AU2023226640B1 - Collapsible Internal Pipe Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A simple and economical internally fitted fence post and stay connector which when inserted into the hollow end of a round steel pipe provides adjustment of 1-5mm in its width by means of a collapsible portion, allowing the insertable portion to conform to the 5 internal diameter of pipes of varying dimensions. 10 15

Description

P/00/011

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARDPATENT

Application Date: 05 September 2023

Applicants: Ronald George Ovenden

87 Seaton St Armidale NSW 2350

Address for Service: Ronald George Ovenden

87 Seaton St ARMIDALE NSW 2350

AUSTRALIA

Complete Specification for the invention entitled:

"COLLAPSIBLE INTERNAL PIPE CONNECTOR"

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:

COLLAPSIBLE INTERNAL PIPE CONNECTOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the overcoming of certain current limitations in methods utilized for the connection of round pipe fencing stays to posts, as used in the application of fence strainer assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to the provision of a means by which the same connection bracket can be inserted securely into pipe stays of varying internal diameters. The fence strainer assemblies referred to, are widely utilized in rural and commercial applications for the purpose of providing support for the tensioning of wire fencing and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications.

BACKGROUND

Strainer posts are used in the construction of tensioned wire fences. To provide support to these upright posts it is necessary to firmly attach stays to these posts. There are various types of fencing materials used for posts and stays. There's also many widely utilized methods used to attach the stays to upright posts, so for the benefit of the reader, the focus is to describe those methods particularly utilized in the connection of circular steel pipe stays to the side of upright steel posts, this being the most predominate post and stay combination.

The most common methods of attachment between posts and stays in order of popularity consist of the following:

Method 1 is attachment by Welding, only suited to steel posts, and only to users that have the necessary equipment to undertake this work.

Method 2 is attachment by bolting the stay to the post by means of brackets and fittings. This method can be used on all types and sizes of post and stay material. Benefits of this method are greatly enhanced by the fact that this joining system does not require any welding. They include but are not limited to the following: Ability to change and adjust point of connection without visible damage, ability to fix stays to posts without damage to the surface finish of either stay or post, ability to fix stays to posts without site power, ability to attach stays without expensive equipment and specialized skills, ability to remove and reuse posts and stays without damage to the surface finish and the ability to fit stays to posts without producing heat, sparks or fumes.

Method 3 is attachment by inserting stay into a predrilled hole in the post. There are many variations of this method. The hole in the post can be of sufficient diameter to allow the insertion of the entire end of the stay. In other variations of this concept, castings or brackets are inserted into the pipe, resulting in the pipe end terminating as narrow rod or spike. This allows a small hole to be utilized in the post to secure the pointed end of the stay.

The bolt together attachment outlined in Method 2 is recognized by the industry as the overall superior method. Various bolt-on brackets suitable for this application are presently available. Most stay attachment brackets consist of members that either interlock or are bolted together, and fit either internally or externally to the end of the stay.

Internally fitted stay connectors are the preferred option for many users due to superior strength and absence of sharp edges, when compared to externally fitted bracketry. However, the current designs are not adaptable enough, and will only function correctly if matched to a specific corresponding pipe profile. This greatly reduces the usefulness of internal brackets in the industry as there are many pipe profile options and to provide specific brackets for each option would be uneconomical. The object of the present invention is to overcome this limitation by offering an internal bracket that will function successfully without having to be matched to a specific internal pipe dimension.

Pipe of the type used for the construction of fence stays is most sold in a range of pipe diameters, these being 42mm, 48mm, and 60mm. An added layer of complication is imposed as each of these sizes are supplied with different wall thicknesses, the most commonly sold options being extra light, light and medium wall pipe. So, in addition to the choice of pipe diameter, the user also has a choice between heavier walled pipe that is higher strength and a correspondingly higher cost, or thinner walled options that are more economical but have lower weight loadings.

Due to their method of manufacture, the outer diameter of the pipe remains the same regardless of wall thickness, while the internal diameter varies according to the wall thickness. This presents the afore-mentioned difficulty for internally fitted connectors, as the currently available designs must be manufactured in multiple sizes in order to allow their use on pipes of varying internal dimensions.

A primary object of the current invention is to provide a solution to this problem that is both economical and efficient.

This difficulty can be address in one of two ways,

1) Making multiple sizes of connectors to fit all combinations of pipe sizes and wall thicknesses. 2) Designing a connector such that it will adjust to fit varying internal diameters while still providing a robust and rigid connection point.

Attempting to provide multiple sizes of connectors and make them readily available to the market creates many challenges. The product may become inefficient, eg, (too many options to keep in stock), and commercially prohibitive, eg. (Difficult to achieve economies of scale in manufacture and logistics). For these reasons, the obvious and intuitive solutions is to design a more adaptable internal connector, thus increasing economies of scale and efficiencies.

An additional benefit to both merchants and users is that if the ability to utilize the full range of pipe stay sizes and wall thicknesses is achieved without having to provide a matching connector for each, a choice more suited to the application can be facilitated. Rather than being constrained for choice due to limited availability of connectors to suit each specific pipe sizes and wall thickness as is now the prevailing situation, all options can be efficiently and economically offered.

A further object of the current invention is to minimize the cost of manufacture by way of simplistic design while providing the user with a post and stay connection system with a level of strength and rigidity that is fit for purpose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a fixing point (in the form of a flat steel plate with a hole) that protrudes from the end of hollow steel pipe which can be utilized for the purpose of attaching a round hollow pipe to the vertical face of a post. The present invention, referred to as a "collapsible internal pipe connector" consists primarily of a flat rectangular steel member of consistent thickness. The flat member has two main sections, the first being a short wide flat section on one end, terminating in a square shoulder on either side after which it narrows down to fit inside the pipe. When in use, this flattened end protrudes from the pipe into which connector is placed. The remaining section is sufficiently narrow to allow it to be inserted into the said pipe. This longer narrow section has a ninety-degree longitudinal twist and tapers in width. The inserted portion consists of small section of plate that fits tightly against the internal face of the pipe, a mid-section with tapering sides that provide a clearance fit inside the pipe, and a more steeply tapered end of reduced width to facilitate insertion. This member is further supported at the mouth of the pipe by a circular disk through which the inserted member passes. The shoulders come to rest on this steel disk that is slightly larger diameter than the outer diameter of the pipe. It has a rectangular slot in its center to receive the narrow potion of the insert. When in use this disk transfers the load from the shoulders evenly to the face of the pipe. In order to allow the connector to be inserted into varying internal diameter pipes a section of the insert is designed to deform. The long narrow section of the twisted member has a longitudinal rectangular slot cut into it. The long slot is located parallel to one of the leading edges of the insert, and extends for much of its length. The strip of material remaining between the outer edge of the member and the slotted hole, when subject to sufficient force, can deform. As this strip of material collapses into the cavity provided by the rectangular slotted hole, the width of the member is correspondingly decreased. The resultant adjustment in outer dimensions allows the member to conform to smaller cavities as the outer edge undergoes deformation.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1-2 show the stay connector inserts perspective view from the either end respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 show the stay connector inserts in an altered perspective view without the longitudinal twist according to an embodiment of the present invention with a representation of the changes in the object's outer profile where the collapsible outer edge of the insert has been deformed, representing what occurs when used in the application of insertion into a narrow clearance opening.

t Figure 4 shows an orthographic top view of the stay connector partially inserted into a pipe stay where the collapsible outer edge of the insert has been deformed, according to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the stay connector insert fully inserted into a pipe stay according to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 1-2 being used in the application of attaching a hollow pipe stay to a round steel post

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the present invention as shown in Figure 4 and includes a view of the hollow pipe stay and slotted disk into which the present invention is inserted when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This stay connector insert differs substantially from other like designs in that it contains a collapsible section, allowing its outer dimensions to vary in accordance with the internal dimensions of the pipe into which it is to be inserted. To give context, a common bolt-on internal connector will be first described, this now being a design widely available in the marketplace. Following that, the unique modifications that enable this existing art to be substantially improved in application will be described in more detail.

Figure 4 shows the stay connector being used in the application of connecting a hollow pipe stay to a round steel post. In this embodiment the connector is shown inserted into the pipe stay. The member passes through a circular flat disk, section 111, more clearly shown in exploded view, Figure 5, before coming to rest inside the pipe stay, section 113. A flat section of the insert containing a hole remains protruding beyond the end of the pipe, allowing it to be fixed to a steel posts as shown here, section 112. This allows a bolt, section 115, to pass through it for the purpose of attachment to posts by way of brackets as embodied in Figure 4. This protruding tab when in this position also serves to capture the circular disk, section 111, by means of a shoulder either side, Section 102, securing it in place over the end of the pipe, and providing a means of transferring the point load passing though the insert more evenly across the pipe surface. Figure 1-2 shows the stay connector insert and makes note of four main longitudinal sections, 101, 103 104 and 105.

Each of these sections performs a vital role and shall be explained in detail.

I

Section 101 as described above forms the protruding connecting tab, as embodied clearly in Figure 4 while the remaining portions rest entirely within the pipe stay. The inserted portions are characterized by a longitudinal twist in the member, this may be less or more than ninety degrees, but is represented as ninety degrees in Figures 1,2,4,5. The twist in the member more evenly transfers forces through the connector to the pipe stay in both horizontal and vertical planes, thus increasing its rigidity and muti-directional strength.

Section 103 as embodied on Figure 1-2 is a section in which the overall width is sufficiently large so as to wedge securely against the inside face of pipe when forced into the opening, thus ensuring the insert is held firmly in position. While Section 103 has parallel sides that press fit against the interior of the pipe, the later portion tapers away from the outer edge, thus providing a wedge-shaped profile that facilitates the insertion of the member by ensuring interference with the conflicting surfaces is gradually applied. The portion of outer edges of the insert where the interference takes place extends over some distance ensuring that the contact area between the internal face of the pipe and outer edge of the stay connector insert is maintained even if the insert becomes partly extracted.

The next section, Section 104, as embodied on Figure 1-2 is a slightly tapered portion of the member. This portion of the stay connector insert has a small clearance with the inside of the tube into which it is inserted. Its overall width is such that it can move through the pipe opening for the purpose of insertion, but lateral movement is eliminated due to the minimal clearance between the insert and the internal pipe wall.

Section 105 as embodied on Figure 1-2 is characterized by a more heavily tapered end of reduced width to facilitate insertion into the pipe. This allows the insert to locate easily within the interior of the pipe and ensures a generous clearance between the insert and pipe is achieved at point of entry.

The present invention now will be described with reference to the stay connector insert as outlined in the preceding text.

In its unmodified form, the post-stay connector as described above does not contain the slotted hole as embodied in Figurel-3 section 106, and as such, does not contain a collapsible portion, so its fixed width prevents it being inserted into pipes of varying wall thickness. To make this possible, modifications are necessary.

The present invention provides a means whereby the insert is modified to allow for adjustment in outer diameter, overcoming the need to manufacture multiple sizes, each specific to a particular pipe wall thickness.

By means of a longitudinal rectangular slot cut into the member as embodied in Figure 1-2 Section 106, adjustments in outer dimensions can be achieved. The long slot is located parallel to one of the longitudinal outer edges of the insert and extends for much of its length. The strip of material remaining between the outer edge of the member and the slotted hole, as embodied in Figure 1-2 Section 107, when subject to sufficient force, will deform, as embodied in Figure 3 Section 106.

When the connector is forced into a pipe cavity that is of a smaller internal diameter than the width of the insert, compressive force is applied to the leading edges of the insert. The narrow strip of material Figure 1-2 Section 107, being of insufficient size and strength to resist this pressure, is forced inwards. As this strip of material collapses into the cavity provided by the rectangular slotted hole, the width of the member is correspondingly decreased. This strip remains attached to the main body of the insert at either end, ensuring the deformed material remains aligned with the main body throughout its entire length. This in turn maximizes the pressure exerted by the surface contact between the pipe's interior and the insert, increasing its rigidity.

Figure 3 shows the resultant adjustment in outer dimensions of the insert that is possible when the leading edge is deformed by external forces. The dashed lines, section 109 show the original position of the narrow strip of material prior to being compressed, (for clarity also refer to Figure 1-2 section 107 to see the pre-deformation profile). The solid lines, section 110, shows the new position of the outer edge of the insert. The original overall width, (as embodied by the line segment designated as section 107), has been reduced significantly, (up to 5 mm) as emphasized in diagram noted as section 108.

This process, whereby one edge of the insert partially collapses inwards, is made possible by the location and shape of the slotted hole. The placement of the slotted hole alongside the leading edge is critical in maintaining enough structural integrity to provide a robust and rigid point of connection between the post and stay, while at the same time being sufficiently malleable to allow deformation to take place when pressure is applied during insertion into pipe stay.

With the current invention, the remaining 4-5mm wide strip of material, (as embodied in Figure 1-2 section 107), between the slotted hole, (section 106), and the outer edge of the connector, has proven successful in field trials to achieve both sufficient rigidity and malleability. Additional structural integrity is also gained from the afore mentioned strip of material remaining connected to the main body of the insert at either end of the slot during and after the deformation process. This allows the member to conform to smaller cavities as the outer edge undergoes deformation, but still maintain pressure between the insert and the pipe wall as required to carry out its function.

In this way a connector can be inserted securely in holes varying in diameter by up to 5 millimeters. This amount of adjustment makes it possible to use the same size insert on each of the most commonly sold pipe wall thickness options, these being extra light, light and medium wall pipe.

A further critical factor is the necessity for the pipe is able to seat squarely against the disk as shown in Figure 4. The disk, Section 111, forms a spacer of 5-6mm between the protruding tab, section 101, and the pipe, section 113. This allows some distance over which material deformation can take place. The slotted hole, section 106, shown at its original width just prior to entering the disk, subsequently narrows in width as it undergoes deformation. At the point where the insert emerges from the slotted hole in the disk and enters the mouth of the pipe, the strip of deformed material , Section 107 , has been able to transition from its original position, and crush inwards to conform with the reduced diameter of the pipes interior, the pipe being embodied as section 113. The insert in this view, Figure 4, is not fully inserted into the pipe, showing in more clarity the profile of section 107 and the final position of material to allow clearance sufficient for the pipe to pass over the insert without interference.

The invention thus described succeeds in its purpose, that being the provision of a simple and economical fence post and stay connector that can adjust to fit varying internal diameters while still providing a robust and rigid connection point.

The collapsible insert as described can be used to connect stays to other post types, such as timber by simply utilizing a different shaped end on the connector. It is intended that the inserted portion as described will thus form part of various connecters, depending on the requirement, and in this way making the invention more useful and giving it a wider application.

EDITORIAL NOTE

APPLICATION NUMBER - 2023226640

Please note: Claims page number 8 should be read as page number 10.

Claims (3)

1 An internally fitted fence post-and-stay connector formed from a flat rectangular shaped member, comprising a collapsible portion, and in use, when inserted into the hollow end of a round steel pipe stay provides adjustment of 1-5mm in its width, wherein the collapsible portion deforms when subject to sufficient force, and thus the width of an insertable portion of the connector correspondingly decreases, thus allowing the insertable portion to conform to the internal diameter of pipe stays of varying diameters.

2. An internally fitted fence post-and-stay connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collapsible portion is a narrow-slotted hole placed adjacent to one or both outside edges of the inserted portion of the connector.

3. An internally fitted fence post-and-stay connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein the slotted hole is parallel with the members outer edges, thus creating a narrow longitudinal strip of remaining material of consistent width, connected to the main body at either end, forming the slotted hole's longitudinal outer edge.