Abstract: A gasketed pipe joint including a dual-functional, composite gasket, which in addition to forming a seal between a pipe bell and a spigot provides a molding surface for forming a bent retainer in the hub of the pipe or fitting. The dual-functional composite gasket comprises a first axially disposed portion formed of a non-elastomeric, substantially rigid, substantially non-resilient plastic material and has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge, and a second axially disposed portion, adjacent the first axially disposed portion, formed of an elastomeric material. Preferably, the gasket comprises a major portion of the non-elastomeric, substantially rigid, substantially non-resilient plastic and a minor portion of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A gasketed pipe joint including a dual-functional, composite gasket, which in addition to forming a seal between a pipe bell and a spigot provides a molding surface for forming a bent retainer in the hub of the pipe or fitting. The dual-functional composite gasket comprises a first axially disposed portion formed of a non-elastomeric, substantially rigid, substantially non-resilient plastic material and has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge, and a second axially disposed portion, adjacent the first axially disposed portion, formed of an elastomeric material substantially rigid plastic. Preferably, the gasket comprises a major portion of the non- elastomeric, substantially rigid, substantially non-resilient plastic and a minor portion of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A composite gasket for forming a seal between a pipe bell and a spigot comprises a first axially disposed portion formed of an elastomeric material and has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge, and a second axially disposed portion, adjacent the first axially disposed portion, formed of a generally non-elastomeric substantially rigid plastic, which comprises multiple, axially extending, laterally spaced apart, ramp-like projections separated by circumferential valleys, which expose elastomeric material. Fluid entering the valleys during a high pressure surge force the composite gasket into a tighter seal.

Abstract: A slat for pivotally mounting between a pair of opposed frame members of an opening. The slat has an elongated member having first and second walls that are coupled together to form first and second longitudinally extending side edges and first and second end edges. First and second coupling members are coupled to the first and second side edges, respectively. The first and second coupling members have first and second coupling ledges spaced from the first and second side edges to form first and second longitudinally extending recesses. Each of the first and second recesses receive an adjacent coupling member on an adjacent slat, respectively. The first recess opens toward the first wall, while the second recess opens toward the second exterior wall. First and second support members are coupled to the first and second ends of the elongated member, respectively.

Abstract: A pipe connection assembly having a branch pipe extending through an aperture in the side wall of a main, double-walled or ribbed pipe, and an elastomeric, tubular gasket positioned in the aperture of the main pipe and surrounding one end of the branch pipe for sealing between the main pipe and the branch pipe. The main pipe has inner and outer cylindrical walls concentrically connected together by at least one rib member, which forms at least one peripheral channel. The tubular gasket seals the space between the inner and outer walls for preventing fluid flowing through the pipes from leaking into the peripheral channel, or channels, of the main, double-walled pipe. The gasket is provided with an annular flange at one end for ensuring proper positioning of the gasket in the aperture of the main pipe. A pipe clamp can be used to secure the gasket to the branch pipe and to provide additional sealing. Preferably, both the main pipe and the branch pipe are composed of a suitable plastic material such as PVC.

Abstract: A pipe bell or fitting socket is disclosed which includes an enlarged socket defining an interior, gasket receiving pocket. The enlarged socket terminates endwardly in a front socket terminus and interiorly in an interior terminus. An integral, outwardly extending, reinforcing ring projects radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the socket and provides increased body for socket strengthening purposes. The reinforcing ring may be medially positioned on the socket, may be endwardly positioned on the socket or may be otherwise positioned as best suited for the purposes of use. The reinforcing ring may be of any desired cross-sectional configuration, for example, square, triangular, rectangular or other cross-section.

Abstract: Plastic pipe has a cylindrical body having longitudinally extending concentric walls spaced from the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The walls are connected by ribs extending generally radially between the walls and longitudinally of the pipe. The pipe is provided with a generally annular resilient axially extending sealing ring entrapped at the end of the pipe by removing an end portion of the ribs, heating and bending an end wall portion so as to entrap a portion of the sealing ring, while permitting a second portion of the ring to axially project beyond the end of the pipe to provide impact resistance to the pipe end. A further embodiment involves omission of the sealing ring and welding the small gap remaining after heating and bending an end wall portion to seal the pipe end.

Abstract: A pipe socket insert is disclosed for use within the socket of a length of plastic pipe. The insert is formed as a shaped annulus having a rearward, downwardly inclined ramp and a forward, downwardly inclined ramp, the rearward ramp and the forward ramp having a circular transition zone therebetween. The rearward ramp is provided with a plurality of circularly spaced valleys defined one from the other by circularly spaced ribs, the ribs forming portions of the outer peripheral configuration of the rearward ramp for contact with portions of the inner periphery of the pipe socket. Additionally, if desired, the forward ramp can also be provided with a plurality of circularly spaced valleys defined one from the other by a plurality of circularly spaced ribs.

Abstract: A gasket seating ring is disclosed which includes a specially designed hard plastic ring. The hard plastic ring in molded as a shaped annulus having a rearward, radially outwardly inclined ramp and a joined, forward, radially inwardly inclined ramp wherein the junction between the rearward and forward ramps defines the outer periphery of the ring. The shaped annulus further includes a radially inwardly angular junction.

Abstract: Apparatus for seating a gasket in a plastic pipe bell is disclosed which includes providing a peripheral groove in a belling mandrel and seating a specially designed hard plastic ring in the groove. The hard plastic ring is molded to provide exterior ramps for forming an annular pocket in the pipe bell and is inwardly configured to provide a secure seating surface to receive and retain a resilient gasket thereon. The mandrel is urged into a preheated end of the pipe and vacuum forces are employed to pull the end of the pipe about the periphery of the mandrel and tightly against the exterior ramps of the hard plastic ring for forming the bell shape. Upon sufficient cooling of the pipe end, the mandrel is withdrawn and the plastic ring remains encapsulated within the bell shape. Upon removal of the mandrel, a resilient gasket is then seated within the bell in intimate overall contact with the seating surface of the plastic ring.

Abstract: A composite gasket for forming a seal between a pipe bell 52 and a spigot 58 comprises a major portion 12 of non-elastomeric plastic material and a minor portion 14 of elastomeric material. The minor portion is axially encased by the major portion. The minor portion includes a sealing lip 16 extending radially inwardly from the major portion. The composite gasket can be manually inserted within a preformed grooved bell or the grooved bell can be formed over the gasket while the gasket is mounted on a mandrel. The composite gasket is particularly useful with relatively large diameter pipe systems.

Abstract: A composite gasket for forming a seal between a pipe bell 52 and a spigot 58 comprises a major portion 12 of non-elastomeric plastic material and a minor portion 14 of elastomeric material. The minor portion is axially encased by the major portion. The minor portion includes a sealing lip 16 extending radially inwardly from the major portion. The composite gasket can be manually inserted within a preformed grooved bell or the grooved bell can be formed over the gasket while the gasket is mounted on a mandrel.

Abstract: A method for seating a gasket in a plastic pipe bell is disclosed which includes providing a peripheral groove in a belling mandrel and seating a specially designed hard plastic ring in the groove. The hard plastic ring is molded to provide exterior ramps for forming an annular pocket in the pipe bell and is inwardly configured to provide a secure seating surface to receive and retain a resilient gasket thereon. The mandrel is urged into a preheated end of the pipe and vacuum forces are employed to pull the end of the pipe about the periphery of the mandrel and tightly against the exterior ramps of the hard plastic ring for forming the bell shape. Upon sufficient cooling of the pipe end, the mandrel is withdrawn and the plastic ring remains encapsulated within the bell shape. Upon removal of the mandrel, a resilient gasket is then seated within the bell in intimate overall contact with the seating surface of the plastic ring.