AU680902B2

AU680902B2 - Support arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU680902B2
Application number: AU66414/94A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Samuel Costin
Original assignee: Vinidex Tubemakers Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Vinidex Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1993-05-11
Filing date: 1994-05-10
Publication date: 1997-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-10
Also published as: AU6641494A

Description

PCr/AU 9 4 0 0:2 4L4 RECEIVED 3 0 MAY 1995/ SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT This invention 'elates to a support arrangement which can be used to support a pair of members during a joining procedure,.

One particular application of the invention relates to a support arrangement which can be used to support a pair of pipes subsequent to them being butt welded together. In the butt welding of lengths of pipe, the apparatus which is conventionally used to weld the pipe provides the support for the two ends of the pipe and incorporates the means for machining the pipe and welding the two ends of the pipe together, In use the pipes are placed and supported in the apparatus where they are located end to end, The ends of the pipes are then machined and welded together. Subsequent to the welding of the pipes together they are held in the supported arrangement by the apparatus until the weld has cooled sufficiently to enable the pipe to be moved from the apparatus without adversely affecting the joint, As a result it is not possible to move the welding apparatus until the joint has cooled sufficiently where upon it can be released from the support. This has been found to be inefficient since it is not possible to use the welding function of the apparatus while the weld is cooling, Therefore the rate of use of the apparatus is governed by the speed at which the weld can cool, It is an object of this invention to provide a means which is capable of supporting a pair of members subsequent to them being joined together independent of an apparatus that is required to effect the welding or joining of the end elements together, Accordingly the invention resides in a support for supporting a pair of joined elongate components to both sides of the joint therebetween, said support comprising a first clamping member removably receivable over both of the components in the region of the joint and which is shaped to bridge the joint between said components, said clamping member being adapted to clampingly engage each component adjacent the joint and rigidly support each component, a second clamping member removably receivable on one of the components to one side of the first clamping member, a third clamping member removably receivoble on the other of *I i the components to the other side of the first clamping member at least one C rod-like support elemert extending between the second and third clamping ,Mi ivub SHEET

IPENAU

?CT/AU 9 4/ OZ U RECEIVED 1 -2 members, said at least one support element having a configuration to support the components to each side of the joint in the desired configuration wherein said clamping members are intended to encircle the components when in clamping engagement therewith and are each adapted to frictionally engage the surface of the component when clampingly engaged therewith, wherein each clamping member comprises a plurality of segments hingedly interconnected in end to end relationship and adapted to be able to be lockingly interengaged to effect said clamping engagement and wherein at least one support element is mounted to one or more of the segments of the third and second clamping members in order that the at least one support elements lie to one side of the joined components.

Accordingly, the invention also resides in a method of supporting a pair of freshly joined elongate components which are joined in end to end relationship comprising applying a first clamping member around the joined components in the region of the joint, said first clamping member being receivable over both of the components in the region of the joint and being shaped to bridge the joint between the components and further being adapted to clampingly engage each component adjacent the joint, clampingly engaging the first clamping member with the jointed components over the joint: applying a second and third clamping member to the components whereby the second and third clamping members apply to opposite sides of the first clamping member, said second and third clamping members being adapted to be clampingly receivable over the components, said second and third clamping members being interconnected by one or more elongate support elements having configuration to support the components to each side of the joint in the desired orientation therebetween; said at least one support element being located to lie to one side of the joined components.

The invention will be more fully understood in the light of the following description of two specific embodiments. The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings of which;- Figure 1 is a general isometric view of the first embodiment; Figure 2 is a fragmentary part sectional isometric view of the first member of the first embodiment in position over the pair of components;and Figure 3 is a general isometric view of the second embodiment; and AMENDED 81.' i S" PC/AU 9 4 002 44 RECEIVED 2 8 MAR 1995 -3- Figure 4 is a fragmentary part sectional isometric view of the first member of the second embodiment in position over a pair of components.

Each of the embodiments has particular application to providing a support for a pair of pipes subsequent to them being welded together in an enq.to end relationship according to conventional butt welding practice. The support is intended to be mounted on the pair of interconnected pipes to either side of the joint to provide support for the pipes during the cooling of the joint without causing any adverse disruption to the joint. This support is intended to replace that which is copventionally provided by the butt welding apparatus, This then enables the butt welding apparatus to be used at another location.

The first embodiment comprises a first member 111 which is of substantially annular configuration and is composed of two substantially symmetrical halves 112 and 113 which are adapted to be clampingly engaged together. The first member has a channel shaped cross-section where the inner face is directed inwardly to provide a pair of spaced flanges 114 which are separated by the web of the channel 115 which is outermost, The inner radial edge of each of the flanges 114 is formed with a sharp edge and has a diameter such that when the two halves are clampingly inter engaged around the pipe, the inner edge of each flange will clampingly engage around each of the pipes 116 and 117. The web of the channel 115 has a diameter such that it can be received over the bead formed by butt weld between the ends of the pipes 116 and 117 without interfering with the bead.

In addition to the first member, the embodiment comprises a pair of second members 119 and 120 which are each formed as two separable halves which are capable of being clampingly engaged together around the pipe.

When engaged together the second members are of a substantially annular configuration and have an internal diameter which will enable the second members to be clampingly engaged with the pipes 116 and 117 on the two halves of each of the members being clampingly interconnected. If desired the inner radial edges of each of the second members 119 and 120 are formed as a sharp edge or are suitably adapted to ensure frictional clamping engagement of the second members with the surface of the pipes 116 and 117.

AMENDED SHEET OVAMI Ia PcF/AU 4 002 4 4 RECEIVED 2 8 MAR 1995 -4- The two halves of each of the interconnected first and second member are hingedly interconnected at one side and the clamping inter engagement between the two halves is effected by suitable toggle latches 125 at the other side to hold the two halves in clamping engagement over the pipe.

One half 124 of each of the second members 119 and 120 are formed with a plurality of axial apertures 122 which are arranged around each half to be substantially equidistant from each other. The apertures 122 a:e provided by saddle like elements which are fixed to the exterior of the second members 119 and 120, The support further comprises a set of support rods 123 which are receivable through the axial passageways 122 provided in one half of each of the second members 119 and 120 when the apertures 122 are aligned with each other, In use the cupport is applied over a pair of pipes after they have been butt welded together and which the pipes are being held in position by the welding apparatus, whereby the first member 111 is applied over the weld and the second members 119 and 120 are, applied to each side of the weld with the support rods 123 in position to provide support for the joint.

Subsequent to the application of the support the welding apparatus can be removed from its supporting relationship with the pipes for use at another location. Meanwhile the support is left in engagement with the pipe until the butt weld has cooled, sufficiently for it to be removed.

If desired the support rods 123 of the first embodiment may be fixed to the second members 119 and 120 by welding, bolting or like means, The utilisation of the support of the embodiment enables the welding apparatus to be used with a greater frequency than is currently possible and yet enables adequate support to be given for the interconnected pipes while the weld cools, If desired the first member 111 of the embodiment may be used by itself to support the joint, AMENDED

SHEET

PCr/AU 9 4 0 0 2 4 4 RECEIVED 2 8 MAR l9.% The second embodiment comprises a first member 211 which is of substantially annular configuration and is composed of two substantially symmetrical halves 212 and 213 which are adapted to be clampingly engaged together, The first member has a channel shaped cross-section where the inner face is directed inwardly to provide a pair of spaced flanges 214 which are separated by the web of the channel 215 which is outermost. The inner radial face of each of the flanges 214 is formed with a serrated profile and has a diameter such that when the two halves are clampingly inter engaged around the pipes the inner face of each flange will clampingly engage around each of the pipes 216 and 217. The web of the channel 215 has a diameter such that it can be received over the bead formed by butt weld 218 between the ends of the pipes 216 and 217, without interfering with the bead.

In addition to the first member, the embodiment comprises a pair of second members 219 and 220 which are each formed as two separable halves which are capable of being clampingly engaged together around the pipes.

When engaged together the second members are of a substantially annular configuration and have an interno! diameter which will enable the second members to be clampingly engaged with the pipes 216 and 217 on the two halves of each of the members being clampingly interconnected, If desired the inner radial faces of each of the second members 219 and 220 may be of a serrated or similar profile to ensure frictional clamping engagement of the second members with the surface of the pipes 216 and 217.

The clamping interengagement between the two halves of the first member and each of the second members is effected by means of a spring clip 221 which is receivable over the two halves to hold the two halves in clamping engagement over the pipe.

One half 224 of each of the members 211, 219 and 220 are formed with a plurality of axial apertures 222 which are arranged around each half to be substantially equidistant from each other.

The support further comprises a set of support rods 223 which are receivable through the axial passageways 222 provided in one half of each of the members 211, 219 and 220 when the passageways are aligned with each other, AMENDEo SHEET 20M ri PCr/Au 9 4 0 0 2 4 RECEIVED 2 8 MAR 19E -6- In use the support is applied over a pair of pipes after they have been butt welded together and when the pipes are being held in position by the welding apparatus, whereby the members 211 is applied over the weld and the second member 219 and 220 are applied to each side of the weld with the support rods 233 in position to provide support for the joint, Subsequent to the application of the support the welding apparatus can be removed from its supporting relationship with the pipes for use at another location. Meanwhile the support is left in engagement with the pipe until the butt weld has cooled, sufficiently for it to be removed, It should be appreciated that the embodiment and the invention need not be limited to a support arrangement for a pair of plastics pipes which are butt welded together.

The embodiment and invention may have application in any circumstance where a pair of pipes or members are to be mounted together and where the bonding may be effected by welding, gluing or any other appropriate technique. In addition, the apparatus need not be restricted to use with plastics pipes, Furthermore the invention need not have application to the mounting and support of a pair of elongate members being mounted into end to end relationship but may have application where support is required for two or more intersecting elements or components during or immediately subsequent to the joining process.

AMENDED SHEET

W'RAVAU

Claims

1. (twice amended) A support for supporting a of joined elongate components to both sides of the joint thereL.Aween, said support comprising a first clamping member removably receivable over botl of the components in the region of the joint and which is shaped to bridge the joint between said components, said clamping member being adapted to clampingly engage each component adjacent the joint and rigidly support each component, a second clamping member removably receivable on one of the components to one side of the first clamping member, a third clamping member removably receivable on the other of the components to the other side of the first clamping member, at least one rod-like support element extending between the second and third clamping members, said at least one support element having a configuration to support the components to each side of the joint in the desired configuration wherein said clamping members are intended to encircle the components when in clamping engagement therewith and are each adapted to frictionally engage the surface of the component when clampingly engaged therewith, wherein each clamping member comprises a plurality of segments hingedly interconnected in end to end relationship and adapted to be able to be lockingly irc'erengaged to effect said clamping engagement and wherein the at least one support element is mounted to one or more of the segments of the third and second clamping members in order that the at least one support elements lie to one side of the joined components.

2. Cancelled

3. A support as claimed at Claims I wherein the components comprise lengths of tubing.

4. A support as claimed at Claim 3 wherein the tubing is formed of a thermoplastics material and the joint comprises a welded joint, 5, Cancelled 4iA 6, Cancelled x?7/ i AMENDED SHEET SItgIAMAIL 1 4 t I PCAU 9 4 0 0 2 4 4 RECEIVED 1 5 JUN 1995 -8

7.(Amended) A support as claimed at Claim 1 wherein the at least one support elements comprise rod-like elements which are fixed to the further clamping members at both sides of the joint, said support elements being in substantially parallel relationship with each other.

8.(Amended) A support as claimed at Claim 7 wherein the fixing of the at least one support elements to the second and third clamping members is capable of being released to enable a variation in positioning of the clamping member on the support elements,

9. A support as claimed at Claim 7 or 8 wherein the at least one support element are mounted to the first clamping member. 11 (Cancelled)

12.(Amended) A support substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

13.(Cancelled)

14.(Cancelled).

15.(New) A method of supporting a pair of freshly joined elongate components which are joined in end to end relationship comprising; applying a first clamping member around the joined components in the region of the joint, said first clamping member being receivable over both of the components in the region of the joint and being shaped to bridge the joint between the components and further being adapted to clampingly engage each component adjacent the joint; clampingly engaging the first clamping member with the joined components over the joint, applying a second and third clamping member to the components whereby the second and third clamping members are applied to opposite sides of the first clamping member, said second and third clamping members being adapted to be clampingly receivable over the components, said second and third clamping members being interconnected by one or more elongate support elements having a configuration to support the components to each side of the joint in the desired orientation AMENDEC ":HEEI Ane, A Mi S* PrT/AU 9 4 /0 0 2 4 4 RECEIVED 5 'JN 1995 -9- therebetween said at least one support element being located to lie to one side of the joined components

16.(New) A method of supporting a pair of freshly joined elongate components which are joined in end to end relationship substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1' r AMENDED aHEET