Pipe connection assembly

US4493497A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Bobby E. Smith · Ranger, US
• Benjamin V. Smith · Alabaster, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 22, 1981
• Grant date: Jan 15, 1985
• Expiry date: Jun 22, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16L23/167
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A pipe connection assembly for connecting pipes transmitting a fluid as provided. A feature of this invention is the fact that it prevents any fluid escaping from the connection from traveling along the pipes and damaging any machinery that may be located along the pipes. The pipe connection assembly is comprised of first (or upper) and second (or lower) packing assemblies that radially surround the pipes. In certain embodiments, each of the packing assemblies is comprised of a top packing ring, a packing and a packing base ring, each packing being encased by the two complementary packing rings and the pipes when the packing assemblies are properly assembled. An opening is formed between the second top packing ring and the first packing base ring. The pipe assemblies are located with respect to the pipe interface such that any escaping fluid will contact the first packing assembly and the opening before contacting the second packing assembly. Thus, once the escaping fluid gets by the first packing assembly the escaping fluid must still get by the second packing assembly to flow along the pipes. Furthermore, when the fluid gets by the first packing assembly it is no longer under pre…