Breech lock fitting joint

Abstract

A pipe joint for connecting a plain pipe end. The joint has a bell which has a socket defined therein. The socket includes an axis, a conical surface, a first cylindrical surface of smaller diameter extending from one end of the conical surface, a bottom of the socket adjacent the first cylindrical surface for seating the pipe end, and a second cylindrical surface of larger diameter extending from the other end of the conical surface. A gasket is disposed adjacent the conical surface prior to sealing with the conical surface acting as a gasket seat during sealing of the gasket. A gland is provided and has a radially extending handle for rotating the gland from outside the bell. A breech lock mechanism is provided which includes internal segments on the second cylindrical surface of the socket and corresponding, cooperating external segments on the gland, the internal and external segments having matching, mirrored inclined plane surfaces for engagement with each other. The engagement of the inclined surfaces of the internal and external segments of the breech lock mechanism and rotation of the means causes axial movement of the gland relative to the socket. A thrust restraining grip ring can be provided in an annular tapered cavity on in inner circumferential surface of the gland ring. The bell can have a radially extending handle which the gland handle can abut.