AU2021103815A4

AU2021103815A4 - A cover for connections on high pressure equipment and method of use

Info

Publication number: AU2021103815A4
Application number: AU2021103815A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Craig Phillip Hall; Anthony Charles Lye
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-19
Filing date: 2021-07-02
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-02

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention provides a cover for covering a connection on high pressure equipment. In one form, the cover includes: a body having a first side and a second side; at least one hook fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the first side; at least one loop fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the second side; at least one buckle having a catch, the at least one buckle being attached to one of the first and second sides of the body; and at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the at least buckle and the second end adapted to be securely received by the catch of the at least one buckle. In use, the body of the cover is wrapped about the connection such that the body surrounds the connection and the first side and the second side overlap thereby engaging the at least one hook portion with the at least one loop portion, and the at least one strap is secured to the catch of the at least one buckle to secure the body of the cover about the connection. 1/4 10 120 126 128 130 116 112 100 132 118 FIGURE 112

Description

1/4

10 120 126

128 130 116

112

100

132 118 FIGURE 112

A COVER FOR CONNECTIONS ON HIGH PRESSURE EQUIPMENT AND METHODS OF USE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a cover for hydraulic joints and method of use. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a cover for connections on high pressure equipment and machinery, such as, e.g., joints on hydraulic machinery, to minimise and/or prevent streams of high pressure hydraulic fluid injuring people and/or damaging nearby equipment.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hydraulic machinery, such as the machinery using in mining and heavy construction industries, use hydraulic fluid under very high pressures, typically around 3000 psi and above. When connections joining two hoses or components together are required to be disconnected, to be fixed or replaced, for example, this high pressure hydraulic fluid can be projected in a fine, high velocity stream. This stream is akin to a sharp needle that can easily and readily pierce impacted objects, including human skin.

[0003] The injection of the high pressure hydraulic fluid under the skin, often referred to as hydraulic injection injury, can be severe, resulting in tissue damage and death, in some cases.

[0004] The stream of fluid can also damage other objects, such as vehicles and equipment, if impacted.

[0005] While training and personal protective equipment (PPE) is often provided to minimise the occurrence of hydraulic injection injury, the high pressure fluid can penetrate PPE.

[0006] The fluid can also pose a significant safety and fire risk.

[0007] Some attempts to stop the high pressure streams of fluid include wrapping a rag or cloth around a connection, or using pieces of cardboard, wood or steel to localise a leak. However, these are often ineffective.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a cover and method of use, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for a connection on high pressure equipment, the cover including: a body having a first side and a second side; at least one hook fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the first side; at least one loop fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the second side; at least one buckle having a catch, the at least one buckle being attached to one of the first and second sides of the body; and at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the at least buckle and the second end adapted to be securely received by the catch of the at least one buckle.

[0011] In one form, the cover includes: a body having a first side and a second side; at least one hook fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the first side; at least one loop fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the second side; at least one buckle having a catch, the at least one buckle being attached to one of the first and second sides of the body; and at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the at least buckle and the second end adapted to be securely received by the catch of the at least one buckle, wherein the body of the cover is wrapped about the connection such that the body surrounds the connection and the first side and the second side overlap thereby engaging the at least one hook portion with the at least one loop portion, and wherein the at least one strap is secured to the catch of the at least one buckle to secure the body of the cover about the connection.

[0012] Generally, the buckle is located adjacent a first end of the body. Typically, the buckle is located directly adjacent the first end of the body.

[0013] Suitably, the body includes a densely woven material.

[0014] Preferably, the densely woven material of the body is a densely woven polyamide.

[0015] Suitably, the strap and the buckle are anti-static. Preferably, the strap is coated with a flame retardant.

[0016] Preferably, the densely woven material is flame resistant and/or anti-static.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover further comprises a plurality of buckles and a plurality of straps.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover comprises a plurality of hook fastener portions on the first side. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover comprises a plurality of loop fastener portions on the second side.

[0019] Typically, the body is elongate, wherein a length of the body is greater than a width of the body. Preferably, the body is substantially rectangular.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of use of a cover for covering a connection on high pressure equipment, the method includes the steps of: providing a cover comprising a body, a hook and loop fastening system and a buckle and strap fastening system, wherein a first side of the body of the cover includes at least one hook portion of the hook and loop fastening system and a second side of the body of the cover includes at least one loop portion of the hook and loop fastening system; wrapping the body of the cover about the connection such that the body of the cover surrounds the connection and the first side of the cover and the second side of the cover overlap thereby engaging the at least one hook portion with the at least one loop portion; wrapping at least one strap of the buckle and strap fastening system about the body; and securing the at least one strap through at least one buckle of the buckle and strap fastening system to secure the body of the cover about the connection.

[0021] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the cover as hereinbefore described.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of use of a cover for covering connections on high pressure equipment, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover of the first aspect; wrapping the body of the cover about a connection on high pressure equipment such that the body of the cover surrounds the connection; and securing the body of the cover about the connection with a first fastening device and a second fastening device.

[0023] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0024] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a cover for hydraulic joints in an unsecured configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 shows the cover of Figure 1 in a rolled up configuration;

[0028] Figure 3 shows a hydraulic joint to be covered by the cover of the present invention; and

[0029] Figure 4 shows the hydraulic joint of Figure 3 covered by the cover of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a cover 10 for covering hydraulic joints to minimise and prevent streams of high pressure hydraulic fluid projecting from a hydraulic joint to prevent hydraulic injection injuries.

[0031] The cover 10, generally, includes a body that is wrapped about a connection on high pressure equipment such that the body of the cover surrounds the connection.

[0032] The cover 10 is then secured about the connection with a first fastening device and a second fastening device, which are to be described in greater detail below.

[0033] The cover 10 includes a body 100 comprising a densely woven material, the body

100 having a first side 112 and a second side 114 opposite the first side 112.

[0034] As can be seen in the unrolled and unsecured configuration of the cover 10 in Figure 1, the body 100 is elongate (i.e., having a length greater than a width) and is substantially rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the body comprises a plastic material that is heat and flame resistant and anti-static.

[0035] In a preferable embodiment, the densely woven material is a densely woven polyamide that provides hose burst and pinhole protection to minimise the chance of hydraulic injection injuries occurring.

[0036] The material is also machine washable, anti-static and flame/fire resistant to reduce the risks associated with hydraulic fluids igniting due to static electricity.

[0037] As a first securing mechanism, the cover 10 includes a hook and loop fastening system, which will be described in more detail below.

[0038] On the first side 112 on the body 100 of the cover 10, there are two loop fastener portions 116 extending uninterrupted along the length of the body 100 from a first end 118 of the body 100 to a second end 120. In some alternative embodiments of the invention, there may be a number of loop fastener portions located at intervals along the length of the body 100. The two loop fastener portions 116 are stitched to the body 100 with industrial grade stitching for greater strength.

[0039] On the second side 114 of the body 100, which can be seen in Figure 2, there are two hook fastener portions 122 extending uninterrupted along the length of the body 100 from a first end 118 of the body 100 to a second end 120.

[0040] The two hook fastener portions 122 are also stitched to the body 100 with industrial grade stitching for greater strength. Again, in some alternative embodiments of the invention, there may be a number of hook fastener portions located at intervals along the length of the body 100. The hook fastener portions 122 on the second side 114 are directly opposite the loop fastener portions 116 on the first side 112 of the body 100 so that when the body 100 is rolled up, the hook fastener portions 122 and the loop fastener portions 116 will adhere to and engage each other.

[0041] In use, the body 100 will be rolled up along the longitudinal axis 124 of the body 100 to form the cover 100 into a cylindrical shape. The rolled up, cylindrical configuration of the cover 10 can be seen in Figure 2.

[0042] The cover 10 also includes a buckle 126 attached adjacent the first end 118 of the body. The buckle 126 includes a catch for receiving an end of a strap 128. The strap 128 has a first end 130 secured to the buckle 126 and a second end 132 which is received through the catch of the buckle 126.

[0043] The buckle 126 and strap 128 are also flame resistant and anti-static.

[0044] All of the components of the cover described herein, in particular the body, strap and buckle, are manufactured to be resistant to temperatures between -50°C and +121°C.

[0045] While the illustrated embodiment only includes one strap accompanying one buckle, it should be understood that a plurality of straps and accompanying buckles can be provided to provide additional strength in particularly high pressure conditions.

[0046] In use, the second end 120 and second side 114 having the hook fastener portions 122 of the unravelled cover 10 (i.e., the end not having the buckle), as shown in Figure 1, is placed against a connection on a piece of machinery. An example of a suitable connection 12 is shown in Figure 3.

[0047] The body 100 of the cover 10 is then wound or wrapped around the connection 12 such that the first end 118 moves around the circumference of the connection 12 toward the second 120 before the second side 114 overlaps and abuts the first side 112 having the loop fastener portions 116. It should be evident that where the loop fastener portions 116 contact the hook fastener portions 122, the two will adhere to and engage each other. The first end 118, and thus the body 100, may loop about the connection 12 a number of times depending on the length of the body 100 and the size of the connection 12.

[0048] Once the entirety of the length of the body 100 has been wound about the connection 12, the second end 132 of the strap 128 is inserted into the catch of the buckle 126 and pulled tight until the body 100 is pressed tight against the connection 12.

[0049] Once the connection 12 has been disconnected, and reconnected, if necessary, the cover 10 can be removed by releasing the strap 128 from the buckle 126 and removing the loop fastener portion 116 from the hook fastener portion 122 by pulling the two apart.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cover 10 can be left in place, if desired.

[0051] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 4, when wound up, the cover 10 has a substantially open-ended cylindrical shape. This allows a technician to access the bolts, or other fasteners, of the connection to disconnect the equipment. Any hydraulic fluid that is released in a high pressure stream will be impeded and stopped by the body 100 of the cover 10 thereby providing protecting to the technician and any other personnel nearby. The cover 10 also somewhat contains the fluid at the disconnection point to limit the spread of the fluid and thus minimise the chance of the fluid contacting heat sources which may cause the fluid to ignite.

[0052] The inclusion of both an adhesive fastening system (e.g., the hook and loop fastening system) and a buckle and strap provides two elements of securement to reduce the chance of the cover coming loose and being dislodged by the high pressure fluid.

[0053] In some embodiments, the body 100 of the cover 10 can include reflective material, such as reflective tape, for example, for improved safety for work undertaken at night or in low light conditions.

[0054] It should be understood that embodiments of the cover described herein may be any width or length.

[0055] Advantageously, embodiments of the cover described herein are incredibly easy to use, in that the cover can be quickly secured to a hydraulic connection or joint, and then quickly removed once a task has been completed.

[0056] Throughout this disclosure, embodiments of the cover are described as being wrapped or wound about a connection. It is to be understood that herein a connection refers to a connection point between two elements of equipment or machinery. For example, a connection may refer to two pipes connected together, or a pipe connected to a larger piece of equipment, such as a machine.

[0057] As noted above, embodiments of the cover are also machine washable and are therefore re-useable, and embodiments of the cover are also fire resistant and anti-static for improved safety. Furthermore, due to the densely woven material, embodiments of the cover are light wight and can be easily folded and stored.

[0058] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step, etc.

[0059] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise'include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0060] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0061] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A cover for a connection on high pressure equipment, the cover including: a body having a first side and a second side; at least one hook fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the first side; at least one loop fastener portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system on the second side; at least one buckle having a catch, the at least one buckle being attached to one of the first and second sides of the body; and at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the at least buckle and the second end adapted to be securely received by the catch of the at least one buckle, wherein the body of the cover is wrapped about the connection such that the body surrounds the connection and the first side and the second side overlap thereby engaging the at least one hook portion with the at least one loop portion, and wherein the at least one strap is secured to the catch of the at least one buckle to secure the body of the cover about the connection.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body is formed from densely woven polyamide.

3. The cover of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one hook fastener portion includes a plurality of hook fastener portions spaced along the first side.

4. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one loop fastener portion includes a plurality of loop fastener portions spaced along the second side.

5. A method of use of a cover for covering a connection on high pressure equipment, the method includes the steps of: providing a cover comprising a body, a hook and loop fastening system and a buckle and strap fastening system, wherein a first side of the body of the cover includes at least one hook portion of the hook and loop fastening system and a second side of the body of the cover includes at least one loop portion of the hook and loop fastening system; wrapping the body of the cover about the connection such that the body of the cover surrounds the connection and the first side of the cover and the second side of the cover overlap thereby engaging the at least one hook portion with the at least one loop portion; wrapping at least one strap of the buckle and strap fastening system about the body; and securing the at least one strap through at least one buckle of the buckle and strap fastening system to secure the body of the cover about the connection.