Corrugated Patents (Class 285/903)
  • Patent number: 6199918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in rapid-action coupling device (10) for corrugated tubes (12) which have recesses (22) provided at unit spacings on the outer circumference, having a coupling body (14) with an opening (16) which passes through symmetrically and has an axis (20), having a plug-in region (18), within which the corrugated tube (12) can be arranged, and having at least one elastically deformable latching unit (30) which is provided, in the plug-in region (18), on the wall of the coupling body (14), which is arranged so as to be inclined in the direction toward the axis (20), and which, in the plugged-in state of the corrugated tube (12), latches into a recess (22) which is provided correspondingly on the corrugated tube (12), with the result that the corrugated tube (12) is secured against being drawn out, and said plug-in rapid-action coupling device (10) is distinguished in that, in the plug-in region (18), at least two slits (36), which are spaced apart essentially parallel to one another, are
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Adam Gerich
  • Patent number: 6199592
    Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hancor, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Lee Siferd, Matthew C. Ankrom, Larry E. Porter
  • Patent number: 6173995
    Abstract: A self-flaring fitting assembly for semi-flexible, convoluted tubes or pipes is provided. The inventive fitting assembly, which basically comprises an adaptor, a nut, and a split bushing assembly, eliminates the need for sealing gaskets, is reusable, and further facilitates the ease and speed of installation of semi-flexible piping systems. When used with jacketed tubing, the present inventive fitting assembly is capable of both preventing the undesirable movement of the jacket during installation and assembly and of reducing or eliminating exposure of the tubing located within the fitting assembly to contaminants or corrosive materials found in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Titeflex Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew E. Mau
  • Patent number: 6126209
    Abstract: An in-line bell pipe is provided, formed by joining at least two corrugated sections of pipe having a male portion and a female portion to connect the corrugated sections. Each corrugated section has a plurality of first corrugations having a crest and a valley, with the distance between the crest and valley of the first corrugations being a first distance. The male portion of each corrugated section has at least one second corrugation and one third corrugation, with each second corrugation and each third corrugation having a respective crest and valley and with the distance between the respective crests and valleys being a second distance and a third distance respectively. The second distance and the third distance each are less than the first distance. The crest of the third corrugation also has a recessed area that accommodates a sealing element, with the sealing element being retained the recessed area and the female portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc
    Inventor: James B. Goddard
  • Patent number: 6102445
    Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 6099046
    Abstract: A connector for a metal ribbed pipe comprises a ribbed pipe, an adapter having a protrusion and connecting with a fluid receiving apparatus, a plurality of inserts having a recess contacting to the protrusion and having a collar opposite to the recess, a sleeve fitted on the collar, and a nut for assembling the sleeve with the adapter. Due to the close contact between the protrusion and the recess, the connecting end of the ribbed pipe flares in to achieve a tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Seung-Il OH
    Inventor: Seung-Il Oh
  • Patent number: 6092274
    Abstract: A metal hose comprises a metal tube having an annularly corrugated wall, a fitting body, an extension that projects from the fitting body, and a sealing member. The fitting body defines a sealing seat for the sealing member. The extension projects from the body about the tube and defines a corrugation positioner distal the fitting body. The extension is deformed to shift the corrugation positioner toward engagement with the tube and resiliently compress the tube corrugations between the positioner and the sealing member. The resiliently compressed corrugations urge the sealing member against the seat for sealing the juncture of the fitting and the tube. In one embodiment a reinforcing shroud surrounds the tube and extends into the fitting. The fitting secures the shroud in place. The corrugation positioner compresses the tube corrugations through the shroud so the shroud is clamped and secured in place by the positioner at a location spaced axially from its end within the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: 40 Properties Management, LTD
    Inventor: Sam J. Foti
  • Patent number: 6085394
    Abstract: A coupler and a method for securing foam tube insulation elements to one another for pipes, comprising of a strip having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may have a series of tab-like projections that define openings between the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface may also have a series of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Thermo Polymers Limited
    Inventor: Steven David Hartman
  • Patent number: 6082741
    Abstract: A resilient gasket is disclosed for providing a seal between corrugated pipes having a plurality of concentric ribs on their outer surfaces, such as drain and sewer pipes to be buried in soil. The gasket comprises a base which is received around a first pipe over top of a rib adjacent an end of the first pipe, with an inner surface adapted to mate with a radially outer surface of the rib, and with legs adapted to extend along forward and rearwardly-sloped faces of the rib. The outer surface of the base is provided with sealing elements to engage the inner surface of the bell adjacent the end of a second pipe. The gasket also has a flap extending outwardly and forwardly from the forwardly extending leg. The flap and the forward leg form a V-shaped member. The flap engages the inner surface of the bell when the first pipe is inserted into the second pipe, and the gasket is rotated rearwardly relative to the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Ipex Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Gregoire, Pardeep K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 6079749
    Abstract: A preassembled fitting including a body, a nut and a collet positioned within the nut. The nut is threaded on the body a predetermined distanced to allow the installer to snap the corrugated tubing into the nut and engage the collet. The nut is then further tightened to seal the body to the corrugated tubing. A tapered surface on the body engages the cut end of the corrugated tubing and flares the cut end of the corrugated tubing. The fitting will make a metal to metal seal by folding the convolutions of the tubing back against itself creating a double flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Mark Albino, Edwin E. Pike
  • Patent number: 6044591
    Abstract: A drain and inspection manhole for liquid conduits, in particular waste water and/or storm water drains, comprises a manhole section which is formed as a composite pipe having a smooth cylindrical internal pipe and a corrugated external pipe. The external pipe is deformed to comprise at least one connecting base with a marginal web. Apertures that are flush with each other are cut into the connecting base and the internal pipe, a connector being inserted in these apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph Peter Hegler
  • Patent number: 6036237
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting a distal end of a corrugated tube with a fitting having a forward coupling end. The coupling includes a collet receivable coaxially over the distal end of the tube and including a circumferential wall portion which extends axially from a forward first end to a rearward second end. The second end is configured as having an outer portion and an inner portion of a diameter smaller than the outer periphery of the tube. The inner portion is configured to be receivable within the root portions of the tube for retaining the collet thereon, and presents a generally rearwardly-facing compression surface. The wall portion is longitudinally dissected through the second end thereof into at least a pair of arcuate, cantilevered segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6019399
    Abstract: A fluid coupling for connecting a corrugated tube to a fitting. The coupling includes an annular compression member having an opening therethrough which extends from a forward end portion receivable coaxially over the tube to a rearward end portion threadably engagable with the fitting to urge the tube into a fluid-tight engagement therewith. The forward end portion of the opening has a rearward first end, a forward second end defining the inner diametric extent of the opening, and an inner radial surface extending therebetween from a rearward gland portion to a forward camming portion. An annular locking member is journalled within the gland to be received therewith over the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6007110
    Abstract: A tubular portion 1 of a bell mouth has on its outer peripheral surface one or a plurality of first projections 21 projecting radially and one or a plurality of second projections 22 projecting at a position phased differently from the first projection 21 in an axial direction and in a circumferential direction, each of the projections 21 and 22 being formed such that its surface on a bell-shaped opening portion 3 side is formed as a sharply angled surface 2a, while its surface on a tubular opening portion 4 side is formed as a gently inclined surface 2b, an axial phase interval w between the first projection 21 and the second projection 22 is set to satisfy the relationship: w.ltoreq.W with respect to an axial width W of an inner surface portion of a small-diameter portion 32 in the annularly corrugated pipe P, a circumferential phase angle r being substantially equal to a value calculated by dividing a half angle of circumference (180 degrees) by the first projections 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Amatsutsu
  • Patent number: 5984375
    Abstract: A hose coupling assembly utilizes first and second hose collar halves interacting with a barbed connector for mounting to a PVC spiral hose with screws. The collar halves are identical and may be molded from flexible plastic material for ease of attachment to the spiral hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Leo Merrett
  • Patent number: 5971438
    Abstract: A sewage removal system 10 is provided for quickly, securely and sanitarily connecting the onboard holding tank H of a typical recreational vehicle or travel trailer to an in-ground stationary waste disposal site S. The system 10 includes two hoses 20, 21 which may be coupled via a union 50 to provide hoses 20, 21 of greater combined length to reach the site S when located too far for a single hose 20, 21. The hoses 20, 21 include quick connect couplings 30 secured to each end 22. Locking hooks 40 extend from the annular rims 39 of the couplings 30 to provide a means for securely engaging protrusions 56, 66 to create a sealed joint. The system 10 includes two elbow adapters 60 to allow simple connection to an inlet tube T of the stationary waste disposal site S. The first elbow adapter 60 includes a male threaded connector 70 for coupling with a female threaded fitting F of the inlet tube T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Albert P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5961157
    Abstract: A device and a method for making a device for forming a leak-proof connection between a rigid tube end and the tip of a flexible pipe by crimping a metal sleeve portion onto the tip. The rigid tube end includes an end portion comprising a shoulder with a larger diameter than the tube. The device comprises a rigid insert having a cylindrical bore between both ends thereof and including on one side a tubular portion force-fitted into the tip of the pipe opposite the crimped part of the metal sleeve portion, and on the other side a portion provided with an outer flange having a matching shape and engaging the internal portion of the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Manuli Auto France
    Inventors: Daniel Baron, Michel Brachet
  • Patent number: 5954373
    Abstract: A coupler apparatus for use with ducts is used on a multi-strand post-tensioning system. The coupler includes a tubular body with an interior passageway between a first open end and a second open end. A shoulder is formed within the tubular body between the open ends. A seal is connected to the shoulder so as to form a liquid-tight seal with a duct received within one of the open ends. A compression device is hingedly connected to the tubular body for urging the duct into compressive contact with the seal. The compression device has a portion extending exterior of the tubular body. The compression device includes an arm with an end hingedly connected to the tubular body and having an abutment surface adjacent the end. The arm is movable between a first position extending outwardly of an exterior of the tubular body and a second position aligned with an exterior surface of the tubular body. A latching member is connected to an opposite end of the arm to affixing the arm in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 5944362
    Abstract: Connector/coupling for connection of conduit has hollow housing, collar with internally-directed protrusion capable of engaging the conduit, and means for fastening the collar to the housing to hold these together. A quick-disconnect coupling includes receiving piece with hollow passageway, passage portion and receiving end; on the outside about the receiving end is generally cylindrical surface with a groove of a width and depth capable of receiving a stopping object, and a part of the object resides above the outside surface; a swivel collar has a generally cylindrical receiving piece mating surface with a groove therein of a width and depth capable of receiving at least a portion of the part of the stopping object which resides above the outside surface; a connect device holds a received piece to the receiving piece; and a stopping device is a part thereof. Inside-out cutting saw may be employed to cut the conduit, for example, PVC helical hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kat Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: William Harle
  • Patent number: 5944364
    Abstract: Live swivel coupling device has a hollow first housing and a hollow second housing, each of which is open on opposing ends in a main axial direction. The first has a generally radially symmetrical inner surface, an indentation in the inner surface, and an internal, gasket-holding extension; the second has a generally radially symmetrical outer surface to relate with the inner surface of the first housing and an indentation in the outer surface. The indentations are for retaining the rotatable bearing set when the first and second housings are coupled. At least one rotatable bearing makes up a rotatable bearing set which also serves as a retaining device to hold the housings together in the main axial direction when the housings are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kat Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Harle
  • Patent number: 5934269
    Abstract: A fuel tube assembly for gas-fired appliances includes a tube with first and second end sections and a corrugated medial section extending therebetween. The end sections are connected to components, such as a gas valve and a burner, by compression fitting subassemblies. The tube assembly can be installed to accommodate various configurations of gas flow paths between the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5927757
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose assembly has a corrugated, flexible hose with fittings at opposite ends for connection to the vacuum cleaner suction inlet and to a cleaning head. A tube or cable extends along the assembly for supply of cleaning fluid or electrical power to the cleaning head. The tube or cable is retained with the hose by means of a U-shape channel provided as a separate member bonded to the outside of the hose. The tube or cable extends within the channel as a loose fit so that it can move along the channel on flexing of the hose, thereby helping maintain flexibility of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Gordon Keith
  • Patent number: 5924282
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an improved exhaust system including an exhaust pipe connected to the internal combustion engine and a flexible hose connected to the exhaust pipe and to an emission control device. A clamp assembly connects ends of the exhaust pipe and the flexible hose and includes a gasket received within a band subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corp.
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 5915736
    Abstract: A one piece integrally formed liquid tight connection or "whip" assembly for electrically interconnecting electrical appliances, such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor lighting fixtures, to one another and/or to a power source junction box or control box. The connection assembly includes a flexible tubular conduit, preferably constructed from a composite of full rigid PVC and flexible plasticized PVC, having first and second end portions and an outer surface with a plurality of surface irregularities. A pair of end fittings are integrally attached to the first and second end portions of the tubular conduit, respectively, using either a solvent welding or temperature welding technique. When using the solvent technique, the plurality of surface irregularities operate to hold additional localized amounts of solvent which further reacts with the plastic in the end fittings and conduit to yield a superior weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Marik, Claude J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5915735
    Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Gutter World, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Noble
  • Patent number: 5887906
    Abstract: A new type of instant scratch-off lottery game combining the advantages of the conventional lottery, which allows the player to choose his own selected numbers from a set of numbers, and the advantage of the instant scratch-off lottery tickets by enabling the player to immediately learn if he is a winner or a looser. The player is instructed to pick his numbers from a set of numbers. Each number in this set is represented by a a small box overprinted with a security bar-code readable to conventional scanner. The scanner transfer the readable data and the serial number of the ticket to a central computer in the lottery agency to verify the winning status. The player is able to learn immediately if he is a winner by revealing a winning symbol hidden under the scratch-off material and the overprinted security code of the picked numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Hashem Sultan
  • Patent number: 5887909
    Abstract: A joint which is a cylindrical body having an inner circumferential surface, a diameter of which is larger than any of outer diameters of two pipes to be connected, the cylindrical body being provided with an annular projecting strip portion formed in an approximately axially intermediate portion so as to project radially inward, first and second cylindrical portions respectively disposed on opposite sides of the annular projecting strip, annular projecting portions projecting radially outward so as to form annular space portions in approximately intermediate portions of the first and second cylindrical portions respectively, and through holes formed respectively in the annular projecting portions for injecting a foamable and curable liquid agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Koichiro Tokuda
  • Patent number: 5882048
    Abstract: A hose connecting structure includes a hose whose central and engaging portion having a thermal flexibility resin which is molded by a blow molding method and a mating member which is inserted into the edge opening of the hose. The hose connecting structure further includes a ring-shaped sealing material and a first engaging portion which is disposed in the axial direction by a predetermined distance to the sealing material at either the edge portion of the hose or the mating member and a second engaging portion which is directly or indirectly engaged with the first engaging portion at either the edge portion of the hose or the mating member. Since the central and the engaging portion of the hose connecting structure includes a thermal flexibility resin which is molded by a blow molding method, the most suitable soft and hard resin for the appropriate portion can be used. When the engaging portion with the mating member and the central portion are molded integrally, the working efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Kawasaki, Atsuo Miyajima, Hiroyuki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5876069
    Abstract: To restrict a fitting length of an inserting side tubular member such as a corrugate tube into a receiving side tubular member having a flexible portion such as a rubber boot when the inserting and receiving side tubular members are connected. Projections 16 are formed on the inner surface of a fitting end portion 13. When a corrugate tube 20 is fitted into the fitting end portion 13, a leading end 20A thereof comes into contact with the projections 16, thereby restricting any further insertion of the corrugate tube 20. This prevents the entry of the corrugate tube 20 into the flexible portion 12. Accordingly, there is no likelihood that the smooth deformation of the flexible portion 12 is hindered by the entry of the corrugate tube 20 into the flexible portion 12. Further, since there is no need for a consideration as to an excessive insertion of the corrugate tube 20, the connection can easily be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5857716
    Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 5845946
    Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 5842727
    Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting adjacent ends of spiral corrugated pipe includes a generally cylindrically shaped body having generally tubular ends extending axially outwardly from a circumferential stop. One of the tubular ends defines a substantially continuous spiral or thread which is adapted to threadably connect to one of the adjacent ends of spiral corrugated pipe. The other tubular end of the coupling defines a sleeve which is adapted to slidably receive the other of the adjacent ends of spiral corrugated pipe within the sleeve to thereby interconnect the adjacent ends of pipe. Gaskets may be provided within the coupling to further reduce infiltration or exfiltration at the coupling. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling includes a generally cylindrically shaped body having generally tubular ends which each define a substantially continuous spiral or thread. The tubular ends are adapted to be threadably connected to adjacent ends of corrugated spiral pipe to form an interconnection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Contech Construction Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Shade
  • Patent number: 5837083
    Abstract: A method of forming a hollow elongated or tubular body consisting of the steps of winding one or more strips of material in self-overlapping fashion to produce a multi-layer tubular structure, the or each strip prior to winding being pre-formed to provide a transverse cross-section having at least one step which, in each convolution of the strip accommodates the overlapping portion of the next convolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: John Peter Booth
  • Patent number: 5813438
    Abstract: Flexible convoluted conduit covered with braid made by cold forming the braid to an end of the conduit. Cold forming can involve magneforming. Resulting conduit is not brazed, welded, or annealed, thereby facilitating construction of convoluted conduits with higher working pressures and/or less braid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Packless Metal Hose, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Reed
  • Patent number: 5813701
    Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Gutter World, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Noble
  • Patent number: 5799988
    Abstract: An oil-tight coupling device includes a hose, an oil-tight gasket, a coupling sleeve, a coupling bushing and a nut. The coupling sleeve is provided with a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart resilient portions that bend inwardly. Each resilient portion has a protruding lip radially disposed at a lower end and a stop piece axially disposed at the lower end. The stop piece is provided with an inclined surface at either side. The coupling bushing is provided with a plurality of projections at an upper end for matching the resilient projections and a curved slot at a lower portion for receiving a stop post of said coupling sleeve to restrict the displacement of the coupling sleeve. By means of the stop post that displaces along the curved slot, the stop pieces may move along the inclined surfaces of the projections to cause the resilient portions to bend inwardly, allowing the lips to enter a neck portion of the hose to quickly secure the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Ying Lieh Yeh
  • Patent number: 5799989
    Abstract: A fitting for use with corrugated stainless steel tubing. The fitting includes a body having a locating sleeve. The locating sleeve aligns the central axis of the body with the central axis of the tubing. A nut, retained on the tubing by split ring washers, is tightened on a threaded end of the body. As the nut is tightened, a taper formed on the body flares the tubing. The flared tubing is compressed between the taper on the body and a beveled section of the split ring washer. This forms a leak proof fitting without the need for separate flaring tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Omega-Flex, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Albino
  • Patent number: 5772824
    Abstract: In a process for the connecting of plastic tubes the wall of which has a corrugated cross section by electro-thermal welding, filling cores of plastic are inserted in the corrugation troughs of the tubes to be connected on both sides of a welding joint in order to form a resting surface on the outer circumference of the tubes and an electric heating mat which surrounds the resting surface of all filling cores is placed on the resting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AG
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Steinmetz, Dirk Alexander Petry
  • Patent number: 5765880
    Abstract: A coupler for use with helical double-wall corrugated pipe is disclosed having a spigot portion and a bell portion. The spigot portion has at least one corrugation formed therein, a spigot portion first edge and a spigot portion second edge, and is adapted to screw onto the end of a first pipe having a first pipe corrugated outer wall and a first pipe inner wall. The spigot portion second edge is adapted to be secured to the first pipe outer wall, and the spigot portion first edge is adapted to be secured to the first pipe inner wall. The bell portion has at least one corrugation formed therein, a bell portion first edge, and a bell portion second edge, and is adapted to screw onto the end of a second pipe having a second pipe corrugated outer wall and a second pipe inner wall. The bell portion second edge is adapted to be secured to the second pipe outer wall, and the bell portion first edge is adapted to be secured to the second pipe inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Goddard
  • Patent number: 5758693
    Abstract: An end cap for a flexible hose is provided which includes a depending pivotable member attached to an outer wall. The pivotable member can be swung upwardly between the inner and outer walls of the end cap to secure the end of a flexible hose therein. The end cap is integrally formed such as by molding from a medium density polymeric material such as polyethylene and includes an integral clamp mechanism to insure retention of a flexible hose therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: CAMCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Caine
  • Patent number: 5738385
    Abstract: A device for joining the end of a helically corrugated metal tube to a connector or a second helically corrugated metal tube includes a back-up ring, pressure ring and a sealing ring. The connector is provided with a conical transition and an expanded diameter. The second helically corrugated tube is provided with a second back-up ring and pressure ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: BRUGG Rohrsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Jorn Homann, Hartmut Kruger
  • Patent number: 5720504
    Abstract: A fluid connector assembly having a flexible austenitic annealed stainless steel 300 series corrugated convoluted tube. At least one end of the tube has a smooth end which is free of convoluted corrugations. The corrugated portion has a hardness range of 150 to 190 points Vickers and the smooth end of the tube has a range of hardness of 275 to 380 points Vickers. A metal compression nut is used in combination with a metal compression ring in a metal fitting the smooth end to couple. The metal fitting is capable of coupling the fluid connector to another connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Dormont Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. Stedman, John R. Stein, Michael A. Mantia, Sam A. Brunetto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5709414
    Abstract: A sewer hose connection utilizes a helical clamp which can be manually turned around a convoluted sewer hose placed onto a rigid fitting. The helical clamp is formed from wire and is contained in an annular groove of the fitting. The helical clamp positioned over a typical RV sewer hose end convolution having a wire spiral can be rotated to draw the hose further onto the fitting to form a sealing and mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Bailey, David P. Tickle
  • Patent number: 5707088
    Abstract: A joint for coupling corrugated or ribbed pipe segments, including helical ribbed pipe segments, end-to-end includes a segment of corrugated or ribbed pipe having a plurality of corrugations or ribs spaced axially along the segment's outer surface, a spigot portion at an end of the segment where the corrugations or ribs have been partially removed to form annular bosses, an annular gasket positioned in the spigot portion, and a cylindrical coupling positioned over the spigot portion and gasket. The outer diameter of the coupling is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the corrugations or ribs, and the inner diameter of the coupling is larger than the outer diameter of the bosses such that a gap is formed between the coupling and the spigot portion. The gasket is sized to have a radial thickness slightly larger than the gap such that the gasket forms an air-tight seal between the spigot portion and the coupling when the spigot portion and gasket are inserted into the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Contech Construction Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle Eugene Miller, James William Shade
  • Patent number: 5704647
    Abstract: A method of producing a lottery ticket and lottery tickets produced thereby wherein an overprinting layer is provided over a scratch-off layer, the overprinting layer comprising an image obtained from a design in which the colors in the design have been separated into half tone images of each color and are superimposed on the scratch-off layer of the lottery ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: BABN Technolgies Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Desbiens
  • Patent number: 5689921
    Abstract: A footing connector and a method for use thereof. The connector is preferably T-shaped and includes integrally formed end caps which may be used to prevent cement or the like from entering into the connector. The connector is used in a drainage network to drain water away form the outside of a building and to evacuate unwanted gasses from the inside of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Carlton
  • Patent number: 5660419
    Abstract: A connecting means for an exhaust pipe of a vehicle includes a bellows member made of metallic material and cylindrically corrugated for absorbing the deformation force due to the expansion and contraction of the exhaust pipe, an interlock member spirally formed on the inside of the bellows member and having spiral grooves for absorbing the deformation force due to the expansion and contraction of the exhaust pipe, a braid member for surrounding the outside of the bellows member, a cap for pressing an end part of the braid member, and a fixing member for combining the end parts of the bellows member and the interlock member. The fixing member includes a ring-shaped intermediate member one end part of which is welded under one end part of the bellows member, and the other end part of which is extended to be overlapped with the end part of the interlock member and provided with spiral protuberances to be fitted into the spiral grooves of the interlock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Sung Jin Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 5644832
    Abstract: A corrugated spiral pipe with a joint is formed by the steps of winding a seal material on thread portions of a pipe end of a spiral pipe, fitting a part of a cylindrical joint body to the pipe end so as to cover a portion on which the seal material has been wound, injecting a liquid foamable resin material through an injection hole and letting it foam, and filling a trough portion of the spiral pipe with the foamed resin material so as to make the spiral pipe watertight for coupling purposes. When the spiral pipe with the joint is coupled to another spiral pipe, a waterstop is forced into a trough portion of a pipe end portion of the latter pipe, an elastic seal ring is fitted onto an outer peripheral face of the latter pipe, and the pipe end of the latter pipe is forced into an outward protruded portion of the joint body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Shiro Kanao
  • Patent number: 5634311
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing footing drainage conduits while forming the footings including an annular disk and a cylindrical hub extending outwardly from and about the opening. A drain tile or conduit is engaged with the device about the hub while the device is secured to the footing form. The annular disk extends normal to the cylindrical hub. The device is adjusted to abut the form for the building footings. Accordingly, the devices are positioned and attached to the forms. The device provides support and prevents crushing of an end of the conduit when concrete is poured between the form boards when the footings are created. A nub on the cylindrical hub prevents lateral movement of the device when the footing forms are removed. An adjustable drainage tile can also be used. Two sections of conduit are employed for the adjustable drainage tile. One end of one of the sections of conduit has axially extending slits to allow interengagement of the end of the one section of conduit into the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Carlton
  • Patent number: 5632512
    Abstract: Fastening coupling for a ringed tube, comprising at least one sleeve (18), the inside diameter of which is at least equal to the largest outside diameter of the ringed tube, inside which one end of the ringed tube becomes housed, as well as a fastening ring (10), in which the sleeve (18) includes at least two circumferentially aligned orifices (28), each comprising a wide part (30) and a narrow part (32), these parts being adjacent and intercommunicating; the ring (10) is circumferentially discontinuous and radially deformable and is provided with at least two tenons (12) projecting inwards, each one comprising a narrow base (13); the ring (10) can be applied around the sleeve (18) so that each tenon (12) passes through the wide part (30) of an orifice (28) and engages in the ringed structure of the tube (48) so as to retain it axially inside the sleeve (18); it being possible, by rotating the ring (10), to fit the narrow base (13) of each tenon into the narrow part (30) of an orifice (28) so as to prevent an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Polva Pipelife B.V.
    Inventor: Hans Guitoneau