Abstract:
A seal member for sealingly securing a first and a second pipe at a crimp connection, the seal member including a ring-shaped body having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the ring-shaped body and extend radially outwardly from the outer diameter. The ring-shaped body permits fluid to pass around adjacent protrusions prior to attaining the crimp connection and inhibits fluid from passing therearound subsequent to attaining the crimp connection.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/598,504, filed on Feb. 14, 2012. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to sealing arrangements configured for use between pipes in a fluid delivery system, and more particularly to a sealing arrangement provided in a crimp connection between corresponding pipes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     There has long been a need for joining two components in a manner that fixedly and sealingly couples the components to one another. In one configuration, a pipe assembly can incorporate an outer pipe that receives an inner pipe. The outer pipe can incorporate an annular groove that receives a seal or O-ring. When the annular groove is crimped, the O-ring provides a crimp joint with the inner and outer pipes creating a fluid-tight seal between the pipes. In some instances, an installer may insufficiently crimp a crimp joint or may inadvertently omit the crimping of a particular joint entirely. Sometimes such pipe assemblies that include uncrimped joints may initially pass a pressure test but may leak over time. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     In one form, the present teachings provide a seal member for sealingly securing a first and a second pipe at a crimp connection. The seal member includes a ring-shaped body having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the ring-shaped body and extend radially outwardly from the outer diameter. The ring-shaped body permits fluid to pass around adjacent protrusions prior to attaining the crimp connection and inhibits fluid from passing therearound subsequent to attaining the crimp connection. 
     According to additional features, the inner diameter of the seal member defines a consistent radius. The plurality of protrusions may be generally hemispherically shaped. In one example, the plurality of protrusions are equally spaced around the outer diameter of the ring-shaped body. In other features, the plurality of protrusions are generally trapezoidal in axial cross-section. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary seal member constructed in accordance with one example of the present teachings; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the seal member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the seal member taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the seal member taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary outer pipe having an inner annular groove configured to receive the seal member of  FIG. 1  therein, the outer pipe shown receiving an inner pipe and prior to crimping; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of  FIG. 5  shown subsequent to crimping; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the circled area  7  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the circled area  8  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of a seal member constructed in accordance with another example of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a seal member constructed in accordance with a further example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     With initial reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , a seal member constructed in accordance with one example of the present teachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral  10 . As will be described more fully herein, the seal member  10  is particularly suitable for use in a crimp fitting between concentric pipes in a pipe fitting assembly. The seal member  10  is generally in the form of an O-ring and includes a ring-shaped body  12 . The ring-shaped body  12  generally includes an inner diameter  14  and an outer diameter  16  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     A plurality of protrusions  20  are formed on the ring-shaped body  12  and extend radially outwardly from the outer diameter  16 . In the example shown, the plurality of protrusions  20  are generally hemispherical in geometry and are in the shape of nubs that project outwardly from the outer diameter  16 . By way of example, the seal member  10  incorporates eighteen protrusions around the outer diameter  16 . In the example provided, a protrusion  20  is provided on the ring-shaped body  12  at equally spaced intervals of about 20 degrees. It will be appreciated however that additional or fewer protrusions  20  may be formed on the seal member  10  at various regular or irregular intervals within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, while the protrusions  20  are shown generally in the form of nubs, other geometrical shapes are contemplated. In the particular example shown, the seal member  10  may be formed of an elastomeric material. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the ring-shaped body  12  of the seal member  10  includes an axial cross-section  22  and a radial cross-section  26  taken through a protrusion  20 . Each protrusion  20  can include a radial height  28  and an axial cross-section  29 . By way of example and not limitation, a nominal one inch O-ring seal member of  FIGS. 1 through 4  of the present invention can have an outer diameter of approximately 1.369 inches, an axial cross-section  22  of approximately 0.124 inches, a radial cross-section  26  of approximately 0.139 inches, a radial height  28  of the protrusion  20  of approximately 0.015 inches, and an axial cross-section  29  of approximately 0.030 inches. A ratio of the radial height  28  of the protrusion  20  and the radial cross-section  26  is approximately 0.108. Further, the example seal member  10  has approximately eighteen protrusions  20  equally spaced along its circumference at approximately every 0.237 inches. It will be appreciated, however, that these dimensions are merely exemplary, have tolerances, and may be changed to accommodate any particular application. In this regard, other dimensions may be employed within the scope of this disclosure. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2  and additional reference now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , additional features of the present disclosure will be described. As noted above, the seal member  10  according to the present disclosure is particularly suitable for use in a crimp fitting  30  of a pipe fitting assembly  32 . The exemplary pipe fitting assembly  32  comprises a first pipe fitting or outer pipe  40  and a second pipe fitting or inner pipe  42 . The outer pipe  40  includes an outer pipe body  44  that defines an open receiving end  46 . The outer pipe  40  further includes an inner annular groove  50  formed at a location axially spaced from the open receiving end  46 . In the example shown, two annular grooves  50  are provided that each receive a seal member  10 . The outer pipe  40  has an inner diameter  54 . The inner annular groove  50  has an axial length  56 . 
     The inner pipe  42  generally includes an inner pipe body  60  having an insertion end  62 . The inner pipe  42  has an outer diameter  66 . In general, the inner diameter  54  of the outer pipe  40  is configured to slidably accept the outer diameter  66  of the inner pipe  42 . Similarly, the inner annular groove  50  is dimensioned to have an axial length  56  that accommodates the seal member  10  therein. In particular, the seal member  10  may be dimensioned to be nestingly accommodated by the annular groove  50  of the outer pipe  40 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7 , the crimp fitting  30  of the pipe fitting assembly  32  is shown in an uncrimped position. Explained further, the inner annular groove  50  has yet to be radially collapsed toward the inner pipe  42 . In the uncrimped position, fluid is permitted to generally flow around the inner annular groove  50  of the outer pipe  40  between adjacent protrusions  20 . Advantageously, an installer or user will be aware that the crimp fitting  30  has yet to be sufficiently crimped through observation of fluid passing generally between the inner diameter  54  of the outer pipe  40  and the outer diameter  66  of the inner pipe  42 . 
     Of note, the configuration of the seal member  10  is particularly advantageous in a crimp fitting application as the inner diameter  14  provides a consistent radius. Explained further, the inner diameter  14  of the ring-shaped body  12  is free from protrusions, discontinuities or other geometries that may otherwise interrupt the consistent inner radial surface of the seal member  10 . In this regard, when the seal member  10  is initially located into the inner annular groove  50  of the outer pipe  40 , and the insertion end  62  of the inner pipe  42  is progressively advanced into the open receiving end  46  of the outer pipe  40  as shown in  FIG. 7 , the insertion end  62  is uninhibited from further advancing into the outer pipe  40  such as by protrusions or other geometries extending inwardly from the seal member  10 . Explained differently, the inner diameter  14  of the seal member  10  does not have any protrusions or discontinuities that may catch on the insertion end  62  of the inner pipe  42  during slidable advancement of the inner pipe  42  into the outer pipe  40 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 8 , the crimp fitting  30  is shown in a crimped position where the inner annular groove  50  has been radially deflected toward the inner pipe  42 . In this regard, the seal member  10  is at least partially compressed between the outer and inner pipes  40  and  42 , respectively, at the inner annular groove  50 . In the crimped position, fluid is inhibited from flowing around the seal member  10 . Explained further, in the crimped position, the protrusions  20  of the seal member  10  are compressed to essentially have the same diameter as the remainder of the seal member  10 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , a seal member  110  constructed in accordance with another example of the present disclosure is shown. The seal member  110  is generally in the form of an O-ring and includes a ring-shaped body  112 . The ring-shaped body  112  includes an inner diameter  114  and an outer diameter  116 . A plurality of protrusions  120  are formed on the outer diameter  116  and project radially outwardly therefrom. The protrusions  120  are generally trapezoidal in axial cross-section as shown in  FIG. 9 . In the example provided, eight protrusions  120  are incorporated around the ring-shaped body  112  at equally spaced intervals of approximately 45 degrees. It is contemplated, however, that other amounts and regular and irregular spacing may be incorporated. As with the seal member  10 , the inner diameter  114  of the seal member  110  includes a consistent radius. The seal member  110  can generally function similar to the seal member  10  described above. In this regard, the seal member  110  can be incorporated as part of a crimp fitting such that fluid is permitted to generally flow between adjacent protrusions  120  in an uncrimped position. The seal  110  can further inhibit fluid from passing therearound in a crimped position similar to that shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , a seal member  210  constructed in accordance with another example of the present disclosure is shown. The seal member  210  is generally in the form of an O-ring and includes a ring-shaped body  212 . The ring-shaped body  212  includes an inner diameter  214  and an outer diameter  216 . A plurality of protrusions  220  are formed on the outer diameter  216  of the ring-shaped body and project radially outwardly therefrom. In the example shown, the plurality of protrusions  220  are generally hemispherical in geometry and are in the shape of nubs that project outwardly from the outer diameter  216 , similar to the protrusions  20  in  FIG. 2 . In the example provided, eight protrusions  220  are incorporated around the ring-shaped body  212  at equally spaced intervals of approximately 45 degrees. It is contemplated, however, that other amounts and regular and irregular spacing may be incorporated. As with the seal member  10 , the inner diameter  214  of the seal member  210  includes a consistent radius. The seal member  210  can generally function similar to the seal member  10  described above. In this regard, the seal member  210  can be incorporated as part of a crimp fitting such that fluid is permitted to generally flow between adjacent protrusions  220  in an uncrimped position similar to that shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 5 . The seal  210  can further inhibit fluid from passing therearound in a crimped position similar to that shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . While the protrusions in  FIG. 10  are shown generally in the form of nubs other geometrical shapes are contemplated. In the particular example shown, the seal member  210  may be formed of an elastomeric material. 
     With the particular seal member  210 , it has been found that in a fitting the eight hemispherical protrusions permit leaking or passing of fluid between the inner diameter  54  of the outer pipe  40  and the outer diameter  66  of the inner pipe  42  at fluid pressures less than 50 psi, but the seal member  210  still maintains adequate strength in the fitting to secure plumbing systems such as outer pipe  40  and inner pipe  42  once engaged but prior to crimping. In this manner, an installer can assemble multiple components of a plumbing system together prior to crimping any of the fitting connections while having sufficient structural integrity of the system to maintain itself in the desired configuration until the necessary crimping is completed. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.