Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PIPE FITTING WITH GRIP RING
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to piping systems. More specifically,
this disclosure relates to
push-type pipe fittings.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pipe fittings are often provided for connecting two or more
piping components (e.g.,
pipes, tubes, fittings, etc.). Push-type fittings are a type of fitting
wherein a first piping
component, such as pipe, can be connected to the fitting simply by pushing the
pipe into a
channel of the fitting. Typically, a seal, such as an 0-ring, is provided
within the channel and
is configured to create a fluid-tight seal with the pipe. However, the seal
often twists or
rotates within the fitting, and the pipe can push the seal through the
fitting, instead of
extending through the stationary seal as intended. It is often also required
that a user bevels
the pipe prior to inserting the pipe into the channel, in order to smooth an
outer surface of the
pipe and minimize damage to the seal. Often a grip ring is also received
within the channel
and can be configured to bite into the pipe. However, grip rings are typically
formed from a
plastic material, which is limited in its strength and can only grip specific
materials. For
example, a plastic grip ring is suitable for gripping a plastic pipe or
tubing, but is not suitable
for gripping a metal pipe. Some fittings require an insert stiffener to
prevent the grip ring
from disengaging the pipe/tubing.
SUMMARY
[0003] 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 of the disclosure as an
introduction to
the following complete and extensive detailed description.
[0004] Disclosed is a pipe fitting comprising a fitting body defining
an inner surface, an outer
surface, a first fitting end, and an second fitting end, the inner surface
defining a channel
extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, a portion of
the inner surface
defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting end; and an
engagement assembly
comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel, the metal grip ring
defining a ring body
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and a plurality of teeth extending inward from the ring body, the engagement
assembly
configured to slide along the tapered region.
[0005] Also disclosed is a pipe fitting assembly comprising a fitting
body defining a first
fitting end, a second fitting end, and a channel extending from the first
fitting end to the
second fitting end, and a gasket disposed in the channel, the gasket defining
a gasket first
lateral end, a gasket second lateral end, a gasket outer surface, and a gasket
inner surface, a
plurality of flanges extending substantially radially inward from the gasket
inner surface.
[0006] Also disclosed is a method for tightening a pipe fitting
assembly comprising inserting
a pipe into a channel of a pipe fitting in an inward direction, the pipe
fitting defining an inner
surface, an first fitting end, and an second fitting end, the inner surface
defining the channel,
the channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end;
engaging the pipe
with an engagement assembly disposed within the channel; pulling the pipe in
an outward
direction opposite of the inward direction; and sliding the engagement
assembly along a
tapered region of the inner surface to increasingly press the engagement
assembly into
engagement with the pipe.
[0007] Additionally, disclosed is a pipe fitting comprising a fitting
body defining an inner
surface, an outer surface, a first fitting end, and a second fitting end, the
inner surface
defining a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting
end, a portion of
the inner surface defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting
end; and an
engagement assembly comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel, the
metal grip
ling defining a substantially flustoconical ling body, the ling body defining
a diameter that
tapers from a first lateral end of the ring body to a second lateral end of
the ring body, the
engagement assembly configured to slide along the tapered region.
[0008] Moreover, disclosed is an engagement assembly comprising a grip
ring defining a
substantially C-shaped ring body, the ring body defining a grip ring first end
and a grip ring
second end, a retainer tab extending from the grip ring first end; and a
substantially C-shaped
guide ring defining a guide ring first end, a guide ring second end, and a
guide slot, a first
portion of the ring body received in the guide slot, a retainer protrusion
extending from the
guide ring and disposed adjacent to the guide ring first end; wherein the
retainer tab engages
the retainer protrusion to retain the first portion of the ring body within
the guide slot.
[0009] Also disclosed is a pipe fitting comprising a fitting body
defining an inner surface, the
inner surface defining a channel; and an engagement assembly comprising a
metal grip ring
received in the channel, the engagement assembly configured to slide within
the channel.
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[0010] Various implementations described in the present disclosure may
include additional
systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be
expressly
disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon
examination of
the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended
that all such
systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present
disclosure and
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The features and components of the following figures are
illustrated to emphasize the
general principles of the present disclosure Corresponding features and
components
throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for
the sake of
consistency and clarity.
[00121 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a push-type pipe fitting, in
accordance with one
aspect of the present disclosure.
[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting of
Figure 1 taken along line 2-2
in Figure 1.
[0014] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a gasket of the pipe fitting
of Figure 1
[0015] Figure 3B is a detail cross-sectional view of the gasket of
Figure 3A taken along line
3-3 in Figure 3A.
[00161 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a grip ring of the pipe
fitting of Figure 1.
[00171 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a guide ring of the pipe
fitting of Figure 1.
[00181 Figure 6 is a perspective view of the grip ring of Figure 4
engaged with the guide ring
of Figure 5, wherein the grip ring and guide ring together define a movable
engagement
assembly.
[00191 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe engaged with the
pipe fitting of Figure 1,
taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1, wherein the movable engagement assembly of
Figure 6 is in
a first engagement position.
[00201 Figure 8 is a detail cross-sectional perspective view of the
movable engagement
assembly of Figure 6 engaged with the pipe of Figure 7 in the first engagement
position,
taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1.
[0021] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pipe
fitting of Figure 1 taken
along line 2-2 in Figure 1, wherein the movable engagement assembly of Figure
6 is in a
second engagement position
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[0022] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting, in
accordance with another
aspect of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting, in
accordance with another
aspect of the present disclosure.
[0024] Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the grip ring, in
accordance with another
aspect of the present disclosure.
[0025] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the grip ring of Figure
12 engaged with guide
ring, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
[0026] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting, in
accordance with another
aspect of the disclosure.
[0027] Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the grip ring in
accordance with another aspect
of the present disclosure.
[0028] Figure 16 is a side view of the grip ring of Figure 15.
[0029] Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of the guide ring in
accordance with another
aspect of the present disclosure.
[0030] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe engaged with
the pipe fitting in
accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable
engagement assembly
received within the pipe fitting and comprising the grip ring of Figure 15 and
the guide ring
of Figure 17
[0031] Figure 19 is a detail cross-sectional view of the movable
engagement assembly of
Figure 18 received within the pipe fining of Figure 18.
DE TAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by
reference to the following
detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and
following
description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are
disclosed and
described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the
specific devices,
systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such,
can, of course,
vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of
describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0033] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching
of the present devices,
systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end,
those skilled in the
relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to
the various
aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein,
while still obtaining
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the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent
that some of the
desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some
of the features of
the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those
who work in the art
will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present
disclosure are possible
and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the
present disclosure.
Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles
of the present
disclosure and not in limitation thereof.
[00341 As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
include plural referents
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
"an element"
can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.
[00351 Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular
value, and/or to
"about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another
aspect includes
from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are
expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be
understood that the
particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the
endpoints of each
of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the
other endpoint.
[00361 For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or
dimension measuring
about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a
range
between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified
measurement and X
minus an industiy-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement.
Because
tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between
different models, the
tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall
within a range of
tolerances.
[00371 As used herein, the terms "optional- or "optionally- mean that
the subsequently
described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description
includes
instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does
not.
[00381 The word "or" as used herein means any one member of a
particular list and also
includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note
that conditional
language, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless
specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is
generally intended to
convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include,
certain features,
elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally
intended to imply that
features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more
particular aspects or
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that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding,
with or without
user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are
included or are to
be performed in any particular aspect.
[0039] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the
disclosed methods and
systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood
that when
combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are
disclosed that while
specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and
permutations of
these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and
described herein,
for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application
including, but not
limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of
additional steps that can
be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be
performed with any
specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods.
[0040] Disclosed is a pipe fitting and associated methods, systems,
devices, and various
apparatus. Example aspects of the pipe fitting can comprise a fitting body and
a grip ring
disposed in a channel of the fitting body. The grip ring can be configured to
engage an outer
surface of a pipe inserted into the channel It would be understood by one of
skill in the art
that the pipe fitting is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among
many. No
particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the
disclosure or the
scope of any claims issuing therefrom.
[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a piping element, such as a
pipe fitting 100, in
accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. In the present aspect,
the pipe fitting
100 can be a push-type pipe fitting 105, which can also be known as a stab-
type fitting, push-
to-connect fitting, or push-fit fitting. In other aspects, the pipe fitting
100 can be any other
suitable type of fitting known in the art, including but not limited to,
couplings, tees, elbows,
and the like. In other aspects, the piping element may not be a pipe fitting
100, and rather can
be a valve or any other suitable type of piping element known in the art. The
pipe fitting 100
can be configured to connect two piping components of a piping system for the
transfer of
fluid between the two piping components. For example, the pipe fitting 100 can
be
configured to connect a first piping component 705 (shown in Figure 7), such
as a pipe 710
(shown in Figure 7) or tubing, to a second piping component (not shown), such
as a second
pipe, tubing, fitting, or the like. To connect the pipe 710 to the push-type
pipe fitting 105 of
the present disclosure, a first end 712 (shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710
can simply be
pushed into a channel 120 of the push-type pipe fitting 105. In the present
aspect, fluid, such
as water for example, can be transferred through the channel 120 from the pipe
710 to the
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second piping component, and also in the reverse direction. In other aspects,
the fluid can be
any other suitable fluid or gas known in the art.
[0042] As shown, the pipe fitting 100 can comprise a fitting body 110
defining a fitting inner
surface 112 and a fitting outer surface 114 opposite the fitting inner surface
112. The fitting
body 110 can further define and first fitting end 130 and a second fitting end
140 opposite the
first fitting end 130. In example aspects, the fitting inner surface 112 can
define the channel
120, which can extend from the first fitting end 130 of the fitting body 110
to the second
fitting end 140 of the fitting body 110. Fluid can flow through the channel
120 from the first
fitting end 130 to the second fitting end 140 and/or from the second fitting
end 140 to the first
fitting end 130. A fitting axis 122 can be defined through a center of the
channel 120. In the
present aspect, a first fitting opening 132 can allow access to the channel
120 at the first
fitting end 130, and a second fitting opening 242 (shown in Figure 2) can
allow access to the
channel 120 at the second fitting end 140. According to example aspects, the
first end 712 of
the pipe 710 can be inserted into the channel 120 through the first fitting
opening 132 at the
first fitting end 130 of the fitting body 110, and an engagement assembly 150
of the pipe
fitting 100 can be configured to engage the pipe 710 within the channel 120 to
resist or
prohibit withdrawal of the pipe 710 from the channel 120, as will be described
in further
detail below. Moreover, the second piping component can be inserted into the
channel 120
through the second fitting opening 242 at the second fitting end 140 of the
fitting body 110.
Example aspects of the fitting body 110 can be formed from a metal material in
some aspects,
such as, for example, brass. In other aspects, the fitting body 110 can be
formed from any
other suitable material known in the art, including, but not limited to, other
metals, plastics,
composites, and the like. Furthermore, in other aspects, the engagement
assembly 150 can be
utilized in any other suitable type of piping element known in the art,
including but not
limited to, various types of fittings, valves, couplings, and the like, such
as wide-range
couplings, pipe ends, mechanical joints, gate valves, etc.
[0043] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting
100, taken along line 2-2
in Figure 1. According to example aspects, the channel 120 can generally
define an first
channel region 220 proximate to the first fitting end 130 and an second
channel region 230
proximate to the second fitting end 140. As shown, the first channel region
220 can define a
first channel region end 222 at the first fitting end 130 of the fitting body
110 and a second
channel region end 224 opposite the first channel region end 222. The second
channel region
230 can define a first channel region end 232 at the second fitting end 140 of
the fitting body
110 and a second channel region end 234 opposite the first channel region end
232, wherein
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the second channel region end 234 can terminate at the second channel region
end 224.
According to example aspects, the engagement assembly 150 can be disposed
within the first
channel region 220 of the channel 120. In the present aspect, the engagement
assembly 150
can comprise a grip ring 250 and a guide ring 260, as shown. Other aspects of
the
engagement assembly 150 may comprise a grip ring 250 only, as shown in Figure
11.
[00441
The grip ring 250 can be disposed within the first channel region 220 of
the channel
120 and can be configured to grip the pipe 710 (shown in Figure 7) inserted
into the channel
120 through the first fitting opening 132. In some aspects, the grip ring 250
can be
substantially circular in shape, while in other aspects, the grip ring 250 can
define a major
arc, minor arc, or a semi-circular shape. For example, in the present aspect,
the grip ring 250
can be substantially C-shaped (i.e., can define a major arc). Furthermore, in
the present
aspect, the grip ring 250 is formed from a singular segment, but in other
aspects, the grip ring
250 may comprise a plurality of arcuate grip ring segments. Moreover, in some
aspects,
additional grip rings 250 may be disposed within the channel 120. As shown,
the grip ring
250 can comprise a ring body 252 and plurality of teeth 254 angled inward from
the ring
body 252 towards the fitting axis 122 The teeth 254 can be configured to
deflect outward
relative to the ring body 252 as the pipe 710 is inserted through the first
fitting end 130 to
allow the first end 712 of the pipe 710 to easily slide past the grip ring 250
in an inward
direction (i.e., towards the second fitting end 140). However, the teeth 254
can deflect inward
to bite or press into an outer surface 714 (shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710
when attempting
to withdraw the pipe 710 from the channel 120 in an opposite outward direction
(i.e., towards
the first fitting end 130). The teeth 254 can further bite into the pipe 710
as the grip ring 250
slides within the channel 120 towards the first fitting end 130, as described
in further detail
below. As such, the grip ring 250 can be configured to resist or prohibit
removal of the pipe
710 from the channel 120 once the pipe 710 has been inserted therein.
[0045]
In some aspects, the pipe fitting 100 can further comprise a guide ring
260 disposed
within the first channel region 220 of the channel 120. The guide ring 260 can
be generally
oriented between the grip ring 250 and the first fitting end 130 of the
fitting body 110.
According to example aspects, the grip ring 250 can be configured to engage
the guide ring
260, and the guide ring 260 can be configured to guide the movement of the
grip ring 250
within the channel 120. In example aspects, the movement of the grip ring 250
and guide ring
260 within the channel 120 can be limited to movement within the first channel
region 220 of
the channel 120, as described in further detail below. In the present aspect,
the guide ring 260
can also aid in retaining the grip ring 250 within the channel 120 and
preventing the grip ring
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250 from popping out through the first fitting opening 132 and/or the second
fitting opening
242. Some example aspects of the guide ring 260 can further serve to limit the
inward
deflection of the teeth 254 of the grip ring 250 to prevent undesirable
rolling of the teeth 254,
which may occur upon sufficient inward deflection. For example, as shown, the
guide ring
260 can define a guide ring first lateral end 262 and an opposite guide ring
second lateral end
264. The teeth 254 can deflect slightly inward to bite into the outer surface
714 of the pipe
710, but can be configured to abut the guide ring second lateral end 264 of
the guide ring 260
to prohibit further inward deflection. In other aspects, however, the teeth
254 may not abut
the guide ring 260 to limit inward deflection. Still other aspects of the pipe
fitting 100 may
not comprise the guide ring 260, as shown in the example aspect of Figure 11.
[0046] According to example aspects, the guide ring 260 can be
substantially circular in
shape, though in other aspects, the guide ring 260 can define a major arc,
minor arc, or a
semi-circular shape. For example, in the present aspect, like the grip ring
250, the guide ring
260 can substantially C-shaped (i.e., can define a major arc). Additionally,
while one guide
ring 260 is illustrated herein for accommodating the one grip ring 250, in
other aspects,
additional guide rings 260 may be provided as necessary As shown, example
aspects of the
guide ring 260 can generally define an arcuate guide outer surface 266 and an
arcuate guide
inner surface 268 substantially opposite the guide outer surface 266. The
guide outer surface
266 can be configured to engage the fitting inner surface 112 of the fitting
body 110.
Furthermore, the guide ring 260 can define an arcuate guide slot 270 oriented
between the
guide outer surface 266 and the guide inner surface 268. In aspects wherein
the guide ling
260 defines a circular shape, the guide outer and inner surfaces 266,268 may
be substantially
annular, and the guide slot 270 formed therebetween can be annular or arcuate,
depending
upon the shape of the guide ring 260. Example aspects of the guide slot 270
can be
configured to receive the ring body 252 of the grip ring 250, or a portion
thereof, and in some
aspects, the grip ring 250 can be secured to the guide ring 260 by a fastener.
For example, the
fastener can be an adhesive or any suitable mechanical fastener, such as
screws or rivets, or
can be any other suitable fastener known in the art. In other aspects, the
grip ring 250 may not
be fastened to the guide ring 260. In other aspects, the guide ring 260 may
not define the
guide slot 270, and the grip ring 250 can be coupled to the guide ring 260 by
any other
suitable fastening technique known in the art. For example the grip ring 250
and guide ring
260 may be molded together.
[0047] According to example aspects, the guide outer surface 266 can
be configured to slide
along the fitting inner surface 112 within the first channel region 220 of the
channel 120. As
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described, the grip ring 250 can be secured to the guide ring 260, such that
the grip ring 250
can move along with the guide ring 260. In the present aspect, as shown, the
fitting inner
surface 112 can define a tapered region 212 that can taper towards the first
fitting end 130 of
the fitting body 110 substantially along a length of the first channel region
220, such that a
diameter of the channel 120 can decrease along the length of the first channel
region 220
towards the first fitting end 130. In the present aspect, the guide outer
surface 266 can also be
configured to taper from the guide ring second lateral end 264 to the guide
ring first lateral
end 262, such that the taper of the guide outer surface 266 can substantially
match or be
similar to the taper of the fitting inner surface 112 to facilitate sliding
movement of the guide
outer surface 266 along the tapered region 212. In the current aspect, the
tapered region 212
can define a truncated conical shape, although in other aspects, the tapered
region 212 can
define any other desired tapering shape, such as a curved shape. According to
example
aspects, as the guide ring 260 and grip ring 250 slide towards the first
fitting end 130 of the
fitting body 110, the narrowing diameter of the channel 120 can push (e.g.,
compress or
bend) the guide ring 260 and grip ring 250 radially inward, relative to the
fitting axis 122.
[0048] According to example aspects, the pipe fitting 100 can further
comprise a gasket 280
disposed within the first channel region 220. In example aspects, the gasket
280 can be
oriented between the grip ring 250 and the second channel region 230 of the
channel 120, and
in some cases, the gasket 280 can be positioned substantially proximate to the
second channel
region 230, as shown. Example aspects of the gasket 280 can comprise a
resilient, flexible
material, such as a rubber material for example, that can engage the outer
surface 714 of the
pipe 710 to create a fluid-tight seal therewith. In other aspects, the gasket
280 can comprise
any other suitable flexible and resilient material known in the art, including
but not limited to
polyurethane, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer),
nylon,
polypropylene, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), sealants such as anaerobic sealants,
glues,
membranes, and resins, various types of rubbers, and the like. The gasket 280
can generally
define a gasket first lateral end 282, a gasket second lateral end 284
opposite the gasket first
lateral end 282, a gasket outer surface 286, and a gasket inner surface 288
opposite the gasket
outer surface 286. In some example aspects, the gasket 280 can define a gasket
length
extending generally from the gasket first lateral end 282 to the gasket second
lateral end 284
that can be greater than a gasket thickness extending generally from the
gasket inner surface
288 to the gasket outer surface 286. As shown, the gasket outer surface 286
can be configured
to engage the fitting inner surface 112 of the fitting body 110. The gasket
inner surface 288
can comprise one or more annular flanges 289 or annular ribs extending
substantially inward,
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relative to the fitting axis 122, and the annular flanges 289 can be
configured to engage the
outer surface 714 of the pipe 710. The annular flanges 289 can define a
substantially
triangular cross-section, as illustrated, or can define any other suitable
cross-section shape
known in the art. In other aspects, the flanges 289 may not be annular and may
instead define
an arcuate shape. In the present aspect, the fitting inner surface 112 can
define an annular
shoulder 214 extending radially inward, relative to the fitting axis 122, at
the second channel
region end 224, adjacent to the second channel region 230. The gasket second
lateral end 284
can abut the annular shoulder 214 to prevent the gasket 280 from moving past
the shoulder
214 and into the second channel region 230. The shoulder 214 can define an
annular shape in
the present aspect, though other aspects of the shoulder 214 may define any
other suitable
shape. In other aspects, the gasket 280 can be utilized in any other suitable
type of piping
element known in the art, including but not limited to, various types of
fittings, valves,
couplings, and the like, such as wide-range couplings, pipe ends, mechanical
joints, gate
valves, etc.
[0049]
In example aspects, the second channel region 230 of the channel 120 can
generally
define a first portion 236 proximate to the second fitting end 140 of the
fitting body 110 and a
second portion 238 extending between the first portion 236 and the second
channel region
end 234, as shown. According to example aspects, the fitting inner surface 112
can define
internal threading 216 along a length of the first portion 236, which can
extend generally
from the first channel region end 232 to the second portion 238. Thus, in the
present aspect,
the internal threading 216 does not span a full length of the second channel
legion 230, but in
other aspects, the internal threading 216 may fully span the second channel
region 230. In
example aspects, the internal threading 216 can be configured to engage
external threading
formed on the second piping component to connect the second piping component
to the pipe
fitting 100. In other aspects, however, the fitting inner surface 112 may not
define the internal
threading, and any other suitable connection technique can be implemented for
connecting
the second piping component to the pipe fitting 100. Furthermore, in other
aspects, the fitting
inner surface 112 may also or alternative define the internal threading 216 at
the first channel
region 220. As shown, the fitting inner surface 112 along a length of the
second portion 238
can define a substantially smooth surface. Furthermore, in the present aspect,
the fitting inner
surface 112 can define a shoulder 218 extending radially inward at a proximal
end 239 of the
second portion 238, relative to the fitting axis 122. As such, in example
aspects, a diameter of
the second portion 238 can be greater than a diameter of the first portion
236. In various
example aspects, the pipe 710 can be configured to extend through the first
channel region
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220 and into the second portion 238, as shown in Figure 7. The pipe 710 may
abut the
shoulder 218 to prohibit further advancement of the pipe 710 through the
channel 120. In
other aspects, the diameters of the first portion 236 and second portion 238
may be about
equal.
[00501 Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a rear perspective view and a
detail cross-sectional view
of the gasket 280, respectively. Example aspects of the gasket 280 can
comprise a
substantially cylindrical gasket body 382 defining the gasket first lateral
end 282, the gasket
second lateral end 284, the gasket outer surface 286, and the gasket inner
surface 288. In
some aspects, at least a first portion 385 of the gasket outer surface 286 can
be angled radially
inward in a first axial direction X. In other aspects, the first portion 385
may not be angled
radially inward and can be about parallel with the fitting axis 122 (shown in
Figure 1). As
shown, the gasket inner surface 288 can define a gasket opening 384
therethrough. The pipe
710 (shown in Figure 7) can be configured to extend through the gasket opening
384 when
the gasket 280 is assembled with the pipe fitting 100 (shown in Figure 2).
According to
example aspects, the gasket 280 can define a first lateral end chamfer 386 at
the gasket first
lateral end 282, i e , the gasket 280 can taper from the gasket outer surface
286 to the gasket
inner surface 288 at the gasket first lateral end 282. As shown, the first
lateral end chamfer
386 can be angled radially inward in a second axial direction Y, substantially
opposite the
first axial direction X. In other aspects, the gasket first lateral end 282
may not be angled and
can be about perpendicular to the fitting axis 122. In some example aspects,
the inwardly-
deflecting teeth 254 (shown in Figure 2) of the grip ring 250 (shown in Figure
2), which can
also be angled radially inward in the second axial direction Y, can be
configured to abut the
first lateral end chamfer 386 of the gasket 280, which may limit the outward
deflection of the
teeth 254. Furthermore, in some example aspects, the first lateral end chamfer
386 can aid in
guiding the first end 712 of the pipe 710 into and through the gasket opening
384, reducing
the likelihood of the first end 712 of the pipe 710 catching on the gasket
first lateral end 282
and compressing the gasket 280 between the pipe 710 and the shoulder 214.
[00511 The gasket inner surface 288 can further define a plurality of
the annular flanges 289
extending inward into the gasket opening 384, between the first lateral end
chamfer 386 and
the gasket second lateral end 284. Other aspects of the gasket 280 can define
more or fewer
flanges 289. In example aspects, each of the flanges 289 can be angled
radially inward
towards the gasket second lateral end 284 in the second axial direction Y. In
other aspects,
the flanges 289 may extend substantially radially inward (i.e., about
perpendicular to the
fitting axis 122), or may be angled towards the gasket first lateral end 282.
The flanges 289
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can be configured to aid in sealing the gasket 280 with the outer surface 714
(shown in Figure
7) of the pipe 710. The force of fluid flowing through the channel 120 (shown
in Figure 1) on
the gasket 280 can be focused at the tips of the flanges 289, thereby
increasing the sealing
pressure of the flanges 289 on the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710.
Furthermore, if a one of
the flanges 289 is scratched or nicked by a burr or other blemish of the pipe
710, the sealing
pressure of the other flanges 289 will be unaffected. As such, the flanges 289
can eliminate
the step of beveling the first end 712 of the pipe 710 prior to inserting the
pipe 710 into the
pipe fitting 100 (shown in Figure 1), which can be difficult and time-
consuming.
[0052] In the present aspect, the gasket inner surface 288 can also
define an inner surface
pocket 388 between an end one of the annular flanges 289a and the gasket
second lateral end
284, i.e., the gasket 280 can taper from the end flange 289a to the gasket
second lateral end
284. In the present aspect, the inner surface pocket 388 can be defined as a
chamfer. In other
aspects, the shape of the inner surface pocket 388 can vary. In example
aspects, the inner
surface pocket 388 can further aid in preventing the pipe 710 from catching on
the gasket
inner surface 288 proximate to the gasket second lateral end 284 and pulling
the gasket 280 in
the inward direction into the second channel region 230 (shown in Figure 2) of
the channel
120 (shown in Figure 2) as the pipe 710 is inserted through the channel 120.
In example
aspects, the inner surface pocket 388 can also aid in preventing the pipe 710
from catching on
the gasket inner surface 288 proximate to the gasket second lateral end 284
and pulling the
gasket 280 towards the first fitting end 130 as the pipe 710 in drawn in the
outward direction.
Moreover, in some aspects, the inner surface pocket 388 can allow water, or
another fluid
received in the channel 120 to press the gasket 280 into the fitting inner
surface 112, which
can aid in compressing the gasket 280. For example, in some aspects, fluid
from the first
piping component 705 (shown in Figure 7), e.g., the pipe 710, or the second
piping
component may leak into the channel 120 and press against the inner surface
pocket 388.
[00531 Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the grip ring 250,
according to an example
aspect. Example aspects of the grip ring 250 can be formed from a metal
material, such as,
for example, steel, and specifically stainless steel in some aspects.
Moreover, aspects of the
grip ring comprising stainless steel can be formed from a high gauge stainless
steel (e.g., can
define a high thickness). The metal material of the grip ring 250 can define a
strength
sufficient for gripping pipes/tubes of varying materials, including both metal
and plastic
pipes/tubing, such as the metal pipe 710 shown in Figure 7. In other aspects,
the grip ring 250
can be formed from other metal materials, plastics, composites, or any other
material known
in the art having suitable strength for gripping pipes and tubing of varying
materials. As
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shown, the grip ring 250 can define the ring body 252, which can be
substantially C-shaped
in the present aspect. As such, the grip ring 250 can define a grip ring first
end 456 and a grip
ring second end 458, wherein a gap 459 can be formed between the grip ring
first and second
ends 456,458. Furthermore, the ring body 252 can define a ring body first
lateral end 452 and
an opposite ring body second lateral end 454. A grip ring opening 462 can be
substantially
defined by a ring body inner surface 460 of the ring body 252, and can extend
from the ring
body first lateral end 452 to the ring body second lateral end 454. The first
end 712 (shown in
Figure 7) of the pipe 710 can be configured to extend through the grip ring
opening 462 when
the grip ring 250 is assembled with the pipe fitting 100 (shown in Figure 1).
[00541 As shown, each of the teeth 254 can extend inward from the ring
body second lateral
end 454. Each of the teeth 254 can be oriented at an angle 0 relative to the
ring body 252,
which in some aspects can be an obtuse angle. For example, in the present
aspect, the angle 0
between the teeth 254 and the ring body 252 can be about 135 . In other
aspects, the angle 0
can be greater or less than 135 . Furthermore, as shown, a tooth slot 464 can
be defined
between each adjacent pair of teeth 254, and in some aspects, the tooth slot
464 can extend
into the ring body 252, as shown In the present aspect, each of the teeth 254
can define a
substantially rectangular shape, such as a square, as shown. A distal
engagement edge 466 of
each tooth 254 can be configured to bite into the outer surface 714 (shown in
Figure 7) of the
pipe 710 to retain the pipe 710 within the channel 120 (shown in Figure 1), as
described in
further detail below. A thickness or sharpness of the distal engagement edges
466 of the teeth
254 can be selected based on preferred bite strength. In other aspects, the
teeth 254 can define
any other suitable shape, such as triangular, or can define varying shapes
and/or sizes.
Furthermore, because the teeth 254 extend inward and away from the ring body
252, in
example aspects, as shown, a diameter of the grip ring opening 462 at the
distal engagement
edges 466 of the teeth 254 can be less than a diameter of the grip ring
opening 462 at the ring
body 252.
[00551 Figure 5 illustrates the guide ring 260, according to example
aspects. In the present
aspect, the guide ring 260 can be formed from a plastic material. Plastic
materials can be
more pliable and less costly than some metal materials. However, other aspects
of the guide
ring 260 can be formed from any other suitable material known in the art, such
as metals,
composites, and the like. As shown, the guide ring 260 of the present aspect
can be
substantially C-shaped. As such, the guide ring 260 can define a guide ring
first end 562 and
a guide ring second end 564, wherein a gap 565 can be formed between the guide
ring first
and second ends 562,564. Example aspects of the guide ring 260 can further
define the guide
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ring first lateral end 262, the guide ring second lateral end 264, the guide
outer surface 266,
and the guide inner surface 268. The guide outer surface 266 can be configured
to engage the
fitting inner surface 112 (shown in Figure 1) of the fitting body 110 (shown
in Figure 1). The
guide inner surface 268 can define a guide ring opening 566, which can extend
from the
guide ring first lateral end 262 to the guide ring second lateral end 264. The
first end 712
(shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710 (shown in Figure 7) can be configured to
extend through
the guide ring opening 566 when the guide ring 260 is assembled with the pipe
fitting 100
(shown in Figure 1), and in some aspects, the guide inner surface 268 can
engage the outer
surface 714 (shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710. Each of the guide outer
surface 266 and
guide inner surface 268 can be substantially smooth in example aspects to
allow the guide
outer surface 266 to slide easily along the fitting inner surface 112 and to
allow the guide
inner surface 268 to slide easily along the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710.
[0056] According to example aspects, the arcuate guide slot 270 can be
defined between the
guide outer surface 266 and the guide inner surface 268, and can extend from
the guide ring
first end 562 to the guide ring second end 564 circumferentially around the
guide ring 260. In
other aspects, the arcuate guide slot 270 may not extend fully between the
guide ring first and
second ends 562,564 The arcuate guide slot 270 can extend substantially in the
axial
direction, relative to the fitting axis 122, from the guide ring second
lateral end 264 toward
the guide ring first lateral end 262. Thus, a slot opening 570 of the guide
slot 270 can be
defined at the guide ring second lateral end 264. In some aspects, an outer
thickness of the
guide ling 260 defined between the guide outer surface 266 and the guide slot
270 can be less
than an inner thickness of the guide ring 260 defined between the guide inner
surface 268 and
the guide slot 270. However, in other aspects, the outer thickness can be
greater than or about
equal to the inner thickness.
[0057] Figure 6 illustrates the grip ring 250 assembled with the guide
ring 260, according to
an example aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the grip ring 250 and
guide ring 260 can
together define the engagement assembly 150. Example aspects of the engagement
assembly
150 can be configured to move within the channel 120 (shown in Figure 1). For
example, in
the present aspect, the engagement assembly 150 is configured for sliding
movement within
the channel 120, as described in further detail below. As shown, the ring body
252 of the grip
ring 250 can be inserted into the guide slot 270 of the guide ring 260 at the
slot opening 570
at the guide ring second lateral end 264. The teeth 254 of the grip ring 250
can extend
substantially inward, relative to the fitting axis 122, and away from the
guide ring second
lateral end 264. In some aspects, the distal engagement edges 466 of the teeth
254 can extend
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inward past the guide inner surface 268 of the guide ring 260, such that the
diameter of the
grip ring opening 462 at the distal engagement edges 466 of the teeth 254 can
be less than a
diameter of the guide ring opening 566.
[00581 Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the first end 712 of the pipe 710
inserted through the first
fitting opening 132 of the fitting body 110 in the inward direction and
received within the
channel 120. In example aspects, the pipe fitting 100 and the pipe 710 can
together define a
pipe fitting assembly 700. Referring to Figure 7, in the present aspect, the
pipe 710 can
extend through the first channel region 220 and into the second portion 238 of
the second
channel region 230. According to some example aspects, a peripheral edge 716
of the pipe
710 may be configured to abut the shoulder 218 to prohibit further advancement
of the pipe
710 through the channel 120 and into the first portion 236 of the second
channel region 230.
Furthermore, as shown, the portion of the pipe 710 extending through the first
channel region
220 can be configured to extend through the guide ring opening 566, the grip
ring opening
462, and the gasket opening 384 of the corresponding guide ring 260, grip ring
250, and
gasket 280, respectively, as described in additional detail with respect to
Figure 8.
[0059] Referring to Figure 8, a detail view of the engagement assembly
150 (i e , the guide
ring 260 and grip ring 250) and the gasket 280 engaging the outer surface 714
of the pipe 710
is illustrated, wherein the engagement assembly 150 is in a first engagement
position. As
shown, when the first end 712 (shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710 is inserted
through the
channel 120, the guide inner surface 268 of the guide ring 260 can abut the
outer surface 714
of the pipe 710. In oilier aspects, the guide inner surface 268 may not
initially abut the outer
surface 714 of the pipe 710, but may engage the outer surface 714 as the
engagement
assembly 150 slides along the tapered region 212 towards the first fitting end
130 (shown in
Figure 1). In some aspects, the guide slot 270 defined between the guide inner
surface 268
and guide outer surface 266 may allow the guide inner surface 268 to deflect
slightly relative
to the guide outer surface 266 as the guide ring 260 is sandwiched between the
fitting body
110 and the pipe 710. Furthermore, the distal engagement edges 466 of the
teeth 254 can
engage the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710 and may be deflected slightly
outward relative to
the fitting axis 122 (shown in Figure 1) to allow the pipe 710 to further
advance through the
channel 120. As the teeth 254 deflect outward, the ring body 252 of the grip
ring 250 can
remain static due to the engagement of the ring body 252 with the arcuate
guide slot 270 of
the guide ring 260. As the pipe 710 biases the teeth 254 to deflect outward,
the teeth 254 can
apply a force to the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710 and the distal
engagement edges 466
can press against the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710. In some aspects, the
teeth 254 may
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deflect only minimally or not at all, and pipe 710 can be compressed (i.e., a
diameter of the
pipe 710 can be reduced) under the force applied by the teeth 254, as shown in
Figure 9. The
annular flanges 289 of the gasket inner surface 288 can also engage and be
compressed by the
outer surface 714 of the pipe 710, to form a fluid-tight seal between the pipe
710 and the
gasket 280. However, the inner surface pocket 388 defined by the gasket inner
surface 288
can taper away from the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710, preventing the pipe
710 from
engaging the gasket inner surface 288 at the inner surface pocket 388 and thus
reducing the
likelihood that the pipe 710 will catch on the gasket inner surface 288
proximate to the gasket
second lateral end 284 and pull the gasket 280 into the second channel region
230. The gasket
second lateral end 284 can abut the shoulder 214 defined by the fitting inner
surface 112 to
further prevent the gasket 280 from being pulled into the second channel
region 230.
[00601 According to example aspects, to increase the grip of the teeth
254 on the outer
surface 714 of the pipe 710, the pipe 710 can be pulled in the reverse outward
direction,
towards the first fitting opening 132 (shown in Figure 1). In some aspects,
the pipe 710 can
be held in tension, which can draw the pipe 710 in the reverse outward
direction. As
described above, when the first end 712 of the pipe 710 is inserted into the
channel 120 in the
inward direction, the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710 can deflect the teeth
254 of the grip
ring 250 outward, relative to the fitting axis 122, and in turn, the distal
engagement edges 466
of the teeth 254 can press into and grip the outer surface 714 As the pipe 710
is then drawn
toward the first fitting end 130 in the outward direction, the distal
engagement edges 466 of
the teeth 254 can remain engaged with the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710,
and the teeth
254 can be deflected inward, relative to the fitting axis 122, such that the
distal engagement
edges 466 of the teeth 254 can bite even deeper into the outer surface 714.
Furthermore, the
grip ring 250 and the guide ring 260 can define the slidable engagement
assembly 150, which
can be configured to slide within the channel 120 as the pipe 710 is drawn
towards the first
fitting end 130 in the outward direction. For example, the slidable engagement
assembly 150
can be oriented in at least the first engagement position, as shown in the
present Figure 8, and
a second engagement position, as shown in Figure 9. In the first engagement
position, the
pipe 710 can be inserted into the channel 120 through the first fitting end
130 in the inward
direction and the engagement assembly 150 can abut or be oriented proximate to
the gasket
280, as shown. In the second engagement position, the pipe 710 can be moved in
the reverse,
outward direction, and the engagement assembly 150 engaged with the outer
surface 714 of
the pipe 710 can slide away from the gasket 280 towards the first fitting end
130 along with
the pipe 710.
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[00611 Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting
100, wherein the pipe 710
(shown in Figure 7) has been removed for visibility of the interior components
of the pipe
fitting 100. The engagement assembly 150 comprising the grip ring 250 and the
guide ring
260 is shown in the second engagement position. According to example aspects,
as the pipe
710 in drawn in the outward direction, the teeth 254 can deflect inward to
bite further into the
outer surface 714 (shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710, securing the grip ring
250 to the pipe
710. As such, the engagement assembly 150 can be drawn towards the first
fitting end 130 in
the outward direction along with the pipe 710. As described above, in example
aspects, the
tapered region 212 of the fitting inner surface 112 can taper (i.e., the
diameter of the channel
120 can be gradually reduced) towards the first fitting end 130. Therefore, as
the pipe 710
pulls the engagement assembly 150 towards the first fitting end 130, the
narrowing diameter
of the fitting inner surface 112 can press the engagement assembly 150 into
deepening
engagement with the pipe 710, thereby increasing the grip of the teeth 254 on
the outer
surface 714 and further securing the first end 712 (shown in Figure 7) of the
pipe 710 within
the channel 120. As previously described, in some aspects, the guide slot 270
defined
between the guide inner surface 268 and guide outer surface 266 may allow the
guide inner
surface 268 to deflect relative to the guide outer surface 266, further
facilitating the sliding of
the engagement assembly 150 into the narrowing diameter of the channel 120
Additionally,
in some aspects, as the pipe 710 is held in tension or otherwise pulled in the
outward
direction, the pipe 710 can stretch and a diameter of the pipe 710 can be
reduced. As the
diameter of the pipe 710 is reduced, the engagement of the teeth 254 with
outer surface 714
of the pipe 710 may lessen, allowing the pipe 710 to be drawn further out of
the channel 120
in the outward direction. However, as described above, the engagement assembly
150 can be
drawn towards the first fitting end 130 along with the pipe 710, and the
narrowing diameter
of the fitting inner surface 112 can again force the engagement assembly 150
into a deeper
engagement with the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710, thereby re-securing the
first end 712
of the pipe 710 within the channel 120.
[00621 As shown in Figure 10, in some aspects, the fitting inner
surface 112 can define an
annular retaining lip 1010 extending radially inward, relative to the fitting
axis 122, at the
first fitting end 130 of the fitting body 110. The annular retaining lip 1010
can decrease the
diameter of the first fitting opening 132, as compared to the fitting body 110
shown in
Figures 1, 2, and 7-9. As such, the annular retaining lip 1010 can decrease a
clearance
between the fitting inner surface 112 and the pipe 710 (shown in Figure 7) at
the first fitting
end 130, which can aid in retaining the guide ring 260 and grip ring 250
within the channel
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120, preventing the guide ring 260 and grip ring 250 from escaping the channel
120 through
the first fitting opening 132. In some aspects, the annular retaining lip 1010
can be
monolithically formed with the fitting body 110 and can comprise the same
material as the
fitting body 110. For example, in the present aspect, like the fitting body
110, the annular
retaining lip 1010 can comprise a brass material. In other aspects, the
annular retaining lip
1010 may not be monolithically formed with the fitting body 110 and/or may not
comprise
the same material as the fitting body 110. Additionally, while the retaining
lip 1010 is formed
at the first fitting end 130 in the present aspect, in other aspects, the
retaining lip 1010 may be
formed at any suitable location on the fitting inner surface 112 between the
engagement
assembly 150 and the first fitting end 130. In further example aspects, the
pipe fitting 100
may define a retaining projection(s) in place of the annular retaining lip
1010.
[00631
Figure 11 illustrates the pipe fitting 100 according to another example
aspect of the
present disclosure. In the present aspect, the pipe fitting 100 comprises the
fitting body 110
defining the fitting outer surface 114 and the fitting inner surface 112. The
fitting inner
surface 112 defines the channel 120 through the fitting body 110, and the
channel 120 defines
the first channel region 220 and the second channel region 230 The second
channel region
230 can be substantially similar to the second channel region 230 shown in the
aspect of
Figures 2 and 7-9 and the aspect of Figure 10. As shown, the gasket 280 can be
oriented
within the first channel region 220 proximate to the second channel region 230
and can abut
the shoulder 214. The gasket inner surface 288 can define the annular flanges
289 configured
to engage and create a fluid-tight seal with the outer surface 714 (shown in
Figure 7) of the
pipe 710 (shown in Figure 7). In the present aspect, the grip ring 250 can
also be oriented
within the first channel region 220 between the gasket 280 and the first
fitting opening 132
and can define the teeth 254 configured to grip the outer surface 714 of the
pipe 710. In some
aspects, the pipe fitting 100 may not comprise the guide ring 260 (shown in
Figure 2) and
alternative mechanisms can be provided for retaining the grip ring 250 within
the channel
120. For example, in the present aspect, the fitting inner surface 112 can
define a shoulder
1110 extending radially inward, relative to the fitting axis 122, between the
grip ring 250 and
the first fitting opening 132. As such, the fitting inner surface 112 can
define an inner surface
groove 1120 between the shoulder 214 and the shoulder 1110. In some example
aspects, the
fitting inner surface 112 can define a minimum thickness Ti of the fitting
body 110 at the
inner surface groove 1120. That is to say, the thickness Ti of the fitting
body 110 at the inner
surface groove 1120 can be less than a thickness T2 of the fitting body 110 at
any point
outside of the inner surface groove 1120. As one particular example, the
thickness Ti of the
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fitting body 110 at the inner surface groove 1120 can be less than the
thickness T2 of the
fitting body 110 at the second portion 238. As shown, the grip ring 250 can be
configured to
abut the shoulder 1110 to prohibit movement of the grip ring 250 towards the
first fitting end
130, and such that the gasket 280 and the grip ring 250 can span the inner
surface groove
1120 and can be retained therein between the pair of shoulders 214,1110.
[00641 Figure 12 illustrates the grip ring 250 according to another
example aspect of the
present disclosure. The present grip ring 250 can be formed from a metal
material, such as,
for example, stainless steel, and may be formed from a high gauge stainless
steel, as
described above. Other aspects of the grip ring 250 can be formed from other
metal materials,
plastics, composites, or any other material known in the art having suitable
strength for
gripping pipes and tubing of varying materials. As shown, the grip ring 250
can define the
substantially C-shaped ring body 252, which can define the grip ring first end
456 and the
opposing grip ring second end 458. The gap 459 can be defined between the grip
ring first
and second ends 456,458. The grip ring 250 can further define the grip ring
opening 462
through which the first end 712 (shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710 (shown in
Figure 7) can
extend As shown, the ring body 252 can define the ring body first lateral end
452 and the
ring body second lateral end 454, with the teeth 254 extending from the ring
body second
lateral end 454. In the present aspect, the ring body 252 can define an
arcuate first section
1252 formed at or near the ring body first lateral end 452 and an arcuate
second section 1254
formed at or near the ring body second lateral end 454. Each of the first and
second sections
1252,1254 can be substantially C-shaped and can extend from the grip ring
first end 456 to
the grip ring second end 458. In the present aspect, the first and second
sections 1252,1254
can be joined together along their lengths and can be monolithically formed as
a singular
component. In other aspects, the first and second sections 1252,1254 may be
separately
formed. According to example aspects, the first section 1252 can be angled
outward from the
second section 1254, as shown, such that an obtuse angle can be defined
between the first and
second sections. For example, the first section 1252 can be bent relative to
the second section
1254 at a bend line 1256. However, in other aspects, the first section 1252
may not be angled
relative to the second section 1254. According to example aspects, the angle
between first
section 1252 and second section 1254 can create an interference fit between
the ring body
252 and the guide slot 270 (shown in Figure 13), thus improving the hold of
the grip ring 250
on the guide ring 260 (shown in Figure 13).
[0065] In example aspects, each of the teeth 254 can be joined with
the ring body second
lateral end 454 at a proximal edge 1266 thereof, and can extend substantially
radially inward
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from the ring body 252. The proximal edge 1266 of each tooth 254 can be
oriented
substantially opposite the corresponding distal engagement edge 466 of the
tooth 254. For
example, each of the teeth 254 can be oriented at the angle 0 relative to the
ring body 252,
which can be about 90 (i.e., about a right angle) in the present aspect. In
other aspects, as
described above, the teeth 254 may be oriented at an obtuse angle relative to
the ring body
252, or can be oriented at an acute angle in still other aspects. A one of the
tooth slots 464 can
be defined between each adjacent pair of teeth 254, and in some aspects, the
tooth slot 464
may extend into the ring body 252. In the present aspect, each of the teeth
254 can be
substantially trapezoidal in shape, as shown. For example, each of the teeth
254 may
substantially define an isosceles triangle shape, wherein each of the teeth
254 can define a
width Wi at its distal engagement edge 466 that can be greater than a width W2
at its
proximal edge 1266. Moreover, each of the proximal edge 1266 and distal
engagement edge
466 of each tooth 254 can be curved in the present aspect. For example, as
shown, the distal
engagement edge 466 can define a concave curve arcing toward the ring body
252. The
curved distal engagement edges 466 of the teeth 254 can be configured to
better conform to
the curved outer surface 714 (shown in Figure 7) of the pipe 710, as the teeth
254 bite into the
outer surface 714. Furthermore, as described above, a thickness or sharpness
of the distal
engagement edges 466 of the teeth 254 can be selected based on preferred bite
strength.
Additionally, in other aspects, the teeth 254 can define any other suitable
shape and/or size,
and/or the distal engagement edges 466 and/or proximal edges 1266 thereof may
not be
curved.
[0066] Figure 13 illustrates the grip ring 250 of Figure 12 assembled
with the guide ring 260,
according to an example aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the grip
ring 250 and guide
ring 260 can together define the engagement assembly 150. The ring body 252 of
the grip
ring 250 can be inserted into the guide slot 270 of the guide ring 260 at the
guide ring second
lateral end 264. The teeth 254 of the grip ring 250 can extend substantially
radially inward
and away from the guide ring 260 at the guide ring second lateral end 264. The
distal
engagement edges 466 of the teeth 254 can extend radially inward past the
guide inner
surface 268 of the guide ring 260, such that the diameter of the grip ring
opening 462 at the
distal engagement edges 466 of the teeth 254 can be less than a diameter of
the guide ring
opening 566.
[0067] Figure 14 illustrates the engagement assembly 150 (i.e., the
guide ring 260 and grip
ring 250) and the gasket 280 received in the channel 120 of the pipe fitting
100. The
engagement assembly 150 is illustrated in both the first engagement position,
as indicated by
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"A", and the second engagement position, as indicated by "B". As described
above, in the
first engagement position A, the pipe 710 can be inserted into the channel 120
through the
first fitting end 130 in the inward direction and the engagement assembly 150
can abut or be
oriented proximate to the gasket 280, as shown. In the second engagement
position B, the
pipe 710 can be moved in the reverse, outward direction, and the engagement
assembly 150
can slide away from the gasket 280 towards the first fitting end 130 along
with the pipe 710.
More specifically, according to example aspects, the distal engagement edges
466 of the teeth
254 can grip the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710 in the first engagement
position A. As the
pipe 710 is drawn in the outward direction, the engagement assembly 150 can
slide along the
tapered region 212 of the fitting inner surface 112 towards the first fitting
end 130 of the
fitting body 110. In some aspects, portions of the engagement assembly 150 can
be
compressed or flexed as it is slid towards the second engagement position B to
accommodate
the decreasing diameter of the channel 120. For example, in some aspects, the
corresponding
gaps 459,565 (shown in Figures 12 and 13, respectively) formed in the grip
ring 250 and
guide ring 260, respectively, may allow the grip ring 250 and guide ring 260
to be
compressed radially inward Additionally, in the present aspect, the teeth 254
can
increasingly press into the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710 as the
engagement assembly 150
moves towards the second engagement position B, and the pipe 710 can be
deflected or
compressed inward by the teeth 254, thereby reducing the diameter of the pipe
at the teeth
254 As shown, the teeth 254 can remain about perpendicular to the pipe 710 as
the teeth 254
deflect the pipe 710 inward. In other aspects, the teeth 254 of the grip ling
250 may be
deflected slightly outward relative to the fitting axis 122 as the teeth 254
bite into the pipe
710, as described above. As the pipe 710 biases the teeth 254 to deflect
outward, the teeth
254 can apply an increasing force to the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710,
thereby increasing
the grip of the grip ring 250 on the pipe 710. Moreover, in the present
aspect, the annular
retaining lip 1010 can be provided at the first fitting end 130 of the fitting
body 110 to
decrease a clearance between the fitting inner surface 112 and the pipe 710.
The retaining lip
1010 can aid in retaining the guide ring 260 and grip ring 250 within the
channel 120. In
some aspects, the retaining lip 1010 can define the shoulder 1110, and the
engagement
assembly 150 can abut the shoulder 1110 in the second engagement position B,
as shown.
[0068] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the grip ring 250 according to
another example aspect of
the present disclosure. The grip ring 250 can be formed from a metal material,
such as, for
example, stainless steel, and may be formed from a high gauge stainless steel,
as described
above. Other aspects of the grip ring 250 can be formed from other metal
materials, plastics,
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composites, or any other material known in the art having suitable strength
for gripping pipes
and tubing of varying materials. In the present aspect, the grip ring 250 can
define the
substantially C-shaped ring body 252, but does not define the plurality of
teeth 254 (shown in
Figure 2) extending therefrom. The ring body 252 can define the grip ring
first end 456 and
the opposing grip ring second end 458, and the gap 459 can be defined
therebetween. The
ring body 252 can further define the ring body first lateral end 452 and the
ring body second
lateral end 454. The grip ring opening 462 can extend centrally through the
grip ring 250
from the ring body first lateral end 452 to the ring body second lateral end
454. A grip ring
axis 1560 can extend centrally through the grip ring opening 462, as shown.
Additionally, in
the present aspect, the ring body 252 can be angled radially inward from the
ring body first
lateral end 452 to the ring body second lateral end 454, relative to the grip
ring axis 1560,
such that a diameter of the grip ring 250 can taper from the ring body first
lateral end 452 to
the ring body second lateral end 454. Thus, the ring body 252 can be
substantially
frustoconical in shape.
[0069] An arcuate proximal edge 1562 can be defined at the ring body
first lateral end 452
and can extend generally between the grip ring first and second ends 456,458,
and an arcuate
distal engagement edge 1564 can be defined at the ring body second lateral end
454 and can
extend generally between the grip ring first and second ends 456,458. The
distal engagement
edge 1564 can be configured to bite or press into the outer surface 714 (shown
in Figure 18)
of the pipe 710 (shown in Figure 18), as described in further detail below. In
some aspects, a
first notch 1566a can extend into the distal engagement edge 1564 proximate to
the grip ring
first end 456, and a second notch 1566b can extend into the distal engagement
edge 1564
proximate to the grip ring second end 458. In the present aspect, the first
and second notches
1566a,b are not functional, but rather can serve as a visual indicator to
distinguish the grip
ring 250 from other grip rings, such as grip rings of a differing size,
material, etc. Example
aspects of the grip ring 250 can further define a first retainer tab 1568a
extending from the
grip ring first end 456 into the gap 459 at the ring body first lateral end
452, as shown.
Similarly, the grip ring 250 can define a second retainer tab 1568b extending
from the grip
ring second end 458 into the gap 459 at the ring body first lateral end 452.
In example
aspects, each of the first and second retainer tabs 1568a,b can be partially
defined by the
arcuate proximal edge 1562. As shown, the first and second retainer tabs
1568a,b can extend
generally towards one another, and in some aspects, the first and second
retainer tabs 1568a,b
can be angled radially outward from the frustoconical ring body 252, relative
to the grip ring
axis 1560, as best shown in Figure 16. Each of the first and second retainer
tabs 1568a,b can
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engage the guide ring 260 (shown in Figure 17) to secure the grip ring 250
thereto, as
described in further detail below.
[0070] Figure 17 illustrates the guide ring 260 according to another
example aspect of the
present disclosure. Example aspects of the guide ring 260 can be formed from a
plastic
material. However, other aspects of the guide ring 260 can be formed from any
other suitable
material known in the art, such as metals, composites, and the like. The guide
ring 260 of the
present aspect can be substantially C-shaped and can define a guide ring first
end 562, the
guide ring second end 564, and the gap 565 formed therebetween. The guide ring
260 can
further define the guide ring first lateral end 262, the guide ring second
lateral end 264, the
guide outer surface 266, and the guide inner surface 268. The guide inner
surface 268 can
define the guide ring opening 566, which can extend from the guide ring first
lateral end 262
to the guide ring second lateral end 264. A guide ring axis 1760 an extend
centrally through
the guide ring opening 566. As described above, the pipe 710 (shown in Figure
18) can
extend through the guide ring opening 566, and the guide inner surface 268 can
slide along
the outer surface 714 (shown in Figure 18) of the pipe 710.
[0071] According to example aspects, the arcuate guide slot 270 can be
defined between the
guide outer surface 266 and the guide inner surface 268. The guide slot 270
can extend into
the guide ring 260 generally in a direction from the guide ring second lateral
end 264 towards
the guide ring first lateral end 264. As described above, the guide slot 270
can be configured
to receive the ring body first lateral end 452 (shown in Figure 15) of the
grip ring 250 (shown
in Figure 15). In the present aspect, the slot opening 570 of guide slot 270
can be axially
offset from the guide ring second lateral end 264, such that the slot opening
570 can be
defined between the guide ring first and second lateral ends 262,264. In some
aspects, the
arcuate guide slot 270 can be angled radially inward, relative to the guide
ring axis 1760, in a
direction generally towards the guide ring second lateral end 264 to
substantially match the
radially inward angle of the ring body 252, which is best shown in Figures 18
and 19. In
example aspects of the guide ring 260, the guide inner surface 268 can define
a retainer
protrusion 1768 extending substantially radially inward at or adjacent to each
of the guide
ring first and second ends 562,564, proximate to the guide ring second lateral
end 264. Each
of the first and second retainer tabs 1568a,b (shown in Figure 15) of the grip
ring 250 can
engage a corresponding one of the retainer protrusions 1768 to retain the grip
ring 250 within
the guide slot 270, thereby securing the grip ring 250 to the guide ring 260.
[0072] Figure 18 illustrates the grip ring 250 and the guide ring 260,
which together can
define the engagement assembly 150, assembled within the first channel region
220 of the
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channel 120 of the pipe fitting 100. The grip ring axis 1560 and the guide
ring axis 1760 can
be substantially coaxial with the fitting axis 122. The gasket 280 can also
assembled within
the first channel region 220. The first end 712 of the pipe 710 can be
inserted through the first
fitting opening 132 of the fitting body 110 in the inward direction and
received within the
channel 120. The pipe fitting 100 and the pipe 710 can together define the
pipe fitting
assembly 700. The pipe 710 can extend through the first channel region 220 and
into the
second portion 238 of the second channel region 230. According to some example
aspects,
the peripheral edge 716 of the pipe 710 may be configured to abut the shoulder
218 to
prohibit further advancement of the pipe 710 through the channel 120 and into
the first
portion 236 of the second channel region 230.
[0073] The first end 712 of the pipe 710 can be received through the
guide ring opening 566
(shown in Figure 17) of the guide ring 260, the grip ring opening 462 (shown
in Figure 15) of
the grip ring 250, and the gasket opening 384 (shown in Figure 3A) of the
gasket 280. As
described above, the ring body 252 of the grip ring 250 can be angled inward
from the ring
body first lateral end 452 to the ring body second lateral end 454. In some
aspects, the ring
body 252 can be angled radially inward at an angle of between about 50 and 45
In some
aspects, the ring body 252 can be angled radially inward at an angle of
between about 150
and 20 . A first portion 1852 of the ring body 252 at the ring body first
lateral end 452 can be
received within the guide slot 270 of the guide ring 260, and a second portion
1854 of the
ring body 252 at the second lateral end 454 can extend beyond and be disposed
external to
the guide slot 270. Similar to the distal engagement edges 466 (shown in
Figure 4) of the
teeth 254 (shown in Figure 2), the distal engagement edge 1564 formed at the
ring body
second lateral end 454 can engage the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710. As
described above,
the engagement assembly 150 can be slid towards the first fitting end 130 of
the fitting body
110 to sandwich the engagement assembly 150 between the pipe 710 and the
tapered region
212 of the fitting inner surface 112. Sandwiching the engagement assembly 150
between the
pipe 710 and the tapered region 212 can increasingly press the distal
engagement edge 1564
of the grip ring 250 into the outer surface 714 of the pipe 710, improving the
grip of the grip
ring 250 on the pipe 710 and retaining the pipe 710 within the channel 120 of
the pipe fitting
100.
[0074] Figure 19 illustrates a detail cross-sectional view of the
first channel region 220,
wherein the pipe 710 is removed for full visibility of the engagement assembly
150 and the
gasket 280. As shown, when the grip ring 250 is assembled with the guide ring
260, the ring
body first lateral end 452 can be received within the guide slot 270 of the
guide ring 260,
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which can prohibit movement of the grip ring 250 towards the guide ring first
lateral end 262.
Furthermore, the retainer protrusions 1768 of the guide ring 260 can be
disposed axially
between the first and second retainer tabs 1568a,b (second retainer tab 1568b
shown in
Figure 15) of the grip ring 250 and the guide ring second lateral end 264, and
the first and
second retainer tabs 1568a,b can catch on the corresponding retainer
protrusions 1768 to
prohibit movement of the grip ring 250 towards the guide ring second lateral
end 264. The
grip ring 250 can thereby be secured to the guide ring 260 and can be
prevented from
disengaging the guide slot 270.
[0075]
In one exemplary aspect, a pipe fitting can comprise a fitting body
defining an inner
surface, an outer surface, a first fitting end, and a second fitting end. The
inner surface can
define a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting
end, and a portion of
the inner surface can define a tapered region tapering towards the first
fitting end. The pipe
fitting can further comprise an engagement assembly comprising a metal grip
ring received in
the channel. The metal grip ring can define a substantially frustoconical ring
body, the ring
body can define a diameter that tapers from a first lateral end of the ring
body to a second
lateral end of the ring body, and the engagement assembly can be configured to
slide along
the tapered region.
[00761
In a further exemplary aspect, the pipe fitting can further comprise a
guide ring. The
metal grip ring can engage the guide ring, the guide ring and metal grip ring
can together
define the engagement assembly, and the guide ring can define a tapered guide
outer surface
configured to slide along the tapered legion. In a further exemplaiy aspect,
the guide ling can
further define a guide inner surface, a guide slot can be defined between the
tapered guide
outer surface and the guide inner surface, and the ring body of the metal grip
ring can engage
the guide slot. In a further exemplary aspect, the guide ring can be
substantially C-shaped, the
guide ring can define a guide ring first end and a guide ring second end, and
a first gap can be
formed between the guide ring first end and guide ring second end. The metal
grip ring can
be substantially C-shaped, the metal grip ring can define a grip ring first
end and a grip ring
second end, and a second gap can be formed between the grip ring first end and
the grip ring
second end. In a further exemplary aspect, the guide ring can define a
retainer protrusion
adjacent to the guide ring first end, the metal grip ring can define a
retainer tab extending
from the grip ring first end, and the retainer tab can engage the retainer
protrusion to secure
the metal grip ring to the guide ring. In a further exemplary aspect, the
channel can define a
first channel region that is proximate to the first fitting end and a second
channel region that
is proximate to the second fitting end, and the metal grip ring can be
received within the first
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channel region. In a further exemplary aspect, the pipe fitting can further
comprise a gasket.
The gasket can define a gasket inner surface and a gasket outer surface, the
gasket outer
surface can engage the inner surface of the fitting body, and the gasket inner
surface can
define at least one flange extending inward into the channel. In a further
exemplary aspect,
the gasket can further define a gasket first lateral end and a gasket second
lateral end, the
inner surface of the fitting body can define a shoulder, and the gasket second
lateral end can
be configured to abut the shoulder to retain the gasket in the first channel
region. In a further
exemplary aspect, the gasket inner surface can extend from the gasket first
lateral end to the
gasket second lateral end, and the gasket inner surface can define an inner
surface pocket
between the at least one flange and the gasket second lateral end. In a
further exemplary
aspect, the fitting body can define a retaining lip extending radially inward
at the first fitting
end. In a further exemplary aspect, an arcuate distal engagement edge can be
defined at the
second lateral end of the ring body, and the arcuate distal engagement edge
can be configured
to engage an outer surface of a pipe.
[0077] In another exemplary aspect, an engagement assembly can
comprise a grip ring
defining a substantially C-shaped ring body The ring body can define a grip
ring first end
and a grip ring second end. A retainer tab can extend from the grip ring first
end. The
engagement assembly can further comprise a substantially C-shaped guide ring.
The guide
ring can define a guide ring first end, a guide ring second end, and a guide
slot. A first portion
of the ring body can be received in the guide slot. A retainer protrusion can
extend from the
guide ling and can be disposed adjacent to the guide ring first end. The
retainer tab can
engage the retainer protrusion to retain the first portion of the ring body
within the guide slot.
[0078] In a further exemplary aspect, the ring body can further define
a first lateral end and a
second lateral end, the first portion of the ring body can define the first
lateral end, and a
diameter of the grip ring can taper from the first lateral end to the second
lateral end. In a
further exemplary aspect, the ring body can be angled radially inward relative
to a grip ring
axis of the grip ring from the first lateral end to the second lateral end.
The ring body can be
angled radially inward at an angle of between about 5 and 45 . In a further
exemplary
aspect, the ring body can further define a second portion disposed external to
the guide slot.
The second portion can define the second lateral end, and an arcuate distal
engagement edge
can be defined at the second lateral end. In a further exemplary aspect, the
guide ring can
define an inner surface and an outer surface, the guide slot can extend into
the guide ring
between the inner surface and the outer surface, and the retainer protrusion
can extend
radially inward from the inner surface. In a further exemplary aspect, the
guide ring can
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define a first lateral end and a second lateral end, the retainer protrusion
can be oriented
proximate to the second lateral end, and the retainer tab can be disposed
between the retainer
protrusion and the first lateral end of the guide ring. In a further exemplary
aspect, the guide
slot can extend from a slot opening towards the first lateral end of the guide
ring. In a further
exemplary aspect, the outer surface of the guide ring can taper radially
inward from the
second lateral end of the guide ring to the first lateral end of the guide
ring. In a further
exemplary aspect, the guide slot can be angled radially inward relative to a
guide ring axis of
the guide ring.
[0079] In another exemplary aspect, a pipe fitting can comprise a
fitting body defining an
inner surface, and the inner surface can define a channel. The pipe fitting
can further
comprise an engagement assembly, and the engagement assembly can comprise a
metal grip
ring received in the channel. The engagement assembly can be configured to
slide within the
channel.
[0080] One should note that conditional language, such as, among
others, "can," "could,"
-might," or -may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise
understood within the
context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments
include, while
other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.
Thus, such
conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,
elements and/or steps
are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or
more
particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without
user input or
prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are
to be performed
in any particular embodiment.
[0081] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
are merely possible
examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the
principles of
the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams
should be
understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which
include one or
more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or
steps in the
process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not
be included
or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed,
including
substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality
involved, as
would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present
disclosure. Many
variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s)
without
departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present
disclosure. Further, the
scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations
and sub-
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combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such
modifications
and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the
present disclosure,
and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or
steps are
intended to be supported by the present disclosure.
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