HK1204805B - Fitting for joining pipe elements - Google Patents

Description

Coupling for joining pipe elements

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application No.13/364,412 filed on 2/2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fittings, such as elbow fittings and "tee" fittings used to join pipe elements together.

Background

Couplings, such as elbows and tees, for joining pipe elements together end-to-end include interconnectable housing portions positionable to circumferentially surround end portions of the pipe elements. The term "pipe element" is used herein to describe any pipe-like article or component having a pipe-like form. Pipe elements include tubing (pipe stock) as well as fluid control components such as valves, filters, restrictors, pressure regulators, and the like.

Each housing section has a protrusion, also referred to as a "key," extending radially inward and engaging the outer surface of, for example, a plain end pipe element, a pipe element having a shoulder (shoulder) or shoulder and flange (bead), or a circumferential groove extending around each of the pipe elements to be joined. The engagement between the key and the pipe elements provides mechanical restraint to the joint and ensures that the pipe elements remain coupled even under high internal pressure thrust and external forces. The housing portion defines an annular channel or pocket (e.g., a receptacle) that receives a seal, such as an annular gasket, typically an elastomeric ring, that engages the ends of the various pipe elements and cooperates with the housing portion and the pipe elements to provide a fluid-tight seal. The tube within the connection extends between the annular gaskets to ensure that the entire connection remains fluid tight. The housing portion has a connecting member, typically in the form of a lug projecting outwardly from the housing. The lugs are adapted to receive adjustable fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, which enable the fasteners to be adjustably tightened to draw the housing portions toward one another.

The method of fastening pipe elements together comprises a sequential installation process when using a connection according to the prior art. Typically, the connection is received by a technician using bolted together housing portions, with the annular gasket and tube including the sealing element captured between the housing portions of the connection. The technician first disassembles the coupling by unscrewing the bolts of the coupling, removes the annular gaskets, lubricates them (if not pre-lubricated) and places them around the ends of the pipe elements to be joined. The installation of the annular gaskets often requires that they be lubricated and stretched to accommodate the pipe elements. With the annular gaskets in place on the pipe elements, the pipe is engaged with the annular gaskets on the respective pipe elements. The housing portions are then placed one at a time around the annular gasket and the tube so as to straddle the end of the pipe element. During placement, the housing portions engage the annular gasket, the keys align with slots (when present) in the pipe elements, the bolts are inserted through the lugs, the nuts are threaded onto the bolts and tightened, thereby drawing the housing portions toward each other, compressing the annular gasket to effect a seal between the pipe elements and the pipe. The key engages in a slot in the pipe element to provide mechanical restraint.

As is apparent from the previous description, the installation of a connection according to the prior art requires a technician to typically handle up to 13 individual parts, and the connection must be completely disassembled and reassembled. If a technician could install the connector without first completely disassembling the connector piece by piece and then reassembling the connector piece, significant time, effort, and expense would be saved.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a coupling for connecting at least two pipe elements together. In one example embodiment, the connector includes first and second housing portions attached to one another and defining at least first and second receptacles, wherein the first receptacle is not coaxially aligned with the second receptacle. The first and second receptacles define first and second openings, respectively, for receiving the pipe elements. The housing portion also defines a fluid path extending between the first and second receptacles. A plurality of adjustable fasteners attach the first and second housing portions to one another. The housing portions are supported in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted into the receptacles while the housing portions are attached to one another. The fasteners are adjustably tightenable for drawing the housing portions toward one another and for engaging the receptacles with the pipe elements for attaching the pipe elements together.

The first receptacle is not coaxially aligned with the second receptacle. In one such example embodiment, the first receptacle surrounds a first axis oriented coaxially with the first opening and the second receptacle surrounds a second axis oriented coaxially with the second opening, the first and second axes being angularly oriented with respect to each other. The first and second axes may have an orientation angle from about 90 ° to about 174 ° with respect to each other.

In another embodiment, the first and second housing portions may further define a third receptacle. In this embodiment, the third receptacle defines a third opening for receiving one of the pipe elements. The housing portion further defines a fluid path extending between the first, second, and third receptacles. In an example embodiment of a connector having a third receptacle, the first receptacle may surround a first axis oriented coaxially with the first opening, the second receptacle may surround a second axis oriented coaxially with the second opening, and the third receptacle may surround a third axis oriented coaxially with the third opening. The first and third axes may be collinear with each other, and the second axis may be angularly oriented with respect to the first and third axes. The first and second axes may have an orientation angle from about 30 ° to about 150 ° with respect to each other.

Example connector embodiments may also include at least one first angularly oriented surface on the first housing portion and at least one second angularly oriented surface on the second housing portion. The first and second angularly oriented surfaces are in facing relationship and, when the fastener is tightened, slide over each other to bring the first and second angularly oriented surfaces into contact. Sliding movement between the first and second angularly oriented surfaces causes the first and second housing portions to rotate in opposite directions relative to one another.

In an example, the connector may further comprise a plurality of lugs extending from each of the first and second housing portions. Each of the lugs defines an aperture for receiving one of the fasteners. In this example embodiment, the first angularly oriented surface portion is located on one of the lugs on the first housing portion and the second angularly oriented surface portion is located on one of the lugs on the second housing portion.

In another example embodiment, the connector may include a plurality of lugs extending from each of the first and second housing portions. Each of the lugs defines an aperture for receiving one of the fasteners. At least two of the lugs on the first housing portion each have a first angularly oriented surface. At least two of the lugs on the second housing portion each have a second angularly oriented surface. Each of the first angularly oriented surfaces is in facing relationship with a respective one of the second angularly oriented surfaces. When the fastener is tightened, the first and second angularly oriented surfaces slide over each other to bring the first and second angularly oriented surfaces into contact. Sliding movement between the first and second angularly oriented surfaces causes the first and second housing portions to rotate in opposite directions relative to one another.

The connector may also include a first seal positioned within the first receptacle. The first seal surrounds the first opening. A second seal is positioned within the second receptacle and surrounds the second opening. A tube extends within the connection between the first and second seals. The tube may be integrally formed with the first and second seals, or the seals may sealingly engage the tube when the seals are compressed between the first and second housing portions.

An example connector embodiment has a first seal positioned within the first receptacle and surrounding the first opening. A second seal is positioned within the second receptacle and surrounds the second opening. A third seal is positioned within the third receptacle and surrounds the third opening. A tube extends within the connection between the first, second and third seals.

The tube may be integrally formed with the first, second and third seals. In an alternative embodiment, the seal sealingly engages the tube when the seal is compressed between the first and second housing portions. The first and second housing portions may be supported in spaced relation by contact with the first and second seals. For this purpose, the first and second seals may have outer circumferences dimensioned to support the housing portions in spaced relation sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the receptacles. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second seals may each have at least one projection extending radially outward therefrom. At least one projection on each of the seals engages one of the first and second housing portions and, thereby, supports the housing portions in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the receptacles.

In a particular example embodiment, the at least one projection on each of the first and second seals comprises an arc extending outwardly from each of the first and second seals. At least one of the receptacles may include a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving at least one projection extending from one of the first and second seals.

In another embodiment, the first and second housing portions may be supported in spaced relation by contact with the first, second and third seals. The first, second and third seals may have outer circumferences sized to support the housing portions in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted into the receptacles.

In an example embodiment, the first, second and third seals each have at least one projection extending radially outward therefrom. At least one projection on each of the seals engages one of the first and second housing portions and, thereby, supports the housing portions in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the receptacles. The at least one projection on each of the first and second seals may comprise an arc extending outwardly from each of the first, second and third seals. At least one of the receptacles may include a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving at least one projection extending from one of the first, second, and third seals.

In another example embodiment of a connector for connecting at least two pipe elements together, the connector comprises first and second housing portions attached to each other and defining at least first and second receptacles, wherein the first receptacle is not coaxially aligned with the second receptacle. The first and second receptacles define first and second openings, respectively, for receiving the pipe elements. The housing portion also defines a fluid path extending between the first and second receptacles.

A plurality of adjustable fasteners attach the first and second housing portions to one another. The fasteners are adjustably tightenable for drawing the housing portions toward one another and for engaging the receptacles with the pipe elements for attaching the pipe elements together. At least one first angularly oriented surface is located on the first housing portion and at least one second angularly oriented surface is located on the second housing portion. The first and second angularly oriented surfaces are in facing relationship and, upon tightening the fastener, slide over each other to bring the first and second angularly oriented surfaces into contact. Sliding movement between the first and second angularly oriented surfaces causes the first and second housing portions to rotate in opposite directions relative to one another.

In a particular example embodiment, the first receptacle is not coaxially aligned with the second receptacle. The first receptacle may surround a first axis oriented coaxially with the first opening, and the second receptacle may surround a second axis oriented coaxially with the second opening. The first and second axes are angularly oriented with respect to each other. The first and second axes may have an orientation angle from about 90 ° to about 174 ° with respect to each other.

In another example embodiment, the first and second housing portions may further define a third receptacle. The third receptacle defines a third opening for receiving one of the pipe elements. The housing portion further defines a fluid path extending between the first, second, and third receptacles. In a particular example embodiment, the first receptacle surrounds a first axis oriented coaxially with the first opening, the second receptacle surrounds a second axis oriented coaxially with the second opening, and the third receptacle surrounds a third axis oriented coaxially with the third opening. The first and third axes are collinear with one another, and the second axis is angularly oriented with respect to the first and second axes. In this example embodiment, the first and second axes may have an orientation angle from about 30 ° to about 150 ° with respect to each other.

In an example connector embodiment, at least one of the lugs on the first housing portion may have a first angularly oriented surface and at least one of the lugs on the second housing portion may have a second angularly oriented surface. Wherein for the second one of the lugs on the first and second housing portions, the first angularly oriented surface is in facing relationship with the second angularly oriented surface, and when the fastener is tightened, the first and second angularly oriented surfaces slide over each other to bring the first and second angularly oriented surfaces into contact. Sliding movement between the first and second angularly oriented surfaces causes the first and second housing portions to rotate in opposite directions relative to one another.

The example connector may also include a plurality of lugs extending from each of the first and second housing portions. Each of the lugs defines an aperture for receiving one of the fasteners. The first angularly oriented surface is located on one of the lugs on the first housing portion and the second angularly oriented surface is located on one of the lugs on the second housing portion.

In an example connector, a first seal may be positioned within the first receptacle and surrounding the first opening, and a second seal may be positioned within the second receptacle and surrounding the second opening. A tube may extend within the connection between the first and second seals. In one example embodiment, the tube is integrally formed with the first and second seals. In another example embodiment, the seal sealingly engages the tube when the seal is compressed between the first and second housing portions.

Another example connector embodiment further includes a first seal positioned within the first receptacle and surrounding the first opening, a second seal positioned within the second receptacle and surrounding the second opening, and a third seal positioned within the third receptacle and surrounding the third opening. A tube extends within the connection between the first, second and third seals. In this embodiment, the tube may be integrally formed with the first, second and third seals. Alternatively, the seal may sealingly engage the tube when the seal is compressed between the first and second housing portions.

In an example connector embodiment, the first and second housing portions may be supported in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow insertion of the pipe element into the receptacle while attaching the housing portions to each other, the housing portions being supported by contact with the first and second seals. In this embodiment, the first and second seals may have outer circumferences sized to support the housing portions in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted into the receptacles. Alternatively, the first and second seals may each have at least one projection extending radially outward therefrom. The at least one projection on each of the seals engages one of the first and second housing portions and, thereby, supports the housing portions in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the receptacles. The at least one projection on each of the first and second seals may comprise an arc extending outwardly from each of the first and second seals. In this example, at least one of the receptacles may include a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving the at least one projection extending from one of the first and second seals.

In another example connector, the first and second housing portions are supported in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow insertion of the pipe element into the receptacle while attaching the housing portions to one another, the housing portions being supported by contact with the first, second and third seals. In this example embodiment, the first, second and third seals may have outer circumferences sized to support the housing portions in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted into the receptacles. Alternatively, the first, second and third seals may each have at least one projection extending radially outwardly therefrom. The at least one projection on each of the seals engages one of the first and second housing portions and, thereby, supports the housing portions in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the receptacles. The at least one projection on each of the first and second seals may comprise an arc extending outwardly from each of the first, second and third seals. In this example, at least one of the receptacles may include a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving the at least one projection extending from one of the first, second, and third seals.

Drawings

Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of an example elbow connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the elbow connector shown in FIG. 1 preassembled in an installation-ready configuration;

figure 3 is an isometric view of the elbow connector shown in figure 1 joining pipe elements together;

figure 4 is an isometric exploded view of an alternative embodiment of an elbow connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the elbow connector shown in FIG. 4 pre-assembled in an installation-ready configuration;

figure 6 is an isometric view of the elbow connector shown in figure 4 joining pipe elements together;

figures 7 and 8 are partial top views of the elbow connector shown in figure 6;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken at line 9-9 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an example three-way connection in accordance with the present invention and shown preassembled in an installation-ready configuration;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a portion of the three-way connection shown in FIG. 10 showing the inner surface of the connection; and is

Figure 12 is an isometric view of the coupling shown in figure 10 joining pipe elements together.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an exemplary connector 10 according to the present invention. The connector 10 includes first and second housing portions 12 and 14. When attached to each other, as shown in fig. 2, the housing portions 12 and 14 define at least a first receptacle 16 and a second receptacle 18 at opposite connector ends from each other. The receptacles 16 and 18 define respective first and second openings 20 and 22, the first and second openings 20 and 22 for receiving respective conduit elements 24 and 26 shown in phantom. The housing portions 12 and 14 also together define a fluid path extending between the first and second receptacles 16 and 18, which, for clarity, is depicted by the arrows 28 shown in fig. 1.

A plurality of lugs 30 extend from each housing portion 12 and 14. In the example connector of fig. 1, each housing portion has three lugs. The lugs 30 define apertures 32. When the housing portions 12 and 14 are assembled in facing relation as shown in fig. 2, the apertures 32 in the lugs 30 are aligned to receive fasteners 34, the fasteners 34 attaching the housing portions to one another to form the connector 10. The fastener 34 is adjustably tightenable to draw the first and second housing portions 12 and 14 toward each other and to engage the first and second sockets 16 and 18 with the pipe elements 24 and 26 (respectively) to attach the pipe elements together as shown in fig. 3.

In the example connector embodiment 10, the first receptacle 16 is not coaxially aligned with the second receptacle 18. As shown in fig. 3, the first receptacle 16 surrounds a first axis 36 oriented coaxially with the first opening 20, and the second receptacle 18 surrounds a second axis 38 oriented coaxially with the second opening 22. The axes 36 and 38 may be used to define the angular orientation of the receptacles 16 and 18 relative to each other and thereby define the type of connection. In connection 10, the orientation angle 40 between axes 36 and 38 is about 90 ° so that the connection is labeled as a 90 degree elbow. For practical elbow designs, the orientation angle 40 may range from about 90 ° to about 174 ° as shown in phantom.

In order to establish and maintain the fluid impermeability of the joint between the pipe elements formed by the connection 10, a sealing element 42 is positioned between the housing parts 12 and 14. As shown in fig. 1, the sealing element 42 includes a first seal 44 positioned within the first receptacle 16, a second seal 46 positioned within the second receptacle 18, and a tube 48 extending within the connection 10 along the fluid path 28 between the first and second seals 44 and 46. In this example, the first and second seals 44 and 46 are integrally formed with the tube 48 in a single piece. The sealing element 42 may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as EPDM, as well as nitrile, silicone, neoprene, and fluoropolymer elastomers.

Fig. 2 shows the connector 10 in an "installation ready" state, i.e., partially assembled, in which the first and second housing portions 12 and 24 are maintained in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements 24 and 26 to be conveniently inserted into the respective openings 20 and 22 without disassembling the connector 10. To achieve a fluid tight joint, pipe elements 24 and 26 are inserted into openings 20 and 22 where they engage first and second seals 44 and 46, respectively. The fasteners 34 are then tightened, drawing the housing portions 12 and 14 together (as shown in FIG. 3), and compressing the first and second seals between the housing portions and the pipe elements 24 and 26 while also engaging the receptacles 16 and 18 with their respective pipe elements 24 and 26 to mechanically capture and retain the pipe elements. In this example, positive mechanical engagement between the coupling 10 and the pipe elements 24 and 26 is achieved by radially projecting arcuate keys 50 positioned on the respective housing portions 12 and 14. The key 50 may have notches 52 at opposite ends to provide clearance and facilitate pipe element insertion. Upon assembly of the coupling 10, the keys surround the openings 20 and 22 and engage the circumferential grooves 54 in the pipe elements 24 and 26 (see FIG. 2). The connection according to the invention is of course not limited to use with grooved pipe elements but may also be adapted to plain end pipe elements, flared pipe elements and shoulder and flange pipe elements.

The housing portions 12 and 14 may be conveniently supported in spaced relation by contact with the first and second seals 44 and 46. In the example connector 10 shown in fig. 1-3, the first and second seals 44 and 46 each have a projection 56 (see fig. 1) extending radially outward to engage the housing portion. In this example, the projections take the form of arcs 58, the arcs 58 being of sufficient rigidity to support the housing portions, but will still collapse when compressed between the housing portions as the fasteners are tightened to allow the seals 44 and 46 to be compressed and the keys 50 to engage the slots 54 in the pipe elements 24 and 26. The housing portions 12 and 14 may also have recesses 60 positioned on the inner surfaces of the receptacles 16 and 18. The pockets 60 receive the projections 56 and provide room for their deformation when they are compressed by the housing portions 12 and 14.

Fig. 4 through 6 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a connector 62 according to the present invention. Similar to connector 10, connector 62 is comprised of housing portions 12 and 14, with housing portions 12 and 14 being attached to one another by adjustable fasteners 34 and defining first and second receptacles 16 and 18. The socket defines openings 20 and 22, the openings 20 and 22 for receiving pipe elements 24 and 26 as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in fig. 4, the sealing element 42 of the connector 62 is formed of three separate members and includes first and second seals 64 and 66 and a tube 68. Seals 64 and 66 are positioned within the first and second receptacles 16 and 18, respectively, defined by the housing portions, and a tube 68 extends within the connector 62 between the seals 64 and 66. In this embodiment, the seals 64 and 66 are made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer, such as EPDM, as well as nitrile, silicone, neoprene, and fluoropolymer elastomers. The tube 68 is formed of a relatively more rigid material, such as glass, ceramic, metal, or one or more engineering polymers, including both thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Exemplary rigid engineering thermoplastic polymers that may be used to form the tube 68 include polyphenylene and polystyrene. This different material selection allows the seals 64 and 66 to sealingly engage the tube 68 as they are compressed between the housing portions 12 and 14 as illustrated in fig. 9. The sealing interaction between the seals 64 and 66, the pipe elements 24 and 26, and the tube 68 allows for a fluid tight joint when the connector 62 is used to join the pipe elements 24 and 26 together as shown in fig. 6.

Similar to the connector 10, the connector 62 has a plurality of lugs 70 extending from the first and second housing portions. The lugs 70 define holes 72, the holes 72 being aligned with one another and receiving adjustable fasteners 34, the fasteners 34 serving to attach the housing portions to one another when the connector 62 is assembled as shown in fig. 5 and 6. As shown in fig. 4, the housing portion 14 has two angularly oriented surfaces 74. Housing portion 12 has a similar surface 76 (not visible) that is also angularly oriented and parallel to surface 74. Surface 74 is in facing relationship with surface 76. When fastener 34 is tightened to draw housing portions 12 and 14 toward each other, surface 74 interfaces with surface 76 and, due to their angled orientation, the surfaces slide relative to each other, thereby causing housing portions 12 and 14 to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other. This action is illustrated in fig. 7 and 8, where fig. 7 shows the point at which a surface 76 on housing portion 12 is coming into contact with a surface 74 on housing portion 14 as fastener 34 is tightened. Fig. 8 illustrates the position of the housing portions as the fastener 34 is rotated further tightening, the compressive force exerted by the fastener causing the surfaces 74 and 76 to slide over each other in opposite directions and move the housing portions 12 and 14 in opposite directions to each other as indicated by arrows 78. This results in misalignment of the keys 50 surrounding the openings 20 and 22 defined by the receptacles 16 and 18 (only receptacle 16 is shown). When the key 50 is engaged within a slot 54 in a pipe element such as 24 (see fig. 6 and 9), the key is forced into contact with the slot side surface and a more rigid joint is achieved between the connector and the pipe element than would be obtained from a connector such as example 10 with the lug surfaces oriented non-angularly. The increased stiffness is achieved by bending axially and by twisting. In this particular example connection, angularly oriented surfaces 74 are positioned on lugs 70a and 70b of housing portion 14, and angularly oriented surfaces 76 are positioned on lugs 70c and 70d of housing portion 12. While these surfaces may be located anywhere on the housing portion, it is advantageous to position the angularly oriented surfaces 74 and 76 proximate to the fastener 34 for enhanced effectiveness.

Like the coupling 10, the coupling 62 is also installation ready, meaning that disassembly to form a pipe joint is not required. Fig. 5 shows the connector 64 in an installation-ready configuration with the housing portions 12 and 14 in spaced apart relation. In this example, the housing portions are supported in spaced relation by contact with first and second seals 64 and 66. As shown in fig. 4, each of the first and second seals has an outer circumference 80 that is sized to support the housing portions 12 and 14 in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements 24 and 26 (see fig. 5) to be inserted into the openings 20 and 22 without disassembly of the connection. The notches 52 in the ends of the key 50 facilitate pipe element insertion by providing clearance.

The method of assembly is illustrated in fig. 5 to 8. As shown by a comparison of fig. 5 and 6, pipe elements 24 and 26 are inserted into the connection in the installation-ready configuration (fig. 5) and adjustable fasteners 34 are tightened to draw housing portions 12 and 14 toward one another (fig. 6). As fastener 34 is tightened, angled surfaces 74 and 76 on lugs 70a and 70c contact, as do angled surfaces 74 and 76 on lugs 70b and 70d (fig. 7). As the fastener is further tightened, the interfacing surfaces 74 and 76 slide relative to each other, causing the housing portions 12 and 14 to rotate relative to each other in opposite directions as shown by arrows 78 in fig. 8, causing the keys 50 to move out of alignment and into contact with the side walls of the slots 54 in the pipe elements, contact points shown at 82 and 84 in fig. 9. In this example connector 62, rotation generally occurs around the fastener 34 to the lugs 70e and 70 f.

Figures 10 through 12 illustrate an exemplary three-way connection 86 according to the present invention. As shown in fig. 10, the connector 86 includes first and second housing portions 88 and 90. When attached to each other, the housing portions 88 and 90 define a first receptacle 92, a second receptacle 96, and a third receptacle 94. The receptacles 92, 96 and 94 define respective first, second and third openings 98, 102 and 100 for receiving respective pipe elements 104, 108 and 106 shown in phantom. The housing portions 88 and 90 also together define a fluid path extending between the first, second and third receptacles 92, 96 and 94, which, for clarity, is depicted by the arrows 110 shown in fig. 11.

Referring again to fig. 10, a plurality of lugs 112 extend from each housing portion 88 and 90. In the example three-way connection 86, each housing portion has four lugs. The lugs 112 define apertures 114. When the housing portions 88 and 90 are assembled in facing relation as shown in fig. 10, the apertures 114 in the lugs 112 are aligned to receive fasteners 116, the fasteners 116 attaching the housing portions to one another to form the tee connection 86. The fasteners 116 can be adjustably tightened to draw the first and second housing portions 88 and 90 toward each other and to engage the first, second and third receptacles 92, 94 and 96 with the pipe elements 104, 106 and 108 (respectively) to attach the pipe elements together as shown in fig. 12.

In the example three-way connector embodiment 86, as shown in fig. 12, the first receptacle 92 surrounds a first axis 118 oriented coaxially with the first opening 98. The second receptacle 96 surrounds a second axis 122 oriented coaxially with the second opening 102. The third receptacle 94 surrounds a third axis 120 oriented coaxially with the third opening 100. Axes 118, 120, and 122 may be used to describe the angular orientation of receptacles 92, 94, and 96 relative to one another. In the example three-way connector 86, the first receptacle 92 is collinear with the third receptacle 94. The second receptacle 96 is angularly oriented with respect to the first and third receptacles. The orientation angle 124 between the axis 122 and either axis 118 or 120 is about 90. For practical tee designs, as shown in phantom lines, the orientation angle 124 may range from about 30 ° to about 150 °. It should also be understood that the housing portions 88 and 90 may take on any practical shape between the receptacles 92, 96 and 94. Thus, for example, the particular portions extending between the receptacles may be straight segments as shown, or may be curved, so long as the receptacles are oriented relative to one another as defined by the orientation angle between their respective axes as defined herein and illustrated in fig. 12.

To establish and maintain the fluid-tightness of the joint between the pipe elements formed by the three-way connection 86, a sealing element 126 is shown in FIG. 11 positioned between housing portions 88 and 90. The seal member 126 includes a first seal 128 positioned within the first receptacle 92, a second seal 130 positioned within the second receptacle 94, and a third seal 132 positioned within the third receptacle 96. A tube 134 extends within the three-way connection 86 along the fluid path between the first, second and third seals 128, 130 and 132, depicted by arrow 110. In this example, the first, second and third seals are separate from the tube 134, but it should be understood that the sealing element 126, which includes three seals and a tube, may be integrally formed from a single piece similar to the sealing element 42 shown in fig. 1. When formed from a single piece, the sealing element 126 may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as EPDM, as well as nitrile, silicone, neoprene, and fluoropolymer elastomers. When the sealing element 126 is formed as separate pieces as shown in fig. 11, the seals 128, 130, and 132 may be formed of a flexible elastomeric material, such as an elastomer, such as EPDM, as well as nitrile, silicone, neoprene, and fluoropolymer elastomers. The tube 68 is formed of a relatively more rigid material, such as glass, ceramic, metal, or one or more engineering polymers, including both thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Exemplary rigid engineering thermoplastic polymers that may be used to form the tube 68 include polyphenylene and polystyrene.

FIG. 10 shows the tee connection 86 in an "installation-ready" state, i.e., partially assembled, with the first and second housing portions 88 and 90 held in spaced relation sufficient to allow piping elements 104, 106 and 108 to be conveniently inserted into the respective openings 98, 100 and 102 without disassembly of the tee connection. To achieve a fluid tight joint, pipe elements 104, 106 and 108 are inserted into openings 98, 100 and 102 where they engage first, second and third seals 128, 130 and 132, respectively. The fasteners 116 are then tightened, drawing the housing portions 88 and 90 together (as shown in FIG. 12), and compressing the first, second, and third seals between the housing portions and the pipe elements 104, 106, and 108 while also engaging the receptacles 92, 94, and 96 with their respective pipe elements 104, 106, and 108 to mechanically capture and hold the pipe elements together. In this example, positive mechanical engagement between the three-way connection 86 and the piping elements 104, 106, and 108 is achieved by radially projecting arcuate keys 136 positioned on each of the housing portions 88 and 90. The key 136 may have notches 138 at opposite ends to provide clearance and facilitate pipe element insertion. Upon assembly of the three-way connection 86, the keys surround the openings 98, 100 and 102 and engage the circumferential grooves 140 in the pipe elements 104, 106 and 108. The three-way connection according to the invention is of course not limited to use with grooved pipe elements, but may also be adapted to plain end pipe elements, flared pipe elements and shoulder and flange pipe elements.

The housing portions 88 and 90 may be conveniently supported in spaced relation by contact with first, second and third seals 128, 130 and 132. In the example three-way connection 86 shown in fig. 10-12, the housing portions 88 and 90 are supported in spaced relation by contact with first, second and third seals 128, 130 and 132. As shown in fig. 10, each of the seals has an outer circumference 142 that is sized to support the housing portions 88 and 90 in a spaced apart relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements 104, 106 and 108 to be inserted into the openings 98, 100 and 102 without disassembly of the tee connection. In an alternative embodiment of a seal element similar to seal element 42 previously described and shown in FIG. 1, first, second, and third seals 128, 130, and 132 of seal element 126 may each have a projection extending radially outward to engage a housing portion. The projections may take the form of arcs having sufficient rigidity to support the housing portions, but will still collapse when compressed between the housing portions as the fasteners are tightened to allow the seals 128, 130 and 132 to be compressed and the keys 136 to engage the slots 140 in the pipe elements 104, 106 and 108. Where a seal with protrusions is used, housing portions 88 and 90 may also have recesses similar to recess 60 shown in FIG. 1. The recesses will be located on the inner surfaces of the receptacles 92, 94 and 96. The recesses would be designed to receive the projections and provide room for their deformation when the projections are compressed by the housing portions 88 and 90.

The three-way connection 86 may be designed to provide a relatively flexible joint or a relatively rigid joint. To achieve a relatively flexible joint, the lugs 112 interface with one another at non-angularly oriented surfaces. Such surfaces do not cause relative rotation between housing portions 88 and 90, and key 136 may be designed to engage slot 140 and contact only one slot side surface. To achieve a more rigid joint as in the example three-way connection 86 shown, the two lugs 112a and 112b on the housing portion 90 each have an angularly oriented surface 144. Lugs 112c and 112d on housing portion 88 have similar surfaces 146 (not visible) that are also angularly oriented and parallel to surfaces 144 on lugs 112a and 112 b. Surface 144 on lug 112a is in facing relationship with surface 146 on lug 112 c; the surface 144 on the lug 112b is in facing relationship with the surface 146 on the lug 112 d. When fastener 116 is tightened to draw housing portions 88 and 90 toward each other, surface 144 interfaces with surface 146 and, due to their angled orientation, the surfaces slide relative to each other, thereby causing housing portions 88 and 90 to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other. This action is illustrated in fig. 12, which shows the position of the housing portion rotated with the fastener 116 fully tightened. The compressive force exerted by the fastener causes surfaces 144 and 146 to slide over each other in opposite directions and move housing portions 88 and 90 in opposite directions to each other as indicated by arrows 148. This causes misalignment of the keys 136 surrounding the openings 98, 100 and 102 defined by the receptacles 92, 94 and 96. When the key 136 is engaged within a slot 140 in a pipe element such as 104, 106 or 108, the key is forced into contact with the slot side surface and a more rigid joint is achieved between the connector and the pipe element than would be obtained from a connector with the lug surfaces oriented non-angularly. The increased stiffness is achieved by bending axially and by twisting.

Elbow and tee fittings according to the present invention provide greatly increased efficiency in the formation of pipe joints, as there is no need to disassemble and reassemble the fittings to form the joint.

Claims (48)

1. A coupling for coupling at least two pipe elements together, said coupling comprising:

first and second housing portions attached to one another and defining at least first and second receptacles, wherein the first receptacle is not coaxially aligned with the second receptacle, the first and second receptacles defining first and second openings, respectively, for receiving the pipe elements, the first and second housing portions further defining a fluid path extending between the first and second receptacles;

a plurality of adjustable fasteners attaching said first and second housing portions to one another, said first and second housing portions being supported in spaced relation sufficient to allow insertion of said pipe element into said first and second receptacles while said first and second housing portions are attached to one another, said fasteners being adjustably tightenable for drawing said first and second housing portions toward one another and engaging said first and second receptacles with said pipe element for attaching said pipe element together;

wherein a radially projecting arced key is located on each of the first and second housing portions for positive mechanical engagement between the coupling and the pipe elements.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first receptacle surrounds a first axis oriented coaxially with the first opening and the second receptacle surrounds a second axis oriented coaxially with the second opening, the first and second axes being angularly oriented with respect to each other.

3. The fitting according to claim 2, wherein said first and second axes have an orientation angle from 90 ° to 174 ° with respect to each other.

4. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein said first and second housing portions further define a third receptacle defining a third opening for receiving one of said pipe elements, said first and second housing portions further defining said fluid path extending between said first, second and third receptacles.

5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the first receptacle surrounds a first axis oriented coaxially with the first opening, the second receptacle surrounds a second axis oriented coaxially with the second opening, and the third receptacle surrounds a third axis oriented coaxially with the third opening, the first and third axes being collinear with one another, the second axis being oriented at an angle relative to the first and third axes.

6. A connection piece according to claim 5, wherein the first and second axes have an orientation angle of from 30 ° to 150 ° with respect to each other.

7. The fitting according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one first angularly oriented surface on the first housing portion;

at least one second angularly oriented surface on the second housing portion, the first and second angularly oriented surfaces being in facing relationship and sliding over each other upon tightening of the fastener to bring the first and second angularly oriented surfaces into contact, sliding movement between the first and second angularly oriented surfaces causing the first and second housing portions to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other.

8. The fitting according to claim 7, further comprising:

a plurality of lugs extending from each of the first and second housing portions, each of the lugs defining a hole for receiving one of the fasteners;

the first angularly oriented surface on one of the lugs on the first housing portion;

the second angularly oriented surface on one of the lugs on the second housing portion.

9. The fitting according to claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of lugs extending from each of the first and second housing portions, each of the lugs defining a bore for receiving one of the fasteners, at least two of the lugs on the first housing portion each having a first angularly oriented surface, at least two of the lugs on the second housing portion each having a second angularly oriented surface, each of the first angularly oriented surfaces is in facing relationship with a respective one of the second angularly oriented surfaces, when the fastener is tightened, the first and second angularly oriented surfaces slide over each other, such that the first and second angularly oriented surfaces are in contact, sliding movement between the first and second angularly oriented surfaces causing the first and second housing portions to rotate in opposite directions relative to one another.

10. The fitting according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first seal positioned within the first receptacle and surrounding a first opening;

a second seal positioned within the second receptacle and surrounding a second opening;

a tube extending within the connector between the first and second seals.

11. The fitting according to claim 10, wherein said tube is integrally formed with said first and second seals.

12. The fitting according to claim 10, wherein said first and second seals sealingly engage said tube when said first and second seals are compressed between said first and second housing portions.

13. The fitting according to claim 4, further comprising:

a first seal positioned within the first receptacle and surrounding a first opening;

a second seal positioned within the second receptacle and surrounding a second opening;

a third seal positioned within the third receptacle and surrounding the third opening;

a tube extending within the connector between the first, second and third seals.

14. The fitting according to claim 13, wherein said tube is integrally formed with said first, second and third seals.

15. The fitting according to claim 13, wherein said first, second and third seals sealingly engage said tube when compressed between said first and second housing portions.

16. A fitting according to claim 10, wherein said first and second housing portions are supported in said spaced apart relationship by contact with first and second seals.

17. The fitting according to claim 16, wherein said first and second seals have outer circumferences sized to support said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first and second receptacles.

18. The fitting according to claim 16, wherein said first and second seals each have at least one projection extending radially outwardly therefrom, said at least one projection on each of said first and second seals engaging one of said first and second housing portions and thereby supporting said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first and second receptacles.

19. The fitting according to claim 18, wherein said at least one projection on each of said first and second seals comprises an arc extending outwardly from each of said first and second seals.

20. The fitting according to claim 18, wherein at least one of said first and second receptacles includes a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving said at least one projection extending from one of said first and second seals.

21. A fitting according to claim 13, wherein said first and second housing portions are supported in said spaced apart relationship by contact with first, second and third seals.

22. The fitting according to claim 21, wherein said first, second and third seals have outer circumferences sized to support said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first, second and third receptacles.

23. The fitting according to claim 21, wherein said first, second and third seals each have at least one projection extending radially outwardly therefrom, said at least one projection on each of said first, second and third seals engaging one of said first and second housing portions and thereby supporting said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first, second and third receptacles.

24. The fitting according to claim 23, wherein said at least one projection on each of said first, second and third seals comprises an arc extending outwardly from each of said first, second and third seals.

25. The fitting according to claim 23, wherein at least one of said first, second and third receptacles includes a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving said at least one projection extending from one of said first, second and third seals.

26. A coupling for coupling at least two pipe elements together, said coupling comprising:

first and second housing portions attached to one another and defining at least first and second receptacles, wherein the first receptacle is not coaxially aligned with the second receptacle, the first and second receptacles defining first and second openings, respectively, for receiving the pipe elements, the first and second housing portions further defining a fluid path extending between the first and second receptacles;

a plurality of adjustable fasteners attaching said first and second housing portions to one another, said fasteners being adjustably tightenable for drawing said first and second housing portions toward one another and engaging said first and second receptacles with said pipe elements for attaching said pipe elements together;

at least one first angularly oriented surface on the first housing portion;

at least one second angularly oriented surface on the second housing portion, the first and second angularly oriented surfaces being in facing relationship and sliding over each other upon tightening of the fastener to bring the first and second angularly oriented surfaces into contact, sliding movement between the first and second angularly oriented surfaces causing the first and second housing portions to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other;

wherein a radially projecting arced key is located on each of the first and second housing portions for positive mechanical engagement between the coupling and the pipe elements.

27. The connector of claim 26, wherein the first receptacle surrounds a first axis oriented coaxially with the first opening and the second receptacle surrounds a second axis oriented coaxially with the second opening, the first and second axes being angularly oriented with respect to each other.

28. The fitting according to claim 27, wherein said first and second axes have an orientation angle from 90 ° to 174 ° with respect to each other.

29. The fitting according to claim 26, wherein said first and second housing portions further define a third receptacle defining a third opening for receiving one of said pipe elements, said first and second housing portions further defining said fluid path extending between said first, second and third receptacles.

30. The fitting according to claim 29, wherein a first receptacle surrounds a first axis oriented coaxially with a first opening, a second receptacle surrounds a second axis oriented coaxially with a second opening, and said third receptacle surrounds a third axis oriented coaxially with said third opening, the first and third axes being collinear with one another, said second axis being oriented at an angle relative to said first and third axes.

31. A fitting according to claim 30, wherein the first and second axes have an orientation angle of from 30 ° to 150 ° with respect to each other.

32. The fitting according to claim 26, further comprising:

a plurality of lugs extending from each of the first and second housing portions, each of the lugs defining a hole for receiving one of the fasteners;

the first angularly oriented surface on one of the lugs on the first housing portion;

the second angularly oriented surface on one of the lugs on the second housing portion.

33. The fitting according to claim 26, further comprising:

a first seal positioned within the first receptacle and surrounding the first opening;

a second seal positioned within the second receptacle and surrounding the second opening;

a tube extending within the connector between the first and second seals.

34. The fitting according to claim 33, wherein said tube is integrally formed with said first and second seals.

35. The fitting according to claim 33, wherein said first and second seals sealingly engage said tube when said first and second seals are compressed between said first and second housing portions.

36. The fitting according to claim 29, further comprising:

a first seal positioned within the first receptacle and surrounding the first opening;

a second seal positioned within the second receptacle and surrounding the second opening;

a third seal positioned within the third receptacle and surrounding the third opening;

a tube extending within the connector between the first, second and third seals.

37. The fitting according to claim 36, wherein said tube is integrally formed with said first, second and third seals.

38. The fitting according to claim 36, wherein said first, second and third seals sealingly engage said tube when said first, second and third seals are compressed between said first and second housing portions.

39. The fitting according to claim 33, wherein said first and second housing portions are supported in spaced relation sufficient to allow insertion of said pipe elements into said first and second receptacles while attaching said first and second housing portions to one another, said first and second housing portions being supported by contact with first and second seals.

40. The fitting according to claim 39, wherein said first and second seals have outer circumferences sized to support said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first and second receptacles.

41. The fitting according to claim 39, wherein said first and second seals each have at least one projection extending radially outwardly therefrom, said at least one projection on each of said first and second seals engaging one of said first and second housing portions and thereby supporting said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first and second receptacles.

42. The fitting according to claim 41, wherein said at least one projection on each of said first and second seals comprises an arc extending outwardly from each of said first and second seals.

43. The fitting according to claim 41, wherein at least one of said first and second receptacles includes a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving said at least one projection extending from one of said first and second seals.

44. The fitting according to claim 36, wherein said first and second housing portions are supported in spaced relation sufficient to allow insertion of said pipe elements into said first and second receptacles while attaching said first and second housing portions to one another, said first and second housing portions being supported by contact with first, second and third seals.

45. The fitting according to claim 44, wherein said first, second and third seals have outer circumferences sized to support said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first, second and third receptacles.

46. The fitting according to claim 44, wherein said first, second and third seals each have at least one projection extending radially outwardly therefrom, said at least one projection on each of said first, second and third seals engaging one of said first and second housing portions and thereby supporting said first and second housing portions in said spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said first, second and third receptacles.

47. The fitting according to claim 46, wherein said at least one projection on each of said first, second and third seals comprises an arc extending outwardly from each of said first, second and third seals.

48. The fitting according to claim 46, wherein at least one of said first, second and third receptacles includes a recess positioned on an inner surface thereof for receiving said at least one projection extending from one of said first, second and third seals.