DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE BENDING AND FORMING OF PLASTIC PIPE OR OTHER STRUCTURES

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREAn apparatus for facilitating the bending and forming ofplastic pipe or other devices is provided which includes anelastomer boot capable of expansion and contraction between afirst diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter bootsize permits boot insertion into the plastic pipe. The bootpreferably is a tubular structure having a closed first end.An adapter is mounted along the second end of the boot, whichseals the boot to fluid flow, except through the adapter. Theadapter has an axial opening extending through it, which pre-ferably is used to attach a coaxial conduit means to the boot.After insertion in the pipe, the boot is expanded to its seconddiameter size, that size conforming to the internal diameter ofthe pipe. Means for heating the pipe to bending or formingtemperature through the boot also is provided. After reachingbending temperature, the pipe is bent to the desired shape.Thereafter, the pipe is cooled by circulating fluid through theboot by way of the conduit means. The conduit means, in oneembodiment, is operatively connected to a hot or cold fluidsupply through suitable control means. After the pipe coolsand sets, the boot is returned to its first diameter size andremoved.