Dan J Liedtke

US Patent:

20070176425, Aug 2, 2007

Filed:

Feb 1, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/345871

Inventors:

Rufei Ma - Buffalo Grove IL, US
Dan Liedtke - Oswego IL, US

Assignee:

R.G Ray Corporation - Buffalo Grove IL

International Classification:

F16L 23/00

US Classification:

285406000

Abstract:

The present invention pertains to a clamp that includes a collar. The collar has first and second ends from which first and second lugs extend. Each of the first and second lugs has a thick portion and a thin portion, and the lugs are connected by a fastener. The clamp is positioned around tubes, and the fastener is tightened to tighten the clamp around the connection. The fastener may be tightened from an open position OP, when the lugs are not touching, to a closed position CP, when the thick portions of the lugs are touching. The fastener may be tightened further to a third position, so that the thin portions of the lugs move closer to one another. The clamp may also include a hinge area in which a gasket seal may be attached to the clamp or one of the tubes.