IP Library Granted Patent US 8,544,851
Granted Patent B2
US 8,544,851 · App. 13/543,763 · Granted Oct 1, 2013

Gasket for parabolic ramp self restraining bell joint

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,544,851
App. No.
13/543,763
Granted
Oct 1, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.

Claims (20)

1. A system for sealing a spigot, the system comprising:

a gasket, the gasket having a front end, a first section, and a second section, the gasket defining at least one groove in the first section;

at least one substantially rigid member contacting the front end, the substantially rigid member made of a material that is more rigid than a material of the gasket; and

a bell encircling the gasket, the bell defining a gasket seating area, the bell including an inner surface, wherein the inner surface includes a blended curve;

wherein the blended curve includes a first portion including a radius of curvature of about two-thirds of a diameter of the spigot and a second portion including a radius of curvature of about one-third of the diameter of the spigot.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the blended curve includes at least one paraboloid.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the gasket defines an insertion groove.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the insertion groove is defined at the joining point of the first section and the second section.

5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the insertion groove mates with an extended lip of the bell.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bell includes an extended lip.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the extended lip is proximate the gasket seating area.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the gasket includes a gasket heel, and wherein the gasket heel mates with the gasket seating area.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the substantially rigid member includes teeth.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spigot includes an end and wherein the end includes a quarter ellipse portion.

11. A system for sealing a spigot, the system comprising:

a gasket, the gasket having a front end, a first section, and a second section, the gasket defining at least one groove and at least one insertion groove;

at least one substantially rigid member contacting the front end, the substantially rigid member made of a material that is more rigid than a material of the gasket; and

a bell encircling the gasket, the bell defining a gasket seating area including an extended lip, the bell including an inner surface, the inner surface defining a blended curve, the blended curve including at least one paraboloid;

wherein the extended lip and the insertion groove are arranged in mating relationship; and

wherein the blended curve includes a first portion including a radius of curvature of about two-thirds of a diameter of the spigot and a second portion including a radius of curvature of about one-third of the diameter of the spigot.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 20, 2018
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Reel/Frame 046395/0444 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 2, 2014
From: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC, AS GRANTOR
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 034502/0219 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 1, 2014
From: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 034498/0272 →