Pipe-fitting with adaptor assembly and related methods

Abstract

A pipe-fitting adaptor assembly connectable to the coupling end of a pipe fitting is provided for reconfiguring existing pipe fittings with alternate pipe coupling ends. The fitting adaptor assembly has a tubular receptacle member configured to fit over and seal against an insert member of the fitting. A sliding retention ring carried along a ramped section of the fitting insert member interlocks with an opening formed in the sidewall of the receptacle member of the fitting adaptor assembly, such that decoupling forces tend to expand the locking ring further into the sidewall opening of the fitting adaptor assembly. The fitting adaptor assembly has a coupling end configured differently than the insert member for connection to otherwise incompatible alternative pipe sizes and/or pipe coupling configurations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pipe fitting and adaptor assembly for connecting incompatible sections of pipe, comprising:
 a tubular pipe fitting having first and second terminal pipe insert members of like construction;   an adaptor receptacle member having an open end for receiving at least a portion of said first pipe insert member therein, said receptacle member being configured for connection in fluid communication with said pipe fitting;   a retention member disposed between and interlocking said first pipe insert member and said receptacle member together when at least a portion of said first pipe insert member is received within said receptacle member; and   an adaptor coupling member connected in fluid communication and formed integrally with said receptacle member, said adaptor coupling member being configured for connection to a section of pipe that is incompatible for connection to said pipe fitting.   
     
     
         2 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said retention member is movable relative to said first pipe insert member and said receptacle member. 
     
     
         3 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said retention member is movably carried by said first pipe insert member apart from said receptacle member. 
     
     
         4 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first pipe insert member and said second pipe insert member are interchangeable. 
     
     
         5 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first pipe insert member and said second pipe insert member are non-threaded. 
     
     
         6 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , including an additional retention member in the form of a movable sleeve carried by said second pipe insert member. 
     
     
         7 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first pipe insert member includes a ramp section upon which said retention member is movably carried. 
     
     
         8 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said adaptor coupling member is comprised of a coupling-pipe insert with a movable retainer coupled thereto. 
     
     
         9 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said adaptor coupling member is comprised of a threaded coupling end. 
     
     
         10 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , including a catch formed by an opening extending completely through a sidewall of said receptacle member for engagement by said retention member when at least a portion of said first pipe insert member is received within said receptacle member. 
     
     
         11 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 1 , including a rotation inhibiting mechanism for preventing rotation of said adaptor receptacle relative to said first pipe insert member. 
     
     
         12 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said adaptor receptacle is axially shiftable relative to said first pipe insert member to release said rotation inhibiting mechanism. 
     
     
         13 . A pipe fitting and adaptor assembly for connecting incompatible sections of pipe, comprising:
 a tubular pipe fitting having first and second non-threaded terminal pipe insert members of like construction, each of said first pipe insert member and said second pipe insert member carrying a movable retention member about its periphery;   an adaptor receptacle member having an open end for receiving at least a portion of said first pipe insert member therein, said receptacle member including a catch formed on an inner surface of a sidewall of said receptacle member for engagement by said retention member of said first pipe insert member when at least a portion of said first pipe insert member is received within said receptacle member; and   an adaptor coupling member connected to said receptacle member, said adaptor coupling member being configured for connection to an end portion of a pipe that is incompatible for connection to said first pipe insert member.   
     
     
         14 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said adaptor coupling member is comprised of a coupling-pipe insert with a movable retainer coupled thereto. 
     
     
         15 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said adaptor coupling member is formed of like construction to said first and said second pipe insert members, but different in size. 
     
     
         16 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 13 , including an access formed in said sidewall of said receptacle member, said access providing accessibility to said retention member of said first pipe insert member to facilitate disengagement thereof from said catch when desired. 
     
     
         17 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said catch is formed by an opening extending completely through said sidewall of said receptacle member. 
     
     
         18 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said retention member of said first insert member is comprised of a slidable sleeve member that extends at least partially around a ramped portion of said first pipe insert member. 
     
     
         19 . The pipe fitting and adaptor assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said adaptor coupling member is comprised of a threaded coupling end. 
     
     
         20 . A pipe fitting and adaptor assembly for connecting incompatible sections of pipe, comprising:
 a tubular pipe fitting having first and second non-threaded terminal pipe insert members of like construction, each of said first pipe insert member and said second pipe insert member carrying a movable retention member about its periphery;   an adaptor receptacle member having an open end for receiving at least a portion of said first pipe insert member therein, said receptacle member including a catch formed on an inner surface of a sidewall of said adaptor receptacle for engagement by said retention member of said first pipe insert member when at least a portion of said first pipe insert member is received within said receptacle member;   an access formed in said sidewall of said receptacle member, said access providing accessibility to said retention member to facilitate disengagement of said retention member from said catch when desired; and   an adaptor coupling member connected to said receptacle member, said adaptor coupling member being configured for connection to an end portion of a pipe that is incompatible for connection to said first pipe insert member.