertures  36  and four fasteners such as clips  38  (only one shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     The body  34  is generally hollow and cylindrical such as to define an inner passage  39 , and is made of polyethylene or other materials typically used for drainage conduits. Such other materials include, but are not limited to, metals, alloys and rubber. 
     The body  34  includes an inner surface  40 , an outer surface  42 , a stopper  43  and two extremities  44   a ,  44   b . The inner surface  40  is generally smooth and the outer surface  42  is provided with ribs  46  for transversally reinforcing the connector  30 . The apertures  36  are found in cavities  50  defined by walls  48 . The cavities  50  are generally free of ribs  46 . 
     The stopper  43 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3   b , protrudes internally from the inner surface  40  along the periphery of the passage  39  and, in the illustrative embodiment, in proximity of the extremity  44   a . The stopper  43  is generally formed integral with the body  34  and extends a predetermined length which depends upon the configuration of the conduits  31 ,  32 , as will be explained further below. 
     As illustrated in more details in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the aperture  36  has a t-shape configuration, corresponding to cross-sections of the clip  38 , thereby allowing the insertion of the clip  38  in the connector  30 , as will be explained further below. Of course, other shape configurations of the aperture  36  are possible, such as, for example, i-shape, u-shape, v-shape, y-shape, and round and square shapes. In the illustrative embodiment, the aperture  36  includes three slits  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  which open through the body  34 . 
     As illustrated in more details in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the clip  38  includes a top portion  54 , a bottom portion  56  and a breakable portion  58 . The top portion  54  is configured and sized so as to be encapsulated, generally for protection, in the cavity  50  and as to mate with the outer surface  42  of the body  34 . For instance, the top portion  54  is provided with curved edges  54   a ,  54   b  corresponding to the curved periphery of the outer surface  42 . 
     The bottom portion  56  includes wings  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c  so configured and sized as to matingly cooperate with a respective slit  52   a ,  52   b , and  52   c . In the illustrative embodiment, the wings  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c  have a constant thickness and the wings taper down from the breakable portion  58  such that the width of each wing is larger near the breakable portion  58  than at the bottom. Additionally, the length of respective slits  52   a ,  52   b , and  52   c  is generally slightly smaller than the width of the corresponding wings  60   a ,  60   b , and  60   c  near the breakable portion  58  and generally larger than the width of the wings  60   a ,  60   b , and  60   c  at the opposite end of the bottom portion  56 . 
     The wings  60   b ,  60   c  further include recesses  62   b ,  62   c  near the breakable portion  58  that provide mechanically compliant protrusions  64   b ,  64   c.    
     The breakable portion  58  includes a neck  66  and two grooves  68   a ,  68   b . The neck  66  connects the top portion  54  to the bottom portion  56 , and the grooves  68   a ,  68   b  are positioned on the neck  66  so as to engage the aperture  36  and so as to define a thinner section  70  of the neck  66 . The thinner area  70  is breakable upon a loading force, as will be explained further below. 
     From the top portion  54  to the bottom portion  56 , the clip  38  generally extends up to a certain length which depends upon the configuration of the conduits  31 ,  32 , as will be explained further below. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8 , the connector  30  is configured and sized so as to be removably mounted to drainage conduits  31 ,  32 . Each drainage conduit  31 ,  32  generally includes an outer surface  72  defining successive and alternating annular peaks such as  74  and annular valleys such as  76 . 
     The transversal distance d trans  corresponding to a distance between the top of a peak and the bottom of a valley is generally deep enough to receive the clip  38  and the stopper  43 , as will be explained further below. In the illustrative embodiment, only a portion of each of the conduits  31 ,  32  is shown, including their respective ends  31   a ,  32   b  to be interconnected, which ends define, respectively, peaks  74   a ,  74   b  and valleys  76   a ,  76   b  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In operation, the connector  30  is mountable to the drainage conduits  31 ,  32  as follows. As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the end  31   a  of the first drainage conduit  31  is sealingly mounted to the connector  30  by being welded, glued or otherwise adhered to the inner surface  40  of the body  34 , after being freely inserted in the passage  39  from the extremity  44   a , and generally, after abutment of the first peak  74   a  with the stopper  43 . 
     From  FIG. 7 , the other conduit  32  is then pushed in the passage  39 , from the extremity  44   b  of the body  34 , until abutment of the valley  76   b  of the conduit  32  with the valley  76   a  of the conduit  31  occurs. Of course, should the conduit  32  be so cut that the end  32   b  begins by a peak  74   b  (which is not the case in the appended drawings), this peak  74   b  would abut with the stopper  43 . 
     At that time, the clips  38  (only one shown) are ready to be inserted in the apertures  36  (only one shown). For simplicity, the insertion of only one clip  38  in the connector  30  will now be explained. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the clip  38  is inserted in the aperture  36 , such that the wings  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c  are each slidably engaged within respective slits  52   a ,  52   b , and  52   c . At that time, if the clip  38  interferes with a peak  74  (which is not the case in the appended drawings), the conduit  32  may slightly be pulled out of the connector  30  until a valley  76  faces the aperture  36 . 
     As the clip  38  is pushed inside the aperture  36 , the width of the wings  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c  engaging the respective slits  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  enlarges, until interference occurs between the wings  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c  and the respective slits  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c.    
     As the clip continues to be pushed inside the aperture  36 , the mechanically compliant protrusions  64   b ,  64   c  of the wings  60   b ,  60   c  are deformed toward the recesses  62   b ,  62   c , until the grooves  68   a ,  68   b  engage the body  34  at the periphery of the aperture  36  and until the protrusions  64   b ,  64   c  of the wings  60   b ,  60   c  and the wing  60   a  clear the aperture  36  and reach the passage  39 . At that time, the mechanically compliant protrusions  64   b ,  64   c  regain their original configuration. 
     As a result, the clip  38  has its top portion  54  generally maintained in the cavity  50 , its breakable portion  58  generally located at the level of the body  34  and the bottom portion  56  is positioned in the passage  39  and faces a valley  76  without interference with the peak  74   c  located in between. 
     If the conduit  32  needs to be removed from the connector  30 , a loading force may be applied at the top portion  54  of the clip  38 , by hand or with tools, such as, for example, with a screwdriver, a knife, or pliers. At a certain level, the loading force transmitted as an axial or shear force at the neck  66  of the breakable portion  58  is enough to break the clip  38 , generally at the thinner area  70  and in between the grooves  68   a ,  68   b.    
     At that time, the top portion  54  is removable from the connector  30  and the bottom portion  56  is free to fall within a valley  76 . The conduit  32  may then be removed from the connector  30  by being pulled out from the passage  39 . 
     The conduit  32  may therefore be changed and/or reassembled to the connector  30  by following the method described above. 
     A connector  130  according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . For simplicity, only the differences between the connector  130  and the connector  30  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 8  will be described hereinbelow. 
     In this second non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  130  includes a body  134 , an inner seal member which is flexible and resilient such as gasket  135 , four apertures  136  and four clips  138  (only one shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     The body  134  includes an inner surface  140 , an outer surface  142 , a stopper  143  and two extremities  144   a ,  144   b . The inner surface  140  is generally smooth and optionally, mechanically or chemically prepared for receiving the gasket  135 . The stopper  143  internally protrudes from the body  134  in the passage  139  and up to a predetermined height, defining a stopper inner diameter d stop . 
     The gasket  135  includes an adhering surface  147  facing the inner surface  140  and an opposite sealing surface  149 . 
     The adhering surface  147  is generally smooth and optionally, mechanically or chemically prepared for being mounted to the body  134 . The sealing surface  149  defines, in the passage  139 , a sealing diameter d seal , and is generally flat, smooth and optionally, tapers toward the adhering surface  147  at the ends  151   a ,  151   b  of the gasket  135 . 
     The gasket  135  may be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) or any other mechanically compliant material capable of deforming under a loading force while maintaining a level of physical integrity, and capable of generally returning to its original configuration when the loading force is no longer applied. 
     The gasket  135  is fixedly mounted on the inner surface  140  of the body  134 , at a predetermined position in between the two extremities  144   a ,  144   b . In the illustrative embodiment, the end  151   a  is positioned in proximity of the stopper  143  and the gasket  135  extends in the passage  139  such that its end  151   b  is positioned in the vicinity of the aperture  136 . The gasket  135  may be assembled to the body  134  in various ways, such as, for example, by being glued, tacked, welded, heated, or thermoformed. 
     The peaks  174  of the conduits  131 ,  132  define a peak diameter d peak  that is generally larger than or equal to the sealing diameter d seal , and larger than the stopper diameter d stop . The valleys  176  define a valley diameter d valley  that is generally smaller than or equal to the stopper diameter d stop . In the illustrative embodiment, only a portion of the conduits  131 ,  132  is shown, including their respective insertable ends  131   a  defining, respectively, peaks  174   a  and valleys  176   a.    
     In operation, the conduits  131 ,  132  are assembled to the connector  130  in the manner described for the first embodiment of the present invention. The main difference between the two embodiments relates to the interaction between the conduit  132  and the gasket  135 . 
     As the conduit  132  engages the passage  139 , the insertable end  131   a  encounters a first resistance corresponding to the first peak  174   a  reaching and engaging the gasket  135 . At that time, the tapered end  151   b  of the gasket  135  generally helps to realign the conduit  132  with respect to the sealing surface  149  by contact with the first peak  174   a.    
     If the peak diameter d peak  is generally equal to the sealing diameter d seal , a friction-like first resistance will be felt as the conduit  132  continues to be pushed within the passage  139 . If the peak diameter d peak  is generally larger than the sealing diameter d seal , the first resistance will mainly consist of the deformation of the gasket  135 . 
     The conduit  132  continues to be pushed inside the passage  139  until a second resistance is felt, corresponding to a contact between the first valley  176   b  of the conduit  131  and the first valley  176   a  of the conduit  132 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Of course, should the conduit  132  be so cut that the end  132   b  begins by a peak  174   b  (which is not the case in the appended drawings), this peak  174   b  would interfere with the stopper  43 . 
     This interference generally provides an indication that the conduit  132  has reached an assembled position with respect to the connector  130  and generally prevents any further longitudinal movement between the two. The conduits  131 ,  132  are thereby sealingly mounted to the connector  130 . 
     After being sealingly mounted to the connector  130 , the conduits  131 ,  132  are then securely mounted to the connector  130  by inserting the clips  138  through the apertures  136 , as previously disclosed. 
     A connector  230  according to a third illustrative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . For simplicity, only the differences between the connector  230  and the connector  30  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 8  will be described below. 
     In this illustrated non-restrictive embodiment, the connector  230  includes a body  234 , two sets of four apertures  236  and two sets of four clips (not shown). 
     The body  234  includes an inner surface  240 , an outer surface  242 , a stopper  243  and two extremities  244   a ,  244   b . The stopper  243  protrudes in the passage  239 , generally centrally between the extremities  244   a ,  244   b , from the inner surface  240 . 
     In operation, the connector  230  is mountable to the drainage conduits (not shown in these figures for clarity), as previously disclosed in the first embodiment. A difference between the previous embodiments pertains to the provisions of the two sets of apertures  236  and the generally centrally located stopper  243 . 
     This configuration allows the assembly and disassembly of two ends of conduits (not shown) in the passage  239 , through each of the two extremities  244   a ,  244   b , until abutment occurs between the stopper  243  and the respective first peaks (not shown) of the conduits, or until interference of the respective first valleys (not shown) of the conduits. 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that the body may adopt various shapes, sizes and material configurations that generally correspond to the shapes, sizes and material configurations of the drainage conduits with which they are destined to be used. Similarly, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the gasket may adopt various shapes, sizes and material configurations that generally correspond to the shapes, sizes and material configurations of the body with which they are destined to be assembled. 
     One skilled in the art will further understand that the number, the shape and the configuration of the apertures and clips may vary as long as they are able to matingly cooperate with one another in order to allow the assembly and disassembly of the connector with the conduits. 
     A fourth non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the connector for a drainage conduit will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 12-17  of the appended drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  15 , the connector is generally identified by the reference  330 . In the illustrated non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  330  includes a body  332  and a seal member  34 . In the illustrated non-limiting example, the seal member is a flexible and resilient seal in the form of a gasket for example. 
     The body  332  is generally hollow and cylindrical such as to define an inner passage  338 , and is fabricated from, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene or other typically used drainage conduit material. 
     The body  332  is cylindrical and includes an inner surface  340 , an outer surface  341  and two annular ends  342   a  and  342   b . The inner surface  340  is generally smooth and optionally mechanically or chemically prepared for receiving the gasket  334 . 
     The gasket  334  includes a base portion  344  and a stopper  346 . The base portion  344  has a generally cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the body  332 . The base portion  344  includes an adhering surface  48  facing the body  332  and a sealing surface  350  facing the passage  338 . 
     The gasket adhering surface  348  is generally smooth and optionally mechanically or chemically prepared for being mounted to the body  332 . The sealing surface  350  defines in the passage  338  a sealing diameter d seal , and is generally smooth and optionally tapers toward the adhering surface  348  at the ends  352   a  and  352   b  of the base portion  344 . 
     The stopper  346  protrudes from the sealing surface  350  along the circumference of the passage  338  and up to a height defining a stopper diameter d stop  in the passage  338 . In the illustrative embodiment, the stopper  346  is continuous, annular and generally centrally located with respect to the two ends  352   a  and  352   b.    
     The gasket  334  is fabricated from, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) or any other suitable, mechanically compliant material capable of deforming under a load while maintaining a level of physical integrity. The material from which the gasket is made will also be resilient, i.e. capable of substantially returning to its original shape and configuration as soon as the load is released. 
     The gasket  334  is fixedly mounted on the inner surface  40  of the body  332  at a predetermined position, for example a generally central position in between the two ends  342   a  and  342   b . The gasket  334  may be assembled to the body  332  in various ways such as, for example, gluing, heat welding, over-molding, and any other assembling process known in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the connector  330  is configured and sized so as to receive conduits such as drainage conduits  356  and  358 . Each drainage conduit  356 ,  358  generally includes an outer surface  360  defining successive and alternating annular peaks such as  362  and annular valleys such as  364 . 
     The peaks  360  define a peak diameter d peak  that is slightly larger than or equal to the sealing diameter d seal , and larger than the stopper diameter d stop . The valleys  362  define a valley diameter d valley  that is generally smaller than or equal to the stopper diameter d stop . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, only a portion of the conduits  356 ,  358  is shown, including their respective proximal ends  356   a ,  358   a  defining first respective peaks  360   a  and valleys  362   a.    
     In operation, the connector  330  is installed on the end  356   a ,  58   a  of the drainage conduits  356 ,  358  as follows. The end  356   a ,  358   a  of the drainage conduit  356 ,  358  is freely inserted in the passage  338  of the connector  330  until the conduit  356 ,  358  encounters a resistance corresponding to the first peak  362   a  reaching and engaging the gasket  334 . At that time, the tapered end  352   a ,  352   b  of the gasket  344  generally helps to realign the conduit  356 ,  358  with respect to the sealing surface  350  by contact with the first peak  362   a.    
     If the peak diameter d peak  is generally equal to the sealing diameter d seal , a friction-like resistance will be felt as the conduit  356 ,  358  continues to be pushed within the passage  338 . If the peak diameter d peak  is generally larger to the sealing diameter d seal , the resistance will cause deformation of the base portion  44  of the gasket  34  to provide a better seal. 
     The conduit  356 ,  358  continues to be pushed inside the passage  338  until the first peak  362   a  abuts against the stopper  346 . The stopper  346  provides an indication that the conduit  356 ,  358  has reached an assembled position within the connector  330  and prevents any further longitudinal movement of the conduit  356 ,  358  within the joint  330 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16  and as described in the foregoing description, the two conduits  356 ,  358  are assembled in a similar way on opposite sides of the connector  330 . 
     If the ends  356   a ,  358   a  cut a portion of respective first peaks  362   a , the connector  330  will generally provide a leakproof joint between the two conduits  356 ,  358  after abutment of respective first peaks  362   a  with the stopper  346  and by the hereinabove described sealing contact of the peaks  62  with the sealing surface  350 . 
     If the ends  356   a ,  358   a  cut a portion of respective first valleys  364   a , the connector  330  will also generally provide a leakproof joint between the two conduits  356 ,  358 . However, for conduit  358 , the hereinabove described resistance caused by the abutment of the peak  362   a  with the stopper  346  will in place occur by interference between the first valleys  364   a  of the conduits  356 ,  358 . 
     As a result, the conduit  356  may slightly be pushed backward in the passage  338  or the conduit  358  may be prevented from having its first peak reach the stopper  346 . In both cases, the hereinabove described sealing contact is still provided between the peaks  362  and the sealing surface  350 . 
     A connector  430  according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 18 to 21 . For concision purposes, only the differences between the connector  430  and the connector  330  illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 17  will be described hereinbelow. 
     In this illustrated, second non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  430  includes a body formed of two members  432 ,  433 , a gasket  434  and a sleeve  436 . 
     The sleeve  436  is generally cylindrical to correspond to the shape of the two members  432 ,  433 . The sleeve  436  includes an adhering surface  437  facing the inner surface  440  of each of the two members  432 ,  433 , a first intermediate surface  439  facing the passage  438  defined by the connector  430  and radially extending supports  441  that protrudes from the first intermediate surface  439 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, four supports  441  (only three shown in  FIG. 20 ) are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the passage  438  and the sleeve  436  is generally positioned with respect to the two members  432 ,  433  such that the supports  441  are centered with respect to a junction  443  between the two members  432 ,  433 . 
     The sleeve  436  is fabricated, such as for example, from charged polypropylene or from other materials generally stiffer than the two members  432 ,  433  and stiffer than the gasket  434 . The sleeve  436  is therefore capable of reinforcing the joint assembly  430  and of minimizing the stretching of the two members  432 ,  433 , at the junction  443 , when the joint assembly  430  is subjected to a load such as, for example, a pressure inside the passage  438 . Further, the sleeve  436  may be provided with a coating such as, for example, a resin coating for facilitating its assembly to the members  432 ,  433  and to the gasket  434 . 
     The gasket  434  includes a base portion  444  and stoppers  446 . The base portion  444  is generally cylindrical to correspond to the shape of the sleeve  436 . The base portion  444  includes a second intermediate surface  448  facing the first intermediate surface  439  of the sleeve  436  and a sealing surface  450  facing the passage  338 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the four stoppers  446  are generally hollow and protrude from the base portion  444  such as to define four cavities  445  for receiving and encapsulating the corresponding supports  441  therein. The encapsulation of the supports  441  generally provides stiffer stoppers  446 . 
     The sleeve  436  is mounted on the inner surface  440  of the two members  432 ,  433 , at a predetermined position in between the respective extremities  442   a ,  442   b  of the members  432 ,  433  and such as to overlap the junction  443 . The gasket is mounted on the surface  439  of the sleeve  436  and the surface  440  of the members  432 ,  433  so as to cover the surface  439  and the joints between the sleeve  436  and the members  432 ,  433 . Again, processes such as gluing, heat welding, over-molding, etc., can be used to complete this assembly. 
     When the sleeve  436  is covered with a resin coating, a heating process can provide an optimized uniform adherence between the various components, in particular at the junction  443  between the two members  432 ,  433 . 
     A connector  530  according to sixth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 22 to 24 . For concision purposes, only the differences between the connector  530  and the connector  330  illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 17  will be described hereinbelow. 
     In the illustrated non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  530  includes a body  532  and a gasket  534 . 
     The body  532  is cylindrical and includes an inner surface  540 , an outer surface  541 , a stopper  546  and two extremities  542   a ,  542   b . The stopper  546  is annular and protrudes into the passage  538  from the inner surface  540  and in the proximity of the end  542   a  and can advantageously be formed integral with the body  532 . 
     The gasket  534  includes a cylindrical base portion  544  extending from the stopper  546  to a position proximate the second end  542   b  of the body  532 . 
     In operation, as illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the connector  530  is mounted to the drainage conduits  556 ,  558  as follows. The end  556   a  of the first drainage conduit  556  is fixedly and generally sealingly mounted to body  532  and stopper  546  of the connector  530  through welding, gluing or other adequate process after having been inserted in the passage  538  and abutted to the stopper  546 . An alternative is to form the body  532  integral with the conduit  556 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , the other conduit  558  may then be assembled by being pushed into the passage  538 , by interacting with the gasket  534  and by abutting with the stopper  546  on the other side of the connector  530 , as described in the first embodiment. 
     A connector  630  according to a seventh embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 25 . For concision purposes, only the differences between the connector  630  and the connector  330  illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 17  will be described hereinbelow. 
     In the non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  630  includes a body  632  and a gasket  634 . 
     The body  632  includes an inner surface  640  defining a passage  638 , and two extremities  642   a ,  642   b . The extremity  642   a  is formed integral with one end  656   a  of a first drainage conduit  656 , and extends from the end  656   a  such as to define a peak  662   a  and a valley  664   a , generally in continuation with the succession of peaks  662   b ,  662   c  and valleys (only  664   b  shown) of the first drainage conduit  656 . 
     The peak  662   a  provides a stopper wall  646  inside the passage  638  for abutment with a second drainage conduit (not shown) inserted therein according to the hereinabove described method of operation of the connector  330 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the peak  662   a  has a diameter d joint  which is generally larger than the diameter d peak  of the other peaks  662   b ,  662   c . This way, the second drainage conduit (not shown), having a diameter generally similar to the diameter d peak  of the first drainage conduit  656 , may be inserted in the passage  638  in cooperation with the gasket  634 . 
     Alternatively, the peak  662   a  may have a diameter d joint  which is generally smaller than the diameter d peak , such that the second drainage conduit (not shown), having a diameter generally smaller than the diameter d peak , may be inserted in the passage  638  in cooperation with the gasket  634 . For instance, if d joint  falls in between d peak  and d valley , abutment between the second drainage conduit (not shown) with the stopper wall  646  is provided when the second drainage conduit (not shown) is inserted in the passage  638 . 
     One skilled in the art will easily understand that the body  332  may adopt various shapes, sizes and material configurations that generally correspond to the shapes, sizes and material configurations of the drainage conduits with which they are destined to be used. Similarly, one skilled in the art will easily understand that the gasket  334  may adopt various shapes, sizes and material configurations that generally correspond to the shapes, sizes and material configurations of the body  332  with which they are destined to be assembled. 
     One skilled in the art will further easily understand that the final configuration of the gasket  334  may be obtained at the time that the gasket  334  is mounted to the body  332 . For example, the stopper  346  and the tapered ends  352   a ,  352   b  may be formed during the assembly of the gasket  334  to the body  332 . 
     A connector  730  according to an eighth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 26 ,  27  and  28 . The connector  730  is similar to connector  30  and for concision, mostly differences therewith with be described herein. 
     In the non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  730  includes a body  732  having apertures  734 , clips  735  (see  FIGS. 36 and 37 ), outer and inner surfaces  736  and  738  respectively as well as two extremities  740   a  and  740   b . The outer surface  736  includes reinforcing ribs  742 . The inner surface includes a seal member  744  that is flexible and resilient as well as an annular protruding stopper  746  adjacent to the seal member  744 . In this non-limiting example, the seal member  744  comprises a gasket. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the body  732  comprises a flexion zone  748 , a reinforcing zone  750  and a welding zone  752 . The flexion zone  748  provides for the body  732  to slightly expand in length (as defined by the distance between  740   a  and  740   b ). The reinforcing zone  750  comprises areas  751  which are thicker than the flexion zone  748 . The reinforcing zone provides for controlling the expansion of the body  732  in order to maintain tightness when coupled to a drainage conduit. Hence, the entry  740   a  is more closed or tapered than the contact area. The welding area  752  provides for being welded with a drainage conduit by a variety of processes known in the art such as spin welding, butt welding, extrusion welding to name but a few non-limiting examples. 
     A connector  830  according to a ninth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 30 . 
     In the non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  830  includes a body  832  having apertures  834 , clips  735  (see  FIGS. 36 and 37 ), outer and inner surfaces  836  and  838  respectively as well as two extremities  840   a  and  840   b . The outer surface  836  includes reinforcing ribs  842 . The inner surface  838  includes a generally smooth surface having a plurality of stoppers  844  on the same annular position along the inner circumference thereof about the middle between the distance of extremities  840   a  and  840   b.    
     With particular reference to  FIG. 30 , the body  832  comprises a flexion zone  848  and a reinforcing zone  850  having thicker portion  851 . 
     A connector  930  according to a tenth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 31 ,  32 ,  33   a  and  33   b.    
     In the non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  930  includes a body  932  having apertures  934 , clips  735  (see  FIGS. 36 and 38 ), outer and inner surfaces  936  and  938  respectively as well as two extremities  940   a  and  940   b . The outer surface  936  includes reinforcing ribs  942 . The inner surface includes a seal member  944  that is flexible and resilient. In this non-limiting example, the seal member  944  comprises a gasket. Gasket  944  includes additional friction areas  946  and  948  having ribs  950 . A median are  952  between additional friction areas  946  and  948  includes annular protrusions  954 . The ribs  950  provide for a greater tightness or sealing with a drainage conduit that often has an imperfect outer surface. 
     A connector  1030  according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . Connector  1030  is similar to connector  330  and differences therewith will be described hereinbelow. 
     In the non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the connector  1030  includes a body  1032  having apertures  1034 , clips  735  (see  FIGS. 36 and 37 ), outer and inner surfaces  1036  and  1038  respectively as well as two extremities  1040   a  and  1040   b . The outer surface  1036  includes reinforcing ribs  1042 . The inner surface includes a seal member  1044  that is flexible and resilient. In this non-limiting example, the seal member  1044  comprises a gasket. The gasket  1044  includes a central annular protrusion  1046  which acts as a stopper. The gasket  1044  includes additional friction areas  1048  and  1050  flanking both sides of the annular stopper  1046 . The additional friction areas  1048  and  1050  include ribs  1052 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 36 and 37 , clips  735  are illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Clips  735  are similar to clips  38  except that clips  735  do not include breakable weak portions or areas but reinforcement portions  1060  for strong mounting to drainage conduits. 
     It should be noted that the various features, elements and characteristics of the connectors  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  330 ,  430 ,  530 ,  630 ,  730 ,  830 ,  930  and  1030  described above, whether illustrated or otherwise disclosed herein can be combined in a variety of ways within the context of the present invention so as to provide a variety of alternative connectors within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the subject invention.