IP Library Granted Patent US 11,796,095
Granted Patent B2
US 11,796,095 · App. 17/482,724 · Granted Oct 24, 2023

Pipe fitting with positive installation indicator

Inventors: Jordan Cameron Belen (West Warwick, RI); Matthew William McNamara (Portsmouth, RI)
Assignee: ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC
F16L23/036F16L2201/10
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,796,095
App. No.
17/482,724
Granted
Oct 24, 2023
Kind
B2
Abstract

A fitting assembly includes a pipe fitting defining a fastener opening and a retaining groove; and an indicator assembly configurable in a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration, the indicator assembly comprising: a fastener defining a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, the second fastener portion extending through the fastener opening; and a positive installation indicator oriented within the retaining groove between the fastener opening and the first fastener portion; wherein, in the tightened configuration, the positive installation indicator is compressed between the pipe fitting and the first fastener portion and extrudes at least partially out of the retaining groove, and in the loosened configuration, the positive installation indicator is substantially hidden within the retaining groove by the first fastener portion.

Claims (25)

1. A fitting assembly comprising:

a pipe fitting defining a fastener opening and a retaining groove; and

an indicator assembly configurable in a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration, the indicator assembly comprising:

a fastener defining a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, the second fastener portion extending through the fastener opening; and

a positive installation indicator oriented within the retaining groove between the fastener opening and the first fastener portion;

wherein, in the tightened configuration, the positive installation indicator is compressed between the pipe fitting and the first fastener portion and extrudes at least partially out of the retaining groove, and in the loosened configuration, the positive installation indicator is substantially hidden within the retaining groove by the first fastener portion.

2. The fitting assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pipe fitting defines an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface at least partially defining a channel configured to receive a pipe section, the retaining groove defined in the outer surface.

3. The fitting assembly of claim 1 , wherein the positive installation indicator is an indicator ring defining a ring opening, the second fastener portion extending through the ring opening.

4. The fitting assembly of claim 3 , wherein the fastener defines a fastener axis, and wherein the indicator ring is concentric to the fastener axis.

5. The fitting assembly of claim 1 , wherein the positive installation indicator comprises a resilient and elastic material.

6. The fitting assembly of claim 1 , wherein:

the fastener comprises a bolt defining a bolt head and a threaded bolt tail;

the bolt head is the first fastener portion, the bolt head defining a bolt engagement surface abutting the positive installation indicator;

the threaded bolt tail is the second fastener portion and extends from the bolt engagement surface; and

the fastener further comprises a threaded nut rotatably mounted on the threaded bolt tail.

7. The fitting assembly of claim 6 , wherein a diameter of the bolt head is less than a diameter of the retaining ring.

8. The fitting assembly of claim 1 , wherein:

the pipe fitting is a pipe coupling comprising an upper coupling segment and a lower coupling segment;

the upper coupling segment defines the fastener opening and the retaining groove, and the positive installation indicator is compressed between the upper coupling segment and the first fastener portion; and

the fastener couples the upper coupling segment to the lower coupling segment.

9. The fitting assembly of claim 8 , wherein:

the lower coupling segment defines a second fastener opening and a second retaining groove;

a second positive installation indicator is oriented within the second retaining groove between the second fastener opening and a nut of the fastener; and

the second positive installation indicator is compressed between the lower coupling segment and the nut and extrudes at least partially out of the second retaining groove in the tightened configuration.

10. The fitting assembly of claim 9 , wherein each of the upper and lower coupling segments defines an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surfaces together defining a channel configured to receive a pipe section, the first retaining groove formed in the outer surface of the upper coupling segment, and the second retaining groove formed in the inner surface of the lower coupling segment.

Assignments (3)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 11, 2024
From: ASC ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS, LLC; THE RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 068294/0382 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 10, 2024
From: ASC ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS, LLC
To: KKR LOAN ADMINISTRATION SERVICES LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 068264/0104 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 23, 2021
From: BELEN, JORDAN CAMERON; MCNAMARA, MATTHEW WILLIAM
To: ASC ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS, LLC
Reel/Frame 058468/0020 →
Cited By (3)
US 1,109,854 US 1,110,478 US 12,345,357