Hydrant shoe assembly

Example aspects of a harness for a hydrant shoe assembly and a method for assembling a hydrant shoe assembly are disclosed. The harness for a hydrant shoe assembly can comprise an arcuate spine, the spine defining a first end, a second end, and a middle region therebetween, the spine defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the spine comprising a first protuberance extending from the outer surface and a first rib extending from the inner surface; a first fastener lug extending from the first end of the spine; and a second fastener lug extending from the second end of the spine.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to hydrant shoe assemblies. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a hydrant shoe assembly comprising a harness for restraining a pipe.

BACKGROUND

Hydrant shoes can be positioned between a water supply (e.g., a water pipeline) and a fire hydrant to facilitate water flow from the water supply to the fire hydrant. Hydrant shoes commonly comprise an inlet end connected to the pipeline and outlet end connected to the fire hydrant. For dry barrel fire hydrants, a main valve can be located within the outlet end for controlling water flow into the fire hydrant. The main valve can be connected to an operating nut in a bonnet of the dry barrel fire hydrant by a stem and the main valve can be raised and lowered in the hydrant shoe to open and close the main valve by turning the operating nut.

Commonly, hydrant shoes are connected to the pipeline by a mechanical joint standard connection. Often, the mechanical joint connection must be purchased separately from the hydrant shoe. Furthermore, current mechanical joint connections can require multiple components, and the installation can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

Disclosed is a harness for a hydrant shoe assembly, the harness comprising an arcuate spine, the spine defining a first end, a second end, and a middle region therebetween, the spine defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the spine comprising a first protuberance extending from the outer surface and a first rib extending from the inner surface; a first fastener lug extending from the first end of the spine; and a second fastener lug extending from the second end of the spine.

Also disclosed is a hydrant shoe assembly comprising a shoe body defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a void, the void defining an inlet end and an outlet end, a first opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, a second opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface; a gasket received in the void, the gasket defining an outer sealing surface and an inner sealing surface, the outer sealing surface engaging the inner surface of the shoe body; a first harness received in the void, the first harness comprises a first protuberance extending radially outward, the first protuberance received in the first opening; and a second harness received in the void, the second harness comprising a second protuberance extending radially outward, the second protuberance received in the second opening.

Also disclosed is a method for assembling a hydrant shoe assembly, the method comprising providing a shoe body, the shoe body defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a void, a first opening extending from the outer surface to the inner surface, a second opening extending from the outer surface to the inner surface; inserting a gasket into the void; engaging an outer sealing surface of the gasket with the inner surface of the shoe body; inserting a first harness into the void such that a first protuberance of the first harness extends through the first opening in the shoe body; and inserting a second harness into the void such that a second protuberance of the second harness extends through the second opening in the shoe body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed in the present application is a shoe assembly and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the shoe assembly can comprise a shoe body, a gasket, and a pair of harnesses. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed shoe assembly is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1illustrates a first aspect of a shoe assembly10according to the present disclosure. Example aspects of the shoe assembly10, such as the aspect depicted inFIG. 1, can be a hydrant shoe assembly100configured for use with a fire hydrant. In some aspects, the fire hydrant can be a dry barrel fire hydrant. Furthermore, in example aspects, the hydrant shoe assembly100can be in fluid communication with a drinking water supply. As such, in some aspects, some or all of the components of the hydrant shoe assembly100can be formed from NSF certified material that can be approved as safe for use in drinking-water applications. The hydrant shoe assembly100can be configured to facilitate the transport of water from the water supply to the fire hydrant. However, in other aspects, the shoe assembly10can be configured for use in applications other than fire hydrant systems. For example, the shoe assembly10can be configured for use with valves, tees, elbows, and various other fittings and piping components that can be subjected to a thrust force during operation.

As shown, the hydrant shoe assembly100can comprise a shoe body110, a gasket150, and an integrated restraint device. The restraint device can comprise a first harness160aand a second harness160b. Example aspects of the shoe body110can define the inlet end120and the outlet end130. Furthermore, the shoe body110can define a void140extending from the inlet end120to the outlet end130. The gasket150and the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan be disposed within the void140. In examples aspects, the hydrant shoe assembly100can be connected to a fire hydrant (not shown) at the outlet end130and to a water supply, such as a pipe190of a water pipeline, at the inlet end120. Only a small section of a pipe190is shown inFIG. 1for illustration purposes only. For example, the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan be configured to grip the pipe190and to restrain the pipe from axial and rotational movement. Water from the water supply can flow through the void140in the hydrant shoe assembly100to the fire hydrant, as needed. Example aspects of the fire hydrant (not shown), including aspects in which the fire hydrant is a dry barrel fire hydrant, can comprise a main valve (not shown) that can be located within void140proximate to the outlet end130for selectively controlling water flow into the fire hydrant.

According to example aspects, one or more fasteners180can couple the first harness160ato the second harness. For example, the hydrant shoe assembly100can comprise a first fastener180aand a second fastener180b. Furthermore, example aspects of the hydrant shoe assembly100can be selectively configurable in a loosened configuration, as shown inFIG. 1, wherein the fasteners180can be loosened, and a tightened configuration, as shown inFIG. 10, wherein the fasteners180can be tightened. In the loosened configuration, the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan be disengaged from the pipe190, and in the tightened configuration, the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan engage the pipe190, as will be described in further detail below.

FIG. 2Aillustrates an example aspect of the first harness160a. The second harness160bcan be substantially the same as the first harness160a. Example aspects of the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan be formed from metal material, such as, for example, ductile iron. In other aspects, the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan be formed from a plastic material, a composite material, a ceramic material, another metal material such as steel or cast iron, or any other suitable material. Some example aspects of the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan be heat treated to a desired hardness. Other example aspects can be coated in a corrosion-resistant coating and case hardened to a desired hardness. As shown, the first harness160acan comprise a generally arcuate spine210aextending between a first end212aand a second end214a. The spine210acan define an outer surface216aand an inner surface218a. The spine210afurther can define a front side220aand an opposite rear side222a. As shown, the first harness160acan comprise one or more protuberances230aextending from the outer surface216aof the spine210a. In example aspects, the protuberances230acan span a width of the spine210afrom the front side220aof the spine210ato the rear side222aof the spine210a, as shown. In example aspects, each of the protuberances230acan substantially define a trapezoidal prism. For example, as shown in the depicted embodiment, each protuberance230acan define four sidewalls232a(not all four sidewalls are visible) extending from the outer surface216aof the spine210aand a substantially flat top surface234adistal from the spine210a. In other aspect, the protuberances230acan define any number of sidewalls232a. Furthermore, in other aspects, the protuberances230acan define any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a triangular prism, a hemisphere, and a rectangular prism.

In example aspects, a thickness of the spine210acan taper from the first end212atowards a middle region224aof the spine210a, and from the second end214atowards the middle region224a, such that the thickness of the spine210aat the middle region224aof the spine210ais less than the thickness of the spine210aat either of the first end212aand second end214a. In example aspects, the thickness of the spine210acan be defined as the distance between the outer surface216aand inner surface218a. The tapered thickness of the spine210acan allow for flexibility of the spine210a, as will be described in further detail below.

Furthermore, a first fastener lug240acan extend from the first end212aof the spine210a, and a second fastener lug250acan extend from the second end214aof the spine210a. As shown, the first fastener lug240acan define an open-sided channel242aextending from a top surface244aof the first fastener lug240ato a bottom surface246aof the first fastener lug240a. The first fastener lug240acan further define a pair of spaced-apart positioning tabs248aextending from the top surface244a. The second fastener lug250acan define a hole252aextending from a top surface254athereof to a bottom surface256athereof.

In example aspects, the spine210acan comprise one or more elongated ribs260extending from the inner surface218a. Each of the ribs260can extend from the first end212aof the spine210ato the second end214a. In some aspects, such as the aspect depicted inFIG. 2A, the spine210acan define a series of spaced-apart ribs260substantially spanning a width of the spine210afrom the front side220ato the rear side222a. The depicted aspect illustrates four ribs260; however, other aspects can comprise more or fewer ribs260. Furthermore, other aspects can define another suitable orientation of the ribs260on the inner surface218aof the spine210a.

FIG. 2Billustrates a close-up, cross-sectional view of the ribs260on the inner surface218aof the spine210a. Example aspects of the ribs260can each define a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown, each of the ribs260can define a pair of opposing side surfaces262aextending from the inner surface218aof the spine210aand tapering to an apex264adistal from the inner surface218a. However, in other aspects, the ribs260can define any other suitable cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to, pentagonal, trapezoidal, and semi-circular. Moreover, example aspects of the ribs260can extend to varying heights away from the inner surface218aof the spine210a. For example, as illustrated, some of the ribs260can extend to a height of H1and some of the ribs260can extend to a height of H2, wherein H1is less than H2. However, in other aspects, the ribs260can extend to a uniform height. In the current aspect, two inner ribs260define a height of H1and two outer ribs260define a height of H2. According to other aspects, as opposed to ribs260, the inner surface218aof the spine210acan be a substantially rough surface or can define one or more projections suitable for increasing the friction between the first harness160aand the pipe190(shown inFIG. 1) to overcome internal thrust forces and restrain the pipe190during operation.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a perspective view of an example aspect of the gasket150, andFIG. 3Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the gasket150taken along line B-B inFIG. 3A. Example aspects of the gasket150can comprise an outer sealing ring310, an inner sealing ring320, and a central ring330therebetween. A first connecting portion340can connect the outer sealing ring310to the central ring330. Furthermore, a first annular groove342can be defined between the outer sealing ring310and the central ring330. Moreover, a second connecting portion350can connect the inner sealing ring320to the central ring330, and a second annular groove352can be defined between the inner sealing ring320and the central ring330. Example aspects of the outer sealing ring310can define a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, as shown, and example aspects of the inner sealing real320can define a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, as shown. Furthermore, the outer sealing ring310can define an outer sealing surface312and the inner sealing ring320can define an inner sealing surface322. Example aspects of the gasket150can be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, polyurethane, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), nylon, polypropylene, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), additive manufacturing materials (e.g., titanium, steel, aluminum, copper), rubbers, sealants such as anaerobic sealants, glues, membranes, and resins. In example aspects, the gasket150can be formed from a compressible material.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrates an example aspect of the shoe body110. Example aspects of the shoe body110can be formed from a metal material, such as, for example, ductile iron. In other aspects, the shoe body110can be formed from a plastic material, another metal material such as steel, cast iron, ductile iron, bronze, or any other suitable material. As shown, the shoe body110can comprise an outer surface410and an inner surface412. As described above, the shoe body110can define the inlet end120and outlet end130of the hydrant shoe assembly100. Furthermore, the inner surface412of the shoe body110can define the void140extending between the inlet end120and outlet end130. As shown inFIG. 4A, in some aspects, the shoe body110can define a generally L-shaped structure, such that a bend414is formed between the inlet end120and the outlet end130. The bend414can define a substantially right angle, as shown, or any other suitable angle. As such, in the depicted example aspect, the inlet end120of the shoe body110can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the outlet end130of the shoe body110. However, in other aspects, the shoe body110can define a substantially straight structure, such that the inlet end120can be substantially parallel to the outlet end130, or can define any other suitable configuration for a shoe body110that is known in the art.

Example aspects of the outlet end130of the shoe body110can define an annular mounting flange416, as shown. The annular mounting flange416can be mounted to piece of piping equipment, such as, for example, a fire hydrant, such as a riser pipe of the fire hydrant, or any other suitable piece of piping equipment known in the art. In example aspects, the annular mounting flange416can define mounting apertures418extending therethrough. The mounting apertures418can be configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for coupling the hydrant shoe assembly100to the fire hydrant or other equipment.

In example aspects, as shown, the shoe body110can comprise a cylindrical ring420formed proximate the inlet end120of the shoe body110. Example aspects of the cylindrical ring420can define portions of the outer surface410and inner surface412of the shoe body110, and as such, the void140can extend through the cylindrical ring420. The cylindrical ring420can further define a first end422proximate the bend414of the shoe body110, an opposite second end424at the inlet end120of the shoe body110, and a central region426extending therebetween. The first end422of the cylindrical ring420can define a pair of opposing accurate ridges430extending radially inward from the cylindrical ring420. Each of the arcuate shoe ridges430can define a first end432, respectively, and an opposite second end434, respectively. The first ends432of the arcuate shoe ridges430can be spaced from one another such that a gap436is formed therebetween. Similarly, the second ends434of the arcuate shoe ridges430can be spaced from one another such that a gap438is formed therebetween.

According to example aspects, the inner surface412of the cylindrical ring420can define a gasket channel440proximate the first end422for receiving the gasket (gasket shown inFIG. 1). The inner surface412further can define a harness channel450formed proximate the arcuate shoe ridges430for receiving the first and second harnesses160a,160b(first and second harnesses160a,160bshown inFIG. 1). Example aspects of the harness channel450can define opposing slots452a,bextending from the inner surface412of the shoe body110to the outer surface410of the shoe body. The opposing slots452a,bcan define an upper portion454of the harness channel450extending therebetween and a lower portion456of the harness channel450extending therebetween. According to example aspects, the slot452acan be configured to receive the first fastener lug240aof the first harness160aand second fastener lug250bof the second harness160btherethrough. Similarly, the slot452bcan be configured to receive the second fastener lug250aof the first harness160aand the first fastener lug240bof the second harness160btherethrough. Furthermore, according to example aspects, the slot452acan be connected to the gap436and the slot452bcan be connected to the gap438to allow for placement of the harnesses160a,bin the slots452a,brespectively. Example aspects of each slot452a,bcan define a height greater than a height of the corresponding gap436,438, as shown.

Optionally, one or more openings460can be formed in the harness channel450, as shown. According to example aspects, as shown inFIG. 4B, three upper openings464can be formed in the upper portion454of the harness channel450, and three lower openings466can be formed in the lower portion456of the harness channel450. The upper openings464and lower openings466can, in example aspects, extend from the inner surface412of the cylindrical ring420to the outer surface410of the cylindrical ring420. In example aspects, the number of upper openings464can correspond to the number of protuberances230aon the first harness160a, and the number of lower openings466can correspond to the number of protuberances230bon the second harness160b. However, in other aspects, the harness channel450can define more or fewer upper openings464and/or lower openings466. Furthermore, in other aspects, the harness channel450can define recesses formed on the inner surface412, as opposed to openings460, which may not fully extend to the outer surface410of the cylindrical ring420.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 4B, the shoe body110can comprise a first cross-shaped projection470and a second cross-shaped projection472extending from the outer surface410of the shoe body110. The first and second projections470,472can be used to place the hydrant shoe assembly100on a flat surface for storage and/or transportation. Furthermore, the first and second projections470,472can aid in setting the shoe in place during assembly to the water supply and fire hydrant. The first and second projections470,472can also be used for bracing and strengthening the hydrant shoe assembly100during operation.

FIGS. 5-8illustrate an aspect of a method of assembling the hydrant shoe assembly100. As shown inFIG. 5, the method can comprising inserting the gasket150into the void140and receiving the gasket150in the gasket channel440(shown inFIG. 4). In example aspects, the gasket150can be compressed by a compression force for easy insertion into void140. For example, the gasket150can be compressed manually, such as by a hand, or mechanically, such as by a compression mechanism. When the gasket150is properly positioned within the shoe body110, the method can comprise releasing the compression force and expanding the gasket150. Expanding the gasket150can comprise pressing the outer sealing surface312(shown inFIG. 3) of the gasket150against the inner surface412(shown inFIG. 4) of the gasket channel440. The outer sealing surface312can create a waterproof seal between the gasket150and the hydrant shoe assembly100. A next step, also shown inFIG. 5, can comprise inserting the first harness160ainto the void140by passing the first and second fastener lugs240a,250athrough the corresponding gaps436,438, respectively, and into the corresponding slots452a,452b, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 6, with the first fastener lug240aand second fastener lug250aof the first harness160areceived in the corresponding slots452a,452b, the method can further comprise receiving the first harness160awithin the upper portion454(shown inFIG. 4) of the harness channel450and extending the protuberances230athrough the corresponding upper openings464. A next step in the method can comprise inserting the second harness160binto the void140by passing the first and second fastener lugs240b,250bthrough the corresponding gaps438,436, respectively, and into the corresponding slots452b,452a, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 7, with the first fastener lug240band second fastener lug250bof the second harness160breceived in the slots452b,452a(shown inFIG. 4), respectively, the method can comprise receiving the second harness160bwithin the lower portion456of the harness channel450(harness channel450shown inFIG. 4), with the protuberances230bextending through the corresponding lower openings466. The extension of the protuberances230aof the first harness160athrough the upper openings464and the extension of the protuberances230bof the second harness160bthrough the lower openings466can aid in prohibiting axial and rotational movement of the first and second harnesses160a,160brelative to the cylindrical ring420. Furthermore, the positioning of the first fastener lugs240a,band second fastener lugs250a,bof the first and second harnesses160a,160bin the slots452a,bcan further aid in prohibiting axial movement of the first and second harnesses160a,160brelative to the cylindrical ring420.

Also shown inFIG. 7, the method can comprise positioning a first spring710between the first fastener lug240aof the first harness160aand the second fastener lug250bof the second harness160b. The method can also comprise positioning a second spring720between the second fastener lug250aof the first harness160aand the first fastener lug240bof the second harness160b. As shown, in example aspects, each of the first spring710and second spring720can be a compression spring. Moreover, each of the first spring710and second spring720can be configured to bias the first harness160aaway from the second harness160b.

Example aspects of the method can further comprise inserting the first fastener180athrough the channel242a(shown inFIG. 2) of the first fastener lug240a, through the first spring710, and through the hole252b(shown inFIG. 2) of the second fastener lug250b. Another step of the method can be inserting the second fastener180bthrough the channel242b(shown inFIG. 2) of the first fastener lug240b, through the second spring720, and through the hole252a(shown inFIG. 2) of the second fastener lug250a.

As shown, in example aspects, each of the first fastener180aand second fastener180acan be a nut and bolt assembly730a,b, respectively. Each of the nut and bolt assemblies730a,bcan comprise a nut732a,band a bolt734a,b. Referring to the first fastener180a, according to example aspects, a shank736aof the bolt734acan extend through the corresponding first fastener lug240a, first spring710, and second fastener lug250b, respectively. A head738aof the bolt734acan engage the top surface244aof the corresponding first fastener lug240a. Furthermore, in example aspects, the head738aof the bolt734acan be positioned between the corresponding positioning tabs248a(shown inFIG. 2) on the first fastener lug240ato prevent lateral and rotational movement of the bolt734a. The bolt734bof the second fastener160bcan engage the first fastener lug240b, second spring720, and second fastener lug250ain the same way. Note, inFIG. 7, the nuts732a,bare shown detached from the corresponding bolts734a,b. In other aspects, the first and second fasteners180a,bcan be any other suitable fastener known in the art.

FIG. 8illustrates another step of the method, according to example aspects. As shown, the method can comprise coupling the first harness160ato the second harness160b. Coupling the first harness160ato the second harness160bcan comprise coupling the first fastener lug240ato the second fastener lug250bwith the first fastener180aand coupling the first fastener lug240bto the second fastener lug250awith the second fastener180b. In the depicted aspect, coupling the first fastener lug240ato the second fastener lug250bcan comprise screwing the nut732aonto the bolt734a, and coupling the first fastener lug240bto the second fastener lug250acan comprise screwing the nut732bonto the bolt734b.FIG. 8illustrates the hydrant shoe assembly100in the loosened configuration, wherein the first fastener180aand second fastener180bare both loosened, i.e., the nuts732a,bare only partially tightened onto the corresponding bolts734a,b.

As shown inFIGS. 9A-9B, andFIG. 10, a method of attaching the hydrant shoe assembly100to the pipe190is also provided. As shown inFIGS. 9A-9B, the method can comprise inserting an end910of the pipe190into the void140of the hydrant shoe assembly100at the inlet end120, as indicated by the directional arrow A, and receiving the end910of the pipe190within the cylindrical ring420. As described above, the first and second fasteners180a,b(180ashown inFIG. 1) can be in the loosened configuration and the first and second springs710,720(first spring710shown inFIG. 7) can bias the first and second harnesses160a,160bapart to allow for easy insertion of the pipe190into the void140and between the first and second harnesses160a,160b.

In example aspects, the pipe190can define an inner surface912and an outer surface914. The inner surface912of the pipe190can define a pipe void916in fluid communication with the void140of the hydrant shoe assembly100. As shown inFIG. 9B, the method of attaching the hydrant shoe assembly100to the pipe190can further comprise engaging the inner sealing surface322of the gasket150with the outer surface914of the pipe190to form a liquid-tight-seal between the gasket150and the pipe190. As shown, a chamber920can be defined by the gasket150, the inner surface412of the shoe body110, and the outer surface914of the pipe190. Moreover, an access channel922extending between the void140and the chamber920can be defined by the pipe190and the inner surface412of the shoe body110, as illustrated.

Referring back toFIG. 9A, the method further can comprise engaging the first and second harnesses160a,160bwith the pipe190. Engaging the first and second harnesses160a,160bwith the pipe190can comprises tightening the first and second fasteners180a,b.FIG. 9Aillustrates an example aspect of tightening the second fastener180b. According to example aspects, tightening the first fastener180acan be substantially the same as tightening the second fastener180b. As shown, example aspects of tightening the second fastener180bcan comprise further screwing the nut732bonto the corresponding bolt734b, as indicated by the rotational directional arrow B. As the second fastener180bis tightened, the first fastener lug240band second fastener lug250acan apply a compression force to the second spring720, as indicated by directional arrows C, to compress the second spring720and to bring the first harness160aand second harness160bcloser together, as indicated by directional arrow D. The first fastener180acan be similarly tightened to compress the first spring710(shown inFIG. 7) and bring the first and second harnesses160a,160bcloser together. The first and second fasteners180a,bcan be tightened until the first and second harnesses160a,160bengage the pipe190with a desired grip strength. Integrating the first and second harness160a,160binto the hydrant shoe assembly10can eliminate the need to purchase a separate and costly restraint device, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming to install.

FIG. 10illustrates the hydrant shoe assembly100in the tightened configuration, wherein the first and second fasteners180a,b(180ashown inFIG. 1) can be in the tightened configuration and the first and second harnesses160a,160bcan engage the pipe190. Engaging the first and second harnesses160a,160bwith the pipe190can comprise engaging the ribs260ribs260of the first and second harnesses160a,160bwith the outer surface914of the pipe190. In example aspects, the apex264(shown inFIG. 2) of each rib260can be pressed into the outer surface914of the pipe190to increase the grip strength between the first and second harnesses160a,band the pipe190. The engagement of the ribs260with the pipe190can secure the pipe190to the hydrant shoe assembly100and prevent axial and rotational movement of the pipe190relative to the hydrant shoe assembly100. The varying heights of the ribs260can aid in preventing pipe cracking by reducing the amount of stress on the pipe190. For example, ribs260of a greater height can penetrate further into the pipe190, raising the stress on the pipe190and potentially exceeding the pipe strength limit, which can result in pipe cracking or other damage. As such, ribs260of a lesser height can penetrate the pipe190less deeply and can reduce the stress on the pipe190. As the fasteners180a,bare tightened and the first and second harnesses160a,160bengage the pipe190, the tapered thickness of the spines210a,b, as described above, can allow for deflection of the first and second harnesses160a,160b, as necessary, to engage the ribs260further into the pipe190around the circumference of the pipe190.

As shown inFIG. 10, with the first and second harnesses160a,160bengaging and restraining the pipe190, an annular gap1010can be formed between pipe190and the shoe body110. The annular gap1010can allow for deflection of the pipe190within the void140, as necessary. In one example aspect, the annular gap1010can be sized to allow for between about 2 and 8 degrees of deflection of the pipe190. In another aspect, the annular gap can be sized to allow between about 4 and 6 degrees of deflection of the pipe190.

A method of using the hydrant shoe assembly100is also provided. The method can comprise coupling the hydrant shoe assembly100to the pipe190at the inlet end120, coupling the hydrant shoe assembly100to a fire hydrant (not shown) at the outlet end130, and transporting water from the pipe190to the fire hydrant. As described above, in example aspects, coupling the hydrant shoe assembly100to the pipe190at the inlet end120can comprise engaging the first and second harnesses160a,160bof the hydrant shoe assembly100with the pipe190. Furthermore, in example aspects, coupling the hydrant shoe assembly100to the fire hydrant can comprise mounting the mounting flange416of the hydrant shoe assembly100to the fire hydrant. In some aspects, coupling the hydrant shoe assembly100to the fire hydrant can comprise mounting the mounting flange416to a riser pipe of the fire hydrant. In one example aspect, the mounting flange416can be mounted to the fire hydrant with one or more fastener (not shown). For example, the fasteners can be nut and bolt assemblies, wherein each of the bolts is configured to extend through a corresponding mounting aperture418of the mounting flange416. Transporting water from the pipe190to the fire hydrant can comprise flowing water through the void140of the hydrant shoe assembly100from the inlet end120to the outlet end130.

Furthermore, referring toFIG. 11, as water flows from the pipe190into the void140, as indicated by directional arrow E, water pressure can force water through the access channel922and into the chamber920, as indicated by the directional arrows F and G, respectively. Furthermore, water can be forced into the first groove342and second groove352of the gasket150, as indicated by the directional arrows H and I, respectively. The water pressure can force the outer sealing surface312of the gasket150against the inner surface412of the gasket channel440and can force the inner sealing surface322of the gasket150against the outer surface914of the pipe190for an improved seal between the gasket150, the pipe190, and the shoe body110. Furthermore, as shown, the inner surface412of the shoe body110at the gasket channel440can be angled radially inward towards the inlet end120of the shoe body110. The inward angle of the gasket channel440can increase the compression of the gasket150between the gasket channel440and the pipe190for an improved seal.