System, method and apparatus for debris shield for squeeze-activated retainer for a conduit

An assembly includes a tubular body having an axis, an axial end, a bore that is axial an aperture and a retainer groove formed in the bore and contiguous with the aperture. The assembly also includes a retainer mounted in the retainer groove. The retainer has a debris shield located external to the tubular body. The retainer includes a nominal configuration wherein the debris shield is configured to close off access to the aperture and the retainer groove to prevent debris from accumulating therein. In addition, the retainer includes an expanded configuration wherein the debris shield is not configured to completely close off access to the aperture and the retainer groove.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to pipes and, in particular, to a system, method and apparatus for a debris shield for a squeeze-activated retainer for a conduit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems typically have splines that are separate from the pipes. The splines can be lost during transportation or disassembly. Examples of such designs include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,662,360, 7,284,310, and 7,537,248. There are no “push to lock” type pipe joints that rely on a spline that automatically “expands” to open, and then snaps into place. Some users would prefer a quicker installation of restrained joint pipe that does not require “reversibility” (i.e., the ability to take the joint apart after assembly), and yet still provide a robust pipe joint system. Thus, improvements in pipe restrained joints continue to be of interest.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a system, method, assembly and apparatus for a debris shield for a squeeze-activated retainer for a conduit are disclosed. For example, an assembly includes a tubular body having an axis, an axial end, a bore that is axial an aperture and a retainer groove formed in the bore and contiguous with the aperture. The assembly also includes a retainer mounted in the retainer groove. The retainer has a debris shield located external to the tubular body. The retainer includes a nominal configuration wherein the debris shield is configured to close off access to the aperture and the retainer groove to prevent debris from accumulating therein. In addition, the retainer includes an expanded configuration wherein the debris shield is not configured to completely close off access to the aperture and the retainer groove.

As used herein, the terms “have,” “may have,” “include,” “may include,” “can have,” or “can include” a feature (e.g., a number, function, operation, or a component such as a part) indicate the existence of the feature and do not exclude the existence of other features.

As used herein, the terms “A or B,” “at least one of A and/or B,” or “one or more of A and/or B” may include all possible combinations of A and B. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B” may indicate all of (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” may modify various components regardless of importance and do not limit the components. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first user device and a second user device may indicate different user devices from each other regardless of the order or importance of the devices. For example, a first component may be denoted a second component, and vice versa without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “configured (or set) to” may be interchangeably used with the terms “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” depending on circumstances. The term “configured (or set) to” does not essentially mean “specifically designed in hardware to.” Rather, the term “configured to” may mean that a device can perform an operation together with another device or parts.

The terms as used herein are provided merely to describe some embodiments thereof, but not to limit the scope of other embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In some cases, the terms defined herein may be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a system, method, assembly and apparatus for a conduit squeeze retainer are disclosed. For example,FIGS. 1-4depict one version of an assembly includes a tubular body21having an axis23, a bore25that is axial and a retainer groove27formed in the bore25of the tubular body21. In a generic sense, the tubular body21can comprise a female receptacle on a component. For example, the component can be one of a pipe, a belled pipe, coupling, elbow, tee, sled tee, fitting, flange, cap, hose, flexible hose and electrical housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body21comprises a coupling, such as the tee coupling shown inFIGS. 1-4. In other embodiments, the tubular body21can comprise a pipe (not shown) that includes a spigot at one axial end and is belled at an opposite axial end to receive the spigot of another pipe.

A retainer31(FIGS. 1-5) can be mounted in the retainer groove27. In one version, the retainer31comprises a spring clamp. In another version, the retainer31includes a radial sectional shape that is generally rectangular and has a chamfer33to facilitate insertion of the pipe41through the retainer31. Embodiments of the retainer31can include a radial inner surface35having the chamfer33on a corner thereof configured to face in an axial direction of the pipe41. As shown inFIG. 5, the retainer31can comprise a split ring with circumferentially overlapping ends37,39.

In some versions, an entirety of the retainer31can be configured to be both axially movable (compareFIGS. 1 and 3) and radially movable (compareFIGS. 6 and 7) relative to the retainer groove27during formation of a pipe assembly with a pipe41in the bore25. In one example, the retainer31can comprise a clamp having a relaxed state (FIGS. 1, 3 and 6) at a first diameter, and a radially expanded state (FIGS. 7 and 8) with a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

Embodiments of the retainer31can be configured to comprise a sequence of configurations. For example, retainer31can comprise a nominal configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2) having a nominal diameter relative to the axis23prior to formation of the pipe assembly with the pipe41. In addition, the retainer31can have an expanded configuration (FIGS. 7 and 8) having an expanded diameter relative to the axis23during formation of the pipe assembly. After formation of the pipe assembly, retainer31can have an engaged configuration (FIGS. 9 and 10) having an engaged diameter. In one example, the nominal diameter is less than (<) the engaged diameter less than (<) the expanded diameter. Alternatively, the retainer31can be configured to comprise another nominal configuration having the nominal diameter after formation of the pipe assembly. In another example, and in response to tension being applied to the pipe assembly, the retainer31can be configured to engage in the retainer groove27at a shallowest radial depth28(FIG. 11) thereof. Such a configuration can mitigate spline roll.

In one example, the retainer31automatically engages the pipe41when the pipe41is inserted into the bore25of the tubular body21. That is, the retainer31is configured to engage the pipe without manual intervention when the pipe41is inserted into the bore25of the tubular body21. In certain embodiments, the pipe can be inserted into the tubular body21either manually or with machine assistance. In addition, the pipe assembly can be reversible, such that manual actuation of the retainer31releases the pipe41from the tubular body21. Moreover, the pipe assembly can be repeatably reversible such that the tubular body21, retainer31and pipe41can repeatably form and un-form the pipe assembly.

Embodiments of the pipe41include an axial end43having a chamfer45(FIGS. 6 and 7) on an exterior thereof to facilitate insertion through the retainer31. In certain embodiments, the pipe31also includes a pipe retainer groove47. In one version (FIG. 13), only the pipe41is chamfered and the retainer31is not chamfered. In another version (FIG. 14), only the retainer31is chamfered and the pipe41is not chamfered. In certain embodiments, both the retainer31and the pipe41are chamfered.

In certain embodiments, the retainer31consists of a single retainer. That is, the retainer31, as a single retainer, consists of only one retainer. The single (only one) retainer is the only retainer that is configured to retain the pipe41to the tubular body21. In certain embodiments, the retainer31comprises a plurality of retainers. Each of the plurality of retainers can be mounted in a respective retainer groove27in the tubular body.

Embodiments of the retainer31can include radial extensions32relative to the axis23. The radial extensions32can be configured to be manipulated to change a dimension of the retainer31. The radial extensions can be configured to be manually manipulated or manipulated by a tool or other instrument. The radial extensions32can extend to an exterior of the assembly. For example, the radial extensions32can extend through an aperture in a wall of the tubular body21. As such, in certain embodiments, the assembly can include visual indicia (e.g., the radial extensions32) to indicate: (a) if the retainer31has not engaged the pipe41; (b) if the retainer31is not seated in the pipe retainer groove47(FIGS. 7 and 8); or (c) if the tubular body21and the pipe41are in tension (FIGS. 11 and 12). In one example, the radial extensions32are configured to only slidingly engage each other and do not lock together.

Some versions of the aperture30comprise recesses34. In an example, the radial extensions32are configured to have an unrestrained position (FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 10) in the aperture30in which the radial extensions are not in the recesses34. In other versions, the radial extensions32can be configured to have a restrained position (FIGS. 3, 4, 11, and 12) in the recesses34. The radial extensions32and the retainer31can be axially movable between the unrestrained and restrained positions. In certain embodiments, in the unrestrained position, the radial extensions32are circumferentially movable (e.g., compareFIGS. 6-8) and the retainer is radially movable. In certain embodiments, in the restrained position, the radial extensions32are not circumferentially movable relative to each other, and the retainer31is not radially movable. The radial extensions32extend out of the bore25and aperture30of the tubular body21, such that one or more portions of the retainer31are exposed from an exterior of the tubular body21. The radial extensions32can extend radially beyond an exterior surface of the tubular body21.

Embodiments of the assembly can include all surfaces of the retainer31to be smooth, not textured, or not grooved, such as with teeth. In certain embodiments, all surfaces of the retainer groove27and a pipe retainer groove47of the pipe41are smooth and not textured, not grooved, such as with teeth. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 11, the pipe retainer groove47can be configured to receive a portion of the retainer31. In the illustrated version, the pipe retainer groove47is on an exterior of the pipe41, and the retainer groove27has an axial length50(FIG. 9) that is greater than (>) an axial length48of the pipe retainer groove47. In certain examples, the pipe retainer groove axial length48is less than (<) the retainer groove axial length50by at least about 10% and not greater than about 50%. In another example, the axial length48of the pipe retainer groove47is greater than (>) the axial length50of the retainer groove27. In still other embodiments (FIGS. 15 and 16), the retainer groove27is dimensioned to have a retainer groove axial length52, and the retainer31has a retainer axial length54that is substantially similar to (e.g., slightly less than) the retainer groove axial length.

Embodiments of the retainer groove27can include a plurality of radial depths relative to the axis23. In an example, the retainer groove27is located adjacent to an axial end22(FIG. 6) of the tubular body21. The retainer groove27can include a deepest radial depth26located farthest from the axial end22, a shallowest radial depth28located axially between the axial end22and the deepest radial depth26. Additionally, the deepest radial depth26can be greater than (>) the shallowest radial depth28.

In certain embodiments, the tubular body21includes a stop20(FIGS. 9 and 11) protruding radially inward from the bore25. In an example, the bore25is smooth and comprises no teeth. In certain embodiments, the bore25consists of a single diameter, which does not include the retainer groove27and a seal groove38having a seal (not shown) configured to seal the tubular body21to the pipe41, such as for liquid flow applications. In other examples, the assembly does not include a hydraulic seal.

Embodiments of a method of forming a pipe assembly also are disclosed. For example, the method can include providing a tubular body21with an axis23, a bore25that is axial, and a retainer groove27formed in the bore25. The method can include mounting a retainer31at a first radial depth26(FIG. 7) in the retainer groove27, and inserting a pipe41into the bore25of the tubular body21and through the retainer31(compareFIGS. 6 and 7) until a pipe retainer groove47axially aligns (FIG. 9) with the retainer groove27in the tubular body21, such that the retainer31seats in the pipe retainer groove47. The method can further include axially removing at least a portion of the pipe41(FIG. 11) from the tubular body21such that the retainer31moves axially to a second radial depth28of the retainer groove27that is radially shallower than the first radial depth26to form the pipe assembly.

In certain embodiments, a method of forming a pipe assembly can include inserting the pipe41into the bore25of the tubular body21and through the retainer31(compareFIGS. 6 and 7) such that the retainer31is automatically radially expanded by the pipe41without manual intervention. The method also can include inserting the pipe41into the bore25until the pipe retainer groove47axially aligns with the retainer groove27in the tubular body21, such that the retainer31seats in the pipe retainer groove47and forms the pipe assembly, such as in the example ofFIGS. 15 and 16.

In versions for some applications, the retainer groove27, retainer31and the pipe retainer groove47in the pipe41are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis23. In addition, the retainer31can comprise a split ring. Certain embodiments can include the outer axial-facing surfaces56(FIG. 16) of both ends of the retainer31that are co-planar.

FIGS. 17-23depict alternate embodiments of a retainer131. The retainer131(FIGS. 17 and 18) can comprise a spring clamp. In certain embodiments, the retainer131includes a radial sectional shape that is generally rectangular and has a bevel or chamfer133(FIGS. 22 and 23) to facilitate insertion of a pipe through the retainer131. Embodiments of the retainer131can include a radial inner surface135having the chamfer133on a corner thereof configured to face in an axial direction of the pipe. In certain embodiments, the retainer131includes a split ring with circumferentially overlapping ends137,139. In certain embodiments, as shown in the example illustrated inFIG. 18, the retainer131includes radial extensions132,134relative to the axis.

In the example depicted inFIG. 18, a debris shield141protrudes from one of the radial extensions132,134. The debris shield141extends from a radial extension132toward and above radial extension134. The debris shield141can include a generally arcuate panel having an axial width that exceeds a radial thickness thereof, and a circumferential length that significantly exceeds its radial thickness. The radial extension134can limit the radial inward movement of the distal end of debris shield141. In addition, the debris shield141can include one or more actuator features, such as one or more protrusions143(FIGS. 17-18), one or more grip features145(FIG. 21) and the like. The actuator features can be used to actuate retainer131as described elsewhere herein.

As shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, the retainer131can be mounted in a tubular body121. In certain embodiments, the retainer131is installed from an exterior of tubular body121by inserting end137into an aperture130in a wall of the tubular body121to form an assembly. The aperture130is contiguous with a retainer groove138(FIG. 23) formed in the tubular body121. The debris shield141and actuator features can be configured to be manipulated (e.g., manually or with a tool) to change a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of the retainer131since the debris shield131extends to an exterior of the assembly.

Embodiments of the retainer131can be configured to comprise a sequence of configurations. For example inFIGS. 17-19, the retainer131can comprise a nominal or relaxed (i.e., unbiased) configuration having a nominal diameter relative to the axis prior to formation of the pipe assembly with the pipe. In the nominal configuration, the debris shield141is configured to close off access to the aperture130and retainer groove to prevent debris (e.g., dirt) from accumulating therein. In addition, the retainer131can have an expanded configuration (FIG. 20) having an expanded (i.e., larger) diameter relative to the axis during formation or disassembly of the pipe assembly. In the expanded configuration, the debris shield141is not configured to completely close off access to the aperture130and retainer groove. The retainer131and tubular body121also can be configured as described elsewhere herein for other embodiments.

As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, the radial extension134can be sloped to help retain retainer131in desired positions. For example, the radial extension134can radially move the end137of the retainer131through contact with an angled surface128on the aperture130of the retainer groove138of the tubular body121. InFIG. 23, the debris shield141is slightly biased to from the right to the left. Actuation of the retainer131at this position causes: (1) the retainer131to transition into an expanded, larger diameter state; (2) the radial extension134to slide along angled surface128; and (3) expands the retainer131to the larger diameter. In addition, the radial extension134can prevent the end137from interfering with a pipe's (not shown) retainer groove on a male end of the pipe upon disassembly of the pipe from the tubular body121.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.