Patent attributes
A pipe and snap connector assembly including mating male and female pipes joined by a clam-shell type connector. The female pipe receives a portion of the male pipe, and each pipe provides a radial flange configured such that there is a gap between the radial flanges when the male pipe is received in the female pipe. A sealing washer or seal is disposed between the flanges, in the gap. The clam-shell type connector is of open-ended barrel construction, and includes a radial clamp cavity that is sized to contact the radial flanges on the male and female pipes and axially compress them against the seal to provide a fluid-tight connection of the pipes. A latch and catch mechanism on the connector can be opened and closed without the use of special tools.