CA2165448A1 - Coupling device useful for joining or capping plastic pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling device for joining ends of pipes together or capping an end of a single pipe. The device includes a metal insert (6) having serrations (10) for engaging an inner surface of a plastic pipe (7), a deformable coupling member (2) which overlies the pipe (7) and a metal ring (11) of smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of the coupling member (2) for compressing the coupling member (2) and plastic pipe (7) against the metal insert (6). A space forming feature (12) reduces the insertion force required to slide the metal ring (11) over the coupling member (2). For instance, the metal insert can include a circumferentially extending groove (18) on an outer surface to accommodate flow of the plastic pipe (7) as it is deformed by the metal ring (11). Alternatively, the coupling member can include a recess (16), groove (20) or projection (22), the inner surface of the coupling member can be tapered, the end of the plastic pipe can be tapered or a compressible member (25) or a ball bearing (24) can be inserted between the end of the pipe and the coupling member to accomplish the same result.