HK1187392B - Pivoting pipe coupling having a movable gripping body - Google Patents

Description

Pivoting pipe connector with movable gripping body

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is based on and claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 61/471,713 filed on 5/4/2011, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a coupling for joining a plurality of pipe elements in end-to-end relationship.

Background

Mechanical connectors for joining pipe elements end-to-end are commonly used in a wide variety of industries, such as the chemical, petroleum, and mining industries, as well as in municipal water service and fire protection systems for buildings and other structures.

An example of a prior art connector in current use is provided in U.S. patent No. 7,086,131, which discloses a connector having a pair of connector sections connected end to end at each end thereof by fasteners received in ears. A sealing member is positioned between the sections. The connector is pre-assembled at the factory. The segments are designed and dimensioned for receiving in situ a plurality of pipe elements which are inserted directly between the connector segments in a pre-assembled state without the need to disassemble and reassemble the connector. After insertion of the pipe elements, the fasteners are tightened to achieve a fluid-tight, mechanically constrained bond between the pipe elements.

While it is advantageous to pre-assemble such connectors because it saves time and thus cost during construction, power tools are often used to tighten these fasteners for convenience because they are faster and less strenuous. However, power tools have limited value when a source of power or compressed air is not available, even for battery operated tools. Furthermore, power tools that cause electrical sparks are not used in environments such as mines (where explosive conditions may exist). It would be advantageous to provide a pipe connector that can be preassembled (and thereby ensure the cost advantages and convenience of such connectors) while being easily manually tightened by the worker installing the connector. It is further advantageous for certain applications to reduce the rigidity of the joint formed by the connector. This can be achieved by using a connector according to the invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to pipe couplings for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together end to end. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector includes a pair of segments connected end-to-end, the pair of segments enclosing a central space for receiving the pipe elements. Each segment has a pair of arcuate surfaces positioned in spaced apart relation. The arcuate surfaces face the central space and are engageable with the pipe elements. A pivot attachment is positioned at one end of the segments. The pivot attachment pivotally connects the sections to one another. A plurality of connecting members are positioned on each of the segments at an end opposite the pivot attachment. The connecting members are adjustably tightenable to draw the segments toward one another. At least one reaction surface is positioned on each segment. The reaction surfaces face toward the central space. At least one gripping body is positioned between the segments. The gripping body has a pair of gripping surfaces positioned in spaced relation to one another and facing the central space. A pair of contact surfaces is positioned on the grip body. Each contact surface is in a face-to-face relationship with one of the reaction surfaces. Adjustable tightening of the connection members pivots the segments about the pivot attachment, thereby drawing the connector segments together to engage the arcuate surfaces with the pipe elements. The contact surfaces interact with the reaction surfaces to orient the gripping body toward the central space to engage the gripping surfaces with the pipe elements.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one gripping body is positioned adjacent to the connecting members. In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one gripping body is positioned adjacent to the pivot attachment.

In a particular exemplary embodiment, each of the connecting members includes a projection extending outwardly from an end of the segment opposite the pivot attachment. The projections are adapted to receive a fastener for adjustably connecting the sections to one another. The reaction surfaces may be located on each of the projections. In some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the contact surfaces and/or the reaction surfaces may have a convex shape.

In a particular exemplary embodiment, the pivot attachment includes a hinge having at least one bearing positioned on each segment, the bearings being connected by a shaft. In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot attachment includes a hinge having a pair of bearings on one of the sections and a single bearing on the other of the sections. The pair of bearings are connected to the single bearing by a shaft. In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot attachment includes a tang projecting from one of the sections and a stirrup extending from the other of the sections. The tang fits within the stirrup, the tang and stirrup being pivotable relative to each other. In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot attachment includes a first protrusion extending from one of the segments. A first slot is located in the first projection. A first curved surface is located on the first extension. A second projection projects from the other of the segments. A second slot is located in the second projection. A second curved surface is located on the second extension. The second curved surface interfaces with the first curved surface. A fastener extends through the first and second slots between the first and second projections. At least one rib may be positioned on the first curved surface. The at least one rib may be oriented substantially parallel to the first slot. At least one depression may be positioned within the second curved surface. The at least one recess may be oriented substantially parallel to the first slot. The at least one rib is received within the at least one recess.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot attachment may include a first protrusion extending from one of the segments. A first slot is located in the first projection. At least one first tooth is located on the first projection. A second projection extends from the other of the sections. A second slot is located in the second projection. At least one second tooth is located on the second projection. The second tooth interfaces with the first tooth. A fastener extends through the first and second slots between the first and second projections. The connector may further include a plurality of first and second teeth. The first and second teeth may comprise intermeshing gear teeth, or the first and second teeth may comprise, for example, intermeshing splines.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot attachment includes a first protrusion extending from one of the segments. A first slot is located in the first projection. A second projection extends from the other of the sections. A tab is located on the second projection and interfaces with the first slot on the first projection. A fastener extends between the first and second projections and through the first slot and the tongue.

In some exemplary embodiments, a sealing member is captured between the segments and positioned between the arcuate surfaces. The sealing member has inwardly facing sealing surfaces engageable with the pipe elements to form a fluid-tight joint between the pipe elements. The sealing member may have an outer surface sized in diameter to support the segments and the gripping body in sufficiently spaced relation to the central space to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the central space. To assist in the insertion of the pipe elements, the connector may further comprise at least one notch located in at least one of the arcuate surfaces. The notch may be positioned adjacent to the pivot attachment.

The invention also includes a method of connecting pipe elements in end-to-end relationship using a connector having opposed connector sections and a movable gripping body therebetween. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises:

inserting the pipe elements into the connector;

drawing the connector sections into engagement with the pipe elements by pivoting the connector sections about a pivot axis; and is

The gripping body is moved into engagement with the pipe elements.

The method may further include supporting the segments and the gripping body on an outer surface of a seal. The segments and the gripping body are supported in sufficiently spaced apart relation to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the connector. The method may further comprise deforming the segments to conform the segments to the pipe elements.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is an expanded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a connector according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an expanded isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a connector according to the present invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the connector shown in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are cross-sectional views of another exemplary embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the connector shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an expanded isometric view of another exemplary connector embodiment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of the connector shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12A-12A in FIG. 12;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13A-13A in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the connector shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is an expanded isometric view of another exemplary connector embodiment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of the connector shown in FIG. 15;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of one example of a connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an exemplary pivot attachment that may be used with a connector according to the present invention;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an exemplary pivot attachment that may be used with a connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector having the pivot attachment shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the pivot attachment depicted in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of an exemplary pivot attachment that may be used with a connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector having the pivot attachment shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the pivot attachment depicted in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pivot attachment for use with a connector according to the present invention;

fig. 30 and 31 are side views showing the pivot attachment depicted in fig. 24 in closed and open configurations, respectively;

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pivot attachment for use with a connector according to the present invention;

fig. 33 and 34 are side views showing the pivot attachment depicted in fig. 32 in closed and open configurations, respectively;

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a pivot attachment for use with a connector according to the present invention;

fig. 36 and 37 are side views showing the pivot attachment depicted in fig. 35 in closed and open configurations, respectively;

FIGS. 38 and 39 are isometric views of an exemplary embodiment of a pivot attachment for use with a connector according to the present invention; and is

Fig. 40 and 41 are side views showing the pivot attachment depicted in fig. 38 and 39 in closed and open configurations, respectively.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an expanded isometric view of one connector embodiment 10 according to the present invention. The connector 10 includes a plurality of segments 12 and 14. The sections 12 and 14 are connectable end-to-end to enclose a central space 16. The connection of the segments at one end 11 is by a pivot attachment 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the pivot attachment 13 is a dovetail hinge including a pair of bearings 15 mounted on the segment 12 in a side-by-side and spaced-apart relationship, and a single bearing 17 mounted on the segment 14. The bearing 17 is dimensioned to fit between the pair of bearings 15, and the three bearings all receive a shaft 19 defining an axis 21 about which the segments 12 and 14 rotate on the pivot attachment 13. Other embodiments of the pivot attachment are possible.

As shown, for example in fig. 20, 21 and 22, the pivot attachment 23 includes a tang 25 mounted on the segment 14. The tang projects radially outwardly from the section and fits within a stirrup 27 mounted on and projecting from the section 12. When the mutually opposite ends of the segments are pressed towards each other as shown in fig. 20 and 21, the tangs and stirrups bear against each other, thereby providing a secure bond between the segments 12 and 14. However, since the tang and stirrup are not fixedly attached to each other, they and the sections 12 and 14 are free to pivot away from each other, thereby acting as a hinge as shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 23 shows an exemplary pivot attachment embodiment 29 in which the components of the pivot attachment include protrusions 31 and 33, each of which is mounted on a respective segment 12 and 14. The projections are pivotally connected to each other by a fastener 35 oriented transverse to the axis 37 about which the segments pivot. In this example, the fastener comprises a nut and bolt, but this could also be a stud. The use of nut and bolt fasteners 35 allows for additional adjustment of the connection between the sections 12 and 14 once the bond is made. Fig. 23 shows a slot 31a in the projection 31 and a slot 33a similarly formed in the projection 33. Fasteners 35 are received in slots 31a and 33a in extensions 31 and 33, respectively. As shown in a comparison of fig. 24 and 25, the projections 31 and 33 have bordering curved surfaces 39 and 41 that allow the projections and the segments attached thereto to pivot about axis 37 between an open configuration (fig. 25) and a closed configuration (fig. 24). It should be noted that unlike conventional hinges, axis 37 is not fixed relative to the segments, but moves laterally as the segments pivot. To facilitate pivotal movement, each section 12 and 14 has a recess 43 which receives the end 45 of the fastener 35 in the bearing and acts as a stop to limit relative pivotal movement between the sections, as illustrated in fig. 25.

Another pivot attachment embodiment 47 is shown in fig. 26, 27 and 28, where protrusions 49 and 51 on sections 12 and 14 have angularly oriented abutment surfaces 53 and 55. These surfaces allow relative pivotal movement of the segments about axis 37, as shown by a comparison of fig. 27 and 28, which illustrate movement of the segments between an open configuration (fig. 28) and a closed configuration (fig. 27). It should be noted that unlike conventional hinges, axis 37 is not fixed relative to the segments, but moves laterally as the segments pivot. Fig. 26 shows a slot 49a in the projection 49. A slot 51a is similarly formed in the projection 51. The fasteners 35 are received within slots 49a and 51a defined in the projections 49 and 51. Fasteners 35 also hold the sections together but allow pivotal movement.

It may be desirable to introduce features into the interfacing surfaces of the pair of projections 31 and 33 that prevent relative movement between the segments other than pivotal movement about the axis. Fig. 29 shows an exemplary pivot attachment embodiment 57 in which the bordering curved surfaces 39 and 41 (not shown) have a protruding rib 59 positioned on one side of the protrusion 31, and a recess 61 positioned on the other side of the protrusion. When in use, as shown in fig. 30 and 31, the segments 12 and 14 are aligned such that the projecting rib 59 on one segment fits within the recess 61 on the other segment, and vice versa. The interaction between the ribs and the recesses prevents relative axial movement of the segments at the pivot attachment, thereby maintaining their mutual alignment.

In another exemplary pivot attachment 63 shown in fig. 32, 33 and 34, the bordering curved surfaces 39 and 41 of the projections 31 and 33 have at least one, and preferably a plurality of teeth 65 that engage each other during pivotal movement of the segments to prevent lateral movement of the segments relative to each other. In this example, the teeth 65 are gear teeth. Fig. 33 depicts the segments 12 and 14 in the closed configuration, and fig. 34 depicts the segments in the open configuration.

In yet another pivot attachment embodiment 67 shown in fig. 35, 36 and 37, splines 69 comprise the tooth or teeth associated with the abutment surfaces 39 and 41 of the projections 31 and 33. The splines 69 are similarly intermeshed with gear teeth to prevent lateral movement between the connector sections. Fig. 36 depicts the segments 12 and 14 in the closed configuration, and fig. 37 depicts the segments in the open configuration.

As shown in fig. 38-41, another pivot attachment embodiment 71 has a tongue 73 mounted on the projection 33 of one segment (14). The tongue 73 is received in a slot 31a of the projection 31 on the other section (12) to prevent relative axial movement between the sections. The tongue 73 engages the slot 31a to prevent lateral movement between the connector sections. It should be noted that the tongue 73 may be separable to accommodate the fastener 35. Fig. 40 depicts the segments 12 and 14 in the closed configuration, and fig. 41 depicts the segments in the open configuration.

The various pivot attachment embodiments shown in fig. 17-33 are disclosed in detail in U.S. patent No. 4,702,499 to de Raymond et al, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is noted that the pivot attachment connecting the segments may have a center of motion that is fixed relative to the connector about which the segments rotate. For example, a conventional hinge, such as the mortise hinge shown in FIG. 1, has a fixed center of motion, represented by axis 21. However, the invention also covers pivot attachments whose instantaneous center of motion is not fixed but moves as the segments pivot relative to each other. Such a pivot attachment is illustrated in fig. 23-25 herein, which illustrate the movement of the instantaneous center of motion by displacement of axis 37.

Referring again to fig. 1, the connection of the segments 12 and 14 at the end 75 opposite the pivot attachment 13 is by a connecting member 18. In this embodiment, the connecting member includes a plurality of projections 20 extending outwardly from the ends of the segments. The projections 20 have a plurality of holes 22 adapted to receive a fastener, such as a bolt 24 cooperating with a nut 26. The fastener is adjustably tightenable and cooperates with the projections 20 to draw the segments 12 and 14 toward the central space 16 when tightened.

Each segment has a pair of arcuate surfaces 28. The surfaces 28 are positioned in spaced relation to one another and face the central space 16. When the fastener connecting the projections 20 is tightened to draw the segments toward each other, the arcuate surfaces engage and secure piping elements 30 (see fig. 4). The arcuate surfaces may engage circumferential grooves in the pipe elements, straight ended pipe elements, flared ended pipe elements, or pipe ends having shoulders or shoulders and balls. The arcuate surfaces 28 may have notches 87 located adjacent to the end 11 having the pivot attachment 13. The notches 87 provide a radial clearance that allows pipe elements to be inserted between the segments 12 and 14 before the segments are drawn toward the central space 16 to achieve bonding by engaging the pipe elements 30.

Each segment also has at least one, but preferably a plurality of reaction surfaces 32. The reaction surface 32 may be located on the connecting members 18. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, two reaction surfaces 32 are located on each projection 20. The reaction surfaces are angularly oriented relative to the projections, and may have an orientation angle 34 from about 30 ° to about 60 °, and are inclined to face the central space 16. An orientation angle of about 45 deg. is preferred, as explained below.

The connector 10 also includes a grip body 36 positioned between the segments 12 and 14 opposite the pivot attachment 13. The gripping body has a pair of gripping surfaces 40 (only one shown). Similar to the arcuate surfaces 28, the gripping surfaces are positioned in spaced relation to one another and face the central space 16. The gripping body has a pair of contact surfaces 42 (only one shown) that are positioned in face-to-face relationship with the reaction surfaces 32 on the projections 20 of the segments 12 and 14. The contact surfaces are also angularly oriented relative to the projections and may have an orientation angle 44 from about 30 ° to about 60 °. An orientation angle of about 45 deg. is preferred, as explained below. Preferably, orientation angles 34 and 44 are complementary to each other, meaning that they have substantially the same angular orientation.

Upon assembly of the connector 10, a seal 46 is captured in the central space 16 by the segments 12 and 14 and the gripping body 36. The seal 46 ensures that the connector 10 provides a fluid tight joint between the pipe ends. The seal 46 is sized such that in an undeformed state, its outer circumference 48 supports the segments 12 and 14 and the gripping body 36 in a sufficiently spaced apart relationship to insert pipe elements into the central space 16 without disassembly of the connector.

The operation of the connector of the present invention is described with reference to fig. 2 to 4. Fig. 2 shows the connector 10 as received from the factory in an open configuration, pre-assembled ready for installation. In this configuration, the fastener 24 has not been tightened, thereby allowing the segments 12 and 14 and the grip body 36 to be positioned radially outward from the central space 16 to allow pipe elements (not shown for clarity) to be inserted into the central space. As noted above, the seal 46 is sized to hold the segments and gripping body radially outward to facilitate insertion of the pipe. Upon insertion, the pipe elements engage the seal 46, which provides fluid-tightness to the joint. Next, the bolts 24 and nuts 26 are tightened, drawing the segments 12 and 14 toward each other and toward the central space 16 and into the closed configuration shown in fig. 3 and 4. As the segments move, the arcuate surfaces 28 engage the outer surfaces of the pipe elements to secure the pipe elements in the connector. As shown by a comparison of fig. 3 and 4, movement of the segments 12 and 14 toward each other causes the gripping body 36 to move inwardly toward the central space 16 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement of the segments. This permits the gripping surfaces 40 on the gripping body 36 to also engage the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. The movement of the gripping bodies towards the central space 16 is achieved by the interaction between the contact surfaces 42 on the gripping body and the reaction surfaces 32 on the projections 20. The angular orientations 44 and 34 (see fig. 1) of the contact surfaces and the reaction surfaces, respectively, allow the forces between the surfaces to be resolved into a component directed toward the central space. The force applied at the contact surfaces causes movement of the grip body towards the central space. As noted above, an orientation angle of about 45 ° is preferred for both the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces.

As shown in fig. 2, a plurality of voids 77 exist between the end face 79 of the gripping body 36 and a plurality of shoulders 81 on the segments 12 and 14. The voids 77 allow relative movement between the gripping body and the segments.

It is advantageous to position the reaction surfaces 32 on the projections 20 and project the contact surfaces 42 substantially radially outward away from the central space 16 such that the interface between the contact surfaces and the reaction surfaces is proximate the fastener (bolt 24, nut 26) connecting the connecting members 18 (projections 20 in this example) to each other. Internal pressure within the connector 10 acting on the seal 46 will force the segments 12 and 14 and the gripping body 36 out of the central space. The force applied to the gripping body within the connector is transmitted to the segments at the interface between the contact surfaces 42 and the reaction surfaces 32. Due to their angular orientation, the contact surfaces 42 will tend to act like a wedge and force the projections 20 apart. By arranging the interface close to the fastener connecting the projections, the spacing of the projections will be smaller than if the interface were further from the fastener. This advantageous positioning of the contact surface-reaction surface interface minimizes the spacing of the segments and allows the connector to withstand higher pressures without leakage. Furthermore, by arranging the reaction forces between the segments and the gripping bodies close to the fasteners, the twisting of the segments by the gripping body will be reduced and the connector better maintains its circular shape.

Fig. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment 83 of a connector according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the contact surfaces 42 on the gripping body 36 have a convex shape. This permits them to tangentially engage the reaction surfaces 32 as the segments 12 and 14 are drawn toward each other, creating a reaction force that causes the gripping body 36 to move toward the central space. These reaction surfaces 32 are angularly oriented. Fig. 6 illustrates another exemplary connector embodiment 85 in which the reaction surfaces 32 have a convex shape and the contact surfaces 42 are angularly oriented. This again allows tangential engagement of the reaction surfaces with the contact surfaces as the segments 12 and 14 are pulled toward each other, creating a reaction force that causes the gripping body 36 to move toward the central space.

Fig. 7 shows an expanded isometric view of another exemplary connector embodiment 50 according to the present invention. The segments 12 and 14 of the connector 50 are connected together at one end by a pivot attachment 23 and at the other end by a threaded fastener 58 cooperating with the plurality of connecting members 18. It should be noted that as with the previously described multiple connector embodiments, any type of pivotal attachment is possible. Each segment has a plurality of arcuate surfaces 28 for engaging a plurality of pipe elements. The connector 50 has a grip body 36 positioned between the segments and opposite the pivot attachment 23. The gripping body has four contact surfaces 52 on opposite sides and two gripping surfaces 40 positioned in spaced apart relation and facing the central space 16. Again, in this example, the contact surfaces are angularly oriented relative to the connection members 18 and interface with reaction surfaces 54 located on the connection members 18. An orientation angle 56 of the contact surfaces from about 30 ° to about 60 ° is advantageous for this connector design. Preferably, the orientation angle of the reaction surfaces 54 is substantially the same as the orientation angle of the contact surfaces 52, as shown in fig. 10.

As shown in fig. 8a and 8b, one or both of the contact surfaces 52 and the reaction surfaces 54 may have a convex shape. Such a shape has been found to be advantageous when the gripping body 36 and segments 12 and 14 will exert a large compressive force on the pipe elements. The convex shape of one or both of the contact surfaces 52 and the reaction surfaces 54 moves the point of reaction between the surfaces away from the ends of the surfaces and more toward the center of the gripping body 36.

The operation of the connector 50 is similar to the operation of the connector 10 described above. As shown in fig. 8, prior to tightening of the fastener 58, the segments 12 and 14 and the gripping body 36 are spaced outwardly from the central space 16 to allow insertion of a pipe element into the central space. As shown in fig. 9, tightening of the fasteners draws the segments 12 and 14 toward each other and toward the central space, allowing the arcuate surfaces 28 to engage the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. As the fastener 58 is tightened, the interaction between the contact surfaces 52 on the gripping body 36 and the reaction surfaces 54 on the segments 12 and 14 forces the gripping body to move inwardly toward the central space. The inward movement of the gripping body allows its gripping surface 40 to engage the pipe elements 30 as shown in fig. 10. Similar to the connector embodiments previously described, a seal 46 is captured between the segments 12 and 14 and the grip body 36. As shown in fig. 8, the seal 46 has an outer circumference 48 sized when undeformed to support the segments and gripping body in sufficiently spaced relation from the central space to permit insertion of the pipe elements 30 into the central space when the connector 50 is in the open configuration as shown in fig. 8. When the connector is in the closed configuration as shown in fig. 9, the seal 46 is pressed by the segments and the gripping body against the pipe elements and ensures a fluid-tight joint.

Fig. 11 shows an expanded view of another connector embodiment 60 according to the present invention. The connector 60 includes connector sections 12 and 14. The sections are arranged in face-to-face relationship and are connected together at one end by a pivot attachment 23 and at the opposite end by connecting members 18. In this embodiment, as with the previously described embodiments, the connecting members include outwardly extending projections 20 that receive an adjustably tightenable fastener 58. Tightening of the fastener draws the connector sections 12 and 14 toward each other and toward the central space 16.

Each segment has inwardly facing arcuate surfaces 28 that are positioned in spaced relation to one another. These arcuate surfaces occupy positions between the ends of the respective segments. A plurality of reaction surfaces 32 are positioned in spaced relation at an end of each connector section 12 and 14 opposite the pivot attachment 23. The reaction surfaces 32 are positioned between the projections 20 and the arcuate surfaces 28 and face inwardly toward the central space 16. The arcuate surfaces 32 extend in a tangential direction around the segments. These reaction surfaces may be angularly oriented as described below.

A grip body 36 is positioned between the sections 12 and 14 adjacent to the connecting members 18. The gripping body has a plurality of inwardly facing gripping surfaces 40 arranged in spaced apart relation. Preferably, these gripping surfaces 40 are aligned with the corresponding arcuate surfaces 28 when the connector is assembled, as best shown in fig. 14. Referring again to fig. 11, the gripping body has a plurality of contact surfaces 42 in spaced apart relation. The contact surface 42 faces outwardly away from the central space 16 and engages the corresponding reaction surface 32 on the segments 12 and 14. The contact surfaces on the grip body cooperate with the reaction surfaces on the segments such that when the segments are drawn toward each other (e.g., by tightening of the fastener 58), the grip body is forced radially inward, as explained further below.

A seal 46 is positioned between the connector sections 12 and 14 and the grip body 36. Both these sections and the gripping body have corresponding channels 62 and 64 (see fig. 12). A channel 62 is located between the arcuate surfaces 28 and a channel 64 is located between the gripping surfaces 40. The passages 62 and 64 receive the seal 46. The inner circumference 66 of the seal 46 has inwardly facing sealing surfaces 68 and 70 that engage the pipe elements to which the connector is connected to form a fluid tight seal. The seal 46 is sized such that in an undeformed state, its outer circumference 72 supports the segments 12 and 14 and the gripping body 36 in a sufficiently spaced apart relationship to insert pipe elements into the central space 16 when the connector is in the open configuration depicted in fig. 12. Preferably, the seal is a ring made of an elastic, resilient material, such as EPDM elastomer, which deforms when the connector sections are drawn towards each other by adjustably tightening the connecting members 18.

Fig. 12 shows the pipe connector 60 in a pre-assembled state, in an open configuration ready for use. To achieve a fluid-tight joint connecting pipe elements in end-to-end relationship, pipe elements 30 are inserted into the sealing member 46 such that the segments straddle facing end portions of the pipe elements, as shown in fig. 12A. The pipe elements are inserted to the extent that grooves 74 in the outer surfaces of the pipe elements align with the arcuate surfaces 28 of the segments and the gripping surfaces 40 of the gripping body 36. Insertion of the pipe elements to the proper depth may be facilitated by a pipe stop 76 located between the sealing surfaces 68 and 70 of the sealing member. The pipe stop projects inwardly to engage the ends of the pipe elements and limit the depth of insertion as desired.

Fig. 12 and 13 show cross-sectional views of the connector 60 with the pipe element 30 inserted. Note that the reaction surfaces 32 on the segments 12 and 14 engage the contact surfaces 42 on the grip body 36. The reaction surfaces are angularly oriented such that when the fastener 58 is tightened, drawing the segments 12 and 14 toward each other and into the closed configuration shown in fig. 13, the gripping body 36 moves radially inward such that the gripping surfaces 40 on the gripping body engage and grip the grooves 74 of the pipe elements 30, as shown in fig. 13A. Movement of the segments 12 and 14 toward each other also causes the arcuate surfaces 28 on each segment to engage and grip the grooves, as also illustrated in fig. 14. Thus, the pipe elements are secured in end-to-end relationship. The sealing member is deformed radially inwardly to force the sealing surfaces 68 and 70 further into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. This configuration creates a relatively rigid bond. A more flexible bond may alternatively be provided if the movement of the arcuate surfaces is restricted such that they do not engage and grip the bottom of the groove. In this regard, the travel of the gripping bodies is limited by the extent or length of the reaction and contact surfaces. The limitation of the movement of the arcuate surfaces on the segments towards the central space is preferably controlled by limiting the movement of the segments by contact of the connecting members 18.

As shown in fig. 14, the reaction surfaces 32 on the segments 12 and 14 and the contact surfaces 42 on the grip body 36 have a common orientation angle 78 measured relative to the connecting members 18 (specifically, the interface 80 between the members 18). An orientation angle 78 of from about 30 ° to about 60 ° is practical, with an orientation angle of about 45 ° being advantageous for this embodiment in certain applications.

Fig. 15 shows an expanded view of another connector embodiment 60a according to the present invention. The connector 60a includes connector sections 12 and 14. The sections are arranged in face-to-face relationship and are connected together at one end by a pivot attachment 23 and at the opposite end by connecting members 18. In this embodiment, as with the previously described embodiments, the connecting members include outwardly extending projections 20 that receive an adjustably tightenable fastener 58. Tightening of the fastener draws the connector sections 12 and 14 toward each other and toward the central space 16.

Each segment has inwardly facing arcuate surfaces 28 that are positioned in spaced relation to one another. These arcuate surfaces occupy positions between the ends of the respective segments. Reaction surfaces 32 are positioned in spaced relation at an end of each connector section 12 and 14 adjacent to the pivot attachment 23 (unlike embodiment 60 where the reaction surfaces are adjacent to the connecting members 18). The reaction surfaces 32 face inwardly towards the central space 16 and extend in tangential direction around the segments. These reaction surfaces are angularly oriented as described above for embodiment 60.

A grip body 36 is positioned between the connector sections 12 and 14 adjacent the pivot attachment 23 (unlike embodiment 60, where the grip body is adjacent to the connecting members 18). The gripping body has a plurality of inwardly facing gripping surfaces 40 arranged in spaced apart relation. Preferably, these gripping surfaces 40 are aligned with the corresponding arcuate surfaces 28 when the connector is assembled. The grip body 36 has a plurality of contact surfaces 42 in spaced apart relation. The contact surface 42 faces outwardly away from the central space 16 and engages the corresponding reaction surface 32 on the segments 12 and 14, as shown in fig. 16 and 17. The contact surfaces on the grip body cooperate with the reaction surfaces on the segments such that when the segments are drawn toward each other (e.g., by tightening of the fastener 58), the grip body is forced radially inward, as explained further below.

A seal 46 is positioned between the connector sections 12 and 14 and the grip body 36. Both these sections and the gripping body have corresponding channels 62 and 64 (see fig. 15). A channel 62 is located between the arcuate surfaces 28 and a channel 64 is located between the gripping surfaces 40. The passages 62 and 64 receive the seal 46. The inner circumference 66 of the seal 46 has inwardly facing sealing surfaces 68 and 70 that engage the pipe elements to which the connector is connected to form a fluid tight seal. The seal 46 is sized such that in an undeformed state, its outer circumference 72 supports the segments 12 and 14 and the gripping body 36 in a sufficiently spaced apart relationship to insert pipe elements into the central space 16 when the connector is in the open configuration depicted in fig. 16. Preferably, the seal is a ring made of an elastic, resilient material, such as EPDM elastomer, which deforms when the connector sections are drawn towards each other by adjustably tightening the connecting members 18.

Fig. 16 shows the pipe connector 60a in a pre-assembled state, in an open configuration ready for use. To achieve a fluid-tight joint connecting pipe elements in end-to-end relationship, pipe elements 30 are inserted into the sealing member 46 such that the segments straddle facing end portions of the pipe elements. The pipe elements are inserted to the extent that grooves (not shown) in the outer surfaces of the pipe elements align with the arcuate surfaces 28 of the segments and the gripping surfaces 40 of the gripping body 36 (see fig. 15). Insertion of the pipe elements to the proper depth may be facilitated by a pipe stop 76 located between the sealing surfaces 68 and 70 of the sealing member, as shown in fig. 15 and 16. The pipe stop projects inwardly to engage the ends of the pipe elements and limit the depth of insertion as desired.

Fig. 16 and 17 show cross-sectional views of the connector 60a with the pipe element 30 inserted. Note that the reaction surfaces 32 on the segments 12 and 14 engage the contact surfaces 42 on the grip body 36. The reaction surfaces are angularly oriented such that when the fastener 58 is tightened, drawing the segments 12 and 14 toward each other and into the closed configuration shown in fig. 17, the gripping body 36 moves radially inward such that the gripping surfaces 40 on the gripping body engage and grip the grooves of the pipe elements 30. Movement of the segments 12 and 14 toward each other also causes the arcuate surfaces 28 on each segment to engage and grip the grooves. Thus, the pipe elements are secured in end-to-end relationship. The sealing member is deformed radially inwardly to force the sealing surfaces 68 and 70 (see fig. 15) further into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.

Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate another connector embodiment 82 comprising segments 12 and 14 connected together at one end by a pivot attachment 23 and having a grip body 36 located between the segments opposite the pivot attachment. The connector 82 is similar to the connector embodiments previously described, but differs in that the arcuate surfaces 28 on the segments 12 and 14 facing the central space 16 have a radius of curvature 84 that is greater than a radius of curvature 86 of the outer surfaces 88 of the pipe elements 30 (excluding grooves, if any, in the outer surfaces of the pipe elements). The relationship between the arcuate surfaces 28 and the radii of curvature of the pipe elements 30 is illustrated in fig. 18, which depicts an open configuration of the connector 82, ready for receiving pipe elements to form a joint. Fig. 19 shows the connector 82 in a closed configuration in which pipe elements 30 are inserted into the central space 16 and the fastener 58 is tightened, drawing the segments toward each other in cooperation with the connecting members 18 on each segment, thereby engaging the arcuate surfaces with the pipe elements and forcing the gripping body 36 toward the central space through interaction between contact surfaces and reaction surfaces as previously described for other embodiments. Gripping surfaces 40 on the gripping body 36 move into engagement with the pipe elements, as shown by a comparison of fig. 18 and 19, and the segments 12 and 14 deform as their arcuate surfaces contact the pipe elements such that the radius of curvature 84 of the arcuate surfaces 28 is reduced to generally conform to the radius of curvature of the pipe elements along the line of contact 90 between them and the pipe elements, as shown in fig. 19. The larger radius of curvature of the arcuate surfaces facilitates insertion of the pipe elements into the connector by providing increased clearance when the connector is in the open configuration as shown in fig. 18. Deformable tubing connectors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,131 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,796, both incorporated herein by reference.

The connector according to the invention achieves advantages by using these moving grip bodies, which allow them to be mounted in a pre-assembled state using hand tools. The movable gripping bodies reduce the torque required to bring the segments together and grip the pipe elements to achieve a fluid-tight joint. Furthermore, it was observed that engaging three components with the pipe element, i.e. the gripping surfaces of the gripping body and the arcuate surfaces of the two segments, provided a more rigid connection than when there were more components. This increase in rigidity is believed to be due to manufacturing tolerances of the pipe elements and the connector which make it difficult to ensure that more than three components will contact the pipe elements with the same degree of engagement.

Claims (37)

1. A pipe coupling for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together end-to-end, said coupling comprising:

a pair of segments connected end to end enclosing a central space for receiving said pipe elements, each said segment having a pair of arcuate surfaces positioned in spaced apart relation, said arcuate surfaces facing said central space and being engageable with said pipe elements;

a pivot attachment at one end of said segments, said pivot attachment pivotally connecting said segments to one another;

a plurality of connecting members on each of said segments at an end opposite said pivot attachment, said connecting members being adjustably tightenable to draw said segments toward one another;

at least one reaction surface on each of said segments, said reaction surfaces facing said central space;

at least one gripping body located between the segments, the gripping body having a pair of gripping surfaces positioned in spaced apart relation and facing the central space;

a pair of contact surfaces on said gripping body, each said contact surface being in a face-to-face relationship with one of said reaction surfaces; and is

Wherein adjustable tightening of said connecting members causes said segments to pivot about said pivot attachment thereby drawing said connector segments together to engage said arcuate surfaces with said pipe elements, said contact surfaces interacting with said reaction surfaces to move said at least one gripping body toward said central space to engage said gripping surfaces with said pipe elements,

said pipe connector further comprising a sealing member captured between said segments and positioned between said arcuate surfaces, said sealing member having inwardly facing sealing surfaces engageable with said pipe elements to form a fluid-tight joint between said pipe elements,

wherein said sealing member has an outer surface sized to support said segments and said gripping body in sufficiently spaced relation to said central space to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said central space.

2. The pipe connector according to claim 1, wherein said at least one gripping body is positioned adjacent to said connecting members.

3. The pipe coupling according to claim 2, wherein said connecting members each comprise a projection extending outwardly from said end of said segments opposite said pivot attachment, said projections being adapted to receive a fastener for adjustably connecting said segments to one another, said reaction surfaces being located on one of said projections.

4. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said at least one gripping body is positioned adjacent to said pivot attachment.

5. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said contact surfaces have a convex shape.

6. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said reaction surfaces have a convex shape.

7. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said pivot attachment comprises a hinge having at least one bearing positioned on each of said segments, said bearings being connected by a shaft.

8. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said pivot attachment comprises a tang projecting from one of said sections and a stirrup extending from another of said sections, said tang fitting within said stirrup, said tang and stirrup being pivotable relative to each other.

9. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

a first curved surface on said first extension;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a second slot in the second extension;

a second curved surface on said second extension and bordering said first curved surface; and

a fastener extending through the first and second slots between the first and second projections.

10. The pipe coupling according to claim 9, further comprising:

at least one rib on the first curved surface, the at least one rib oriented substantially parallel to the first slot;

at least one recess in the second curved surface oriented substantially parallel to the first slot, the at least one rib received in the at least one recess.

11. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

at least one first tooth on the first extension;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a second slot in the second extension;

at least one second tooth on the second extension and interfacing with the first tooth; and

a fastener extending through the first and second slots between the first and second projections.

12. The pipe coupling according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of said first and second teeth, said first and second teeth comprising intermeshing gear teeth.

13. The pipe coupling according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of said first and second teeth, said first and second teeth comprising intermeshing splines.

14. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a tab on said second projection and bordering said first slot on said first projection; and

a fastener extending between the first and second projections and through the first slot and the tongue.

15. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

an angularly oriented first surface on said first projection;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a second slot in the second extension;

an angularly oriented second surface located on said second projection and bordering said angularly oriented first surface; and

a fastener extending through the first and second slots between the first and second projections.

16. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, further comprising at least one notch located in at least one of said arcuate surfaces, said notch being located adjacent to said pivot attachment.

17. The pipe coupling according to claim 1, wherein said arcuate surfaces have a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.

18. A pipe coupling for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together end-to-end, said coupling comprising:

a pair of segments connected end to end enclosing a central space for receiving said pipe elements, each said segment having a pair of arcuate surfaces positioned in spaced apart relation, said arcuate surfaces facing said central space and being engageable with said pipe elements;

a pivot attachment at one end of said segments, said pivot attachment pivotally connecting said segments to one another;

a plurality of connecting members on each of said segments at an end opposite said pivot attachment, said connecting members being adjustably tightenable to draw said segments toward one another;

a pair of reaction surfaces on each of said segments, said reaction surfaces facing said central space;

at least one gripping body located between the segments, the gripping body having a pair of gripping surfaces positioned in spaced apart relation and facing the central space;

a first pair of contact surfaces and a second pair of contact surfaces on said gripping body, each said contact surface being in a face-to-face relationship with one of said reaction surfaces on said segments; and is

Wherein adjustable tightening of said connecting members causes said segments to pivot about said pivot attachment thereby drawing said connector segments together to engage said arcuate surfaces with said pipe elements, said contact surfaces interacting with said reaction surfaces to move said at least one gripping body toward said central space to engage said gripping surfaces with said pipe elements,

said pipe connector further comprising a sealing member captured between said segments and positioned between said arcuate surfaces, said sealing member having inwardly facing sealing surfaces engageable with said pipe elements to form a fluid-tight joint between said pipe elements,

wherein said sealing member has an outer surface sized to support said segments and said gripping body in sufficiently spaced relation to said central space to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said central space.

19. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said at least one gripping body is positioned adjacent to said connecting members.

20. The pipe coupling according to claim 19, wherein said connecting members each comprise a projection extending outwardly from said end of said segments opposite said pivot attachment, said projections being adapted to receive a fastener for adjustably connecting said segments to one another, said reaction surfaces being located on each of said projections.

21. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said at least one gripping body is positioned adjacent said pivot attachment.

22. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said contact surfaces have a convex shape.

23. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said reaction surfaces have a convex shape.

24. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said pivot attachment comprises a hinge having a pair of bearings positioned on one of said segments and a single bearing positioned on the other of said segments, said pair of bearings being connected to said single bearing by a shaft.

25. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said pivot attachment comprises a tang projecting from one of said sections and a stirrup extending from another of said sections, said tang fitting within said stirrup, said tang and stirrup being pivotable relative to each other.

26. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

a first curved surface on said first extension;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a second slot in the second extension;

a second curved surface on said second extension and bordering said first curved surface; and

a fastener extending through the first and second slots between the first and second projections.

27. The pipe coupling according to claim 26, further comprising:

at least one rib on the first curved surface, the at least one rib oriented substantially parallel to the first slot;

at least one recess in the second curved surface oriented substantially parallel to the first slot, the at least one rib received in the at least one recess.

28. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

at least one first tooth on the first extension;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a second slot in the second extension;

at least one second tooth on the second extension and interfacing with the first tooth; and

a fastener extending through the first and second slots between the first and second projections.

29. The pipe coupling according to claim 28, further comprising a plurality of said first and second teeth, said first and second teeth comprising intermeshing gear teeth.

30. The pipe coupling according to claim 28, further comprising a plurality of said first and second teeth, said first and second teeth comprising intermeshing splines.

31. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a tab on said second projection and bordering said first slot on said first projection; and

a fastener extending between the first and second projections and through the first slot and the tongue.

32. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said pivot attachment comprises:

a first projection extending from one of said sections;

a first slot in said first extension;

an angularly oriented first surface on said first projection;

a second projection extending from another of said sections;

a second slot in the second extension;

an angularly oriented second surface located on said second projection and bordering said angularly oriented first surface; and

a fastener extending through the first and second slots between the first and second projections.

33. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, further comprising a respective notch located in each of said arcuate surfaces, each of said notches being located adjacent to said pivot attachment.

34. The pipe coupling according to claim 18, wherein said arcuate surfaces have a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.

35. A method of connecting pipe elements in end-to-end relationship using a connector having opposed connector sections and a movable gripping body therebetween, said method comprising:

inserting the pipe elements into the connector;

drawing said connector sections into engagement with said duct elements by pivoting said connector sections about a pivot axis;

moving the gripping body into engagement with the pipe elements.

36. A method according to claim 35, further comprising supporting said segments and said gripping body on an outer surface of a seal in sufficiently spaced relation to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said connector.

37. A method according to claim 35, further comprising deforming said segments so as to conform said segments to said pipe elements.