Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A modified multiple-outlet pipe fitting which comprises a. a base pipe fitting formed of a crosslinked polymer and having at least three outlets, b. at least three segments of conduit having a first end and a second end and being formed of a non-crosslinked polymer, so positioned that each first end of each segment of conduit is positioned adjacent one outlet of said base fitting and wherein each segment of conduit is essentially of the same internal diameter as that outlet of said base fitting to which it is positioned adjacent, c. a heat-deformed sleeve member disposed around each of said outlets of said base fitting and said first end of each segment of conduit, each said member having been formed from a heat-deformable polymer and being sealably connected to each said fitting outlet and segment of conduit by d. a seal formed of an in situ crosslinked polymer material having been disposed between the inner surface of each sleeve member and the outer surface of each outlet of said base fitting and each first end of each segment of conduit abutted thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A modified multiple-outlet pipe fitting which comprises a. a base pipe fitting formed of a crosslinked polymer and having at least three outlets, b. at least three segments of conduit having a first end and a second end and being formed of a non-crosslinked polymer, so positioned that each first end of each segment of conduit is positioned adjacent one outlet of said base fitting and wherein each segment of conduit is essentially of the same internal diameter as that outlet of said base fitting to which it is positioned adjacent, c. a heat-deformed sleeve member disposed around each of said outlets of said base fitting and said first end of each segment of conduit, each said member having been formed from a heat-deformable polymer and being sealably connected to each said fitting outlet and segment of conduit by d. a seal formed of an in situ crosslinked polymer material having been disposed between the inner surface of each sleeve member and the outer surface of each outlet of said base fitting and each first end of each segment of conduit abutted thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A modified fitting according to claim 1 wherein said in situ crosslinked polymer material is further disposed between the abutting surfaces of said outlets and said first ends of said conduits so as to form a gasket member between same.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A modified fitting according to claim 1 wherein said polymers are individually selected from the group consisting of homopolymers and copolymers of 1-olefins having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A modified fitting according to claim 3 wherein said polymers are individually selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene-1, and copolymers of ethylene with 1 to 8 mol percent of 1-butene, and copolymers of ethylene with 1 to 8 mol percent of 1-hexene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A modified fitting according to claim 1 wherein said seal was formed from a non-crosslinked but heat-crosslinkable polyolefin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A modified fitting according to claim 5 wherein said seal was formed from a mixture consisting of polyolefin and an acetylenic diperoxy hydrocarbon crosslinking agent.