SLIP CONTROL FOR HELICALLY WOUND PIPES

Abstract: A method and means of slip control for helically wound pipes wherein the pipe (1) is formed by helically winding a strip (2) of plastics material and the edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip are interconnected, wherein a slip-control member (20) applied to the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip is arranged to be withdrawable progressively from the pipe (2) to allow slip linearly between the interconnected edges of the convolutions of the pipe when torque is applied to the pipe.

Description: "SLIP CONTROL FOR HELICALLY WOUND PIPES" This invention relates to slip control for helically wound pipes and in particular it relates to pipes formed of a plastics material which comprise a strip helically, sometimes referred to as spirally, wound with adjacent edges interconnected. 5 In Australian Patent Application No. PH 05111 dated 19th March, 1986 International Publication No. WO87/05677 by the same Inventor, a system was described in which a helically wound pipe was fed into a conduit such as a sewer line which was to be relined and the helically wound pipe was then progressively expanded to a larger diameter to engage the wall of the conduit 10 being lined. Alternatively the helically wound pipe was formed over a conduit and the larger diameter of the pipe then reduced to cause the helically wound pipe to fit neatly to the conduit being over-wound. In that specification a number of ways for achieving the result were discussed, including a fracturable sealing tape over the join, and release means moved through the pipe. 15 One of the problems associated with this process is to iniiiaiiy ioc the wound pipe at the winding diameter and then to positively unlock the pipe progressively to allow for a controlled diameter change. The adhesive or locking means applied to the helically joined edges was described to be of such 2.0 a form as to allow the interengaging edges to slide one relative to the other when a diameter change was required but this invention relates to releasing means which during initial winding allow the join to be locked against slip but, when required, the lock is released to allow slip in a controlled sequential manner. 5 The invention thus relates to the provision of a lock means to maintain the helically formed pipe at the required diameter during the initial winding and to then positively control the unlocking of the convolutions of the strips forming the pipe to allow for the desired diameter change. The various forms of lock which 0 are discussed herein relate among other things to the use of adhesive tape which can be mechanically withdrawn, the provision of an interference fit by including a releasing element at the join, the re-design of the profile to include a double lock (with the one lock becoming the releasing element), and the provision of friction-creating shape in the releasing element itself. Associated with the locking mechanism may be re-design of the profile to allow a steeper gradient between the wound and expanded diameters. The invention thus relates to a method of providing a form of lock, which can subsequently be removed in a progressively controllable manner to allow slip to occur progressively along the pipe. The invention can conveniently be brought into effect in a number of ways and according to one form, for instance, an adhesive tape can be applied internally or externally to the tube over the join at the edges of the convolutions as it is being formed in the winding apparatus, but when the helically wound tube has reached the required length, for instance between manholes, the adhesive tape is progressively removed to allow expansion of the tube to the required diameter in a progressively controlled manner. Removal of the tape can be achieved in a number of ways, and according to one form, the tape is applied at the pipe forming machine end, tape being subsequen iy removed at a rate selected to be proportional to the profile input rate so that a change of diameter occurs progressively along the pipe. An adhesive tape may also form another function, for instance if the tape is applied externally to the tube it could also be used to transport a sealant or grout. Thus when the tube is expanded in say a relining application the sealant will be pressed against the conduit being repaired and spread to so form a method of interrupting the spiral path around the helically wound pipe, which is formed between the ribs of the strip. Another form of mechanical locking device is to introduce a locking element between the interengaging edges of the helical tube. Such an element could consist of an elongated slip control member formed from a suitable material which member may be embossed to provide longitudinal friction such as forming a series of interference fit segments, elongated slip control member being progressively removed in a controlled manner to allow the tube to progressively expand. The elongated slip control member will for the sake of brevity generally be simply referred to as the "slip control member". Associated with the requirement to lock and unlock the helically wound tube is the need to control accurately the gradient between the original wound diameter and the final expanded diameter. A steeper and therefore more closely controlled gradient can be achieved by designing the profile such that expansion and contraction chambers are included in the profile itself, one such form is to have at least one rib hollow. The hollows so formed allow the profile to flex laterally and radially. Such a profile allows a steeper gradient between the . wound and expanded diameter with the gradient assuming a more step like appearance rather than a smooth slope. The effect is to reduce the radial loads on the interengaging profile joint, providing a greater margin of safety. The invention thus comprises a method of slip control to effect a diameter change in a pipe formed by helically winding a strip preferably formed of a plastics material and interconnecting adjacent edges of the convolutions of the strip, characterised by positioning a slip-control member preferably at the interconnected edges of the convolutions of the strip, and progressively withdrawing the slip control member from contact with the strip to allow slip between the interconnected edges of the convolutions of the strip. The means of the invention to allow a diameter change comprise a pipe formed by helically winding a strip of plastics material and interconnecting the edges of the convolutions of the strip characterised by a slip-control member applied to the interconnected edges of the convolutions of the strip, the slip control member being arranged to be withdrawable progressively from the pipe to allow slip between the interconnected edges. From the foregoing it will be realised that the invention can be applied in many ways, but to enable the principle involved to be fully understood, methods and apparatus for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic longitudinal section of one end of a conduit showing a ribbed helically wound tube therein which is being expanded by removing a locking tape which forms the slip control member while the winding machine continues to extend the pipe, the torque generated by the machine causing the pipe to expand as the end distant from the winding machine is held against rotation, FIG. 2 is a transverse section on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 is an end elevation of portion of a join of the edges of a strip when helically wound into a pipe, showing a removable adhesive tape used as the slip control member, FIG. 4 is a similar view to FIG. 3 but including a wire or cord as the slip control member adapted to cut the adhesive strip at the join when the slip control member in the form of the wire or cord is pulled out of the join when slip is required. FIG. 5 is a view of a join similar to FIG. 4 but instead of using an adhesive strip, a wire or cord is used as the elongated slip control member this exiting through a part of the overlap strip which has been joined by an adhesive, FIG. 6 shows a join which has a double lock with a slip control member in the form of a wire or cord arranged to cut a first lock which is joined by various means to the strip to prevent slip but when severed allows slip. FIG. 7 shows a join in which the slip control member is a wire or cord locks the join against slip, the wire or cord which is adapted to be progressively withdrawn to allow slip. In FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 a hollow rib is shown but this is not always essential. In FIG. 7 the slip control member is disposed in a hollow rib. FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional perspective view of part of the winding machine showing how the join of, for instance the strip of FIG. 7 can be effected, showing how the slip control member can be located during the winding of the strip when forming a pipe. FIG. 9 shows a different form of slip-control member having staples to prevent slip. FIG. 10 is a general longitudinal section of a helically wound tube being expanded into a conduit using a wire or cord as the slip control member in place of the adhesive strip, including a release control mechanism which regulates the release position of the slip-control member in the expansion section of the helically wound tube, and FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but showing a different device for removing the slip control member when slip is required. Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe 1 is wound from a strip 2, the convolutions of which will be seen particularly in FIG. 1. The strip comprises a base 3 and a series of ribs 4 having expanded ends 5, joining being effected by a bead δ and a socket 7 in a manner already known, the joining edges of the convolutions of the strip being designated 8. FIG. 12 shows a modification of the slip control member of FIG. 8. The machine comprises a pair of rings 10 which support a series of rollers arranged as an annulus, the rollers 11 of the annulus being ribbed at 12 to engage in the contours between the ribs 4 of the strip 2 to accurately position the convolutions for the interengaging of the overlapping bead 6 and socket 7 of the strip 2. A hollow rib 9 may be included. The strip entering the annulus 11 of rollers is pressed to the first convolution of the strip by a joining roller 14 and a pressure roller 15 which are connected by gear means 16 and are driven by a motor 17. The strip 2 is fed to the annulus of rollers 4, 5 by feed rollers 18 driven by a motor 19, being synchronised with the joining roller 14 and pressure roller 15 to maintain the strip 2 at the correct tension between the feed rollers 18 and the joining roller 14 and pressure roller 15. The adhesive tape which forms the slip control member 20 is fed from a spool or other supply source and passes over guides 21 and is pressed on to the inner surface of the tube 1 by an applicator roller 22 to extend over the overlapping edges of the strip 2 after the edges are joined by the joining roller 14 and the pressure roller 15, this adhesive strip then preventing slip between the convolutions, thus allowing the pipe 1 to be projected into the conduit 23 which may be a sewer line or the like which is to be lined. The tube 1 is thus maintained at its selected formed diameter until the required length has been projected. When the pipe 1 is to be expanded, the end which is distant from the winding machine has the slip control member 20, in the form of the adhesive tape, pulled from the pipe 1 for a determined distance and the freed end is expanded by relative rotation between the convolutions which can now slip one on the oiher as force is applied. The slip control member 20 is now joined to a lead if required and engaged between a pair of stripping rollers 24 which are driven by a motor 25 at a rate such that the slip control member 20 is disengaged progressively from the pipe 1 as the winding machine feeds in the strip 2 to compensate for the added strip 2 required for the tube as it is enlarged. The adhesive tape is steadied through a guide 26. While in the illustration the stripping rollers 24 are disposed at the winding machine end of the assembly, it will be realised that they could be positioned at the other end of the pipe 1 , or a take-up device could traverse the tube from the distant end to the winding machine end as will be later described herein. It is also to be understood that the invention is applicable to helically wound pipes 1 which are previously wound and taken to the site where the pipe is to be expanded, which can be achieved by winding a longer tube, then rotating one end relative to the other while controlling the position of expansion of the tube by suitable progressive control means. The pipe 1 can be reduced by winding oppositely. , When cord of nylon or metal or a wire forms the slip control member 20 this is wound into a groove between two contiguous edges of the convolutions of the strip the cord or wire may have a series of diameter changes which engage 5 ~ similar changes in the groove in the pipe 2, and therefore when the slip control member is in position the contiguous edges of the convolutions are locked firmly together so that the production of a pipe and its forward projection continues without there being any possibility of expansion of the pipe. Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 7 of the drawings, which show somewhat schematically in end elevation junctions between the edges of a strip as they exist when such a strip is helically wound and the adjacent edges of the convolutions are interconnected so as to form a tube. FIG. 3 shows the junction as used particularly as shown in FIG. 1 and shows the strip 2 consisting of the base 3 on which are the plurality of ribs 4 having expanded ends 9, the rib 2 near one edge forming the socket 7 into which a bead 6 forming the other edge of the strip is engaged, the rib 2 on one side being shown as a typical rib of which a series extend across the width of the strip 2 to run longitudinally thereon, the rib on the other side being a hollow rib 8 to allow some accommodation, during for instance, the expansion of the pipe to a larger diameter, this rib being engaged by the tail 28 which extends from the rib 8 which has the socket in it to give a secure interlock between the two edges which are being interconnected. The slip control member is shown extending over the join between the convolutions of the strip 2 and is applied by using, for instance, an adhesive tape 29 which forms the slip control member 20 and can be fed onto the pipe over the junction of the convolutions as the strip is being helically wound to form the pipe 1 as shown particulariy in FIG. 2. The adhesive tape 29 prevents relative sliding movement of the bead 6 in the socket 7, but when removed, sliding between the bead 6 and socket 7 can be effected when the necessary force is applied. - FIG. 4 shows a similar arrangement but the slip control member 20 is a combination locking wire 30 or cord shown disposed between the wall of the pipe 1 and an adhesive tape 29, the wire 30 cutting the adhesive tape 29 when slip is required. FIG. 5 shows the wire 30 or cord embedded at the join in such a manner that it prevents sliding of one edge in relation to the other, which may be achieved by using a serrated or roughened or plastic coated wire 30 or by applying an adhesive 31 to thereby ensure that the overlapping between the overlapping parts of the strip at the join parts are appropriately locked together until such time as adjustment is required between the edges, whereupon the wire or cord is pulled out of position to sever the adhesive 31 to leave the two edges free to slide one in relation to the other. In the form shown in FIG. 6, a further bead 32 and socket 33 are shown, the first bead 6 being siidea ' oie in the socket 7 when engaged therein but the second bead 32 is locked in the socket 33 by using a bonding medium or other lock such as formed by ultrasonic welding so as to prevent movement of the bead 32 in the socket 33 but again the wire or cord 30 is used which can be pulled out by severing the end of the strip 2 to release the second bead 32 from the edge on which it is formed and thus destroy the locking action of this second bead 32 in its socket 33 by cutting it away from the part of the base on which it is formed. The form shown in FIG. 7 again uses a construction in which a wire 30 or cord is used as the slip control member 20 but in this case the slip control member 20 is positioned during the winding of the strip 2 into a pipe 1. The wire 30 which forms the slip control member 20 is engaged in a hollow rib 36 similar to the rib 8 but positioned at the inter-engaged edges of the convolutions so that the edges are held against slip, one relative to the other. This can be sealed in position by a bonding medium or can as shown be twisted or can be corrugated or roughened in such a manner that when in position it prevents slip between the two interconnected edges of the convolutions but when pulled out of position allows the necessary sliding to enable diameter adjustment of the pipe to be effected, this form having the advantage that there is no necessity to use a hollow rib as the rib 36 which accommodates the wire 30 or cord can be in the nature of a hollow rib 36 as shown to allow the necessary adjustment when the locking member is withdrawn. This, thus has the advantage of forming both the lock which prevents sliding of one edge on the other edge when in place but when removed allows the necessary adjustment during expansion or contraction of the pipe to a different diameter. Because of the form of the socket 36 which accommodates this wire 30, the interior of the tube still retains a smooth surface. Referring to FIG. 8 it will be seen that this shows the general method used in forming helically wound pipe from ribbed strip of a plastics material according to which a pipe 1 is formed by joining together the convolutions of the strip 2 by use of a pair of rollers, one being the joining roller 14 and the other the pressure roller 15, the joining roller 14 preferably being a metal roller and the pressure roller 15 having at least a surface formed of a resilient material, trie rollers 14 and 15 being positioned to force the incoming part of the strip 2 into overlapping relationship with the convolution of the strip which has just been formed as a pipe, the illustration showing how the slip control member 20 in the form of the wire 30 can be fed into the join to be firmly embedded in the join between the two joined edges of the adjacent convolutions. The wire 30 is shown as a member of rectangular cross-section which is twisted to provide as it were a series of locking sections which can embed into the overlapping edges of the strip 2 to form the necessary anti-slip member, this form applying particularly to the method illustrated in relation to FIGS. 10 and 11 where the slip control member in the form of a wire or cord which is progressively withdrawn from the join to remove the slip prevention factor from the join and to then allow the join to slip as is required during expansion or contraction of the diameter of the tube. In FIG. 9 is shown how such a slip control member 20 can be varied, in this case it being in the nature of a series of stapling members 37 joined to a continuous member 38, which can be applied to the inside of the pipe at the join to straddle the join between the convolutions, this elongated slip control member 20 being locked by penetration of the prongs 39 into the plastics material of the pipe 2. Referring now to FIG. 10 which shows how the slip control member can be withdrawn, a truncated conical sensor 41 has a swinging arm 42 supported in it as shown, which conical member is inserted into the pipe 1 at the expansion locality, the elongated locking member 20 being in the form of a wire 30 or cord guided by the swinging arm 42 so that, as the slip control member 20 is pulled to remove it from the pipe 1 , the swinging arm 42 is pulled around circularly to follow the convolutions of the strip 2 to progressively allow slip between adjacent convolutions, but this action also drawing the conical member 41 forwardiy so that the expansion is effectively controlled in a progressive manner as the conical member moves forward and the slip control member 20 is progressively withdrawn. i o suppori the swinging arm 42 the iruncaied conical member 41 has at its forward end a bearing member 43 which journals a shaft 44 positioned coaxially in the conical sensor 41 and as the swinging arm 42 at its forward end, the arm having a guide 45 through which the slip control member 20 passes, the swinging arm 42 also supporting a draft means 46 or a guide to cause the slip control member 20 to draw the truncated conical member 41 forwardiy. It will be realised that using an arm as depicted in FIG. 10, twist may be applied to the slip control member 20 as it is drawn out of the pipe 2 but normally this can be taken care of by the resiliency of the slip control member 20, or instead of using a pair of rollers as shown in FIG. 1 where the adhesive tape 29 is being pulled away from the pipe, grippers or the like can be used which act alternately to pull the elongated slip control member 20 forwardiy but allowing some twist of the slip control member. It will of course be realised that the pull to the slip control member 20 can be effected in any manner such as by winding the member on to a spool driven to withdraw the slip control member at the correct rate and this can be mounted to counter any twisting action on the slip control member 20 if that is required. FIG. 11 shows a modification of a device shown in FIG. 10 in which the slip control member 20 is again in the form of a wire 30 or cord but in this case is withdrawn by rotation of a spool 50 driven for instance by a hydraulic motor 51 mounted on a member 52 engaging the conical truncated sensor 41 which allows the spool 50 to be projected forwardiy only when the required expansion is being effected, this member being in that case shown being drawn forwardiy by a hydraulic line 53 or the like. It will of course be clear, particularly having reference to the earlier cited prior art specification WO87/05677 relating to the EXPANDA PIPE, that other means of moving such a device along the inside of the pipe are available and it would for instance be possible to use a self-propelling unit such as is described in the referred to prior art specification and to have sensor means so that it moves forwardiy to control the progressive diameter change of the pipe and at the same time effect a withdrawal of the slip control member in synchronism with the progressive expansion. The shape of the slip control member can be varied but a cord or wire or tape can be used which is serrated or stepped or otherwise formed or is sealed in by an adhesive to prevent slip between the two members between which the groove is defined while this slip control member is in position, and only after it is removed can slip occur to allow the tube to be expanded, the conical member ensuring that the correct forward progression of the expansion takes place and also forming a gauging means to ensure that the expansion is correctly controlled to result in the pipe being effectively placed in position and of the required final diameter. It will be realised that this method of controlling the expansion can apply to the various forms of the strip illustrated in the invention and it will also be realised that the method of control can be varied and in some cases the conical member may not be required as the flexing of the tube during expansion can control the progressive release of the convolutions to allow the necessary slip to occur. It should also be appreciated that interconnection of the convolutions can be effected in various ways and includes such embodiments as a flexible portion or an insert between the strip at the location where the adjacent convolutions are joined. Throughout this specification where similar parts are referred to, the same reference numeral is applied. The expression "wire or cord" includes any elongated member which can be applied to the interengaged edges and subsequently removed and includes a removable member or section forming part of the wound part which can be pulled away. For instance the slip control member 20 can be formed as part of the strip 2 as shown in FIG. 12 but arranged to be pulled away similarly to the strip 8 of FIG. 8. The slip control member 20 can be moulded as part of the end of the scrip at 6o out liπe ii scored at 86 to oe torn on during processing * » nen slip is required. The slip control member 20 can be of a high tensile form but moulded as an attachment to the strip 2. The slip control member 20 can be a member formed of a plastics material but can have a reinforcing such as a wire 30 or cord embedded in it to enhance its strength. Although the invention has generally been described as using a plastics material, metal or a combination of metal and plastics can be used, or the strip can be reinforced by metal or fibreglass or similar tension enhancing means. The slip control member 20 need not necessarily follow the helical form of the winding as illustrated, provided the arrangement allows progressive release along the pipe as expansion is required.

Claims: THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A method of slip control to effect a diameter change in a pipe formed by helically winding a strip preferably formed of a plastics material and interconnecting adjacent edges of the convolutions of the strip, characterised by providing a slip-control member (20) of elongated form at the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2), and progressively withdrawing the slip control member (20) from contact with the strip (2) to allow progressive slip between the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2). 2. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to claim 1 wherein the slip control member (20) is linearly extending and secured to the pipe (1) at the interconnected edges (8) of the helical convolutions to lock the edges against slip one on the other, and withdrawing the slip control member (20) progressively from the pipe (1 ) to allow progressive slip between the said interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip. 3. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to claim 2 wherein the slip control member (20) is a linearly extending adhesive tape (29), applying the adhesive tape (29) over the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2) to prevent slip between the edges, and withdrawing progressively the adhesive tape (29) from contact with the pipe (1) while applying force to the pipe (1) to cause the said interconnected edges (8) to slip one in relation to the other to effect a diameter change of the pipe (1 ). 4. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to claim 2 wherein the slip control member (20) is a linearly extending wire (30) or cord engaged between the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip to prevent slip between the said edges (8), withdrawing progressively the said slip control member (20) from the pipe to allow the interengaged edges (8) to slip one in relation to the other while applying force to the pipe (1) to effect a diameter change of the pipe (1). 5. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to claim 2 wherein the slip control member (20) is linearly extending and is engaged on at least one interengaged edge member (8) of the interconnected convolutions of the pipe, applying a seal between the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions, withdrawing the linearly extending slip control member (20) sequentially from the pipe to sever the seal as force is applied to the pipe to effect a diameter change of the pipe. 6. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to Claim 1 wherein the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip are interconnected by at least a bead (6) on one interconnected edge (8) and at least a socket (7) on the other interconnected edge (8), applying the slip control member (20) to be linearly extending between the said interconnected edges (8) said slip control member (20) being formed to prevent longitudinal slip between the interconnected edges (8), and progressively withdrawing the slip control member (20) from between the interconnected edges (8) while applying force to the pipe (1 ) to progressively effect a diameter change of the pipe. 7. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to Claim 1 wherein the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the pipe are interconnected by at least a pair of beads (6,32) and a pair of sockets (7,33), a first bead (6) and socket (7) being in slipping relationship, said second bead (32) and said second socket (33) being locked together in non-slip engagement, the linearly extending slip control member (20) being positioned adjacent to said second bead (32), and severing the second bead (32) by progressively withdrawing the slip control member (20) from the pipe to allow slip while applying force to the pipe (1) to progressively effect a diameter change of the pipe. 8. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to Claim 1 which comprises forming a pipe (1 ) formed by helically winding the strip (2) by means of an annulus of rollers (11), interconnecting the edges of the convolutions of the strip to form a pipe by pressing interengaging means (7,8) on the said edges together, applying a slip control member (20) linearly to at least one of the interengaged edges (8) as the pipe is formed, and subsequently withdrawing the slip control member (20) progressively from the pipe to allow slip while applying force to the pipe (1 ) to effect a diameter change of the pipe. 9. The method of slip control of a helically formed pipe according to Claim 8 wherein the slip control member (20) forms part of one edge portion of the strip (2). 2 10. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to any preceding claim characterised by helically winding the strip (2) in a winding machine (10, 11 , 12, 14-17) to produce a pipe, extending the pipe for a selected distance, at least restricting the rotation of the end of the helically wound pipe 10, (1) distant from the winding machine at a selected time of winding, and while continuing winding withdrawing the slip control member (20) progressively from the pipe commencing at the said distant end and proceeding toward the winding machine (10,11 , 12, 14-17) to progressively expand the pipe toward the winding machine (10, 11 , 12) by slip between the interconnected edge (8) of 15 the convolutions of the strip (2). 11. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe according to Claim 10 wherein the slip control member (20) is applied by the winding machine (10, 11 , 12, 14-17) and is withdrawn by means at the said winding 2.0 machine. 12. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe (2) according to Claim 2 characterised by the steps of winding a strip (2) into helical form by a winding machine (10, 11 , 12, 14-17), joining adjacent edges of the convolutions 25 of the strip to form interconnected edges (8) during the winding, linearly applying the slip control member (20) to the interconnected edges (8), continuing the winding until a required length of pipe (1) is formed, then holding the end of the pipe (1 ) remote from the winding machine (10, 11 , 12, 14-17) while progressively withdrawing the slip control member (20) toward the 0 winding machine as winding continues, whereby to expand the pipe by slip at the interconnected edges of the convolutions of the strip (2), and controlling the rate of withdrawal of the slip control member (20) to be proportional to the rate of input of the strip (2) to the winding machine (10, 11 , 12, 14-17) in relation to the required expansion. 5 13. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe (1) according to Claim 1 wherein the rate of withdrawal of the slip control member (20) is controlled by a sensor (41) adapted to sense expansion of the pipe (1 ) and to be moved forward progressively with the said expansion, and connecting the sensor to the slip control member (20) to cause the sensor to control the rate of withdrawal of the slip control member in accordance with the rate of forward movement of the sensor. 14. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe (1 ) according to claim 13 wherein the said sensor (41) is a truncated conical member connected to be drawn forward at a rate defined by the expansion of the pipe (1 ). 15. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe (1) according to claim 13 wherein the sensor has an arm (42) swinging about the axis of the pipe (1), and engaging the slip control member on the swinging arm to move the sensor forward at a rate determined by the progress of the expansion. 16. The method of slip control of a helically wound pipe (1) according to claim 13 wherein the slip control member (20) is withdrawn from the pipe (1) by winding it on to a spool moved forward in the pipe to be positioned near the expansion area of the pipe (1 ). 17. Slip control means for helically wound pipes wherein the pipe (1) is formed by helically winding a strip (2) preferably of plastics material and the edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip are interconnected, characterised by a slip-control member (20) applied to the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip, the slip control member (20) being arranged to be withdrawable progressively from the pipe (2) to allow slip linearly between the interconnected edges of the convolutions of the pipe when force is applied to the pipe. 18. Slip control means according to claim 17 wherein the slip control means (20) extend linearly along the convolutions of the pipe and are held to the interconnected edges (8) of the helical convolutions of the pipe (1), and by means (24-25) to progressively withdraw the slip control means (20) from the pipe (1) to allow slip between the interengaged edges (8) of the convolutions when force is applied to the pipe. 19. Slip control means according to claim 18 wherein interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the pipe (1) can slip one on the other and the slip control means (20) comprise an adhesive tape (29) applied linearly over the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the pipe (1), and by means (24, 25, 41-45, 50-53) to engage the slip control means (20) and withdraw the slip control means (20) progressively from engagement with the pipe (1). 20. Slip control means according to claim 17 wherein interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the pipe (1 ) can slip one on the other but the slip control means (20) comprise in combination an adhesive tape 29 applied linearly over the interconnected edges (8), and a linear wire (30) or cord positioned to cut the tape (29) longitudinally when the linear wire (30) or cord is progressively withdrawn. 21. Slip control means according to claim 17 wherein the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the pipe (1 ) are bonded together wherein the slip control member (20) is arranged so that progressive withdrawing of the slip control member (20) releases the bond (31). 22. Slip control means according to claim 17 wherein the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip are interconnected by at least a bead (6) on one edge (8) and a socket (7) on the other edge (8) which are adapted to slip longitudinally one on the other, the said slip control means (20) being in the form of a wire (30) or cord shaped to prevent slip between the interconnected edges (8) but when progressively withdrawn from the pipe allow slip between the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2). 23. Slip control means according to claim 17 wherein the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip are interconnected by at least a bead (6) on one edge (8) and a socket (7) on the other edge (8) adapted to slide one on the other, and a further bead (32) on one edge (8) and a socket (33) on the other edge (8) adapted to lock against sliding one on the other, the said slip control (20) being in the form of a wire (30) or cord arranged to cut the further bead (32) or socket (33) progressively from the edge (8) when withdrawn from the pipe (1 ) to allow slip between the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2). 24. Slip control means according to claim 17 characterised by; a winding machine (10, 11 , 12, 14-17) adapted to wind a strip (2) helically and to interconnect the edges (8) of adjacent convolutions of the strip to form a pipe (1), means to apply slip control means (20) to the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2), and means (24, 25) to linearly and progressively withdraw the slip control means (20) from the pipe to allow progressive change of the diameter of the pipe where differential force is applied to the two ends of the pipe. 25. Slip control means according to claim 18 adapted to apply a slip control member (20) in the form of an adhesive tape (29) over the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2) forming the pipe (1 ) which comprise; guide means (20, 21) to feed the adhesive strip to the pipe (1) as it is being wound, an applicator roller (22) to press the adhesive strip (29) to the wall of the pipe (1) and means (24-25) to linearly and progressively withdraw the adhesive tape (29) from the pipe (1 ). 26. Slip control means according to claim 17 adapted to apply a slip control member (20) in the form of a wire (30) or cord into the interconnected edges (8) of the convolutions of the strip (2) forming the pipe (1 ) which comprise; a joining roller (14) and a pressure roller (15), means to drive the rollers to press together the edges of the convolutions of the strip (2) to form the interconnected edges, a hollow in the strip (2) at the interconnected edge (8) to receive the wire (30) or cord to lock the wire (30) in the hollow, and means (41- 46) to subsequently withdraw the wire (30) or cord from the pipe. 27. Slip control means according to claim 26 wherein the means (41-46) to withdraw the slip control member (20) comprise a truncated conical sensor (41) adapted to sense expansion of the pipe (1), a swinging arm (42) positioned to rotate about the axis of the conical sensor (41), and draft means (46) on the arm to be engaged by the slip control member whereby pull on the slip control member (20) moves the arm (42) and truncated conical sensor (41) forward in synchronisation with withdrawal of the slip control member (20) as it is withdrawn from the pipe (1 ). 28. Slip control means according to claim 27 wherein the means to withdraw the slip control member comprise a spool (50) driven by driving means and supported to be drawn forward in the pipe withdraws the slip control member (20) forward. 29. Slip control means according to claim 28 wherein the spool (50) is rotationally mounted in a truncated conical sensor (41 ). 30. Slip control means according to claim 16 wherein the slip control member (20) comprises an extending member (38) having staples (37,39) on it to engage the interconnected edges (8) of the pipe to prevent slip. 31. Slip control means according to claim 16 wherein the slip control member (20) is formed as part of one edge (8) portion of the strip (2) but shaped to be progressively torn from the strip when slip is required between the interengaged edges (8) of adjacent convolutions of the strip. 32. Slip control means according to claim 31 wherein the slip control member (20) has a reinforcing such as a wire (30) or cord embedded in it.

Inventors: MENZEL STANLEY WILLIAM OTTO, MENZEL, STANLEY, WILLIAM, OTTO
Applicants: RIB LOC AUSTRALIA, RIB LOC AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: F16L55
IPC codes: B29C53, B29C63, B29C65, F16L55