Abstract: The invention, of toggle principle to hold and join two tubes or shafts, has 3 main parts, which do not wear, have great strength which can be increased by increasing the width of its 3 parts, which can be attached together by adhesive and two flexible rubber strips. It can be dynamically balanced to connect rotating shafts. It can be self-adjustable when its band is corrugated spring steel. It has many advantages and is suitable for many more applications than conventional clamps. It is a universal clamp, simple, easy to manufacture, economical, and can be used over and over again.

Abstract: A hingeable segmented pipe coupling includes dual or plural coupling segments which are hingeable relative to each other in the absence of transverse hinge pins, at least one pair of bolting pads including arcuate surfaces which roll with respect to each other, and each of which includes a fulcrum for engagement with a headed securing member associated with those bolting pads. In preferred embodiments, the bolting faces of the bolting pads are contoured to prevent rotational movement of the coupling segments about the axis of the securing member.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal for incorporation into a pipe coupling includes a fire-ring which acts to retain a residual portion of a radial flange of the seal in sealing relationship with the pipe ends in the event of thermal destruction of the remainder of the seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling device for tubular members (11 and 12), of large truss structures, with a locking collar 20 being the only moving part. Each tubular member is constructed with an end bell section 15 that has a belled flange 17 with a mating face 18, and a necked area 16 which is smaller in diameter than the tubular members to be joined. A split ring 30 is affixed to each tubular member and is constructed so that then two tubular members are laterally moved into axial alignment and collar 20 is rotated thereover, the split ring loads the joint with axial force by pressing the belled flange mating surfaces together, and a preloading force is provided by the collar 20 mating with a taper on the outside of the split rings. All free play is thereby removed by preloaded force. A major object of the invention is to provide an ability to remove and replace individual tubular members without disturbing other structural parts of a truss structure.

Abstract: An elastomeric gasket for a segmented pipe coupling has ends which extend beyond the ends of the coupling segment, and which are retractable into skirt portions of the gasket formed at the respective ends thereof, the compressive force exerted on the end faces of the gasket being derived from the spring force stored in the gasket material when under compression and being substantially constant without regard to oversizing or undersizing of the pipes to be sealed.

Abstract: A resilient flexible pipe coupling for interconnecting two pipes of different diameters in a pressure tight manner comprises a tubular metal casing formed with a longitudinal gap and a tensioning screw device for reducing the width of the gap to tighten the coupling around the adjacent ends of the two pipes. A sealing sleeve of resilient flexible material is arranged within the casing. The sleeve has radially inwardly projecting sealing lips formed on both of its free end. The sealing lips have different radial thicknesses so as to compensate for the difference in diameters of the pipes.

Abstract: Split fittings for use in the installation of a flexible jacket over a rigid pipeline comprise a pair of housing halves which, when mated, form a housing enclosure, sealing means and clamping means capable of holding the flexible jacket to the housing enclosure. A method of retrofitting a rigid pipeline system with a flexible jacket uses the split fittings.

Abstract: A pipe joint includes a novel sealing plate for sealing the axial joint or joints of a cylindrical coupling. The sealing plate carries on its upper surface a pair of axial gaskets which seal against the coupling above the sealing plate and against O-rings on the pipe sections below the sealing plate. In an alternate embodiment, the axial gaskets can be adhered to the inner surface of the coupling so as to engage the edges of the sealing plate. In another embodiment, in lieu of a separate sealing plate, one end of the coupling can carry a single axial gasket and be lapped under the other end of the coupling to form the axial seal. The sealing assemblies of the invention ar particularly useful in situations in which the pipe ends are subject to movement.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising a housing which can be clamped about pipe ends which are to be interconnected possesses radially inwardly flexed end flanges. The housing encloses an inwardly open sealing gasket having a substantially C-shaped axial cross-sectional configuration made from an elastomeric material such as synthetic rubber. Both ends of this sealing gasket are supported upon the inner or confronting jacket surface of a respective truncated cone-shaped clamping ring. These clamping rings are supported in the housing at the region of their outer edge or outer region by means of the end flanges. The inner edge or inner region of these clamping rings is structured to mechanically engage or dig into the surface of the pipe ends during clamping of the housing.

Abstract: A band that is discontinuous circumferentially, placeable on an object to be clamped in transverse direction; toggle locking means releasably locks the ends of the band together on the object. In one form the band is made in parts hinged together, and in another, it is a single piece of flexible material. The clamp, in another form includes an inner band forming a sealing gasket. In still another form, a repair band is included, which is applied to the object, and when the clamp is removed, the repair band remains as a unitary repair component on the object. The clamp is also operable in repairing broken bones.

Abstract: To provide an electrically conductive path between metal pipes, e.g. soil or drain pipes, connected at butting ends by means of an annular gasket of electrically insulating material which fits around and spans the butting ends and is secured in sealing engagement with the butting ends by clamp, a bridge element of electrically conductive material retained to the gasket extends between and engages with the pipes. The bridge element is conveniently an attachment to the gasket having portions disposed at internal and external circumferential surfaces of the gasket. Teeth or like formations on the bridge element dig into the surfaces of the pipes to enhance the engagement. Electrically conductive engagement may also be made with the clamp at a portion of the bridge element at the exterior of the gasket.

Abstract: A grooved contracting connector is comprised of a resilient sheet member in the form of a coil having a plurality of circumferential grooves in the resilient sheet member coil. In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the resilient sheet member coil at least in the area between the grooves. Resilient sheet member coil is expanded to a larger diameter and held in the expanded condition by the heat sensitive bonding material. In connecting together tubular members, the tubular members are inserted, the connector is heated with the heat sensitive adhesive bonding material at least partially melting to allow the connector to contract firmly onto the tubing to form a tight and strong connection upon cooling.

Abstract: A pipe repair clamp comprises a two-piece type split-collar, the collar being formed by joining the two pieces together about the surface of the pipe to be repaired. The pieces are shaped to form scarf-type joints and are provided with, affixed to their internal surfaces, portions of a gasket for sealing the surface of the pipe to be repaired from the external surface of the collar.

Abstract: A repair coupler including two identical mating coupler members having a complementary relationship is disclosed. Each of the two complementary coupler members is formed to include a portion of semicircular cross-section and outwardly extending longitudinal flanges at each side of the semicircular portion. Each semicircular portion includes a plurality of spaced grooves for receiving semicircular ribs of a liner. Each coupler member has a longitudinal recess adjacent each side of the semicircular portion for receiving a longitudinal section of the liner. A sealing liner includes a plurality of spaced ribs received in the grooves and longitudinally extending connecting sections received in the longitudinal recesses. The ribs engage a pipe and the longitudinal sections engage each other to form an effective seal. The coupler members are held together by simple fasteners, such as machine screws received in holes in the flanges and hex-headed nuts received in recesses in the flanges.

Abstract: A seal assembly for incorporation into a pipe coupling has a fire-ring which is adapted to seal against the juxtaposed ends of pipes and provide a substantial seal between the pipe ends in the event that the body of the elastomeric seal is subjected of thermal destruction.

Abstract: A collar that fits on the bar of a barbell to prevent weights from sliding off the bar. Two semi-circular sections of the collar are hinged together at one end of the sections to permit closure of the sections about the bar and a toggle linkage is mounted on the other ends of the section to hold the collar closed about the bar. Neoprene pads are affixed to the inner peripheries of the sections to grip the bar and prevent movement of weights thereon when the collar is mounted on the bar. The collar can be mounted on the bar or removed therefrom without moving the collar over the end of the bar so that weights can be placed on the bar while the collar is in place and subsequently secured by moving the collar and a weight can be removed from the bar by moving the collar to a position in which the weight is between the collar and the end of the bar prior to moving the weight off the end of the bar.

Abstract: A segmented coupling for use in sealing adjacent pipe ends includes coupling segments having bolting pads at their ends, the ends of the coupling segments including inclined end faces for cooperation with correspondingly inclined end faces of an adjacent coupling segment to produce self-adjustment of the coupling and rigid clamping of the pipe ends upon tightening down of the coupling.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling together pipe ends of pipes to be interconnected comprises a clampable housing approximately in the shape of a tightening clamp or collar for being clamped about the pipe ends such that tightening of the clampable housing causes the housing to contract or draw together around the pipes to be connected. The housing possesses annular or ring-shaped, inwardly flexed flanges at its end faces. A sealing gasket made from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber is enclosed in the housing and possesses a substantially C-shaped axial cross-sectional configuration. Clamping rings provided on the inner sides of the sealing gasket are capable of being reduced in diameter and supported in axial direction on the housing. These clamping rings are provided on their inner surfaces with claws or claw-like elements.

Abstract: A pipe connection in which an improved method and apparatus for forming a quick-coupling connecting nipple for plastic pipe is disclosed. A plastic pipe section having an annular groove perpendicular to the axis of the pipe is disposed about the periphery of the pipe section at a longitudinal distance from the first end of the pipe section. A steel sleeve is friction fitted about the plastic pipe section and a groove is rolled about the outer periphery of the sleeve to present an annular shoulder disposed within the inner periphery of the sleeve. The shoulder of the sleeve snaps into the groove of the plastic pipe section. The other end of the sleeve is crimped inwardly into the pipe surface so that the sleeve is substantially flush with the outer diameter of the pipe section.

Abstract: A pipe coupling wherein an elastic sleeve receives the end portions of two pipes and has a partition which extends between the end portions of the pipes. The sleeve is surrounded by a split ring in the form of a band whose end portions are spot welded to strip-shaped female components of a device for tightening the band around the sleeve. The median sections of the female components define with the band two aligned passages for the shank of a bolt whose head can be rotated to move it nearer to a nut which meshes with the shank and extends into a centrally located corrugation of the band. The head and nut flank the median sections of the two female components of the tightening device. Each end section of each of the two female components is welded to the adjacent portions of the band at two or more locations which are disposed at different distances from the gap between the two components.

Abstract: A flexible pipe coupling for the end portions of two pipes has an elastic sleeve whose open ends receive the end portions of the pipes and which has a centrally located partition extending from its internal surface and abutting against the end faces of the inserted pipes. The partition is flanked by two internal grooves which are formed in the internal surface and are flanked by annular surfaces sloping inwardly toward the partition. The external surface of the sleeve has a centrally located outer groove and is surrounded by a split ring forming part of a clamp and having apertured lugs extending outwardly from the two end portions of the ring to be moved nearer to each other by a bolt and nut assembly whose shank extends through the apertures so that the sleeve is compressed and its internal surface sealingly engages the external surfaces of the pipes. The split ring has a corrugation which extends into the outer groove of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pair of pipe members, each including an inner pipe jacket consisting essentially of a thermoplastic material and an outer pipe jacket consisting essentially of a fiber winding impregnated synthetic resin, are joined together at their ends in a connector assembly which includes a pair of semi-circular shells engaged externally about the outer pipe jackets at each end of the pipe members, a pair of clamping rings in press-fitted engagement about the shells for pressing the shells against the pipe members and a pipe stub arranged internally of the pipe members in cooperative relationship with the inner pipe jackets to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling the ends of pipes which may or may not have spigots at the ends and in which there may be variations in the diameters of the pipe ends and/or the spigots. A circular gasket spans the ends of the pipes being coupled. A clamping device clamps around the gasket and against the pipe ends. The gasket has a smooth, uninterrupted, intermediate exterior portion. A space or cavity is provided between this portion of the gasket and the inside of the clamping device. One or more external ribs are provided on the outside of the gasket between the intermediate portion and each end. These ribs are enlarged or enhanced in height or depth to provide the cavity between the intermediate part of the gasket and the inside of the clamping device. A spigot on the end of one pipe or both will force the intermediate part of the gasket into the cavity which provides space to accommodate the presence of spigots and variations in diameter.

Abstract: A segmented coupling for use in sealing adjacent pipe ends includes coupling segments having bolting pads at their ends, the ends of the coupling segments including inclined end faces for cooperation with correspondingly inclined end faces of an adjacent coupling segment to produce self-adjustment of the coupling and rigid clamping of the pipe ends upon tightening down of the coupling.

Abstract: A thrust restrainer for a joint in a pipeline between a plain end of a synthetic plastic pipe and a fitting comprises a pair of semicylindrical moulded half sleeves bolted together through diametrically extending flange portions, the half sleeves having at one end an internal profile complementary to that of the fitting, and at its other end a semicylindrical internal profile matching the external surface of the pipe, the semicylindrical profile including a plurality of parallel serrations which deform the material of the pipe into engagement with the serrations on bolting together of the half sleeves.

Abstract: A fluid flow system comprises a plurality of operational elements which are interconnected by rigid conduits. The present invention provides a rigid interconnecting conduit which includes a statically adjustable assembly comprising two telescopically associated members having a combined length which is variable to accommodate objects spaced at different distances and orientations. The assembly also includes a member for clamping the relatively movable elements to provide a rigid linkage once the interconnection of the objects is made.

Abstract: A method of assembling a pipeline system and the pipeline system resulting therefrom involves providing pipes and associated conduit members with plural axially spaced key engagement members adjacent the ends thereof, and securing adjacent ends of the pipes and conduit members to each other using segmented couplings having plural axially spaced keys corresponding with the key engagement members, the engagement surfaces of the keys having an inversely pebbled surface produced in the casting of the segments of the coupling and which is intentionally left unfinished, such that pressurization of the pipeline system and the axial loading produced thereby will cause the inversely pebbled surfaces of the respective keys to crush down and cold work the engaged faces of the engagement members to progressively produce substantially uniform stress distribution between the respective keys and engagement members.

Abstract: A seal for a gas meter coupling nut comprising a ring-shaped housing formed of two separate but identical halves made of relatively brittle molded plastic and having integrally molded fastening means for snapping together the two halves into locking non-removable engagement. The two halves are shaped and dimensioned to be freely, laterally movable a small but appreciable amount relative to each other when locked so that tapping said housing will produce a rattle-like sound thereby indicating that the seal has not been broken open and the halves glued back together.

Abstract: A polymer socket is secured to a metallic conduit by snapping a split polymer sleeve around the conduit with a flange on the sleeve engaged within a groove in the conduit, and then securing the sleeve against spreading. The securing function is provided by an annular insert bonded within the sleeve. A throughbore within the sleeve provides the socket.

Abstract: A pipe joint seal comprises an insert (10) adapted to be mounted around the joint and the pipe sections adjacent thereto and having in its inner side dovetailed grooves (11) or the like which are filled with a plastic sealing compound. The insert (10) can be clamped around the pipes and the joint by means of a sheet-metal union piece (21) having bent edges (22) to form a channel within which said insert (10) is mounted. When insert (10) is tightened around the pipes, the sealing compound urges the insert portions defining the dovetailed grooves (11) tightly against the pipes so that a satisfactory seal is obtained also on uneven pipe surfaces. By designing one bent longitudinal edge (22) of the union piece (21) with a height greater than that of said insert, and by causing said bent edge to engage with a groove in one of said pipes, the seal can be simply and conveniently held in nondisplaceable engagement with said pipe, while the other pipe is displaceable in the seal.

Abstract: An article comprises two areas of heat-recoverable woven fabric which are joined together along a line by means of a mechanical joining arrangement, such as stitches, staples or a stitched or stapled zip, which penetrates the fabric. The direction of crimp of the area penetrated is substantially perpendicular to the line of the join, or the two areas have substantially parallel directions of crimp.

Abstract: A leak repair clamp for pipe and pipe flanges includes a frame having a plurality of one piece frame segments positionable in end-to-end relationship around the pipe. Each segment includes a pair of spaced apart metal lips which are adapted to form a metal-to-metal seal with a pipe or flanges when the frame segments are connected together. Access means are provided in each frame segment to permit the passes of liquid sealant into the recess defined by the lips and the pipe.

Abstract: A sleeve-shaped pipeline coupling device for pipelines which is divided at least once in a direction transverse to the circumferential direction and adapted to be placed into close sealing contact against the outer wall of the pipeline. The coupling device includes at least one radial shoulder having an outer wall with an opening and a pipe fitting member portion being provided with a radial opening. The pipe fitting member portion includes a radial flange at one end having at least one arresting member formed integrally with the side thereof facing away from the pipe fitting. When the pipe fitting member portion is engaged to the coupling device, the arresting member engages the edge of the opening formed in the shoulder and the flange is in sealing contact against the shoulder.

Abstract: A sealing member including a seal retainer sleeve provided in segments and two spaced apart grooves defined all around the inner wall of the sleeve. Sleeve is adapted to be fitted around outside of a cylindrical surface on each side of an opening. An elastomeric fluid pressure seal segment is mounted within each groove in the sleeve to provide a fluid tight seal within the spaced confined between the grooves. The bottom of each of the grooves is dovetailed to retain corresponding mounting beads of the seal. Each segment of the seal, as mounted within the grooves, is shaped with an outside diameter surface merging into the mounting beads. The high pressure bead of the mounting beads merges into the side of a groove extending axially into the segment. The other side of the groove merges into a flexible lip which is responsive to pressure applied within the cylindrical space. The lip extends into an inside diameter surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a seal over at a discontinuity in a tubular area e.g. a joint between two pipes comprises providing a sealing element around the area and clamping the element in position with a clamping element extending around the sealing element. The clamping element has portions with interengaging formations (e.g. teeth) adapted to allow relative movement between said two portions to apply clamping pressure to the element but to prevent relative movement in the other direction.

Abstract: A closure and locking device for a pipe coupling includes lugs on the juxtaposed ends of coupling segments that interfit and can be locked in a closed position by a locking pin. The lugs each provide reaction members which are employed in the pressure loading and closing of the coupling against the bias of a resilient sealing gasket contained within the segments of the coupling, with the closing accomplished with the aid of a tool which is removably engagable with the lugs of the coupling.

Abstract: A connecting line between the compressor of an exhaust gas turbocharger and a suction pipe of an internal combustion engine. For the compensation of tolerances and for the installation simplification, the connecting line includes at least two nested pipe sections disposed one within the other and cooperating by way of sealing means; the pipe sections are connected with each other by means of a disengageable device including a bridge.

Abstract: A device for coupling two pipe sections together such that each of the connected pipe sections may swivel relative to the other. Each of the pipe sections have uniform and equal exterior diameters into which circumferential grooves, preferably a pair, are formed. The pipe sections are held together by a split clamp having inwardly extending ribs which mate with the grooves formed in the pipe sections. The size of the pipe section grooves and the split clamp ribs provide an annular space in each groove inwardly of the split clamp rib in which resides a compressible bearing ring. A washer ring separates and seals between the ends of the two pipe sections. The resulting pipe coupling is largely symmetrical about both its radial and axial centerpoint planes. Under pressure, the load is equalized over the multiple bearing rings.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting together tubular members is comprised of a resilient sheet member in the form of a coil having at least partially overlapping surfaces. The inner diameter of the sheet member coil is less than the outer diameter of the members to be joined. A layer of heat sensitive adhesive bonding material is provided over the inner surface and subsequently after the formation of the connection on the outer surface of the sheet member coil. The sheet member coil is expanded to a larger diameter against the resiliently inwardly directed force of the sheet member and held in the expanded condition by heat sensitive adhesive bonding material. The expanded larger diameter is of a sufficient diameter to receive the ends of the members to be joined.

Abstract: A pipe joint coupling for joining cast iron hubless drain and vent pipes. The joint is encircled by an annular elastic gasket fitting over each end of the adjacent pipe sections. The elastic gasket is surrounded by a shield with a diamond pattern of projections and depressions. The shield is tightened by bands to compress the gasket against the pipes and to secure the adjacent ends of the pipes together. A tight seal is formed between the gasket and the pipe ends which is maintained under high pressure fluid passing through the pipes. The gasket is prevented from extruding from the shield by the gripping of the projections of the diamond pattern of the shield on the gasket. An improved seal between the pipes being joined is formed with increased resistant to the displacement of the gasket.

Abstract: A stabbing box structure that acts as a safety slip. It has a split construction with a clamp to hold it onto the flange of an end connector of a section of tubing which is being supported at the well head by slips. There is a tapered guide interior construction in the box which is for guiding the end connector of another section of tubing that is stabbed into the box. The tube being stabbed is guided into abutting alignment with the end connector that has the stabbing box clamped thereon. The stabbing box has an outside diameter that is greater than the opening at the well head. Consequently, if the slips holding the tubing string already in the well should let go, the stabbing box will prevent the tubing string from falling into the well.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for pneumatic conveying lines to serve as a safety device in the event of an explosion or sudden pressure increase within the conveying line. The device includes a pair of semi-cylindrical shells normally joined together by a shear pin or pressure sensitive key which ruptures when excessive pressure in the conveying line exerts excessive force on the shell sections. When the joining device ruptures, the shell sections open up to relieve line pressure. A suitable mounting arrangement is provided including guide bars for the shells, bumpers and spring return arrangement.

Abstract: Segments of a coupling for use in a high-pressure piping system are provided with cast multiple keys in their as cast condition, and which are for reception within corresponding plural or multiple grooves in pipe ends, crushing of the operative faces of the keys and cold working of the faces of the pipe grooves in engagement therewith providing for equalization of the axial loading imposed on the respective keys.

Abstract: An improvement in hubless pipe couplings is provided by a split housing which encompasses the pipe barrels and compressed sealing sleeve-type prior art couplings so that lateral and axial displacement of the barrels and displacement of the sealing sleeve are prevented. The invention is particularly adaptable to existing couplings so that greater-than-normal internal pressures may be withstood.

Abstract: Device for facilitating the assembly of lengths of jacketed pipe base well screens in wells, wherein assembly is to be with manual or power tongs which have a greater vertical height than the blank pipe base end sections of the screens. The device includes a pair of pivoted semicylindrical portions which have compressible rubber liners at their ends which overlie the screen jacket and jaws at their ends which overlie the blank pipe. A removable pin locks the screen jacket end of the device at a fixed O.D. while the jaw end has a gap between the nonpivoted edges of the pivoted portions which permits a reduction in diameter as force from a set of tongs compresses the device and the jaws therein against a blank section of pipe.

Abstract: A coupling for pipe or the like made up of a plurality of spaced generally hollow cylindrical bodies made of sheet material and each having their adjacent ends bent back on themselves forming a pocket along each edge, an outrigger bar extends through the pocket on one edge of each of the bodies and a short bar extends through the pocket on the outer edge of each body. The short bars are connected to the outrigger by means of bolts and a flexible liner is supported inside each of the bodies forming a gasket for surrounding a pipe extending through the bodies. In the second embodiment a basic difference is that the couplings are made up of clamps or outrigger clamps at two halves rather than in a single band.

Abstract: A cable splice, branchout or termination has a heat recovered member (30) around one or more cable portions (33) extending out of an end of the member (30). The cable portion (33) is protected from physical damage and heat by placing around it individually a metal foil member (1), preferably aluminium of thickness 150-250 microns. The metal foil member is preferably coated with a hot melt adhesive (2) and a mastic (5) at distinct locations. A pressure sensitive adhesive (4) may also be provided to help secure the foil member (1) around the cable portion (33) before recovery of the outer member (30). Apertures (44) may be provided in the foil member (1) to allow passage therethrough of hot melt adhesive provided on the inner surface of the recoverable member (30).

Abstract: A pipe restraint device that will prevent pressure-induced separation of cast iron soil pipes or the like joined by a sealing coupling comprises at least one stiff yet forceably springable rod having lengths thereof curved to substantially the outside curvature of the pipe and forming two coils spaced apart for encircling respective pipe surfaces at opposite sides of the sealing coupling, with end portions of the rod or rods arranged in oppositely directed first and second pairs defining a contractable region of the coils; and structures including at least one rigid strut bracket formed to bridge the sealing coupling axially are engaged with the pairs of rod end portions for displacing them relative to one another substantially tangentially under great tension and holding them so displaced in immovably tight engagement upon the pipe surfaces.

Abstract: A pipe joint consisting of first and second pipes having ends juxtaposed to provide a fluid tight interconnection therebetween. An outer surface of the first pipe defines a first circumferential coupling groove and a first circumferential seal groove disposed between the first coupling groove and the connected end of the first pipe. An outer surface of the second pipe defines a second circumferential coupling groove and a second circumferential seal groove disposed between the second coupling groove and the joined end of the second pipe. Fitted over the outer surfaces of the first and second pipes is a resilient sleeve covering the first and second seal grooves. A clamp assembly with inward projections overlays the sleeve and is radially collapsible to forcibly engage the resilient sleeve.

Abstract: An insulating pipe part of thermoplastic material comprises two opposite sections and one third section disposed at an angle with respect to the former sections, the wall portion of said sections being provided with a continuous wall cutting slit. The pipe part may comprise thicker parts of a polyurethan foam.For forming an insulated branch pipe joint, said insulating pipe part is pushed over a branch pipe and subsequently plastic sleeves with beveled front ends are heatshrunk on to said sections, thereby closing said slit in a moisture tight manner.In order to obtain a reliable moisture tight closing, the sleeves are provided with beveled front ends so that the lower sleeve ends overlap each other.