BORING DEVICE

Abstract

A pipe boring device (1) including a housing (2)for receiving a self-tapping ferrule insert and a strap (3, 4) for securement around a pipe (10) to enable a hole to be bored into the pipe(10) by the ferrule insert. The strap (3, 4) includes first and second strap portions(3, 4) pivotally secured at a first of their ends (30, 40) by a connector (5). The first strap portion (3) includes a pair of slots (35a, 35b) along its length, which terminate at a second end (34) of the first strap portion (3) to form slot ends (36a, 36b). The second strap portion (4) includes three pairs of hooks (45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b) along its length, which are receivable within the slots (35a, 35b) and configured to engage the slot ends (36a, 36b). The strap (3, 4) is configured to be wrapped around a pipe (10) with the first strap portion (3) overlapping the second strap portion (4) such that the second strap portion (4) is between the first strap portion (3) and the pipe (10) and one of the hook pairs (45a and 45b, 46a and 46b, 47a and 47b) is in engagement with the slot ends (36a, 36b). Each hook pair (45a and 45b, 46a and 46b, 47a and 47b) is spaced one from the next along the length of the second strap portion (4) such that the strap (3, 4) defines an opening for receiving the pipe (10) that is dependent upon which of the hook pairs (45a and 45b, 46a and 46b, 47a and 47b) is in engagement with the slot ends (36a, 36b).

Claims

1. A pipe boring device comprising a boring means and a strap for securement around a pipe to enable a hole to be bored into the pipe, the strap comprising a first strap portion with a first engaging feature at or adjacent a free end thereof and a second strap portion with one or more second engaging features, wherein the strap is configured to be wrapped, in use, around a pipe with the first strap portion overlapping the second strap portion such that the second strap portion is between the first strap portion and the pipe and one of the one or more second engaging features is in engagement with the first engaging feature.

2. A boring device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the second engaging features extends through the first strap portion when the first and second strap portions are in the overlapping condition.

3. A boring device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first engaging feature comprises a slot with an end and each of the one or more second engaging features comprises a hook engaged or engageable with the end of the slot.

4. A boring device according to claim 3, wherein the first strap portion comprises a pair of slots each with an end and the second strap portion comprises two or more hook pairs, each hook pair being spaced along the length of the second strap portion such that the strap defines an opening that is dependent upon which of the hook pairs is in engagement, in use, with the ends of the slot pair.

5. A boring device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the strap portions are formed from sheet material and the or each hook comprises a deformed portion of sheet material.

6. A boring device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the or each hook comprises a scoop shaped transition portion bound by three side walls and a tab extending from the open side of the transition portion.

7. A boring device according to claim 6, wherein the open side of the transition portion comprises a pair of edges corresponding to end edges of two of the side walls, the pair of edges being configured to abut, in use, the slot end.

8. A boring device according to claim 7, wherein the first strap portion comprises a protuberance extending from the end of the slot and receivable within the transition portion.

9. A boring device according to claim 8, wherein an engaging recess is defined between each longitudinal edge of the slot and the protuberance, each edge of the transition portion being received, in use, within a respective one of the engaging recesses to engage the hook with the slot end.

10. A boring device according to any preceding claim, wherein the strap portions are pivotally connected together at one of their ends by a connection means.

11. A boring device according to claim 10, wherein the connection means comprises screw threaded adjustment means for selectively drawing the strap portion ends together.

12. A boring device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the connection means comprises a screw threaded fastener engaging a pair of pins, each strap portion comprising a loop at or adjacent its connected end with one of the pins rotatably received therein, each loop comprising circumferential slot through which the fastener extends to enable the strap portions to pivot relative to one another.

13. A boring device according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the strap portions comprises a receptacle within which the boring means is received.

14. A boring device according to claim 13, wherein the strap portion with the receptacle comprises a pair of opposed retaining tabs that engage respective notches in the boring means to retain the boring means within the receptacle.

15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a self-tapping ferrule strap, the boring means comprising a housing for receiving a self-tapping ferrule insert.

16. A pipe strap for use in a boring device according to any preceding claim, the strap comprising a first strap portion with a first engaging feature at or adjacent a free end thereof and a second strap portion with one or more second engaging features, wherein the strap is configured to be wrapped, in use, around a pipe with the first strap portion overlapping the second strap portion such that the second strap portion is between the first strap portion and the pipe and one of the one or more second engaging features is in engagement with the first engaging feature.

17. A kit of parts for assembly into a boring device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the kit comprising the first strap portion, the second strap portion and the boring means.

18. A boring device substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

19. A pipe strap substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

20. A kit of parts for assembly into a boring device as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Description

[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boring device according to an embodiment of the invention, wrapped around and secured to a pipe;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the boring device of FIG. 1 with the pipe omitted;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the housing of the boring device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outer strap portion of the boring device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inner strap portion of the boring device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the hooks of the inner strap portion of FIG. 5;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of from the inside of the boring device of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the engagement between the hooks of the inner strap portion and the slots of the outer strap portion;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a side view of the strap portions of the boring device of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the engagement between the hooks of the inner strap portion and the slots of the outer strap portion;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a partial top view of the end of an outer strap portion according to an alternative embodiment incorporating a bracing strap; and

[0042] FIG. 10 is a partial front view of a pair of hooks of an inner strap portion according to another alternative embodiment.

[0043] Referring to the FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a boring device 1 in the form of a self-tapping ferrule strap embodying aspects of the present invention to be wrapped around a pipe 10. The device 1 includes a housing 2 for receiving a self-tapping ferrule insert (not shown), an outer strap portion 3, an inner strap portion 4 and a connector 5.

[0044] As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the housing 2 includes a saddle portion 20, an intermediate portion 21 and a stem portion 22 with a threaded axial bore 23 extending through all three portions 20, 21, 22. The saddle portion 20 is substantially square in plan, extending outwardly from the intermediate portion to provide a shoulder 24 formed by a curved upper surface 24. The saddle portion 20 also includes a curved bottom surface 25 shaped to conform the outer surface of the pipe 10, which lower surface 25 is formed with a circular groove (not shown) surrounding the bore 23 and receiving an O-ring seal (not shown) for sealing against the pipe 10. In this embodiment, the curved bottom surface 25 has a radius of curvature of 100 mm, which is at the middle of the adjustability of the device 1, but the skilled person will appreciate that any other suitable radius is envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. The intermediate portion 21 is cylindrical in shape, projects upwardly from the curved upper surface 24 of the saddle portion and includes a pair of notches 26 aligned with each of the thinner edges of each of the saddle portion 20. The stem portion 22 includes an external thread 27 extending along part of its length from its upper end, a transverse or radial bore 28 through a lower part extending through and in communication with the axial bore 23 and radial flanges 29a, 29b, one of which is above and another below the radial bore 28.

[0045] The housing 2 receives a self-tapping ferrule insert (not shown) that functions in a similar manner to known design and therefore will not be described further, save that the invention permits the housing 2 and insert (not shown) to be manufactured in a variety of different ways, as it does not form an integral part of either of the strap portions 3, 4 as is the case with conventional self-tapping ferrule straps. Indeed, it is envisaged that one or more critical parts of the boring device may be machined from a superior material, while less critical parts may be manufactured or moulded from different, e.g. more cost-effective, materials. For example, the housing 2 may be formed of a moulded plastics material, with only a cutting insert (not shown) thereof being formed of a stronger material, such as stainless steel.

[0046] Turning now to FIG. 4, the outer strap portion 3 in this embodiment is concave with a first end 30 formed into a loop 31 with a circumferential slot 32 at its lateral centre. The loop is formed by an end portion of the strap material wrapped back on itself and secured to the strap material by two clinched portions or rivetless joints 33, which may be replaced by rivets or other like fasteners or welded together, such as tack welded together. The outer strap portion 3 also includes a second end 34 and a pair of elongate slots 35a, 35b extending between the first and second ends 30, 34 with respective slot ends 36a, 36b adjacent the second strap end 34. Each of the slot ends 36a, 36b includes a protuberance 37a, 37b extending inwardly of the slot 35a, 35b inboard of the longitudinal edges thereof to define respective pairs of engaging edges 38a, 38b on either side of each protuberance 37a, 37b. Each of the slots 35a, 35b also includes a pair of skewed reinforcing ribs 39 extending at an angle thereacross. The ribs 38 are skewed to ensure that they are not as engaging edges in use.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner strap portion 4 is also concave with a first end 40 formed into a loop 41 with a circumferential slot 42 at its lateral centre, wherein the strap material is wrapped back on itself and secured to the strap material by a pair of rivets 43 or like fasteners. The inner strap portion 4 includes a second end 44, three spaced pairs of hooks 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b and 47a, 47b with pairs of slots 48a, 48b extending between respective hook pairs 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b and 47a, 47b. The inner strap portion 4 also includes a receptacle 49 for receiving the housing 2 and a pair of slots 48c extending between the last hook pair 47a, 47b and the receptacle 49. A pair of opposed retaining tabs 49a are provided that extend inwardly of the receptacle 49 along the centreline of the inner strap portion 4. The tabs 49a are bent outwardly from the inner strap portion 4 such that they project upwardly.

[0048] A first of the hook pairs 45a, 45b is adjacent the second end 44 of the inner strap portion 4, while the other two hook pairs 46a, 46b and 47a, 47b are spaced at positions along the inner strap portion 4 between the first hook pair 45a, 45b and the receptacle 49. Each of the positions are selected to accommodate respective pipe sizes, or more specifically respective pipe size ranges. Each hook 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b has substantially the same shape, one of which is shown in FIG. 6, and includes a transition portion 60 from which an engaging tab 61 projects. The transition portion 60 is in the form of a scoop shaped depression pressed from the strap material, open at one end and bound by three walls 62, 63, 64. A first wall 62 is opposite the open end, while second and third walls 63, 64 extend along respective sides of the hook 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, perpendicular to the first wall 62, and terminate at the open end. The engaging tab 61 is substantially rectangular in plan extends from the top of the open end of the transition portion 60 with one of its short edges formed integrally therewith. Each of the second and third walls 63, 64 has a free edge 65 at the open end of the transition portion 60.

[0049] As shown more clearly in FIGS. 7 and 8, in an engaged condition each of the protuberances 37a, 37b of the slot ends 36a, 36b of the outer strap portion 3 is received within the transition portion 60 of one of the hooks 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b. The free edges 65 of each of the second and third walls 63, 64 of the transition portion 60 of the relevant hook 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b straddle the protuberances 37a, 37b and abut respective engaging edges 38a, 38b on either side thereof. This arrangement provides a positive lock between the inner and outer strap portions 3, 4 and the skilled person would appreciate that the geometry of the hooks provides a strong resistance to deformation when a separation force is applied along the length of the strap portions 3, 4.

[0050] The connector 5 includes first and second pins 50, 51 each being received within a respective one of loops 31, 41 and a threaded fastener 52 in the form of a bolt with a head 53 arranged for engagement with a driving tool (not shown). The first pin 50 has a transverse threaded hole 50a at its axial centre and is received in the loop 31 of the outer strap portion 3 such that the hole 50a is aligned with the slot 32 of the loop. The second pin 51 has a transverse through hole 51a free of threads and is received in the loop 41 of the inner strap portion 4 such that the hole 51a is aligned with the slot 42 of the loop. The fastener 52 is slidingly and rotatably received in the hole 51a of the second pin 51 with the head 53 abutting it with the free end of the fastener 52 threadedly engaging the hole 50a in the first pin.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the circumferential slots 32, 42 enable the strap portions 3, 4 to pivot about the connector 5, when the fastener 52 engages the two pins 50, 51. This enables adjustment of the device 1 and enables the strap portions 3, 4 to be separated sufficiently to wrap them around a pipe 10.

[0052] The device 1 is provided with the housing 2 received within the receptacle 49 and retained therein by virtue of the retaining tabs 49a, which are received within and engage the notches 26 in the housing 2. A self-tapping ferrule insert (not shown) is received within the housing 2 and the strap portions 3, 4 are connected at their first ends by the connector 5 with their second ends 34, 44 disengaged to enable the device 1 is able to be wrapped around a pipe 10.

[0053] In use, the strap portions 3, 4 are wrapped around the pipe 10 such that the outer strap portion 3 is placed over the inner strap portion 4 with the requisite hook pair 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b or 47a, 47b received within the slots 37a, 37b adjacent the slot ends 36a, 36b. Any upstream hook pairs 45a, 45b and/or 46a, 46b are also received within intermediate portions of the slots 37a, 37b. The fastener 52 is then tightened, bringing the relevant hook pair 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b or 47a, 47b, the last hook pair 47a, 47b in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, into engagement with the engaging edges 38a, 38b of the slots 37a, 37b of the outer strap portion 3. The fastener 52 is tightened to a predetermined torque of, for example, between 8 and 30 Nm, preferably between 10 and 20 Nm, for example about 12 Nm to ensure a secure and pre-tensioned connection between the strap portions 3, 4. The user is then able to bore a hole into the pipe 10 using the self-tapping ferrule insert (not shown) in the normal way.

[0054] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 1 is configured to accommodate the smallest pipe diameter range by engaging the last hook pair 47a, 47b, with both upstream hook pairs 45a, 45b and 46a, 46b received within intermediate portions of the slots 37a, 37b. However, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that a larger pipe diameter range may be accommodated by engaging the second hook pair 46a, 46b with the slot ends 36a, 36b, in which case only the first hook pair 45a, 45b would be received within intermediate portions of the slots 37a, 37b. Similarly, the largest pipe diameter range is accommodated by engaging the first hook pair 45a, 45b with the slot ends 36a, 36b, in which case no other hook pairs 46a, 46b or 47a, 47b would be located in the slots 37a, 37b. In this embodiment, the device 1 is configured to accommodate pipe sizes between 80 mm and 120 mm. However, the skilled person will appreciate that any conceivable range is envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0055] Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown the end 134 of an outer strap portion 103 according to an alternative embodiment. The outer strap portion 103 in this embodiment includes a bracing strap 137 and slot ends 136a, 136b that are featureless with a respective single end edge. The bracing strap 137 projects outwardly from and laterally across the outer strap portion 103 adjacent the second end 134 to define a gap 134a between the outer strap portion 3 and an inner surface of the bracing strap 137.

[0056] In use, the relevant hook pair 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b or 47a, 47b is received within the gap 134a, effectively pinning them to prevent deformation due to tensile loading of the strap portions 3, 4 as the fastener 52 is tightened further.

[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates a pair of hooks 206 according to an alternative embodiment, wherein the second and third walls 63, 64 of the transition portion 60 are omitted, with a dogleg 262 corresponding to the first wall 62. The dogleg 262 in this embodiment incorporates a reinforcing deformation 262a.

[0058] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiment are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the outer strap portion 3 may include only one or more than two slots 37a, 37b and/or the inner strap 4 may include a corresponding or, in some arrangements, a different number of hook sets 45a, 45b and 46a, 46b and 47a, 47b. Additionally or alternatively, the number of slots 48a, 48b, 48c extending between and/or from the hooks 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b and 47a, 47b may be modified or such slots 48a, 48b, 48c may be omitted altogether.

[0059] Advantageously, one or more elements of at least one of the strap portions 3, 4, for example one or more of the hooks 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b may include one or more reinforcing elements, such as ribs that may be formed in the sheet material from which the strap portion 3, 4 is formed. It is also envisaged that at least one of the strap portions 3, 4 may be fabricated from different parts, e.g. welded or fastener together.

[0060] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.