CPC F16L 21/06 (2013.01) [F16L 17/04 (2013.01)] | 23 Claims |
1. A pipe element having first and second oppositely disposed ends, said pipe element comprising:
a sidewall surrounding a longitudinal axis and defining a bore, said sidewall having an outer surface;
a first groove positioned in said outer surface, said first groove extending circumferentially around said bore and positioned proximate to said first end, said first groove being defined by a first plurality of sub-surfaces of said outer surface including:
a first sub-surface oriented at an angle with respect to said longitudinal axis and facing away from said first end;
a second sub-surface oriented at an angle with respect to said longitudinal axis, said second sub-surface being in spaced relation away from and facing toward said first sub-surface;
a third sub-surface contiguous with said first sub-surface, said third sub-surface oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to said longitudinal axis and sloping toward said second sub-surface; and
a fourth sub-surface contiguous with said third and second sub surfaces, said fourth sub-surface being oriented at an angle with respect to to said longitudinal axis;
wherein a diameter of said outer surface adjacent to said first sub-surface and outside of said first groove and a diameter of said outer surface adjacent to said second sub-surface and outside of said first groove are substantially the same.
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