AU648818B2

AU648818B2 - Tube forming element

Info

Publication number: AU648818B2
Application number: AU83848/91A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael John Mcmahon; Gregory Allan Newsome
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-09-13
Filing date: 1991-09-13
Publication date: 1994-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 2011-09-13
Also published as: AU8384891A

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE S P EC I F I CATIO N FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT 9 *o Q 0

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Name of Applicants

NEWSOME

Actual Inventors

NEWSOME

Address for Service: MICHAEL JOHN McMAHON and GREGORY MICHAEL JOHN McMAHON and GREGORY JOHN R. G. GARDNER, PO BOX 443, MUDGEERABA QLD. 4213.

ALLAN

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*.SS S h S Invention title: TUBE FORMING ELEMENT Details of Associated Provisional Applications Nos: PK 2260 filed 13 SEPTEMBER 1990 PK 6233 filed 20 MAY 1991 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performinq it know to me:- THIS INVENTION relates to a tube forming element and a method and means for using such elements for repairing or joining pipes or ducts.

PVC pipes and ducting are used commonly in plumbing and electrical installations. In the latter situations PVC conduit is used to protect cables to be run either externally, for example within the ground or internally within a building. PVC pipes are now almost universally used in plumbing applications for storm water drains or sewage pipes.

Damage to pipes is not an uncommon occurrence, rticularly where the pipes are exposed, or in an area where ground workings are being undertaken. Where damage is caused to a PVC electrical conduit, for example where a vehicle may crush a section of pipe, it has been necessary to disconnect electrical connections and remove the existing cable from the pipe before it can be replaced.

This is obviously a time consuming and costly exercise, In the case of PVC plumbing pipes, damage can often be caused through inadvertent piercing of the pipe by a hand tool or mechanical tool and damage of this type is often difficult to repair. Thus in many cases a large area of ground surrounding the pipe has to be excavated so as to permit the pipe to be cut and various joiners used to effect the 25 repair. Again this is a costly and time consuming operation.

S.The present invention aims to provide a method and means for effecting pipe repairs which enables pipes to be repaired with minimal cost and in a rapid time. The present invention also aiiqs to provide a method and means for altering or joining existing pipe lines. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent 0@ hereunder.

The present invention thus provides in a first 35 aspect a method of repairing or joining a pipe or pipes, said method comprising the steps of providing a pair of joining or repairing elements, each said element being of substantially half annular form in cross-section and having an internal radius substantially the same as the outer radius of said pipe or pipes to be repaired or joined, said elements terminating in opposite longitudinally extending side edges, one said edge having a recess formed therein extending continuously and longitudinally of said element, said recess having a restricted entrance, and the other said edge having a rib extending continuously and longitudinally of said element, said rib having a reduced neck portion and enlarged head portion and being complementary to said recess in said one edge, whereby said pair of elements may be opposed and interconnected at their opposing edges through said complementary ribs and recesses, said method further including the steps of locating said elements of said pair on opposite sides of said pipe or pipes and interconnecting said elements through said complementary ribs and recesses so as to form a generally tubular member which spans the region of, or the space between, said pipe or pipes to be repaired or joined.

Adhesive may be applied between said pipe and said elements to secure said elements to said pipe.

Adhesive may also be applied to said complementary coupling means. The elements are suitably formed of relatively rigid plastics material and suitably from members extruded in continuous lengths.

In a further aspect, the present invention .provides a method of repairing or joining a pipe or pipes, said method comprising the steps of providing a first pair of joining or repairing elements, and two pairs of end connection elements, each said element being of substantially half annular form in cross-section, said i elements terminating in opposite side edges, one said edge having a recess formed therein extending continuously along said one edge, said recess having a restricted entrance, 35 and the other said edge having a rib extending continuously and longitudinally of said element, said rib having a reduced neck portion and enlarged head portion and being complementary to said recess in said one edge, whereby said elements of each said pair may be opposed and interconnected at their opposing edges through said complementary ribs and recesses, said elements of said end pair having a first portion with an internal radius substantially the same as the external radius of said pipe or pipes, and a second portion having an external radius substantially the same as the internal radius of said elements of said first pair, said method including the steps of locating said elements of said end pairs at spaced apart positions on opposite sides of said pipe or pipes and interconnecting said elements of said end pairs through said complementary ribs and recesses so that said first portions thereof locate about said pipe or pipes, arranging said elements of said first pair on opposite sides of said pipe or pipes and interconnecting said elements of said first pair through said complementary ribs and recesses so as to form a generally tubular member which spans said elements of said end pairs and locates about the second portions thereof.

The first and second portions of the end elements are preferably joined through a frustoconical portion.

The above method also suitably includes the steps of at least partially filling said elements after location and interconnection about a said pipe or pipes 25 with a settable material. The settable material is :[:[:preferably applied through an aperture in said intermediate elements.

Preferably the complementary ribs and recesses of the elements are adapted for snap engagement.

30 Reference will now be made to the accompanying o o drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:aQ Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view an elongated member for repairing pipes according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the member of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the members of Figs. 1 and 2; Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate the manner in which sections of the member of Fig. 11 may he interengaged about a pipe; Fig. 6 illustrates the manner in which the member of the invention may be used to repair pipes carrying electrical wires; Fig. 7 illustrates the manner in which the member of the invention may be used to repair plumbing pipes; Fig. 8 is an elevational view showing a further application of the member according to the present invention; Fig. 9 is an elevational view of a reducer for ~use in the application of Fig. 8; 20 Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate in end view the manner in which the members of the form of Fig. 9 may be combined; and Referring first to Figs. 1 to 5 there is illustrated an elongated member 40 according to the present 25 invention adapted for the repair of damage to or alteration or joining of pipes. The member 40 is of generally half annular form with inner and outer half circular walls which extend approximately 180 degrees and terminate in opposite longitudinal radially extending edges 41 and 42 which are provided with complementary coupling configurations to enable the member 40 to interlock with a further opposed similar member 40 or section thereof. The complementary couplings are in a form of a recess 43 and rib 44 which extend longitudinally and continuously of the element and which are adapted for co-operation with the rib 44 and recess 43 of a further opposed member 40 in the manner shown in Figs. 4 and 5 so as to define a generally circular pipe shaped member 45. The internal radius R of the member is substantially the same as the external radius of a pipe to be repaired or altered so that the member 40 may neatly locate about its circumference.

The rib 44 and recess 43 are of such a configuration as to permit the respective half sections to interengage and clip or "snap" together. As shown in Figs.

4 and 5, respective elements 10 may be arranged i- an opposed relationship and clipped together by means of the complimentary couplings 43 and 44 to define a closed tube or duct 45 of uninterrupted inner and outer surfaces. The elements 10 may be of indefinite length and formed for example by extrusion or may be incorporated into elbows, T's or other joints. The elements 10 may be held together either by the coupling means 43 and 44 alone or additionally with adhesives depending upon the application.

In the form illustrated, the coupling 44 comprises a re-entrant recess having a restricted entry or mouth and the coupling 43 includes an enlarged head and reduced neck so that the coupling 43 may be inserted into and held 20 within the recess 44. The couplings, however, may be of any other configuration for example dovetail form. It will also be apparent, however, that many other complementary configurations may be used for this purpose.

In one use according to the present invention and as shown in Fig. 6 and assuming that the members 40 of the invention are to be applied to the repair of a conduit 46 which carries cables 47 and which has ben damaged in the section 48, the member 40 is cut to the required length to 5span at least the distance of the damaged section 48 ald to form two half sections 40' and 40" (see Figs. 4 and which are located on opposite sides of the conduit 46 and urged together so as to interlock to cover and span the damaged section 46. Preferably an adhesive, for example a solvent adhesive is applied along the recess 43 and rib 44 so that when the half sections 40' and 40" are interengaged they become permanently interconnected. Adhesives may also be applied to the end portions of the conduit 46 adjacent to the damaged section 48 and on either side thereof so that the interengaged sections become permanently secured to the conduit 46.

In the case of damage to a plumbing pipe 49 as shown in Fig. 7 a similar procedure is adopted, except that in this instance a further intermediate pipe section 50 may be interposed in the damaged section 61 and the half sections 40' and 40" then applied therearound in a similar manner to that described above. In this instance, however, adhesive is preferably applied both to the new section of pipe 50 and the opposite end portions of the existing pipe 49 adjacent the damaged section 51 so that a water-tight connection is made.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 11 there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the invention adapted particularly for the repair of electrical cable carrying conduit 52 wherein a section 53 of the conduit 52 is removed because of damage and wherein electrical cables 54 passing through the conduit 52 may be repaired using :electrical connectors 55. In this instance a pair of 20 reducers 56 are provided at each end of the damaged section 52, each reducer 56 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10 having opposite end portions 57 and 58 of different diameters joined by a frustoconical portion 59. Each reducer 56 is formed by opposite halves 56' and 56" provided along their edges with complementary ribs 44 and recesses 43 as in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 so that respective half sections 56' and 56" may be snapped together to form the assembled S' reducer 56. Additionally employed in this embodiment is an intermediate coupling 60 formed of a pair of half sections of a similar form to that described with reference to Figs.

1 to In use respective, reducers 56 are applied to opposite free ends of the conduit 52 by interengaging respective half sections 56' and 56" about the conduit 52 to extend inwardly towards each other, the half sections 56' and 56" "snapping" together in the manner described above. The inner diameters of the reducers 56 in the portion 57 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the pipe 52. A putty or adhesive may be employed at 61 to seal the reducers 56 to the conduit free ends. Adhesive also may be used along the complimentary interlocking members 43 and 44 of the reducer half sections 56' and 56" to secure the sections together.

The half sections of the coupling 60 are then located about the reducers 56 and clipped together and secured to the reducers 56 by adhesives if desired, the inner diameter of the coupling 60 being substantially the same as the outer diameter of the reducer portions 58.

Holes 62 may then be formed as by drilling in the coupling so that a resin or other settable material 63 may be poured into the interior of the coupling 60 and opposite reducers 56 so as to surround the connectors 55 between the cables 54 and form a solid block. Earth may then be filled in about the joint if required where the joint is underground.

ee0 The basic member or element described with :'"'*reference to Figs. 1 and 4 is suitably supplied in S" 20 diameters to match the range of conduits and pipes which are presently available. It is a simple matter then to cut the member to the required lengths to form respective half *ir sections which may be engaged about a conduit or repair existing conduits or ducts. The elements or member and S 25 other embodiments of the invention are formed most suitably of PVC or other plastics material so as to match the material from which the conduit or pipe to which the member or other connectors are applied.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the invention, all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of repairing or joining a pipe or pipes, said method comprising the steps of providing a pair of joining or repairing elements, each said element being of substantially half annular form in cross-section and having an internal radius substantially the same as the outer radius of said pipe or pipes to be repaired or joined, said elements terminating in opposite longitudinally extending side edges, one said edge having a recess formed therein extending continuously and longitudinally of said element, said recess having a restricted entrance, and the other said edge having a rib extending continuously and longitudinally of said element, said rib having a reduced neck portion and enlarged head portion and being complementary to said recess in said one edge, whereby said pair of elements may be opposed and interconnected at their opposing edges through said complementary ribs and recesses, said method further including the steps of locating said elements of said pair on opposite sides of said pipe or pipes and interconnecting said elements through said complementary ribs and recesses so as to form a generally tubular member which spans the region of, or the space between, said pipe or pipes to be repaired or joined. S

2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said complementary ribs and recesses are adapted for snap .engagement. to 30 3. A method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 and including the step of applying adhesive between said pipe or pipes and said elements to secure said elements to said *pipe or pipes. o w e 35 4. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 and including the step of applying adhesive to said complementary ribs and recesses of said elements prior to interconnection of said elements. u" A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein said complementary ribs and recesses are located within the boundaries of the radial dimension of said elements at said edges so that said pair of raid elements when connected define a tubular member having a substantially uninterrupted circular inner and outer peripheries and substantially constant inner and outer diameters along its length.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said elements are formed of relatively rigid plastics material.

7. A method according to Claim 6 wherein said elements are formed from members extruded in continuous lengths.

8. A method of repairing or joining a pipe or pipes, said method comprising the steps of providing a first pair of joining or repairing elements, and two pairs of end connection elements, each said element being of substantially half annular form in cross-section, said elements terminating in opposite side edges, one said edge having a recess formed therein extending continuously along said one edge, said recess having a restricted entrance, Io and the other said edge having a rib extending continuously and longitudinally of said element, said rib having a reduced neck portion and enlarged head portion and being complementary to said recess in said one edge, whereby said S 30 elements of each said pair may be opposed and interconnected at their opposing edges through said complementary ribs and recesses, said elements of said end pair having a first portion with an internal radius 0111 substantially the same as the external radius of said pipe 35 or pipes, and a second portion having an external radius substantially the same as the internal radius of said elements of said first pair, said method including the steps of locating said elements of said end pairs at spaced apart positions on opposite sides of said pipe or pipes and interconnecting said elements of said end pairs through said complementary ribs and recesses so that said first portions thereof locate about said pipe or pipes, arranging said elements of said first pair on opposite sides of said pipe or pipes and interconnecting said elements of said first pair through said complementary ribs and recesses sQ as to form a generally tubular member which spans said elements of said end pairs and locates about the second portions thereof.

9. A method according to Claim 8 wherein said first and second portions of said end elements are joined through a frustoconical portion. A method according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 and including the steps of at least partially filling said elements with a settable material.

11. A method according to Claim 10 wherein said settable material is applied through an aperture in an element of said first pair.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding 25 claims wherein said elements of each said pair are adapted for snap engagement through said complementary ribs and recesses.

13. A method according to any one of Claims 8 30 to 11 and including the steps of applying adhesive between said end elements and said pipe or pipes and between said .i elements of said first pair and elements of said pair of end elements. 35 14. A method according to any one of Claims 7 to 11 and including the steps of applying adhesive betweeii said complementary ribs and recesses of sai elements. A method of repairing or joining pipes, subostantially as hereinbefbre described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, 7 or 8 to 11 of the accompanying drawings. DATED this eighteenth day of February 1994 MICHAEL JOHN MCMAHON GREGORY ALLANl NEWSOME BY OUR PATENT ATTORNEY JO V R .GARDNER S S S S 5* SS 55 S S S SS S S. *SSS 0 S *5 4* ft ft S S. -sy, ABSTRACT A tube forming element (10) of half annular or ring form in cross section and including at its opposite side edges complementary male (11) and female (12) couplings so that opposing elements may be engaged to form a tubular member. The elements (10) may be used in a number of applications including the repair of pipes, for pipe protection, for hydroponic growing systems, for column forming and for plant protection. s 6 t6 0 S Sb S 6S