A mechanical joint includes a piping element, the piping element comprising an element flange, the piping element defining a socket extending inwards from the element flange; a pipe length, the pipe length extending through the element flange into the socket, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface; and a gland, the pipe length extending through the gland, the gland comprising a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly comprising: a restraint base, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket; and a gripper disposed within the restraint pocket, the gripper configured to rotate in the restraint pocket, the gripper further configured to engage the outer pipe surface to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket, wherein the joint restraint assembly is selectably configurable from a prepared position to an activated position.

A mechanical joint includes a piping element, the piping element comprising an element flange, the piping element defining a socket extending inwards from the element flange; a pipe length, the pipe length extending through the element flange into the socket, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface; and a gland, the pipe length extending through the gland, the gland comprising a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly comprising: a restraint base, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket; and a gripper disposed within the restraint pocket, the gripper configured to rotate in the restraint pocket, the gripper further configured to engage the outer pipe surface to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket, wherein the joint restraint assembly is selectably configurable from a prepared position to an activated position.

A method for using a gland assembly includes sliding a gland assembly over an end of a pipe, the pipe defining an outer surface, the gland assembly comprising a gland, a joint restraint assembly, and a gasket, the joint restraint assembly comprising a gripper and a spring, the spring configured to engage the gripper and the gasket; inserting the end of the pipe into a socket of a piping element; fastening the gland to the piping element; disabling a deactivation mechanism of the joint restraint assembly; and engaging the joint restraint assembly with the outer surface of the pipe to prevent removal of the pipe from the piping element.

A method for using a gland assembly includes sliding a gland assembly over an end of a pipe, the pipe defining an outer surface, the gland assembly comprising a gland, a joint restraint assembly, and a gasket, the joint restraint assembly comprising a gripper and a spring, the spring configured to engage the gripper and the gasket; inserting the end of the pipe into a socket of a piping element; fastening the gland to the piping element; disabling a deactivation mechanism of the joint restraint assembly; and engaging the joint restraint assembly with the outer surface of the pipe to prevent removal of the pipe from the piping element.

A mechanical joint according to which a gasket includes wipers, or protrusions, on an internal surface of the gasket, on an external surface of the gasket, or on both internal and external surfaces of the gasket.

An apparatus for connecting the plumbing of a tub to the main plumbing of a structure has a drain body which either directly connects to the main plumbing or uses an external pipe and/or a coupler to connect to the main plumbing. The apparatus has a flange which secures the entire apparatus to the mounting surface for the tub. A compression cap aids in guiding plumbing attached to the tub through the apparatus. A gasket aids in creating a water-tight or nearly water-tight seal. A method of using the apparatus aids in ease of installation of the tub.

An apparatus for connecting the plumbing of a tub to the main plumbing of a structure has a drain body which either directly connects to the main plumbing or uses an external pipe and/or a coupler to connect to the main plumbing. The apparatus has a flange which secures the entire apparatus to the mounting surface for the tub. A compression cap aids in guiding plumbing attached to the tub through the apparatus. A gasket aids in creating a water-tight or nearly water-tight seal. A method of using the apparatus aids in ease of installation of the tub.

A gland assembly includes a gland including an annular ring defining a fastener hole; and a joint restraint assembly comprising a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring; and a cover including a cover portion removably attached to the restraint base; and a bolt stop portion covering the fastener hole, the bolt stop portion extending laterally outward from the cover portion.

An apparatus for connecting two pipes in fluid communication includes a connector body having opposing open ends, with each open end configured for receiving a free end of a pipe, and a mechanical interlock arrangement for preventing or limiting axial movement of the connector body relative to a free end of a pipe when the free end of the pipe is received in an open end of the connector body. A mechanical seal arrangement provides a metal-to-metal seal between a pipe inserted into one of the open ends and the connector body.

An apparatus for connecting two pipes in fluid communication includes a connector body having opposing open ends, with each open end configured for receiving a free end of a pipe, and a mechanical interlock arrangement for preventing or limiting axial movement of the connector body relative to a free end of a pipe when the free end of the pipe is received in an open end of the connector body. A mechanical seal arrangement provides a metal-to-metal seal between a pipe inserted into one of the open ends and the connector body.