AU2018203408A1 - Pipe connectors - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector 10, 100 for use in connecting two pipes together or connecting together a pipe and another component or connecting together two components, the pipe and components has a first connector portion 12, 112 and/or a second connector portion 14, 114 wherein the second connector portion receives therein by relative push-fit the first connector portion. The first and second connector portions have an arrangement of interengagable respective at least one first member 16, 122 and at least one second member 18, 124 to retain the first connector portion within the second connector portion. See detail B Fig 2 See detail C Fig 3 Fig SECTION A-A Fig 1B 16 a 24 Fig 2 DETAIL B 18 18 (P Fig 3

Description

PIPE CONNECTORS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to connections between pipes and components that connect to pipes for use in containing the flow of fluids, such as water, fluids containing water, oil etc.

[0002] In particular, the present invention encompasses connectors and connections providing a push-fit connection, such as between two pipes or a pipe and a component.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0003] Traditional connections between pipes incorporate a male and female threaded connection requiring manual rotation of one pipe relative to the other to engage the threads and connect the pipes. Such connections are strong and are useful for low and high pressure piping, but the time and care necessary to ensure correct threading is excessive and reduces the amount of pipework that can be assembled within a day or work shift period.

[0004] An alternative form of connection typically used in relatively low pressure water irrigation systems relies on a relatively rigid pipe spigot having an angled flange that is wider that the lumen of a flexible pipe (usually polyethylene or PVC) to which the pipe spigot is to be inserted and connected. On insertion into the lumen of the pipe, the flange widens the flexible pipe and creates a seal.

[0005] A separate flexible clip is attached around the flexible pipe behind the distorted region created by the angled flange in order to hold the flexible pipe onto the rigid pipe.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0006] Such pipework is acceptable for low pressure uses, but cannot handle higher pressure applications because the pressure forces the flexible pipe to flex further and leaks occur or the pipe bursts because it is not sufficiently rigid.

[0007] With the aforementioned in mind, the present invention proposes a connection arrangement for pipes and connection of pipes to components that provides a suitable push-fit connection to suit various types of pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] An aspect of the present invention provides a connector system for connecting two pipes together or connecting together a pipe and another component or connecting together two components, the pipe and components as provided being for use in the transport of fluid therethrough, the connector system having a first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the second connector portion and the first connector portion engage by relative push fit, the first connector portion having at least one first member and the second connector portion having at least one second member, the at least one first member and the at least one second member arranged to interengage when push fit together to retain the first connector portion within the second connector portion and thereby retain together the pipe(s) and/or component(s).

[0009] A further aspect of the present invention provides a connector for use in connecting two pipes together or connecting together a pipe and another component or connecting together two components, the pipe and components as provided being for use in the transport of fluid therethrough, the connector having either a first connector portion on a first pipe or component or having a second connector portion on the first pipe or component, a second pipe or component having the other of the first or second portion not present on the first pipe or component, wherein the second connector portion receives therein by relative push-fit the first connector portion, the first and second connector portions having an arrangement of interengagable respective at least one first member and at

2018203408 15 May 2018 least one second member to retain the first connector portion within the second connector portion and thereby retain together the first and second pipe and/or component.

[0010] It should be appreciated that the push-fit connection arrangement of one or more forms of the present invention provides a strength benefit over both threaded and clip-fit PVC pipe connections.

[0011] It should be appreciated that one or more forms of the present invention may enable PVC (or other polymer(s)) and metal (e.g. steel) pipes to be connected together easily and strongly.

[0012] The push fit connection and sealing arrangement of the present invention avoids the requirement for a separate bonding agent to connect two pieces of pipe, specifically, but not limited to, PVC pipes.

[0013] One or more forms of the present invention can be scaled for different pipe diameters and/or thicknesses.

[0014] It will be appreciated that one or more forms of the present invention finds application in civil engineering applications and infrastructure projects such as construction projects, mining industries and applications, horticultural industries and applications etc.

[0015] Preferably the pipe(s) and/or component(s) may be rigid or semi rigid. The pipe may have a rigid tubular section extending between opposed ends of the pipe.

[0016] The first and/or second connector portion may include at least one, preferably multiple (at least two, or more), first members.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0017] Likewise, the second connector portion may include at least one, preferably multiple (at least two or more), second members.

[0018] Preferably the first member(s) may be annular around an interior opening of the first connector portion.

[0019] Preferably the second member(s) may be annular around an exterior of the second connector portion.

[0020] The first member(s) may include at least one projection, such as a tooth arrangement. Likewise, the second member(s) may include at least one corresponding projection, such as a corresponding tooth arrangement.

[0021] Preferably the tooth/teeth of the first member(s) engage with the tooth/teeth of the second member(s) when the first connector portion is inserted into the second connector portion in a push-fit action.

[0022] It will be appreciated that the aforementioned ‘push-fit’ action can involve one or other of the first and second connector portions remaining still and the other moving.

[0023] Alternatively, both the first and second connector portions can be pushed together. The push-fit requires relative closing motion between the two connector portions to engage the two connector portions together.

[0024] At least one seal may be provided between the first and second connector portions. For example, an O-ring seal may be provided around the first connector portion and/or within the second connector portion.

[0025] When the first connector portion is received within the second connector portion the or each seal provided can provide additional sealing over

2018203408 15 May 2018 and above any sealing provided by the interference/friction fit of the first and second members with each other.

[0026] The pipe connector may include the at least one first member having a projection angle a of between 5° and 20°, preferably between 5° and 15°, more preferably between 5° and 12°, more preferably between 5° to 8°, and optionally approximately or substantially 10° or 7°.

[0027] One or more of the at least one first member may include an engagement angle β between 2° and 10°, preferably between 2° and 8°, more preferably between 3° and 7°, and optionally approximately or substantially 5°.

[0028] One or more of the at least one second member may have a projection angle φ of between 5° and 20°, preferably between 5° and 15°, more preferably between 5° and 12°, more preferably between 5° to 10°, and optionally approximately or substantially 10° or 7°.

[0029] One or more of the at least one second member may include an engagement angle ψ between 2° and 10°, preferably between 2° and 8°, more preferably between 3° and 7°, and optionally approximately or substantially 5°.

[0030] Preferably at least part of the pipe or component is of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, nylon or materials containing one or more thereof.

[0031] The pipe and/or component may include metal or other rigid material with the first and/or second connector portion incorporating a polymeric material. Thus, the pipe and/or component may be a hybrid material product.

[0032] The pipe or component including the first connector portion may be of a different material to the pipe or component including the second connector portion.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0033] The connector system may include a sleeve that goes over the ends of two pipes or an end of one pipe and a portion of a component. The sleeve may include at least one engagement member. The at least one engagement member may be or include the at least one first member or the at least one second member. Alternatively, the at least one engagement member may be in addition to the at least one first member and/or the at least one second member.

[0034] The at least one engagement member may engage with at least one respective engagement portion on a pipe end or portion of a component.

[0035] The sleeve may include at least one tooth or set of teeth forming part of a side wall or connected to a side wall within a lumen of the sleeve. The tooth or teeth may engage, in use, with corresponding tooth or teeth on an external surface of the pipe end or portion of the component. Thereby, the sleeve may provide a push fit connecter to join two pipe ends or a pipe end and a component.

[0001] The tooth or teeth on within the sleeve may be annular around an internal circumference of the sleeve.

[0002] One or more forms of the present invention may include a connector pipe having a said first connector portion at each of two opposed ends thereof.

[0003] The first connector portion may have the at least one first member to engage with a corresponding at least one second member within a second connector portion to which the connector pipe is to connect by push fit the ends of two pipes or a pipe and another component, to create a flow path for fluids therethrough.

[0004] The first connector portion and/or the second connector portion may include a respective flat or level portion on each tooth/projection between the pitched projection angle and a return/engagement angle.

2018203408 15 May 2018

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0001] One or more embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0002] Figure 1A shows a side sectional view A-A (see Figure 1B) of a pipe of required length having a first connector portion (Detail B show in Figure 2) and a second connector portion (Detail C shown in Figure 3), according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0003] Figure 1B shows an end view of the pipe of Figure 1 A.

[0004] Figure 2 shows detail B of the first connector portion referenced in

Figure 1A.

[0005] Figure 3 shows detail C of the second connector portion referenced in Figure 1A.

[0006] Figure 4 shows first and second pipes connected together using the first connector portion of the first pipe pipe inserted into and connecting with the second connector portion of the second pipe.

[0007] Figure 5 shows enlarged detail D (relative to Figure 4) in side sectional view of the cross section A-A for connection of male and female pipe ends utilising an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figures 6 & 7 show alternative embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] Figures 8 to 14 show features of a pipe connector and pipe connection arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0010] Figure 8 shows a perspective view and Figure 9 shows an end view depicting the section A-A line relevant to the section view in Figure 10.

[0011] Figures 11 and 12 show respective detail sections B and C of Figure 10.

[0012] Figures 13 and 14 show further detail with respect to the embodiment in figures 8 to 14.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) [0013] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood however that the generality of the present invention is not to be limited by mere reference only to the following particular description.

[0014] As exemplified in Figures 1A, 1B and 2-4, a connector or pipe 10 includes a first connector portion 12 and a second connector portion 14 at respective opposed ends of the connector or pipe 10.

[0015] It will be appreciated that the first and second connector portions can be on different pipes or on components arranged such that the first connector portion of one fits with the second connector portion of another. The embodiment shown in the figures is for example only and the present invention, as mentioned above, is not to be taken to be limited to one pipe. For example, multiple pipes, such as shown in Figure 4, connect together using the present invention.

[0016] The first connector portion 12 preferably has multiple first members 16, such as in the form of spaced annular (ring) teeth arranged around the exterior of the first connector portion.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0017] Likewise, the embodiment showing the second connector portion 14 includes preferably has multiple second members 18, such as in the form of spaced annular (ring) teeth arranged around the interior of the second connector portion.

[0018] Detail of the teeth of the first and second members is shown respectively in Figures 2 and 3.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the first members can have a pitch spacing Pi. The pitch spacing is the distance between a reference point on one first member and the corresponding reference point on the next first member (akin to pitch on helical threads).

[0020] One or more of the first members can have a projection angle a of between 5° and 20°, preferably between 5° and 15°, and more preferably between 5° and 12°.

[0021] A preferred projection angle range is 8° to 12°, and preferably the projection angle is approximately or substantially 10° or 7°.

[0022] To aid understanding, the projection angle is the angle at which the first member inclines from the longitudinal axis 20.

[0023] Each first member can include an engagement angle β which angles from perpendicular/normal to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] Preferably the engagement angle φ is between 2° and 10°, more preferably between 2° and 8°, and yet more preferably between 3° and 7°.

[0025] Preferably the engagement angle is approximately or substantially between 5° and 7°.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0026] As shown in Figure 3, the second members can have a pitch spacing P₂.

[0027] The pitch spacing is the distance between a reference point on one second member and the corresponding reference point on the next second member (akin to pitch on helical threads).

[0028] One or more of the second members can have a projection angle φ of between 5° and 20°, preferably between 5° and 15°, and more preferably between 5° and 12°.

[0029] A preferred projection angle range is 8° to 12°, and preferably the projection angle is approximately or substantially between 7° and 10°, and more preferably 10° or 7°.

[0030] To aid understanding, the projection angle is the angle at which the first member inclines from the longitudinal axis 22.

[0031] Each second member can include an engagement angle ψ which angles from perpendicular/normal to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] Preferably the engagement angle ψ is between 2° and 10°, more preferably between 2° and 8°, and yet more preferably between 3° and 7°.

[0033] Preferably the engagement angle is approximately or substantially 5°.

[0034] An annular recess 24 can receive and retain at least one seal, such as an O-ring seal 30 (see detail Fig 5).

[0035] As depicted in Figure 4, the first connector portion 12 of one pipe 26 is push-fit inserted into the second connector portion 14 of another pipe 28.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0036] Likewise, other pipes/components can similarly be connected by pushfit with the respective first connector portion received into the corresponding second connector portion of the associated pipe/component to be connected.

[0037] As shown by way of example in the detail view D in Figure 5, a seal 30, such as a round or square section O-ring, can be provided to seal between the outer surface of the male connector portion of one pipe push fitted into the female connector portion of another pipe.

[0038] It will be appreciated that the seal provided towards the base 32 of the male portion does not get damaged or removed by the push-fitting action and engagement of the teeth during such engagement and thereafter.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, a further embodiment of the present invention can include a sleeve 34. The sleeve preferably provides a double-ended connection to two pipe ends 12a, 12b (as shown by way of example) of two pipes 10a, 10b, or to a pipe end (such as 12a or 12b) and a spigot of a component, such as a pump outlet, T-piece, elbow etc.

[0040] One or both of the opposed ends 36a, 36b of the sleeve can include a similar arrangement of multiple second members 18, such as in the form of spaced annular (ring) teeth arranged around the interior of the respective end or ends of the sleeve. These engage, in use, with the exterior spaced annular teeth of the ends of the pipe/component 12a, 12b, similar to as shown in section D shown in Figure 5.

[0041] The sleeve can include the tooth or teeth within an interior circumference thereof and which can preferably be annular teeth.

[0042] The sleeve can sealingly engage with a seal 26 (which may be provided in a recess of the pipe end or component portion) of similar arrangement

2018203408 15 May 2018 to that shown in Figure 5. Comparative tests have been carried out on various joints. A table of the results is shown below in Table 1:

test unit	connection type	seal	pull apart pressure	test with clamp	notes
1	FJ	Solvent glue	41.79kn - 4.26t		machined flush joint
2	FJ	solvent glue & Screwed	48.65kn - 4.96t		machined flush joint
3	V1	solvent glue	54.83kn - 5.59t		V1 had 60% surface area connection upon inspection.
4	V1	solvent glue & Screwed	36.10kn- 3.68t		V1 had 60% surface area connection upon inspection.
5	V1	push tight	11.08kn- 1.13t		V1 had 60% surface area connection upon inspection.
6	V2	solvent glue	94.47kn - 9.63t		V2 had 100% surface area connection
7	V2	push tight	93.39kn - 9.52t	127 ,72kn (13.02t)	V2 had 100% surface area connection. Retested with clamp to joint failure
8	V2	solvent glue	94.47kn - 9.63t	137.24kn (13.991)	V2 had 100% surface area connection. Retested with clamp to joint failure
9	standard bell/pin	solvent glue	93.68kn - 9.55t		baseline for standard PVC connection
10	V2	solvent glue/screw	93.48kn - 9.53t		V2 had 100% surface area connection

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0043] Test unit items 1-5 in the table above represent results of test on a first version (V1) of the present invention. Test unit items 6 to 10 relate to testing of a second version (V2) of the present invention.

[0044] The testing procedure utilised short lengths of PVC pipe for ease of handling under test conditions. The lengths of PVC for the test were machined and connected in each variety to be tested. Standard PVC “elevators” were used to grasp either end of the connected pipes.

[0045] They were taken to sling lift and rigging for pull testing. They were put on the hydraulic pulling jig with a pull gauge attached and the PVC joint was pulled until failure.

[0046] Most safety systems such as slings and fall arrests are tested similarly. In test unit item 6, the PVC of the pipe failed before the quick connect joint did.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, a connector pipe connection system embodying the present invention can have a first connector portion at each of two opposed ends of the connector pipe.

[0048] The connector pipe can push fit into pipe ends to connect pipes together.

[0049] The connector and pipe ends are preferably retained together by annular rows of teeth on the external ends of the pipe connector engaging with annular rows of complementary teeth within the open ends of the pipes to be connected to form a sealed fluid flow path.

[0050] An O-ring seal can be provided at each joint as above.

2018203408 15 May 2018 [0051] Any of the connections formed between the first and second connector portions embodying the present invention can be augmented by a bonding agent, such as a solvent adhesive for additional sealing and connection strength.

[0052] A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 8 to 14.

[0053] A pipe connector or pipe 100 includes a first connector portion 112 at one end thereof and a second connector portion 114 at an opposite end thereof.

[0054] The first connector portion includes outwardly extending teeth or ribs 122.

[0055] Preferably these are annular around an external surface of the first connector portion.

[0056] Corresponding recess teeth or ribs 124 are provided on an inner surface of the second connector portion.

[0057] The first connector portion 112 includes a recess 116 at a base thereof which recess receives a seal 118, such as an o-ring seal, which seal may be circular, square or other shape in cross section.

[0058] More than one such recess 116 may be provided, preferably each retaining a seal.

[0059] Alternatively, more than one seal may be provided.

[0060] The first connector portion may include a stop 120 as a limit for entry of the first connector portion into the second connector portion.

[0061] The external tooth pitch angle π for the first connector portion may be between 2 degrees and 12 degrees, preferably between 4 degrees and 10 degrees, more preferably between 5 and 7 degrees, with a most preferred angle of approximately or substantially 7 degrees.

[0062] The second connector portion can include a matching internal tooth pitch angle.

[0063] The external teeth and/or the internal teeth may include a level or flat portion 126.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A connector system for connecting two pipes together or connecting together a pipe and another component or connecting together two components, the pipe and components as provided being for use in the transport of fluid therethrough, the connector system having a first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the second connector portion and the first connector portion engage by relative push fit, the first connector portion having at least one first member and the second connector portion having at least one second member, the at least one first member and the at least one second member arranged to interengage when push fit together to retain the first connector portion within the second connector portion and thereby retain together the pipe(s) and/or component(s).
2. 2. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first member is annular around an interior opening ofthe first connector portion.
3. 3. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the at least one second member is annular around an exterior ofthe second connector portion.
4. 4. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first member include at least one projection and the at least one second member includes at least one corresponding projection.
5. 5. The connector system according to claim 1, further including at least one seal provided between the first and second connector portions.
6. 6. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one first member has a projection angle a of between 5° and 20°, preferably between 5° and 15°, more preferably between 5° and 12°, more preferably between 5° to 8°, and optionally approximately or substantially 10° or 7°.

   2018203408 15 May 2018
7. 7. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one first member includes an engagement angle β between 2° and 10°, preferably between 2° and 8°, more preferably between 3° and 7°, and optionally approximately or substantially 5°.
8. 8. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one second member has a projection angle φ of between 5° and 20°, preferably between 5° and 15°, more preferably between 5° and 12°, more preferably between 5° to 10°, and optionally approximately or substantially 10° or 7°.
9. 9. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one second member includes an engagement angle ψ between 2° and 10°, preferably between 2° and 8°, more preferably between 3° and 7°, and optionally approximately or substantially 5°.
10. 10. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the pipe or component is of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, nylon or materials containing one or more thereof.
11. 11. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the pipe and/or component includes metal or other rigid material with the first and/or second connector portion incorporating a polymeric material.
12. 12. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the pipe(s) and/or component(s) is/are rigid or semi rigid.
13. 13. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the pipe includes a rigid tubular section extending between opposed ends of the pipe.
14. 14. The connector system of claim 1, including a sleeve arranged to push fit over two opposed pipe ends or over an end of a pipe and a portion of a

    2018203408 15 May 2018 component, the sleeve including the second connector portion at each of two opposed ends of the sleeve to respectively receive therein the first connector portion of the respective pipe end or component.
15. 15. The connector system of claim 14, wherein the sleeve includes at least one annular tooth within the interior circumference thereof.
16. 16. The connector system of claim 15, the sleeve arranged, in use, to sealingly engage with a seal provided on the pipe end or component portion.
17. 17. A connector for use in connecting two pipes together or connecting together a pipe and another component or connecting together two components, the pipe and components as provided being for use in the transport of fluid therethrough, the connector having either a first connector portion on a first pipe or component or having a second connector portion on the first pipe or component, a second pipe or component having the other of the first or second portion not present on the first pipe or component, wherein the second connector portion receives therein by relative push-fit the first connector portion, the first and second connector portions having an arrangement of interengagable respective at least one first member and at least one second member to retain the first connector portion within the second connector portion and thereby retain together the first and second pipe and/or component.

    2018203408 15 May 2018