U.S. patent application number 12/325336 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for joint construction, connector sleeve, a coupling assembly, and a method for preparation.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLIED TUBE & CONDUIT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Giulio Scartozzi.
Application Number | 20090133258 12/325336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37493428 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090133258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scartozzi; Giulio |
May 28, 2009 |
Joint Construction, Connector Sleeve, A Coupling Assembly, and a
Method for Preparation
Abstract
A connector sleeve for joining conduit, and a joint
construction, and a coupling assembly for joining conduit; and a
method for joining conduit using a coupling assembly.
Inventors: |
Scartozzi; Giulio; (Chicago
Heights, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TYCO INTERNATIONAL
9 ROSZEL ROAD
PRINCETON
NJ
08540
US
|
Assignee: |
ALLIED TUBE & CONDUIT
CORPORATION
Harvey
IL
|
Family ID: |
37493428 |
Appl. No.: |
12/325336 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11147123 |
Jun 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
12325336 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/890.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49428 20150115;
F16L 15/08 20130101; F16L 19/075 20130101; F16L 19/00 20130101;
Y10T 29/4943 20150115; F16L 19/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/890.14 |
International
Class: |
B23P 17/00 20060101
B23P017/00 |
Claims
1. A method for coupling conduit sections, comprising; swaging an
end of a first conduit section to form an enlarged diameter end;
coupling a connector sleeve within the enlarged diameter end of the
first conduit section, the sleeve having a first end received
within the enlarged diameter end of the first conduit section and
an externally threaded second end defining an axial bore;
encircling an end of a second conduit section with an internally
threaded annular gland nut and a compression washer; inserting the
end of the second conduit section into the axial bore; and
tightening the gland nut about the connector sleeve second end to
compress the compression washer about the second conduit section
thereby providing resistance to axial movement of the second
conduit section relative to the first conduit section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a joint construction for
conduit, a coupling assembly for joining conduit, a connector
sleeve for joining conduit, and to a method for joining conduit
using a coupling assembly. It finds particular application in
conjunction with electrical metallic tubing and will be described
herein primarily by way of reference thereto; however, it will be
appreciated that the invention finds utility in conjunction with
all manner of conduits, including pipes, tubes, ducts, and the
like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is thin-wailed tubing used
to contain is and protect electrical wires. EMT is commonly used in
warehouses, gymnasiums, factories, and the like. Such conduit is
traditionally manufactured in ten (10) foot lengths. The conduit
sections can be connected end-to-end for use in applications
requiring longer sections. Conduit connectors and conduit coupling
assemblies are well known in the art. Many coupling designs require
the use of a connection sleeve to hold the lengths of conduit
together. These connectors are manufactured and shipped
independently of the conduit and may require additional parts to
assemble. Maintaining inventory of and installing the individual
connector parts takes time and costs money. It would therefore be
desirable to have a connector sleeve for use in joining conduit, a
coupling assembly for joining conduit, and a method for joining
conduit using a coupling assembly. The present invention provides
connector sleeves, coupling assemblies, and methods which overcome
the above-referenced problems and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one aspect, a joint construction for conduit includes
first and second sections of conduit having coaxially overlapping
end areas, wherein the first section end area has an enlarged
diameter relative to the second section end area. A coupling member
is affixed to the first section end area and includes a first and
second end portions. The first end portion is dimensioned to be
coaxially received within the first section end area and the second
end portion has external threads and axially extends from the first
end portion. The coupling member includes an axial bore dimensioned
to coaxially receive the second section end area. An annular gland
nut includes internal threads rotatably engaging the external
threads of the second end portion to selectively axially advance
and retract the gland nut when the gland nut is respectively
rotated in opposite directions. A compression washer circumscribes
the second section and is interposed between the coupling member
second end portion and the annular gland nut and is urged into
engagement with the second section end portion to resist axial
movement of the second section relative to the first section.
[0004] In another aspect, a coupling assembly for joining conduit
includes a conduit having at least one swaged or enlarged diameter
end, a connector sleeve, a compression washer, and an internally
threaded annular gland nut. The end of a first conduit is swaged to
form a bell portion. The bell portion is sized to receive a
connector sleeve. The connector sleeve has an insertion end sized
to fit within the bell portion of the first conduit, and an
externally threaded second end sized to receive a second conduit.
The insertion end of the connector sleeve is coupled within the
bell portion of the first conduit. The internally threaded annular
gland nut, sized to receive the threaded end of said connector
sleeve and encircling a compression washer, is engaged onto the
threaded end of the connector sleeve, thus completing the coupling
assembly.
[0005] In yet another aspect, a connector sleeve for joining
conduit includes an annular sleeve having a first end and a second
end. The first end, or insertion end, has an outer diameter sized
to be received by a first conduit. The second end, or receiving
end, is externally threaded and has an inner diameter sized to
receive a second conduit.
[0006] In still another aspect, a method for joining conduit using
a connector assembly is provided. The end of a first conduit is
swaged to receive a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve has an
insertion end and an externally threaded second end. The connector
sleeve is then coupled within the swaged end of the first conduit.
A compression washer is encircled by an internally threaded annular
gland nut. The compression washer and the gland nut are Wed over a
second conduit. The end of the second conduit is then inserted into
the connector sleeve. The gland nut, with washer, is then engaged
onto the threaded end of the connector sleeve, thereby tightening
the compression washer about the end of the second conduit.
[0007] One advantage of the conduit coupling assembly described
herein resides in its ability to securely connect two lengths of
conduit coaxially.
[0008] Another advantage of the embodiments of the invention
described herein is found in that it offers a conduit joint which
may resist twisting and/or separation of the coupled conduit
sections. A further advantage of the coupling assembly described
herein is found in that it may be provided as an integral part of
the conduit. For example, the coupling assembly components may be
preattached to the conduit sections prior to shipping the conduit
sections to the job site, e.g., during manufacture, at a
centralized location, etc. In this manner, manufacturing costs,
installation time, and/or inventory concerns associated with
maintaining separate inventories of conduit sections and couplers
may be reduced.
[0009] Yet another advantage of the coupling assembly embodiments
herein is the ease of which a connection between conduit sections
may be assembled and disassembled.
[0010] Still further advantages and benefits of the present
invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon reading and understanding the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention may take form in various components and
arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements
of steps. The drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used
for like or analogous components throughout the several views, are
only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not
to be construed as limiting the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded side view illustrating a coupling
assembly according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded top plan view of the conduit and
connector sleeve shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side-sectional view of a pipe joint construction
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the conduit and connector
sleeve portions of the coupling assembly depicted FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side exploded view illustrating a coupling
assembly according to a further embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of a coupling assembly according to
yet another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] With reference to the drawing figures, there appears a
conduit joint construction 10 (FIG. 1) according to a first
embodiment and a conduit joint construction 11 (FIG. 3) for
connecting two conduit sections 12, 14 in coaxial, end-to-end
fashion. The conduit 12 has at least one receiving end 18. The
receiving end 18 is defined by a swaged or bell portion 20. The
bell portion 20 has an enlarged diameter with respect to the
conduit 34 is designed to receive a connector sleeve 22. The
conduit is preferably electrical metallic tubing and may be formed
of steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy, or other metal or metal
alloy. Other conduit materials are also contemplated, such as PCV
and other plastics.
[0019] The connector sleeve 22 has an externally threaded end 24
and an insertion end 26. Furthermore, the connector sleeve 22
defines an axial channel or bore having an internal diameter sized
to receive an end of the second conduit 14. The insertion end 26 of
the connector sleeve 22 can be coupled within the receiving end 18
of conduit 12 via any of a number of methods. For example, the
coupling or fastening between the insertion end 26 of the connector
sleeve 22 and the receiving end 18 of the conduit 12 can be
achieved by a friction fit between the exterior-facing surface of
the insertion end 26 and the interior-facing surface of the bell
end 18, by a mechanical fastener such as one or more rivets, screws
or other threaded fasteners, clips, clamps, or the like, a welded
joint, an adhesive bond such as epoxy or other adhesive, roll
grooving. for conduit formed of PVC or other plastic, the connector
sleeve may be secured to the bell end via a glue or adhesive bond,
or alternatively, may be integrally formed or molded.
[0020] In the embodiment appearing in FIGS. 3 and 4, the coupling
member 22 is secured within the bell portion via outwardly dimpling
or otherwise deforming the connector sleeve and bell portion 20
whereby one or more 20 protrusions are formed on the
exterior-facing surface of the connector sleeve 22 which engage and
are complimentary with a corresponding number of depressions formed
in the inward-facing surface of the bell portion 20. However,
inwardly dimpling or otherwise deforming the connector sleeve and
bell portion 20 is also contemplated whereby one or more
protrusions are formed on the interior-facing surface of the
connector sleeve 22 which engage and are complimentary with a
corresponding number of depressions formed in the outward-facing
surface of the bell portion 20. In still further embodiments, the
insertion end of the sleeve within may be rotatably coupled to the
receiving end of the first conduit via external threads formed on
the exterior facing surface of the insertion end 26 and
complimentary mating internal threads formed on the interior facing
surface of the bell portion 20.
[0021] With specific reference now to the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, there is illustrated one method for securing the connector
sleeve 22 within the receiving end 18. The bell portion 20 includes
one or more (two in the depicted embodiment) dimples or protrusions
40 formed thereon. Each dimple 40 includes an opening 42 extending
therethrough. A tubular rivet 44 having a threaded interior is then
clinched on the top of each of the dimples 40 and through the holes
42. For each hole 42, there is a corresponding aligned hole 48
formed in the connector sleeve 22. A threaded fastener 46 is
rotatably secured to each of the threaded rivets 44 and extends
into the holes 48. Preferably, each of the holes 48 is tapped for
form internal threads which likewise rotatably engage the threaded
fastener 46.
[0022] It will be recognized that the depicted embodiment employing
axially spaced apart fasteners is exemplary only and that other
positions and configurations of fasteners may be provided. For
example, in certain embodiments, only a single fastener may be
provided. In other embodiments, two or more axially aligned
fasteners, e.g., circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal
axis of the connector sleeve 22 and bell portion 20, may be
provided.
[0023] In certain embodiments, each threaded fastener 46 is
preferably of a length such that the threaded end thereof will
engage the opening 48 without extending into the interior portion
of the connector sleeve 22, so as to avoid interfering with the
received end of the conduit 14. In certain other embodiments, the
threaded fasteners 46 are of a length which will extend into the
interior of the connector sleeve 22. In such embodiments, the one
or more fasteners may be positioned so as to avoid interfering with
the received end of the conduit 14, e.g., behind an internal stop,
or alternatively, the threaded end of one or more of the fasteners
46 may extend radially inwardly so as to define an internal stop,
as described hereinbelow.
[0024] With specific reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown
an alternative means for coupling the connector sleeve 26 to the
bell portion 20 wherein the connector sleeve 22 and the bell
portion 20 are simultaneously outwardly deformed, e.g., via
dimpling. By outwardly pressing the sleeve 22 and bell portion 20,
one or more protrusions 32 are formed on the exterior-facing
surface of the connector sleeve 22 which engage and are
complimentary with a corresponding number of depressions 34 formed
in the inward-facing surface of the bell portion 20.
[0025] It will be recognized that the depicted embodiment employing
axially aligned, and radially spaced apart deformations is
exemplary only and that other positions and configurations of the
deformations may be provided. For example, in certain embodiments,
only a single deformed region may be provided. In preferred
embodiments, two or more axially aligned deformation, e.g., two,
three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more deformations
circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis of the
connector sleeve 22 and bell portion 20, may be provided.
[0026] Advantageously, where a plurality of radially spaced
deformations are provided, preferably, e.g., from four to eight
although other numbers are contemplated, the dimples or other
deformations are formed in such a way so as to provide surface
features, preferably protrusions, on the enlarged end area 18 so as
to facilitate engagement by a gripping tool such as a wrench,
pliers, or the like. In this manner, during installation, the tool
may be used to engage the end area 18 to provide additional
leverage and/or prevent rotation of the conduit 12 and the
connector sleeve 22 relative to the gland nut 30 when the gland nut
is rotated during assembly and disassembly of the pipe joint
construction.
[0027] It will be recognized that by outwardly deforming the
connector sleeve 22 and bell portion 20, interference with the
inserted end of the conduit 14 during assembly, as well as
interference with wiring or cabling to be drawn through the
conduit, may be avoided. In certain other embodiments, however, the
deformed regions may be dimpled or otherwise deformed inwardly. In
such embodiments, the one or more deformed regions may be
positioned so as to avoid interfering with the received end of the
conduit 14, e-g., behind an internal stop, or alternatively, may be
positioned so as to define an internal stop, as described
hereinbelow. Such inward deformations are also preferably of a
radial extent which does not interfere with wiring or cabling to be
passed through the conduit.
[0028] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2 and continued reference
to FIG. 3, a compression washer or gland 28 is sized to fit about
the conduit 14 and to be coaxially received within an internally
threaded annular gland nut 30. The compression washer may be formed
of a metal or metal alloy, and preferably is formed of spring
steel, or the like. The gland nut 30 is sized to rotatably receive
the threaded end 24 of the connector sleeve 22. The washer 28 is
compressed around the second conduit 14 as the gland nut 30 is
rotatably tightened about the threaded end 24 of the connector
sleeve 22. In an alternative embodiment, particularly wherein a PCV
or other plastic conduit material is used, the compression washer
may be replaced with an annular ring secured to the conduit 14,
e-g., via an adhesive or glue bond, or other fastener.
[0029] The connector sleeve may optionally include an external stop
for limiting the axial extent to which the connector sleeve 22 may
be inserted into the bell portion 20. The external stop may be any
protrusion formed on or attached to the connector sleeve 22 and
positioned between the insertion end 26 and the threaded end 24 of
the connector sleeve 22 to allow insertion of the connector sleeve
22 into the bell portion 20 to some maximum or predetermined depth.
In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the shoulder 50 of the
enlarged diameter threaded end 24 serves as an external stop,
although other external stop member configurations such as one or
more ridges or other protrusions, such as an annular ridge or a
segmented series ridges, and the like, are also contemplated.
Optionally, the external stop member can include a peripheral shape
and/or one or more peripheral surface features adapted to be
engaged by a wrench or other gripping tool.
[0030] The connector sleeve 22 may optionally include an internal
stop for limiting the axial extent to which the conduit 14 may be
inserted into the connector sleeve 22. The internal stop may be any
protrusion extending into the axial bore defined by the connector
sleeve 22 positioned therein to allow insertion of the conduit 14
into the bell portion 20 to a predetermined depth and prevent the
inserted end of the conduit 14 from passing completely through the
sleeve 22. Preferably, such an internal stop member should extend
inwardly a sufficient distance to engage the edge of conduit end
14, but without interfering with cabling or wiring to be passed
through the conduit. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the
radially inwardly extending flange or lip 52 of the connector
sleeve 22 serves as an internal stop member, although other
internal stop member configurations are contemplated, including
without limitation one or more fasteners ends additionally securing
the connector sleeve 26 within the bell portion 20 as described
above, or, one or more radially inwardly formed dimples or
deformations for securing the connector sleeve 26 within the bell
portion 20 as described above.
[0031] In still further embodiments, the connector sleeve 22 can
have modified internal and/or external surface features so as to
prevent relative rotation between the connector sleeve 22 and the
bell portion 20 and/or relative rotation of the second conduit 14
within the sleeve 22. For example, the internal and/or external
surfaces of the washer 28 may be crosshatched to increase the
friction. Alternatively, the connector sleeve 22 may be keyed or
otherwise provided with a complimentary cross-sectional shape
relative to the bell portion and/or the inserted end of the conduit
14.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the compression washer 28 may have a
beveled or tapered leading edge such that the washer 28 is wedged
between the connector sleeve 22 and the second conduit 14 as the
gland nut 30 is tightened via rotation of the nut 30 with respect
to the threaded end 24. The inner and/or outer surfaces of the
compression washer 28 may be modified to increase the friction
between the compression washer 28 and the second conduit 14 and/or
between the compression washer 28 and or the connector sleeve 22.
For example, the internal and/or external surfaces of the washer 28
may be crosshatched to increase the friction.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5, there appears a conduit section 12
having an enlarged end 18 for receiving a connector sleeve 22. The
connector sleeve 22 includes a threaded end 24, an insertion end
26, and a raised shoulder 50. It will be recognized that the
coupling assembly depicted in FIG. 5 may include any of the
fastening or coupling means for securing the sleeve 22 within the
bell end 18 of the conduit 12 and described above.
[0034] An optional annular gasket or sealing ring 54 is supported
on the sleeve insertion end 26. The material forming the sealing
ring or gasket 54 may be, for example, a metal or metal alloy, such
as steel, aluminum, zinc alloy, etc., or a synthetic or natural
plastic, rubber, or elastomeric material. Optionally, the gasket 54
may be seated in an annular groove or channel (not shown) formed on
the connector sleeve insertion end 22 adjacent the shoulder 50. The
sealing ring or gasket 54 fills any gap between the shoulder 50 and
the end of the bell portion 18, thereby preventing or reducing the
infiltration of moisture, dirt, debris, smoke, and other
environmental factors into or out of the conduit.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, there appears a pipe joint assembly
111 including a conduit section 112 having an end 148 coaxially
received within an insertion end 126 of an external sleeve 122, The
sleeve 122 includes a threaded end 124 having an internal diameter
sized to receive an end of a conduit section 14 to be joined to the
conduit section 112. An internal stop member (not shown) for the
received ends of the conduit sections 112 and 14, such as a
radially inwardly protruding member or flange may be provided
within the sleeve 122 intermediate the insertion end 126 and the
threaded end 124 of the sleeve 122. An annular sealing ring or
gasket (not shown) may optionally be provided to seal any gap
between the outer surface of the insertion end 118 of conduit 114
and an inner surface of the sleeve 122.
[0036] A compression washer or gland 28 is sized to fit about the
conduit 14 and to be coaxially received within an internally
threaded annular gland nut 30. The gland nut 30 is sized to
rotatably receive the threaded end 124 of the connector sleeve 122.
The washer 28 is compressed around the second conduit 14 as the
gland nut 34) is rotatably tightened about the threaded end 24 of
the connector sleeve 22. The washer 28 may include a beveled or
tapered leading edge to wedge the washer between the threaded end
124 of the sleeve 422 and the conduit section 14. In alternative
embodiments, the compression washer 28 may be replaced with an
annular ring secured to the conduit 14, e.g., via an adhesive or
glue bond, or other fastener.
[0037] In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the connector sleeve
122 is secured to the conduit section 112 via a plurality of
outward dimples or deformations 134. However, it will be recognized
that any of the coupling methods shown and described above by way
of reference to FIGS. 1-4 for securing the connector sleeve 22 to
conduit section end 18 may likewise be adapted for securing the
connector sleeve 122 to the conduit section end 118.
[0038] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to
others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding disclosure
herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the
foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as
illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.
* * * * *