Abstract: Invention is directed to a circular coupling for joining a first tubular member to a second member, where the second member may be a tubular member larger than the first, or a manhole. Specifically, the first end of the coupling is adapted to encircle the first tubular member and a second end thereof is adapted to be received within a complementary opening in the second member. The coupling comprises an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed of a relatively rigid sheet-like member or members, where opposing sheet ends overlap such that the end portions lie contiguous with each other. Within the joint member is a continuous sleeve formed of an elastomeric material contiguous with the inner surface of the tubular joint member and extending from the first end toward and wrapped around the second end.

Abstract: This invention preferably relates to an externally applied coupling system providing thrust restraint for a pair of axially aligned tubular members. The coupling system comprises a hydraulically/pneumatically inflatable, elastomeric sealing gasket adapted to encircle and apply pressure to the wall of the tubular members, where the sealing gasket includes means for inflating same, and a support member. The support member is defined by a pair of curved legs joined by a web portion along one end of each curved leg to reveal a U-shaped channel member. The free end of each curved leg cooperates with one of the tubular members to provide thrust restraint thereto, and further, the support member is adapted to overlie the sealing gasket so as to confine the compressive pressure from the sealing gasket against predefined annular portions of the tubular members.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an internal expansion coupling system offering improved thrust restraint when joined to a pair of tubular members, preferably plastic, aligned in end-to-end relationship. The system comprises an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed from at least one, relatively rigid, rectangular sheet-like member, where each sheet-like member is defined by a pair of opposing sheet ends and a pair of opposing sheet sides, and a pair of sheet ends overlap such that the end portions thereof lie in close proximity to each other. The joint member is provided with a continuous circumferential gasket sealing sleeve formed of an elastomeric material and overlapping each said sheet side about the open end of the tubular joint member, where said gasket sealing sleeve is adapted to lie adjacent to and be compressed against the inside wall of said tubular member. Further, a member accessible externally thereof, as known in the art, is provided for expanding the tubular joint member.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the combination of a pair of aligned tubular members joined in end-to-end relationship by an internal expansion coupling device, where such coupling device offers thrust restraint to the combination. Each of the tubular members is characterized by the end thereof having one or more circumferentially disposed recesses about its wall. The coupling device, which cooperates with said recesses comprises an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed from at least one relatively rigid, rectangular sheet-like member, where said member is defined by a pair of opposing sheet ends with a pair of opposing sheet sides. The sheet ends thereof overlap such that the end portions lie contiguous with each other.

Abstract: An internal expansion coupling member for use in joining a pair of aligned tubular members in end-to-end relationship, where said tubular members are characterized by an essentially uniform diameter and are adapted to transmit a medium under pressure. The coupling member comprises an internal expansion coupling device formed of an elongated open ended tubular joint member consisting of a relatively rigid sheet-like member, where the sheet ends overlap such that the end portions lie essentially contiguous with each other. Preferably a compressive seal member is provided between the end portions. About the circumference of the joint member, means, such as an annular groove, is provided to position and retain an O-ring type member thereabout. At least one compressible and flexible O-ring type member, formed of a high temperature resistant material, is secured thereabout by said means.

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal expansion coupling device for forming a T-joint between essentially perpendicularly disposed tubular members, where one of the tubular member is provided with a circular wall opening aligned with an open end of the other tubular member, and said circular wall opening includes an elastomeric collar thereabout.

Abstract: The combination of a pair of aligned tubular membes joined together in end-to-end relationship, where the tubular members are joined by an internal expansion coupling device. The combination is designed for applications exposed to high operating temperatures and pressures. The combination comprises a tubular member characterized by a flared end portion having a diameter exceeding the diameter of the tubular members. Additionally, there is provided an internal expansion coupling device formed of an elongated open ended tubular joint member consisting of a relatively rigid sheet-like member, where the sheet ends overlap such that the end portions lie essentially contiguous with each other. A compressive seal member is provided between said end portions, and a flexible O-ring type member formed of a high temperature resistant material, is disposed within said flared end portion in contact with the relatively rigid sheet-like member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal expansion coupling, having particular utility in joining together two tubular members or pipes aligned in end-to-end relationship. The device hereof comprises(a) an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed of a relatively rigid sheet-like member, where the sheet ends overlap such that the end portions lie contiguous with each other;(b) a continuous sleeve formed of an elastomeric material and overlapping the sheet side about at least one open end of said tubular joint member, where said sleeve, about the circumference thereof, is provided with at least one continuous upstanding rib which is adapted to lie adjacent to and be compressed against the inside wall of a tubular member; and(c) means for expanding said sheet-like member whereby said sheet ends move circumferentially towards one another urging said elastomeric sleeve and said rib against the inside wall of a tubular member.