GB2517168A

GB2517168A - Coupling and decoupling device

Info

Publication number: GB2517168A
Application number: GB201314478A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dewi Pritchard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-13
Filing date: 2013-08-13
Publication date: 2015-02-18
Also published as: GB201314478D0

Abstract

A device (10) for coupling first and second portions (50a, 50b) of a tubular duct such as a pipe, the device (10) including first and second clamp members (11a, 11b) for respectively engaging first and second portions (50a, 50b) of the tubular duct, an elongate joining member (17) on which the clamp members (11a, 11b) are mounted, and a linkage (18) arranged for slidingly displacing the second clamp member (11b) relative to the first clamp member (11a) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the joining member (17). The linkage includes a handle portion (19), a first linkage arm (21) pivotally coupled to the first clamp member (11a) and a second linkage arm (20) pivotally coupled to the second clamp member (11b). A method for coupling first and second portions (50a, 50b) of a tubular duct is also disclosed.

Description

COUPLING AND DECOUPLING DEVICE

This invention relates to a coupling and/or decoupling device and particularly but not exclusively a device for coupling and/or decoupling tubular duct portions.

Pipe networks are widely used for the supply of mains water and mains gas, for sewerage and for housing of electricity cables forming the national grid. Pipe networks are also widely used in the domestic or commercial building trade, for example the plumbing of a house or office building. In order to provide a water-tight seal between different two pipes, the outer diameter of an end of one pipe section must be fractionally less than the inner diameter of a corresponding end of the other pipe section. This necessity for a close fit creates problems in installing pipes and replacing dismantling pipes for repair or replacement.

I have now devised a device to assist in joining and/or separating two pipes or other tubular ducts.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a device for coupling first and second portions of a tubular duct, the device comprising: first and second clamp members for respectively engaging first and second portions of the tubular duct, the clamp members being mounted on an elongate joining member; and, a linkage comprising a handle portion, a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to the first clamp member and a second linkage arm pivotally coupled to the second clamp member, the linkage being arranged for slidingly displacing the second clamp member relative to the first clamp member in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the joining member upon actuation of the handle.

The portions of the tubular duct may be pipes, pipe couplers, downpipes shoes other piping components. It will appreciated that the connection may be heterogeneous, for example the connection between a pipe and a downpipe shoe.

In order to couple the first and second portions of the tubular duct, a user engages the first and second clamp members with the respective tubular duct portions. The user subsequently actuates the handle portion in a first direction such that the first and second clamp members move toward one another, the second clamp member being slidingly translated with respect to the joining member. The engagement between the clamp members and the respective portions of the tubular duct ensures that translation of the tubular duct portions is effected by translation of the clamp members.

Similarly, in order to decouple the first and second duct portions, the user engages the first and second clamp membeis with the respective portions and subsequently actuates the handle portion in an opposing second direction.

One advantage of the piesent invention is that the linkage provides a mechanical advantage in coupling and/or decoupling the tubular duct portions.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the joining member stabilises the relative movement between the first and second clamp members and avoids rotation of the clamp members relative to one another.

Preferably the first and second directions are each substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joining member. One advantage of this embodiment is that the user is able to apply a force in a direction perpendicular to the direction of translation of the duct portions, which may be useful, for example, if the duct portions are located in a trench in the ground.

The first direction is preferably generally away from the joining member and the second direction is preferably generally towards the joining member.

The first and second clamp members are preferably arranged for engaging first and second duct portions such that the longitudinal axes of the duct portions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate joining member.

The first and second clamp members may respectively comprise jaws arranged for engaging the tubular side walls of the duct portions. When each jaw is engaged with the respective tubular side wall, the jaw members preferably engage the duct portion at substantially diametrically opposed locations of the tubular side wall.

Each clamp member is preferably reconfigurable between an engaged configuration in which the clamp member frictionally engages the respective duct portion and a disengaged configuration. Each clamp member may comprise locking means for selectively locking the clamp member in the engaged configuration.

Each clamp member preferably comprises jaw adjustment means for adjusting the spacing intermediate the jaw members when in the engaged configuration. The jaw adjustment means may comprise a screw thread adjustment.

Each clamp member may comprise handles for reconfiguring the clamp member between the disengaged and engaged configurations.

The first and second clamp members preferably respectively comprise locking pliers having an over-centre locking mechanism.

The elongate joining member may be fixedly coupled to the first clamp member and slidingly coupled to the second clamp member.

The handle portion may be defined by a distal end of the first linkage arm. The second linkage arm may be pivotally coupled at a distal end thereof to the first linkage arm. Preferably the second Image arm is pivotally coupled to the first linkage arm intermediate the distal and proximal ends of the first linkage arm.

In an alternative embodiment, the handle portion may be defined by a distal end of the second linkage arm. The first linkage arm may be pivotally coupled at a distal end thereof to the second linkage arm intermediate the distal and proximal ends thereof.

Preferably the joining member is disposed intermediate the handle portion and the jaws of the first and second clamp members. In this embodiment, the joining member and handle portion are located at one lateral side of the duct portions and hence the device is suitable for use with tubular ducts with limited accessibility.

Preferably the elongate joining member and the linkage are substantially coplanar, the plane being defined by the longitudinal axis of the joining member and a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. A first jaw of each clamp may extend out of the plane at first side thereof and a second jaw of each clamp may extend out of the plane at a second side thereof. A first handle of each clamp may extend out of the plane at the first side thereof and a second handle of each clamp may extend out of the plane at the second side thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a method of coupling and/or decoupling first and second tubular duct portions, the method comprising the steps of: providing a device as hereinbefore described; engaging the first clamp member with the first duct portion and the second clamp member with the second duct portion; and, actuating the handle to slidingly displace the first and second duct portions relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the joining member.

Preferably the first clamp member is engaged with a tubular side wall of the first duct portion such that the longitudinal axis of the first duct portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joining member.

Preferably the second clamp member is engaged with a tubular side wall of the second duct portion such that the longitudinal axis of the second duct portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joining member.

The method may comprise adjusting the spacing intermediate the jaw members, via the jaw adjustment means, in accordance with the outer diameters of the tubular side walls of the duct portions.

The step of actuating the handle may comprise manually actuating the handle.

The method may comprise applying a downward force to the handle in order to move the duct portions away from one another. The downward force is preferably applied until the duct portions are disengaged trom one another.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the method may comprise applying an upward force to the handle in order to move the duct portions towards one another. The upward force is preferably applied until the duct portions are sufficiently engaged with one another.

The method preferably further comprises disengaging the first and second clamp members from the respective duct portions after the step of actuating the handle has been completed.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for coupling first and second duct portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the device of figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device of figures 1 and 2, shown in use; and, Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method of coupling first and second pipes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figures ito 3 of the drawings, there is illustrated a device 10 for coupling first and second pipes 50a, SOb.

The device 10 comprises first and second clamp members ha, hib for respectively engaging the first and second pipes 50a, SOb. The clamp members ha, llb respectively comprise a pair of jaws 12 for engaging the outer face of the tubular wall of the respective pipe 50a, 5Db. The curvature of jaws 12 is substantially equal to the curvature of the tubular wall of the respective pipe 50a, 50b so as to provide maximal contact therebetween. The inner face of the jaws 12 is provided with a grip enhancing coating or insert such as a rubber pad 13.

Handles 14 are pivotally connected to the jaws 12 in a configuration that provides closure of the jaws 12 upon inward pressure to the handles 14. The clamp members ha, hib are preferably in the form of locking pliers and hence the jaws 12 may be locked into a desired position and pressure removed from the handles 14 removed.

The outer face of the handles 14 is provided with a grip enhancing coating or insert such as a rubber pad 15.

The clamp members ha, llb are each provided with a screw thread adjustment 16 for adjusting the adjusting the spacing intermediate the jaws according to the outer diameter of the tubular side wall of the respective pipe 50a, SOb.

The first and second clamp members ha, llb are connected by means of an elongate joining member in the form of a connecting rod 17. The first clamp member ha is fixedly coupled to the connecting rod 17 at a first end thereof, whilst the second clamp member 11 b is slidingly coupled to the connecting rod 17 such that the second clamp member 11 b may be slidingly translated from the first end of the connecting rod 17 to the opposing end thereof. This permits displacement of the second clamp member llb relative to the first clamp member ha in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 17.

The device 10 further comprises a linkage 18 arranged for slidingly translating the second clamp member llb on the connecting rod 17 upon actuation of a handle 19.

The linkage 18 comprises a first linkage arm 21 pivotally coupled at its proximal end to the fixed clamp member, namely the first clamp member ha. A second linkage arm 20 is pivotally coupled at its proximal end to the translatable clamp member, namely the second clamp member llb. The handle 19 is provided on the distal end of the second linkage arm 20. The distal end of the first linkage arm 21 is pivotally coupled to the second linkage arm 20 intermediate the proximal and distal ends thereof, preferably at a location such that the length of the first linkage arm 21 and the distance along the second linkage arm 20 between the proximal end thereof and the pivotal connection with the first linkage arm 21 is approximately equal to the length of the connecting rod 17.

With particular reference to figure 4 of the drawings, in order to couple the first and second pipes 50a, SOb, a user (not shown) opens the jaws 12 of the clamp members 11 a, 11 b to a sufficient extent to permit insertion of the respective pipes 50a, SOb therebetween at step 101.

At step 102, the user inserts the first and second pipes 50a, SOb into the spaces defined between the jaws 12, which may comprise moving the pipes 50a, 50b or moving the device 10.

The user subsequently applies inward pressure to the handles 14 of the clamp members ha, lib at step 103 in order to close the jaws 12 around the respective pipes 50a, 5Db and hence frictionally engage the respective pipes 50a, 5Db. If the spacing intermediate the jaws 12 is not appropriate to the pipes 50a, 5Db then the user may adjust the jaw spacing via the screw thread adjustment 16.

At step 104, the user pulls the handle 19 of the linkage system 18 away from the connecting rod 17, as shown in figure 3. This causes the second clamp member llb to slide along the connecting rod 17 towards the first clamp member ha and hence brings the first and second pipes 50a, 5Db towards one another.

Upon a sufficiently tight connection between the pipes 50a, SOb being established, the user discontinues actuation of the handle 19 and releases the jaws 12 of the clamp members ha, hlb from the respective pipes at step 105.

The user may subsequently use the deice 10 for coupling or decoupling other pipes.

It will be appreciated that in order to decouple coupled pipes, the user applies a similar method but must actuate the handle 19 in the opposite direction.

From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple yet effective tool for coupling and/or decoupling pipes.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for coupling first and second portions of a tubular duct, the device comprising: first and second clamp members for respectively engaging first and second portions of the tubular duct, the clamp members being mounted on an elongate joining member; and, a linkage comprising a handle portion, a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to the first clamp member and a second linkage arm pivotally coupled to the second clamp member, the linkage being arranged for slidingly displacing the second clamp member relative to the first clamp member in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the joining member upon actuation of the handle portion.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second directions are each substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joining member.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first direction is generally away from the joining member and the second direction is generally towards the joining member.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second clamp members are arranged for engaging first and second duct portions such that the longitudinal axes of the duct portions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate joining member.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second clamp members respectively comprise jaws arranged for engaging the tubular side walls of the duct portions.
6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein each clamp member comprises locking means for selectively locking the clamp member in an engaged configuration in which the clamp member frictionally engages the respective duct portion.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein each clamp member comprises jaw adjustment means for adjusting the spacing intermediate the jaw members when in an engaged configuration in which the clamp member frictionally engages the respective duct portion.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second clamp members respectively comprise locking pliers having an over-centre locking mechanism.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate joining member is fixedly coupled to the first clamp member and slidingly coupled to the second clamp member.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is defined by a distal end of the first linkage arm and wherein a distal end of the second linkage arm is pivotally coupled to the first linkage arm intermediate the distal and proximal ends thereof.
11. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the handle portion is defined by a distal end of the second linkage arm and wherein a distal end of the first linkage arm is pivotally coupled to the second linkage arm intermediate the distal and proximal ends thereof.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate joining member and the linkage are substantially coplanar, the plane being defined by the longitudinal axis of the joining member and a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.
13. A device for coupling first and second portions of a tubular duct, the device being substantially has hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, figures ito 3 of the accompanying drawings.
14. A method for coupling and/or decoupling first and second tubular duct portions, the method comprising the steps of: providing a device as hereinbefore described; engaging the first clamp member with the first duct portion and the second clamp member with the second duct portion; and, actuating the handle portion to slidingly displace the first and second duct portions relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the joining member.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the first clamp member is engaged with a tubular side wall of the first duct portion and the second clamp member is engaged with a tubular side wall of the second duct portion.
16.A method according to claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising the step of adjusting the spacing intermediate the jaw members, via the jaw adjustment means, in accordance with the outer diameters of the tubular side walls of the duct portions.
17.A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the step of actuating the handle portion comprises manually actuating the handle portion.
18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the method comprises applying a downward force to the handle portion in order to move the duct portions away from one another and/or applying an upward force to the handle portion in order to move the duct portions towards one another.
19. A method for coupling and/or decoupling first and second tubular duct portions, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.