Patent Application
20100032057
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of pipe threading machines. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel pipe threading machine comprising a threader and a detachable oil funnel that is adapted for suspension from the pipe threading machine for recapturing reusable fluids.
2. Discussion of Background Information
Portable pipe threading machines, such as the RIDGID 300 and REED 5301PD, require continuous application of oil to the cutting dies, reamer and/or pipe cutting attachment during use. Typically, pipe threading machines perform three main operations that produce a finished product: (1) pipe cutting, (2) pipe reaming and (3) pipe threading. The first operation requires cutting the pipe to length with a cutting attachment on the pipe threading machine. The second operation involves reaming the end of the pipe with the machine's reamer to remove burrs and insure a consistent opening. The third operation comprises running the pipe through the threading die on the pipe threading machine.
A machine operator uses an oiler to apply thread cutting oil to the pipe during each operation. Typically, the oiler comprises a round tub with an approximately 20 inch diameter and a colander like basket disposed therein for separating any metal pipe shavings from the reusable oil dripping from the pipe threading machine. The oiler is placed beneath the work area of the pipe threading machine with the intent of catching all dripping oil. Typically, a hose extends from the bottom of the oiler to a hand pump dispenser so that the machine operator may reuse the recaptured oil dripping from the dies, reamer and/or cutter and re-dispense the oil as needed during each step of the threading operation.
Oilers typically are insufficient for capturing all oil and metal shavings exiting portable threading machines. Because they rest on floor or ground three feet below the threading die, reamer and cutter, typical oiler receptacles are insufficient for thoroughly gathering all cast off material jettisons by the moving machinery parts. This insufficient recapture results in an oily mess on the floor or ground around the oiler and pipe threading machine comprised of sharp metal shavings from the threaded pipe and cast off cutting oil. This mess requires proper cleaning which wastes valuable time and, if executed incorrectly, may result in potential harm to the environment. Additionally, discarded cutting oil translates to a monetary loss.
A need therefore exists for a pipe threading machine comprising a cutter, a reamer, a threader and an easily manufactured, lightweight durable funnel that suspends beneath the cutter, reamer, and threader and captures all reusable cutting oil and discarded metal shavings in order to prevent unnecessary expense and cleanup commonly associated with portable pipe threading operations.
The present invention is directed to a pipe threading machine comprising a cutter, a reamer and a threader assembled on a base portion. The pipe threading machine further comprises a portable funnel attached thereto. One embodiment of the portable funnel comprises a body portion comprising one or more angled sidewalls joined to form a leak proof funnel shaped receptacle, a continuous upper rim disposed about the upper opening of the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle, and a drain hole located at the bottom of the one or more angled sidewalls. The portable funnel further comprises a connection arm extending from the body portion and adapted for mating with the base portion such that the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle suspends upright beneath the cutter, reamer and threader. A drain pipe extends from the drain hole for redirecting fluid draining from the cutter, reamer and threader into a fluid repository. The portable funnel optionally comprises a stabilizing latch extending from the upper rim and oriented for engaging a support surface of the base portion. In one embodiment, the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle comprises four angled sidewalls. In another embodiment, the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle comprises a singular, continuous angled sidewall formed in the shape of a cone.
The present invention also is directed to a method of manufacturing a pipe threading machine. One embodiment of the method comprises assembling a base portion comprising a threader, a cutter and a reamer and attaching a funnel to the base portion beneath the threader, cutter, and reamer. In one embodiment the funnel comprises a body portion comprising one or more angled sidewalls joined to form a leak proof funnel shaped receptacle, a continuous upper rim disposed about the upper opening of the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle, and a drain hole located at the bottom of the one or more angled sidewalls. The funnel further comprises a connection arm connected by a support structure extending from the body portion, wherein the connection arm is adapted for mating with the base portion and suspending the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle in an upright position. One embodiment of the funnel further comprises a drain pipe extending from the drain hole for redirecting fluid draining from the threader, cutter and reamer into a fluid repository.
The present invention resolves the stated deficiencies of pipe threading operations. Various features and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to preferred embodiments and variations thereof. Those skilled in the art, however, will understand that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the scope and principles of the described invention.
As
Turning now to the particular design elements of the funnel 200,
A connection arm 220 extends from the the body portion 205 for engaging the base portion work area 110 and enabling the funnel 200 to suspend beneath the lubricated base portion work area 110. In one embodiment, the connection arm 220 extends from the leak proof rim 210. The connection arm 220, however, may extend from any portion of the funnel 200, such as the body portion 205. Some embodiments of the funnel 200 may comprise releasably attachable connection arms 220 for selective placement along the body portion 205 to enable setting the funnel 200 at various heights in relation to the base portion work area 110. For example, the connection arm 220 may selectively engage a track (not shown) on the outer surface of the body portion 205 through a spring loaded lock pin fastening system. During instances of high speed rotation of moving, oiled parts of the pipe threading machine 100, a user may prefer to adjust the funnel 200 closer to the work area 110 to capture high velocity splatters that may otherwise land outside the periphery of the rim 210. The connection arm 220 therefore preferably would engage the body portion 205 closer to the drain hole 215 so that the rim 210 would lie closer to the moving parts of the pipe threading machine 100.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
The connection arm 220 is of sufficient length so as to ensure proper balance and secure support of the funnel 200. Some embodiments may further comprise a releasable mechanical fastener (not shown) for further ensuring a secured attachment of the funnel 200 to the base portion work area 110, even during use when all mechanisms are rotating and producing vibrations that might otherwise dislodge the connection arm 220. Such fasteners may comprise but are not limited to lock pins, threaded connectors, snap fits, clamps and latches that couple the base portion work area 110 and the connection arm 220. Other embodiments may comprise permanent fastening means, such as welds or epoxy adhesive, for permanently coupling the connection arm 220 to the base portion work area 110.
In addition to comprising a connection arm 220 that maintains the funnel 200 in an upright position, some embodiments of the funnel 200 may further comprise a stabilizing latch 230 for better maintaining the position of the funnel 200 without requiring the addition of a second connection arm 220. Having only one connection arm 220 enables a more open base portion work area 110. The addition of a stabilizing latch 230 serves to reinforce the secured attachment of the funnel 200 to the pipe threading machine 100. In the embodiment of
In addition to sloped sidewalls 207, a connection arm 220 and optional stabilizing latch 230, the funnel 200 comprises a drain pipe 225 extending from the drain hole 215. The drain pipe 225 redirects fluid draining from the base portion work area 110 into the oiler 205 or other fluid receptacle. In some embodiments, the drain pipe 225 extends substantially vertically from the drain hole 215, and in other embodiments, the drain pipe 225 may extend from the drain hole 215 at an angle. In yet other embodiments, the drain pipe 225 may be curved. These angled and curved embodiments of the drain pipe 225 may be particularly useful in instances when the ground surface directly beneath the funnel 200 prevents secure and/or level placement of oiler 105 or other fluid receptacle. By angling the trajectory of fluid and/or debris dispensed from the funnel 200 via the angled drain pipe 225, a user may place the oiler 105 or other fluid receptacle some distance away from the base portion work area 110 and nevertheless successfully entrap and recapture the jettisoned materials.
The drain pipe 225 attaches to the body portion 205 at the drain hole 215 by a permanent or semi-permanent, leak proof fixation means. In the embodiment of
In one embodiment, the fluid receptacle into which the funnel 200 directs reusable oil or fluid emanating from the base portion work area 110 is a flask (not show) into which the drain pipe 225 extends. In one embodiment, the flask comprises a neck portion and a storage portion with at least one angled sidewall that angles the storage portion relative to a support surface. In one embodiment, the flask may have a storage portion comprising a sidewall angled at 30 degrees from vertical so that the flask rests securely at an angle when rested on the ground beneath the funnel 200. Such an angle enables the recaptured fluid to enter the flask through the neck portion and then pool in one area inside the storage portion. This improved pooling increases fluid depth and thereby facilitates recirculation by a submerged pump or dip tube disposed therein. In one embodiment, the flask has a wide mouth at the top of the neck portion for enabling a machine operator to add more fluid from a separate decanter for recirculation by the submerged pump or dip tube. In yet another embodiment, the flask may be adapted for secured, leak proof attachment directly to the bottom end of the drain pipe 225. Secured attachment means may be threaded mating portions, press fit, snap fit and any other leak proof connection means. In this embodiment, the flask may further comprise a leak proof outlet for connecting a dip tube that recirculates the reusable fluid to the base portion work area 110. The leak proof outlet may be positioned within the wall of the neck portion and/or storage portion so that the dip tube or pump may readily access the contents of the flask.
In all embodiments, the funnel 200 and all of its components preferably are manufactured from a durable, lightweight, leak proof material. For example, the material of manufacture may be any number of easily manufactured substances such as but not limited to aluminum, steel, chromoly, resin impregnated fiberglass, glass, plastic and rubber. The funnel 200 may be molded, blown or formed from a continuous sheet of fabric, plastic, rubber, or metal. Alternatively, the funnel 200 may be formed from separate metal components welded together to form a leak proof structure. As described above, in other embodiments, the sloped sidewalls 207 may be hingedly attached for collapsing the funnel 200 for compact storage when not in use. Alternatively, the body portion 205 may comprise of a collapsible wire frame covered by a supple, foldable fabric material coated with a leak proof or fluid resistant substance, such as GORE TEX or SCOTCH GUARD. Such a wire framed embodiment of the funnel 200 folds like a cloth covered lawn chair comprised of a fabric covered, hinged frame and easily enables compact storage.
It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; Rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
