Patent attributes
An improved tapping sleeve includes a first sleeve member having an outlet aperture, a second sleeve member, and a unitary gasket. An outlet retaining ring is positioned around the outlet aperture. A pair of end retaining lips are positioned on inner surfaces of the first and second sleeve members at opposing ends of the sleeve members. The gasket includes a gasket outlet having a pair of tapered surfaces on opposing longitudinal sides of the gasket outlet. The gasket, when positioned on a pipe in an un-stretched, uncompressed position subtends an arc of less than 360 degrees, creating a gap in the gasket. As the first and second sleeve members are connected, the outlet retaining lip engages armor members on the gasket, thereby circumferentially stretching the gasket and closing the gap. The tapered surfaces and the outlet retaining lip prevent excessive gasket flow into the outlet aperture.
