CA1172976A - Pipe fitting construction - Google Patents
Pipe fitting constructionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1172976A CA1172976A CA000387949A CA387949A CA1172976A CA 1172976 A CA1172976 A CA 1172976A CA 000387949 A CA000387949 A CA 000387949A CA 387949 A CA387949 A CA 387949A CA 1172976 A CA1172976 A CA 1172976A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lock
- pipe fitting
- projection
- shoulder
- fitting construction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
- F16L37/084—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Joints With Sleeves (AREA)
- Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
- Processes Of Treating Macromolecular Substances (AREA)
- Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A novel pipe fitting construction is provided herein. The pipe fitting includes a center body of predetermined configuration, for example, wye or tee shape, of desired pipe size. The center body terminates at each of its ends in a lock junction to receive thereon in locked relation-ship an end hub of the type suitable for receiving and interconnecting the spigot end of a length of plastic pipe. Each lock junction includes a shoulder upon which the end hub is seated, an endwardly positioned lock and a circular, peripheral recess positioned between the shoulder and the lock. The end hub includes an inwardly inclined projection to cooperate with and securely seat within the center body lock. A circular gasket is secured within the circular recess and biases against a portion of the inner periphery of the end hub to prevent leakage between the parts. This pipe fitting construction technique seeks to overcome the time consuming, costly and frequest quality control problems of the prior art pipe fitting techniques.
A novel pipe fitting construction is provided herein. The pipe fitting includes a center body of predetermined configuration, for example, wye or tee shape, of desired pipe size. The center body terminates at each of its ends in a lock junction to receive thereon in locked relation-ship an end hub of the type suitable for receiving and interconnecting the spigot end of a length of plastic pipe. Each lock junction includes a shoulder upon which the end hub is seated, an endwardly positioned lock and a circular, peripheral recess positioned between the shoulder and the lock. The end hub includes an inwardly inclined projection to cooperate with and securely seat within the center body lock. A circular gasket is secured within the circular recess and biases against a portion of the inner periphery of the end hub to prevent leakage between the parts. This pipe fitting construction technique seeks to overcome the time consuming, costly and frequest quality control problems of the prior art pipe fitting techniques.
Description
The present invention relates gener~lly to the field of plastic pipe fittings, and more particularly, is directed to an improved pipe fitting construction system including integral locking and sealing features.
In piping systems in general and plastic piping systems in particular, it is the usual practice to provide lengths of pipe in suitable increments, e. g., ten feet or twenty feet, for use in constructing a pipe line of desired size. Each pipe length is fabricated to the designed internal diameter, usually by the exk~sion process, and then has its ends worked as necessary to provide one bell or hub end and one spigot end of predetermined interrelating design to allow adjacent lengths of pipe to be joined in a secure and leak proof manner.
~sual fittings, e. g., tees and wyes,are employed where design criteria require, and such fittings form the subject matter of the present invention. Fittings of smaller sizes are generally molded or are otherwise formed for use with pipe sections of equal diameter. In the case of larger diameter work, the molding process cannot normally be economically employed and accordingly it is common practice to fabricate large diameter fittings of separate molded or extruded plastic components and then to join the separate parts together. For example when fabricating a wye fitting of twelve inch diameter, the center part in the configuration of the wye shape was first formed. Each of the three wye ends was then equipped with a bell or hub of suitable configuration to ~J`
7~ 76 receive and seal against the spigot end of an interconnecting length of plastic pipe. In order to generate sufficient strength in each hub con-nection and to assure a leak-proof fitting, a solvent weld or chemical junction was first formed between a hub and one free end of the wye center body. After all of the hubs were solvent welded in place, a second plastic weld or peripheral heat junction was then applied at each connected hub.
These operations have proved to be time consuming, costly and subject to frequent quality control rejections. The fitting construction of an aspect of the present invention seeks to overcome all of the problems incident to 10 the present pipe fittingconstruction techniques.
It is therefore an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved pipe fitting construction of the type set forth.
It is an object of another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction wherein the fitting center body and end hubs are assembled without the need for solvent welding or chemical sealing of the parts.
It is an object of another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction wherein the fitting center body and end hubs are assembled without the need for plastic welding or heat 20 sealing of the parts.
It is an object of yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction w]lerein the fitting center body and end hubs include self-sealing and self-locking cooperating con-struction features.
It is an object of still another aspect of the present invcntion to provide a novel pipe fitting construction including a center body having a lock junction at each of its ends and hubs ~lich are connected to each such end, each hub being provided with an inclined circular projection to seat in and lock within one of the lock juncticns to affix the hub to the ~7~ ~ 76 fitting center body in a self-locking, leak-proof manner.
It is an object of y et another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction wherein inlet and outlet ends of the fitting center body are each formed with an exterior circular shoulder, a circular lock and a circular gasket groove, a hub overfitting each such end and being seated upon the shoulder, each hub being formed to include an inclined inward projection to lock upon the circular lock and a gasket positioned within the groove to seal the interconnection between a center body end and its associated, locked hub.
It is an object of still another aspect of the present invention .
to provide a novel pipe fitting construction that is simple in design, inexpensive in manufacture and trouble free when in use.
By one broad aspect of this invention, an improvement is provided in a pipe fitting construction, the improvement residing in the combination of: a central body of predetermined configuration and having at least one end having an end terminus; a lock junction mean s formed in the end to provide a self-locking interconnection; an end hub m~ans connectable to the end at the self-locking interconnection to provide an enlarged connec-tor for an adjacent length of pipe; and gasket means secured intermediate the central body end and biasing against the end hub means to provide a self-sealing interconnection.
By one variant thereof, the central body end terminates in an end terminus and the lock junction means comprises a radially extending shoulder which outwardly p~ojects from the outer central body periphery, the shoulder being inwardly spaced fr~m the face.
By a variation thereof, the shoulder is contacted by a portion of the end hub means.
By a further variation, the shoulder is contacted by the por~ion in a circular arc.
;
, 6 By yet another variation, the arc extends through three hundred and sixty degrees.
By another variant, the lock j unction means comprises a radially inclined lock and the end hub means comprises a radially inclined projec-tion, the projection and the lock being of cooperating similar dimensions wherein the projectionfits withinand issecured within the loc3c to secure the end hub means to the central body.
By a variation thereof, the inclined lock extends circularly about the central body end.
By a further variation, the inclined lock extends radially inwardly from the o uter periphery of the end .
By yet another variation, the projection extends circularly about the end hub means.
Byyet a further variation, the projection extends radially in~rdly fromthe inner periphery of the end hub means.
By still another variant, the lock junction means canprises a peripheral, radially outwardly extending shoulder spaced inwardly from the end tenninus and an inwar~ly inclined lock positioned intermediate the shoulder and the end terminus and a radially inwar~ly pr~jecting groove 20 intermediate the lock and the shoulder, the groove being adapted to receive and secure the gasket means therein.
By a variation thereof, the shoulder extends circularly about the outer periphery of the central body end.
By a further variation, the groove extends circularly about the central body end.
By yet another variation, the lock comprises an inclined side and a contiguous radi~lly aligned side.
By a further variation, the end hub means comprises an inwar~ly inclined projection, the projection being definedby an inclined side and a ~ 7~ 76 continguous radially aligned side.
By a further variation, the end hub means comprises an inwardly inclined projection, the projection being defined by an inclined side and a contigucus radially aligned side.
By a further variation, the radially aligned side of the projec-tion abuts the radially aligned side of the lock to prevent disassociation of the end hub means from the central body end.
By yet a further variation, the inclination and length of the projection inclined side is the same as the inclination and length of the lock inclined side.
By a still further variation, the respective inclined sides and radially aligned sides of the lock and the projection are in substantially overall contact.
By yet another variant, the end hub means terminates inwardly in an inward end and the lock junction means comprises a circular shoulder, the inward end of the hub rneans contacting and seating against the circular shoulder.
By a variation thereof, the lock junction means comprises a circular, radially inwardly inclined lock and the end hub means comprises a circular radially inwardly inclined projection, the projection being aAapted to seat within and lock within the lock.
By a further variation, the lock and the projection are formed to substantially the same cross-sectional configuration.
By another variation, the lock is spaced endwardly from the shoulder.
By a still further varia~ion, the projection is spaced endwardly from the hub means inward end.
By yet a further variationS the spacing of the lock from the shoulder equals the spacing of the projection from the hub means in~ard ~nd.
~ ~ 7~ 6 By another aspect of this invention, a method is provided for fabricating a pipe fitting comprising a central body and an end hub com-prising: formang in the outer periphery of the center body a radially inwardly extending, circular lock near one end of the center body; forming in the inner periphery of the end hub a radially inwardly projecting, circular projection; forcing the end hub over the end of the center body and seating the projection within the lock to provide a self-locking inter-connection; and interposing a resilient gasket between the end of the center body and the inner periphery of the end hub to provide a self-sealing junction therebetween.
By a variant thereof, t he method includes the further steps offorming a circular recess in the outer periphery of the center body end and seating a portion of the gasket within the recess.
By another variant, the method includes the further step of pro-viding a shoulder projecting radially outwardly near the end of the center body and contacting the shoulder with an end portion of the hub.
According to one embodiment of this invention, a fitting center body member is formed in usual manner to the desired configuration, e.g., a wye or a tee having conventional predetermined inside diameter confornuu-g to usual pipe sizes, for exa~ple, twelve inches, fourteen inches, and the like. Fach end of the fitting center body is formed with a lock junction means to receive and lock thereon a hub member in a leakproof relationshi~.
The hub m~mbers are preferably of usual hub design which may or may not include a peripheral groove and gasket seated therein for joining the spigot end of an adjacent length of pipe. F~ch hub member includes circular, inwardly inclined projection means of suitable configuration to slide over and lock upon the center bcdy lock junction means thereby to provide a self-locking construction.
The lock junction means comprises generally a radially outwardly 7 ~
projecting shoulder which is spaced inwardly from each chambered end of the fitting center body construction. An inwardly inclined, circular lock is formed near the chambered end to receive and lock thereon the cooperating circular, inwardly inclined projection means which projects radially inwardly in the associated hub construction.
A circular, radially outwardly open groove is formed in each center body end intermediate the outwardly projecting shoulder and the inwardly inclined lock. In the preferred embodiment, the groove is rectangular in cross-sectional configuration to receive and firmly seat therein a resilient gasket for self-sealing arrangement between the respective ends of the fitting center body and each respective associated hub. Preferably, the gasket employed may be similar to the gasket disclosed in a copending Canadian application entitled "Pipe Bell and Gasket", which application was filed on June 23, 1981, Serial No. 380,388, and a divisional application therefrom, Serial No. 429,988-4, filed August 6, 1983.
The lock junction means and the cooperating inwardly inclined projection means provide a self-locking and self-sealing arrangement between the fitting center body and the end hub and eliminates the need for additional operations upon assembly of the parts such as solvent sealing and heat welding.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pipe fitting construction of an aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view, taken along line 2-2 on Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows; and Figure 3 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of one locking junction and associated hub, partially broken away to illustrate interior construction details.
Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated a pipe fitting generally designated 10 of the type suitable for usual plastic pipe use, for example, drain lines. In the illustrative example, a fitting of twelve inch diameter will be described. However, fittings of larger or smaller diameter can be similarly constructed, and accordingly, all usual fitting sizes are considered to fall within the aTr~it of this invention.
The fitting 10 comprises a central body 12 of desired configuration, e. g., the wye shape as illustrated. The central body 12 is formed with the in line conduit 13 and the branch conduit 14, which conduits include the fitting inlet ends 16, 20 and fitting outlet end 18. Inlet hubs 22, 26 respectively overfit and join the central body 12 at the inlet ends 16, 20. Similarly, an outlet hub 24 of the same configuration overfits and joins the central bodY 12 at the fitting outlet end 18. It is the essence of an aspect of this invention to provide a self locking anu self sealing interconnection between the respective central body ends and hubs 16, 22, 18, 24 and 20, 26. As above set forth, the respective hubs 22, 24, 26 can be of any known configuration and design, either with or without an internal groove for seating or sealing a gasket, as may be desired to interconnect the fitting 10 with pipe lengths (not shown) of a piping system.
Referring particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, it will be seen that each end 16, lB, 20 of the central body 12 is molded or otherwise formed to provide a circular, radially outwardly extending shoulder 28. As best seen in Fig. 2, each hub 22, 24, 26 overfits its respective central body end 16, 18, 20 and 1 is pressed inwardly until its end 30 rests upon and abuts against the shoulder 28. As illustrated, the shoulders 28 are spaced inwardly from a respective end terminus 46 of the central body 12 and thus serve to set and limit the distance each end hub means 22, 24, 26 overfits its respective central body end 16, 18, 20 as the fitting 10 is assembled. Each shoulder 28 terminates in a plane that lies at right angles to the axis of the central body main or branch conduit 13, 14.
Each central body end 16, 18, 20 is molded, machined or otherwise treated, by using known plastic pipe forming techniques, to provide a lock junction means 40 for automatically and securely receiving and affixing a respective hub 22, 24, 26. The lock junction 40 is inwardly spaced from the central body end terminus 46 and is positioned intermediate the end terminus 46 and the circular shoulder 28. The lock junction 40 comprises a circular lock 42 which is defined by a circular, inwardly inclined side 42 and an abutting, circular, radially outwardly extending side 52. As best seen in Fig. 2, each central body end 16, 13, 20 is additionally provided with an outwardly open, circular groove or recess 32 which is inwardly spaced from the inward terminus of the inclined side 50 of the lock 42. Preferably, as shown, the circular groove 32 is formed with parallel sides 54, 56 which extend at right angles from the groove bottom 58, to receive and securely seat the resilient gasket 34 therein. As above set forth, the gasket means 34 is designed in accordance with the teachings of the said copending application. The gasket preferably includes a pair of inwardly spaced, integral, circular sealing rings 36, 38 which rings extend radially outwardly to bias and seal 7~
1 against a portion of the inner periphery 60 of a hub 22, 24, 26. Preferably, the gasket 34 is fromed to the same general configuration as the circular recess 32 to firmly seat therein to prevent displacement when the fitting is assembled.
Still referring to Figs. 2 and 3, each hub 22, 24, 26, includes a hollow, cylindrically formed connecting end 62 of size to tightly overfit the outer periphery of its associated central body end 16, 18, 20. The connecting end terminates inwardly at the hub end 30 and is provided with an inwardly inclined inner projection 44 of circular, arrow-like configuration to slip over the associated central body end 46 and to lock within the fitting central body lock 42. As illustrated, the inwardly inclined projection 44 cooperates with and locks inside of the central body lock 42 to prevent disassocaiation of the hubs 22, 24, 26 from the central body 12 once the fitting 10 has been completely assembled. Each inwardly inclined projection 44 includes an inclined side 64 of dimensions, position and inclination which are substantially identical tothe dimensions, position and inclination of the corresponding inclined side 50 of the central body end lock 42. Similary, each inwardly inclined projection 44 additionally includes a radially inwardly extending side 66 of dimensions and position which are substantially identical to the dimensions and position of the corresponding radially outwardly extending side 52 of the central body end lock 42.
The corresponding radially extending sides 52, 66 engage and interlock, as best seen in Fig. 2, to prevent the hubs 22, 24 and 26 from being pulled or otherwise separated from the fitting central body 12 once the fitting 10 has been ~ 7~ 76 1 assembled. Each end 46 of the fitting central body 12 is preferably angularly formed to provide least resistance to the flow of liquids (not shown) as they enter the fitting 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow 48.
In one configuration, the fitting center body 12 was formed to a nominal 12 inch size having 12.5 inch outside diameter and wall thickness of 0.39 inches. The circular shoulders 28 were similarly dimensined to project outwardly from the outer central body periphery a distance of 0.39 inches, thereby to engage and receive thereon the connecting end 62 of a ~onventional hubs 22, 24, 26. In this configuration, the hubs 22, 24, 26 were fabricated in usual manner with inside diameter of 12.5 inches whereby the hub could be applied over the central body end 16, 18, 20 in a relatively tight engagement by applying axially directed forces and acknowledging the natural resiliency of the plastic material of the body and hubs. The inwardly inclined, circular projection 44 of each hub was formed to project radially inwardly from the hub interior periphery a maxium distance of 0.11 inches. Similarly, the circu~ar lock 42 of the lock junction was formed to extend radially inwardly from the central body outer periphery a maximum distance of 0.11 inches and was formed to the same cross sectional configuration as the circular hub projection 44. Accordingly, as each hub was forced axially inwardly over its associated central body end, the circular projections 44 were forced into association within the respective locks 42. The plastic central body and hub components deformed as necessary to make up the locked junction between the parts and then naturally returned to substantially 7 ~
1 the unstressed dimensions and shape after the projection 44 was fully seated within the associated lock 42.
In order to assemble the fitting 10 to provide a self locking and self sealing construction, all of the ends 16, 18, 20 of the fitting central body are formed with the locking and sealing construction as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. A circular, resilient gasket is then seated within the central body end circular groove 32 with the sealing rings 36, 38 projecting peripherally beyond the outer periphery 68 of the central body ends 16, 18, 20. Each hub connecting end is formed with a inwardly inclined projection 44 for cooperation with the lock 42 provided in a central body end. The inner periphery 60 of the hub connecting end 62 is maintained to substantially the same diameter as the other periphery 68 of the center body end 16, 18, 20. After the parts 12, 22, 24, 26 have been formed as illustred, each hub 22, 24, 26 is placed in axially aligned juxtapostion to its associated central body end 16, 18, 20 and then the hubs are urged inwardly over their respective associated central body ends. The natural resilier.cy of the plastic material comprising both the central body 12 and the hubs 22, 24, 26 allows sufficient movement or give by either or both flexing the central body ends 16, 18, 20 radially inwardly and the hub connecting ends 62 radially outwardly to permit the hub inward projection inclined side 64 to pass over the fitting end 46 sufficiently until the hub projection engages and fully seats within the central body end lock 42. In this position, the hub end 30 contacts in overall circular engagement the stop 28. The natural memory of the plastic material forming the central body 12 and the hubs 22, 24, 26 functions to naturally and quickly return the parts to their designed configurations and dimen-sions after the projection seats in the lock thereby to secure the parts together.
In piping systems in general and plastic piping systems in particular, it is the usual practice to provide lengths of pipe in suitable increments, e. g., ten feet or twenty feet, for use in constructing a pipe line of desired size. Each pipe length is fabricated to the designed internal diameter, usually by the exk~sion process, and then has its ends worked as necessary to provide one bell or hub end and one spigot end of predetermined interrelating design to allow adjacent lengths of pipe to be joined in a secure and leak proof manner.
~sual fittings, e. g., tees and wyes,are employed where design criteria require, and such fittings form the subject matter of the present invention. Fittings of smaller sizes are generally molded or are otherwise formed for use with pipe sections of equal diameter. In the case of larger diameter work, the molding process cannot normally be economically employed and accordingly it is common practice to fabricate large diameter fittings of separate molded or extruded plastic components and then to join the separate parts together. For example when fabricating a wye fitting of twelve inch diameter, the center part in the configuration of the wye shape was first formed. Each of the three wye ends was then equipped with a bell or hub of suitable configuration to ~J`
7~ 76 receive and seal against the spigot end of an interconnecting length of plastic pipe. In order to generate sufficient strength in each hub con-nection and to assure a leak-proof fitting, a solvent weld or chemical junction was first formed between a hub and one free end of the wye center body. After all of the hubs were solvent welded in place, a second plastic weld or peripheral heat junction was then applied at each connected hub.
These operations have proved to be time consuming, costly and subject to frequent quality control rejections. The fitting construction of an aspect of the present invention seeks to overcome all of the problems incident to 10 the present pipe fittingconstruction techniques.
It is therefore an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved pipe fitting construction of the type set forth.
It is an object of another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction wherein the fitting center body and end hubs are assembled without the need for solvent welding or chemical sealing of the parts.
It is an object of another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction wherein the fitting center body and end hubs are assembled without the need for plastic welding or heat 20 sealing of the parts.
It is an object of yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction w]lerein the fitting center body and end hubs include self-sealing and self-locking cooperating con-struction features.
It is an object of still another aspect of the present invcntion to provide a novel pipe fitting construction including a center body having a lock junction at each of its ends and hubs ~lich are connected to each such end, each hub being provided with an inclined circular projection to seat in and lock within one of the lock juncticns to affix the hub to the ~7~ ~ 76 fitting center body in a self-locking, leak-proof manner.
It is an object of y et another aspect of the present invention to provide a novel pipe fitting construction wherein inlet and outlet ends of the fitting center body are each formed with an exterior circular shoulder, a circular lock and a circular gasket groove, a hub overfitting each such end and being seated upon the shoulder, each hub being formed to include an inclined inward projection to lock upon the circular lock and a gasket positioned within the groove to seal the interconnection between a center body end and its associated, locked hub.
It is an object of still another aspect of the present invention .
to provide a novel pipe fitting construction that is simple in design, inexpensive in manufacture and trouble free when in use.
By one broad aspect of this invention, an improvement is provided in a pipe fitting construction, the improvement residing in the combination of: a central body of predetermined configuration and having at least one end having an end terminus; a lock junction mean s formed in the end to provide a self-locking interconnection; an end hub m~ans connectable to the end at the self-locking interconnection to provide an enlarged connec-tor for an adjacent length of pipe; and gasket means secured intermediate the central body end and biasing against the end hub means to provide a self-sealing interconnection.
By one variant thereof, the central body end terminates in an end terminus and the lock junction means comprises a radially extending shoulder which outwardly p~ojects from the outer central body periphery, the shoulder being inwardly spaced fr~m the face.
By a variation thereof, the shoulder is contacted by a portion of the end hub means.
By a further variation, the shoulder is contacted by the por~ion in a circular arc.
;
, 6 By yet another variation, the arc extends through three hundred and sixty degrees.
By another variant, the lock j unction means comprises a radially inclined lock and the end hub means comprises a radially inclined projec-tion, the projection and the lock being of cooperating similar dimensions wherein the projectionfits withinand issecured within the loc3c to secure the end hub means to the central body.
By a variation thereof, the inclined lock extends circularly about the central body end.
By a further variation, the inclined lock extends radially inwardly from the o uter periphery of the end .
By yet another variation, the projection extends circularly about the end hub means.
Byyet a further variation, the projection extends radially in~rdly fromthe inner periphery of the end hub means.
By still another variant, the lock junction means canprises a peripheral, radially outwardly extending shoulder spaced inwardly from the end tenninus and an inwar~ly inclined lock positioned intermediate the shoulder and the end terminus and a radially inwar~ly pr~jecting groove 20 intermediate the lock and the shoulder, the groove being adapted to receive and secure the gasket means therein.
By a variation thereof, the shoulder extends circularly about the outer periphery of the central body end.
By a further variation, the groove extends circularly about the central body end.
By yet another variation, the lock comprises an inclined side and a contiguous radi~lly aligned side.
By a further variation, the end hub means comprises an inwar~ly inclined projection, the projection being definedby an inclined side and a ~ 7~ 76 continguous radially aligned side.
By a further variation, the end hub means comprises an inwardly inclined projection, the projection being defined by an inclined side and a contigucus radially aligned side.
By a further variation, the radially aligned side of the projec-tion abuts the radially aligned side of the lock to prevent disassociation of the end hub means from the central body end.
By yet a further variation, the inclination and length of the projection inclined side is the same as the inclination and length of the lock inclined side.
By a still further variation, the respective inclined sides and radially aligned sides of the lock and the projection are in substantially overall contact.
By yet another variant, the end hub means terminates inwardly in an inward end and the lock junction means comprises a circular shoulder, the inward end of the hub rneans contacting and seating against the circular shoulder.
By a variation thereof, the lock junction means comprises a circular, radially inwardly inclined lock and the end hub means comprises a circular radially inwardly inclined projection, the projection being aAapted to seat within and lock within the lock.
By a further variation, the lock and the projection are formed to substantially the same cross-sectional configuration.
By another variation, the lock is spaced endwardly from the shoulder.
By a still further varia~ion, the projection is spaced endwardly from the hub means inward end.
By yet a further variationS the spacing of the lock from the shoulder equals the spacing of the projection from the hub means in~ard ~nd.
~ ~ 7~ 6 By another aspect of this invention, a method is provided for fabricating a pipe fitting comprising a central body and an end hub com-prising: formang in the outer periphery of the center body a radially inwardly extending, circular lock near one end of the center body; forming in the inner periphery of the end hub a radially inwardly projecting, circular projection; forcing the end hub over the end of the center body and seating the projection within the lock to provide a self-locking inter-connection; and interposing a resilient gasket between the end of the center body and the inner periphery of the end hub to provide a self-sealing junction therebetween.
By a variant thereof, t he method includes the further steps offorming a circular recess in the outer periphery of the center body end and seating a portion of the gasket within the recess.
By another variant, the method includes the further step of pro-viding a shoulder projecting radially outwardly near the end of the center body and contacting the shoulder with an end portion of the hub.
According to one embodiment of this invention, a fitting center body member is formed in usual manner to the desired configuration, e.g., a wye or a tee having conventional predetermined inside diameter confornuu-g to usual pipe sizes, for exa~ple, twelve inches, fourteen inches, and the like. Fach end of the fitting center body is formed with a lock junction means to receive and lock thereon a hub member in a leakproof relationshi~.
The hub m~mbers are preferably of usual hub design which may or may not include a peripheral groove and gasket seated therein for joining the spigot end of an adjacent length of pipe. F~ch hub member includes circular, inwardly inclined projection means of suitable configuration to slide over and lock upon the center bcdy lock junction means thereby to provide a self-locking construction.
The lock junction means comprises generally a radially outwardly 7 ~
projecting shoulder which is spaced inwardly from each chambered end of the fitting center body construction. An inwardly inclined, circular lock is formed near the chambered end to receive and lock thereon the cooperating circular, inwardly inclined projection means which projects radially inwardly in the associated hub construction.
A circular, radially outwardly open groove is formed in each center body end intermediate the outwardly projecting shoulder and the inwardly inclined lock. In the preferred embodiment, the groove is rectangular in cross-sectional configuration to receive and firmly seat therein a resilient gasket for self-sealing arrangement between the respective ends of the fitting center body and each respective associated hub. Preferably, the gasket employed may be similar to the gasket disclosed in a copending Canadian application entitled "Pipe Bell and Gasket", which application was filed on June 23, 1981, Serial No. 380,388, and a divisional application therefrom, Serial No. 429,988-4, filed August 6, 1983.
The lock junction means and the cooperating inwardly inclined projection means provide a self-locking and self-sealing arrangement between the fitting center body and the end hub and eliminates the need for additional operations upon assembly of the parts such as solvent sealing and heat welding.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pipe fitting construction of an aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view, taken along line 2-2 on Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows; and Figure 3 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of one locking junction and associated hub, partially broken away to illustrate interior construction details.
Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated a pipe fitting generally designated 10 of the type suitable for usual plastic pipe use, for example, drain lines. In the illustrative example, a fitting of twelve inch diameter will be described. However, fittings of larger or smaller diameter can be similarly constructed, and accordingly, all usual fitting sizes are considered to fall within the aTr~it of this invention.
The fitting 10 comprises a central body 12 of desired configuration, e. g., the wye shape as illustrated. The central body 12 is formed with the in line conduit 13 and the branch conduit 14, which conduits include the fitting inlet ends 16, 20 and fitting outlet end 18. Inlet hubs 22, 26 respectively overfit and join the central body 12 at the inlet ends 16, 20. Similarly, an outlet hub 24 of the same configuration overfits and joins the central bodY 12 at the fitting outlet end 18. It is the essence of an aspect of this invention to provide a self locking anu self sealing interconnection between the respective central body ends and hubs 16, 22, 18, 24 and 20, 26. As above set forth, the respective hubs 22, 24, 26 can be of any known configuration and design, either with or without an internal groove for seating or sealing a gasket, as may be desired to interconnect the fitting 10 with pipe lengths (not shown) of a piping system.
Referring particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, it will be seen that each end 16, lB, 20 of the central body 12 is molded or otherwise formed to provide a circular, radially outwardly extending shoulder 28. As best seen in Fig. 2, each hub 22, 24, 26 overfits its respective central body end 16, 18, 20 and 1 is pressed inwardly until its end 30 rests upon and abuts against the shoulder 28. As illustrated, the shoulders 28 are spaced inwardly from a respective end terminus 46 of the central body 12 and thus serve to set and limit the distance each end hub means 22, 24, 26 overfits its respective central body end 16, 18, 20 as the fitting 10 is assembled. Each shoulder 28 terminates in a plane that lies at right angles to the axis of the central body main or branch conduit 13, 14.
Each central body end 16, 18, 20 is molded, machined or otherwise treated, by using known plastic pipe forming techniques, to provide a lock junction means 40 for automatically and securely receiving and affixing a respective hub 22, 24, 26. The lock junction 40 is inwardly spaced from the central body end terminus 46 and is positioned intermediate the end terminus 46 and the circular shoulder 28. The lock junction 40 comprises a circular lock 42 which is defined by a circular, inwardly inclined side 42 and an abutting, circular, radially outwardly extending side 52. As best seen in Fig. 2, each central body end 16, 13, 20 is additionally provided with an outwardly open, circular groove or recess 32 which is inwardly spaced from the inward terminus of the inclined side 50 of the lock 42. Preferably, as shown, the circular groove 32 is formed with parallel sides 54, 56 which extend at right angles from the groove bottom 58, to receive and securely seat the resilient gasket 34 therein. As above set forth, the gasket means 34 is designed in accordance with the teachings of the said copending application. The gasket preferably includes a pair of inwardly spaced, integral, circular sealing rings 36, 38 which rings extend radially outwardly to bias and seal 7~
1 against a portion of the inner periphery 60 of a hub 22, 24, 26. Preferably, the gasket 34 is fromed to the same general configuration as the circular recess 32 to firmly seat therein to prevent displacement when the fitting is assembled.
Still referring to Figs. 2 and 3, each hub 22, 24, 26, includes a hollow, cylindrically formed connecting end 62 of size to tightly overfit the outer periphery of its associated central body end 16, 18, 20. The connecting end terminates inwardly at the hub end 30 and is provided with an inwardly inclined inner projection 44 of circular, arrow-like configuration to slip over the associated central body end 46 and to lock within the fitting central body lock 42. As illustrated, the inwardly inclined projection 44 cooperates with and locks inside of the central body lock 42 to prevent disassocaiation of the hubs 22, 24, 26 from the central body 12 once the fitting 10 has been completely assembled. Each inwardly inclined projection 44 includes an inclined side 64 of dimensions, position and inclination which are substantially identical tothe dimensions, position and inclination of the corresponding inclined side 50 of the central body end lock 42. Similary, each inwardly inclined projection 44 additionally includes a radially inwardly extending side 66 of dimensions and position which are substantially identical to the dimensions and position of the corresponding radially outwardly extending side 52 of the central body end lock 42.
The corresponding radially extending sides 52, 66 engage and interlock, as best seen in Fig. 2, to prevent the hubs 22, 24 and 26 from being pulled or otherwise separated from the fitting central body 12 once the fitting 10 has been ~ 7~ 76 1 assembled. Each end 46 of the fitting central body 12 is preferably angularly formed to provide least resistance to the flow of liquids (not shown) as they enter the fitting 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow 48.
In one configuration, the fitting center body 12 was formed to a nominal 12 inch size having 12.5 inch outside diameter and wall thickness of 0.39 inches. The circular shoulders 28 were similarly dimensined to project outwardly from the outer central body periphery a distance of 0.39 inches, thereby to engage and receive thereon the connecting end 62 of a ~onventional hubs 22, 24, 26. In this configuration, the hubs 22, 24, 26 were fabricated in usual manner with inside diameter of 12.5 inches whereby the hub could be applied over the central body end 16, 18, 20 in a relatively tight engagement by applying axially directed forces and acknowledging the natural resiliency of the plastic material of the body and hubs. The inwardly inclined, circular projection 44 of each hub was formed to project radially inwardly from the hub interior periphery a maxium distance of 0.11 inches. Similarly, the circu~ar lock 42 of the lock junction was formed to extend radially inwardly from the central body outer periphery a maximum distance of 0.11 inches and was formed to the same cross sectional configuration as the circular hub projection 44. Accordingly, as each hub was forced axially inwardly over its associated central body end, the circular projections 44 were forced into association within the respective locks 42. The plastic central body and hub components deformed as necessary to make up the locked junction between the parts and then naturally returned to substantially 7 ~
1 the unstressed dimensions and shape after the projection 44 was fully seated within the associated lock 42.
In order to assemble the fitting 10 to provide a self locking and self sealing construction, all of the ends 16, 18, 20 of the fitting central body are formed with the locking and sealing construction as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. A circular, resilient gasket is then seated within the central body end circular groove 32 with the sealing rings 36, 38 projecting peripherally beyond the outer periphery 68 of the central body ends 16, 18, 20. Each hub connecting end is formed with a inwardly inclined projection 44 for cooperation with the lock 42 provided in a central body end. The inner periphery 60 of the hub connecting end 62 is maintained to substantially the same diameter as the other periphery 68 of the center body end 16, 18, 20. After the parts 12, 22, 24, 26 have been formed as illustred, each hub 22, 24, 26 is placed in axially aligned juxtapostion to its associated central body end 16, 18, 20 and then the hubs are urged inwardly over their respective associated central body ends. The natural resilier.cy of the plastic material comprising both the central body 12 and the hubs 22, 24, 26 allows sufficient movement or give by either or both flexing the central body ends 16, 18, 20 radially inwardly and the hub connecting ends 62 radially outwardly to permit the hub inward projection inclined side 64 to pass over the fitting end 46 sufficiently until the hub projection engages and fully seats within the central body end lock 42. In this position, the hub end 30 contacts in overall circular engagement the stop 28. The natural memory of the plastic material forming the central body 12 and the hubs 22, 24, 26 functions to naturally and quickly return the parts to their designed configurations and dimen-sions after the projection seats in the lock thereby to secure the parts together.
Claims (28)
1. In a pipe fitting construction, the combination of a central body of predetermined configuration and having at least one end having an end terminus:
a lock junction means formed in the said end to provide a self locking interconnection;
an end hub means connectable to the said end at the self locking interconnection to provide an enlarged connector for an adjacent length of pipe; and gasket means secured intermediate the central body end and biasing against the end hub means to provide a self sealing interconnection.
a lock junction means formed in the said end to provide a self locking interconnection;
an end hub means connectable to the said end at the self locking interconnection to provide an enlarged connector for an adjacent length of pipe; and gasket means secured intermediate the central body end and biasing against the end hub means to provide a self sealing interconnection.
2. The pipe fitting construction of claim 1 wherein the central body end terminates in an end terminus and wherein the lock junction means comprises a radially extending shoulder which outwardly projects from the outer central body periphery, the shoulder being inwardly spaced from the said face.
3. The pipe fitting construction of claim 2 wherein the shoulder is contacted by a portion of the end hub means.
4. The pipe fitting construction of claim 3 wherein the shoulder is contacted by the portion in a circular arc.
5. The pipe fitting construction of claim 4 wherein the arc extends through three hundred and sixty degrees.
6. The pipe fitting construction of claim 1 wherein the lock junction means comprises a radially inclined lock and the end hub means comprises a radially inclined projection, the projection and the lock being of cooperating similar dimensions wherein the projection fits within and is secured within the lock to secure the end hub means to the central body.
7. The pipe fitting construction of claim 6 wherein the inclined lock extends circularly about the said central body end.
8. The pipe fitting construction of claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the inclined lock extends radially inwardly from the outer periphery of the said end.
9. The pipe fitting construction of claim 6 wherein the projection extends circularly about the said end hub means.
10. The pipe fitting construction of claim 6 or claim 9 wherein the projection extends radially inwardly from the inner periphery of the end hub means.
11. The pipe fitting construction of claim 1 wherein the lock junction means comprises a peripheral, radially outwardly extending shoulder spaced inwardly from the end terminus and an inwardly inclined lock positioned intermediate the shoulder and the end terminus and a radially inwardly projecting groove intermediate the lock and the shoulder, the groove being adapted to receive and secure the gasket means therein.
12. The pipe fitting construction of claim 11 wherein the shoulder extends circularly about the outer periphery of the central body end.
13. The pipe fitting construction of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the lock extends circularly about the central body end.
14. The pipe fitting construction of claim 12 wherein the groove extends circularly about the central body end.
15. The pipe fitting construction of claim 11 wherein the lock comprises an inclined side and a contiguous radially aligned side.
16. The pipe fitting construction of claim 15 wherein the end hub means comprises an inwardly inclined projection, the projection being defined by an inclined side and a contiguous radially aligned side.
17. The pipe fitting contruction of claim 16 wherein the radially aligned side of the projection abuts the radially aligned side of the lock to prevent disassociation of the end hub means from the said central body end.
18. The pipe fitting construction of claim 17 wherein the inclination and length of the projection inclined side is the same as the inclination and length of the lock inclined side.
19. The pipe fitting construction of claim 18 wherein the respective inclined sides and radially aligned sides of the lock and the projection are in substantially overall contact.
20. The pipe fitting constuction of claim 1 wherein the end hub means terminates inwardly in an inward end and wherein the lock junction means comprises a circular shoulder, the inward end of the hub means contacting and seating against the said circular shoulder.
21. The pipe fitting construction of claim 20 wherein the lock junction means comprises a circular, radially inwardly inclined lock and the end hub means comprises a circular radially inwardly inclined projection, the projection being adapted to seat within and lock within the lock.
22. The pipe fitting construction of claim 21 wherein the lock and the projection are formed to substantially the same cross sectional configuration.
23. The pipe fitting construction of claim 22 wherein the lock is spaced endwardly from the said shoulder.
24. The pipe fitting construction of claim 23 wherein the projection is spaced endwardly from the said hub means inward end.
25. The pipe fitting construction of claim 24 wherein the spacing of the lock from the shoulder equals the spacing of the projection from the hub means inward end.
26. The method of fabricating a pipe fitting comprising a central body and an end hub comprising forming in the outer periphery of the center body a radially inwardly extending, circular lock near one end of the center body;
forming in the inner periphery of the end hub a radially inwardly projecting, circular projection;
forcing the end hub over the end of the center body and seating the said projection within the said lock to provide a self locking interconnection; and interposing a resilient gasket between the said end of the center body and the inner periphery of the said end hub to provide a self sealing junction therebetween.
forming in the inner periphery of the end hub a radially inwardly projecting, circular projection;
forcing the end hub over the end of the center body and seating the said projection within the said lock to provide a self locking interconnection; and interposing a resilient gasket between the said end of the center body and the inner periphery of the said end hub to provide a self sealing junction therebetween.
27. The method of claim 26 and the further steps of forming a circular recess in the outer periphery of the center body end and seating a portion of the gasket within the recess.
28. The method of claim 26 and the further step of providing a shoulder projecting radially outwardly near the end of the center body and contacting the shoulder with an end portion of said hub.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US20701880A | 1980-11-14 | 1980-11-14 | |
| US207,018 | 1980-11-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1172976A true CA1172976A (en) | 1984-08-21 |
Family
ID=22768879
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000387949A Expired CA1172976A (en) | 1980-11-14 | 1981-10-15 | Pipe fitting construction |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| BR (1) | BR8105787A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1172976A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3145181A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI813570L (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2494395A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2090931B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1172205B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL8105106A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO813846L (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8106689L (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2166826A (en) * | 1984-11-07 | 1986-05-14 | Ian Roland Yarnell | Sealed pipe joint |
| GB2255015A (en) * | 1991-03-14 | 1992-10-28 | Motorfire Protection Ltd | Fire extinguisher valve and siphon assembly |
| DE4122455C2 (en) * | 1991-07-06 | 1994-02-10 | Condor Im Und Export Gmbh | Pipe seal for a connector for thermoplastic pipes |
| FI91992C (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 1994-09-12 | Christer Storgaard | liner |
| DE19705857C2 (en) * | 1997-02-15 | 1998-12-24 | Sendenhorst Kunststoffroehren | Jacking pipe with locking sleeve |
| DE19717185C2 (en) * | 1997-04-24 | 1999-05-12 | Ritz Reinert Gmbh | Pipe connection for short pipes |
| DE19749007C2 (en) | 1997-11-06 | 1999-08-12 | Tracto Technik | Device for connecting a draw tube with a drawing device |
| GB0704339D0 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2007-04-11 | Yorkshire Fittings Ltd | Pipe coupling |
| DE102016117830A1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-03-22 | Voss Automotive Gmbh | Connector assembly for media lines and method for connecting media lines |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB890775A (en) * | 1959-12-01 | 1962-03-07 | Hamilton Kent Mfg Company | Gasket for sealing pipes |
| NL6713595A (en) * | 1967-10-06 | 1969-04-09 | ||
| ZA712556B (en) * | 1970-04-20 | 1972-01-26 | Marley Tile Ag | Improvements in or relating to pipes |
-
1981
- 1981-09-10 BR BR8105787A patent/BR8105787A/en unknown
- 1981-10-15 CA CA000387949A patent/CA1172976A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-11-09 GB GB8133777A patent/GB2090931B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-11-11 FI FI813570A patent/FI813570L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1981-11-11 NL NL8105106A patent/NL8105106A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1981-11-11 SE SE8106689A patent/SE8106689L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1981-11-13 FR FR8121236A patent/FR2494395A1/en active Pending
- 1981-11-13 DE DE19813145181 patent/DE3145181A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1981-11-13 IT IT49712/81A patent/IT1172205B/en active
- 1981-11-13 NO NO813846A patent/NO813846L/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT8149712A0 (en) | 1981-11-13 |
| FI813570L (en) | 1982-05-15 |
| BR8105787A (en) | 1982-09-08 |
| GB2090931B (en) | 1984-08-30 |
| SE8106689L (en) | 1982-05-15 |
| NO813846L (en) | 1982-05-18 |
| DE3145181A1 (en) | 1982-06-24 |
| GB2090931A (en) | 1982-07-21 |
| FR2494395A1 (en) | 1982-05-21 |
| NL8105106A (en) | 1982-06-01 |
| IT1172205B (en) | 1987-06-18 |
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