Pipe and tubing connector

Abstract

A connector for pipe or tubing. The connector includes a unitary expansion member, formed from a body, a first expansion leg extending from the body, an optional second expansion leg extending from the body, and at least one opening extending through the body. In use, the connector is fastened in place by a fastener that is inserted through the at least one opening to contact at least one of the first and second expansion legs and force at least one of them to deform and contact the inside of the pipe or tubing, thereby securing the connector within the pipe or tubing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a prior art connector used in the alignment of handrail pipe or tubing;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art connector used in the alignment of handrail pipe or tubing, shown installed in two abutting pieces of pipe or tubing with the pipe or tubing shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the prior art connector of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of one embodiment of the connector of the present invention, shown installed in two abutting pieces of pipe or tubing with the pipe or tubing shown in phantom;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the connector of FIG. 4 taken along plane 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the connector of FIG. 4 taken along plane 8-8 of FIG. 6.

Claims

1. A connector for pipe and tubing comprising: a unitary expansion member having a body, a first expansion leg extending from the body, a second expansion leg extending from the body, and at least one opening extending through the body; andat least one fastener disposed through the at least one opening for contacting the first and second expansion legs.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the body includes three openings and the connector includes three fasteners.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener and the at least one opening are formed for threaded engagement.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the expansion legs each include a thigh portion extending transverse to the body, a shin portion joining the thigh portion at a bent knee portion, and a foot portion joining the shin portion at a bent heel portion.

5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the body, the thigh portions, and shin portions form a substantially rectangular cross-section.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener has a tapered end that engages the first and second expansion legs.

7. A method for aligning handrail sections, the method comprising: providing a connector having a unitary expansion member with a body, a first expansion leg extending from the body, a second expansion leg extending from the body, at least one opening through the body;inserting the unitary expansion member partially into an open end of a first handrail member such that an aperture in the first handrail member is aligned with the opening in the connector;aligning an open end of a second handrail member with the open end of the first handrail member; anddisposing a fastener through the aperture in the first handrail member and into the opening in the connector such that the fastener causes the expansion legs to expand, securing the first and second handrail sections together.

8. A connector for use with a threaded fastener in connecting two adjacent pipe sections, the connector comprising: a body,a first expansion leg extending from the body,a second expansion leg extending from the body in proximity to the first expansion leg, andthe body having at least one opening extending therethrough whereby the body interacts with the threaded fastener such that when the threaded fastener is threaded through the body to a predetermined extent, the threaded fastener contacts both expansion legs and forces them to separate.

9. A connector for use with a threaded fastener in connecting two adjacent pipe sections, the connector comprising: a body,a leg extending from the body and partly over the body,the body having at least one opening extending therethrough whereby the body interacts with the threaded fastener and leg such that when the connector is inserted into the pipe section and the threaded fastener is threaded through the body to a predetermined extent, the threaded fastener contacts the leg and forces it to flex away from the body and contact the inside of the pipe section.