CA2900422C - Pipe connector - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a pipe connector for connecting two pipes in abutting end-to- end relationship by insertion of the pipe connector within end portions of the pipes. The pipe connector comprises a first connector plate including two opposed longitudinal side edges for engaging with inner walls of the two pipes. The pipe connector further includes a second connector plate comprising a longitudinal side edge for engaging with the inner walls of the pipes. The longitudinal side edges of the first and second connector plates comprise respective raised projections protruding outwardly therefrom. The first and second connector plates can be assembled by inserting at least one mating projection of a mating edge of the second connector plate in at least one slot defined in the first connector plate.

Description

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PIPE CONNECTOR
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pipe connectors inserted inside abutting ends of adjacent pipes, for connecting the pipes. The present invention more particularly relates to pipe connectors used for connecting hollow pipes in impact driving-piles.
BACKGROUND
The high price and scarcity of quality land is forcing entrepreneurs to build on soils having reduced or insufficient bearing capacity. As part of a building construction (commercial, industrial and residential), using pile foundations may ensure greater strength and stability, regardless of the type of soil. One possible type of pile foundations is impact-driving pilings. Impact-driving pilings are formed by driving one or several hollow pipes in the ground to provide foundation support for buildings or other structures.
When several pipes are required, the pipes are interconnected with connectors frictionally inserted within abutting ends of the pipes.
CA 2,551,252 discloses a hollow pipe connector made of two flat metal plates, each having interconnecting slots for coupling the metal plates together, thus forming a connector having an X-cross-section. Such pipe connector can present drawbacks when it comes to tolerances for dimensional variations in the pipes and/or in the pipe connector.
In view of the above, there is a need for an improved pipe connector that would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the prior art concerns. It would also be desirable to provide a pipe connector which would be less costly to manufacture.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a pipe connector for connecting two pipes in abutting end-to-end relationship by insertion of the pipe connector within end portions of the pipes, i.e. each of the two pipes have an inner wall. The pipe connector includes a first connector plate comprising two opposed longitudinal side edges for engaging with the respective inner walls of the two pipes, and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposed longitudinal side edges. The first connector plate includes at least one slot provided along the longitudinal axis. The pipe connector further includes a second connector plate comprising a longitudinal side edge for engaging with the inner walls of the pipes, and an opposed mating edge connected to the first connector plate along the longitudinal axis thereof. The second connector plate includes at least one mating projection on the mating edge. The at least one mating projection is inserted into the at least one slot for connecting the first and second connector plates.
The longitudinal side edges of the first and second connector plates include respective raised projections protruding outwardly therefrom.
In some implementations, the longitudinal side edges of the first and second connector plates include proximal side edge portions extending from a respective side of each raised projection. In alternate implementations, the first connector plate has a V-shaped cross-section. For instance, the first connector plate can have two longitudinal wings forming an angle comprised between 90 and 150 degrees. Thus, the pipe connector can have a Y-shaped cross-section.
In an embodiment, the raised projections of the longitudinal side edges of the first and second connector plates are defined in a respective mid-section thereof. In some scenarios, the raised projections are transversely aligned with one another.
In some implementations of the pipe connector, the longitudinal axis of the first connector plate is centered therein. In addition, the first and second connector plates can have a similar thickness.
In some scenarios, the proximal side edge portions have a sloped profile. In other scenarios, the proximal side edge portions of the first connector plate are substantially parallel to one another.
In an embodiment, the first and second connector plates include rounded corners.
Moreover, in another embodiment of the pipe connector, the at least one slot has a width substantially similar to a thickness of the second connector plate. The first and second connector plates can also include distal side edge sloped portions located at about

- 2 quarter-section of the respective longitudinal side edge. In some implementations, the first and second connector plates include distal side edge portions extending between a respective distal side edge sloped portions and a respective rounded corner.
In some scenarios, at least one of the first and second connector plates includes at least one of metallic alloys, polymers and composite materials.
It is also contemplated that the first connector plate can have a length comprised between 9 and 20 inches (228.6 mm to 508 mm). In addition, it is contemplated that the first connector plate can have a width comprised between 2 and 8 inches (50.8 mm to 203.2 mm). In some implementations, the first connector plate has a thickness comprised between 0.25 to 0.75 inch (6.35 to 19.05 mm).
In an embodiment, the longitudinal side edges of at least one of the first and second connector plates are chamfered.
In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method for connecting a first and a second pipe in abutting end-to-end relationship using a pipe connector. The method comprises the following steps. The pipe connector as described above is formed by mating a first and second connector plates. The first and second connector plates include longitudinal side edges and raised projections extending therefrom.
The raised projections define a first and a second portion of the pipe connector. The next step involves inserting the longitudinal side edges of the first portion of the pipe connector within an end portion of the first pipe until the pipe connector is arrested by the raised projections. The pipe connector is thus engaged via a friction fit with an inner wall of the end portion of the first pipe. The next step of the method involves inserting the longitudinal side edges of the second portion of the pipe connector within an end portion of the second pipe until the pipe connector is arrested by the raised projections. The pipe connector is thus engaged via a friction fit with inner wall of the end portion of the second pipe.
In some implementations of the method prior to the second step, the method further comprises the step of permanently assembling the pipe connector. The permanent assembly can involve bonding or soldering the first and second connector plates.

- 3 -, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pipe connector in accordance with an embodiment, the pipe connector having a first portion inserted in a first pipe. A second pipe is also shown, positioned above the second portion of the pipe connector.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first connector plate of the pipe connector of Figure 1, shown with a flat profile.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second connector plate of the pipe connector of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is perspective view of the pipe connector of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a cross-section view of two pipes, with a pipe connector partially inserted within end portions of two adjacent pipes.
Figure 6 is a top view of the pipe connector of Figure 1, with the second pipe omitted.
It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.
Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom.
Although the embodiments of a pipe connector and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other

- 4 -suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the pipe connector, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "outwardly", "inwardly", "downwardly" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.
Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly referring to FIG.1, a possible embodiment of a pipe connector 20 is provided. The pipe connector 20 is used to connect two pipes 100, 102 in an abutting end-to-end relationship, by insertion of the pipe connector 20 within end portions 104, 106 of the pipes 100, 102. The pipe connector 20 results from the assembly of a first connector plate 22 and a second connector plate 32.
Still referring to FIG.1, and also to FIGs. 2 and 4, the first connector plate 22 has a substantial flat body defined by two opposed longitudinal side edges 24, 26.
The longitudinal side edges 24, 26 are for engaging with the inner walls 108, 110 of the two pipes 100, 102, near the ends or extremities of the pipes. The first connector plate 22 has a longitudinal axis 28 extending between the opposed longitudinal side edges 24, 26. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal axis 28 is centered with respect to the width of the first connector plate 22; however other configurations are possible, in which the first connector would not be symmetrical. The first connector plate 20 also includes at least one slot 30A provided along the longitudinal axis 28. In this particular embodiment, the first connector plate 22 includes two slots 30A, 30B (best shown in FIGs. 2 and 4).
Referring to FIGs. 1, 3 and 4, the pipe connector 20 also includes the second connector plate 32. The second connector plate 32 is also formed by a substantially flat body, delineated by a longitudinal side edge 34 and by an opposed mating edge 36.
The longitudinal side edge 34 is configured for engaging with the inner walls 108, 110 of the pipes 100, 102, and the opposed mating edge 36 (best shown in FIG.3) is configured to be connected or assembled to the first connector plate 22, along the longitudinal axis 28.
The second connector plate 32 further includes at least one mating projection 38A or

- 5 -38B, provided on its mating edge 36. To assemble the pipe connector 20, the mating projection(s) of the second connector plate is/are inserted into the corresponding slot(s) of the first connector plate. When the pipe connector 20 is assembled, the mating edge 36 of the second connector 32 abuts on one of the faces of the first connector plate 22.
In the embodiment shown, the second connector plate 32 includes two mating projections 38A, 38B (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), shaped an configured to be insertable into the corresponding two slots 30A, 30B, and thus forming the pipe connector 20 upon insertion thereto. In other configurations, it is possible to provide the first connecting plate with a single slot extending along a central portion of the axis 28. In this case, the second connecting plate 32 would also include a single longitudinal projection, shaped and configured to frictionally engage into the single slot. Yet in other configurations, it is possible to provide the first and second connector plates 22, 32 with more than two slots and projections, respectively.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and 4, the first connector plate 22 is bended along its longitudinal axis 28, providing the plate 22 with a V-shape configuration or cross-section. The two wings 220, 221 of the connector plate 22 can form an angle comprised between about 90 and about 150 degrees.
As best shown in FIG. 6, the first and second wings 220, 221 form an angle al of about 120 degrees. Thus, the angle al, a2, a3 between each respective faces of the first and second connector plates 22, 32 forming the pipe connector 20 is about 120 degrees.
When the second connector plate 32 is connected to the first connector plate 22, the pipe connector 20 has a Y-shaped cross-section. The Y cross-section can advantageously spread efforts evenly between the first and second wings 220, 221, and the second connector plates 32, resulting from the insertion of the pipe connector 20 within end portions 104, 106 of the pipes 100, 102. Another advantage resulting from the Y-shaped cross-section is that the longitudinal side edges 24, 26, 34 engage the inner walls 108, 110 of the two pipes 100, 102 at a right angle. This right angle engagement can increase friction efforts between the longitudinal side edges 24, 26, 34 and the inner walls 108, 110 of the two pipes 100, 102. The Y-shaped cross-section of the pipe connector 20 can allow for a slight deflection of one of the first and second connector plates 22, 32, resulting from compression efforts exerted as the pipe connector 20 is

- 6 -inserted in the end portions 104, 106 of the pipes 100, 102. The slight deflection can ensure proper friction fit of the pipe connector therein and can provide tolerances for dimensional variations in the pipes 100, 102 and/or the pipe connector 20. As can be appreciated, the pipe connector 20, which is typically built using metallic plates of steel or iron, requires less material compared to connectors having an X cross-section, resulting in cost savings. The pipe connector of the present invention thus provides three contacting surfaces with the inner sidewalls of the pipes 100, 102, with the respective surfaces of edges 24, 26, 34, which are surprisingly sufficient to withstand impact forces of a driving pile machine or vibrations resulting from repetitive impacts.
In another embodiment (not illustrated), it is possible for the first connector plate to remain straight, i.e. not bended. The pipe connector assembled with such straight first connector plate and second connector plate can thus have a T-shaped cross-section. In such implementation, it is contemplated that the longitudinal side edges of at least one of the first and second connector plates can be chamfered at a suitable angle so as to provide longitudinal side edges having a surface area sufficient to provide friction efforts allowing to secure the pipe connector within the inner walls of the two pipes, and resist vibrations resulting from impact driving forces.
Referring to FIGs. 1 to 4, the longitudinal side edges 24, 26, 34 of the first and second connector plates 22, 32 include respective raised projections 40, 42, 44 extending or protruding outwardly from the edges. The raised projections 40, 42, 44 can arrest the pipe connector 20 on the end portions 104, 106 of the pipes 100, 102. The raised projections 40, 42, 44 can thus limit the insertion of the pipe connector 20 in one of the end portions 104, 106 of the pipes 100, 102. The raised projections 40, 42, 44 thus prevent the pipe connector 20 from being completely inserted, which would impede the pipe connector 20 from operatively connecting the two pipes 100, 102 together.
In the embodiment shown, the raised projections 40, 42, 44 are defined in a mid-section of the respective longitudinal side edges 24, 26, 34. Thus, as best shown in FIGs. 1 and 5, when the pipes 100, 102 are connected by the pipe connector 20, i.e. in an abutment end-to-end relationship, the first and second connector plates 22, 32 extend substantially halfway within the end portion 104 of the pipe 100 and halfway in the other end portion 106 of the pipe 102. In some implementations, the material of the first and second

- 7 -connector plates can be selected to be more compliant than the material of the pipes.
Thus, it is contemplated that the raised projections can be deformed, i.e.
compressed inwardly toward their respective longitudinal side edge, upon insertion of the pipes using, for instance, impact-driving techniques. The inward compression of the raised projections can allow the two pipes to be connected in abutting end-to-end relationship with no substantial gap therebetween.
In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIGs.1, 4 and 5, the raised projections 40, 42, 44 of the pipe connector 20 are transversely aligned with one another. Such transversal alignment of the raised projections 40, 42, 44 ensures that the pipe connector 20 is firmly arrested on the end portions 104, 106 of the pipes 100, 102. In this particular embodiment, the raised projections 40, 42, 44 are rounded; however, in other embodiments, the raised projections can have a different shape and/or size, as long as it protrudes sufficiently to stop the connector 20 from sliding within the first pipe 100 when the second pipe 102 is being hit on. For instance, in an embodiment wherein the raised projections would extend outwardly from a respective longitudinal side edge only slightly, the ends of the two pipes can abut to each other, leaving substantially no gap therebetween. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the raised projections can have a triangular shape. In such embodiment, a substantial gap might appear between the ends of the two pipes being connected by the pipe connector. In another embodiment (not shown), the raised projections 40, 42, 44 can be defined elsewhere along the respective longitudinal side edge, i.e. not in a mid-section thereof. For example, this configuration can be advantageous if there is a need to insert a first portion of the pipe connector 20 further in one of the end portions 104, 106 of the pipes 100, 102 than a second portion of said pipe connector 20.
Referring to FIGs. 2 to 4, other features of the longitudinal side edges 24, 26, 34 will be described. For the sake of clarity, the features found on either side of a respective raised projection 40, 42, 44, are referred to as having the same reference numeral, but with an A for the features found in a first portion of the first and second connector plates 22, 32, i.e. the first portion being at the forefront (or lower side) of FIGs. 2 to 4.
The reference numerals with a B correspond to the features found in a second portion of the first and second connector plates 22, 32, i.e. the second portion being at the background (or top

- 8 -side) of FIGs. 2 to 4. Furthermore, in the present description, it is to be understood that the use of the term "proximal" qualifies features that are located near of a respective raised projection 40, 42, 44, while the term "distal" qualifies features that are located away from said respective raised projection 40, 42, 44, near the shorter edges of the plates 22, 32.
Referring to FIGs. 2 to 4, the longitudinal side edge 24 of the first connector plate 22 includes proximal side edge portions 46A, 468 extending from a respective side of the raised projection 40. Similarly, the longitudinal side edge 26 of the first connector plate 22 includes proximal side edge portions 48A, 48B extending from a respective side of the raised projection 42. The longitudinal side edge 34 of the second connector plate 32 includes proximal side edge portions 50A, 50B extending from a respective side of the raised projection 44. The proximal side edge portions 46A, 46B, 48A, 48B, 50A, can engage with the inner walls 108, 110 of the pipes 100, 102 via a friction fit as the pipe connector 20 is inserted within the end portions 102, 104 of the pipes 100, 102. In the embodiment shown, the proximal side edge portions 46A, 46B, 48A, 48B, 50A, are substantially parallel to one another. In another embodiment (not shown), the proximal side edge portions can be tapered so as to further secure the engagement of the proximal side edge portions with the inner walls 108, 110 of the pipes 100, 102 as the pipe connector 20 is inserted. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the proximal side edge portions can be grooved and/or have a roughened surface so as to further increase the friction efforts as the pipe connector 20 is inserted, thus further securing the engagement of the proximal side edge portions with the inner walls 108, 110 of the pipes 100, 102.
Still referring to FIGs. 2 to 4, the longitudinal side edge 24 of the first connector plate 22 includes distal side edge sloped portions 58A, 58B located at about quarter-section of the longitudinal side edge 24. The longitudinal side edge 26 of the first connector plate 22 includes distal side edge sloped portions 60A, 60B located at about quarter-section of the longitudinal side edge 26. The longitudinal side edge 34 of the second connector plate 32 includes distal side edge sloped portions 62A, 62B located at about quarter-section of the longitudinal side edge 34. In the embodiment shown, the distal side edge sloped portions 58A, 58B, 60A, 60B, 62A, 62B are sloping inwardly toward the

- 9 longitudinal axis 28 and thus can guide the pipe connector 20 upon insertion thereof within the end portions 102, 104 of the pipes 100, 102. In addition, the distal side edge sloped portions 58A, 58B, 60A, 60B, 62A, 62B can facilitate the engagement of the proximal side edge portions 46A, 46B, 48A, 48B, 50A, 50B with the inner walls 108, 110 of the pipes 100, 102 via a friction fit as they provide a substantially conical shape to an outer profile of the pipe connector 20.
Still referring to FIGs. 2 to 4, the longitudinal side edge 24 of the first connector plate 22 includes distal side edge portions 64A, 64B extending between the respective distal side edge sloped portions 58A, 58B and a respective rounded corner 52A, 52B. The longitudinal side edge 26 of the first connector plate 22 includes distal side edge portions 66A, 66B extending between the respective distal side edged sloped portions 60A, 60B
and a respective rounded corner 54A, 54B. The longitudinal side edge 34 of the second connector plate 32 includes distal side edge portions 68A, 68B extending between the respective distal side edge sloped portions 62A, 62B and a respective rounded corner 56A, 56B. In the embodiment shown, the distal side edge portions 64A, 64B, 66A, 66B, 68A, 68B are substantially parallel to one another and can ensure proper positioning of the pipe connector 20 within the end portions 102, 104 of the pipes 100, 102.
In another embodiment (not illustrated), the distal side edge portions can be converging, thereby eliminating the need for corners as the first and second connector plates would end with an apex, which would result in a pipe connector having a three prongs spearhead-like shape.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the rounded corners 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B, 56A, 56B
can facilitate insertion and/or manipulation of the pipe connector 20 within the end portions 102, 104 of the pipes 100, 102. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the corners of the first and second connector plates can be squared or at a right angle.
It is contemplated that the distal side edge sloped portions 58A, 58B, 60A, 60B, 62A, 62B and the distal side edge portions 64A, 64B, 66A, 66B, 68A, 68B are optional features on the respective longitudinal side edge 24, 26, 34. In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the proximal side edge portions can extend between the raised projections and the corresponding corners. In this case, the proximal side edge portions

- 10 -can have a tapered or sloped profile and provide a substantially conical shape to an outer profile of the pipe connector. This configuration of the proximal side edge portions can provide sufficient friction efforts between the longitudinal side edges and the inner walls of the two pipes as the pipe connector is inserted therein.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, as mentioned previously, the longitudinal axis 28 of the first connector plate 22 is preferably centered. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the longitudinal axis 28 can be off-centered. This configuration can be advantageous if there is a need to provide a greater void between the first and second connector plates 22, 32, for receiving concrete for example.
Referring to FIGs.2 and 3, in the embodiment shown, the first and second connector plates 22, 32 have a similar thickness. It is contemplated that the first connector plate 22 can have a thickness comprised between 0.25 to 0.75 inch (6.35 to 19.05 mm).
However, the thickness of the first and second connector plates 22, 32 can differ. In the embodiment illustrated, the at least one slot 30A, 30B have a width substantially similar to the thickness of the second connector plate 32. This configuration can facilitate the assembly of the pipe connector 20.
Referring to FIG.2, the slots 30A, 30B are defined through the first connector plate 22. In other implementations (not illustrated), the at least one slot 30A can be defined as blind slots, i.e. not passing through the thickness of the first connector plate 22.
As illustrated in FIG.1, 5 and 6, the first connector plate 22 can have a thickness substantially similar to the thickness of the walls 108, 110 of the pipes 100, 102.
Accordingly, the second connector plate 32 can also have a thickness substantially similar to the thickness of the walls 108, 110 of the pipes 100, 102.
The first and second connector plates 22, 32 can be made of any suitable material for operatively connecting two pipes in abutting end-to-end relationship. In an embodiment, the first and second connector plates include a suitable material to withstand the friction efforts and the external efforts applied to the two pipes. For instance, first and second connector plates can be made out of carbon steel. Other suitable materials include metallic alloys, polymers and composite materials. The first and second connector plates

- 11 -can also present a combination of suitable materials, such as being made of a metallic alloy and comprising a polymer, such as rubber, on the longitudinal side edges.
In addition, it is contemplated that the first connector plate 22 can have a length comprised between 9 and 20 inches (228.6 mm to 508 mm). The second connector plate 32 can have a length similar to the first connector plate 22, but can also have a different length. In some implementations, the first connector plate 22 has a width comprised between 2 and 8 inches (50.8 mm to 203.2 mm).
Referring to FIG.3, the mating projections 38A, 38B are square-shaped and sized to be inserted in the corresponding slots 30A, 30B of the first connector plate 22.
Upon insertion of the mating projections 38A, 38B in the at least one slot 30A, 30B, it is contemplated that the pipe connector 20 can be permanently assembled by bonding or soldering the first and second connector plates 22, 32. For instance, a gap (not illustrated) between the mating projections 38A, 38B and the corresponding slots 30A, 30B can be used for soldering or bonding the first and second connector plates 22, 32.
In some scenarios, no bonding or soldering is required, and the insertion of the projections into the corresponding slots is sufficient to maintain proper connection of the plates 22, 32. The mating edge 36 can be provided with several features to facilitate such proper connection to the first plate 22. For instance, the mating edge 38 can have chamfered portions and/or recesses. The recesses can be sized and configured to receive bulging compressed material of the first connector plate 22 that can appear on certain portions thereof upon bending of said first connector plate 22.
Suitable techniques are contemplated for bonding the first and second connector plates 22, 32, such as welding and using an adhesive. In another embodiment (not shown), the mating projections can be shaped to form a square-shaped hook. It is contemplated that this configuration can further facilitate the assembly of the pipe connector.
In accordance with another aspect, a method is provided for connecting a first and a second pipe in abutting end-to-end relationship using a pipe connector as described above. The method includes the following steps.

- 12 -The pipe connector as described above is formed by mating the first and second connector plates. The first and second connector plates include longitudinal side edges and raised projections extending therefrom, as described above.
Next, the longitudinal side edges of a first portion of the pipe connector are inserted within an end portion of the first pipe until the pipe connector is arrested by the raised projections. The pipe connector is thus engaged via a friction fit with the inner wall of the end portion of the first pipe.
Then, the longitudinal side edges of the second portion of the pipe connector are inserted within an end portion of the second pipe until the pipe connector is arrested by the raised projections. The pipe connector is thus engaged via a friction fit with inner wall of the end portion of the second pipe.
The steps described above can be conducted in any suitable order and can further include other steps, such as to permanently assemble the pipe connector prior to the insertion within end portions of the first and second pipes.
Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A

person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

- 13

Claims (22)

1. A pipe connector for connecting two pipes in abutting end-to-end relationship by insertion of the pipe connector within end portions of the pipes, each of the two pipes having an inner wall, the pipe connector comprising:
- a first connector plate comprising two opposed longitudinal side edges for engaging with the respective inner walls of the two pipes, and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposed longitudinal side edges, the first connector plate comprising at least one slot provided along the longitudinal axis; and - a second connector plate comprising a longitudinal side edge for engaging with the inner walls of the pipes, and an opposed mating edge connected to the first connector plate along the longitudinal axis thereof, the second connector plate comprising at least one mating projection on the mating edge, said at least one mating projection being inserted into said at least one slot for connecting the first and second connector plates;
- the longitudinal side edges of the first and second connector plates comprising respective raised projections protruding outwardly therefrom.

2. A pipe connector according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal side edges of the first and second connector plates comprise proximal side edge portions extending from a respective side of each raised projection.

3. A pipe connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connector plate has a V-shaped cross-section.

4. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connector plate has two longitudinal wings forming an angle comprised between 90 and 150 degrees.

5. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pipe connector has a Y-shaped cross-section.

6. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the raised projections of the longitudinal side edges of the first and second connector plates are defined in a respective mid-section thereof.

7. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first connector plate is centered therein.

8. A pipe connector according to claim any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the raised projections are transversely aligned with one another.

9. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and second connector plates have a similar thickness.

10. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the proximal side edge portions have a sloped profile.

11. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the proximal side edge portions of the first connector plate are substantially parallel to one another.

12. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first and second connector plates comprise rounded corners.

13. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one slot has a width substantially similar to a thickness of the second connector plate.

14. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and second connector plates comprise distal side edge sloped portions located at about quarter-section of the respective longitudinal side edge.

15. A pipe connector according to claim 14, wherein the first and second connector plates comprise distal side edge portions extending between a respective distal side edge sloped portions and a respective rounded corner.

16. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the first and second connector plates comprises at least one of metallic alloys, polymers and composite materials.

17. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first connector plate has a length comprised between 9 and 20 inches (228.6 mm to 508 mm).

18. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first connector plate has a width comprised between 2 and 8 inches (50.8 mm to 203.2 mm).

19. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first connector plate has a thickness comprised between 0.25 to 0.75 inch (6.35 to 19.05 mm).

20. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the longitudinal side edges of at least one of the first and second connector plates are chamfered.

21. A method for connecting a first and a second pipe in abutting end-to-end relationship using a pipe connector, comprising the steps of:
a) forming the pipe connector as defined in claim 1 by mating a first and second connector plates, the first and second connector plates comprising longitudinal side edges and raised projections extending therefrom, the raised projections defining a first and a second portion of the pipe connector;
b) inserting the longitudinal side edges of the first portion of the pipe connector within an end portion of the first pipe until the pipe connector is arrested by the raised projections, the pipe connector being engaged via a friction fit with an inner wall of the end portion of the first pipe;
c) inserting the longitudinal side edges of the second portion of the pipe connector within an end portion of the second pipe until the pipe connector is arrested by the raised projections, the pipe connector being engaged via a friction fit with inner wall of the end portion of the second pipe.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein prior to step b), the method further comprises the step of permanently assembling the pipe connector.