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 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: 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.

Abstract: The pipe fitting interlocking system includes a central body of predetermined configuration, for example, ell, wye or tee shape of desired large diameter pipe size. The central body terminates at each of its ends in a lock junction to receive thereon in locked relationship an end hub member of the type suitable for receiving and interconnecting the spigot end of a section of plastic pipe. Each lock junction includes a shoulder upon which the end hub member is seated, an endwardly positioned lock and a circular, peripheral recess positioned between the shoulder and the lock. The end hub member includes a radially inwardly inclined projection to cooperate with and securely seat within the central body lock. A circular gasket is secured within the circular recess and biases against a portion of the inner periphery of the end hub to prevent leakage between the parts.

Abstract: A resilient gasket is disclosed which includes an annulus of generally U-shaped cross sectional configuration having a circular, arched, radially outwardly positioned base, a first, thin, forward wall extending radially inwardly from the base, a second relatively thick, rearward wall extending radially inwardly from the base, the forward wall and the rearward wall defining a circular, radially inwardly open, retaining ring receiving groove therebetween, the width of the groove being greater than the combined thickneses of the forward and the rearward walls. The forward wall and the rearward wall each terminate radially inwardly in a slanted, forwardly facing lip to facilitate sealing engagement with the spigot end of a section of pipe. The lip of the forward wall serves to center and to wipe the exterior periphery of the spigot end and the lip of the rearward wall serves to seal against the spigot end.

Abstract: The pipe fitting includes a center body of predetermined configuration, for example, wye or tee shape, of desired pipe size. The center body terminates at each of its ends in a lock junction to receive thereon in locked relationship an end hub of the type suitable for receiving and interconnecting the spigot end of a length of plastic pipe. Each lock junction includes a shoulder upon which the end hub is seated, an endwardly positioned lock and a circular, peripheral recess positioned between the shoulder and the lock. The end hub includes an inwardly inclined projection to cooperate with and securely seat within the center body lock. A circular gasket is secured within the circular recess and biases against a portion of the inner periphery of the end hub to prevent leakage between the parts.