Patents by Inventor Fred R. Smith, Jr.

Fred R. Smith, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7997628
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for the secure attachment and restraint of a pipe end within a fitting is disclosed. The invention includes a mechanical restraint apparatus that is integral and monolithic with the flange of a bell of a spigot-and-bell joint architecture, along with one or more internally disposed grooves within the bell that receive a circumferential gasket, in order to maintain a seal about the pipe end when it is inserted into the bell. The inventive apparatus combines features of mechanical connections and push-on connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Fred R. Smith, Jr., William L. Jones