IP Library Granted Patent US 12,644,545
Granted Patent B2
US 12,644,545 · App. 18/915,599 · Granted Jun 2, 2026

Universal coupling

Inventors: Evan Joseph Geno (Malinta, OH); Matthew Huizenga (Dublin, OH)
Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
F16L21/007
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,644,545
App. No.
18/915,599
Granted
Jun 2, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A coupling configured to connect a first pipe to a plurality of pipes comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is tapered and comprises a plurality of lateral ribs and a plurality of longitudinal ribs, wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs comprises a pliable and wedge-like shape, and each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs tapers toward the second end.

Claims (28)

1 . A coupling configured to connect a first pipe to a second pipe, the second pipe being one of a plurality of pipes of varying diameters comprising:

a first end, wherein the first end comprises a plurality of tabs configured to connect the first end to the first pipe; and

a second end configured to connect to the second pipe;

wherein the second end is a tapered end that comprises a plurality of lateral ribs and a plurality of longitudinal ribs; and

wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs extends between each of the plurality of lateral ribs.

2 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs comprises a pliable and wedge-like shape configured to conform to each of the plurality of pipes.

3 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs tapers towards a top of the second end and is configured to accommodate each of the plurality of pipes.

4 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of tabs comprises a protruding end.

5 . The coupling of claim 4 , wherein the protruding end is configured to engage with a corresponding opening in the first pipe.

6 . The coupling of claim 4 , wherein the protruding end comprises a flexible material configured to conform to the first pipe.

7 . The coupling of claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of tabs snap fits the first pipe onto the first end.

8 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the first pipe is larger than a diameter of each of the plurality of pipes.

9 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lateral ribs forms a plurality of circumferential rings.

10 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of lateral ribs is a mechanical stop.

11 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pipes comprises at least three pipes.

12 . The coupling of claim 11 , wherein the at least three pipes have three different pipe diameters.

13 . The coupling of claim 1 , wherein the first pipe is a corrugated pipe.

14 . A coupling for a pipe, comprising:

a first end, wherein the first end comprises a plurality of tabs; and

a second end;

wherein the second end is a tapered end that comprises a plurality of lateral ribs and a plurality of longitudinal ribs; and

wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs extends between each of the plurality of lateral ribs.

15 . The coupling of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of tabs is configured to connect the first end to a first pipe.

16 . The coupling of claim 14 , wherein the second end is configured to connect to one of a plurality of second pipes, wherein diameters of each of the plurality of second pipes vary.

17 . The coupling of claim 16 , wherein a diameter of the first pipe is greater than the diameters of each of the plurality of second pipes.

18 . The coupling of claim 16 , wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs is configured to accommodate each of the plurality of second pipes.

19 . The coupling of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs comprises a pliable and wedge-like shape.

20 . The coupling of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal ribs tapers towards a top of the second end.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 2, 2026
From: ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC.
To: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 074990/0789 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 15, 2024
From: GENO, EVAN JOSEPH; HUIZENGA, MATTHEW CALEB
To: ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 068896/0462 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 18170680 · Feb 17, 2023
Related Publication 20250035241A1 · Jan 30, 2025
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