CA2224134A1 - Fitting for plain end pipes - Google Patents
Fitting for plain end pipes Download PDFInfo
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- CA2224134A1 CA2224134A1 CA 2224134 CA2224134A CA2224134A1 CA 2224134 A1 CA2224134 A1 CA 2224134A1 CA 2224134 CA2224134 CA 2224134 CA 2224134 A CA2224134 A CA 2224134A CA 2224134 A1 CA2224134 A1 CA 2224134A1
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- pipe
- fixture
- engagement member
- channel
- fixture member
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Abstract
A pipe fitting includes a fixture member having a hollow interior, an outer surface and a pipe opening through the outer surface of the fixture member shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe. The pipe fitting also includes an engagement member having a cutting surface exposed outside of the fixture member and a threaded attachment member extending outwardly from the outer surface of the fixture member and connecting the engagement member with the fixture member. The threaded attachment member has a central axis extending away from the engagement member, through the outer surface, into the fixture member and generally toward a central axis of the pipe opening. A plain end of a pipe is inserted into the pipe opening of the fixture member and the cutting surface of the engagement member is positioned facing an outer surface of the pipe. The engagement member is moved toward the fixture member along a central axis of the attachment member using the attachment member so that the cutting surface of the engagement member progressively contacts and then cuttingly engages the outer surface of the pipe. Material removed from the outer surface of the pipe is accumulated on the outer surface between the engagement member and the fixture member to thereby form at least part of an interference fit between the pipe and the engagement member.
Description
FITTING FOR PLAIN END PIPES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pipe fittings, and more particularly, to pipe fittings for joining plain end pipes.
Several techniques have been developed for joining pipes made of metal. Ferrous pipe has typically been welded or threaded in the field. The latter are mated with threaded pipe fittings or couplings (both hereinafter referred to collectively as "fittings"). However, the use of threaded fittings in ferrous piping adds significantly to the labor costs of installing such systems. Copper tubing installs more quickly than ferrous pipe as the cut lengths of copper can simply be slip-mated with appropriate fittings and then soldered. However, copper is quite expensive in material cost compared to ferrous pipe.
- A number of systems have been developed for plain end ferrous piping that do not require threading or welding of the pipe end(s). Crimping systems are known in which crimpable fittings can be used to join small diameters of the lightest Schedule 5 steel piping. Other types of mechanical, compression type fittings are known which sealingly mate with the exterior ends of grooved piping.
These systems may or may not employ a tubular insert in the pipe ends and may or may not require grooving or other machining of the pipe end(s).
BRIEF SUM~ARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention is a pipe fitting that includes a fixture member having a hollow interior, an outer surface and a channel, the channel extending outwardly from the hollow interior through the outer surface of the fixture member on one outer side of the fixture member and defining a pipe opening through the outer surface of the fixture member. The opening and the channel are shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe and the opening and the channel have a common central axis. The pipe fitting also includes an engagement member having a cutting surface exposed outside of the fixture member and a threaded attachment member. The threaded attachment member extends outwardly from the outer surface of the fixture member on the one outer side of the fixture member to the engagement _ member and connects the engagement member with the fixture member. The threaded attachment member has a central axis that extends sequentially away from the engagement member, through the outer surface, into the fixture member and generally toward the central axis of the channel and the opening.
In a second aspect, the present invention is a method of using a fitting of the present invention to secure a plain end pipe within the fitting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, which are diagrammatic, embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
Fig. l is a partially broken front view of a fitting in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a right side view of the fitting of Fig.
l;
Fig. 3 is cross-section of the fitting fixture member;
Fig. 4 is a broken-away right side view of the fixture member in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a front view of an engagement member;
- Fig. 6 is a side view of an engagement member;
Fig. 7 is a broken-away front view of the fitting in cross section, showing a preferred type of gasket situated in an annular recess and an engagement member in an initial position to receive a plain end pipe;
Fig. 8 is a front view of the preferred gasket;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a broken away, front view of an alternative embodiment fitting which has a permanently attached threaded attachment member and a threaded nut;
Fig. ll is a broken-away front view in cross section of the fitting of Figs. 1 and 7, showing a pipe inserted into the channel of the fixture member with the engagement member in an initial position during a method of securing a pipe in the fitting;
Fig. 12 is a broken-away front view of the fitting in cross section, showing the engagement member at an engaged position during movement of the engagement member toward the fixture member;
Fig. 13 is a greatly enlarged view of the area indicated in Fig. 12, showing the cutting engagement of the engagement member and accumulated material; and Fig. 14 is a side view of the fitting with two pipes secured therein and a sprinkler head connected within a supplemental channel, showing one intended application of the fitting.
-DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "inner and "outer" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the center of a fitting and/or the center of a fixture member. The terminology includes the CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1, 7, 11, 12 and 14, an exemplary preferred embodiment of the pipe fitting 10 of the present invention for one or more plain end pipes 11 in the form of a Tee. The pipe fitting 10 is primarily comprised of a fixture member 12, an engagement member 14 and threaded attachment member 16 extending outwardly from the fixture member 12 to the engagement member 14 and connecting the engagement member 14 with the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. 1-4, the fixture member 12 has a hollow interior 18, an outer surface 20 and a channel 22.
Preferably, the fixture member 12 iS constructed of a single main body 13 that has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a tubular wall 15. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the fixture member 12 of two or more pieces assembled together (not shown) and/or to construct the fixture member of another appropriate - shape, such as for example, a tubular polygonal cylinder (not shown).
Referring to Figs. 2-4, the channel 22 iS defined by a first inner circumferential surface 23 of the fixture member 12. The channel 22 extends outwardly from the hollow interior 18 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 on at least one outer side 24 of the fixture member 12 and defines a pipe opening 26 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. The pipe opening 26 CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 and the channel 22 are shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe 11 and the opening 26 and the channel 22 have a common central axis 28. Preferably, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the pipe opening 26 and the channel 22 have a circular shape with a common diametric value and are both sized to fit about a particular standard sized pipe 11 with a slip fit.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, preferably, the first inner circumferential surface 23 defining the channel 22 includes an outer section 30 preferably having a constant inner diameter do and extending inwardly from the pipe opening 26, and an inner section 32 preferably having a constant inner diameter diand extending inwardly from the outer section 30 to at least a central axis 34 of the fixture member 12. The inner diameter do of the outer section 30 iS greater than the inner diameter di of the inner section 32 SO that the fixture member 12 includes a radial surface 36 disposed between the inner section 32 and the outer section 30. The radial surface 36 faces toward the pipe opening 26 and provides a seating surface for the end of a pipe 11 inserted into the fixture member 12, as - discussed in detail below. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the channel 22 SO that the inner circumferential surface 23 has a constant inner diameter throughout or varies in other ways, for example, by having an inner diameter that decreases toward the center of the fixture member 12.
The exemplary preferred fixture member 12 has a second pipe opening 40 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 on a second outer side 25 of the fixture CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 me~,ber 12 shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe 11. The channel 22 extends between the first pipe opening 26 and the second pipe opening 40 and the openings 26 and 40 and the channel 22 all have a common central axis 28. The first inner circumferential surface 23 defining the channel 22 further includes a second outer section 42 extending inwardly from the second pipe opening 40 to the inner section 32 and having a constant inner diameter do2 that is greater than the inner diameter di of the inner section 32, so that the fixture member 12 further includes a second radial surface 44 disposed between the inner section 32 and the second outer section 42. The second radial surface 44 faces toward the second pipe opening 40 and provides a second seating surface 46 for the end of a second pipe 11 inserted into the fixture member 12, as discussed below.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, preferably, the fixture member 12 further includes at least one threaded bore 48A extending through the outer surface 20 on the one outer side 24 of the fixture member 12. In a preferred embodiment, the fixture member 12 includes a second threaded - bore 48B extending through the outer surface 20 on the second outer side 25 of the fixture member 12. The threaded bores 48A, 48B enable attachment of one embodiment of the threaded engagement member 16 to the fixture member 12, as discussed in detail below. Preferably, the threaded bores 48A, 48B each have a thread that is sized to engage a standard threaded bolt. Each threaded bore 48 has a central axis 50A and 50B, respectively, that converges generally with the central axis 28 of the channel 22 and the pipe openings 26, 40. Preferably, the central axes 50A, 50B of the threaded bores 48A, 48B, respectively, form an acute angle 01 with respect to the central axis 28 of the channel 22 and the pipe openings 26, 40 that is greater than O
5 degrees and less than 45 degrees, desirably lO degrees or less and, preferably, about 5 degrees or less.
Referring to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the fixture member 12 preferably includes two attachment projections 52A, 52B
which each extend from the main body 13 of the fixture member 12. Preferably, the attachment projections 52A, 52B
each have a semi-cylindrical shape and are substantially aligned with each other on the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. The threaded bores 48A, 48B are each disposed within a separate one of the attachment projections 15 52A, 52B, respectively, and extend at least partially, and preferably completely, therethrough.
By having the attachment projections 52A, 52B, the main body 13 of the fixture member 12 can be constructed with a tubular wall 15 that has a lesser thickness than is 20 required if the threaded bores 48A, 48B are disposed within - the main body 13 of the fixture member 12. The attachment projections 52A, 52B therefore minimize the amount of material necessary to construct the fixture member 12.
However, it is within the scope of the present invention to 25 construct the fixture member 12 without the attachment projections 52A, 52B and to dispose the threaded bores 48A, 48B within a more uniformly tubular main body of a fixture member.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 7, the fixture member 12 also includes at least one annular recess 56 extending circumferentially into the fixture member 12 from the inner surface 23 of the channel 22. In the depicted preferred embodiment of the fitting 10 in which the fixture member 12 has first and second pipe openings 26 and 40, respectively, the fixture member 12 includes two annular recesses 56A, 56B
which are each disposed proximal to a separate one of the pipe openings 26, 40, respectively. Each annular recess 56 has a width wr that is constant about the circumference of the inner surface 23 and is sized and shaped to enable a cylindrical gasket to be disposed therein.
Referring to Figs. 1-3, preferably, the fixture member 12 further includes two annular projections 58A, 58B
which each extend outwardly from a remainder of the main body 13 of the fixture member 12 and extend circumferentially about the main body 13.
According to the invention, the fixture member 12 also includes at least one gasket 60 disposed within an annular recess 56A. Referring to Figs. 7-9, when disposed - within the annular recess 56A, a portion of the gasket 60 extends from the recess 56A and into the channel 22. In the depicted preferred embodiment of the fitting 10 in which the fixture member 12 has two annular recesses 56A, 56B, the fixture member 12 includes a second gasket 60 in the remaining annular recess 56B.
Preferably, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, each gasket 60 is constructed of a substantially cylindrical outer ring 62 having an inner surface 64 and an annular projection 66 g CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 extending radially inwardly from the inner surface 64 of the outer ring 62. The projection 66 has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is deformable in an axial direction. Each gasket 60 iS assembled into a separate annular recess 56A
and 56B SO that the projection 66 deforms toward the central axis 34 of the fixture member 12 and therefore, each gasket 60 iS oriented in opposite directions with respect to the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. 11, 12 and 14, when a pipe 11 is inserted into the channel 22 and through the gasket 60, a portion of the projection 66 becomes deformed and juxtaposed with the inner surface 64 of the outer ring 62, providing a firm seal between the gasket 60 and the pipe 11.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the fixture member 12 preferably further includes a supplemental channel 68 extending from the hollow interior 16 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. The supplemental channel 68 iS defined by a second inner circumferential surface 70 of the fixture member 12, with the second inner circumferential surface 70 being threaded in this - embodiment. The supplemental channel 68 defines a supplemental opening 72 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. Further, the supplemental channel 68 connects with the channel 22 so that flow communication is established between one or more pipes 11 inserted into the channel 22 and a threaded member engaged with the supplemental channel 68, such as, for example, a sprinkler head as shown in Fig. 13 and as described below or a drop connected with such head.
Further, the fixture member 12 includes a third, supplemental channel 68 that extends through a mounting projection 69 such that a supplemental opening 72 is disposed at the outer end 71 of the mounting projection 69.
The mounting projection 69 includes a threaded inner surface 70 and a circular mounting surface 73 which surrounds the supplemental opening 72 and provides a surface against which a shoulder of a sprinkler head or other fluid manipulating device may be abutted.
Although the preferred depicted embodiment of the fitting 10 is a "tee", it is possible to adapt the present invention to other types of fittings (none of which are shown): straight couplings (two pipe openings), bent couplings (elbows), crosses (four pipe openings) or as an "adapter" with one plain end pipe opening and a threaded opening or flange end. In any of these alternative constructions, a channel is provided which extends through the fixture member between or among the openings of the fixture member.
Preferably, the fixture member 12 is constructed - as a hollow, machined, one-piece casting of ductile iron.
However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the fixture member 12 by other techniques, such as forging or extruding and to machine utilizing any other finishing techniques necessary to complete the fixture member 12. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the fixture member 12 of another appropriate material, such as, for example, steel, copper, aluminum or a polymeric material or a combination of CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 materials, e.g. polymeric body with metal inserts, particularly for use of the invention with pipe of other material(s). The gaskets are preferably commercially available gaskets made of rubber or a comparable polymeric material.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the engagement member 14 includes a cutting surface 74 that is exposed outside of the fixture member 12 when the pipe fitting 10 is assembled as described below. Preferably, the engagement member 14 iS a plate 76 having a radiused side 78 forming the cutting surface 74, with the radiused side 78 and cutting surface 74 having at least one cutting edge 80.
Furthermore, the plate 76 preferably has a partially circular contour with the center of the radius rc of the radiused side 78 being located off of the plate 76 SO that the radiused side 78 iS generally concave. However, is within the scope of the present invention to construct the engagement member 14 of any other appropriate shape that enables the engagement member 14 to perform the intended function as described in detail below.
- Preferably, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the engagement member 14 includes a through hole 82 which has a central axis 83 that is substantially parallel to the radiused side 78 of the plate 76. The through hole 82 2 5 enables attachment of the engagement member 14 with the threaded attachment member 16, as described below. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the engagement member 14 without the through hole 82 and to include a separate member such as a bracket (not shown) attached to the engagement member 14 and connectable with the threaded attachment member 16.
Preferably, the engagement member 14 is constructed by being stamped from a plate of low carbon steel, with the through hole 80 being pierced prior to blanking the outer contour of the plate 76. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the engagement member 14 of another material, such as, for example, powdered metal, or to manufacture the engagement member 14 by another process, such as, for example, casting or machining.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 11, 12 and 14, the threaded attachment member 16 is preferably a commercially available bolt having a shaft 84, threads 85, a central axis 88 and a head section 86 that is disposed at one end of the shaft 84.
In an alternative embodiment fitting 10' shown in Fig. 10, the threaded attachment member 16' is a threaded rod 84' without a head section, which is fixedly attached to the fixture member 12' by suitable means such as, for _ example, welding or threading. The alternative embodiment fitting 10' further includes a threaded nut 90 that is threadably engageable with the attachment member 16' and the fixture member 12 does not include a threaded bore 48. The engagement member 14 and the threaded nut 90 are assembled to the threaded attachment member 16' so that the attachment member 16' extends through the through hole 82 of the engagement member 14 and the engagement member 14 is CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 disposed between the threaded nut 9O and the fixture member 12'.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 11, the components of the fitting lO are preferably assembled together either prior to inserting a pipe 11 within the pipe opening 26.
When the fitting lO is assembled, the threaded attachment member 16 extends outwardly from the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 on the one outer side 24 of the fixture member 12 to the engagement member 14 and connects the engagement member 14 with the fixture member 12. In the preferred embodiment, the threaded attachment member 16 or 16' extends through the through hole 82 of the engagement member 14 and the head section 86 of the attachment member 16, or nut 9O used with member 16', iS disposed against a side of the plate 76 of the engagement member 14 that faces generally away from the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. lO and 11, in either embodiment lO or lO' of the assembled fitting, the central axis 88 of the attachment member 16 or 16' extends sequentially away from the engagement member 14, through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 or 12', into the fixture member 12 - or 12' and generally toward the central axis 28 of the channel 22 and the pipe openings 26 and 40. Preferably, as shown in Figs. lO and 11, the central axis 88 of the threaded attachment member 16 converges generally toward the central axis 28 of the channel 22 at acute angle 01 with respect to the central axis 28 of the channel.
In a preferred embodiment of the pipe fitting lO
of the present invention shown in Fig. 1, the fitting lO
further comprises a second engagement member 14 and a second CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 threaded attachment member 16 extending to the second engagement member 14 from a location on the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 proximal to the second pipe opening 40. Preferably, when the second engagement member 14 and the second threaded attachment member 16 are assembled to the fixture member 12, the second engagement member 14 and the second attachment member 16 are each in an orientation with respect to the fixture member 12 that mirrors the orientations, described above, of the engagement member 14 and the attachment member 16, respectively, proximal the first pipe opening 26 about the central axis 34 of the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. 11-13, the present invention further includes a method of securing at least one plain end 96 of a pipe 11 within a fitting 10 or 10'. First, as shown in Fig. 11, a plain end 96 of a pipe ll is inserted into the pipe opening 24 of the fixture member 12 and through gasket 60. The cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 is positioned facing an outer surface 98 of the pipe.
Preferably, the pipe 11 is inserted a sufficient distance - into the fixture member 12 SO that an end surface 97 of the pipe 11 is abuts against the seating surface 38 of the fixture member 12.
The engagement member 14 is then moved toward the fixture member 12 along the central axis 88 of the threaded attachment member 16. The central axis 99 of the pipe 11 is substantially co-linear with the central axis 28 of the channel 22 of the fixture member 12, so that the central axis 88 of the attachment member 14 converges toward the CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 central axis 99 of the pipe and its outer surface 98 at an acute angle 02 with respect to the central axis 99 of the pipe 11, which is preferably equal to 01~ the angle between the axis 88 of the attachment member 16 and the axis 28 of the channel 22. Due to the convergence of the central axis 88 of the attachment member 16 with respect to the central axis 99 of the pipe 11, the engagement member 14 moves in angled path toward the fixture member 12 which causes the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 to first contact, and then progressively cuttingly engage, the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. In other words, as the engagement member 14 moves toward the fixture member 12, the cutting surface 74 of the fixture member 12 is scraped along and progressively digs further into the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11, as shown in Fig. 13.
In fitting lO, the engagement member 14 iS moved or biased toward the fixture member 12 by rotating the bolt 16 within the threaded bore 48 SO that the bolt 16 advances into the threaded bore 48. The head section 86 of the bolt 16 pushes the engagement member 14 toward the fixture member 12 and at least initially overcomes any resistance to cutting into the material of the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. In the alternative embodiment of the pipe fitting lO' shown in Fig. lO, the engagement member 14 iS biased toward the fixture member 12 by rotating the nut 9O about the rod 84 of the attachment member 16', and the nut 9O
performs the same function with respect to the engagement member 14 as the head 86 of the attachment member 16 in the preferred embodiment.
Referring particularly to Fig. 13, as the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 engages the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11, material M is removed from the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. The removed material M is accumulated on the outer surface 98 between the engagement member 14 and the fixture member 12. The accumulated material M and the cut-away surface 95 of the pipe 11 that abuts the front surface 75 of the engagement member 14 near the cutting edge 80 form an interference fit between the pipe 11 and the engagement member 14. The interference fit resists the tendency of the pipe 11 to move along the pipe central axis 99 in a direction away from the fitting 10, such a tendency being caused by, for example, the pressure of fluid within the pipe 11.
Since the engagement member 14 contacts the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11 on only one side of the central axis 99 of the pipe 11, the engagement member 14 also pushes a section of the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11 that is on the opposite side of the axis 99 against the inner surface 23 of the channel 22 of the fixture member 12. Any tendency - of the pipe 11 to move along the axis of the pipe and out of the channel 22 of the fixture member 12 will give rise to a frictional force that is parallel to the central axis 99 of the pipe 11 and exerted in a direction opposite the direction of movement. Thus, the engagement member 14 also provides an additional friction fit between the pipe 11 and the channel 22 of the fixture member 12 that assists the securement of the pipe 11 within the fitting 10.
When utilizing the preferred embodiment of the pipe fitting 10 that includes a fixture member 12 having a second pipe opening 40, a second pipe 11 is secured within the fitting 10 by the same method as described above.
Finally, the pipe 11 may be removed from the pipe fitting 10 by moving the engagement member 14 away from the fixture member 12 a sufficient distance so that the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 disengages from the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. With either embodiment, a prying force may then have to be applied to the surface 75 of the engagement member 14 by using, for example, a pressure bar, so that the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 is dislodged from the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. The fitting 10 may then be reused with another pipe 11 in the same manner and may be used repeatedly for any number of applications.
Referring to Fig. 14, one particular intended application of the pipe fitting 10 and the method of the present invention is for use in sprinkler systems. The pipe fitting 10 may be used to couple one or more pipes to a - sprinkler head 100, as shown in Fig. 15, or to a threaded pipe or drop (not shown) connected to a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head 100 is connected with the fitting 10 by threading a tubular stem portion of the head 100 into the supplemental channel 68.
As discussed above, the pipe fittings 10, 10' of the present invention have a number of advantages over previous pipe fittings for use with plain end pipes. The pipe fittings 10, 10' can be used with a plain end pipe 11 without the necessity of machining the end section 96 of the pipe 11 to enable attachment within the fittings 10, 10'.
The pipe 11 is easily secured within the fittings 10, 10' by merely turning a threaded bolt or nut, which requires the use of only common hand tools and is therefore less expensive to use than fittings that require welders, crimpers or other special machines to enable connection of the pipe with the fitting. Furthermore, the pipes 11 can be easily disconnected from the fitting, again by using only common hand tools, and the fitting 10, 10' is reusable for any number of further applications.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pipe fittings, and more particularly, to pipe fittings for joining plain end pipes.
Several techniques have been developed for joining pipes made of metal. Ferrous pipe has typically been welded or threaded in the field. The latter are mated with threaded pipe fittings or couplings (both hereinafter referred to collectively as "fittings"). However, the use of threaded fittings in ferrous piping adds significantly to the labor costs of installing such systems. Copper tubing installs more quickly than ferrous pipe as the cut lengths of copper can simply be slip-mated with appropriate fittings and then soldered. However, copper is quite expensive in material cost compared to ferrous pipe.
- A number of systems have been developed for plain end ferrous piping that do not require threading or welding of the pipe end(s). Crimping systems are known in which crimpable fittings can be used to join small diameters of the lightest Schedule 5 steel piping. Other types of mechanical, compression type fittings are known which sealingly mate with the exterior ends of grooved piping.
These systems may or may not employ a tubular insert in the pipe ends and may or may not require grooving or other machining of the pipe end(s).
BRIEF SUM~ARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention is a pipe fitting that includes a fixture member having a hollow interior, an outer surface and a channel, the channel extending outwardly from the hollow interior through the outer surface of the fixture member on one outer side of the fixture member and defining a pipe opening through the outer surface of the fixture member. The opening and the channel are shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe and the opening and the channel have a common central axis. The pipe fitting also includes an engagement member having a cutting surface exposed outside of the fixture member and a threaded attachment member. The threaded attachment member extends outwardly from the outer surface of the fixture member on the one outer side of the fixture member to the engagement _ member and connects the engagement member with the fixture member. The threaded attachment member has a central axis that extends sequentially away from the engagement member, through the outer surface, into the fixture member and generally toward the central axis of the channel and the opening.
In a second aspect, the present invention is a method of using a fitting of the present invention to secure a plain end pipe within the fitting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, which are diagrammatic, embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
Fig. l is a partially broken front view of a fitting in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a right side view of the fitting of Fig.
l;
Fig. 3 is cross-section of the fitting fixture member;
Fig. 4 is a broken-away right side view of the fixture member in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a front view of an engagement member;
- Fig. 6 is a side view of an engagement member;
Fig. 7 is a broken-away front view of the fitting in cross section, showing a preferred type of gasket situated in an annular recess and an engagement member in an initial position to receive a plain end pipe;
Fig. 8 is a front view of the preferred gasket;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a broken away, front view of an alternative embodiment fitting which has a permanently attached threaded attachment member and a threaded nut;
Fig. ll is a broken-away front view in cross section of the fitting of Figs. 1 and 7, showing a pipe inserted into the channel of the fixture member with the engagement member in an initial position during a method of securing a pipe in the fitting;
Fig. 12 is a broken-away front view of the fitting in cross section, showing the engagement member at an engaged position during movement of the engagement member toward the fixture member;
Fig. 13 is a greatly enlarged view of the area indicated in Fig. 12, showing the cutting engagement of the engagement member and accumulated material; and Fig. 14 is a side view of the fitting with two pipes secured therein and a sprinkler head connected within a supplemental channel, showing one intended application of the fitting.
-DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "inner and "outer" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the center of a fitting and/or the center of a fixture member. The terminology includes the CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1, 7, 11, 12 and 14, an exemplary preferred embodiment of the pipe fitting 10 of the present invention for one or more plain end pipes 11 in the form of a Tee. The pipe fitting 10 is primarily comprised of a fixture member 12, an engagement member 14 and threaded attachment member 16 extending outwardly from the fixture member 12 to the engagement member 14 and connecting the engagement member 14 with the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. 1-4, the fixture member 12 has a hollow interior 18, an outer surface 20 and a channel 22.
Preferably, the fixture member 12 iS constructed of a single main body 13 that has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a tubular wall 15. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the fixture member 12 of two or more pieces assembled together (not shown) and/or to construct the fixture member of another appropriate - shape, such as for example, a tubular polygonal cylinder (not shown).
Referring to Figs. 2-4, the channel 22 iS defined by a first inner circumferential surface 23 of the fixture member 12. The channel 22 extends outwardly from the hollow interior 18 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 on at least one outer side 24 of the fixture member 12 and defines a pipe opening 26 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. The pipe opening 26 CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 and the channel 22 are shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe 11 and the opening 26 and the channel 22 have a common central axis 28. Preferably, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the pipe opening 26 and the channel 22 have a circular shape with a common diametric value and are both sized to fit about a particular standard sized pipe 11 with a slip fit.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, preferably, the first inner circumferential surface 23 defining the channel 22 includes an outer section 30 preferably having a constant inner diameter do and extending inwardly from the pipe opening 26, and an inner section 32 preferably having a constant inner diameter diand extending inwardly from the outer section 30 to at least a central axis 34 of the fixture member 12. The inner diameter do of the outer section 30 iS greater than the inner diameter di of the inner section 32 SO that the fixture member 12 includes a radial surface 36 disposed between the inner section 32 and the outer section 30. The radial surface 36 faces toward the pipe opening 26 and provides a seating surface for the end of a pipe 11 inserted into the fixture member 12, as - discussed in detail below. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the channel 22 SO that the inner circumferential surface 23 has a constant inner diameter throughout or varies in other ways, for example, by having an inner diameter that decreases toward the center of the fixture member 12.
The exemplary preferred fixture member 12 has a second pipe opening 40 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 on a second outer side 25 of the fixture CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 me~,ber 12 shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe 11. The channel 22 extends between the first pipe opening 26 and the second pipe opening 40 and the openings 26 and 40 and the channel 22 all have a common central axis 28. The first inner circumferential surface 23 defining the channel 22 further includes a second outer section 42 extending inwardly from the second pipe opening 40 to the inner section 32 and having a constant inner diameter do2 that is greater than the inner diameter di of the inner section 32, so that the fixture member 12 further includes a second radial surface 44 disposed between the inner section 32 and the second outer section 42. The second radial surface 44 faces toward the second pipe opening 40 and provides a second seating surface 46 for the end of a second pipe 11 inserted into the fixture member 12, as discussed below.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, preferably, the fixture member 12 further includes at least one threaded bore 48A extending through the outer surface 20 on the one outer side 24 of the fixture member 12. In a preferred embodiment, the fixture member 12 includes a second threaded - bore 48B extending through the outer surface 20 on the second outer side 25 of the fixture member 12. The threaded bores 48A, 48B enable attachment of one embodiment of the threaded engagement member 16 to the fixture member 12, as discussed in detail below. Preferably, the threaded bores 48A, 48B each have a thread that is sized to engage a standard threaded bolt. Each threaded bore 48 has a central axis 50A and 50B, respectively, that converges generally with the central axis 28 of the channel 22 and the pipe openings 26, 40. Preferably, the central axes 50A, 50B of the threaded bores 48A, 48B, respectively, form an acute angle 01 with respect to the central axis 28 of the channel 22 and the pipe openings 26, 40 that is greater than O
5 degrees and less than 45 degrees, desirably lO degrees or less and, preferably, about 5 degrees or less.
Referring to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the fixture member 12 preferably includes two attachment projections 52A, 52B
which each extend from the main body 13 of the fixture member 12. Preferably, the attachment projections 52A, 52B
each have a semi-cylindrical shape and are substantially aligned with each other on the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. The threaded bores 48A, 48B are each disposed within a separate one of the attachment projections 15 52A, 52B, respectively, and extend at least partially, and preferably completely, therethrough.
By having the attachment projections 52A, 52B, the main body 13 of the fixture member 12 can be constructed with a tubular wall 15 that has a lesser thickness than is 20 required if the threaded bores 48A, 48B are disposed within - the main body 13 of the fixture member 12. The attachment projections 52A, 52B therefore minimize the amount of material necessary to construct the fixture member 12.
However, it is within the scope of the present invention to 25 construct the fixture member 12 without the attachment projections 52A, 52B and to dispose the threaded bores 48A, 48B within a more uniformly tubular main body of a fixture member.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 7, the fixture member 12 also includes at least one annular recess 56 extending circumferentially into the fixture member 12 from the inner surface 23 of the channel 22. In the depicted preferred embodiment of the fitting 10 in which the fixture member 12 has first and second pipe openings 26 and 40, respectively, the fixture member 12 includes two annular recesses 56A, 56B
which are each disposed proximal to a separate one of the pipe openings 26, 40, respectively. Each annular recess 56 has a width wr that is constant about the circumference of the inner surface 23 and is sized and shaped to enable a cylindrical gasket to be disposed therein.
Referring to Figs. 1-3, preferably, the fixture member 12 further includes two annular projections 58A, 58B
which each extend outwardly from a remainder of the main body 13 of the fixture member 12 and extend circumferentially about the main body 13.
According to the invention, the fixture member 12 also includes at least one gasket 60 disposed within an annular recess 56A. Referring to Figs. 7-9, when disposed - within the annular recess 56A, a portion of the gasket 60 extends from the recess 56A and into the channel 22. In the depicted preferred embodiment of the fitting 10 in which the fixture member 12 has two annular recesses 56A, 56B, the fixture member 12 includes a second gasket 60 in the remaining annular recess 56B.
Preferably, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, each gasket 60 is constructed of a substantially cylindrical outer ring 62 having an inner surface 64 and an annular projection 66 g CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 extending radially inwardly from the inner surface 64 of the outer ring 62. The projection 66 has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is deformable in an axial direction. Each gasket 60 iS assembled into a separate annular recess 56A
and 56B SO that the projection 66 deforms toward the central axis 34 of the fixture member 12 and therefore, each gasket 60 iS oriented in opposite directions with respect to the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. 11, 12 and 14, when a pipe 11 is inserted into the channel 22 and through the gasket 60, a portion of the projection 66 becomes deformed and juxtaposed with the inner surface 64 of the outer ring 62, providing a firm seal between the gasket 60 and the pipe 11.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the fixture member 12 preferably further includes a supplemental channel 68 extending from the hollow interior 16 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. The supplemental channel 68 iS defined by a second inner circumferential surface 70 of the fixture member 12, with the second inner circumferential surface 70 being threaded in this - embodiment. The supplemental channel 68 defines a supplemental opening 72 through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12. Further, the supplemental channel 68 connects with the channel 22 so that flow communication is established between one or more pipes 11 inserted into the channel 22 and a threaded member engaged with the supplemental channel 68, such as, for example, a sprinkler head as shown in Fig. 13 and as described below or a drop connected with such head.
Further, the fixture member 12 includes a third, supplemental channel 68 that extends through a mounting projection 69 such that a supplemental opening 72 is disposed at the outer end 71 of the mounting projection 69.
The mounting projection 69 includes a threaded inner surface 70 and a circular mounting surface 73 which surrounds the supplemental opening 72 and provides a surface against which a shoulder of a sprinkler head or other fluid manipulating device may be abutted.
Although the preferred depicted embodiment of the fitting 10 is a "tee", it is possible to adapt the present invention to other types of fittings (none of which are shown): straight couplings (two pipe openings), bent couplings (elbows), crosses (four pipe openings) or as an "adapter" with one plain end pipe opening and a threaded opening or flange end. In any of these alternative constructions, a channel is provided which extends through the fixture member between or among the openings of the fixture member.
Preferably, the fixture member 12 is constructed - as a hollow, machined, one-piece casting of ductile iron.
However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the fixture member 12 by other techniques, such as forging or extruding and to machine utilizing any other finishing techniques necessary to complete the fixture member 12. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the fixture member 12 of another appropriate material, such as, for example, steel, copper, aluminum or a polymeric material or a combination of CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 materials, e.g. polymeric body with metal inserts, particularly for use of the invention with pipe of other material(s). The gaskets are preferably commercially available gaskets made of rubber or a comparable polymeric material.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the engagement member 14 includes a cutting surface 74 that is exposed outside of the fixture member 12 when the pipe fitting 10 is assembled as described below. Preferably, the engagement member 14 iS a plate 76 having a radiused side 78 forming the cutting surface 74, with the radiused side 78 and cutting surface 74 having at least one cutting edge 80.
Furthermore, the plate 76 preferably has a partially circular contour with the center of the radius rc of the radiused side 78 being located off of the plate 76 SO that the radiused side 78 iS generally concave. However, is within the scope of the present invention to construct the engagement member 14 of any other appropriate shape that enables the engagement member 14 to perform the intended function as described in detail below.
- Preferably, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the engagement member 14 includes a through hole 82 which has a central axis 83 that is substantially parallel to the radiused side 78 of the plate 76. The through hole 82 2 5 enables attachment of the engagement member 14 with the threaded attachment member 16, as described below. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the engagement member 14 without the through hole 82 and to include a separate member such as a bracket (not shown) attached to the engagement member 14 and connectable with the threaded attachment member 16.
Preferably, the engagement member 14 is constructed by being stamped from a plate of low carbon steel, with the through hole 80 being pierced prior to blanking the outer contour of the plate 76. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the engagement member 14 of another material, such as, for example, powdered metal, or to manufacture the engagement member 14 by another process, such as, for example, casting or machining.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 11, 12 and 14, the threaded attachment member 16 is preferably a commercially available bolt having a shaft 84, threads 85, a central axis 88 and a head section 86 that is disposed at one end of the shaft 84.
In an alternative embodiment fitting 10' shown in Fig. 10, the threaded attachment member 16' is a threaded rod 84' without a head section, which is fixedly attached to the fixture member 12' by suitable means such as, for _ example, welding or threading. The alternative embodiment fitting 10' further includes a threaded nut 90 that is threadably engageable with the attachment member 16' and the fixture member 12 does not include a threaded bore 48. The engagement member 14 and the threaded nut 90 are assembled to the threaded attachment member 16' so that the attachment member 16' extends through the through hole 82 of the engagement member 14 and the engagement member 14 is CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 disposed between the threaded nut 9O and the fixture member 12'.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 11, the components of the fitting lO are preferably assembled together either prior to inserting a pipe 11 within the pipe opening 26.
When the fitting lO is assembled, the threaded attachment member 16 extends outwardly from the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 on the one outer side 24 of the fixture member 12 to the engagement member 14 and connects the engagement member 14 with the fixture member 12. In the preferred embodiment, the threaded attachment member 16 or 16' extends through the through hole 82 of the engagement member 14 and the head section 86 of the attachment member 16, or nut 9O used with member 16', iS disposed against a side of the plate 76 of the engagement member 14 that faces generally away from the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. lO and 11, in either embodiment lO or lO' of the assembled fitting, the central axis 88 of the attachment member 16 or 16' extends sequentially away from the engagement member 14, through the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 or 12', into the fixture member 12 - or 12' and generally toward the central axis 28 of the channel 22 and the pipe openings 26 and 40. Preferably, as shown in Figs. lO and 11, the central axis 88 of the threaded attachment member 16 converges generally toward the central axis 28 of the channel 22 at acute angle 01 with respect to the central axis 28 of the channel.
In a preferred embodiment of the pipe fitting lO
of the present invention shown in Fig. 1, the fitting lO
further comprises a second engagement member 14 and a second CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 threaded attachment member 16 extending to the second engagement member 14 from a location on the outer surface 20 of the fixture member 12 proximal to the second pipe opening 40. Preferably, when the second engagement member 14 and the second threaded attachment member 16 are assembled to the fixture member 12, the second engagement member 14 and the second attachment member 16 are each in an orientation with respect to the fixture member 12 that mirrors the orientations, described above, of the engagement member 14 and the attachment member 16, respectively, proximal the first pipe opening 26 about the central axis 34 of the fixture member 12.
Referring to Figs. 11-13, the present invention further includes a method of securing at least one plain end 96 of a pipe 11 within a fitting 10 or 10'. First, as shown in Fig. 11, a plain end 96 of a pipe ll is inserted into the pipe opening 24 of the fixture member 12 and through gasket 60. The cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 is positioned facing an outer surface 98 of the pipe.
Preferably, the pipe 11 is inserted a sufficient distance - into the fixture member 12 SO that an end surface 97 of the pipe 11 is abuts against the seating surface 38 of the fixture member 12.
The engagement member 14 is then moved toward the fixture member 12 along the central axis 88 of the threaded attachment member 16. The central axis 99 of the pipe 11 is substantially co-linear with the central axis 28 of the channel 22 of the fixture member 12, so that the central axis 88 of the attachment member 14 converges toward the CA 02224l34 l997-l2-09 central axis 99 of the pipe and its outer surface 98 at an acute angle 02 with respect to the central axis 99 of the pipe 11, which is preferably equal to 01~ the angle between the axis 88 of the attachment member 16 and the axis 28 of the channel 22. Due to the convergence of the central axis 88 of the attachment member 16 with respect to the central axis 99 of the pipe 11, the engagement member 14 moves in angled path toward the fixture member 12 which causes the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 to first contact, and then progressively cuttingly engage, the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. In other words, as the engagement member 14 moves toward the fixture member 12, the cutting surface 74 of the fixture member 12 is scraped along and progressively digs further into the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11, as shown in Fig. 13.
In fitting lO, the engagement member 14 iS moved or biased toward the fixture member 12 by rotating the bolt 16 within the threaded bore 48 SO that the bolt 16 advances into the threaded bore 48. The head section 86 of the bolt 16 pushes the engagement member 14 toward the fixture member 12 and at least initially overcomes any resistance to cutting into the material of the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. In the alternative embodiment of the pipe fitting lO' shown in Fig. lO, the engagement member 14 iS biased toward the fixture member 12 by rotating the nut 9O about the rod 84 of the attachment member 16', and the nut 9O
performs the same function with respect to the engagement member 14 as the head 86 of the attachment member 16 in the preferred embodiment.
Referring particularly to Fig. 13, as the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 engages the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11, material M is removed from the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. The removed material M is accumulated on the outer surface 98 between the engagement member 14 and the fixture member 12. The accumulated material M and the cut-away surface 95 of the pipe 11 that abuts the front surface 75 of the engagement member 14 near the cutting edge 80 form an interference fit between the pipe 11 and the engagement member 14. The interference fit resists the tendency of the pipe 11 to move along the pipe central axis 99 in a direction away from the fitting 10, such a tendency being caused by, for example, the pressure of fluid within the pipe 11.
Since the engagement member 14 contacts the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11 on only one side of the central axis 99 of the pipe 11, the engagement member 14 also pushes a section of the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11 that is on the opposite side of the axis 99 against the inner surface 23 of the channel 22 of the fixture member 12. Any tendency - of the pipe 11 to move along the axis of the pipe and out of the channel 22 of the fixture member 12 will give rise to a frictional force that is parallel to the central axis 99 of the pipe 11 and exerted in a direction opposite the direction of movement. Thus, the engagement member 14 also provides an additional friction fit between the pipe 11 and the channel 22 of the fixture member 12 that assists the securement of the pipe 11 within the fitting 10.
When utilizing the preferred embodiment of the pipe fitting 10 that includes a fixture member 12 having a second pipe opening 40, a second pipe 11 is secured within the fitting 10 by the same method as described above.
Finally, the pipe 11 may be removed from the pipe fitting 10 by moving the engagement member 14 away from the fixture member 12 a sufficient distance so that the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 disengages from the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. With either embodiment, a prying force may then have to be applied to the surface 75 of the engagement member 14 by using, for example, a pressure bar, so that the cutting surface 74 of the engagement member 14 is dislodged from the outer surface 98 of the pipe 11. The fitting 10 may then be reused with another pipe 11 in the same manner and may be used repeatedly for any number of applications.
Referring to Fig. 14, one particular intended application of the pipe fitting 10 and the method of the present invention is for use in sprinkler systems. The pipe fitting 10 may be used to couple one or more pipes to a - sprinkler head 100, as shown in Fig. 15, or to a threaded pipe or drop (not shown) connected to a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head 100 is connected with the fitting 10 by threading a tubular stem portion of the head 100 into the supplemental channel 68.
As discussed above, the pipe fittings 10, 10' of the present invention have a number of advantages over previous pipe fittings for use with plain end pipes. The pipe fittings 10, 10' can be used with a plain end pipe 11 without the necessity of machining the end section 96 of the pipe 11 to enable attachment within the fittings 10, 10'.
The pipe 11 is easily secured within the fittings 10, 10' by merely turning a threaded bolt or nut, which requires the use of only common hand tools and is therefore less expensive to use than fittings that require welders, crimpers or other special machines to enable connection of the pipe with the fitting. Furthermore, the pipes 11 can be easily disconnected from the fitting, again by using only common hand tools, and the fitting 10, 10' is reusable for any number of further applications.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. A pipe fitting comprising:
a fixture member having a hollow interior, an outer surface and a channel, said channel extending outwardly from said hollow interior through said outer surface of said fixture member on one outer side of said fixture member and defining a pipe opening through said outer surface of said fixture member, said opening and said channel being shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe, said opening and said channel having a common central axis;
an engagement member having a cutting surface exposed outside of said fixture member; and a threaded attachment member extending outwardly from said outer surface of said fixture member on said one outer side of said fixture member to said engagement member and connecting said engagement member with said fixture member, said threaded attachment member having a central axis extending sequentially away from said engagement member, through said outer surface, into said fixture member and generally toward said central axis of said channel and said opening.
a fixture member having a hollow interior, an outer surface and a channel, said channel extending outwardly from said hollow interior through said outer surface of said fixture member on one outer side of said fixture member and defining a pipe opening through said outer surface of said fixture member, said opening and said channel being shaped to encircle a plain end of a pipe, said opening and said channel having a common central axis;
an engagement member having a cutting surface exposed outside of said fixture member; and a threaded attachment member extending outwardly from said outer surface of said fixture member on said one outer side of said fixture member to said engagement member and connecting said engagement member with said fixture member, said threaded attachment member having a central axis extending sequentially away from said engagement member, through said outer surface, into said fixture member and generally toward said central axis of said channel and said opening.
2. The fitting as recited in claim 1, wherein said fixture member has a threaded bore extending through said outer surface on said one outer side and said threaded attachment member is engaged with said threaded bore.
3. The fitting as recited in claim 1, further comprising a threaded nut threadably engaged with said attachment member, wherein said engagement member has a through hole, said attachment member extends through said through hole of said engagement member, and said engagement member is disposed between said threaded nut and said fixture member.
4. The fitting as recited in claim 1, wherein said engagement member is a plate having a radiused side forming said cutting surface, said radiused side having at least one cutting edge.
5. The fitting as recited in claim 1, wherein said channel is defined by a first inner circumferential surface of said fixture member and said fixture member further has:
at least one annular recess extending circumferentially into said fixture member from said inner surface of said channel; and at least one gasket disposed within said annular recess, a portion of said gasket extending from said recess into said channel.
at least one annular recess extending circumferentially into said fixture member from said inner surface of said channel; and at least one gasket disposed within said annular recess, a portion of said gasket extending from said recess into said channel.
6. The fitting as recited in claim 5, wherein said gasket has:
a substantially cylindrical outer ring having an inner surface; and an annular projection extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of said outer ring, said projection having a wedge-shaped cross-section, said projection being deformable in an axial direction so that a portion of said projection is juxtaposed with said inner surface of said outer ring when a pipe is inserted into said channel and through said gasket.
a substantially cylindrical outer ring having an inner surface; and an annular projection extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of said outer ring, said projection having a wedge-shaped cross-section, said projection being deformable in an axial direction so that a portion of said projection is juxtaposed with said inner surface of said outer ring when a pipe is inserted into said channel and through said gasket.
7. The fitting as recited in claim 1, wherein said fixture member has a second opening through said outer surface of said fixture member on a second side of said fixture member and said channel extends between said first opening and said second opening, and wherein said fitting further comprises a second engagement member and a second threaded attachment member extending to said second engagement member from a location on said outer surface of said fixture member proximal to said second pipe opening.
8. The fitting as recited in claim 1, wherein:
said fixture member has a supplemental channel extending from said hollow interior through said outer surface of said fixture member and defining a supplemental opening through said outer surface of said fixture member; said supplemental channel is defined by a second inner circumferential surface of said fixture member; and said second inner circumferential surface is threaded.
said fixture member has a supplemental channel extending from said hollow interior through said outer surface of said fixture member and defining a supplemental opening through said outer surface of said fixture member; said supplemental channel is defined by a second inner circumferential surface of said fixture member; and said second inner circumferential surface is threaded.
9. The fitting as recited in claim 1, wherein:
said central axis of said threaded attachment member converges generally toward said central axis of said channel at an acute angle with respect to said central axis of said channel; and said acute angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees.
said central axis of said threaded attachment member converges generally toward said central axis of said channel at an acute angle with respect to said central axis of said channel; and said acute angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees.
10. The fitting as recited in claim 9 wherein said acute angle is up to 5 degrees.
11. A method of securing a plain end pipe within said fitting of claim 1 comprising the steps of:
inserting a plain end of a pipe into said pipe opening of said fixture member and positioning said cutting surface of said engagement member facing an outer surface of said pipe;
moving said engagement member toward said fixture member along said central axis of said threaded attachment member so that said cutting surface of said engagement member progressively cuttingly engages said outer surface of said pipe; and removing material from said outer surface of said pipe and accumulating said material between said engagement member and said fixture member, thereby forming at least an interference fit between said pipe and said engagement member.
inserting a plain end of a pipe into said pipe opening of said fixture member and positioning said cutting surface of said engagement member facing an outer surface of said pipe;
moving said engagement member toward said fixture member along said central axis of said threaded attachment member so that said cutting surface of said engagement member progressively cuttingly engages said outer surface of said pipe; and removing material from said outer surface of said pipe and accumulating said material between said engagement member and said fixture member, thereby forming at least an interference fit between said pipe and said engagement member.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of moving said engagement member includes advancing said cutting surface of said engagement member against said outer surface of said pipe along a path intersecting said pipe at an angle of less than 45 degrees.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein:
said fixture member has a threaded bore extending through said outer surface on said one outer side;
said threaded attachment member is engaged with said threaded bore; said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface; said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded attachment member into said threaded bore of said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
said fixture member has a threaded bore extending through said outer surface on said one outer side;
said threaded attachment member is engaged with said threaded bore; said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface; said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded attachment member into said threaded bore of said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of facing said cutting surface on said radiused side of said engagement member plate generally away from said channel of said fixture member during biasing of said engagement member toward said fixture member along said outer surface of said pipe.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein:
said fitting further comprises a threaded nut threadably engaged with said threaded attachment member;
said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface; said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded nut along said threaded attachment member toward said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
said fitting further comprises a threaded nut threadably engaged with said threaded attachment member;
said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface; said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded nut along said threaded attachment member toward said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein:
said channel of said fixture member is defined at least in part by a first inner circumferential surface of said fixture member and said fixture member further has at least one annular recess extending circumferentially into said fixture member from said inner circumferential surface of said channel and at least one gasket is disposed within said annular recess, a portion of said gasket extending from said recess into said channel, said gasket having a substantially cylindrical outer ring having an inner surface and an annular projection extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of said outer ring, said projection having a wedge-shaped cross-section;
and said step of inserting said pipe further comprises deforming said projection in an axial direction so that a portion of said projection sealingly juxtaposes with said inner surface of said outer ring and said outer surface of said pipe inserted into said channel and through said gasket.
said channel of said fixture member is defined at least in part by a first inner circumferential surface of said fixture member and said fixture member further has at least one annular recess extending circumferentially into said fixture member from said inner circumferential surface of said channel and at least one gasket is disposed within said annular recess, a portion of said gasket extending from said recess into said channel, said gasket having a substantially cylindrical outer ring having an inner surface and an annular projection extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of said outer ring, said projection having a wedge-shaped cross-section;
and said step of inserting said pipe further comprises deforming said projection in an axial direction so that a portion of said projection sealingly juxtaposes with said inner surface of said outer ring and said outer surface of said pipe inserted into said channel and through said gasket.
17. A method of securing a plain end pipe within said fitting of claim 1 comprising the steps of:
inserting a plain end of a pipe into said pipe opening of said fixture member and positioning said cutting surface of said engagement member facing an outer surface of said pipe; and moving said engagement member toward said fixture member along said central axis of said attachment member, said central axis of said attachment member converging toward a central axis of said pipe at an acute angle with respect to said central axis of said pipe, said acute angle being greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees, so that said cutting surface progressively cuttingly engages said outer surface of said pipe.
inserting a plain end of a pipe into said pipe opening of said fixture member and positioning said cutting surface of said engagement member facing an outer surface of said pipe; and moving said engagement member toward said fixture member along said central axis of said attachment member, said central axis of said attachment member converging toward a central axis of said pipe at an acute angle with respect to said central axis of said pipe, said acute angle being greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees, so that said cutting surface progressively cuttingly engages said outer surface of said pipe.
18. The method as recited in claim 17, further including the step of removing material from said outer surface of said pipe and accumulating said material on said outer surface between said engagement member and said fixture member, thereby forming at least an interference fit between said pipe and said engagement member.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein:
said fixture member has a threaded bore extending through said outer surface on said one outer side;
said threaded attachment member is engaged with said threaded bore; said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface, said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded attachment member into said threaded bore of said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
said fixture member has a threaded bore extending through said outer surface on said one outer side;
said threaded attachment member is engaged with said threaded bore; said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface, said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded attachment member into said threaded bore of said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein:
said fitting further comprises a threaded nut threadably engaged with said threaded attachment member;
said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface; said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded nut along said threaded attachment member toward said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
said fitting further comprises a threaded nut threadably engaged with said threaded attachment member;
said engagement member is a plate having a through hole receiving said threaded attachment member and a radiused side forming said cutting surface; said radiused side has at least one cutting edge; and said step of moving said engagement member further comprises advancing said threaded nut along said threaded attachment member toward said fixture member to bias said engagement member toward said fixture member.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of facing said cutting surface on said radiused side of said engagement member plate generally away from said channel of said fixture member during biasing of said engagement member toward said fixture member along said outer surface of said pipe.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein:
said channel of said fixture member is defined by a first inner circumferential surface of said fixture member and said fixture member further has at least one annular recess extending circumferentially into said fixture member from said inner circumferential surface of said channel and at least one gasket is disposed within said annular recess, a portion of said gasket extending from said recess into said channel, said gasket having a substantially cylindrical outer ring having an inner surface and an annular projection extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of said outer ring, said projection having a wedge-shaped cross-section; and said step of inserting said pipe further comprises deforming said projection in an axial direction so that a portion of said projection sealingly juxtaposes with said inner surface of said outer ring and said outer surface of said pipe inserted into said channel and through said gasket.
said channel of said fixture member is defined by a first inner circumferential surface of said fixture member and said fixture member further has at least one annular recess extending circumferentially into said fixture member from said inner circumferential surface of said channel and at least one gasket is disposed within said annular recess, a portion of said gasket extending from said recess into said channel, said gasket having a substantially cylindrical outer ring having an inner surface and an annular projection extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of said outer ring, said projection having a wedge-shaped cross-section; and said step of inserting said pipe further comprises deforming said projection in an axial direction so that a portion of said projection sealingly juxtaposes with said inner surface of said outer ring and said outer surface of said pipe inserted into said channel and through said gasket.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US78484697A | 1997-01-15 | 1997-01-15 | |
| US08/784,846 | 1997-01-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2224134A1 true CA2224134A1 (en) | 1998-07-15 |
Family
ID=25133711
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224134 Abandoned CA2224134A1 (en) | 1997-01-15 | 1997-12-09 | Fitting for plain end pipes |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2224134A1 (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-12-09 CA CA 2224134 patent/CA2224134A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |