WO2018097802A1

WO2018097802A1 - Pipe connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018097802A1
Application number: PCT/TH2016/000095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kwhanchai Apithanakhun
Original assignee: Kwhanchai Apithanakhun
Priority date: 2016-11-23
Filing date: 2016-11-23
Publication date: 2018-05-31

Abstract

The present invention disclosed a pipe connector assembly (20) for a metal-plastic composite pipe connection comprising a connector (25) configured to couple to a pipe end (35), a threaded reducer nut (40) configured to connect to the pipe end (35) and over a connection between the pipe end (35) and the connector end (25), a half coupling (45) configured to couple to a portion of the threaded connector end (30), and a nut (50) configured to couple to the threaded reducer nut (40) and over the half coupling (45). A continuity of the threads on the metal pipe (27) of the connector end (30) and the threads on the pipe end (35) are formed and that the crest of the threads on the pipe end (35) is position higher than the threads on the connector end (30) and that the crest of the threads on the metal pipe (27) is gradually taller towards the connector end (30).

Description

PIPE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pipe connector assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pipe connector assembly for a pipeline with composite pipe. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Metal-plastic composite pipeline of which an inner plastic pipe, often a plastic pipe such as a PVC pipe, PE pipe, PPR pipe or HDPE pipe is lined to the inner wall of the metal pipe, is gaining more popularity due to the advantages of corrosion resistance, long service life, cleanliness, and suitability for conveying of drinking water, hot water, petroleum, natural gas, or chemical media/products. One of the challenge for this metal-plastic composite network of pipeline is to provide a durable, leakage proof pipe connection for prolong use, lower maintenance, and lower replacement, especially, in a situation where the pipeline network is arranged within a wall structure which maintenance and replacement can be troublesome.

Chinese patent document No. 2474879 disclosed a device relates to a pipeline connector comprising a pipe fitting body, a sealing ring, a snap ring, and a stop nut, wherein the core pipe of the pipe fitting body is provided with the sealing ring which is outwardly sheathed with the snap ring which is outwardly sheathed with the stop nut, and a sealing adhesion glue line is provided between the connector core pipe, and the pipe fitting to be connected, then the nut is tightened after inserting the connected pipe to constitute the whole pipe connector into an integral.

Chinese patent document No. 105276324 disclosed a connector for a plastic composite drainage pipe provided with electric heating fuses. An insertions head is arranged at one end of each pipe body of the drainage pipe. An insertion opening base which is provided with an insertion opening matched with the corresponding insertion head and the corresponding electric heating fuse is arranged at the other end of each pipe body. When the plastic composite drainage pipe is used, the insertion head of one pipe inserted butt joint with the insertion opening, which corresponding to the insertion head and is matched with the insertion head, of the other pipe body, then the two pipe bodies are combined into a whole by electrifying the electric heating wires, and thus the drainage pipe has integral connectivity and stable sealing performance and use performance.

However, alternative pipe connection for connecting metal-plastic composite pipe is desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pipe connector assembly, in particular, a pipe connector assembly for a metal-plastic composite pipe. The connector can be any one of a one way connector, a two ways connector, including a two ways elbow type connector, a tee-connector (three ways connector) or a four ways connector and having the connector according to the present invention assembled to at least on one end of the said connector while the remaining free ends of the connector may be connected to another connector according the present invention or fitted with other standard pipe fittings using other type of pipe connector using other pipe connection means to enable pipe connection using commercially available standard pipe fittings.

In an aspect of the invention, the present invention disclosed a pipe connector assembly for connecting a network of metal-plastic composite pipe, wherein the said composite pipe is of a type which a plastic pipe selected from such as a PPR pipe, PVC pipe, PE pipe, HDPE pipe, LDPE pipe, UPCV pipe, ABS pipe, CPVC pipe, PVDF pipe, PP pipe or other composite plastic is lined to the inner wall of the metal pipe. In an embodiment of the invention according to this aspect of the invention, the pipe connector assembly according to the principle of the present invention comprises a connector configured to couple to a pipe end, a threaded reducer nut configured to fasten to and couple over a connection between the pipe end and the connector, a half coupling configured to couple over a threaded connector end, and a nut configured to couple and fasten to the threaded reducer nut, and encasing over the half coupling. The connector may be any one of a one way connector, a two-ways connector, an elbow connector, a tee- connector or a four- ways connector.

In an embodiment, the connection between the pipe end and the connector is a permanent connection. In an embodiment, the thread reducer nut of the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention further comprises a plastic insert arranged on a section of a threaded internal wall of the threaded reducer nut.

In an embodiment, the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention is a non-permanent connection and further comprising one or more O-ring fitted onto the connector end for a more robust coupling between the connector end and the pipe end while still enable the connection between the connector and the pipe end to be engaged and disengaged when desired.

In an embodiment, the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention further comprises a leak detecting access for leak testing or leak inspection on installed pipeline. In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention disclosed a pipe connector assembly for connecting a network of composite pipe, wherein the said composite pipe is of a type which a PPR pipe is lined to the inner wall of the metal pipe. According to an embodiment, the pipe connector assembly comprises a connector configured to couple and fasten to a pipe end, a threaded reducer nut configured to fasten to and couple over a connection between the pipe end and the connector, a half coupling configured to couple over a threaded connector end, and a nut configured to couple to the threaded reducer nut, and over the half coupling. The connector may be any one of a one way connector, a two ways connector, an elbow connector, a tee- connector (three ways) or a four ways connector and having the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention assembled to at least on one end of the said connector. According to this embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to this aspect of the invention, the connector is further provided with wiring with a pair of electrical terminals configured to facilitate a connection to an electrical source to enable heating of one or more ends of the connector so as to fuses said connector end to the pipe end. The said electrical terminals are arranged inside a housing arranged on the connector. The housing comprises an end cap configured to couple to said housing to conceal the said pair to electrical terminals. As well, in this aspect of the invention, the pipe connector assembly, according to an embodiment, can also further comprises a leak detecting terminal for leak testing or leak detection on installed pipeline. BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Characteristics and advantages of the invention will be appreciated from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which, as a non-limiting example, some preferable embodiments of the principle of the invention are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an unassembled embodiment of a pipe connector assembly according to the present invention with a detail on lengthwise cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a threaded reducer nut;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to FIG. 1 , and wherein the connector is coupled to a pipe end and the threaded reducer nut, the half coupling, and the nut is partially pre-assembled to one another;

FIG. 3 shows, a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to FIG. 2 wherein the connector is coupled to a pipe end and after all of the threaded reducer nut, the half coupling, and the nut have formed a completed pipe connector assembly according to the present invention; with detail illustration of a configuration and arrangement of the threads on the pipe end and the threads on the connector end;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention wherein the threaded reducer nut is without a plastic/polymeric insert and an end flange arranged on a section of the threaded internal wall of threaded reducer nut;

FIG. 5 shows an unassembled embodiment of a pipe connector assembly according to the present invention wherein the connector is a two ways elbow shape connector with a detail illustration of a configuration and arrangement of a tooth of the half coupling;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to FIG. 5 in a complete assembled state; FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pipe connector assembly according to an aspect of the invention wherein the connector is used for connecting a network of pipe which a PPR pipe is lined to the inner wall of the metal pipe and the connector; and wherein the connector further provided with wiring and a pair of electrical terminals arranged inside a housing and the housing comprises an end cap;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention in which the connector is a three ways (tee-type) connector;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention in which the assembly further comprising one or more O-rings fitted onto an connector end with a detail illustration of the connection between the connector and the pipe end and the O-rings;

FIG. 10 shows an unassembled embodiment of a pipe connector assembly according to the present invention with a detail on lengthwise cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a threaded reducer nut and wherein the pipe connector assembly further comprising a leak detecting access;

FIG. 1 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention in which the connector is a four ways connector; and

FIG. 12 shows a front-top perspective view of a half coupling of the pipe connector assembly according to the present invention. DETIALED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention disclosed, according to an aspect of the invention, a pipe connector assembly for connecting a network of a metal- plastic composite pipe, wherein the said composite pipe is of a type of which a plastic pipe selected from such as PPR pipe, PVC pipe, PE pipe, HDPE pipe, LDPE pipe, UPVC pipe, ABS pipe, CPVC pipe, PVDF pipe, PB pipe, PP pipe, PP-brown pipe or other composite plastic pipe is lined to the inner wall of a metal pipe. In an embodiment of the invention according to this aspect of the invention, the pipe connector assembly according to the principle of the present invention comprises a connector configured couple and fasten to a pipe end at which a pipe connection is to be formed, a threaded reducer nut configured to couple and fasten to the pipe end and over a connection between the pipe end and the connector at its threaded connector end, a half coupling configured to couple over a threaded connector end, and a nut configured to couple and fasten to the threaded reducer nut, and encasing over the half coupling. The connector may be any one of a one way connector, a two ways connector, an elbow connector, a three ways (tee-type) connector or a four ways connector or other types.

The present invention also disclosed, according to another aspect of the invention, a pipe connector assembly for connecting a network of composite pipe, wherein the said composite pipe is of a type which a PPR pipe is lined to the inner wall of the metal pipe. According to an embodiment, the pipe connector assembly comprises a connector configured to couple to a pipe end at which a pipe connection is to be formed, a thread reducer nut configured to couple to the pipe end and over a connection between the pipe end and the connector end, a half coupling configured to couple over a threaded connector end, and a nut configured to couple to the threaded reducer nut, and over the half coupling. The connector may be any one of a one way connector, a two ways connector, an elbow connector, a tee- connector or a four ways connector or other types. The connector is provided with electrical wiring with a pair of electrical terminals to facilitate connection to a power source for heating one or more ends of the connector so as to fuses said connector end to one or more corresponding pipe ends. The said electrical terminals are arranged inside a housing arranged on the connector. The housing comprises an end cap configured to couple to said housing to conceal the said pair to electrical terminals.

FIGs. 1-12 show various embodiments of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the principle of the present invention and its various components as non-limiting examples for which specific detail will be further described below. For the purpose of understanding the invention, throughout the description described herewith, a specific element being referred to will be assigned with a specific numeral reference. Such numeral reference is by no mean represents or indicates that a specific element may only be in such form and configuration. Further, specific element which serves the same principles, functions or purposes in each embodiment will assigned with an identical numeral reference. FIGs. 1-3 show an embodiment of a pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention which its various components are illustrated as both not having been assembled to one another as well as having been assembled to one another to form a complete pipe connector assembly 20. According to this embodiment, the pipe connector assembly 20 comprises a connector 25 having at least one threaded connector end 30 configured to couple to a pipe end 35 at which a pipe connection is to be formed, a threaded reducer nut 40 configured to couple and fasten to the pipe end 35 and over a connection between the pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30, a half coupling 45 configured to couple over a portion of the threaded connector end 30, and a nut 50 configured to couple and fasten to the threaded reducer nut 40, and over the half coupling 45. The term connector end 30 refers to an end of the connector 25 which is threaded. Hence the terms the "connector end 30" and the "threaded connector end 30" are used interchangeably and refer to the same element throughout this document.

In more detail, the connector 25 can be a one-way connector, two ways connector (straight or elbow types), a tee-type connector (three ways) or a four ways connector which each type will be further described below. The term one-way connector being referred to in this context refers to a connector which embodies one threaded connector end 30 and one set of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention on said threaded connector end 30. The term two ways connector, three ways connector and four ways connector refers to a connector 25 which embodies two, three, connector end and having two or more threaded connector ends 30 at which the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention may be formed on said threaded connector end 30 while its other end can be connected to a pipeline or other form of conventional pipe fittings such as a faucet, a union pipe connection, a flange pipe connection, a groove pipe connection or other PVC pipe, PE pipe, PB pipe, or metal pipe using other forms of connector or means. In an example, two sets of the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 on the connector 25 having two threaded connector end 30 is required for connecting two pipe ends 35 using either a straight two ways connector or an elbow type connector 25 as illustrated in FIGs. 5-7.

In the example as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 25 is made of a composite pipe of a type which a plastic pipe selected from such as PPR pipe, PVC pipe, PE pipe, HDPE pipe, LDPE pipe, UPVC pipe, ABS pipe, CPVC pipe, PVDF pipe, PB pipe, PP pipe, PP-brown pipe or other composite plastic pipes which will now be referred to as a plastic pipe 26 is lined to the inner wall of a metal pipe 27 of the connector 25 wherein at the threaded connector end 30 which is configured to be coupled to the pipe end 35 is prepared with a portion of the plastic pipe 26 extends beyond the threaded connector end 30 in order to enable coupling to the pipe end 35, more specifically, to a plastic pipe 36 which lined the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35 being a plastic pipe of the same type as with the plastic pipe 26 of the connector 25. Further, the threaded connector end 30 of the connector 25 comprises raised threads formed on said metal pipe 27 at the threaded connector end 30. The threads prepared on the said metal pipe 27 at the threaded connector end 30 are formed such that it is gradually increase in height and continuous with the threads formed on the metal pipe 28 at the pipe end 35; see also in FIGs 2 and 3. More specifically, the crest of the thread on the metal pipe 27 is taller at the end of the threaded connector end 30 and is gradually reduced toward the inner section of the metal pipe 27 such that the crest of the thread is eventually flat or leveled with a surface of the metal pipe 27. In other words, the crest of the threads is gradually increased from shorter to taller staring from the inner section of the metal pipe 27 where the crest of the thread is flat or leveled with the surface of the metal pipe 27 and the crest of said threads is gradually taller towards the end of the threaded connector end 30 while maintaining continuity of the threading with the threads on the pipe end 35 which is positioned higher than the threads on the connector end 30 as the pipe end 35 has a greater diameter than that of the connector end 30. The said threads are formed as clockwise forward driven threads enabling fastening of threaded reducer nut 40 onto said threaded connector end 30 starting from the thread with a shorter crest toward the thread with a taller crest toward the end of the threaded connector end 30 and continue to the threads on the pipe end 30 until the threaded reducer nut 40 is coupled and fastened to the pipe end 35 and over the connection between the pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30 of the connector 25. In an embodiment, the connector 25 is made with a smaller diameter than that of the pipe end 35 at which the connector 25 is to be connected to such that a portion of the plastic pipe 26 which extends beyond the metal pipe 27 at the threaded connector end 30, can be inserted or coupled to the inside of the plastic pipe 36 at the pipe end 35 via for example and preferably a push-on joint for connecting the plastic pipe 26 at the threaded connector end 30 to the plastic pipe 36 of the pipe end 35, and until the metal pipe 27 at the threaded connector end 30 meets or substantially meet the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35 where thereafter connection between the metal pipe 27 of the threaded connector end 30 to the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35 is secured by way of the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 according to the invention . The threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling ring 45 and the nut 50 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, as example, are illustrated by separating them from one another for the benefit of illustration, while they may be pre-assembled or loosely assembled to one another as shown in FIG. 2 in a marketed product. When the plastic pipe 26 at the threaded connector end 30 is inserted into or coupled to plastic pipe 36 of the pipe end 35 using the push-on joint mechanism, glue or other appropriate types of adhesive, or heating as generally known in the art, may be used for securing the coupling between them.

The threaded reducer nut 40 is machined and configured such that it able to couple and fasten to the pipe end 35 and over the connection between the pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30 via the threads prepared thereon. More specifically, the threaded reducer nut 40 is preferably includes a hexagon shape body 41 with a cylindrical reduced tail 42 (i.e. the diameter of the tail 42 is smaller than the diameter of the body 41). The threaded reducer nut 40 is internally threaded at its hexagon body 41 so as to permit coupling or fastening onto the threaded pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30. Further, the reduced tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 is externally threaded so as to permit coupling or fastening of the nut 50 which is internally threaded. The threaded reducer nut 40 is made with an inner diameter that corresponds to the circumference of the pipe end 35, especially at the threaded portion of the pipe end 35 such that the threaded reducer nut 40 can be tightly and securely fastened onto the pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30 with a wrench or other appropriate tools. According to the principle of the present invention, the threaded reducer nut 40 of the pipe connector assembly 20 can be prepared without a plastic or polymeric insert 43, (see FIG. 4 of which will be further described) while in another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs. 1-3, as example, the threaded reducer nut 40 of the pipe connector assembly 20 further comprises a plastic or polymeric insert 43 arranged inside the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40. In an embodiment where the threaded reducer nut 40 of the pipe connector assembly 20 is prepared with a plastic or polymeric insert 43, the threaded reducer nut 40 also further comprises an end flange 44 arranged on the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40. The end flange 44 serves to restrict the plastic or polymeric insert 43 from dislodging backward or out of the tail 42 during assembling of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the embodiment.

The half coupling 45 is smaller in diameter than that of the threaded reducer nut 40 and having its height corresponds with the height of the nut 50 such that can be fitted inside the hut 50 as the nut 50 is being coupled to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40. That is, the nut 50 is fastened to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 and encasing over the half coupling 45 inside the nut 50. The half coupling 45 is internally threaded and comprises a plurality of spaced-apart tooth 46 radially arranged on its face of which facing the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 and opposing to the face of the half coupling 45, a stepped shoulder 47 is arranged on the half coupling 45. The stepped shoulder 47 has a smaller circumference than that of the body of the half coupling 45. The half coupling 45 and the nut are arranged so as to permit the nut 50 to bring the half coupling 50 forward and abuts the thread reducer nut 40 and the teeth on half coupling bit into the face of the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 50.

In an example, the nut 50 is a heavy hex nut and is internally threaded. Its inner diameter corresponds to the diameter or circumference of the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 such that the nut 50 can be tightly engaged to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 via their corresponding threads.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to FIG. 1 wherein the connector 25 is coupled to the pipe end 35, more specifically by inserting the plastic pipe 26 at the connector end 30 into the plastic pipe 36 of the pipe end 35 and allow the metal pipe 27 of the connector 25 meets or substantially meet with the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45, and the nut 50 is partially pre-assembled to one another and has been not assembled over the connection between the pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30. As it can also been seen in FIG. 2, the end of the plastic pipe 26 of the connector end 30 is prepared to be slightly inwardly slanted so as to reduce obstruction of flow of the liquid or fluid being convey through the pipeline. Further, as it can also been seen in FIG. 2 and also in an enlarged illustration in FIG. 3, that where the connector end 30 has coupled to the pipe end 35, and the metal pipe 27 of the connector end 30 meets the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35, the threads on the metal pipe 27 of the connector end 30 and the threads on the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35 are arranged with a continuity to one another and the crest of the thread is gradually reduced in height, for example, the crest of the thread is taller at the end of the threaded connector end 30 and is gradually reduced toward the inner section of the metal pipe 27 such that the crest of the thread is eventually flat or leveled with a surface of the metal pipe 27 while the crest of threads on the pipe end 35 is higher than the crest of the thread on the connector end 30. This is not only due the different in diameter of the connector 25 and the pipe end 35 but also that these threads are strategically arranged. As mentioned above that raised threads are formed on the metal pipe 27 of the connector end 30 and the threads prepared on the said metal pipe 27 are formed with a continuity to the threads on the pipe end 35 and that the crest of the threads on the pipe end 35 is taller and the crest of the threads on the threaded connector end 30 is gradually reduced until the crest of the thread is eventually flat or leveled with the surface of the inner portion of the metal pipe 27. Hence, a continuity of the threads on the connector end 30 with threads on the pipe end 35 is formed and that the crest of the threads starting from the connector end 30 is gradually taller and taller toward the pipe end 35 while the continuity between the threads of the connector end 30 and the threads on the pipe end 35 is maintained as the threads on the pipe end 35 is positioned taller due to greater diameter of the pipe end 35 than that of the connector end 30. This will permit the threaded reducer nut 40 to be fastened clockwise forward staring from the threads with shorter crest at the connector end 30 continuing toward the threads with taller crest of the pipe end 35 until the threaded reducer nut is fastened to the pipe end 35 and over the connection between the pipe end 35 and connector end 30 tighter and tighter in response to the gradually increasing of the heights of the threads on the connector end 30 toward the pipe end 35 as the threaded reducer nut 40 is driven forward with a wrench or other tools. Thereafter, the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 are assembled to the threaded reducer nut 40 whereby the nut 50 is fastened onto the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 and while the nut 50 is fastened to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 it will pushes the half coupling 45 toward the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 and encased the half coupling 45 inside the nut 50 as shown in FIG. 3 As the nut 50 is tightened, the tooth 46 of the half coupling 45 bit on to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40. The detail on configuration, arrangement and advantages of the tooth 46 will be further discussed.

FIG. 4 show an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention wherein when the connector 25 is coupled to the pipe end 35 whereby the plastic pipe 26 at the threaded connector end 30 is coupled to the plastic pipe 36 at the pipe end 35 until the metal pipe 27 of the connector 25 met or substantially met with the metal pipe 28 at the pipe end 35 and the threaded reducer nut 40 is coupled and fastened to the pipe end 35 and over the connection between the pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30 as well as assembling of the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 to the threaded reducer nut 40 and whereby the nut 50 is fastened to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 and encasing over the half coupling 45 inside the nut 50. As mentioned earlier that the diameter of the connector 25, including the connector end 30 is smaller than the diameter of the pipe end 35 as well as the inner diameter of the threaded reducer nut 40, a gap A is formed on the inside of the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 as shown in FIG. 4 which derived an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention which the threaded reducer nut 40 does not comprise a plastic/polymeric insert 43. . While the assembly of the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 to the threaded reducer nut 40, the gap A is formed, such gap A does not impact the leak proof capability of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention. Nonetheless, it is preferred that that the threaded reducer nut 40 further comprise the plastic/polymeric insert 43 arranged inside the tail 42 of the thread reducer nut 40 as shown in FIGs. 1-3 and 5-1 1. Wherein in the embodiments which the threaded reducer nut 40 is further comprising the plastic/polymeric insert 43, it is preferred that the plastic/polymeric insert 43 is not removable from the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 by further providing the threaded reducer nut with an end flange 44. . As the threaded reducer nut 40, with the end flanged 44 arranged on the tail 42 to restrict the plastic/polymeric insert 43 from dislodging out of the tail 42, is driven forward the driven force with a combination of the configuration of the threads on the connector end 30 will create threads on the plastic/polymeric insert 43 as the threads on the connector end 30 bit into the plastic/polymeric insert 43 as shown in FIG. 3. Hence, the plastic/polymeric insert 43 not only fills the gap A but further secure the connection and consequently further enhance the leak-proof capability of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the invention as the mass of the plastic/polymeric insert 43 will any possible gaps of the connection and restrict leaking along the connection.

FIG. 5 shows another example of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention. This figure shows an unassembled embodiment of a pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention wherein the connector 25 is a two ways elbow shape connector with a detail illustration of a configuration of a tooth of the half coupling 45. As shown in the figure, in order to connect two pipe ends 35, a connector 25 with two threaded connector ends 30 at two ends of the connector 25 as well as two sets of threaded reducer nut 40, half coupling 45 and nut 50 are required. Each end of the threaded connector ends 30 is prepared with identical shape, configuration and is externally threaded as previously described for the embodiment as illustrated in FIGs. 1-3. Further, the arrangement of the thread on the threaded connector end 30 with the threads on the pipe end 35 is also as previously described. Also, as described above, the threads on the threaded connector end 30 is not of equal height, see FIGs. 2 and 3. Accordingly, it would be impossible to insert the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 onto the connector 25, in particular, it would be impossible to insert the half coupling 45 onto the connector 25 as the diameter at the terminal end of the threaded connector end 30 is equal to or larger than the internal (nominal) diameter of the half coupling 45. Therefore, in term of manufacturing, multiple sets of, including the connector 25, the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 would be prepared separately, and each set would subsequently be joined together through welding or any other appropriate method to form the pipe connector assembly 20 according to an embodiment of the invention where the pipe connector 25 is a two ways, three ways or four ways connector or the pipe connector with multiple threaded connector ends 30. Different other manufacturing methods are also possible.

Further, shown in FIG. 5 is a closed up view of the tooth 46 of the half coupling 45. A complete view and configuration of the half coupling 45 with its tooth 46 can also be observed in FIG. 12. As mentioned earlier that the half coupling 45 is internally threaded and comprises a plurality of spaced-apart tooth 46 radially arranged on its face which facing the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 and that opposing to its face, a stepped shoulder 47 of which has a smaller circumference (and hence as well a smaller nominal diameter) than that of the body of the half coupling 45. The half coupling 45 with a plurality of tooth 46 is an important attributes in enhancing the leak proof capabilities of the pipe connector assembly 20 of the present invention. That is, once the plastic pipe 27 extending beyond the connector end 30 is engaged to plastic pipe 36 of the pipe end 35 via the push-on joint mechanism with a combination of using glue or other adhesives or heating, and as the thread reducer nut 40 is fastened and tightened to the pipe end 35 and over the connection between the pipe end 35 and the connector end 30, it is important that during fastening of the threaded reducer nut 40, the pipe end 35 and the connector end 30 is stationary and remains in the same position, i.e. not permitted to rotate or move in response to the driven force as the threaded reducer nut 40 being fastening thereon and follows by engagement of the half coupling 45 to the tail 42 and tightened and follows by fastening and tightening of the nut 50 to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 encasing over the half coupling 45 and over the connection between the pipe end 35 and the connector end 30. As the nut 50 is tightened its pushes the half coupling 45 forward and the tooth 46 on the half coupling 45 bit onto the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 while at the same time the threaded reducer nut 40 is held stationary, the driven force as a result of tightening of the nut 50 is transferred to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 through the tooth 46 of the half coupling 45. A wrench or other appropriate tools may be used for tightening of the engagement of the threaded reducer nut 40, the engagement of the half coupling 45 to the connector end 30, and the engagement of the nut 50 to the threaded reducer nut 40 in order to achieve the leak proof effects. Without the tooth 46 of the half coupling 45 as the nut 50 is tightened to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40, there is a good chance that over tightening of the nut 50 to the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 while the nut 50 is in contact with the half coupling 45 and the half coupling 45 is engaged to the threads on the connector end 30 can cause the half coupling 45 to rotate on the thread of the connector end 30 and create a pulling force causing a dislocation or disengagement of the connection between connector 25 and the pipe end 35 and thus break away the connection or the bonding between the connector end 30 and the pipe end 30 which consequently can compromise the leak proof capability of the pipe connector assembly 20. Whereas with the half coupling 45 comprising the tooth 46, as the nut 50 is tightened, the tooth 46 bit into the terminal end of the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40 and as the nut 50 is further tightened, the tooth 46 of the half coupling 45 will only bit further into the tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40. In other words, as the threaded reducer nut 40 is fastened and tightened onto the pipe end 35 until further tightening is not possible, the fact that the teeth 46 of the half coupling 45 is configured to bit into the tail 42 of the thread reducer nut 40 would restrict the half coupling 45 from rotating and thus there will be no counter force to break the connection between the pipe end 35 and the connector 25. Instead, there will only be a pulling force between the threaded reducer nut 40 and the nut 50 of which is also being engaged to the stepped shoulder 47 of the half coupling 45 and hence tighten the half coupling 45 to the connector end 30 at the same time. Thus, as described, as all are tightened, it would not cause the dislocation or breaking of the connection or bonding between the connector end 30 and the pipe end 35 and maintain the connection or the bonding thereof to be more or less the same as prior to fastening of the threaded reducer nut 40 over the connection between the connector end 30 and the pipe end 35. Therefore, there will be no breaking of connection or bonding between the plastic pipe 26 at the connector end 30 and the plastic pipe 36 at the pipe end 35. Hence the likelihood of leaking at the pipe connector assembly 20 along the pipeline is less as per the objective of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to FIG. 5 in a completely assembled state. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention in which the connector 25 is a three ways connector. All the components including the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45, and the nut 50 possess all the features and characteristics as in previously described embodiment. The example as shown in this figure, the free end the connector 25 may be connected to other standard pipe fittings a faucet or other forms of pipe connection means. Further, it is possible that the free end of the connector 25 may be further connected to another pipe end, in such case a pipe connector assembly 20 as described may be formed on said free end of the connector 25.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the principle of the present invention. As seen from a cross-sectional view of this embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention, the pipe connector assembly 20 further comprising one or more O-rings 5 fitted onto the plastic pipe 26 extending from the threaded connector end 30. Said one or more O-rings 55 are arranged on a corresponding one or more recess 56 prepared on the plastic pipe 26. Ideally, the O-rings 55 would be arranged on the plastic pipe 26 extending from the threaded connector end 30 prior to having the threaded connector end 30 engages to or be inserted into the plastic pipe 36 inside the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35. As already known in the art, the O-rings enhance friction between the plastic pipes (26 and 36) and creates a more robust engagement. The O-rings 55 may be used with embodiments whether the threaded reducer nut 40 is with or without the plastic/polymeric insert 43 arranged on a section of the internally threaded tail 42 of the threaded reducer nut 40. While in an aspect of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention is focused on use of the pipe connector assembly 20 in connecting a pipeline for conveying or transporting drinking water, hot water, petroleum products, natural gas, or other chemical compounds or liquefied chemicals products which the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention is essential in reducing leaking of the connections along the pipeline and wherein permanent connection between the connector end 30 and the pipe end 35 for such use is preferred, it will be appreciate that the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention is not limited to only such use or application. The pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention may also be used for purposes other than transporting drinking water, hot water, petroleum products, natural gas, or other chemical compounds or liquefied chemicals products such as use of the pipe connector assembly 20 in pipeline for underground wiring or cabling. Accordingly, for this application of the pipe connector assembly 20, a connection for example, a connection between the connector 25 and the pipe end 35 that is less permanent or can disengage and re-engage as desired would be more appropriate and more beneficial as reducing leaking at the connection is no longer a main priority. Accordingly, to satisfy this objective, a connection between the threaded connector end 30 and the pipe end 35 of the pipe connector assembly 20 further comprising one or more O-rings 55 arranged on the plastic pipe 26 which extends beyond the metal pipe 27 of the threaded connector end 30 prior to coupling to the plastic pipe 36 of the pipe end 35 will be without using heat, glue or other adhesives to enable disengagement and re-engagement of the connection between the connector 25 and the pipe end 35.

Moreover, it is also an object of the present invention to provide the pipe connector assembly 20 for connection of metal-plastic composite pipes which reduces leaking capabilities. In certain application of the metal-plastic composite, the pipeline may be installed hidden inside a structure such as a wall. Accordingly, it is preferable to provide a leak testing access to enable the operator to conduct leak testing of the connection during test run of the pipeline prior to final installation of the pie system inside the wall. This will reduce the risk of the possibility of leaking on the installed pipeline and the need to extract the pipeline out of the wall for corrective measures which can be complicated and costly. Further, the leak testing access also provide easy access for conducting a leak test on a pipeline in an outdoor environment or a pipeline which is not hidden inside a structure such as a wall.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention further comprising a leak testing access 60 configured to provide an access for conducting leak testing on the pipe connector assembly 20 arranged on the pipe connector assembly 20. The leak testing access 60 according to an example is realized in the form of providing a through hole 65 which is a threaded through hole on the body 41 of the threaded reducer nut 40, and a socket screw 70 removably fastened to the through hole 65 and seal said through hole 65. Fastening of the socket screw 70 into the through hole 65 may be carried out with a use of sealant, bonding agent or pipe joint compound to enhance sealing of the through hole 65. Leak testing may be performed by removing the socket screw 70 and examine or inspect the pipe connector assembly 20 for any leakages. Suitable leak testing apparatus for examining, inspecting or conducting leak testing may be used. Corresponding to the afore mentioned, the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the invention further comprising the leak testing access 60 would be more beneficial and more preferable for connecting a pipeline for transporting drinking water, hot water, petroleum products, natural gas, or other chemical compounds or liquefied chemicals products while pipe connector assembly 20 for uses in a pipeline for other application such as for laying underground wiring or cabling, the leak testing access 60 would not be essential.

FIG. 1 1 shows another example of the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention in which the connector 25 is a four ways connector. According to this example, two sets of thread reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 each of which are on two connector ends 30, the remaining free connector end are configured to be fitted to other standard pipeline fittings.

As mentioned earlier, the present invention also disclosed, according to another aspect of the invention, a pipe connector assembly 20 for connecting a network of composite pipe, wherein the said composite pipe is of a type which a PPR pipe is lined to the inner wall of the metal pipe.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the pipe connector assembly 20 under this aspect of the invention in which the pipe connector assembly 20 comprises the connector 25 and each end of the connector is configured to couple to the pipe end 35 where the threaded reducer nut 40 configured to couple and fasten to the pipe end 35 and over a connection between the pipe end 35 and the threaded connector end 30, the half coupling 45 configured to couple over the threaded connector end 30, and the nut 50 configured to couple and fasten to the threaded reducer nut 40 and encasing over the half coupling 45. As in this embodiment, the plastic pipe 26 which lined the metal pipe 27 of the connector 25 as well as the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35 is of a type which a PPR pipe is used. As generally known in the technical field of PPR pipe that one of the most common method for connecting the PPR pipe is through thermo fusion welding requires heating of the pipe ends where pipe connection is to be formed and particularly where the PPR pipe is relatively large. Accordingly in this aspect of the invention, the connector 25 also comprises a pair of electrical terminals 75 wherein each terminal 75 is electrically wired to the threaded connector end 30 and that each electrical terminal 75 is configured to be able to electrically connect to a power source for heating one or more threaded connector end 30 of the connector 25 so as to fuses said plastic pie 26 at threaded connector end 30 to the plastic pipe 36 of the pipe end 35. The said electrical terminals 75 are arranged inside a housing 80 arranged on the connector 25. A section of the wall of the PPR pipe, i.e. the plastic pipe 26, where the housing 80 is located is configured to be thickened so as to compensate the weakness of the connector 25 due to the present of the housing and improving strength of the connector 25 (to avoid bursting). The housing 80 is integrally and continuously formed from the metal pipe 27 of the connector 25and includes a neck 81 at which an end cap 82 is configured to couple to the neck 81 of said housing 80 to conceal the said pair to electrical terminals 75 arranged inside said housing 80. The arrangement of other elements including the pipe end 35, the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45 and the nut 50 are the same as with the earlier described embodiments.

As clearly illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of the pipe connector assembly 20 as discussed above, the arrangement and configuration of the connector 25, the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45, and the nut 50 and its assembly to one another to form the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the principle of the present invention and thus the objectives of the invention as set out above have clearly been met. A skilled person the art would appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made to the pipe connector assembly 20 including the arrangement and configuration of the connector 25, the thread reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45, and the nut 50. Such changes and modification would be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, it would also be obvious to a skilled person in the art that accessories for pipe connection or pipe joint not specifically mentioned herein such as pipe joint compound, pipe joint tape to enhance the effectiveness of pipe connection and/or bonding may also be used or applied with the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention. Further, while it has been repeatedly described throughout the description that connection between the pipe end 35 and the connector 25 may be achieved by inserting the plastic pipe 26 extending beyond the metal pipe 27 of the threaded connector end 30 into the plastic pipe 36 which lined the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35 via a push-on joint to connect the plastic pipe 26 of the connector 25 to the plastic pipe 36 at the pipe end 35 and to bring the metal pipe 27 of the connector 25 to meet with the metal 28 of the pipe end 35. Such method is only an example of the connection between the connector 25 and the pipe end 35. A skilled person in the art will be appreciate that other means and method of connection between the connector 25 and the pipe end 35 for achieving the same results is possible. For example, it is possible to change the diameter of the connector 25 and the diameter of the pipe end correspondingly to arrive a different mechanism of coupling between them without having to always arrange the plastic pipe 26 extending beyond the metal pipe 27 of the threaded connector end 30 into the plastic pipe 36 which lined the metal pipe 28 of the pipe end 35 via a push-on joint in order to connect the plastic pipe 26 of the connector 25 to the plastic pipe 36 at the pipe end and to bring the metal pipe 27 of the connector 25 to meet with the metal 28 of the pipe end. Such modification is regarded to be within the scope of the principle of the present invention. Moreover, it will also be appreciated by a skilled person in the art that accessories for connecting pipes or pipe connector not specifically mentioned herein for example, pipe sealant, pipe bonding agent, pipe joint compound, pipe connection tape, thread seal tape, etc. which helps to enhance effectiveness of the connection and/or enhance sealing of the pipe connection may be used or applied with the pipe connector assembly 20 according to the present invention. Lastly, while this present invention specifically discussed the pipe connector assembly 20 in particularly the pipe connector for a metal-plastic composite pipe, a skilled person in the art will appreciate that the principle of the present invention may also be applied to other pipes such as a metal pipe or a plastic pipe as long as the threaded connector end 30, the pipe end 35, are profiled and structured in lined with the principle of the present invention and the threaded reducer nut 40, the half coupling 45, the nut 50 in accordance to the present invention are utilized. Such modification would be regarded to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

A pipe connector assembly (20) comprising:

a connector (25) having at least one threaded connector end (30) configured to couple to a pipe end (35) which is threaded;

a threaded reducer nut (40) having a body (41) and reduced tail (42) configured to couple and fasten to the pipe end (35) and over a connection between the pipe end (35) and the threaded connector end (30) of the connector (25);

- a half coupling (45) configured to couple to a portion of the threaded connector end (30); and

a nut (50) configured to couple and fasten to the threaded reducer nut (40) and encasing over the half coupling (45);

wherein the connector (25) and is of a metal-plastic composite pipe of which a plastic pipe 26 is lined to a metal pipe (27), and the pipe end (35) is also of a metal- plastic composite pipe which a metal pipe (28) is lined with a plastic pipe (36); and

wherein the threads on the metal pipe (27) of the threaded connector end (30) and the threads on the metal pipe (28) of the pipe end (35) are formed with a continuity and that the crest of said threads is gradually increased from shorter to taller and permits the thread reducer nut (40) to be coupled and fastened clockwise from the thread with shorter crest towards the thread with taller crest and over the connection between the pipe end (35) and threaded connector end (30).

The pipe connector assembly (20) according to claim 1, wherein the half coupling (45) is prepared with a plurality of spaced-apart tooth (46) radially arranged on its face which facing the tail (42) of the threaded reducer nut (40), and a step shoulder (47) having a smaller circumference than that of a body of the half coupling (45).

The pipe connector assembly (20) according to claim 2, wherein the threaded reducer nut (40) is further comprising a plastic/polymeric insert (43) arranged inside the tail (42) of the threaded reducer nut (40); and an end flange (44) arranged at the tail (42) of the threaded reducer nut (40) configured to restrict the plastic/polymeric insert (43) from being dislodged out of the tail (42) of the threaded reducer nut (40).

4. The pipe connector assembly (20) according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a leak testing access (60) arranged on the pipe connector assembly (20) and is configured to provide a leak testing access to the pipe connector assembly (20).

5. The pipe connector assembly (20) according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising one or more O-rings (55) arranged on a corresponding one or more recesses (56) prepared on the plastic pipe (26) which extends beyond the metal pipe (27) of the threaded connector end (30).

6. The pipe connector assembly (20) according to claim 5, wherein the plastic pipe (26) which lined the metal pipe (27) of the connector (25) and the plastic pipe 36 which lined the metal pipe (27) of the pipe end (35) is a corresponding type of plastic pipe selected from a PPR pipe, PVC pipe, PE pipe, HDPE pipe, LDPE pipe, UPVC pipe, ABS pipe, CPVC pipe, PVDF pipe, PB pipe, PP pipe, PP-brown pipe or pipe made with other composite plastics.

7. The pipe connector assembly according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the leak testing access (60) is realized as providing a through hole (65) on the body (41) of the thread reducer nut (40) and a socket screw (70) removably fitted to said hole (65) and configured to seal the said hole (65).

8. The pipe connector assembly (20) according to claim 7, wherein the plastic pipe (26) which lined the metal pipe (27) of the connector (25) and the plastic pipe (36) which lined the metal pipe (28) of the pipe end (35) is a corresponding PPR pipe, the connector (25) further comprising a pair of electrical terminals (75) wired to the threaded connector end (30) and each electrical terminal (75) configured to electrically connect to a power source to provide heating of plastic pipe (26) at one or more threaded connector end (30) of the connector (25) to enable fusing of the plastic pipe (26) of said threaded connector end (30) to the plastic pipe (36) at the pipe end (35).

9. The pipe connector assembly (20) according to claim 8, wherein the said electrical terminals (75) are arranged inside a housing (80) arranged on the connector (25) and a section of a wall of the plastic pipe (26) where the housing (80) is located is configured to be thickened to enhance strength at said housing (80).

10. The pipe connector according to claim 9, wherein the housing (80) is integrally and continuously formed from the metal pipe (27) of the connector (25) and includes a neck (81) at which an end cap (82) configured to couple to the neck (81) of said housing (80) is provided to conceal said pair to electrical terminals (75) arranged inside said housing (80).

11. The pipe connector assembly according to claim I, wherein the connector (25) and the pipe end (35) is configured to couple to each other by way of the plastic pipe (26) which extends beyond the metal pipe (27) of the threaded connector end (30) which . is configured to be inserted into the plastic pipe (36) at the pipe end (35); and wherein the threads on the metal pipe (27) of the threaded connector end (30) and the threads on the metal pipe (28) on the pipe end (35) are formed with a continuity; and wherein the threads on the metal pipe (28) of the pipe end is positioned higher than the threads on the metal pipe (27) of the threaded connector end (30); and that the crest of the threads on the metal pipe (27) of the threaded connector end (30) in gradually increased from shorter to taller starting from an inner section of the metal pipe (27) of threaded connector end (30) the connector (25) where the crest of the thread is flat or leveled with the surface of the metal pipe (27) continuing towards an end of the threaded connector end (30) where the crest of the thread is taller and enabling the threaded reducer nut (40) to be fastened clockwise from the thread with shorter crest on the metal pipe (27) towards the threads with taller crest at the threaded connector end (30) and couple and fastened onto the pipe end (35) and over the connection between the pipe end (35) and the threaded connector end (30) of the connector (25).

12. The pipe connector assembly according to any one of claims 1-11 wherein the connector (25) is any one of a one way connector, two ways connector, a three ways connector or a four ways connector.