BE1026059B1 - PLASTIC TUBE ADAPTED FOR A STRONG SUSPENSION AND METHOD FOR ADAPTING A PLASTIC TUBE IN FUNCTION OF A STARR SUSPENSION - Google Patents

Abstract

Plastic pipe (2) adapted for rigid suspension thereof, provided with one or more plastic straight-line reinforcements (3) that extend over at least a part of the length (L) of the plastic pipe (1) and with that plastic pipe (1) are connected or form part of it and in which a profile (4) is attached to the aforementioned reinforcements (3) or in the aforementioned reinforcements (3) a profile (4) is wholly or partially embedded, the profile (4) ) is made of a material with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic material.

Description

Plastic pipe adapted for a rigid suspension thereof and method for adapting a plastic pipe as a function of a rigid suspension thereof.

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The present invention relates to a plastic pipe adapted for rigid suspension thereof.

The present invention also relates to a method for adapting a plastic pipe in function of a rigid suspension thereof.

Without limiting the invention thereto, the invention is particularly useful for plastic pipes made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), but other plastic pipes made from other plastics such as PVC, PP, ABS and so on are not excluded from the invention.

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The plastics used to manufacture plastic pipes and, a fortiori, HDPE, are very chemically resistant and they are easy to process into all kinds of possible forms.

However, a major drawback of such plastics is that their thermal expansion can be large,

For example, HDPE has a thermal expansion coefficient of 0.2 mm / m.K.

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A first possibility which is already known to avoid problems due to thermal expansion of plastic pipes in installations, such as rainwater drainage installations, consists in allowing parts of the installation to undergo certain movements or deformations.

According to the state of the art, so-called bend legs are used for this purpose.

Such flexing legs are more flexible pipe sections that form an angle and they are connected with their ends to pipe sections that undergo expansion or contraction due to a change in temperature.

However, sliding brackets or sliding suspensions are hereby used

applied in front of the suspension of such bend bone, so that it bend bone about a sufficient distance free can to move or distort to the occurring thermal expansion or

to cope with contraction.

In another known technique, which is based on the same principle to allow parts of the installation to move relative to each other, so-called expansion sleeves are used.

These expansion sleeves contain two pipe sections that can be moved telescopically with respect to each other, one of these pipe sections being fixed.

The pipe sections are sealed relative to each other by means of a (usually rubber) seal which, however

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BE2018 / 5119 does not block movement of the pipe sections relative to each other.

A drawback of the use of expansion sleeves is that they cannot be used in rainwater drainage systems that function under negative pressure, since the sealing between the pipe sections of such expansion sleeves is not ensured when a negative pressure occurs in the pipe system.

Another known method for dealing with the tendency of plastic tubes to expand or shrink under temperature change is to hang the plastic tubes by means of a rigid assembly in order to thus place the plastic tubes in a carcass, as it were. force no expansion or contraction.

According to the state of the art, so-called metal mounting rails can be used for this purpose, which serve as a kind of intermediate link, wherein the plastic tubes are rigidly connected to a mounting rail by means of brackets and the mounting rails themselves to the actual construction, such as a ceiling or wall, are fixed for the suspension of the plastic pipes.

The mounting rails here absorb the enormous forces that are created by preventing the thermal expansion or contraction of the plastic pipes with a temperature change.

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It is clear that such rigid mounting with brackets attached to a mounting rail is relatively complicated, must be carried out accurately and, moreover, is reasonably expensive.

The present invention therefore has for its object to offer a solution to one or more of the aforementioned or possible other disadvantages, with which a rigid mounting of plastic pipes has to contend.

More specifically, it is an object of the invention to offer a plastic pipe which is adapted for rigid mounting and which is better able to absorb the large forces that occur during such mounting due to expansion or contraction in the case of a temperature change,

Another object of the invention is to offer a method for adapting a plastic pipe, such that it is better suited to be rigidly mounted.

Hereby it is an additional object of the invention to provide such a method that can easily be carried out in a production hall or on a construction site.

Another object of the invention is to increase the efficiency of rigid mounting of plastic pipes and to lower their cost.

To this end the invention relates to a plastic tube adapted for rigid suspension thereof, the adapted plastic tube comprising a part in the form

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BE2018 / 5119 of a plastic pipe, wherein this plastic pipe is provided with one or more plastic linear reinforcements that extend over at least a part of the length of the plastic pipe in question and which are connected to or form part of the plastic pipe and that a profile or element is attached to said reinforcement or reinforcements or a profile or element is wholly or partially embedded in said reinforcement or reinforcements, the profile or element being made of a material with a thermal expansion coefficient of less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic material from which the plastic pipe and the plastic reinforcement or reinforcements are made.

A major advantage of such a modified plastic pipe according to the invention is that a profile or element made from a material with a thermal expansion coefficient that is smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the plastic from which the plastic pipe and the reinforcement or reinforcements are made, directly onto the plastic tube

attached to it is connected or in it is embedded, Causing an expulsion or contraction from the plastics showers Bee 25 change to the temperature on very efficient we them On

ties are laid.

The profile or element can for instance be manufactured from steel, but for example also from a composite material reinforced with glass fiber.

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Steel has a thermal expansion coefficient of 0.012 mm / m.K, which is nearly a factor of 20 smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of HDPE.

Moreover, steel has a very high tensile strength and compressive strength and is resistant to buckling, so that it is a good material to produce a profile or element that can limit the expansion or contraction of a modified plastic pipe according to the invention in the event of a change. of the temperature.

Naturally, according to the invention, many other materials can be used to manufacture such a profile or element.

The profile or element can be considered as a restrainer in the sense that it is intended to limit, control or contain the expansion and contraction of the plastic pipe.

Furthermore, it is intended that the profile or element can also serve as a mounting rail, for suspending the plastic pipe from a supporting structure such as a ceiling, wall or the like.

The great advantage here is that the profile or element, which serves as a restrainer and as a mounting rail, is directly attached to a reinforced part of the plastic pipe or is fully or partially embedded.

Thus, the suspension means with which the plastic tube is suspended can, for example, be supported on a support structure

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BE2018 / 5119 that is formed by a building, directly attached in or to the profile or element that serves as a mounting rail.

In principle, these suspension means are therefore not subject, or to a very limited extent, to the forces that occur as a result of thermal expansion or contraction, since the profile or element keeps such expansion or contraction to a minimum.

This is in sharp contrast to what is known with the known methods for rigid suspension of plastic pipes, wherein the fixing brackets are subjected to large moments, since these fixing brackets have to bridge the distance between the expanding and shrinking plastic pipe and the substantially non-deforming mounting rail.

Furthermore, with a modified plastic tube 20 according to the invention, the reinforcement or reinforcements strongly contribute to a robust connection between the plastic tube and the profile or element, whereby forces are transmitted efficiently and the risk of damage to the plastic tube occurring a minimum is limited.

In a preferred embodiment of a plastic pipe according to the invention, the reinforcement or reinforcements are beam-shaped and the profile or element is a U-shaped profile or element that is complementary to the beam-shaped reinforcement or reinforcements, the U-shaped profile or element

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BE2018 / 5119 has for this purpose two side walls which are connected by a bottom.

The distance between the side walls here preferably corresponds to the width of the beam-shaped reinforcements and the reinforcement or the reinforcements are arranged between the two side walls of the metal profile.

Such an embodiment of a plastic pipe 10 according to the invention can be manufactured in a very simple manner, preferably in a production hall or factory, but possibly even on site, as will be demonstrated hereinafter, while its shape is extremely compact and without more is suitable for a rigid suspension and this for the reasons already mentioned above.

In yet another preferred embodiment of a plastic pipe according to the invention, the profile 20 is fixed over the reinforcement or reinforcements with the aid of bolts arranged through openings in the side walls of the U-profile as well as through the width of the reinforcement or reinforcements and which are screwed down with nuts.

Such an embodiment of a plastic pipe according to the invention is very easy to assemble with means that are available everywhere, but also offers the necessary strength to be able to function without problems in a rigid suspension.

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Of course, according to the invention, it is not excluded to use other connecting means or other connecting methods for fixing the profile or element to the reinforcement or reinforcements.

For this purpose, for example, rocker mounts, blind mounts, pins, bobbins and the like can be used.

The profile can also be deformed by pressing to attach it to or on the reinforcement or reinforcements.

The present invention also relates to a method for adapting a plastic pipe in function of a rigid suspension thereof.

Such a method according to the invention comprises at least the following steps:

- the provision of a or several straight line 20 plastic reinforcements a plastic tube about at least a portion of the length of the concerning plastic tube; and, - applying the a profile or e lement, Which is made from a material with a 25 from settlement coefficient That is smaller then the

coefficient of expansion of the plastic material from which the plastic pipe and the plastic reinforcement or reinforcements are made, on, to or in these plastic reinforcement or reinforcements by attaching the profile or element to it or embedding it wholly or partially in this plastic reinforcement or reinforcements.

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In a preferred method according to the invention, the reinforcement or the reinforcements are connected to the plastic tube by means of an electro-welding operation, a mirror-welding operation or an extrusion-welding operation.

The offered method according to the invention to care sure up recruit less numerous and different materials and Products, mostly less 10 fasteners, must be processed turn into, than what

is the case with the known methods.

Consequently, a rigid suspension of a plastic pipe also requires less labor when a method according to the invention is applied, compared to the labor required when applying a known method.

Moreover, these methods according to the invention are easy to apply and provide an excellent, robust result.

With the insight to better demonstrate the characteristics of the invention, a few preferred embodiments of a plastic pipe according to the invention are described below as an example without any limiting character, as well as methods for adapting a plastic pipe according to the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

1 to 5 show successive steps of a first possible method according to the figures

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BE2018 / 5119 to illustrate the invention for adapting a plastic pipe;

Figures 6 to 10 illustrate in perspective a second possible method according to the invention for adapting a plastic pipe;

figures 11 to 17 illustrate in perspective a third possible method according to the invention for adapting a plastic pipe; and, figure 18 shows in side view how a modified plastic tube, as obtained with the methods illustrated in the previous figures, is suspended from a ceiling;

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate alternative ways of suspending a plastic pipe, respectively with classical means and with means provided with a modified plastic pipe according to the invention;

figure 21 represents on a larger scale a view according to arrow F21 on the part indicated by F21 in figure 17, but for another embodiment of a modified plastic pipe according to the invention;

figures 22 to 24 illustrate, in an analogous manner to figure 21, other embodiments of a modified plastic pipe according to the invention;

figures 25 and 26 show a view of a cross-section of still other embodiments of a modified plastic pipe according to the invention;

figures 27 and 28 in an analogous manner as in figures to 24 yet other embodiments of one

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BE2018 / 5119 to illustrate adapted plastic pipe according to the invention;

figure 29 illustrates in side view an alternative way of suspending yet another embodiment of a modified plastic pipe according to the invention on a series of beams of a ceiling;

figures 30 and 31 show on a larger scale the parts which are indicated by F30 and F31 respectively in figure 29;

figures 32 and 33 show on a larger scale the cross-sections indicated in figure 30 by cuts F32 and F33;

figures 34 to 37 schematically represent successive steps of an alternative method according to the invention for manufacturing adapted plastic pipes according to the invention;

figures 38 and 39 illustrate in perspective two steps of yet another method according to the invention;

figure 40 represents a side view according to arrow F40 on the result obtained after the assembly of the two parts shown in figure 39;

figure 41 represents a next step of the method in which one or more extrusion welds are carried out;

figures 42 and 43 show two possible embodiments of the aforementioned extrusion weld or extrusion welds in perspective;

figures 44 and 45 show on a larger scale in front view the parts indicated with arrows F44 and F4;

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BE2018 / 5119 figures 46 and 47 show the embodiment of figure 42 in perspective and with omission of a part of a side wall, respectively when a continuous extrusion weld is applied or when an interrupted extrusion weld is applied;

figures 48 to 51 show in top view metal profiles which are provided with perforations with different shapes;

figures 52 and 53 show in top view metal profiles which are provided with perforations in a continuous and a non-continuous embodiment respectively;

Figures 54 to 58 illustrate in an analogous manner as in Figures 34 to 37 an alternative method according to the invention; and, Figures 59 and 60 illustrate two other methods of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a plastic pipe 1 which is transformed with a method according to the invention into a modified plastic pipe 2 according to the invention, which is shown in Figure 5, and which is made very suitable for suspension according to a rigid mounting by this conversion .

The plastic tube 1 is, for example, made from HDPE, but plastic tubes 1 made with other plastics can be formed according to the invention by a similar method.

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The plastic tube 1 is cylindrical, has a length L, a circle-shaped cross-section with a diameter D and a wall thickness T.

However, this length L must be interpreted correctly, since according to the invention the part shown in the figures may just as well be the representation of a pipe section of a plastic pipe 1 with a much greater length than the length L as shown in the figures.

In a first step of the first possible method according to the invention discussed here, which is illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 5, a plurality of plastic reinforcements 3, in this case more specifically three plastic reinforcements 3 against the plastic tube 1. brought.

These reinforcements 3 will be connected to the plastic pipe 1 in a further step of the method and are intended as a support for a metal profile 4.

In other embodiments, it is not excluded to use a profile 4 or element that is made from a material other than metal.

The profile 4 or element is intended to prevent shrinkage or expansion of the plastic tube 1 under the influence of a change in temperature and therefore preferably has an expansion coefficient which is as small as possible, while also requiring sufficient strength to satisfy the occurring to withstand forces.

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The plastic reinforcements 3 in this case are brought in solid form against the plastic tube 1 and will be connected to the plastic tube 1 by welding in a further step of the method.

The reinforcements 3 are each designed as a beam-shaped, linear element 3 with a length L 'and with a square cross-section 5.

Of course, it is not excluded according to the invention to use reinforcements 3 which have a completely different shape.

The reinforcements 3 have a width B, which is relatively small with respect to the diameter D of the plastic tube 1, so that the reinforcements 3 form an elongate element which, as it were, as an almost linear element on the outer surface 6 of the plastic tube. 1 can be applied.

The three reinforcements 3 are furthermore mutually aligned according to the method along the length L of the plastic tube 1 and in this case are arranged against the plastic tube 1 at a regular distance E from each other, which is shown in Figure 2 with the arrows F .

It is to be noted that the reinforcements 3 can be made of the same plastic as the plastic tube 1, while in other embodiments the reinforcements 3 can also be made of a material other than the plastic tube 1, at least for

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BE2018 / 5119 insofar as the use of non-identical materials is physically and chemically justified for obtaining a high-quality bond or high-quality weld between the relevant materials.

Although this is not strictly necessary according to the invention, according to the method according to the invention discussed here, the metal profile 4 is first connected to the plastic reinforcements 3, before the plastic reinforcements 3 are welded onto the plastic tube 1.

This is illustrated with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

According to the invention, however, it is not excluded to use a different method in which the steps mentioned here are carried out in a different order.

In the step of the method shown in Figure 3, the metal profile 4 is brought over the plastic reinforcements 3, which is represented by the arrows G.

The metal profile 4 is in this case a U-shaped profile that is complementary to the bar-shaped reinforcements 3.

The metal profile 4 has for this purpose two side walls 7 and 8 which are connected by a bottom 9.

The distance K between the side walls 7 and 8 corresponds to the width B of the bar-shaped reinforcements 3.

Thus, in the movement according to the arrows G, the reinforcements 3 between the side walls 7 and 8 of the

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BE2018 / 5119 metal profile 4, while the bottom 9 of the metal profile 4 covers the reinforcements 3 along the top.

A space or space may or may not be left between a respective reinforcement 3 and the bottom 9 of the metal profile 4.

The obtained situation is shown in Figure 4.

In a next step of the method according to the invention which is explained here, the metal profile 4 is fixed on the plastic reinforcements 3 by mounting bolts 10 through openings 11 provided in the side walls 7 and 8 of the metal U-profile 4 as well as through the width B of the reinforcements 3.

The bolts 10 are then screwed in with the aid of 20 nuts 12.

In a final step of the method according to the invention discussed here, the plastic reinforcements 3 are connected to the plastic tube 1 by means of a welding operation, which is schematically represented in Figure 5.

When performing such a weld between a plastic reinforcement 3 and the plastic tube 1, it is important to avoid as many residual stresses in the weld connection as possible or to keep these residual stresses as low as possible.

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To remedy this problem, according to a preferred method according to the invention, before starting the welding, a metal tube can be provided in the plastic tube, which tube is held against the part to be welded.

Preferably, according to this method, a cooling medium is also pumped through this metal tube during welding.

In other methods according to the invention, it is not excluded that all sorts of other possible elements can be used which, after cooling, can partially or completely prevent shrinkage, such as, for example, perforated and / or serrated band irons, serrated or non-serrated tubes or rods, fibers, etc. .

These elements do not have to be made of metal and can be made of all possible materials with a limited thermal expansion coefficient.

A plastic pipe 2 is thus obtained which is adapted for a rigid suspension thereof, wherein this adapted plastic pipe 2 is in this case provided with a plurality of plastic, linear reinforcements 3 extending over at least a part of the length L of the original plastic tube 1, wherein these reinforcements 3 are connected to the plastic tube 1 by means of a weld and wherein by means of bolts 10 and nuts 12 a metal profile 4 is attached to the reinforcements 3, which serves as

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BE2018 / 5119 mounting rail for the rigid suspension of the plastic profile 2.

In figures 6 to 10 yet another method according to the invention is illustrated, in which this time only one single plastic reinforcement 3 is provided on the plastic tube, while furthermore the same steps are carried out.

The difference lies solely in the fact that this time the metal profile 4 has a length M that is the same as the length L of the plastic reinforcement 3 or in other words the metal profile 4 is supported along its entire length M and connected to the plastic reinforcement

3.

Of course, in this way an even more robust embodiment is obtained of a plastic pipe 2 according to

the invention that has been adjusted for a rigid suspension. 20 In Others embodiments of a custom plastics tube 2 according to the invention is it not

excluded from using a metal profile 4 that is longer or, conversely, shorter than the plastic pipe 1.

The reinforcements 3 should preferably not be provided at the pipe ends so that such adapted plastic pipes 2 according to the invention can be easily connected to each other by realizing a pipe connection with a technique which is known according to the current state of the art.

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Such a connection between two adapted plastic pipes 2 according to the invention with reinforcements 3 can for instance be established by means of mirror welding or butt welding or by means of mechanical couplings or any other connecting means suitable for this purpose.

Figures 11 to 17 illustrate successive steps of yet another method according to the invention, this time reinforcing 3 on the plastic tube 1 being realized by means of extrusion.

Figure 11 shows that the starting point is a plastic pipe 1 (or pipe section) that is identical to the plastic pipe 1 shown in Figures 1 and 6.

In a first step according to this method according to the invention, this time, first, at the location of the reinforcement 3 to be provided, a pair of formwork profiles 13 is arranged against the plastic pipe 1.

However, according to the invention, this does not always have to be the case even when applying extrusion to realize the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3.

This step of the method is illustrated in Figure 12 where the arrows I indicate the direction in which the shuttering profiles 13 are moved.

These formwork profiles 13 in this case have an L-shaped profile formed by two legs 14 and 15.

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They can be made from a metal or from any material that is suitable for this purpose and that is sufficiently rigid and heat-resistant to run smoothly.

Here, in the extrusion shown, an example of each formwork profile 13 is correctly brought one leg 14 against the plastic tube 1, while the other upright legs 15 are kept at a distance R from each other according to the width B of the plastic reinforcement to be formed by extrusion 3.

A molten plastic 17 is then applied to the outer surface 6 of the plastic pipe section 1 with an extruder 16 between the shuttering profiles 13 to form a beam-shaped plastic reinforcement 3.

It is important to note that the use of the shuttering profiles 13 is not necessary with a properly adjusted extruder 16 that can provide a reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 shape-retaining without using such shuttering profiles 13.

As is generally known, such extruder 16 is fed with a granulate 18 of the plastic in question which is heated in the extruder 16 into a molten plastic 17 and which is optionally brought into the correct shape via a mold 19.

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In gra: until the case 18 leaves around 220 ⁰ Becomes HDPE being extruded the raw material pellets hereby it 18 warmed up or C. turn into 5 The extruder 16 and the plastic tube 1 become ten

moved relative to each other according to arrows J so that the molten plastic 17 is arranged between the shuttering profiles 13 over the required length corresponding to the length L of the reinforcement 3 to be applied.

The extrusion is preferably carried out in a single movement.

It is intended that the molten plastic 17 melts together with the wall 6 of the plastic tube 1 so as to obtain a whole and a fixed connection between the plastic tube 1 and the reinforcement 3.

After solidification of the reinforcement 3 by cooling, the formwork profiles 13 can be removed in a subsequent step of the method, which is illustrated in Figure 14 with the arrows U.

In the next step of this method according to the Invention it metal profile 4, that shift shall to do as a mounting rail, attached to the reinforcement 3 after it solidify. This is in figure 15 appears and happens completely

analogous way as shown in figure 8, at least insofar as it is not taken into account that in figure 8 the metal profile 4 is applied over the

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BE2018 / 5119 before it is connected by welding with the case connected while the extrusion process is made of plastic pipe 1

bleak 15 the reinforcement of course already with the plastic tube 1 during it and pass then the metal profile 4 is going to be

applied.

Of course, the methods according to the invention discussed here are merely possible examples and the steps mentioned can be carried out in a different order or additional steps can be applied or steps of the methods described can be omitted.

For fixing the metal profile 4 to the extruded reinforcement 3, use is again made of bolts 10 which are inserted through openings 11 in the side walls 7 and 8 of the metal profile 4 and which are screwed down by means of nuts 12.

This is illustrated in Figure 16.

Other methods in which other fastening means or other techniques are applied for fixing the metal profile 4 to the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements are, of course, not excluded according to the invention.

The final result, shown in figure 17, is again an adapted plastic tube 2 according to the invention that is suitable for a rigid suspension.

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Such rigid suspension is illustrated by way of example in Figure 18.

Hereby the adapted plastic tube 2 is suspended from a concrete ceiling 20 with suspension means 21 which are attached to the metal profile 4.

To this end, in the example shown, threaded rods 22 are connected at one end to chemical bolts 23 anchored in the concrete ceiling 20, while the other end of the threaded rods 22 is connected to the metal profile 4 of the plastic pipe 2 by means of brackets 24 .

In this case these brackets 24 also surround the adapted plastic tube 2, but this is not necessary according to the invention and the suspension means 21 may just as well engage only in the metal profile 4, which is shown by way of example in Figure 25.

In figure 18 the concrete ceiling 20 as well as the adapted plastic pipe 2 suspended therefrom is shown interrupted.

Typically, the modified plastic tube 2 is suspended with the aid of suspension means 21 which are provided at a mutual distance TS1 which corresponds to ten times the tube diameter D of the plastic tube 1.

In other cases it is sometimes impossible to provide suspension means 21 at such a limited distance TS1 from each other, for example because the structure of

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BE2018 / 5119 the ceiling 20 does not allow this, and suspension means 21 can only be arranged in the ceiling 20 at a greater distance TS2 from each other, which is illustrated by way of example in figure 19.

In such a case use can be made of a mounting rail MR which is suspended from the ceiling 20 with the aid of mounting means 21 and a plastic tube 1 can be suspended from such mounting rail MR, for example 10 with the aid of traditional mounting means TB in the form of brackets or the like, and fixing means for realizing a fixed point VP, which are distributed over the mounting rail MR as a function of the necessity and wherein the correct intermediate distances TS3 are applied for stable suspension of the plastic pipe 1 to the mounting rail MR.

In such a case, the mounting rail MR functions as a reinforcing element with which the distances TS1 between successive suspension means 21 can be bridged.

Figure 20 illustrates how, in a similar situation as described with respect to Figure 19, use can be made of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention in combination with traditional fasteners TB.

In particular, an adapted plastic tube 2 according to the invention is very suitable for this purpose if, for example, it is of a type which is provided with several reinforcements 3 which are spaced apart at a mutual distance

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BE2018 / 5119 are provided with each other according to the length of the plastic tube 1 and on which a metal profile 4 of the same length as the respective reinforcements 3 is provided.

In Figure 20, two such profiles 4 with three bolts 10 and nuts 12 each are fixed to the mounting rail MR for realizing a fixed point VP, while the adapted plastic tube 2 is further suspended with traditional fasteners TB at intermediate positions, wherein another distance

TS3 is respected for the suspension of the modified plastic pipe 2.

Figure 21 shows a part of an alternative embodiment of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention.

Just as in previous embodiments, the modified plastic tube 2 is provided with a linear reinforcement 3 or with a plurality of linear reinforcements 3 which is or are connected to or forms part of the plastic tube 1 and which extends or extends over at least a portion 25 of the length L of the relevant plastic tube 1.

The difference with the previous embodiments consists in that in this case the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 is or have been manufactured by connecting a hollow tube profile 25 with a plastic tube 1, for example by means of electric welding, analogous to what was illustrated on the basis of figures 1 to 10.

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In the example shown, the hollow box section 25 has a square cross-section 26 and a thickness U which is somewhat greater than the thickness T of the plastic pipe 1, but according to the invention other shapes and other thicknesses U can be used.

At the mounting 3 or mounting 3 in the form of one

or several sleeve profiles 25 is a metal profile 4 attached, for example with resources or op a way 10 as described above. That metal profile 4 is in the embodiment of figure

also a U-shaped profile with side walls 7 and 8, the height V of which is slightly greater than the height W of the box section 25 or the box sections 25, so that a small space X is left between the bottom 9 of the U-shaped metal profile 4 and the sleeve profile 25 or the sleeve profiles 25.

This space X allows suspension means 21 to be attached to the bottom 9 of the U-shaped profile 4.

In figure 22 yet another embodiment of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention is illustrated, wherein again as in previous embodiments a straight-line reinforcement 3 or straight-line reinforcements 3 is or are provided on a plastic tube 1, which reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 is or are beam-shaped and has or has a full transverse cross-section 5.

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Again, a U-shaped metal profile 4 was attached to the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3, but this time the side walls 7 and 8 thereof have a height V which is substantially greater than the height W of the reinforcement 5 or reinforcements 3.

More determined is the height V of this they were 7 and 8 in this case about three times the height W from a confirmation 3, but Others dimensions are according to the

invention.

A substantial space or distance X is thus left between the bottom 9 of the U-shaped metal profile 4 and a mounting 3.

The space or distance X in this case is more or less twice the height W of a reinforcement 3, but other dimensions and shapes are not excluded from the invention.

It is intended that an extra profile can be provided in the space 27 between the bottom 9 of the metal profile 4 and the attachment 3 or the fixings 3, which profile is also connected to the metal profile 4 and which can serve as an element for coupling together several identical, adapted plastic pipes 2 of this type.

Figure 23 shows yet another embodiment of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention, in which this time a linear reinforcement or a plurality of linear reinforcements 3 with a U

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BE2018 / 5119 shaped cross-section 28 is or are provided along the length L of the plastic pipe 1.

The reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 can be formed, for example, by connecting a U-shaped plastic profile 29 to the plastic tube 1, for example by means of electric welding, as has already been illustrated in other embodiments.

The U-shaped plastic profile 29 here has two parallel side walls 30 and 31 which are connected to each other by means of a bottom 32.

The bottom 32 is contiguous against the plastics tube 1 15 fitted and the side walls 30 and 31 stretch out out of the way of the plastic tube 1: in a direction AA 'that min or more across the tube wall: 33 from the plastics tube 1 state. 20 On either side 34 and 35 from the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 is there with using bolts and nuts a metal profile 4 each, more specifically L -shaped metal profiles 36 and 37, against the outside 38 from the side walls 30 and 31 attached

These L-shaped metal profiles 36 and 37 are arranged with one leg 39 abutting against the relevant outer side 38, while the other leg 40 which is perpendicular to the first leg 39 extends outwardly away from the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3.

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The legs 39 arranged adjacent to the side walls 30 and 31 have a height Y which is substantially greater than the height Z of the U-shaped plastic profile 29, so that the legs 39 with a portion 41 above the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 sticking out.

The L-shaped metal profiles 4 are again intended as a mounting element with which such adapted plastic pipe can be suspended according to a rigid suspension from the structure of a building or the like with the aid of suspension means 21 which engage in these L-shaped metal profiles 4 , more particularly in the projecting portion 41 thereof.

Of course, the L-shaped metal profiles 4 also fulfill their role as a restrainer or in other words as an element with which the expansion or contraction of the adapted plastic pipe 2 is limited.

Figure 24 shows yet another embodiment of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention, wherein in this case a beam-shaped, plastic reinforcement 3 or reinforcements with a square cross-section is again or are provided over at least a part of the length L of a plastic pipe 1.

In order to prevent the expansion and shrinking of the adapted plastic tube 2 when temperature changes as much as possible, in this embodiment a metal profile or element 4 is provided in the form of one or more round

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BE2018 / 5119 metal bars 42, tubes or tubes that are embedded in the reinforcement or reinforcements 3.

Naturally, according to the invention, metal profiles or elements 4 with a completely different shape and cross-section can be embedded in the reinforcements 3, or several such metal profiles or elements 4 can be provided in the reinforcements 3.

It is also not excluded from the invention to provide a plurality of plastic reinforcements 3 parallel to each other along the length L of the plastic tube 1 and to provide these plastic reinforcements with a metal profile or element 4 embedded therein.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate such embodiments of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention, wherein in the case of Figure 25, in particular, a pair of plastic reinforcements 3 with square cross-section 5 are provided on opposite sides of the plastic tube 2, while in figure 26 two such pairs of plastic reinforcements 3 with square cross-section 5 are provided on either side of a plastic pipe 1, these pairs of reinforcements extending in planes that are perpendicular to each other.

In these embodiments, a metal element 4 in the form of a metal rod 42 is embedded in each plastic reinforcement 3.

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It is clear that the most diverse alternative embodiments can be devised in an analogous manner.

In a possibly interesting variant, a metal element 4 can be embedded in a reinforcement 3 or in the reinforcements 3 in the form of a truss structure, so that a modified plastic tube 2 equipped with it can bridge large distances between suspension means 21 or the like without additional support.

Another advantage of using a metal lattice structure is that large bending moments can be absorbed with a minimum of material.

Embedding such metal element or profile 4 can be realized, for example, by applying a method according to the invention that is similar to the method illustrated in Figs. 11 to 17, wherein the metal profile or element 4 is arranged between the shuttering profiles 13. before applying molten plastic with the extruder 16.

In the embodiments of Figs. 24 to 26, the modified plastic tube 2 is suspended by means of suspension means 21 which are for instance attached to both ends of bolts extending through passages 43 provided in the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 and which to the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 are fastened, for example with the aid of nuts.

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The passages 43 herein preferably extend into a portion 44 of the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 which is situated between the metal profile or element 4 and the plastic pipe 1.

Figure 27 shows yet another embodiment of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention, wherein again one or more beam-shaped, plastic reinforcements 3 with square cross-section 5 are connected to a plastic tube 1.

In this case, a metal profile 4 is attached to either side 33 and 34 of the plastic reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3, in particular U-shaped metal profiles 45 and 46.

These U-shaped profiles 45 and 46 are formed by a pair of parallel walls 47 and 48 extending transversely to a flat intermediate portion 49 of width S.

Each of the U-shaped profiles 45 and 46 is fixed with the flat intermediate portion 49 against a respective side 50 or 51 of the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3, for example with the aid of bolts and nuts, and the walls 47 and 48 extend in an outward direction transverse to the sides 50 and 51.

The reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3 in this case has a height W which is substantially smaller than the width S of the U-shaped profiles 45 and 46, but this is not strictly necessary according to the invention.

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Thus, the profiles 45 and 46 in this case have a protruding portion 52 which protrudes with a height X above the reinforcement 3 or reinforcements 3.

According to the invention, for rigid suspension of the adapted plastic pipe 2, suspension means 21 are preferably attached to these projecting portions 52, but it is not excluded from the invention to provide suspension means 21 on other portions of the U-profiles 45 and 46 or attach the reinforcements 3.

Figure 28 illustrates yet another embodiment of a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention, this time a pair of plastic reinforcements 3 being provided along the length L of a plastic tube 1, the reinforcements 3 being formed by two upright walls 53 and 54 which are arranged parallel to each other at a distance I from each other and which extend in a direction AA 'more or less transversely of the tube wall 33.

Other embodiments in which the walls 53 and 54 are not parallel to each other and in which the walls 53 and 54 do not extend transversely to the tube wall 33, but rather are arranged obliquely, are of course not excluded from the invention.

The walls 53 and 54 are fixedly connected at their base 55 to the plastic tube 1, for example by electric welding, by mirror welding or by extrusion welding.

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On either side 34 and 35 of a reinforcement 3, formed by the two parallel walls 53 and 54, metal profiles or elements 4 are again attached which are intended to limit as much as possible the contraction or expansion of the adapted plastic pipe 2 and which in this embodiment are each more specifically formed by a strip 56 and 57 of strip steel which are fixed against the outside 58 of the parallel walls 53 and 54.

These strips 56 and 57 from strip steel have a height H that

substantially larger then the height J of the walls 53 and 54, so that the strips 56 and 57 with a excellent part 59 above the walls 53 and 54 or the reinforcement 3 sticking out. 15 In the excellent part 59 to be the strips 56 and 57 with connected by medium from connecting means that

in this case are formed by metal connecting sockets.

These connecting sockets 60 are successively according to the length of the strips 56 and 57 between the strips 56 and 57

applied and with help of bolts and nuts or such with the strips 56 and 57 connected. 25 The adapted plastics tube 2 according to this one

embodiment can be suspended again with the aid of the most diverse suspension means 21, which can engage on the metal connecting bushes 60, in the strips 56 and 57 made of strip steel or in the reinforcements 3.

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Figure 29 shows how several adapted plastic pipes 2 according to the invention are coupled to each other and are suspended by means of suspension means 21 on an upper structure 61 which is formed by a series of beams 62 with I-shaped section 63 parallel to each other are drawn up.

The suspension means 21 in this case contain clamp connections 64 which are clamped over the lower flanges 65 of the I-shaped beams 62, as well as threaded rods 22, rocker plugs 66 or rocker fixings with which the adapted plastic pipes 2 are suspended from these clamp connections 64.

The modified plastic pipes 2 are designed in this case in a way that has many similarities with the embodiment shown in Figure 22.

A beam-shaped plastic reinforcement 3 is provided along the length L of the tube wall 33 of a plastic tube 1 to which a metal profile 4 is attached by means of bolt connections 67.

In this preferred embodiment, this metal profile 4 has a more or less omega-shaped cross-section 68 or, in other words, a U-shaped cross-section 69 with two side walls 70 and 71 connected by a bottom 72, the side walls 70 and 71 at the ends 73 and 74 are angled outwards to form edges

75 and 76.

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The distance K between the side walls 70 and 71 corresponds to the width B of the bar-shaped reinforcement 3 and the reinforcement 3 is fitted between the two side walls 70 and 71 of the metal profile 4.

The side walls have a height V that is substantially greater

is then the height W of the reinforcement 3 so that inside the metal profile 4 a free one space 27 above the reinforcement is with height X. 10 This is shown in more detail in figure 32. For the together to link from the custom plastics tubes 2 is there on the spot of a

connection 77 between two such tubes 2 a tubular connecting tube 78 with beam-shaped cross-section 79 arranged in the free space 27 of each of the ends 80 and 81 of the tubes 2 concerned.

As an alternative to the tubular connecting pipe 78, for example, two U-profiles can also be used

that such against being together placed Which she one tubular space enclose, while1 many Others opportunities also not excluded to be of the Invention.

In yet another embodiment, it is not impossible to use metal elements in the form of caps or the like, which are fixed on the outside of the metal profiles 4 of the plastic pipes 2 to be coupled instead of on the inside thereof.

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This tubular connecting tube 78 also has a width C corresponding to the width B of the reinforcement 3 and the distance K between the side walls

70 and 71 of the metal profile 4, so that it fitting in 5 it metal profile 4 can be confirmed through medium from a bolt connection 82. Thus becomes a rigid link from the tubes 2

achieved.

The metal profiles 4 extend up to a certain distance N from the ends 80 and 81 of the adapted plastic pipes 2.

This makes it possible to connect the plastic pipes 1 to each other in a watertight manner by, for example, arranging a rubber sleeve 83 at the location of a connecting joint 77 between two pipes 2 as a seal over both ends 80 and 81 of the adjacent pipes 2.

In this case the rubber sleeve 83 is attached to the ends 80 and 81 with a pair of clamping rings 84.

In other embodiments, other means or techniques can of course also be applied for the watertight or airtight connection of the plastic pipes 1, for example by using a welding technique or by applying other mechanical couplings for such a watertight and / or airtight connection.

It is also to be noted that an installation of adapted plastic pipes 2 according to the invention

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BE2018 / 5119 is not only advantageous in terms of its simplicity and strength, but due to the integration of the metal profiles 4 with the fixings 3 in such adapted plastic pipe 2 itself, such an installation also has better sound-damping properties and the installation can because of its shape it is also much easier to thermally insulate by providing thermal insulation around the adapted plastic pipes 2 than is the case with the known similar installations.

Figures 34 to 37 illustrate some steps of a preferred method according to the invention for manufacturing a modified plastic tube 2 with a bar-shaped reinforcement 3 which extends over a part of the length L of a plastic tube 1 and

where the ends 8 0 and 81 left < a distance N to be released so that this one ends 8 0 and 81 the original round form preserve, like this it 20 is the case for this described example from the figures 29 and 30. The steps of the method go it to confirm from a metal profile 4 before and are such that they in a

continuous process can be applied to plastic pipes 1 that are successively subjected to the steps and in which these steps are for example automatically carried out by machines arranged along a production line.

Figure 34 illustrates a first step of the method in which a plastic tube 1 with a movement according to

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the arrows 0 is going to be offered to a stuck prepared milling machine 85 around the tube wall 33 to prepare on the spot from the part 86 of the tube 1 where one reinforcement 3 serves to be applied • The ends 8 0 and 81 are not On this one operation subject, such that 1 the finished pipes 2 there their round

retain their shape and thus can be easily coupled to each other by means of a cylindrical sleeve 83, a clamp coupling or an electrofusion connection or the like.

The pre-processed plastic pipe 1 is shown in Figure 35 and has two unprocessed, round ends 80 and 81, while in the intermediate part 86 a top layer of the pipe 1 has been milled off.

As is shown in more detail in Figure 32, in a subsequent step 20 of the method, the pre-processed plastic tubes 1 are successively presented to a production line 87.

Hereby the raw ends 80 and 81 of two adjacent tubes 1 are first covered with the aid of a semi-cylindrical, metal cover cap 88 which has a length

2N has double the distance N so that these ends 80 and 81 are shielded while performing subsequent operations.

In a next step of the process, the pre-processed plastic tubes 1 are further moved in the direction of arrows O in the production line 87 in the direction of a

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BE2018 / 5119 preheating installation 89 which preheats the top layer of the pre-processed portion 86 to a temperature sufficiently high that a certain softening occurs.

The pre-heating can for instance be realized by irradiating the top layer with infrared light 90, but it is not excluded from the invention to use other heating techniques.

When the plastic pipes 1 are advanced in the production line 87 according to the arrows O, the pipes 1 are then guided to an extruder 16 and a bar-shaped reinforcement 3 is applied to the pipes 1, and this in particular both over the pre-processed part 86 and over the covers 88.

The extruder 16 is fed with a granulate 18 which, at least as far as HDPE is concerned, is heated to a temperature of approximately 220 ° C until a molten plastic 17 is obtained, which is solidified to the softened part of the plastics tubes 1.

Before the applied molten plastic 17 has been fully hardened by solidification, in a subsequent step of the process with a rolling machine 91 a knurled strip iron 92 is rolled into the upper side 93 of the reinforcement 3 to be formed.

This is illustrated in the right part of the figure.

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In the next step of the process, the extruded portion is cooled.

This can be done in a cooling installation 94, in which cooled air 95 is blown to the reinforcement 3, but all kinds of possible other techniques or a cooling achieved simply by exposure to the ambient air can be applied just as well according to the invention.

It is also not excluded from the invention to use water cooling for this purpose.

After cooling and solidification of the molten plastic 17 into a cured whole, a plastic reinforcement is obtained that is fused with the top layer of the plastic tube 1 and in which an iron band 92 is embedded in the upper side 93.

In a subsequent step of the method, a portion 96 of the reinforcement 3 of length 2N or slightly larger can then be sawn away at the location of the cover caps 88 and the cover caps 88 can then be removed.

Thus, the plastic tubes 1 which were joined to each other by the extruded section are separated from each other, the shape of the original plastic tube 1 being retained at the ends 80 and 81, while a reinforcement 3 is provided in an intermediate section. provided with an iron band 92.

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In further steps of a method according to the invention, one or more metal profiles 4 can be attached to the reinforcement 3 of such adapted plastic pipes 2 according to methods already discussed above or by applying other methods. "

Figures 38 to 49 illustrate still further methods according to the invention for adapting a plastic profile 1 as a function of a rigid suspension thereof.

Figure 38 shows that a metal profile 4 can be connected directly to a plastic pipe 1 with a circular cross-section by simultaneously both the part 97 of the pipe wall 33 at the location of the profile 4 to be fitted and the metal profile 4 itself by means of heating and softening of one or more heating elements 98.

In this case the metal profile 4 has a U-shaped cross-section and is formed by two side walls 7 and 8 which are connected by a bottom 9, but in other embodiments this metal profile 4 can take many other forms.

Important is the fact that perforations 100 are provided in the part 99 of the metal profile 4 which is intended to be fitted against the pipe wall 33, in this case in particular in the case 9.

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The heating elements 98 can be of all kinds and can for instance be infrared lamps or gas radiators which heat the respective zone 97 of the tube wall 33 and the bottom 9 of the metal profile 4 by means of radiant heat 101.

In another method use can be made of a heating element 98 in the form of a gas burner or the like, wherein the sections 97 and 99 are heated with an open flame.

In a next step of the method, which is shown in Figure 39, the intention is to merge the plastic tube 1 and the metal profile 4 by a movement 15 indicated by the arrows P.

The metal profile 4 hereby becomes in the softened zone

102 is pushed from the tube wall 33 of the plastic tube 1, such that the softened PE plastic 103 flows into the perforations 100 provided in the bottom 9 of the metal profile.

This is shown in more detail in Figure 40.

In a final step of the method according to the invention discussed here, it is intended to provide an extrusion weld 105 on the inside 104 with the aid of an extruder 16, which is illustrated with reference to Figure 41.

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Here, molten plastic 17 is poured between the side walls 7 and 8 of the U-shaped profile 4 in a direction according to the arrows Q.

The molten plastic 17 of the extrusion weld 105 hereby melts with the softened plastic 103 of the tubular material that has been pressed through the perforations 100 in the previous step of the method, so that after solidification by cooling a firm connection between the metal profile 4 and the plastics tube 1 is obtained.

The result is an adapted plastic pipe 1 according to the invention which is provided with a plastic reinforcement 3 in which a metal profile 4 is partially embedded and wherein, conversely, the reinforcement 3 is also enclosed between the side walls 7 and 8 of the metal profile 4.

Figures 42 and 44 further illustrate that the extrusion weld 105 on the inside 104 of the metal profile 4 can be made full, this extrusion weld 105 partially filling the inside and extending from one side wall 7 to the other side wall 8 of the metal profile 4.

In another embodiment, the extrusion weld 105 can be of a more limited design, whereby it is sufficient to form a thickening at the location of the perforations 100 in the bottom 9, such that the metal profile 4 is sufficiently anchored in the plastic pipe 1.

This is illustrated in Figures 43 and 45.

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Fig. 46 further illustrates that an embodiment with full extrusion weld 105, as discussed above with respect to Fig. 42, can be continuous, with the extrusion weld 105 extending along the length 5 of the metal profile 4 without interruptions.

Figure 47 illustrates that a full extrusion weld

105 can also be carried out discontinuously or interrupted, wherein the extrusion weld 105 is formed by separate welding sections 106 which are mutually spaced a certain distance R1 in the longitudinal direction of the metal profile 4.

Figures 48 to 51 show that the bottom 9 of the metal profile 4 or, in other embodiments, other parts of the metal profile 4, can be provided with perforations 100 which can be of all shapes. for example in order to obtain a good connection as a function of the plastic used.

In figure 48 there are larger circular perforations 107 which are provided at a regular distance from each other in the bottom 9 of the metal profile 4, while in figure 49 larger circular perforations 107 and pairs of smaller circular perforations 108 are arranged alternately in the bottom 9 .

In figure 50 the bottom 9 is provided with a combination consisting of triangular perforations 109 and square perforations 110, while in figure 51 beam-shaped perforations 111 are arranged in the bottom 9 at regular intervals from each other.

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In some examples, more particularly in Figures 49 and

50, different forms of perforations 100 are combined to form a pattern 112.

5 The full length from it metal profile 4 can be perforated on a continuous way according to the same pattern, what Bee way of example is

shown in Figure 52 for circular perforations 107.

In another embodiment, the profile 4 can be perforated in an interrupted manner, wherein a series of perforations 113 or a pattern 112 is punched each time and no perforations are made in between a certain intermediate distance R2.

Such an example is shown in Figure 52, in which in each case a series 113 of four circular perforations 107 is arranged at a distance R2 from each other.

Such metal profile 4 is suitable, for example, for realizing an interrupted extrusion weld 105 as shown in Fig. 47.

Of course, it is not excluded according to the invention to use or combine perforations 100 of any other shape, whether or not in a continuous manner or with the use of regular intervals or varying intervals and the like.

Figures 54 to 58 further illustrate how in a continuous process similar to the process discussed with respect to Figures 34 to 37

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BE2018 / 5119 a method can be applied that forms an alternative to the method illustrated in figures 38 to 42, wherein again a metal profile 4 or element is at least partially embedded in an extruded reinforcement 3.

More specifically, the alternative method discussed below is very suitable for the case where the plastic 17 used through softening of the plastic tube 1 cannot obtain a good flow of softened plastic 103 into perforations 100 of a metal profile 4, nor a good connection can be accomplished in the first steps of the aforementioned method illustrated in Figures 38 to 42 whether this would cause a deformation of the tube 1, require the application of high pressure and the like.

In a first step, a preparatory operation is carried out which consists in removing a top layer by milling in a portion 86 of a plastic pipe 1, leaving the ends 80 and 81 of the plastic pipe 1 over a distance N.

This is shown in Figures 54 and 55 and is completely analogous to what is shown in Figures 38 and 39.

In a next step of the alternative method, first a metal U-shaped profile 4 with a bottom 9 in which perforations 100 are provided is arranged against the milled-off part 86, which is shown in Figure 56.

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Then such plastic tubes 1 on which a metal profile 4 is arranged are successively presented to a production line 87, in which successive plastic tubes 1 with their ends 80 and 81 are connected to each other and wherein over these ends 80 and 81 a metal cover cap 88 is provided.

In a next step of the alternative method, the plastic tubes 1 and the metal profiles 4 are pre-heated in a pre-heating installation 89, whereafter melted plastic 17 is applied between the side walls 7 and 8 of the metal profiles 4 and on the cover caps 88 with an extruder 16. applied.

These steps are shown in Figure 57.

The heat present in the molten plastic 17 in the metal profile 4 and in the plastics pipes 1 ter spot 20 out of the perforations 100 is sufficient big to via the

perforations 100 in the bottom 9 of the metal profile 4 to obtain a good fusion between the extruded plastic 17 in the metal U-shaped profile 4 and the softened plastic 103 of the plastic pipe 1, and this without material 103 softened in a previous operation of the plastic tube 1 has been pressed through the perforations 100.

Thus it is avoided that excessive pressures have to be applied in a preceding step to force softened material 103 through the perforations, which entails a great risk of deformation of the plastic tube 1.

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After extruding the molten plastic 17, the plastic tubes 1 with metal profiles 4 are presented to a cooling installation 94 which solidifies the molten plastic 17 so that a firm connection 5 between plastic tube 1 and metal profile 4 is obtained.

Just as in the previous method, finally, at the ends 80 and 81 at the location of the cover caps 88, a portion 96 of length 2N is sawn away and the cover caps 88 are removed, whereafter finished adapted plastic tubes 2 are provided which are provided with a reinforcement 3 in which a U-shaped metal profile 4 is partially embedded.

These final steps of the method are illustrated with reference to Figure 58.

Figure 59 illustrates an alternative method according to the invention which can be considered as a variant of the method discussed with reference to Figures 54 to 58.

The first steps of the process up to the extrusion process are completely identical to those in the above-discussed process, wherein a portion 86 of a plastic tube 1 first undergoes a preparatory milling operation, a metal profile 4 with U-shaped cross-section on the pre-processed plastic tube 1 is provided and the ends 80 and 81 of successive tubes 1 are covered by means of a cover cap 88.

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Such cover caps 88 can be made from a metal, for example from aluminum or any other metal, but also from any heat-resistant material, for example a heat-resistant plastic,

Optionally, such cover caps 88 can be white or painted white, for example to limit their warming up as far as possible under the influence of infrared lighting with IR lamps.

The difference with the methods according to the invention discussed above is that in this case, prior to applying a reinforcement 3 to the plastic tube 1, more particularly in the U-shaped profile 4, no extrusion operation is performed, but a continuous strip of plastic material 114 is fused by heating with the tube wall of the plastic tube 1 at the location of perforations 100 provided in the bottom 9 of the U-shaped metal profile 4.

The continuous strip of plastic material 114 can be applied in the form of a hollow or full plastic profile or hollow or full plastic tube with a cross-section that can take any shape.

As an alternative, it is also not excluded to use a plastic wire or strip or the like.

It is the intention here that in a preceding step both the whole consisting of the metal profile 4 and. the portion of the plastic tube 1 in the vicinity

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BE2018 / 5119 of the metal profile 4 as the continuous strip of plastic material 114 to be applied, or at least the parts or side 115 thereof to be fused, is heated with the aid of a heating installation 89.

This heating installation 89 may consist of IR lamps that emit infrared light 90, but any other suitable heating technique can be used for this purpose.

It is the intention here that the continuous strip of plastic material is gradually heated up in one continuous movement and provided in the metal profile 4, so that a fusion occurs with the plastic tube through the perforations 100 in the bottom 9 of the metal profiles 4 1.

Finally, the metal cover caps 88 are removed again after sawing away a portion 96 of the reinforcement 3 at the ends 80 and 81 of successive tubes 1.

Thus again a modified plastic tube 2 according to the invention is obtained, with a reinforcement 3 formed by a fused continuous strip of plastic material 114 in which a metal profile 4 is partially embedded.

Figure 60 shows yet another method according to the invention that is comparable to the method of Figure 59 and in which therefore no extrusion operation is applied either.

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This time, however, no continuous strip of plastic material 114 is provided in the metal profiles 4, but a series 116 of successive plastic moldings 117.

These plastic moldings 117 are reheated in the heating installation 89.

The plastic moldings 117 are provided in this case

10 from a protrusion 118 with a form that matches with the form of the perforations 100 in the bottom 9 of a metal profile 4. It is the intention that during it bringing together the

plastic moldings 117 and the metal profile 4 these protrusions 118 are in each case positioned at the location of a perforation 100, so that a good fusion of each plastic molded piece 117 with the plastic tube 1 is obtained and thus a strong mutual connection between the molded pieces 117, plastic pipe 1 and the metal profile 4.

However, according to the invention it is not necessary to provide such protrusions 118 on the moldings 117 and in other methods according to the invention a connection between the moldings 117 and the plastic pipe 1 can equally well be obtained by flowing molten material from the plastic moldings 117 and / or the tube wall.

This method according to Figure 60 can be considered as a variant of the preceding method of Figure 59,

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BE2018 / 5119 whereby this time no continuous continuous reinforcement is realized, but on the contrary a series of discontinuous reinforcements 3 at a mutual distance between each other over the plastic pipe 1 and the metal profile

4 are arranged.

A metal profile 4 is herein partially embedded in a series 119 of reinforcements 3 formed by the moldings 117.

The present invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments of an adapted plastic tube 2 according to the invention, but such adapted plastic tube 2 can be designed in many shapes and dimensions without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present invention is also by no means limited to the exemplary methods of adapting a plastic pipe in function of a rigid suspension thereof, but other methods can be used for this purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

Conclusions. 1. Plastic tube (2) adapted for one Rigid suspension thereof, characterized in that the adapted plastic tube (2) comprises a part in the form of a plastic tube (1), wherein this plastic tube (1) is provided with one or more plastic straight-line reinforcements 10 (3) extend over at least a part of the length (L) of the relevant plastic pipe (1) and which are connected or form part of the plastic pipe (1) and that a profile is attached to the aforementioned reinforcement or reinforcements (3) (4) whether element is attached or in the aforementioned reinforcement or reinforcements (3) a profile (4) or element is wholly or partly embedded, the profile (4) or element being made of a material with a thermal settlement coefficient f icient that is less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic material from which the plastic pipe (1) and the plastic reinforcement or reinforcements (3) are made. Adapted plastic tube (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic tube (2) is a reinforcement ( 3) has a width (B) that is relatively small with respect to the diameter (D) of the plastic tube (1), the reinforcement (3) having an elongated, linear element on the outer surface (6) of the 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 forms a plastic tube (1) that has been produced according to a of the following options: - if a beam-shaped reinforcement (3); - if a tubular reinforcement (3); - if a U shaped reinforcement (3); - like a ve reinforcement (3) formed by two rising parallel walls (53, 54) that cross on the tube wall (33 ) stand ; - like a reinforcement (3) formed through two not parallel walls that on the tube wall (33) to provide; or, - like a extrusion weld (105) that in a metal profile (4) is provided. 15 3. Custom plastic tube (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tube (2) one or multiple metal profiles ( 4) or metal elements contains with a shape corresponding one of the 20 next one opportunities; - U-shaped or Omega-shaped metal profile (4) with side walls (7, 8) that a or several plastics reinforcements (3) enclose; - a pair of L-shaped metal profiles (36, 37) or A pair of U-shaped metal profiles (46, 46) arranged on either side (34, 35) of one or more plastic reinforcements (3); - a pair of L-shaped metal profiles (36, 37) or a pair of U-shaped metal profiles (46, 46) that 30 on both sides ( 34, 35) of a or multiple plastic reinforcements (3) applied; - a few strips steel strip (56, 57) That between themselves 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 are connected by means of connecting sockets (60) and which enclose one or more plastic reinforcements (3); - a metal tube, rod or tube (42) that is complete 5 is embedded in a plastic reinforcement (3); - a serrated and / or perforated tube or tube; - a serrated bar such as, for example, a reinforcing bar; or, - a U-shaped metal profile (4) that partially 10 is embedded in a plastic reinforcement (3) and where the plastic reinforcement (3) between the side walls (7, 8) of the metal profile (4) is witty, 15 4. Custom plastic tube (2) according to a or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) are beam-shaped and that the profile (4) is a U-shaped or Omega-shaped profile that is complementary to the beam-shaped reinforcement or reinforcements (3) and for this purpose has two side walls (7, 8) connected by a bottom (9). 5. Custom l · plastic tube (2) according to claim 25 4, thereby characterized in that the distance (K) between the side walls (7 8) corresponds to the width (B) from the bar-shaped reinforcements (3), wherein the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) between the two side walls (7, 8) of it profile (4) to be 30 applied. 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 Adapted plastic pipe (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the profile (4) is fixed over the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) with the aid of bolts (10) which pass through 5 openings (11) are provided in the side walls (7, 8) of the U-shaped profile (4) or Omega-shaped profile (4) as well as through the width (B) of the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) and those with nuts ( 12) are screwed down. Plastic tube (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic tube (2) is suspended with suspension means (21) attached to the profile (4) and / or 15 are attached to one or more reinforcements (3). Plastic tube (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Plastic tube (2) and the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) are made from the same plastic, more particularly from one of the following plastics: - HDPE; 25 - PE; - PP; - PVC; - ABS. 9. Method for adapting a plastic pipe (1) as a function of its rigid suspension, characterized in that the method comprises at least the following steps: 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 - providing one or more linear plastic reinforcements (3) on a plastic pipe (1) over at least a part of the length (L) of the relevant plastic tube (1); and, 5 - applying a profile (4) or element, Which is made from a material with a expansion coefficient which is smaller then the coefficient of expansion of the plastic material from which the plastic pipe (1) and the plastic reinforcement or reinforcements (3) are made, on, on or in these plastic reinforcement or reinforcements (3) by attaching the profile (4) or element to it embedding in whole or in part in these plastics reinforcement or reinforcements (3). Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the plastic reinforcement (3) or plastic reinforcements (3) are a linear, elongated Form an element which is beam-shaped, tubular or U-shaped and which is manufactured from the same plastic as the plastic pipe (1). The method according to claim 10, characterized in that That the profile (4) or element is U-shaped or Omega-shaped profile forms that is complementary to the bar-shaped reinforcement or reinforcements (3) and for this purpose has two side walls (7, 8) which are connected by a bottom (9). Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the distance (K) between the side walls (7, 8) 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 corresponds to the width (B) of the bar-shaped reinforcements (3). 13. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the plastic reinforcement (3) or plastic reinforcements (3) is or are brought in solid form against the plastic tube (1) and is or is connected to the plastic tube (1) by welding . Method according to claim 13, characterized in that. that before the plastic reinforcement or plastic reinforcements (3) is or are welded to the plastic tube (1) the profile (4) is connected to the reinforcement or reinforcements (3). The method of claim 13 or 14, thereby Characterized in that before starting welding, a metal tube is fitted in the plastic tube (1) which is held against the part to be welded and wherein a cooling medium is pumped through the metal tube during welding. Method according to one or more of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a plurality of elongated, beam-shaped reinforcements (3) in solid form at regular intervals (E) from each other against the The plastic pipe (1) is held in line with the length (L) of the plastic pipe (1) in line with each other, the reinforcements (3) being subsequently welded against the plastic pipe (1). 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 Method according to one or more of the claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) on the plastic pipe (1) 5 can be achieved by performing the following steps: - first, at the location of the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) to be fitted, a pair of formwork profiles (13) against the plastic pipe 10 (1) and this at a distance (R) from each other, corresponding to the width (B) of the reinforcement or reinforcements (3); - to form a reinforcement or reinforcements (3) with an extruder (16) between the Applying formwork profiles (13) to a molten plastic (17) over the required length corresponding to the length (L) of the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) to be applied; - fusing the molten plastic (17) with 20 the wall (6) of the plastic tube (1) and solidify by cooling; and, - removing the formwork profiles (13). The method according to claim 17, characterized in that That the profile (4) is attached to the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) after solidification. Method according to one or more of the claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the profile (4) is fastened to the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) by mounting bolts (10) which pass through openings (11) in the side walls (7, 8) of 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 the U-shaped or Omega-shaped profile (4) as well as through the width (B) of the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) are applied, after which the bolts (10) are screwed down with nuts (12). A method according to one or more of the claims 9 to 19, characterized in that the reinforcement or reinforcements (3) on the plastic pipe (1) are realized by performing the 10 following steps: - performing a preparatory operation consisting of milling a portion (86) of a plastic tube (1), leaving the ends (80, 81) unprocessed over a distance (N); - arranging a metal cover cap (88) over the ends (80, 81) of two pre-processed plastic pipes (1) placed adjacent to each other and in line with each other; - pre-heating the aforementioned pre-processed Part (86) of the plastic tube or tubes (1); - applying a plastic reinforcement (3) by means of extrusion along the length of the plastics tube or tubes (1); 25 - rolling a band iron (92) in the top (93) of the plastics reinforcement (3); - cooling the extruded molten plastic (17) for the plastic reinforcement (3); - sawing off a portion (96) with a length (2N) of the reinforcement (3) at the location of the connection between two successive tubes (1); 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 and, - the removal of the metal cover (88). Method according to one or more of the claims 5 9 to 20, characterized Which she the next one to step includes : - providing perforations ( 100) in a section (99) of a metal profile (4); - heating a portion (99) simultaneously 10 a metal profile (4) and a portion (97) of a plastic tube (1) for softening that portion (97); - pressing the metal profile (4) in the softened zone (102) of the plastic pipe (1) Wherein the softened plastic (103) can flow through the perforations (100); - applying an extrusion weld (105) in the metal profile (4), whereby a fusion of the molten plastic (17) from the extrusion with : the 20 softened plastic (103) from the plastics tube occurs; and, - making it stolle one of the can dust (17, 103) in order to the metal profile (4; ) in to bed. 25 Method according to one or more of the claims 9 to 21, characterized that they are the next one to step includes : - it provided with perforations ( 100) in one section (99) of a metal profile (4); 30 - it applying the metal profile ( 4) against the plastics tube (1); simultaneously heating both the whole 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 formed through at least a portion from a metal profile (4) and a portion of a plastics tube (1) al s a portion (115) of a plastics material (114, 117); - arranging the plastic material (114, 117) in the metal profile (4), wherein a fusion with the plastic (103) of the plastic pipe (1) occurs at the location of the perforations (100); and, - solidifying the plastic (17, 103) to embed the metal profile (4). Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the plastic material is a continuous strip Forming a plastic material (114) which is applied in one continuous movement to the metal profile (4). The method according to claim 22, characterized in that 20 that it is plastic material a series i (116) plastic moldings (117) forms that in a continuous movement the metal profile (4) to be applied. 25 25. Method according to one or multiple from the conclusions 9 to 24, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - performing a preparatory operation consisting of a portion (86) of a plastic Milling tube (1), leaving the ends (80, 81) unprocessed over a distance (N); - providing perforations (100) in a portion 2018/5119 BE2018 / 5119 (99) of a metal profile (4); - arranging the metal profile (4) with the part (99) which is provided with perforations (100) against the milled part (86) of the ^: 5 plastic tube (1); - applying a metal cover cap (88) over the ends (80, 81) of two pre-processed plastic pipes (1) provided with a aforementioned metal profile (4) adjacent to each other and in 10 the extension of each other; - pre-heating the plastic pipe or tubes (1) and the metal profile (4) that are mounted on it; - the realization of plastics 15 reinforcement (3) by means of extrusion along the length of the plastic tube or tubes (1) by applying an extrusion weld (105) in the metal profiles (4) and over the cover caps (88), whereby a melting of the molten plastic 20 (17) the extrusion with the softened plastic (103) of the plastic tube occurs through the perforations (100); - cooling and solidifying the molten plastic (17, 103) in order to form the metal profile (4) 25 partially embed and realize a plastic reinforcement (3); - sawing off a portion (96) with a length (2N) of the reinforcement (3) at the location of the connection between two successive tubes (1); 30 and, - the removal of the metal cover (88).