Outlet Coupling

Abstract

A pipe coupling has first and second segments attached end to end surrounding a central space. The segments define first and second receptacles which receive pipe elements. A port is positioned in one of the segments. The port provides access to the central space. A nipple on the segment extends from the central space and defines a bore aligned with the port. A collar on the segment extends toward the central space. The collar has an outer surface which forms a recess with an inner surface of the segment. A seal is positioned within a channel defined by arcuate keys which surround the receptacles. The seal has a body which defines a first aperture aligned with the receptacles and a second aperture aligned with the bore of the nipple.

Claims

1. A coupling for joining pipe elements, said coupling comprising: a first and a second segment positioned end to end surrounding a central space and defining first and second oppositely disposed receptacles for receiving said pipe elements; a port positioned in said first segment between a first and a second end thereof, said port providing access to said central space; a nipple extending from said first segment away from said central space, said nipple defining a bore aligned with said port; a collar extending from said first segment toward said central space, said collar surrounding said port and comprising an outer surface facing an inner surface of said first segment to define a recess therebetween; a first adjustable attachment assembly joining said first end of said first segment to a first end of said second segment, said first adjustable attachment assembly adapted to draw said first and second segments toward one another.

2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second segments comprises a first and a second arcuate key positioned on opposite sides of said segments, said first arcuate keys surrounding said first receptacle, said second arcuate keys surrounding said second receptacle, said first keys having a first inner surface and said second keys having a second inner surface, said first and second inner surfaces facing one another and defining a channel therebetween.

3. The coupling according to claim 2, further comprising a seal positioned within said channel, said seal comprising: a body defining a first aperture aligned with said first and second receptacles and a second aperture aligned with said bore of said nipple; a tube surrounding said second aperture, said tube having an open end engaging said recess and forming a seal between said outer surface of said collar and said inner surface of said first segment.

4. The coupling according to claim 3, further comprising a lip surrounding said open end of said tube, said lip engaging said outer surface of said collar and forming a sealing gland.

5. The coupling according to claim 4, wherein said lip has a hook cross sectional shape.

6. The coupling according to claim 3, wherein said seal further comprises: a first lobe surrounding said first aperture and positioned proximate to said first receptacle; a first sealing surface positioned on said first lobe, said first sealing surface adapted to engage one of said pipe elements upon insertion thereof into said first receptacle; a second lobe surrounding said first aperture and positioned proximate to said second receptacle; a second sealing surface positioned on said second lobe, said second sealing surface adapted to engage one of said pipe elements upon insertion thereof into said second receptacle.

7. The coupling according to claim 3, wherein said seal further comprises a plurality of ribs projecting from said body into said first aperture, said ribs extending between said first and second receptacles.

8. The coupling according to claim 7, wherein each said rib has a first end facing said first receptacle and a second end facing said second receptacle, each of said first and second ends of said ribs being engageable with a respective one of said pipe elements upon insertion of said pipe elements into said central space.

9. The coupling according to claim 3, wherein said seal further comprises first and second tongues projecting outwardly from said body, said first tongue being captured between said first ends of said first and said second segments, said second tongue being captured between said second ends of said first and second segments.

10. The coupling according to claim 9, wherein: said first and second tongues respectively comprise first and second dovetail shaped tenons; said first and second segments define first and second dovetail shaped mortises positioned respectively at said first and second ends thereof, said first tenon interfitting within said first mortise and said second tenon interfitting within said second mortise.

11. The coupling according to claim 1, further comprising a circumferential groove positioned on an outer surface of said nipple.

12. The coupling according to claim 1, further comprising: a first horn extending from a first end of said second segment toward said first segment, said first horn being received within a first recess within said first end of said first segment; a second horn extending from a second end of said second segment toward said first segment, said second horn being received within a second recess within said second end of said first segment; wherein said first horn has a first surface facing said central space, said first surface being angularly oriented relative to an axis of said bore; said second horn has a second surface facing said central space, said second surface being angularly oriented relative to an axis of said bore.

13. The coupling according to claim 12, wherein: said first recess has a first contact surface angularly oriented so as to contact said first surface of said first horn; said second recess has a second contact surface angularly oriented so as to contact said second surface of said second horn.

14. The coupling according to claim 12, further comprising: a first notch positioned in said first segment at said first end thereof; said first horn being received within said first notch; a second notch positioned in said first segment at said second end thereof; said second horn being received within said second notch.

15. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein said first and second notches are V-shaped and said first and second horns are wedge shaped.

16. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein said first adjustable attachment assembly comprises: a first lug attached to said first end of said first segment; a second lug attached to said first end of said second segment and positioned in facing relation with said first lug, each said lug defining a respective hole; a first fastener extending between said first and second lugs, said first fastener being received within said respective holes, said first fastener being adjustable for drawing said first and second segments toward one another.

17. The coupling according to claim 16, further comprising a second adjustable attachment assembly joining said second end of said first segment to said second end of said second segment, said second adjustable attachment assembly adapted to draw said first and second segments toward one another.

18. The coupling according to claim 17, wherein said second adjustable attachment assembly comprises: a third lug attached to said second end of said first segment; a fourth lug attached to said second end of said second segment and positioned in facing relation with said third lug, each said lug defining a respective opening; a second fastener extending between said third and fourth lugs, said second fastener being received within said respective openings, said second fastener being adjustable for drawing said first and second segments toward one another.

19. The coupling according to claim 1, further comprising a spring assembly joining said second end of said first segment to said second end of said second segment, said spring assembly biasing said first and second segments away from one another.

20. The coupling according to claim 19, wherein said spring assembly comprises: a first boss projecting from said second end of said first segment; a second boss projecting from said second end of said second segment and positioned adjacent to said first boss; a first fulcrum positioned on said first boss and contacting said second boss, said segments pivoting about said first fulcrum; a link extending between and capturing said first and second bosses.

21. The coupling according to claim 20, further comprising a second fulcrum positioned on said second boss, said second fulcrum contacting said first fulcrum.

22. The coupling according to claim 21, further comprising: a first land positioned contiguous with said first fulcrum on said first boss; a second land positioned contiguous with said second fulcrum on said second boss, said first and second lands being oriented angularly with respect to a plane defining an interface between said first and second segments.

23. The coupling according to claim 20, further comprising: a first head projecting from said first boss; a second head projecting from said second boss, said link engaging said first and second heads for retaining said link to said bosses.

24. The coupling according to claim 20, wherein said link comprises a ring encircling said first and second bosses.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example coupling according to the invention depicted in a pre-assembled state;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 in an assembled state;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional isometric view of the pipe coupling shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an axial cross sectional view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 in a pre-assembled state;

[0021] FIG. 4A is a side view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 in a pre-assembled state;

[0022] FIG. 5 is an axial cross sectional view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 in an assembled state;

[0023] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a coupling according to the invention; and

[0024] FIG. 7 is an axial view of the coupling shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example embodiment of a coupling 10 according to the invention for joining pipe elements 12 and 14. Example coupling 10 comprises respective first and second segments 16 and 18 positioned end to end surrounding a central space 20. Segments 16 and 18 define respective first and second receptacles 22 and 24. Receptacles 22 and 24 are oppositely disposed from one another and receive the pipe elements 12 and 14 as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 1 shows a port 26 positioned in the first segment 16 between the segment's first end 28 and its second end 30 (see also FIG. 2). Port 26 provides access to the central space 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a nipple 32 extends from the first segment 16 away from the central space 20. Nipple 32 defines a bore 34 which is aligned with the port 26. A circumferential groove 36 may be positioned on an outer surface 38 of the nipple 32 to permit a grooved pipe element (not shown) to be connected to the coupling 10 using a mechanical coupling (not shown).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, a collar 40 extends from the first segment 16 toward the central space 20. Collar 40 surrounds the port 26. An outer surface 42 of collar 40 faces an inner surface 44 of the first segment 16. The outer surface 42 and inner surface 44 together define a recess 46 between them.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each segment 16 and 18 comprises respective first and second arcuate keys 48 and 50. Keys 48 and 50 are positioned on opposite sides of each segment 16 and 18. First keys 48 surround the first receptacle 22 and the second keys 50 surround the second receptacle 24. As shown in FIG. 2, each first key 48 is supported on a first shoulder 52 and each second key 50 is supported on a second shoulder 54. The first and second shoulders 52 and 54 face one another and define a channel 56 between them. A seal 58 is positioned within channel 56. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the seal 58 comprises a body 60 which defines first and second apertures 62 and 64. First aperture 62 is aligned with the first and second receptacles 22 and 24 and the second aperture 64 is aligned with the bore 34 of the nipple 32. A tube 66 surrounds the second aperture 64. Tube 66 has an open end 68 which engages the recess 46 defined by the collar 40 and the first segment 16 and thereby forms a seal 69 between the collar outer surface 42 and the inner surface 44 of the first segment 16. It is advantageous to form a sealing gland 70 between the collar 40 and the first segment 16 and this is effected in this example by a lip 72 surrounding the open end 68 of the tube 66. The lip 72 may have a hook shaped cross section 74 to permit internal pressure actuation of the sealing gland 70.

[0028] As further shown in FIG. 2, seal 58 comprises first and second lobes 76 and 78. Both the first and second lobes 76 and 78 surround the first aperture 62, the first lobe 76 being positioned proximate to the first receptacle 22 and the second lobe 78 being positioned proximate to the second receptacle 24. First and second sealing surfaces 80 and 82 are respectively positioned on the first and second lobes 76 and 78. Each sealing surface 80 and 82 is adapted to engage and seal against the respective outer surfaces 84 and 86 of pipe elements 12 and 14 when the pipe elements are inserted into the central space 20 through the first and second receptacles 22 and 24.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the seal 58 may further comprise a plurality of ribs 88. Ribs 88 project from body 60 into the first aperture 62 and extend in a direction between the first and second receptacles 22 and 24. Ribs 88 stiffen the body 60 and thereby enable it to maintain a seal within the coupling 10 even when subjected to internal vacuum. As shown in FIG. 2, each rib 88 has a first end 88a facing the first receptacle 22 and a second end 88b facing the second receptacle 24. The first and second ends 88a and 88b of the ribs 88 are engageable with a respective one of the pipe elements 12 and 14 upon insertion of the pipe elements into said central space 20 and thus serve as pipe stops to position the pipe elements 12 and 14 so that their circumferential grooves 90 and 92 align with respective keys 48 and 50 when the pipe joint is formed by coupling 10.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, seal 58 may further comprise first and second tongues 94 and 96 projecting outwardly from body 60. The first tongue 94 is captured between the first end 28 of the first segment 16 and the first end 98 of the second segment 18; the second tongue 96 is captured between the second end 30 of the first segment 16 and the second end 100 of the second segment 18. Tongues 94 and 96 help locate the segments 16 and 18 and may advantageously comprise respective first and second dovetail shaped tenons 102 and 104 which interfit within respective dovetail shaped mortises 106 and 108 defined by the first and second segments 16 and 18.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a coupling 10 having first and second adjustable attachment assemblies 110 and 112 adapted to draw the first and second segments 16 and 18 toward one another to form a pipe joint (compare FIGS. 4 and 5). The first attachment assembly 110 joins the first end 28 of the first segment 16 to the first end 98 of the second segment 18; the second attachment assembly 112 joins the second end 30 of the first segment 16 to the second end 100 of the second segment 18. In the example coupling 10 the first attachment assembly 110 comprises a first lug 114 attached to the first end 28 of the first segment 16 and a second lug 116 attached to the first end 98 of the second segment 18. The first and second lugs 114 and 116 are in facing relation and each lug defines a respective hole 118 and 120 which receives a first fastener 122. First fastener 122 extends between the first and second lugs 114 and 116, the first fastener in this example being a nut 124 and bolt 126 which are adjustable for drawing the first and second segments toward one another upon tightening. Similarly, the second attachment assembly 112 comprises a third lug 128 attached to the second end 30 of the first segment 16 and a fourth lug 130 attached to the second end 100 of the second segment 18. The third and fourth lugs 128 and 130 are in facing relation and each lug defines a respective hole 132 and 134 which receive a second fastener 136. Second fastener 136 extends between the third and fourth lugs 128 and 130, the second fastener in this example being a nut 138 and bolt 140 which are adjustable for drawing the first and second segments 16 and 18 toward one another upon tightening.

[0032] As further shown in FIG. 4, a first horn 200 extends from the first end 98 of the second segment 18 toward the first segment 16. First horn 200 is received within a first recess 202 within the first end 28 of the first segment 16. A second horn 204 extends from the second end 100 of the second segment 18 toward the first segment 16. Second horn 204 is received within a second recess 206 within the second end 30 of the first segment 16. First horn 200 has a first surface 208 facing the central space 20. First surface 208 is angularly oriented relative to the bore axis 210 of bore 34. The second horn 204 has a second surface 212 facing the central space 20. Second surface 212 is also angularly oriented relative to the bore axis 212. Surfaces 208 and 212 are advantageously oriented outwardly relative to bore axis 210 to act as lead-in surfaces which guide the segments 16 and 18 into proper engagement. To further improve the guide function of surfaces 208 and 212, the first recess 202 has a first contact surface 214, also angularly oriented so as to contact the first surface 208 of the first horn 200. Similarly, the second recess 206 has a second contact surface 216 also angularly oriented so as to contact the second surface 212 of the second horn 204. It is advantageous if the angular orientation of various surfaces are complementary to one another to provide flat engagement between them.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, a first notch 218 is positioned in the first end 28 of first segment 16, and a second notch 220 is positioned in the second end 30 of the first segment 16. The first horn 200 is received within the first notch 218 and the second horn 204 is received within the second notch 220 when the segments 16 and 18 are drawn together into engagement when forming a pipe joint. The horns and notches may be further employed to guide the segments into engagement when the first and second notches 218 and 220 are V-shaped and the first and second horns 200 and 204 are wedge shaped as shown for the first horn and first notch in FIG. 4A. Again, complementary angles between the wedge and notch are shown to have an excellent effect in initiating proper engagement and maintaining proper alignment of the segments 16 and 18.

[0034] Operation of the coupling 10 for joining pipe elements 12 and 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, coupling 10 is in the pre-assembled state as it would come to the user. In this pre-assembled state the segments 16 and 18 are held in spaced apart relation with the segments resting on the seal 58 and held in place by the fasteners 122 and 136. The separation of the segments 12 and 14 is sufficient to permit pipe elements 12 and 14 to be inserted into the central space 20 through respective receptacles 22 and 24 without disassembling the coupling. As shown in FIG. 1, it may be advantageous to provide notches 142 at the ends of keys 48 and 50 (48 shown) to reduce the required separation distance of the segments 16 and 18. With the coupling 10 in its pre-assembled state the pipe elements 12 and 14 are inserted into respective receptacles 22 and 24, the respective outer surfaces 84 and 86 of the pipe elements respectively engaging the sealing surfaces 80 and 82 on the first and second lobes 76, 78 of the seal 58. The pipes 12 and 14 are inserted into the central space 20 so as to engage the ends of ribs 88, thereby aligning the keys 48 and 50 with the respective grooves 90 and 92. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 2, the first and second fasteners 122 and 136 are tightened to draw the first and second segments 16 and 18 toward one another. This compresses the body 60 of seal 58, thereby: 1) effecting a fluid tight seal between the coupling 10 and the pipe elements 12 and 14; 2) engaging the sealing gland 70 within recess 46; and 3) engaging the keys 48 and 50 within grooves 90 and 92 to effect a mechanical connection between the pipe elements and the coupling. A third pipe element (not shown) may be attached to the nipple 32.

[0035] As fasteners 122 and 136 are tightened, compressing the body 60 of seal 58 as described above, segments 16 and 18 may have a tendency to rotate or shift relative to each other due to the forces necessary to compress seal 58. Such rotation or shifting would be particularly disadvantageous due to the need to maintain the location of sealing gland 70 within recess 46. Where horn 200 and recesses 202 are employed in segments 18 and 16, they act to locate the segments relative to one another, and if any shift or rotation occurs, contact between sides 204 of the tongue and sidewalls 206 will act to restrict such undesirable motion and which, due to their angled nature, will tend to reduce such shift or rotation as fasteners 122 and 136 continue to be tightened.

[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict another example embodiment of a coupling 144 according to the invention. In this embodiment a spring assembly 146 joins the second end 30 of first segment 16 to the second end 100 of the second segment 18. The spring assembly 146 biases the segments 16 and 18 away from one another toward or into an open, pre-assembled state shown. When in this open or pre-assembled state, pipe elements can be inserted into the central space 20 without disassembling the coupling 144.

[0037] The example spring assembly 146 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 comprises a first boss 148 projecting from the second end 30 of the first segment 16, and a second boss 150 projecting from the second end 100 of the second segment 18. The second boss 150 is positioned adjacent to the first boss 148. Bosses 148 and 150 are cantilevers and thus are substantially responsible for the biasing force of the spring assembly 146. A first fulcrum 152 is positioned on the first boss 148, the first fulcrum 152 contacting the second boss 150 and providing an axis 154 about which the segments 16 and 18 may pivot. In this example embodiment a second fulcrum 156 is positioned on the second boss 150. The second fulcrum 156 contacts the first fulcrum 152 to further define the pivot axis 154 about which the segments 16 and 18 pivot. First and second fulcrums 152 and 156 are defined in this example embodiment by first and second lands 158 and 160. The first and second lands 158 and 160 are respectively positioned on the first and second bosses 148 and 150, the first land 158 being contiguous with the first fulcrum 152, and the second land 160 being contiguous with the second fulcrum 156 (when present). At least the first land 158 is oriented angularly with respect to a plane 162 comprising the interface between the first and second segments 16 and 18. In this example embodiment both the first and second lands 158 and 160 are angularly oriented with respective orientation angles 164.

[0038] A link 166 extends between the first and second bosses 148 and 150. Link 166 captures the bosses, while permitting pivoting motion of the segments 16 and 18. In this example the link 166 comprises a ring 168 which encircles the first and second bosses 148 and 150. Ring 168 is retained on the bosses 148 and 150 by engagement with first and second heads 170 and 172 respectively projecting from the first and second bosses 148 and 150. Ring 168 and the bosses 148 and 150 cooperate to provide the spring biasing action of the spring assembly 146. The thickness 174 of the ring 168, the distance 176 between the fulcrums 152 and 156 and the point where the bosses 148 and 150 engage the ring 168, along with the area moment of inertia of the bosses, are parameters which will establish the spring constant of the spring assembly 146 and thus determine the amount of force necessary to close the coupling 144 and effect a joint. The angular orientation 164 of the lands 158 and 160 and the distance the fastener 122 has been tightened each act to set the maximum limit of separation between the segments 16 and 18, and the inner diameter 178 of the ring 168 determines the minimum separation of the segments when supported by an undeformed spring assembly 146 as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the angular orientation 164 is such that, if the fastener 122 is not present (such as during the assembly of the coupling by the manufacturer) bosses 148, 150 may be brought near enough together that the inner diameter 178 of ring 168 will clear heads 170, 172, allowing ring 168 to be easily assembled over bosses 148, 150. Subsequent assembly and tightening of fastener 122 to a pre-determined distance 180 (see FIG. 7) acts to separate heads 170, 172 sufficient to retain ring 168 behind heads 170 and 172 as described above. The ring inner diameter 178 may be sized to hold the segments 16 and 18 in the open or pre-assembled state sufficient to permit insertion of pipe elements into the central space 20, or the diameter 178 may be larger, and permit the segments 16 and 18 to be supported in the open or pre-assembled state by other elements of the coupling such as the seal as described above. In this situation the segments 16 and 18 will have some angular free play as the segments are drawn toward one another to close the coupling, the spring assembly 18 not immediately coming into effect upon pivoting of the segments. Ring 168 and the bosses 148 and 150 cooperate to form a sprung hinge, and it is understood that additional hinge embodiments, such as pinned hinges, cast hinges, as well as tongue and stirrup hinges are also feasible in a practical design.

[0039] Segments 16 and 18 are drawn toward one another to form a joint by the first adjustable attachment assembly 110 as described above. In this example, fastener 122, comprising bolt 126 and nut 124, when tightened, draws the segments 16 and 18 toward one another against the biasing force of the spring assembly 146. This closing action brings the keys 48 and 50 into engagement with the grooves 90 and 92 of pipe elements 12 and 14 to form a mechanical joint and compresses the seal 58 between the segments 16 and 18 to effect a fluid tight seal. A third pipe element (not shown) may be attached to the nipple 32.