Patent ID: 7014225

Claim:
A pipe and snap connector assembly comprising: a first pipe having a receiving end defined by an expanded diameter terminating at an open end about which radially extends a first flange including inner and outer surfaces; a second pipe having a second flange radially extending from an insertion end of said second pipe, said second flange having inner and outer surfaces, said insertion end being sized to mate with said receiving end of said first pipe by fitting interiorly of the expanded diameter defining said receiving end, said insertion end being longer than said receiving end such that a gap exists between said first and second flanges when said insertion end of said second pipe is fully inserted into said receiving end of said first pipe; a seal disposed in said gap and contacting said inner surfaces of said first and second flanges, said seal having an uncompressed thickness greater than said gap; and a snap connector comprising: a radial clamp cavity of fixed dimensions defined by a radial wall joining side walls that engage said outer surfaces of said first and second flanges and axially urge said flanges together in compressive engagement with said seal; and a nesting cavity axially disposed outwardly of each side wall of said clamp cavity and receiving the expanded diameter of said receiving end of said first pipe at a selective axial position on either side of said radial clamp cavity.