Patent Application
20070007763
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to couplings for formation of pipe joints, and in particular to plumbing fittings. A fitting is a preformed coupling for joining pipe to pipe.
In one aspect, the invention relates to a preformed adaptor fitting receptacle which can be bonded between an existing fitting and pipe. In another aspect the invention relates to a preformed adaptor fitting receptacle which can be welded to an existing fitting and a new metal pipe. A tubular fluid conduit can encompass and be welded to an existing fitting and a new pipe. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for coupling the new pipe and the existing fitting in a field environment utilizing the fitting receptacle.
While the use of joint couplings or fittings to form pipe joints is well known, most such couplings are used to join plastic pipe to plastic pipe or join metal pipe to metal pipe. It is generally preferred to join plastic pipe to plastic pipe by heat fusion or adhesives and to join metal pipe to metal pipe by welding. In recent years, the usage of plastic pipe, mainly polyvinyl chloride, to repair, extend or replace plumbing systems has increased substantially. In many instances, this has resulted in the need to connect a new plastic pipe to an existing plastic pipe. However, making a field installation of new plastic pipe or new steel pipe sometimes presents difficulties in view of many obstacles encountered.
Several types of transition fittings have been utilized commercially. Most of the pipe couplers have been designed as universal fittings. 1987 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 08.04 Plastic Pipe and Building Products. Those universal fittings are used to join any combination of plastic pipes. Some factory made transition fittings have been designed with plastic fittings on each end and various bends there between. While this may not be a problem where the metal pipe or the plastic pipe is readily moveable, it can represent a serious problem where both the plastic pipe and the metal pipe are restrained and the fitting, has been cut to exactly fit the gap between the free end of the plastic pipe or the free end of the metal pipe. The resulting universal fitting is generally within plain view or within an easily accessible work space. However, the pipe necessary for installation of a new fitting is not accessible. Therefore, substitution of fittings requires cleavage of pipe, makes repair difficult, and thereby necessitates additional coupling means. In prior art, fittings generally fit in between and join pipe to pipe.
It is an object of this invention to provide a new adaptor fitting receptacle for coupling plastic pipe to plastic pipe and metal pipe to metal pipe. It is an object of the invention to provide a preformed adaptor fitting receptacle which makes the proper orientation of the fitting receptacle readily obvious to the user without any additional effort on the part of the user. It is an object of the invention to provide, an adaptor fitting receptacle which permits bonding of plastic pipe to plastic pipe and fusion of metal pipe to metal pipe.
Another object of the invention is to eliminate the problem of shortening the pipe length when the fitting is already in existence. A further object of the invention is to maintain the fitting in existence. The fitting receptacle fits over an existing fitting and pipe is inserted within the fitting receptacle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a low cost, high integrity adaptor fitting receptacle. This invention overcomes the foregoing difficulties and achieves the foregoing objects by providing a preformed coupling with the fitting receptacle having sufficient size to telescope over the free end of the fitting to be joined and the pipe to be joined. The preformed fitting receptacle can be provided with suitable retention means to resist any retraction of the fitting from the fitting receptacle. The preformed fitting receptacle also comprises means to resist retraction of pipe from the fitting receptacle. Other objects, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and the following description of the invention.
Referring now to
The internal diameter of each of the ends of the fitting receptacle 101 and connection member 105 is greater than pipe to be connected. Polyvinyl chloride pipe for plumbing applications consists of a diameter of most generally ¾ inch and 1½ inch. The preferred embodiment involves pipe fitting 102 designed to fit ¾ inch polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings used in plumbing applications. Another preferred embodiment involves fitting 102 designed to fit 1½ inch polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings used in plumbing applications.
The mechanical engagement of fitting receptacle 101 involves a fitting receptacle inner surface area slightly larger than an existing fitting 102. A preferred embodiment involves the fitting receptacle 101 having an inner surface area to form a sealing engagement with an existing fitting 102. Another embodiment involves having on the pipe fitting 102 exterior a layer of adhesive for bonding.
The fitting receptacle 101 is slightly greater than the normal external diameter of fitting 102. After the forming operation a mechanical engagement exists between fitting receptacle 101 and fitting 102. Pipe 103 preferably extends within fitting receptacle 101.
Referring also to
Existing fitting 102 is inserted into fitting receptacle 101. An end of the plastic tube comes to rest upon the second end of the connection member 105. At this point the sealing elements are actuated to cause the sealing of fitting receptacle 101 to form a fluid tight seal to existing fitting 102. Pipe moves inwardly to contact the diameter of the connection member 105.
A preferred embodiment involves the connection member comprising means to receive a 1½ inch polyvinyl chloride pipe. The tubular construction also includes the connection member comprising means to receive a ¾ inch polyvinyl chloride pipe.
The substances for making the tubular construction are selected from the group consisting of metal(s), polymers, and organosilicon compounds, copper, steel, iron, siloxanes, polyvinyl chloride, polybutylene, polypropylene, and polyester.
Some methods of sealingly attaching the fitting receptacle to the fitting involve adhesive on the exterior of pipe fitting and pipe. Other methods include welding and heat sealing.
The tubular construction also involves application wherein the pipe is a fluid flow pipe, the connection member is a universal fitting, the fitting receptacle comprises means to mount the universal fitting, and the construction forms a plumbing connection for fluid flow there through. The tubular construction according to this invention also involves connection members having a first internal step means for abutment against an end of a pipe, the fitting receptacle having a second internal step means for abutment against an end of a universal fitting. Another aspect of this invention involves the tubular construction having the internal diameter of the connection member receiving fluid flow when the pipe and the universal fitting received within the connection member are at least as large as the internal diameter of the tube member such that flow through the connection member is not restricted with respect to flow through the tube member.
A method for forming a tubular construction according to this invention involve sealing the polyvinyl chloride pipe member and the polyvinyl chloride fitting by mounting the polyvinyl chloride fitting receptacle about the exterior circumference of the existing polyvinyl chloride fitting, disposing an end of the polyvinyl chloride pipe member within the connection member opening in the polyvinyl chloride fitting receptacle fitting, and then rotating the pipe member at a sufficient speed and for a sufficient period of time to form separate fluid-tight substantially concentric and coaxial friction welds between the polyvinyl chloride pipe member, the polyvinyl chloride fitting, and the polyvinyl chloride fitting receptacle. Prior to rotating the polyvinyl chloride pipe member, an interference fit is formed between the polyvinyl chloride pipe and each of the polyvinyl chloride pipe receptacle and the fitting.
A preferred method of forming the sealed, tubular connection between the pipe fitting and the fitting receptacle involves the steps of: mounting the fitting receptacle about a universal fitting and disposing an end of the pipe member into the connection member. The method also includes mounting fitting receptacle on the fitting, disposing the pipe within the fitting receptacle, applying adhesive, and sliding together.
Another embodiment includes a plumbing construction comprising a fluid conduit, the fitting receptacle at one end of the fluid conduit, and the fitting at the second end of the fluid conduit. The plumbing construction has an internal diameter greater than the exterior diameter of the fitting, and the second end has an internal diameter greater than the exterior diameter of the pipe.
The fitting receptacle tube member may have a variety of shapes. The plumbing construction may include the fluid conduit having an elbow shape, a T-shape or a linear shape. In addition, the fluid conduit has a stopper to serve as an end cap to prevent fluid flow past the fluid conduit. The method of joining the fluid conduit and fitting receptacle involves mechanically gripping the outer surface of the fitting after telescoping the fitting receptacle over the fitting. The new pipe for installation mechanically grips the inner surface of the connection member. Another method for the bonding of the fitting and the pipe is accomplished by welding.
The fitting receptacle tube member may have a variety of connection members. One embodiment incorporate a pipe and/or a fluid conduit on the second end of the tube member. The pipe may comprise polyvinyl chloride, plastic, polymeric substances, metals, and organosilicon compounds. The pipe may be of any diameter. Preferred diameters include 1½ inch and 2 inches for use in plumbing applications. All pipe sizes from minute diameters to infinite diameters are included within this invention.
While the presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, other embodiments are also contemplated. Other reasonable variations and modifications to the invention are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and the appended claims to the invention.
