Pipe retainer

Abstract

A joint structure for connecting lengths of pipe uses a plurality of teeth to engage the surface of at least one end of the adjacent lengths of pipe to connect the ends. A deformable member applies forces to the plurality of teeth to engage the surfaces. In an aspect, the plurality of teeth are releasable. In another aspect, the plurality of teeth are permanently engaged into the surfaces.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for joining lengths of pipe wherein each length pipe has a spigot end and a bell end, wherein the bell end is elongated to form a bell extension configured to enable the insertion of a retention device, the retention device comprising:
 a. a plurality of teeth engaging at least one surface of the spigot end or the bell extension; and   b. a deformable member engaging at least the bell extension or spigot end for resiliently urging the plurality of teeth into engagement.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of teeth of the retention device are configured to permanently engage the at least one surface of the spigot end or the bell extension. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the deformable member composes a flexible body comprising:
 a. an inner surface forming an insert opening for the spigot end, the inner surface having a first portion of the plurality of teeth for engaging an outer surface of the spigot end; and   b. an outer surface having a second position of the plurality of teeth for engaging an inner surface of the bell extension.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the deformable member has a length that is approximately equal to the length of the bell extension. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible body further comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first portion of the plurality of teeth are biased in the direction of the distal end and the second portion of the plurality of teeth are biased in the proximal direction. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of teeth comprise multiple rows of annular teeth. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible body further comprises an elastomeric core. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the elastomeric core is wider at a distal end than at a proximal end of the flexible body. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible body further comprises a base ring oriented at a proximal end. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible body further comprises a slot that runs the length of the flexible body from a distal end to the proximal end and through the base ring. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible body further comprises a plurality of flexible sections configured to allow for individual movement of the flexible sections. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of flexible sections are formed by a plurality of slits, the plurality of slits running the length of the flexible body from a distal end to the proximal end but terminating before reaching the base ring. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible body comprises at least two flexible bodies. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the deformable member further comprises a body with an axially opening annular recess, wherein the axially opening annular recess includes at least a portion of the plurality of teeth to engage the surface of the bell extension. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured for releasably joining the lengths of pipe, further comprising means operable from externally of the bell for retracting the teeth from engagement with the outer surface of the spigot end. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the bell extension further comprises an internal annular recess configured to receive the deformable member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  further comprising a lock insert configured to expand and contract the deformable member. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the deformable member further comprises two mirror plates having internal surfaces, wherein each of the internal surfaces include a portion of the plurality of teeth, the portion of the plurality of teeth on each internal surface oriented in a different direction. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the bell extension further comprises an annular seat configured to retain the plurality of teeth. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for joining lengths of pipe wherein each length pipe has a spigot end and a bell end, wherein the bell end is elongated to form a bell extension configured to enable the insertion of a retention device, the retention device comprising:
 a. a deformable member comprising:
 i. an outer surface; 
 ii. an inner surface, wherein the inner surface forms an insert opening to receive the spigot end; 
 iii. a distal end; 
 iv. a proximal end; 
 v. a base ring oriented at the proximal end; and 
   vi. a plurality of slits that run from the distal end to the proximal end and terminate at the base ring configured to allow the flexible body to be deformed when inserted; and   b. a plurality of teeth configured to retain the spigot end within the deformable member and the deformable member within the bell extension, the plurality of teeth comprising:
 i. a first portion of the plurality of teeth found on the interior surface of the flexible body oriented in a distal direction and configured to engage the outer surface of the spigot end; and 
 ii. a second portion of the plurality of teeth found on the exterior surface of the flexible body; the second portion of the plurality of teeth oriented in a proximal direction and configured to engage the inner surface of the bell extension.