U.S. patent application number 15/466667 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-26 for universal coupling.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ajit Singh Gill. Invention is credited to Ajit Singh Gill.
Application Number | 20180209568 15/466667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62905794 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180209568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gill; Ajit Singh |
July 26, 2018 |
Universal Coupling
Abstract
A coupling to connect a pipe end portion to another pipe end
portion or to a valve or other fitting wherein the pipe end portion
includes a circumferential shoulder includes a flange around an
opening into the coupling through which the end portion of the pipe
including the circumferential shoulder can be inserted into the
coupling. A wheel with a radial channel therein is rotatably
mounted on the flange with the flange received in the radial
channel which is wide enough to also receive wedge members therein
alongside the flange. Once the pipe end with the shoulder is
received in the coupling, wedge members are inserted into the
radial channel through a cut opening in a portion of the wheel to
extend into and reduce the diameter of the opening to hold the
shoulder in the coupling. A seal is provided in the coupling to
seal the coupling against leakage.
Inventors: |
Gill; Ajit Singh;
(Taylorsville, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gill; Ajit Singh |
Taylorsville |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62905794 |
Appl. No.: |
15/466667 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62448786 |
Jan 20, 2017 |
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62457002 |
Feb 9, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 21/08 20130101;
F16L 17/04 20130101; F16L 25/12 20130101; F16L 17/025 20130101;
F16L 17/035 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 23/00 20060101
F16L023/00; F16L 23/18 20060101 F16L023/18 |
Claims
1. A coupling to connect an end portion of a pipe to an end portion
of another pipe or to a valve or other fitting wherein the end
portion of the pipe includes an end of the pipe and a
circumferential shoulder spaced from the end of the pipe,
comprising: a coupling body to receive the end portion of the pipe
therein; a coupling body opening through which the end portion of
the pipe is inserted into the coupling body; a coupling body flange
around the coupling body opening, said coupling body flange having
a coupling body flange thickness; a wheel rotatably mounted on the
coupling body flange, said wheel having an inner wheel wall and an
outer wheel wall forming a channel therebetween which receives the
coupling body flange therein, said outer wheel wall having a
central wheel opening with a diameter at least as great as the
outside diameter of the circumferential shoulder of the pipe to be
received through the coupling body opening into the coupling body
and said channel having a width large enough to receive a wedge
member in the form of a flat plate therein in side-by-side
relationship with the coupling body flange received in the channel,
and said wheel having a cut opening along a circumferential portion
of the wheel, said cut opening sized to allow the wedge member to
be mounted into the channel from outside the wheel; wherein, when
the end portion of the pipe including the circumferential shoulder
is received in the coupling body, the wedge member can be mounted
through the cut opening in the wheel into the wheel channel to be
positioned in the wheel channel to extend toward the end portion of
the pipe passing through the central wheel opening into the
coupling body opening to provide a central wedge opening around the
pipe of diameter less than the central wheel opening to prevent the
circumferential shoulder from passing out of the coupling body
through the coupling body opening; and wherein an outermost
circumferential surface of the wedge member has a diameter
equivalent to an outer diameter of the coupling body flange and an
innermost circumferential surface of the wedge member being smaller
than a diameter of the circumferential shoulder wherein the wedge
member is shaped in the form of a portion of a washer.
2. A coupling according to claim 1, additionally including a seal
within the coupling body cooperative with the pipe end portion when
the pipe end portion of the pipe including the circumferential
shoulder is received in the coupling body.
3. A coupling according to claim 2, wherein the coupling body
includes an inner curved portion extending radially inwardly toward
the pipe end portion when the pipe end portion is inserted into the
coupling body.
4. A coupling according to claim 3, wherein the seal is associated
with the inner curved portion.
5. A coupling according to claim 2, wherein the seal is positioned
within the coupling body so that it remains cooperative with the
pipe end portion when the wedge members prevent the pipe end
portion circumferential shoulder from passing out of the coupling
body through the coupling body opening.
6. A coupling according to claim 2, wherein the seal is responsive
to fluid pressure within the coupling.
7. A coupling according to claim 1, additionally including means to
close the cut opening in the wheel.
8. A coupling according to claim 4- 7, additionally including a set
of wedge members.
9. A coupling according to claim 8, wherein the means to close the
cut opening in the wheel includes one wedge member of the set of
wedge members, said one wedge member adapted to fit into the
channel adjacent the cut opening.
10. A coupling according to claim 8, additionally including means
for moving the wedge members inside the cut opening.
11. A coupling according to claim 10, wherein the means for moving
the wedge members includes a hole in respective wedge members of
the set of wedge members adapted to receive an end of a moving
tool.
12. A coupling according to claim 11, wherein the hole in the
respective wedge members is threaded.
13. A coupling to connect an end portion of a pipe to an end
portion of another pipe or to a valve or other fitting wherein the
end portion of the pipe includes an end of the pipe and a
circumferential shoulder spaced from the end of the pipe,
comprising: a coupling body to receive the end portion of the pipe
therein; a coupling body opening through which the end portion of
the pipe is inserted into the coupling body; a coupling body flange
around the coupling body opening, said coupling body flange having
a coupling body flange thickness; at least one wedge member in the
form of a flat plate, each said at least one wedge member having a
wedge member thickness; a wheel rotatably mounted on the coupling
body flange, said wheel having an inner wheel wall and an outer
wheel wall forming a channel therebetween which receives the
coupling body flange therein, said outer wheel wall having a
central wheel opening with a diameter at least as great as the
outside diameter of the circumferential shoulder of the pipe and
said channel having a width at least equal to the combined
thicknesses of the coupling body flange thickness and the wedge
member thickness whereby the channel can receive one of the at
least one wedge member therein in side-by-side relationship with
the coupling body flange, and said wheel having a cut opening along
a circumferential portion of the wheel, said cut opening sized to
allow the at least one wedge member to be mounted into the channel
from outside the wheel; wherein, when the end portion of the pipe
including the circumferential shoulder is received in the coupling
body, the at least one wedge member can be mounted through the cut
opening in the wheel into the wheel channel to be positioned in the
wheel channel to extend toward the end portion of the pipe passing
through the central wheel opening into the coupling body opening to
provide a central wedge opening around the pipe of diameter less
than the central wheel opening to prevent the circumferential
shoulder from passing out of the coupling body through the coupling
body opening; and a seal cooperative with the pipe end portion when
the pipe end portion of the pipe including the circumferential
shoulder is received in the coupling body; wherein an outermost
circumferential surface of the wedge member has a diameter
equivalent to an outer diameter of the coupling body flange and an
innermost circumferential surface of the wedge member being smaller
than a diameter of the circumferential shoulder wherein the wedge
member is shaped in the form of a portion of a washer.
14. A coupling according to claim 13, additionally including means
to close the cut opening in the wheel.
15. A coupling according to claim 14, wherein the means to close
the cut opening in the wheel includes one wedge member of the at
least one wedge member, said one wedge member adapted to fit into
the channel adjacent the cut opening.
16. A coupling according to claim 13, additionally including means
for moving the at least one wedge member inside the cut
opening.
17. A coupling according to claim 16, wherein the means for moving
the at least one wedge member includes a hole in the at least one
wedge member adapted to receive an end of a moving tool.
18. A coupling to connect an end portion of a pipe to an end
portion of another pipe or to a valve or other fitting, comprising:
a coupling body to receive the end portion of the pipe therein; a
coupling body opening through which the end portion of the pipe is
inserted into the coupling body; a coupling body flange around the
coupling body opening, said coupling body flange having a coupling
body flange thickness and having an outer edge; a plurality of
wedge members in the form of flat plates, each wedge member having
a wedge member thickness; a wheel rotatably mounted on the coupling
body flange, said wheel having an inner wheel wall and an outer
wheel wall forming a channel therebetween which receives the
coupling body flange therein, said outer wheel wall having a
central wheel opening with a diameter large enough to receive the
end portion of the pipe therethrough when the end portion of the
pipe is inserted into the coupling body and said channel having a
width at least equal to the combined thicknesses of the coupling
body flange thickness and the wedge member thickness whereby the
channel can receive a wedge member from the plurality of wedge
members therein in side-by-side relationship with the coupling body
flange, and said wheel having a cut opening along a circumferential
portion of the wheel, said cut opening sized to allow the wedge
member to be mounted into the channel from outside the wheel;
wherein, when the end portion of the pipe is received in the
coupling body, wedge members from the plurality of wedge members
can be mounted through the cut opening in the wheel into the wheel
channel to be positioned in the wheel channel to extend toward the
end portion of the pipe passing through the central wheel opening
into the coupling body opening to provide a central wedge opening
around the pipe of diameter less than the central wheel opening;
and wherein an outermost circumferential surface of the wedge
member has a diameter equivalent to an outer diameter of the
coupling body flange and an innermost circumferential surface of
the wedge member being smaller than a diameter of the
circumferential shoulder wherein the wedge member is shaped in the
form of a portion of a washer.
19. A coupling according to claim 1, wherein the coupling body is
elongate and additionally includes a second coupling body opening
through which the end portion of a second pipe or valve or other
fitting to be joined which includes an end of the pipe or valve or
other fitting and a circumferential shoulder spaced from the end of
the pipe or valve or other fitting can be inserted into the
coupling, said second coupling body opening including a second
coupling body flange around the second coupling body opening and a
second wheel rotatably mounted on the second coupling body flange,
said second wheel having an inner second wheel wall and an outer
second wheel wall forming a second wheel channel therebetween which
receives the second coupling body flange therein, said outer second
wheel wall having a central second wheel opening with a diameter at
least as great as the outside diameter of the circumferential
shoulder of the pipe or valve or other fitting to be received
through the second coupling body opening into the coupling body and
said second wheel channel having a width large enough to receive a
second coupling body opening wedge member in the form of a flat
plate therein in side-by-side relationship with the second coupling
body flange received in the second wheel channel, and said second
wheel having a second wheel cut opening along a circumferential
portion of the second wheel, said second wheel cut opening sized to
allow the second coupling body opening wedge member to be mounted
into the second wheel channel from outside the second wheel.
20. A coupling according to claim 1, wherein the coupling body is
elongate and additionally includes a second coupling body opening
through which the end portion of a second pipe or valve or other
fitting to be joined which includes an end of the pipe or valve or
other fitting and a circumferential shoulder spaced from the end of
the second pipe or valve or other fitting can be inserted into the
coupling, said second coupling body opening including a second
coupling body flange around the second coupling body opening, and
additionally including a set of jaw members, each jaw member having
an inner jaw member flange and an outer jaw member flange forming a
jaw member channel therebetween, said jaw member channel being wide
enough to receive the second coupling body flange therein, said jaw
members being movably mounted on the outside of the circumferential
shoulder spaced from the end of the second pipe or valve or other
fitting for camming movement toward the coupling body with
simultaneous circumferential movement partially around the second
pipe or valve or other fitting in one direction and movement away
from the coupling body with simultaneous circumferential movement
partially around the second pipe or valve or other fitting in the
opposite direction, whereby when the jaw members of the set move
toward the coupling body to a closed position they engage the
second coupling body flange so the second pipe or valve or other
fitting to be joined cannot be removed from the coupling body and
when the jaw members of the set move away from the coupling body to
an open position they disengage the second coupling body flange so
the second pipe or valve or other fitting to be joined can be
removed from the coupling body; and means for moving the jaw
members of the set with respect to the coupling body.
21. A coupling according to claim 4, wherein the seal associated
with the inner curved portion includes opposite end portions and a
groove between the opposite end portions adapted to receive the
inner curved portion and hold the seal from sliding with respect to
the inner curved portion.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] Priority is claimed to copending U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/448,786 filed Jan. 20, 2017 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/457,002 filed Feb. 9,
2017, each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field
[0002] The invention is in the field of pipe couplings to connect
together two pipes having shoulders or flanges in their end
portions and to connect a pipe end to a valve or other fitting.
State of the Art
[0003] There are many types of couplers for attaching the ends of
pipes together. For example, Inventor holds U.S. Pat. Nos.
8,474,880 and 7,455,331 which show couplers for connecting pipe
ends together where the pipes are provided with shoulders or
flanges in their end portions. In many piping systems it is
desirable to provide pipe connections designed to mitigate pipe
damage with horizontal and vertical movement of the earth and to
resist separation of the pipes and couplings and resultant leakage
of couplings in the event of earthquakes. Currently, the Kubota
bell joint using ductile iron pipe manufactured by Kubota
Corporation of japan is considered a reliable joint during
earthquakes, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,097,074, 4,126,337, and 4,275,909. It
would be advantageous to have seismically stable pipe joints for
other types of pipes. Different types of pipe are made of different
materials, such as steel, PVC, polyethylene, and fiberglass, and
each pipe has its own standards. Large diameter polyethylene pipe
commonly is fused for end to end pipe connections. Fiberglass pipe
commonly is joined with glue. It would be advantageous to have a
universal design of a coupling to connect pipes made from the same
or different materials, and, in addition, to make such universal
coupling substantially seismically stable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The coupling of the current invention is particularly useful
with pipes or fittings, such as valves, for use in piping systems
for pipes provided with shoulders or flanges in their end portions,
but can also be used with straight end pipes. The coupling body is
preferably made of steel with two opposite symmetrical portions
which are mirror images of one another to form a single piece
seismic joint cylindrically stable coupling designed to mitigate
pipe damage with horizontal and vertical movement of the earth. The
coupling of the invention has distinct advantage over bell joint
couplings designed for seismic standards and also provides an
alternative to free pipe ends from the coupling body. In the event
of earthquakes, the coupling of the invention will not separate
from the pipes and will remain substantially water leak proof. The
coupling of the invention provides a universal design of a coupling
to connect pipes made from different materials and is adaptable for
pipes having different diameters, other than IPS standards of
pipes. The objects of the coupling of the invention are:
[0005] 1. Where, coupling joint maintains its integrity during
earthquakes.
[0006] 2. Where, coupling joint handles thermal and Poisson's ratio
effects.
[0007] 3. Where, at least one coupling joint functions as a
restrained joint as well as flexible joint.
[0008] 4. Where, both ends of the coupling (with circumferential
mini flanges) are modifiable for flange to flange connection or
other type of connections.
[0009] 5. Where, in case of steel pipes, one end or both ends of
the coupling can be welded to steel pipe.
[0010] 6. Where, in case of steel pipes, if the coupling develops a
fluid leak, then, circumferentially along the inner radii of the
two opposite walls of the wheel, steel wires can be welded to the
pipe and coupling body to encase the fluid leak completely.
Therefore, in an emergency of a fluid leak, one wall of each wheel
can be welded to the pipe and the other wall of that wheel can be
welded to the coupling body.
[0011] 7. Where, the coupling can be reused once it is removed from
the pipes.
[0012] 8. Where, the coupling can be used to connect different
pipes made of different material.
[0013] 9. Where, the coupling does not harm the end portions of
pipes as grip couplings with sharp steel teeth do.
[0014] 10. Where, each flange at each end of the coupling is
mounted around with a rotatable wheel provided with a cut opening
means to load arcuate flat wedge plates to hold the pipe loosely
and circumferentially.
[0015] 11. Where, an arcuate wedge cover provides means to cover
the cut opening in the wheel to keep wedges in place.
[0016] 12. Where, after removing an arcuate wedge cover, flat wedge
plates can be removed by rotating the wheel.
[0017] 13. Where, for underground pipe for 50 years of design, the
wedge cover can be welded to the open cut in the wheel, and the
weld can be grounded off with a grinder when the wedge cover and
wedges need to be freed from the wheel to disconnect the pipe from
the coupling.
[0018] 14. Where, the coupling can be modified to make a bell joint
from the middle portion of the coupling body.
[0019] 15. Where, the coupling can accommodate different designs of
seals.
[0020] 16. Where, ends of the coupling (wheel portions) can be
covered with rubber or an elastomeric channel to protect ends from
entering debris into the coupling body.
[0021] 17. Where, the body of coupling can be modified for various
types of connections, including quick connection, to connect the
pipe with a valve, as inventor described it in U.S. Pat. No.
5,387,017.
[0022] According to the invention, a universal coupling has a
coupling body to receive and hold therein the end portion of a pipe
to be coupled and has a coupling body opening through which the end
portion of the pipe to be coupled is inserted into the coupling
body. The end portion of the pipe to be coupled is provided with a
circumferential pipe shoulder or circumferential pipe flange
thereon spaced a distance from the end of the pipe and adapted to
be received in the coupling body when the end of the pipe is
inserted into the coupling body. From here on, the terms
"circumferential pipe shoulder" or "circumferential pipe flange"
around the end portion of a pipe will be considered as equivalents,
one including the other.
[0023] A coupling body flange extends around the coupling body
opening. A radially channeled wheel is mounted on the coupling body
flange with the coupling body flange received in the radial channel
of the wheel, whereby the wheel can be rotated around the coupling
body opening. The wheel includes an inner wall and an outer wall
which form the channel, and an open cut in one circumferential
portion of the wheel extending radially from the channel to outside
the wheel through which a plurality of wedges can be sequentially
inserted into the channel. The wedges are flat plates and may each
be in the shape of a section of a washer having an inside opening
of a diameter less than the diameter of the smallest
circumferential pipe shoulder or circumferential pipe flange
expected to be received in the particular coupling body concerned.
The channel is wide enough to receive both the coupling body flange
and a wedge inserted through the open cut into the channel. The
outer wall has a central wheel opening aligned with the coupling
body opening, with said wheel opening having a diameter large
enough to receive the largest diameter circumferential pipe
shoulder or circumferential pipe flange expected for a pipe to be
received into the coupling body. When the wedges are inserted into
the channel, the wedges will extend radially inwardly beyond the
diameter of the inner wall central opening to reduce the diameter
of the inner wall central opening so that a circumferential pipe
shoulder or circumferential pipe flange received in the coupling
body cannot pass through the reduced diameter inner wall opening
formed by the wedges. In this way, the end portion of the pipe is
held in the coupling body. The coupling will also include a seal
therein for sealing the coupling around the pipe end received in
the coupling body to thereby prevent leakage of fluid from the
coupling.
[0024] When the coupling is provided to couple the ends of two
pipes together, the end portions of the two pipes to be joined will
be inserted into opposite ends of the coupling with a gap left
between the pipe ends in the coupling body. The inner central
section of the coupling body will bridge over the gap between the
opposite ends of the two pipes. The inner central section of the
coupling body is provided with two opposite elastomeric seals which
open toward the center of the coupling body, i.e., toward the gap
between the pipes. These seals get pressurized with the fluid
flowing through the pipes and generally act as effective means to
prevent leakage of the fluid from the coupling body. When the
coupling is provided to couple the end of one pipe to a fitting,
such as a valve, the coupling may be integrally formed with or
otherwise attached to the fitting, such as by welding or other form
of attachment, and positioned with respect to the fitting to
connect the fitting to the end of the pipe. In such instance, the
coupling body is provided with an elastomeric seal which fits
around the end of the pipe and opens toward the fitting. Again, the
seal get pressurized with the fluid flowing through the pipe and
fitting and generally acts as an effective means to prevent leakage
of the fluid from the connector. Alternately, when connecting a
pipe to a fitting, the fitting can be provided with a pipe flange
or pipe shoulder and connected to the end of the pipe as if it was
another pipe.
[0025] To connect the coupling to the end portions of two pipes to
be connected, first one end of the coupling is mounted loosely
around the end of the first pipe and the coupling is pushed till
the circumferential pipe shoulder or circumferential pipe flange on
the end portion of the first pipe is within the coupling and the
outer wall of the wheel is aligned with a temporary chalk mark on
pipe. The temporary chalk mark will have been placed on the end
portion of the pipe at a location indicating that a desired length
of the end portion of the pipe has been inserted into the coupling.
Then, the wheel is rotated so that the open cut is at the top of
the wheel and wedges are loaded into the wheel channel one at a
time through the open cut until they are circumferentially
positioned around the pipe. When a wedge is inserted through the
open cut at the top of the wheel, the first wedge inserted can
slide by gravity, or can be pushed, in the channel around the pipe
to the bottom of the pipe with subsequent wedges sliding into
contact with this bottom wedge until the wedges surround the pipe.
The wedges will form an opening around the pipe having a diameter
just larger than the outside diameter of the pipe, which is smaller
than the diameter of the circumferential pipe shoulder or
circumferential pipe flange. The wedges are locked into their
positions with the wheel and, at the circumferential location of
the cut opening in the wheel, by means of a wedge cover which
closes the cut opening in the wheel. The wedge cover may be secured
in place in the cut opening in the wheel by means of a bolt
fastener or other fasteners. If desired, the wedge cover can be
welded to the cut opening of the wheel, and when desired to be
removed, the weld can be grounded off with a grinder to free the
wedge cover and to free other wedges. After the wedges are mounted
inside of the first wheel, then the first pipe is locked to the
connector and cannot be pulled out of the coupling body.
Thereafter, the end of second pipe is pushed into the other end of
coupling body and, similarly to the end portion of the first pipe,
the end portion of the second pipe is properly connected within the
coupling body by insertion of wedges. When it is needed to
disconnect the pipes, the wedges can be removed from one or both of
the wheels by removing the wedge cover from one or both of the
wheels and then rotating the wheel or wheels so the open cut in the
wheel is at the bottom of the wheel so the wedges fall out of the
wheel channel one by one through the open cut of the wheel. Since
the wedges are separate pieces inserted into the coupling when
pipes are attached, they can be shipped along with the shipment of
the coupling to the job site, such as packed in a box, with the box
stored in the barrel of the coupling.
DRAWINGS
[0026] The best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the
invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a coupling of the invention
showing the coupling body with pipes to be attached extending from
opposite ends of the coupling body, but without the wheels attached
so that the body flanges on opposite ends of the coupling body are
visible;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a transverse longitudinal vertical section of the
coupling of FIG. 1 and shows two opposite seals within the coupling
separated by an elastomeric partitioner between them;
[0029] FIG. 2A is a vertical section taken on the line A-A of FIG.
2B, showing a wheel that would be mounted on the end flanges of the
coupling of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the wheel alone, not mounted on
a coupling, and showing wedges loaded in the wheel channel;
[0030] FIG. 2B is front elevation of the wheel of FIG. 2A;
[0031] FIG. 2C is a side elevation similar to that of FIG. 1
showing the coupling of FIG. 1 with the coupling wheels mounted at
the opposite ends of the coupling body;
[0032] FIG. 2D is a transverse longitudinal horizontal section of
the coupling of FIG. 2C, taken on the line A-A of FIG. 2, with a
monolithic seal mounted inside the coupling body;
[0033] FIG. 2E is perspective view of a wedge cover to cover the
open cut in the left wheel of the coupling body;
[0034] FIG. 2F is the same wedge as in FIG. 2E for the wheel on the
right side of the coupling body;
[0035] FIG. 3 shows perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 1
without pipes, and shows an alternate design of wedge cover with
its perspective view, and also shows a perspective view of a
wedge;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of the wedge shown in
FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a side view of the wedge cover shown in FIG.
3;
[0038] FIG. 5A is bottom view of a further alternate design of
wedge cover;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a side view of a monolithic seal usable with the
coupling of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a transverse longitudinal vertical section of the
seal of FIG. 6 taken on the line A-A of FIG. 6;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wheel to accommodate a
plurality of wedges;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a coupling body showing wheels
at each end of the coupling and showing the opening cut in each
wheel at the top of each wheel with no wedges mounted in the
wheel;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a transverse longitudinal horizontal section of
the coupling of FIG. 9 taken on the line A-A of FIG. 9;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a traverse longitudinal vertical section of a
coupling body with a seal fitted around the walls of a reverse
cavity which opens exteriorly to the coupling body, where each
cavity is a mirror of the other cavity;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a variation of the coupling of FIG. 11 with the
same seal, and depicts in broken lines how the coupling can be
modified to a bell joint;
[0046] FIG. 13 is perspective view of a still further alternate
design of wedge cover provided with two opposite flanges to be
connected with two corresponding flanges constructed at two
opposite ends of the open cut of wheel ;
[0047] FIG. 14 is transverse longitudinal vertical section of a
modified coupling body to connect a pipe end to a valve;
[0048] FIG. 15 is the same as FIG. 14, but one end of the coupling
is modified to connect a pipe to a valve by means of cam rotary
jaws for quick connection or for quick disconnection of the
coupling from the valve;
[0049] FIG. 16 is a side view of cam grooves showing heads of bolts
which move through said grooves;
[0050] FIG. 17 is a side elevation of a coupling body modified to
connect opposite ends of two plain end pipes; and
[0051] FIG. 18 is a transverse longitudinal vertical section of the
coupling of FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Drawings are not drawn to any particular scale. Most of the
time when the same elements are repeated on both sides of the
coupling, therefore to depict other body parts of the coupling,
numbers of right side elements corresponding with the left side
elements are assigned numbers appended with a letter. One half
portion of the coupling depicts a symmetrical mirror image of the
other half portion of the coupling body. Thus, when one side
element is being explained, the corresponding element on opposite
side of the coupling body will be considered explained
simultaneously. FIGS. with or without wheels can be studied
together. For ease to study drawings, FIGS. are grouped in the
following sets:
[0053] FIGS. 1, 2C, and 3 depict the same coupling body without
wheels.
[0054] FIGS. 3, 5, 5A, and 13 shows alternate designs of wedge
covers.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows a modified design of coupling body shown in
FIG. 1 where, sections 1 and 5 and 5A all have same diameter. FIG.
12 shows modifications that can be made to the coupling of FIG. 11
to make a bell joint.
[0056] FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 show modified coupling bodies for two
types of valve connections.
[0057] FIGS. 17 and 18 show a modified coupling body to connect
plain end pipes.
[0058] A general introduction to the invention can be had with the
illustrated embodiment shown in the drawings presented in this
paragraph. The coupling includes a coupling body 1 provided with
mini flanges 9 and 9A at opposite ends of the coupling body as
shown in FIG. 1. Radially channeled wheel 20W, shown in FIGS. 8,
2A, and 2B, is constructed around each mini flange 9 and 9A as
shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. Each wheel 20W includes an outer long
wall 27 and an inner short wall 28, FIGS. 8 and 2A, which form the
channel 20 therebetween to accept a mini flange 9 or 9A therein,
FIGS. 2D, 9, and 10. The channel 20 in each wheel 20W is loaded
with radial wedges P1, P2, P3, and P4, made of flat plates, which
fit into channel 20 between flange 9 or 9A and outer walls 27, 27A,
FIG. 2D. Wedges P1, P2, P3, and P4 are inserted into channel 20
through cut opening 25 in wheel 20W, FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 2D shows
the wedges in place in channel 20 between flanges 9 or 9A, and
outer walls 27, 27A. Wedges P1, P2, P3, and P4 are shaped as
sections of a washer (like wedges of cut pie pieces without the
point) so fit together to form a center opening shown in FIG. 2B.
With the end portion of a pipe 15 inserted into the connector body
1 through the central opening in outer wall 27 having a diameter D1
so that flange 14 or shoulder 41 passes through the central opening
and is inside connector body 1, wedges P1, P2, P3, and P4 are
inserted into channel 20 and extend inwardly beyond the diameter D1
of the central opening through outer wall 27, FIGS. 2A and 2D, to
form a smaller opening with a diameter approximately equal to the
outer diameter of the pipe 15, 15A. In this way, wedges P1, P2, P3,
and P4 will engage flange 14 or shoulder 41 and prevent it from
passing out of connector body 1.
[0059] Flange 14, 14A, FIG. 2, may be welded to pipe 15, 15A, or
shoulder 41, 41A, FIG. 2D, may be formed integral with pipe 15,
15A, or constructed by welding a shoulder ring around or to the end
portion of pipe 15, 15A. In the case of plastic PVC or polyethylene
pipe, to make a shoulder, a steel ring can be dropped into the
properly sized groove or a shoulder ring made of PCV and/or
polyethylene can be fused to the end of these pipes. In the case of
fiberglass pipe, a fiberglass sleeve can be cemented around the end
portion of pipe to make the shoulder around the end portion of
pipe.
[0060] The engagement between the wedges P1, P2, P3, and P4 and a
flange 14 or shoulder 41 restrains the pipe in the coupling body,
and that pipe cannot be pulled out of the coupling body. The inner
radius 30R of P4 can be made larger than the radii R of Pl, P2, and
P3 so that P4 has the least contact with the pipe flange or
shoulder, unless extra thickness is provided to strengthen the wall
of the cut opening which is a portion of wall 27 of wheel 20W. FIG.
18 shows no shoulders on the pipe ends, where the coupling joins
two plain end pipes. FIGS. 2E and 2F show the wedge P4 included
with a wedge cover 33A. The number of wedges used can vary with
large size couplings generally having more than three wedges.
Further, while it is preferred to have wedges substantially
surrounding the pipe as inserted into the coupling body, fewer
wedges can be used so that the pipe is not completely surrounded
with wedges. The wedges that are used will still block the pipe
from being pulled from the coupling body. Inner radii R of the
wedges with respect to the outer radius R1 of shoulders 14 in FIG.
2 and shoulder 41 in FIG. 2D depend on the designed flexible angle
of pipe. The outer radius R1 of flange 14 in FIG. 2, and outer
radius of shoulder 41 in FIGS. 2D and 12 is always greater than the
inner radii of wedges P1, P2, P3, and P4 to an extent that under no
condition can the pipe be pulled out of the coupling body. Various
designs of seals are shown in the drawings, and other seal designs
can be used. Wheels 20W shown in FIG. 8 are constructed around mini
flanges 9 and 9A in the manufacturing plant, also preferably seals
are installed in the coupling body in the manufacturing plant. Each
coupling is shipped to the job site with wedges stored inside the
coupling body in a box or wedges are shipped separately in the box.
Perspective views of parts and assembly drawings depict the
invention clearly, therefore only needed hidden lines are shown in
cross sectional drawings. Pipes will be discussed along with a
procedure to mount the coupling around the end portions of pipes to
connect two pipes. From here on the coupling body will be referred
to by calling it coupling only.
[0061] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12 without wheels and FIGS. 2C, 2D, 9,
10, 14, 15, 17 and 18 with wheels can be studied together. The
coupling in each FIG. is provided with mini flanges 9 and 9A on
opposite ends of sections 5 and 5A of the coupling body. Mini
flanges may be constructed integrally with the coupling or mini
flanges may be constructed by welding them around end portions of
coupling. Wheel 20W is installed around each mini flange 9 and 9A
in the manufacturing plant. Each wheel 20W can be constructed
around mini flanges 9 and 9A by welding preferably two arcuate
channels, where inner short wall 28A of each opposite wheel 20W is
positioned behind flanges 9 and 9A, and long walls 27 and 27A are
positioned at outer most distance from said mini flanges
respectively. Wheel 20W is shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and FIG. 8 where,
welding of two said arcuates is shown by welds w1 and w2 in FIG. 8.
Wheel 20W is provided with cut opening 25 between end of cuts 23
and 24. Two opposite openings 16 are provided (in opposite walls 21
and 22 of cut 25) for bolt 29A for cover 33A shown in FIG. 2E and
2F. Nut for bolt stem 29B is not shown.
[0062] In FIGS. 1, 2, 2C, 2D, 3, 9, 10, 11 and 12 the central
portion of coupling 1 is much longer than the sum total length of
two opposite portions 5 and 5A, so that end portion of each pipe
always remain in contact with the elastomeric seal around the pipe.
The relative lengths of 1 and 5 and 5A depend on allowable designed
thermal expansion and contraction, including shortening of the
pipes under the Poisson's Ratio effect.
[0063] In FIG. 2 cavities 13 and 13A for seals 11 and 11A (seal 11A
is not shown) are created between opposite ends of a partitioner 12
made of elastomeric split tube, and opposite slanting walls 6 and
6A of the coupling body. Partitioner 12 made from elastomeric sheet
is glued to the inner surface 1A of the central portion of coupling
body 1.
[0064] FIG. 2D will be studied with the aid of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
FIG. 2D shows elastomeric monolithic structure 12A. Seals 11 and
11A and partitioner 12 of FIG. 2 are integrated with partitioner 12
to make 12A. Cavities 11C and 11D in end seals 11 and 11A in FIG.
2D get pressurized with fluid through passages 12B and 12C
respectively, thus preventing leaking of fluid from the coupling
body. Protrusion 12D and 12E are optional, they may be removed
entirely.
[0065] FIGS. 2E, 2F, 3, 5, 5A and 13 of alternate designs of wedge
covers can be studied simultaneously. Each different alternate
design of wedge cover presented may be suitable in different
situation at different location. Wall 27B shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
5A are optional. Wedge covers are to cover open cut 25 between 23
and 24 in the wheel 20W shown in FIG. 8. Wedge P4 preferably is
integrated with wedge cover 25A (as shown in FIGS. 3 and FIG. 5);
and wedge cover 25C as shown in FIG. 13. It is pointed out here
that in low fluid pressure pipe line, walls 27B and 28C for wedge
covers are optional as they are not shown in FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F.,
but for high fluid pressure in pipe lines, cover wall 28C against
mini flanges 9 and 9A will be provided. Cover 25A (shown in FIGS. 3
and 5) is provided with an extension shown with sides 28A and 28B,
and with opening 29. Opening 29 is mounted around anchored bolt 17
to secure 25A to the coupling body with a nut, where the nut is not
shown. FIG. 13 shows wedge cover 25C with integrated P4. The inner
surface of cover 25C is depicted with E1 and E2. Two flanges F3 and
F5 of wedge cover 25C (shown in FIG. 13) can be connected with
matching flanges F1 and F2 shown in FIG. 2B, by matching openings
F4 and F5 and O1 and O2 in corresponding flanges F4 and F5; and F1
and F2 are held together by means of bolt fasteners (bolts are not
shown). Flanges F1 and F2 are depicted with phantom lines in FIG.
2B. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show an isolated wheel loaded with wedges
P1 to P4 respectively. Gap 28C in FIG. 2A is provided for the mini
flanges 9 or 9A. The open cut 25 shown in the wheel in FIG. 8 is
provided to receive wedges 33 shaped as arcuate flat plates P1, P2,
and P3 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Inner radius of each arcuate wedge
33 is depicted with R and hole 34 is provided to pry wedge 33 out
of cut 25 or to move 33 in cut 25. Hole 34 may be threaded. Similar
to hole 34, hole 20 C is provided in wedge cove 33A shown in FIG.
2E. Bolt 29A is provided with nut N shown in FIG. 5A. It is
understood that wheels 20W mounted at each end of coupling body 1
around flanges 9 and 9A are of the same design. Mounted wheels
around mini flanges 9 and 9A are shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D, 9, 10, 14,
15, 17 and 18. Each wheel 20W is constructed around flanges 9 and
9A by welding preferably two arcuates channels, where welds are
indicated by W1 and W2 in FIG. 8.
[0066] In FIG. 14, section 1 of coupling is modified to a straight
cylindrical piece by retaining mini flanges 9 and 9A. Coupling is
designed to connect pipe 15 to end portion 15V of a valve.
Shoulders 14 and 14V are provided around the end portions of 15 and
15V, which also function as backup shoulders for seals S8 and S9.
In the manufacturing plant, cylindrical partitioner 47 with flanges
48 and 48A is fitted inside of the coupling under section 1 and is
held in place by means of at least one bolt shown with bolt head 54
and bolt stem 54A. Bolt head 54 is mounted against seal gasket 56
inside socket 55 welded to the coupling body. At the job site,
seals S8 and S9 are mounted around seats 19 and 19V, respectively.
First on left side around pipe 15, the coupling with wheel W20 is
mounted around shoulder 14 and wedges are loaded into W20, and
opening cut 25 in the wheel cover is closed with a wedge cover as
previously explained. Two wedges P2 and P4 around 15 are shown
inside wheel 20W. Then coupling (already fitted with partitioner 47
under section 1 to maintain a constant gap between end 21 and 21V,
is pushed around shoulder 14V till wall 27A of wheel W20 reach a
mark around 15V (mark is not shown). Similar to the left side,
wedges are loaded into the wheel W20 and cut opening 25 is closed
with a wedge cover. When it is needed, seals S8 and S9 can be
replaced by removing partitioner 47 by removing bolt 54 and by
removing wedges only from the right side from space P5; and wedges
on the left side are not removed from wheel 20. The coupling is
pushed away round 14 to release partitioner 47. Handles depicted by
51 are provided to catch 47 to remove it from the coupling body or
to assist it to be mounted inside the coupling. Once the seals are
replaced then in reverse order the coupling is reassembled around
14 and 14V.
[0067] FIG. 15 is the same coupling as shown in FIG. 14; but two
arcuate rings R3 (shown in FIG. 16) of a half circle each are held
to shoulder 14V by a weld. Each R3 is provided with cam grooves or
cam openings G1, G2, G3 and G4. Four 90 degree arcuate radial jaw
members 20V (as explained in inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,017)
are held to said grooves by means of friction dowel pins or by
means of bolts as shown by bolts B1, B2, B3 and B4 in FIG. 15 and
FIG. 16. The inner radial flanges 27A and 28A of jaws 20A can be
lowered or they can be raised to catch 9A or to free 9A by rotating
jaws 20VA around R3 by means of handles depicted with 17V and 18V.
One end of each handle is held to flat radial piece of jaw 27A
(preferably by weld) and the other end has rotatable fit against
wall of valve 16V.
[0068] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 will be studied together. FIG. 18 is a
transverse longitudinal vertical section of the coupling in FIG.
17. Diametrically section 1 is provided with a smaller diameter
than section 5 and 5A by providing tapering sections 5C and 5D
between section 1 and section 5C; and between section 1 and 5A
respectively. Wheels and the wedges are the same as in other
couplings, but wedges at both ends of coupling function as backup
rings for seals C1 and C2. Seals C1 and C2 are designed to make
hydraulic grips around pipe 15 and pipe 15A. This arrangement
becomes practical if each pipe at its midpoint is anchored against
any movement or both ends of each pipe are anchored next to each
coupling. At least one bolt 54 with stem 54 A is provided to
prevent disengagement of the coupling from the pipes. Bolt 54 is
mounted against seal 56 into socket 55 which is welded to section
1. It should be noted that the pipe end portions shown in FIGS. 17
and 18 are plain end pipe portions, i.e., there are no
circumferential flanges or circumferential shoulders on the pipe
end portions. With these pipe ends, the seals C1 and C2, which can
be referred to as seal assemblies and may be single piece
elastomeric seals as shown or include rigid backup rings, are held
in place by the wedge members which hold the seal assemblies
aligned with the outer side of the coupling body flanges, as shown.
Here, the wedge members hold the seal assemblies in the coupling
body and prevent the seal assemblies from passing out of the
coupling body through the coupling body opening.
[0069] Now the mounting of coupling C around the end portions of
two pipes in FIGS. 2 and 2D is described, and the same procedure
applies for couplings shown in other FIGS. In both cases the
procedure to mount coupling C shown in FIGS. 2 and 2D with
rotatable wheels around mini flanges 9 and 9A and coupling pre
fitted with inner seals 11 and 11A is the same. To connect the
coupling to end portions of pipes, first one end of the coupling is
loosely mounted around end 21 of first pipe 15, and the coupling is
pushed till section 5 covers shoulder 14 and outer wall 27 (not
shown in FIG. 2) of the wheel is positioned against a temporary
chalk mark on pipe. Then, first wedge with number P1 is loaded into
wheel 20W, then other wedges P2 and P3 are loaded into the wheel
20W in their sequence till they are circumferentially positioned
around the pipe 15, The wedges are locked into their positions with
means of a wedge cover P4 which is means to close cut opening 25 in
the wheel 20. In what sequence wedges are loaded into wheel 20W is
immaterial. The wedge cover is secured in place in the wheel by
passing a stem 29B of bolt 29A through the walls 27 and 28 of the
wheel, including inner integral wedge P4 of cover 33A and mini
flange 9. Bolt 29A is fastened in place by tightening a nut N
around stem 29B, shown in FIG. 5A. If desired, the wedge cover 33A
can be welded to cut opening 25, where opening 25 is depicted by
21, 22, 23, and 24 in wheel 20W. When needed, the weld can be
grounded off with a grinder to free the wedge cover 33A, and to
free other wedges. After the wedges are mounted inside of first
wheel, then the first pipe cannot be pulled out of the coupling
body. Thereafter, the end of the second pipe 21A is pushed into the
other end of the coupling body and, similarly to the first end of
pipe, the end portion of the second pipe is properly connected with
the coupling body. When it is needed to remove the wedges out of
the wheel, first the bolt to secure the wedge cover is removed.
Then the wheel is rotated and wedges are caught when they fall one
by one out of the wheel. If wedge cover 33A was welded to the cut
opening 25 then, as mentioned above, the weld is grounded off with
a grinder to free wedge cover 33A, and to free other wedges P1, P2,
and P3. It is understood that all couplings can be provided with
more than four wedges. Wedge cover 33A is distinguished from other
wedge covers 25A and 25B by removing walls 27B and 28C shown in
FIGS. 3, 5, and 5A.
[0070] It should be noted that the circumferential pipe shoulder or
circumferential pipe flange is shown and described as being spaced
from the end of the pipe. This spacing is provided so that when the
circumferential pipe shoulder or circumferential pipe flange
engages or abuts the wedge members which hold the pipe end portion
in the coupling body so the pipe cannot be pulled from the
coupling, the pipe end remains a distance into the coupling body so
that it still engages the seal in the coupling body so that the
coupling resists leaking. This is important when the coupling is
provided as a seismically stable coupling. Further, the drawings
illustrate the pipe ends within the coupling as being separated.
This separation provides room for pipe movement such as pipe
expansion if and when it occurs, such as due to temperature changes
or pressure changes in the pipes.
[0071] While the invention has been described with respect to
presently preferred illustrated embodiments, it is understood that
the coupling body and wedges may be coated with any type of proper
coating to insulate the coupling to break the passage of electric
current through the coupling body and to protect the coupling
against rust. It is also understood that any corners may be rounded
off or where needed tappers may be provided to any section of the
coupling body or of other parts. It is further understood that
various changes may be made in adapting the invention to different
embodiments without departing from the broader concepts disclosed
herein and comprehended by the claims that follow.
* * * * *