Joint construction, connector sleeve, a coupling assembly, and a method for preparation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector sleeve for joining conduit. The disclosure also relates to a joint construction, coupling assembly for joining conduit. The disclosure further relates to a method for joining conduit using a coupling assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present disclosure relates to a joint construction for conduit, a coupling assembly for joining conduit, a connector sleeve for joining conduit, and to a method for joining conduit using a coupling assembly. It finds particular application in conjunction with electrical metallic tubing and will be described herein primarily by way of reference thereto; however, it will be appreciated that the invention finds utility in conjunction with all manner of conduits, including pipes, tubes, ducts, and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is thin-walled tubing used to contain and protect electrical wires. EMT is commonly used in warehouses, gymnasiums, factories, and the like. Such conduit is traditionally manufactured in ten (10) foot lengths. The conduit sections can be connected end-to-end for use in applications requiring longer sections. Conduit connectors and conduit coupling assemblies are well known in the art...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] In another aspect, a coupling assembly for joining conduit includes a conduit having at least one swaged or enlarged diameter end, a connector sleeve, a compression washer, and an internally threaded annular gland nut. The end of a first conduit is swaged to form a bell portion. The bell portion is sized to receive a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve has an insertion end sized to fit within the bell portion of the first conduit, and an externally threaded second end sized to receive a second conduit. The insertion end of the connector sleeve is coupled within the bell portion of the first conduit. The internally threaded annular gland nut, sized to receive the threaded end of said connector sleeve and encircling a compression washer, is engaged onto the threaded end of the connector sleeve, thus completing the coupling assembly.

[0007] One advantage of the conduit coupling assembly described herein resides in its ability to securely connect two lengths of conduit coaxially.

[0008] Another advantage of the embodiments of the invention described herein is found in that it offers a conduit joint which may resist twisting and / or separation of the coupled conduit sections.

[0009] A further advantage of the coupling assembly described herein is found in that it may be provided as an integral part of the conduit. For example, the coupling assembly components may be preattached to the conduit sections prior to shipping the conduit sections to the job site, e.g., during manufacture, at a centralized location, etc. In this manner, manufacturing costs, installation time, and / or inventory concerns associated with maintaining separate inventories of conduit sections and couplers may be reduced.

[0010] Yet another advantage of the coupling assembly embodiments herein is the ease of which a connection between conduit sections may be assembled and disassembled.

Problems solved by technology

Maintaining inventory of and installing the individual connector parts takes time and costs money.

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