MXPA01011256A - Device and method for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose - Google Patents

Abstract

A device and method for coupling a rigid pipe (12) to a flexible hose (22). The device for coupling a rigid pipe (12) to a flexible hose (22) is designed for use in low pressure applications whereby fluid communication between the rigid pipe (12) and the flexible hose (22) is prevented. The coupling of the present invention includes a clamping ring (30). After assembly of the coupling using the method of the present invention, a terminal end of the flexible hose (22) is interposed between the terminal end of the rigid pipe (12) and the clamping ring (30). Each of the rigid pipe (12) and clamping (30) is deformed to define cooperating annular rings, and to deform the flexible hose (22) therebetween. Deformation of the flexible hose (22) between the rigid pipe (12) and the clamping ring (30) annular rings serves to form a seal to prevent fluid communication between the rigid pipe (12) and flexible hose (22), and further prevents removal of the coupling. In an alternate embodiment, at least the rigid pipe (12) is deformed to define a barbed annular ring. In another embodiment, the clamping ring (30) is likewise deformed. In still another embodiment, the claming ring (30) defines a knurled surface (42) for increasing frictional resistance between the clamping ring (30) and the flexible hose (22).

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COUPLING A RIGID PIPE TO A FLEXIBLE HOSE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This application is a continuation in part of Serial No. 09 / 212,659, filed on December 16, 1998. This invention relates to the field of coupling devices and methods for its manufacture. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose. In the field of coupling devices, it is well known that there are many ways to achieve the coupling of two conduits. These methods vary not only for the different applications such as low pressure against high pressure, but also for the materials from which the two conduits are manufactured. For applications of coupling devices for coupling a rigid pipe, such as one fabricated from a metal compound to a flexible pipe, such as plastic or rubber, different devices have been used hitherto. Typical of the art are those devices described in the following United States Patents: Do not . Inventor Patent (es) Date of Issue 3,211,476 J. B. Wagner October 12, 1965 5,190,323 H. Oeti er March 2, 1993 5,207,460 H. Oetiker May 4, 1993 5,295,718 D.D. Bartholomew March 22, 1994 ,380,050 J. D. Sanders, et al. January 10, 1995 5,775,740 K. Fukaya, et al. July 7, 1998 5,794,982 H. J. Green, et al. On August 18, 1998 of these patents, the 76 patent issued to Wagner describes a method for securing a threaded coupling to the end of a flexible hose. A cup-shaped body is placed on the end of the flexible hose and defines an opening for cooperating with the opening of the hose. A tubular member defines an elongated portion near one end and the threaded portion near the opposite end. The elongated portion is inserted into the flexible hose leaving at least a portion of the exposed threaded portion. A tubular pressure element is then inserted over the tubular member to the enlarged portion and into the flexible hose. A nut is then engaged in the threaded portion and tightened to push the enlarged portion of the tubular member into the tubular pressure element. The cup-shaped body serves to retain the flexible hose as pressure is exerted by the tubular pressure element A as a result of tightening the nut. While it is useful to secure a threaded nozzle to the end of a flexible hose, the device shown by Wagner does not allow the coupling of a rigid pipe to a flexible conduit. Oetiker (x323) teaches a high-pressure coupling specifically designed for use with hydraulic hoses of the type having inner and outer rubber layers and a reinforcement layer interposed therebetween. The device 323 includes a nozzle structure that defines a number of annular ribs. An outer sleeve defines cooperating annular grooves. The nozzle structure is inserted into the end portion of the hydraulic hose, and the outer sleeve is housed over the reinforcement layer of the hose. A portion of the outer rubber layer of the hose is removed. After the nozzle structure and the outer sleeve are in place, the end of the outer sleeve is deformed to couple the nozzle structure to be able to maintain the device in the hose. However, the x323 device does not teach a means for coupling a rigid pipe that does not have preformed deformations to a flexible conduit. The device 60, also shown by Oetiker, is a hose connection for high pressure installations. The device 60 includes an internal pipe on which a washer and an outer sleeve are inserted.

The outer sleeve is also received on the washer. The internal pipe is deformed to define a plurality of annular rings, the general diameter is smaller than the internal diameter of the flexible hose to be coupled to it. The hose is inserted over the inner pipe, inside the outer sleeve, and into the washer. The internal pipe is then enlarged to fit the inside of the hose. The outer sleeve then deforms to cover the washer at one end, and define annular rings inwardly to cooperate with the deformations of the inner pipe. Specifically, the outward deformations of the inner pipe and the inward deformations of the outer sleeve alternate. This method of coupling the inner pipe with the flexible hose is complicated, especially in low pressure applications. Bartholomew (? 718) shows a connector fitting that can be placed on the terminal end of a flexible conduit. The device 718 includes a first member positioned around the outer surface of the terminal end of the conduit, and a second member positioned within the interior of the terminal end of the conduit. Once in its position, the diameter of the second member expands to couple the inner surface of the conduit, and the terminal end of the first member is reduced to engage the outer surface of the conduit. The device ^ 718, however, does not show a device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible conduit. Sanders, et al. (? 050) show a coupling for a hose construction that is used with a hose having an inner corrugated hose having inward projections. The device * 050 defines an annular receiver to receive the terminal end of the hose. An accessory defines a cooperating outer surface that is received by the corrugated inner surface of the hose, and an inner surface to cooperate with the inner wall of the coupling. Sanders, et al., Does not show a device for coupling a rigid pipe with a flexible conduit. The device * 740 described by Fukaya, et al., Shows a structure for coupling a thin metal tube of small diameter to a rubber pressure hose. The metal tube is first fitted with an inner tube and the two are deformed to define annular grooves. The rubber hose then fits over the tube structure and caulks. Such a structure, by virtue of the caulking requirement, is not an acceptable device for most coupling applications. Green, et al. (? 982), show a device for coupling pipes with linings, the coupling device is provided with a liner. As in the device 740 above, the 982 device relies on a sealant compound to form a seal to prevent fluid communication between the coupler and the pipe or pipes into which the coupler is inserted. Green, et al., Do not show a device or method for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose. The prior art devices show various methods for manipulating the end of a flexible hose, such as providing a connecting terminal end, or connecting it to another conduit. However, the prior art mentioned does not show a simple method for coupling a rigid pipe with a flexible hose, while also providing a device that prevents fluid communication between the pipe and the hose. Additionally, this prior art does not teach a device for coupling these components for low pressure applications. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a device for coupling a rigid material to a flexible conduit. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device that is used in low pressure applications and for relatively large diameter pipes and ducts. Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a device wherein the fluid communication between Rigid pipe and flexible conduit is avoided. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method with which such a device can be manufactured and installed. Other objects and advantages will be achieved by the present invention which is designed to couple a rigid pipe to a flexible conduit. The device for attaching a rigid pipe to a flexible hose is designed for use in low pressure applications where fluid communication between the rigid pipe and the flexible hose is prevented. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing and installing the coupling. The coupling of the present invention includes a clamping ring. After assembly of the coupling using the method of the present invention, a terminal end of the flexible hose is interposed between the terminal end of the rigid pipe and the clamping ring. In one embodiment, the clamping ring is positioned within the interior of the flexible hose, which is received within the rigid pipe. Alternatively, the clamping ring is placed on the outside of the flexible hose, which receives the terminal portion of the rigid pipe.

In the first embodiment, the terminal portion of the rigid pipe defines an enlarged diameter to receive the terminal end of the flexible hose. Prior to the insertion of the flexible hose, the terminal portion of the rigid pipe is deformed to define at least one annular ring extending inwardly. After the annular rings of rigid tubing are formed, the clamping ring is inserted into the terminal end of the flexible hose, and both are inserted into the end portion of rigid tubing. The clamping ring is then deformed to define at least one annular ring to cooperate with each annular ring of rigid pipe. As the clamping ring is deformed, the flexible hose engages and deforms in the cooperating annular ring defined by the rigid pipe. The deformation of the flexible hose between the rigid pipe and the annular rings of the clamping ring serves to form a seal to prevent fluid communication between the rigid pipe and the flexible hose, and also avoids the removal of the coupling. Another alternative includes the formation of annular rings in both the rigid pipe and the clamping ring in an inward direction. In this embodiment, the annular rings are formed from the clamping ring before inserting it into the flexible hose. The flexible hose is then inserted into the enlarged terminal portion of the rigid pipe, and the annular rings are then formed in the rigid pipe. In yet another embodiment, at least the rigid pipe is deformed to define an annular ring with spikes. In such an embodiment, the annular spiked ring is formed near the leading edge of the clamping ring, the trailing edge of the clamping ring is placed near the end portion of the flexible hose. In another embodiment, the clamping ring is deformed in the same way. The spiked annular bead can be formed outward or inward in the last mode, but is formed inward in the first mode. In yet another embodiment, the clamping ring defines a knurled surface to increase the frictional resistance between the clamping ring and the flexible hose. The method for assembling the second embodiment, wherein the clamping ring is placed on the outside of the flexible hose, is similar to that of the first, with one of the rigid pipes and clamping ring deforming before assembling the coupling, and the others deforming after the assembly. For annular rings formed inward, the annular rings of rigid pipe are first deformed. For the annular rings formed outward, first the annular rings of the clamping ring are deformed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The aforementioned characteristics of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose constructed in accordance with various features of the present invention and installed at each end of a rigid pipe; Figure 2 illustrates a schematic side elevational view, in section, of a device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose, showing the different components before assembly thereof; Figure 3 is a side elevational view, in section, of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose during assembly thereof; Figure 4 is a side elevational view, in section, of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose after assembly thereof; Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose of the present invention wherein a rigid pipe and a clamping ring are deformed to define a barbed cord extending outwardly; Figure 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose of the present invention, wherein the rigid pipe and the clamping ring are deformed to define a barbed cord extending inwardly; Figure 10 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose of the present invention wherein the rigid pipe is deformed below the clamping ring to define a barbed cord extending inwardly; Figure 11 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose of the present invention wherein the rigid pipe is deformed below the clamping ring to define a barbed cord extending inwardly and wherein the pipe clamping ring defines a knurled outer surface to increase the frictional resistance between the clamping ring and the flexible hose; and Figure 12 is a schematic view of the embodiment of the device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose illustrated in Figure 11. A device for coupling a pipe directed to a flexible hose incorporating various features of the present invention is generally illustrated in 10 in the figures. The coupling device of a rigid pipe with a flexible hose, or coupling 10 is designed to couple a rigid pipe 12 to a flexible hose 22. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling 10 is designed to be used in low pressure applications and for pipes 12 and hoses 22 of a relatively large diameter, whereby fluid communication between the rigid pipe 12 and the flexible hose 22 is avoided. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing and installing the coupling 10. For the purposes of the present application, the flexible hose 22 is intended to include any type of flexible hose, including but not limited to, rubber hoses, flexible metal hoses, and a flexible bellows hose. The coupling of the present invention includes a fastening ring 30. After assembly of the coupling 10 using the method of the present invention, a terminal end 24 of the flexible hose 22 is interposed between the terminal end 14 of the rigid pipe 12 and the fastening ring 30. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4, the clamping ring 30 is positioned within the interior 26 of the flexible hose 22, which is received within the terminal end 14 of rigid pipe. Figure 1 shows a coupling 10 installed at both end of the rigid pipe 12, as it can be used as a radiator hose in a transfer truck. It has been found that the coupling 10 of the present invention is useful in low pressure applications between zero and one hundred pounds per square inch 0-100 psi). In addition, the coupling 10 is useful in applications for a flexible hose 22 having a diameter within a range of from inch to 10 inches. (3/8"-10"). It should be understood, however, that these ranges are only exemplary, and the coupling 10 of the present invention can be used in other pressure ranges and with a flexible hose 22 with a diameter other than a specified range. Figures 2-4 illustrate in progression the method for assembling the coupling 10 of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the coupling 10 in which the clamping ring 30 is placed in the interior 26 of the flexible hose 22. The terminal portion 14 of the rigid pipe 12 defines a diameter used to receive the terminal end 24 of the flexible hose 22. In this point, the outer diameter 28 of the flexible hose 22 is substantially equal to the inner diameter 18 of the enlarged portion of the rigid pipe end portion 14. Before inserting the flexible hose 22, the terminal portion 14 of the rigid pipe 12 is deformed to define at least one annular ring 16. Three annular rings 16 are illustrated. However, any number of annular rings 16 can be formed as required for a particular application. The annular rings 16 are formed using a conventional rotary inline or segmented process. In the illustrated embodiment, the rigid pipe 12 and the fastening ring 30 each are made of any ferrous or non-ferrous pipe, and the flexible pipe 22 is made from a polymer. In addition, the flexible hose 22 can define a braided construction, as required for a particular application. Furthermore, as described above, the flexible hose 22 can be made of any flexible material or can define a flexible bellows hose. After the annular rings 16 of rigid tubing are formed, the clamping ring 30 is inserted into the terminal end 24 of the flexible hose 22, and both are inserted into the terminal portion 14 of rigid tubing, as illustrated in the Figure 3. As illustrated, the outer diameter 36 of the clamping ring 30 is substantially equal to the inside diameter 26 of the flexible hose 22. Finally, as illustrated in Figure 4, the clamping ring 30 is deformed to define at least one annular ring 32 to cooperate with each annular ring 16 of rigid pipe. As the retaining ring 30 is deformed, the flexible hose 22 engages and deforms within the cooperating annular ring 16 defined by the rigid pipe 12. The deformation of the flexible hose 22 between the annular rings 16 of rigid pipe and the annular rings 32 of the clamping ring serves to form a seal to prevent fluid communication between the rigid pipe 12 and the flexible hose 22, and furthermore avoids coupling removal 10. Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the annular rings 16, 32 in both the rigid pipe 12 and the clamping ring 30 are formed inwardly. In this embodiment, the annular rings 32 are formed in a clamping ring 30 before being inserted into the flexible hose 22. The flexible hose 22 is then inserted into the used terminal portion 14 of the rigid pipe 12, and the annular rings 16 are then formed in the rigid pipe 12. Figures 6 'and 7 illustrate two further embodiments of the present invention wherein the clamping ring 30 is positioned on the exterior 28 of the flexible hose 22, placing the rigid pipe 12 in the interior 26 of the flexible hose 22. In each of these embodiments, the rigid pipe 12, before forming the annular rings 16, defines a constant outside diameter 20 (an enlarged portion is not required) substantially equal to the inside diameter 26 of the flexible hose 22. In addition, the outer diameter 28 of flexible hose is substantially equal to the inner diameter 34 of the clamping ring. In Figure 6, the annular rings 32, 16 of the clamping ring 30 and the rigid pipe 12 are formed outwardly. In this embodiment, the annular rings 32 are formed first in the fastening ring 30. The terminal end 24 of the flexible hose 22 is then inserted into the clamping ring 30, and the terminal end 14 of the rigid pipe 12 is then inserted into the flexible hose 22. Finally, the rigid pipe 12 is deformed to define the annular rings 16 to cooperate with the ring rings 32 of clamping ring. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the annular rings 16, 32 of each rigid pipe 12 and the clamping ring 30 are formed inwardly. In this modality, the annular rings 16 are first formed in the rigid pipe 12. The terminal portion 24 of the flexible hose 22 is then inserted into the clamping ring 30 and is followed on the rigid pipe 12. The annular rings 32 in the clamping ring 30 are then formed to cooperate with the annular rings 16 of rigid pipe. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 8-12, at least the rigid pipe 12 is deformed to define an annular ring 16 'with barbs. In Figures 8 and 9, the clamping ring 30 'is deformed in the same way. In the rest of the figures, the annular ring 16 'is formed near the front edge 38 of the fastening ring 30, the rear edge 40 of the fastening ring 30 is placed near the terminal portion 24 of the flexible hose 22. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the barbed annular cord 16 'may be formed outwardly (see Figure 8) or inwardly.

(See Figure 9) when both the rigid pipe 12 'and the fastening ring 30' are deformed. However, when only the rigid pipe 12 'is deformed, the ring-shaped annular ring 16' is formed towards the clamping ring 30. As illustrated, in Figures 10 and 11, the clamping ring 30"is placed in the clamping ring 30". the interior 26 of the hose 22 flexible. Accordingly, annular ring 16 'with barbs deforms inwardly. However, although not illustrated, when the clamping ring 30"is placed on the outside 28 of the flexible hose 22 and the rigid pipe 12 'is placed inside the flexible hose 22, the annular ring 16' with barbs deforms The same as in the previous embodiments, when an annular ring 16 is formed in addition to an annular barbed ring 16 ', such an annular ring 16 can be formed in any direction For purposes of the present invention, the term "barbed" it is intended to mean a different change in direction, as opposed to a steeply inclined curve By providing an annular ring 16 'with spines, improved clamping between the rigid pipe 12, the flexible hose 22 and the clamping ring 30 has been achieved. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the outer surface 36 of the clamping ring 30 defines a knurled surface 42, similar to that shown on the inside 34"of the clamping ring 30" for increment. the frictional resistance between the clamping ring 30"and the flexible hose 22. For the embodiment wherein the clamping ring 30"is placed on the outside 28 of the flexible hose 22 and the rigid pipe 12 'on the inside 26 of the ring, the inner surface 34" of the clamping ring 30"is knurled. each of the above-described embodiments, it will be seen that the components are simply limited to a flexible hose 22 and a rigid pipe 12 to be coupled, and a fastening ring 30 to achieve coupling 10. In each embodiment, both the pipe 12 rigid as the clamping ring 30 deforms to define annular rings 16, 32 in cooperation to deform the flexible hose 22 interposed therebetween One of the rigid pipe 12 and the clamping ring 30 deforms before assembling the coupling 10, and the other is deformed after assembly.The deformation order depends on the direction of deformation and the arrangement of the rigid pipe 12 and the clamping ring 30. Specifically For annular rings 16, 32 formed inwardly as illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the inner part of the rigid pipe 12 and the clamping ring 30 is first deformed. The annular rings 16, 32 formed outwardly, as in Figures 1-4 and 6, the outer part of the rigid pipe 12 and the clamping ring 30 deforms first. From the above description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a device and method for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose offering advantages over the prior art have been provided. Specifically, the device and method are provided for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose. The coupling is designed to be used in low pressure applications and for pipes and pipes of a relatively large diameter, whereby fluid communication between the rigid pipe and the flexible hose is avoided. Although a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the description, but is intended to cover all modifications and alternative methods that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS 1. A device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose characterized in that it comprises: a rigid pipe deformed at the terminal end to define at least one annular ring; a clamping ring; and a flexible hose interposed between the rigid pipe and the clamping ring and deforming at least the annular ring of rigid pipe, whereby fluid communication between the rigid pipe and the flexible hose is avoided. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular ring of rigid pipe defines a configuration with prongs to improve the coupling of and to prevent fluid communication between the rigid pipe and the flexible hose. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping ring is deformed to define at least one annular ring with spikes to cooperate with at least one annular ring with rigid pipe spikes. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping ring is configured to be received closely within the flexible hose, and wherein the rigid pipe defines a terminal portion configured to closely receive a terminal portion of the flexible hose . The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping ring defines an external knurled surface to improve the coupling of the clamping ring and the flexible hose. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid pipe defines a terminal portion configured to be closely received within a terminal portion of the flexible hose, and wherein the clamping ring is configured to closely receive the terminal portion. of flexible hose. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the clamping ring defines an internal knurled surface to improve the coupling of the clamping ring and the flexible hose. 8. A method for manufacturing a device for coupling a rigid pipe to a flexible hose, the device includes a clamping ring for establishing the coupling, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) exchanging a terminal portion of the hose flexible between the clamping ring and the terminal portion of the rigid pipe; and (b) forming at least one annular ring in one of the clamping ring and the rigid pipe, at least one annular ring is formed by the deformation of at least one of the clamping ring and the rigid pipe. . 9. The method of compliance with the claim 8, characterized in that step (a) is preceded by step (b) and wherein the method further comprises the step of: (c) forming at least one annular ring cooperatively in the rest of the clamping ring and the pipe rigid to cooperate with at least one annular ring formed in one of between the clamping ring and the rigid pipe, at least one cooperating annular ring is formed by the deformation of the rest of the clamping ring and the rigid pipe, so less an annular ring and at least one cooperating annular ring serving to deform at least a corresponding portion of the flexible hose to prevent fluid communication between the rigid pipe and the flexible hose. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the deformation of the rigid pipe and the clamping ring in each of the steps of forming at least one annular ring and forming at least one annular ring in cooperation is achieved by deforming each of the rigid pipe and the clamping ring 'outwardly. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the clamping ring is configured to be received tightly within the flexible hose terminal portion, and wherein the flexible hose end portion is configured to be closely received within the flexible hose terminal portion. the rigid pipe end portion, the rigid pipe end portion is deformed to define at least one annular ring and the clamping ring is deformed to define at least one cooperating annular ring. 12. The method in accordance with the claim 10, characterized in that the clamping ring is configured to be closely received by such a flexible hose terminal portion, and wherein the flexible hose end portion is configured to closely receive the terminal portion of rigid tubing, the clamping ring is deformed to define at least one annular ring and the terminal portion of the rigid pipe is deformed to define at least one annular ring in cooperation. 13. The method according to the claim 9, characterized in that the deformation of the rigid pipe and the clamping ring in each of the steps of forming at least one annular ring and forming at least one annular ring in cooperation is achieved by deforming each of the rigid pipe and the clamping ring inwards. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the clamping ring is configured to be closely received within the flexible hose terminal portion, and wherein the flexible hose end portion is configured to be closely received within the portion rigid pipe terminal, the clamping ring is deformed to define at least one annular ring and the end portion of rigid pipe is deformed to define at least one cooperating annular ring. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the clamping ring is configured to closely receive the flexible hose terminal portion, and wherein the flexible hose end portion is configured to closely receive the terminal portion of rigid tubing. , the rigid pipe terminal portion is deformed to define at least one annular ring and the clamping ring is deformed to define at least one cooperating annular ring.