NZ509476A - Apparatus for cutting or profiling pipe or tube with insertion section, cutting blade(s) and connection section for connection to rotating device - Google Patents

Abstract

One end of the tool is connected to a source of rotation such as an electric drill (not shown). The other end of the tool has a cylindrical portion to match the bore of a pipe (not shown) to be cut square.

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3 2 AUSTRALIA 50 9 476 Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Apparatus for cutting or profiling pipe or tube The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: \ INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 3 JAN 2001 RECEIVED FHpSYnrF\NATmmiY\t*m.vir? s CA00369776 5 IdO Apparatus for cutting or profiling pipe or tube Field of the invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for cutting or preparing pipe or tube. The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly suitable for cutting and preparing pipes or tubes in preparation for the connection of a corresponding mating fitting and seal to achieve a secure and leak-free union.

Background of the invention The supply of water to domestic and commercial applications requires that a water pipeline be installed into a building or the ground. It is, of course, necessary for users to be able to access the water supply and to this end one or more outlets are provided in the water supply pipeline. These outlets typically have other plumbing fixtures, such as valves, taps, faucets or the like, connected thereto.

In order to enable the other plumbing fixtures to be connected to the water supply pipeline, it is usual practice to provide a threaded outlet on the water supply pipeline. In buildings, the threaded outlets typically extend out through the walls of the building. The threaded outlets used in domestic and commercial applications in Australia are typically of one of a restricted number of standard sizes. One such standard outlet is identified as a BPI9 fitting. This fitting is a tubular fitting having a threaded outside diameter. Such fittings are generally located at the intended point of supply, such as at the kitchen sink, bathroom vanity, laundry tub or shower recess. A connecting fitting, with the seal, is then screwed onto the threaded fitting on the water supply pipeline and this provides a supply to the intended outlet.

Before connecting the other plumbing fixture to the threaded outlet, it is usually necessary to cut the threaded outlet to a desired and appropriate length. At this stage, the threaded outlet fitting has typically been fitted and either fixed to or protruding from a wall.

In practice, it has proven to be difficult to achieve a square and true end on the threaded fitting. As a result, it can be difficult to ensure that a secure and leak free union is obtained between the threaded fitting and the plumbing fixture connected thereto. Typical practice at present in the industry utilises a metal cutting hacksaw to cut the threaded outlet to the desired INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 3 JAN 2001 CA00369776 5 2 length. It is difficult, especially in a confined space, to cut the threaded outlet perfectly square and true. The sawing action of the hacksaw invariably leaves the end face of the tube or pipe or threaded outlet rough and jagged. Achieving the exact cut to length can also take several attempts The bore entry of the tube, pipe or threaded outlet is left burred and sharp, creating an inappropriate seal surface for the mating of the corresponding sealing member of the plumbing fixture. This often results in incorrectly sealed joints, damage to the seal and a leaking fitting. Attempts to file the roughly cut tube smooth and square are both difficult and time consuming.

Summary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method that will overcome, or at least ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for cutting or preparing an end portion of a pipe or tube comprising insertion means for inserting into a bore of the pipe or tube, cutting means for engaging with an end of the pipe or tube and connection means for connecting to a source of rotation, wherein in use the insertion means is inserted into the bore of the pipe or tube and the apparatus is rotated such that the cutting means cuts or prepares the end of the pipe or tube.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a body. The insertion means may be at one end of the body. The connection means may be at the other end of the body.

Preferably, the body includes an enlarged portion between the insertion means and the connection means. The enlarged portion acts to limit the depth of insertion of the apparatus into the bore of the pipe or tube. The enlarged portion preferably defines a shoulder, which shoulder abuts the end of the pipe or tube to prevent further insertion into the pipe or tube.

Alternatively, the enlarged portion may act to provide a secure support for the cutting means.

The connection means preferably allows connection of the apparatus to a drill, such as a power drill. This enables the apparatus to be rotated by the drill. The connection means preferably comprises a shaft sized to fit into the chuck of a drill. The shaft may be of any CA00369776 5 3 particular cross-sectional shape that enables the shaft to be connected to the rotating means, such as the drill.

It will be appreciated that although it is particularly convenient for the connection means to be connected to a drill, especially a power drill, the present invention should not be considered to be limited to use with only drills. Indeed, the apparatus of the present invention may be used with any means for causing rotation thereof.

The insertion means is preferably sized such at least part thereof is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe or tube. In this manner, the insertion means assists in aligning and guiding the apparatus into the bore and also assists in positioning and stabilising the apparatus during use.

The cutting means may be a blade having one or more cutting edges. The cutting means cuts or prepares the end of the pipe or tube due to rotation of the apparatus during use. The cutting means engages or contacts the end of the pipe and rotation of the apparatus results in the end of the pipe being cut away or worked away.

The cutting means may result in a flat edge, a bevelled edge, or a chamfered edge being formed.

The blade is preferably a replaceable blade. This enables a blunt or worn out blade to be replaced.

The blade may include a plurality of cutting edges to enable the user to select the particular profile to be formed on the end of the pipe or tube. For example, the blade may have first cutting edge(s) for achieving a flat end on the pipe or tube and second cutting edge(s) for achieving a profiled end on the pipe or tube.

In a most preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is reversible. In this embodiment, the cutting means preferably comprises first cutting means for producing a first profile on the end of the pipe or tube and second cutting means for producing a second profile on the end of the pipe or tube. Either end of the apparatus may serve as the connection means and the other end will then serve as the insertion means.

CA00369776 5 In a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for cutting or preparing the end of a pipe or tube, the apparatus comprising a body having a generally centrally-located enlarged portion, a first shaft extending from one side of the enlarged portion, a second shaft extending from an opposed side of the enlarged portion, first cutting means positioned on one side of the enlarged portion, second cutting means positioned on the opposed side of the enlarged portion, wherein the first and second shaft are sized such that they can be inserted into the pipe or tube and be connected to a source of rotation.

Preferably, the first shaft and the second shaft have end portions adapted to be connected to a source of rotation and another portion sized so as to be slightly smaller than an inner 10 diameter of the pipe or tube.

The apparatus of the present invention may be made from a number of components assembled together. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may be made as an integral unit.

The present invention also relates to a method for cutting or preparing an end of a pipe 15 or tube comprising providing an apparatus as described above, inserting said apparatus into the end of a pipe or tube until the cutting means contacts the end of the pipe or tube and rotating the apparatus to thereby cause cutting or preparation of the end of the pipe or tube.

The present invention also relates to a blade for use in the apparatus of the present invention, said blade comprising a plate, first cutting means formed on one edge of the plate, 20 second cutting means formed on an opposed edge of the plate, the plate having an aperture therethrough for receiving a screw or other fixing means.

Preferably, the blade further comprises a first engaging surface on the one edge of the plate and a second engaging surface on an opposed edge of the plate, said engaging surfaces engaging with corresponding engaging surfaces of the apparatus to thereby substantially fix the 25 blade against movement when the blade is installed in the apparatus.

In another embodiment, the blade may include one or more further apertures for receiving stabilising legs when installed in the apparatus.

CA00369776 5 Brief description of the drawings A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1A shows a 3-dimensional view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, Figure IB shows a 3-dimensional view of the apparatus of Figure 1A, with Figure IB showing the other side of the apparatus; Figure 2 shows the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention apart and in line for assembly; Figures 3A and 3B show a front view and a rear view, respectively, of a blade m accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention ready for use in preparing or cutting the end of a pipe; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of an embodiment of the present 15 invention positioned mside the end of a pipe; and Figure 6 shows a pipe cut or prepared using the apparatus of the present invention, with a plumbing fixture being attached thereto.

^ Detailed description of the embodiments Turning initially to Figures 1A and IB, the apparatus 10 in accordance with the present 20 invention includes an enlarged portion 11 which defines opposed shoulders 12, 13. The apparatus also includes a shaft 14 extending outwardly from shoulder 12. A second shaft 15 extends outwardly from shoulder 13. It will be appreciated that shafts 14 and 15 are in alignment with each other and lie upon a coincident longitudinal axis.

Shaft 14 includes a connection portion 16 and a cylindrical portion 17. Connection 25 portion 16 is adapted to be connected to the chuck of a drill or similar tool to enable the apparatus to be rotated thereby. The connection portion 16 shown in Figure 1 has a hexagonal cross-section However, it will be appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes may also be used CA00369776 5 6 for connection portion 16. Indeed, the applicant believes that a 3-sided connection portion may be suitable for use. Indeed, depending upon the chuck of the drill to be used, the connection portion 16 may be of circular cross-section.

The cylindrical portion 17 of shaft 14 is preferably sized such that it has an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe or tube to be prepared or cut by the apparatus.

The second shaft 15 also includes a connection portion 18 and a cylindrical portion 19. Connection portion 18 and cylindrical portion 19 are essentially the same as corresponding portions 16, 17 on shaft 14.

The apparatus 10 further includes a blade 20. Blade 20 includes flat cutting edges 21 for preparing a flat cut on the end of the pipe and chamfered cutting edges 22 for preparing a chamfered end on the pipe.

As can be seen from Figures 1A and IB the apparatus also includes a screw hole 23, which is countersunk to receive the head of a screw. Screw hold 23 is in alignment with a threaded end portion 24.

It will be appreciated that, during use, one of shafts 14 or 15 is connected to the chuck of a drill (via their respective connection portion 16 or 18). The other of shaft 14 or 15 is inserted into the bore of the pipe or tube to be cut or prepared. Therefore, the shaft that is connected to the chuck of the drill comprises the connection means and the other shaft comprises the insertion means.

The apparatus shown in Figure 1 is preferably made from a number of separate components that are assembled together. The separate components are shown in Figure 2. In particular, the apparatus includes a first component 25. First component 25 includes shaft 14 and part of shoulder 12. The apparatus also includes second component 26 Second component 26 includes second shaft 15 and part of shoulder 12. Although not shown in Figure 2, first component 25 and second component 26 each also form part of shoulder 13.

Blade 20 includes a plate 27 having an aperture 28 therethrough. Plate 27 carries plate cutting edges 21 and chamfered cutting edges 22. Located between the flat cutting edges 21 is CA00369776 5 7 an engaging surface 29. Located between chamfered cutting edges 22 is an engaging surface 30. Engaging surfaces 29, 30 engage with corresponding surfaces formed on first component 25 and second component 26 to thereby stabilise the blade 20 against movement during use.

In order to assemble the components of Figure 2, the blade 20 is positioned such that aperture 28 is in alignment with screw holes 23, 24. Threaded screw 31 is then inserted through screw hole 23, aperture 28 and is threadably connected into threaded screw hole 24. This pulls the components tightly together and holds them fixed in position relative to each other.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 is especially preferred because it allows the apparatus to be disassembled and the blade removed therefrom. This allows a worn out or blunt blade to be replaced by a fresh blade without the necessity of having to buy a complete new apparatus.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 may be made as an integral unit. In this case, the apparatus may be disposed when its blade is worn out or blunt.

The first and second components 25, 26 may be made from mild steel or forged steel. However, it will be appreciated that first and second components 25, 26 could be made from other materials of suitable properties that provide the required strength and wear resistance.

The blade 20 preferably has a dimension in the longitudinal distance of "x" as shown in Figure 2. Dimension "x" is selected to allow the blade to fit and locate securely and squarely between first component 25 and second component 26 when first and second components 25, 26 are brought together, thereby preventing movement of the blade 20 during operation.

The blade 20 is preferably made from oil hardened high grade tool steel. However, the blade 20 could also be made from high quality chromium tool steel, or industrial grade high speed molybdenum steel, or indeed from any other material that is hard and wear resistant.

The blade 20 is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The blade 20 includes four cutting edges 21, 22, providing two separate and different cutting profiles. When assembled in the tool, the four cutting edges of the blade 20 are so positioned that they cut ahead of centre to provide a shearing action and to eliminate chatter in the cut. Edges 21 are designed to cut a square surface CA00369776.5 8 face to the end of the pipe or tube. Edges 22 are designed to cut an external chamfer to the pipe or tube end diameter and to cut an internal angled face to the pipe or tube and bore.

All cutting edges 21, 22 are intended to cut when applied to the pipe or tube and whilst rotating in a clockwise direction.

It will be appreciated that the present invention should not be considered to be restricted to the particular cutting blade profiles shown in the drawings and indeed the present invention encompassed any and all cutting profiles.

The screw or bolt 31 is preferably a socket head alien key cap screw of suitable dimensions to provide the desired holding force.

It will be appreciated that the present invention also encompasses different means of locking and/or securing the various components of the apparatus 10 together.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus ready for use in cutting or preparing pipes. In particular, in Figure 4, connection portion 18 of shaft 15 is firmly secured into the chuck 32 of a suitable hand-held, powered drill. Shaft 14 is then inserted into the bore 33 of pipe 34. It will be 15 appreciated that the cylindrical portion 17 of shaft 14 is sized just slightly smaller than the inner diameter of bore 33. This assists in squaring, centralising and stabilising the cutting blade 20 during use of the apparatus.

In order to cut the pipe, the drill is actuated in order to cause rotation of the apparatus 10. Pressure is applied along the line 35 shown in Figure 4 and the flat cutting edges 20 21 thereby cut or remove the end of pipe 34.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a square end to the pipe or tube is produced. Moreover, the flat cutting edges 21 are able to rapidly remove end material from the pipe or tube with the aim of reducing the length of the tube or pipe.

In order produce a chamfer to the outside surface of the pipe or tube end, and the bore 25 seal surface to the bore of the tube or pipe end entrance, the apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 4 is removed from the drill chuck 32 and reversed such that connection portion 16 of shaft 14 is held by the drill chuck. Shaft 15 is then inserted into bore 33 of pipe 34, as shown in Figure 5. Cylindrical portion 19, having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of bore CA00369776 5 9 33 of pipe 34 is then inserted into the bore 33 until the cutting edges 22 come into contact with the end of the pipe 34 The drill is then rotated to remove the necessary material from the pipe or tube end and produce the finished profile as shown in Figure 5 Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of the pipe or tube that enables a desired efficient mating of a female threaded fitting end seal to the tube or pipe end. Figure 6 shows such a fitting end seal. In particular, a threaded female coupling 36 is threadably attached to the corresponding threaded coupling 37 on the outside of pipe or tube 34. The seal member 38 having a tapered mating surface 39 contacts the inwardly taping surface of the end of pipe or tube 34. This ensures that a leak tight seal is obtained.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method that can cut and trim to length a pipe or tube, at the same time as creating a true, square end smooth surface. The outside diameter of the pipe or tube can be chamfered to provide an easy lead-on for the screwing on of a mating hose and seal fitting. The apparatus can cut an angled mating surface to the bore end entry of the tube or pipe, thereby providing a smooth contact sealing face to accommodate the sale of the mating fitting. As a result, a superior sealing action can be achieved with the minimum force exercised to the tightening of the screwed-on fitting and seal.

The apparatus also allows for the rapid and efficient removal of material from the end of the pipe or tube to reduce its length. The apparatus is simple and quick to use.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims (23)

CA2223723final doc The claims defining the invention are as follows-

1. An apparatus for cutting or preparing an end portion of a pipe or tube comprising insertion means for inserting into a bore of the pipe or tube such that a longitudinal axis thereof 5 is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the pipe, cutting means for engaging with an end of the pipe or tube and connection means for connecting to a source of rotation, wherein in use the insertion means is inserted into the bore of the pipe or tube and the apparatus is rotated such that the cutting means cuts or prepares the end of the pipe or tube.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises a body and the 10 insertion means is at one end of the body and the connection means is at the other end of the body

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the body includes an enlarged portion between the insertion means and the connection means.

4 Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the connection means 15 is adapted for connection to a drill.

5 Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the connection means is adapted for connection to a power drill.

6 Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein insertion means is preferably sized such at least part thereof is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the 20 pipe or tube.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cutting means comprises a blade having one or more cutting edges

8 Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the blade can produce a flat edge, a bevelled edge or a chamfered edge on the end of the pipe or tube 25

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the blade is a replaceable blade INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 5 JUN 2001 RECEIVED CA2223723final doc INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 5 JUN 2001 RECEIVED li

10 Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the blade has a plurality of cutting edges to enable a user to select a particular profile to be formed on the end of the pipe or tube.

11 Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the apparatus is reversible

12. An apparatus for cutting or preparing the end of a pipe or tube, the apparatus comprising a body having a generally centrally-located enlarged portion, a first shaft extending from one side of the enlarged portion, a second shaft extending from an opposed side of the enlarged portion, first cutting means positioned on one side of the enlarged portion, second cutting means positioned on the opposed side of the enlarged portion, wherein the first and second shaft are sized such that either shaft can be inserted into the pipe or tube such that a longitudinal axis thereof is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the other shaft connected to a source of rotation

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first shaft and the second shaft have end portions adapted to be connected to a source of rotation and another portion sized so as to be slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the pipe or tube.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus is made from a plurality of components assembled together.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10 to 13 wherein the apparatus is made as an integral unit

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the first cutting means and second cutting means are adapted to contact an end of the pipe

17. A method for cutting or preparing an end of a pipe or tube comprising providing an apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, inserting said apparatus into an end of a pipe or tube until the cutting means contacts the end of the pipe or tube and rotating the apparatus to thereby cause cutting or preparation of the end of the pipe or tube.

18. A blade when used in the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 comprising a plate, first cutting means formed on one edge of the plate, second cutting means CA2223723final doc formed on an opposed edge of the plate, the plate having an aperture therethrough for receiving a screw or other fixing means.

19 A blade as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a first engaging surface on the one edge of the plate and a second engaging surface on the opposed edge of the plate, said engaging surfaces engaging with corresponding engaging surfaces of the apparatus to thereby substantially fix the blade against movement when the blade is installed in the apparatus.

20. A blade as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 further comprising one or more further apertures for receiving stabilising legs when installed in the apparatus.

21 An apparatus for cutting or preparing the end of a pipe or tube substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

22 A method for cutting or preparing the end of a pipe or tube substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings

23. A blade as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 15th day of June 2001 Brian Ashford and John Andrew Bevern by its attorneys Freehills Carter Smith Beadle INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF NZ. 2 5 JUN 2001 RECEIVED