GB2509798A

GB2509798A - A pipe coupling

Info

Publication number: GB2509798A
Application number: GB1311171.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David John Milnes
Original assignee: Flex Seal Couplings Ltd
Current assignee: Flex Seal Couplings Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-24
Filing date: 2013-06-24
Publication date: 2014-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-24
Also published as: EP3014156A1; WO2014207431A1; GB2509798B; GB201311171D0

Abstract

A pipe coupling 10 comprises an elastomeric sleeve 10 and a clamping band 20. The elastomeric sleeve 10, comprises a substantially tubular body 11 having a substantially contiguous interior surface 12. At each end of the body 11 are provided circumferential sealing flaps 13 overlapping the outer surface 14 of the body 11 to define a partially enclosed channel 15. The clamping band comprises an elongate planar strip 21, opposing ends 22 of the strip 21 being connected by adjustment means 30. The ends 22 each comprise a plurality of fingers 23 adapted to interleave with one another. In use, the coupling 1 is inserted into the opposing ends of a pair of pipes 2a, 2b with dissimilar exterior profiles. After insertion into the ends of pipes 2a, 2b the clamping band 20 is lengthened and as a result, the sealing flaps 13 are urged into contact with the interior profile of the pipes 2a, 2b creating a secure seal between the sealing flaps 13 and the pipes 2a, 2b. The provision of fingers 23 helps spread the pressure applied by the band 20 to the flaps 13 over the full circumference of the flaps 13 thereby improving the quality and reliability of the seal.

Description

A Pipe Coupling

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pipe coupling. In particular, the present invention relates to a pipe coupling adapted to couple together pipes having dissimilar S exterior profilcs, external reinforcement of the exterior profile or an uneven, worn or distoried exterior profile.

Background to the Invention

A typical pipe coupling comprises an elastomeric sleeve adapted to receive intenialiy a pair of abutting pipe ends. Around the outside of the sleeve are typically provided one or more circumferential clamping bands provided with adjustment means allowing the hands to he tightened or loosened as required Tightening the bands draws them tightly against the outside of the elastomerie sleeve. As such the sleeve is urged into contact with the pipe ends and a secure scal is formed.

Whilst couplings of the above type provide effective coupling in many situations, there are a number of situations for which they are not suitable. One example is where pipe are used with a circular interior profile and a non-circular exterior profile, as is common in continental Europe or where pipes have otherwise dissimilar exterior profiles.. A second example is where a pipe is provided with spiral wound reinforcing ribs on its exterior profile. A further example is where one or both pipes have an uneven, worn, damaged or distorted exterior surface, It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pipe coupling that at least partially overcomes or alleviates the above problems.

Sunmiary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a pipe coupling comprising: an elastomerie sleeve; and an adj ustable clamping band wherein tile elastomeric sleeve has a substantially tubular body and sealing flaps provided at each end of the body, the sealing flaps overlapping the outer surface of the body to define a partially enclosed channel; and wherein the adjustable clamping band is provided in the channel defined between the body and the sealing flaps, and is adjustable to press outwardly on said sealing flaps.

In this manner, the coupling of the present invention is adapted to be received internally by a pair of abutting pipe ends. Adjustment of the clamping band can then urge the sealing flaps into contact with the interior profile of the pipe ends, thereby fonning a secure seal. As such, the pipe coupling of the present invention can be used to couple together pipes having dissimilar, reinforced, uneven, worn, damaged or distorted exterior profiles.

The adjustable clamping band comprises an elongate planar strip, the ends of the strip being connected by an adj ustinent means. Alt&natively, the band may comprise two or more elongate strips connected together end to end by adjustment means at each connection. In a ifirther alternative, two or more strips may be provided in parallel to each other and connected at their ends by common or separate adjustment means. The adjustment means are operable to tighten the band by drawing the opposing ends of the band together or lengthen the band by pushing the opposing ends of the band apart. The adjustment means may have any suitable form. In particular, the adjustment means may comprise any of: screws, cams, lever devices, hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, ratchets, threaded bolts, toggles, wedges or the like.

The opposing ends of the clamping band may be provided with substantially reciprocating features. In particular, the reciprocating features at each end may comprise one or more fingers. In such embodiments, the one or more fingers on each end arc adapted to mutually interleave. In this manner, thc outward pressure on the flaps can be maintained relatively evenly as the band is lengthened. Each finger may have a substantially equal shape. Alternatively, fingers at different pointsoftheedge may have different forms.

1 0 The reciprocating formations may be machined directly into the band.

Alternatively, the reciprocating formations may be formed on a separate substrate bonded to the band.

The clamping band is preferably adapted to have a width substantially matching the width of the channel defined by the flaps and outer surface of the body.

Alternatively, one or more additional elongate pianar strips may be provided alongside the clamping band within the channel. The one or more additional planar strips can provide additional support for the coupling, particularly if the width of the clamping band is less than the width of the channel. The one or more additional planar strips may be connected together end to end by suitabic joining means or adjustment means. Alternatively, the one or more additional planar strips may simply overlap at their ends.

The clamping band may be formed of any suitable material including but not limited to: metal, composite, mesh, perforated plate, expanded sheet, carbon fibre, plastics, polymer materials or the like. In particular, suitable metals include but noL limited to: steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel, powder bonded steel, painted steel, powder coated steel, hardened steel, tempered steel, aluminium or the like.

The flaps may be provided with gripping formations on the outer surface.

The gripping formations may be substantially circumferential. Alternatively, the gripping formations may be substantially axial in orientation. In a further embodiment, the gripping formations may be orientated in other directions wA/or a combination, of directions, with or without intersections as desired or appropriate. The gripping formations may comprise one or more ridges. The ridges may have any suitable cross-sectional profile. in particular, the cross-sectional profile may be triangular, semicircular or multi-faceted.

The flaps preferably extend around the full circumference of the body. The opposing edges of each flap may have a substantially matching form. In a preferred embodiment, each flap has a substantially plain opposing edge. in alternative embodiments, each flap may have differing edge forms.

The flaps may he of substantially matching axial extent. The flaps may be of substantially matching thickness. l'he flaps may have substantially matching gripping formations. In this manner, the coupling may be used reversibly for coupling together pipes of matching interior profiles. In Ilirther embodiments, the flaps may have differing thicknesses or differing gripping formations. Tins can enable the coupling to be used to couple together pipes of different interior profiles. in further embodiments, one or both flaps may he provided with hushing means to enable the coupling to be used to couple together pipes of different interior profiles. Suitable bushing means may comprise a sleeve of elastomeric material adapted to fit around one of the sealing flaps. The bushing means may comprise one or more surface formations adapted to correspond to any gripping formations provided on the flaps.

In particular, the bushing means may have matching gripping [brmations on an outer S surface and/or reciprocal formations on an inner surface.

The tubular body may have a substantially contiguous inner profile. This can help minimise disruption to flow within the pipe jutiction provided by the coupling.

The ends of the sleeve may he sloped. This further helps to minimise disruption to flow within the pipe junction provided by the coupling.

The sleeve may be formed from any suitahl.e material. In particular, the sleeve may be formed from materials including but not limited to: rubber, plastics, polyurethane, EPDM (ethylene propylene dienc monomer), nitrilc rubber, polyvinylchloride, SBR (styrene-.butadiene rubber), silicone or the like.

The elastomeric sleeve and adjustable clamping band may be manufactured separately and subsequently fitted together. Alternatively, the elastomeric sleeve may be formed in position around the adjustable clamping hand.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an elastomeric sleeve suitable for use in a pipe coupling according to the present invention, thc elastomeric sleeve comprising: a substantially tubular body and sealing flaps provided at each end of the body, the sealing flaps overlapping the outer surface of the body to define a partially enclosed channel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable clamping band suitable for use in a pipe coupling according to the present invention, the adjustable clamping band comprising: am elongate planar strip, the ends of the strip being connected by an adjustment means operable to: tighten the band by drawing the opposing ends of the hand together; or lengthen the band by pushing the opposing ends of the band apart, wherein the opposing ends arc provided with reciprocating features.

According to a fourth aspcct of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least one elastomeric sleeve according to the second aspect of the invention and at least one adjustable clamping band according to the third aspect of the present invention.

1 0 The sleeve of the second aspect of the present invention, adjustable clamping band of the third aspect of the present invention and kit of the fourth aspect of the present invenLion may incorporate any or all features of thc first aspect of the present invention as desired or as required.

Detailed Descrintion of the Invention 1 5 Ia order that the invention may he more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, by *ay of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a pipe coupling according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the elastomeric sleeve of the pipe coupling of figure 1; Figure 3 shows the adjustable clamping band of the pipe coupling of figure 1; Figure 4a shows a first form of reciprocating fingers provided on the ends of the band of figure 3; Figure 4a shows a second form of reciprocating fingers provided on the ends of the band of figure 3; and Figure 5 shows the coupling of figure 1 in use to couple together two pipes of dissimilar exterior profiles.

Turning now to figure 1, a pipe coupling 10 according to the present invention comprises an elastomertc sleeve 10 and a clamping band 20.

The elastmineric sleeve 10, as shown in figure 2, comprises a substantially tubular body 11 having a substantially contiguous interior surface 12. At each end of the body 11 are provided circumferential sealing flaps 13. The sealing flaps 13 overlap the outer surface 14 of the body 11 to define a partially enclosed channel 15 iherebetween. The sealing flaps 13 are provided with a seties of gripping ridges t6.

The ends of the body 11 are sloped 17.

Ihe clamping band comprises an elongate planar strip 21. Ihe opposing ends 22 of the strip 21 are connected by adjustment means 30. In some embodiments, the damping band may comprise two or more strips 21, joined together end to end by adjustment means 30. The adjustment means 30 are operable to lighten the band 20 by thawing the opposing ends 22 together or lengthen the band 20 by pushing the opposing ends 22 band apart. The ends 22 each comprise a plurality of fingers 23.

1'he fingers 23 on the opposing ends 22 are adapted to interleave with one ariolhr.

As is illustrated in figures 4a & 4b, the fingers may each have substantially equal sizes (fig 4a -fingers separated.) or may have differing sizes (fig 4h -fingers abutting). In the embodiment of figure 4b, the larger central finger 23b enables an adjustment means 30 to be fitted close to the end of the band 20, whilst still allowing the remaining fingers 23 to interleave.

The adjustment means 30 comprises a pair of mounting brackets 31 provided upon the opposing ends of the band 20. The brackets 31 are each adapted to retain a locking bolt 32, each locking bolt 32 being provided with a transverse bore adapted to receive a connecting bolt 33, the bore of one locking bolt 32 being blind and the bore of the other locking bo7lt 32 being threaded. By rotating the connecting bolt 33, the locking bolts 32 pull on the brackets 31 and hence the opposing ends 22 of band 20 can be drawn together or pushed apart. Accordingly, the band 20 can be lengthened or tightened as required.

In use, as is illustrated in figure 5, the coupling 1 is inserted into the opposing ends of a pair of pipes 2a, 2b with dissimilar exterior profiles. The skilled man will however appreciate that this does not preclude the coupling I from being used to couple pipes having similar exterior profiles.

After insertion into the cads of pipes 2a, 2b the clamping band 20 is lengthened. As a result, the sealing flaps 13 are urged into contact with the interior profile of the pipes 2a, 2h. This creates a secure seal between the sealing flaps 13 and the pipes 2a, 2h. The provision of fingers 23 helps spread the pressure applied by the band 20 to the flaps 13 over the full eircwnference of the flaps 13 thereby improving the quality and reliability of the seal.

The gripping ridges 16 help improve the traction between the sealing flaps 13 and the pipes 2a, 2b. In addition, the gripping ridges 16 can also act as a series of successive scaling rings, preventnig the escape of the pipe payload after coupling. By forming a secure seal on the interior profile of pipes 2a, 2b, the coupling 1 can be used to couple together pipes having dissimilar, reinforced, uneven, worn or distorted exterior profiles.

The substantially contiguous inner surface 12 of the sleeve 10, in combination with the sloped end portions 17, helps to minimise disturbance to the flow after installation of the coupling 1. A further benefit of the present coupling is that it provides for external adjustment of the seal by use of the adjustment means. This simplifies the process of installing or subsequently checking Ihe coupling 1.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which is described by way of example only.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pipe coupling comprising: an elastoineric sleeve; and an. adjustable clamping band wherein the elastomeric sleeve has a substantially tubular body and sealing flaps provided at each end of the body, the sealing flaps overlapping the outer surface of the body to define a partially enclosed channel; and wheTcin the adjustable clamping band is provided in the channel defined between the body and the sealing flaps, and is adjustable 10 press outwardly on said sealing flaps.
2. A pipe coupling as claimed in élaim 1 wherein the adjustable clamping band comprises an elongate planar strip, the ends of the strip being connected by an adjustment mcans.
3. A pipe coupling as claimed in claim 1 wherein the band comprises two or more elongate strips connected together end to end by adjustment means at each connection.

1 5
4. A pipe coupling as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the adjustment means comprise any of screws, cams, lever devices, hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, ratchets, threaded bolts, toggles, or wedges..
5. A pipe coupling as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the opposing ends of the clamping band are provided with substantially reciprocating features.
6. A pipe coupling as claimed in claim 5 wherein the reciprocating features comprise one or more fingers.
7. A pipe coupling as claimed in claim 6 wherein the one or more fingers on each end are adapted to mutually interleave.

3. A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clamping band is adapted to have a width substantially matching the width of the eharmel
S defined by the flaps and outer surface of the body.
9. A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clamping band is formed of: steel. stainless steel, galvanised steel, powder bonded steel, painted steel, powder coated steel, hardened steel, tempered steel, aluminium, composite, mesh, open materials, perforated plate, expanded sheet, carbon fibre, plastics or polymer materials.
10. A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flaps are provided with gripping formations on the outer surface.
11. A pipe coupling as àlaimed in claim 10 wherein the gripping lormations comprise one or more ridges.
12. A pipe coupling as claimed in claim 11 wherein the ridges have a biangular, semicircular or multi-faceted cross-sectional profile.
13. A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flaps extend around the fimil circumference of the body.I 4 A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flaps are of substantially matching axial extenL 15. A pipe coupling as claimed in any prcceding claim wherein the flaps are of substantially matching thickness, 16. A pipe coupling as claimed iii any preceding claim wherein the flaps have differing thicknesses.17. A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or both flaps are provided with bushing means.1 8. A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tubular body has a substantially contiguous itmel-profile with sloped end portions.19. A pipe coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sleeve is formed from: rubber, plastics, polyurethane, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), nitrile rubber, poly-inylchloride. SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) or silicone.20. An elastomerie sleeve suitable for use in a pipe coupling aeeordin.g to any preceding claim, the elastomeric sleeve comprising: a substantially tubular body and sealing flaps provided at each end of the body, the sealing flaps overlapping the outer surface of the body to defme a partially enclosed channel.21. An adjustable clamping band suitable for use in a pipe coupling according to any &rne olelairns 1 to 19, the adjustable clamping band comprising: an elongate planar strip, the ends of the strip being connected by an adjusirnent means operable to: tighten the band by drawing the opposing ends of the band together; or lengthen the band by pushing the opposing ends of the band apart, wherein the opposing ends are provided with reciprocating features.22. A kit of parts comprising at least one elastomeric sleeve according to claim 20 and at least one adjustable clamping band according to claim 21.