PIPE RETAINER

Abstract: A fixing member (20) for holding a pipe (10) to another member (40) comprises a bifurcated first section (22). The bifurcated first section (22) has two fingers (22a) which can be positioned adjacent an abutment surface (12, 36) on the pipe. The fingers (22a) are arranged one each side of the pipe (10). The second section (24) extends from the bifurcated first section and co-operates with the fixing part (18, 36) to inhibit separation of the pipe (10) from the other member. In a preferred embodiment both first and second sections are bifurcated. In another embodiment, one section is bifurcated and the other section comprises elongate arms with transversely directed locking surfaces which co-operate with the fixing part to hold the pipe in place. The fingers of the first bifurcated section may be joined by a loop defining an aperture so that the fixing member can be retained captive on the pipe during coupling and decoupling from the other member.

Description: PIPE RETAINER The invention relates to a pipe retainer and is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with the retention of a convoluted pipe on to for example, a vapour outlet for a fuel tank. It has been known hitherto to retain and seal pipes on fuel tank fittings by using a worm drive clip and relying upon the resulting friction between the pipe and the fitting to hold the pipe in place. Whilst such a system operates reasonably satisfactorily, the worm drive clip itself is an expensive item and it is necessary to use a tool to tighten the clip after it has been placed m position. Another arrangement for holding the pipe sealmgly in place is to use a barbed nipple which presents a tapered lead-in surface over which an end of the pipe is pushed, the barb resisting removal of the pipe once it has been pushed fully into position. However, to facilitate easy push-on of the pipe whilst providing adequate resistance to removal, the shape of the barbed fitting is quite critical and, bearing in mind that the characteristics of the pipe will generally change with temperature and contact with the fuel, the arrangement is not altogether satisfactory. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved form of a pipe retainer. According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a fixing member for holding a pipe to another member, the fixing member comprising a bifurcated first section having two fingers which can be positioned adjacent an abutment surface on the pipe, the fingers being arranged one each side of the pipe, and a second section extending from the bifurcated first section for co-operation with a fixing part to inhibit separation of the pipe from the other member. In one embodiment, the said second section of the fixing member is bifurcated and spaced from the first bifurcated section and an elongate section interconnects the first and second bifurcated sections. The elongate section may comprise a strip or rod of material which may be rigid or flexible. The or each bifurcated section may be arranged to snap over the pipe so that, once in position on the pipe, removal of the fixing member is inhibited. Where the second bifurcated section is provided, it may likewise snap over part of the member on which the pipe is to be retained so that removal of the fixing member is inhibited. In another embodiment, the said second section of the fixing member extending from the bifurcated first section comprises spaced apart elongate arms having transversely directed locking surfaces which co-operate with the said fixing part to hold the pipe in place. In a preferred embodiment, the free ends of the two fingers are joined together by a loop of material, defining an opening between the loop and the fingers, whereby the fixing member can be retained on the pipe in captive manner with sufficient play to allow coupling and decoupling of the pipe to and from the other member. According to a another aspect of the invention there is provided a fixing member for holding a pipe to another member, the fixing member comprising a bifurcated first section having two fingers which, in use lie one each side of one of the components and co-operate with an abutment surface thereon and spaced apart elongate arms extending from the bifurcated first section and having transversely directed locking surfaces which co-operate with an abutment surface on the other of the components to hold the components together. At least one of the arms may be moved into a locking position by a pivotal arrangement which operates as a result of urging the pipe on to the said component. In such an arrangement, a release lever may be provided for pivoting the said arm in an opposite direction to enable the fixing member to be released. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a retainer for a convoluted pipe comprising a peripheral sealing element disposed in a space between two adjacent convolutions of the pipe and a fixing member having a first section which is locatable in a space between two adjacent convolutions of the pipe and a second section which co-operates with a fixed part, the pipe, in use, being received axially by a cylindrical or like member whereby the sealing element seals between a surface of the cylindrical member and a surface of the convoluted pipe, the fixing member being arranged to prevent the pipe being withdrawn from the cylindrical member. With such an arrangement, it is unnecessary to use a worm drive clip and it is also unnecessary to provide a barbed fixing arrangement as the sealing element effectively seals between the pipe and the cylindrical member and the pipe is held in place m a simple manner by means of the fixing member. The fixed part may comprise a surface, for example a radial surface, on the cylindrical member. In one embodiment, the sealing element is arranged externally around the pipe and the pipe is received into the cylindrical member so that sealing is effected between the sealing element and an inner surface of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member may comprise a first portion defining the surface against which the sealing element seals and a second portion of different diameter which may lead, for example, to the fuel tank. Preferably, an annular shoulder is defined between the first and second portions which provides the said part co-operable with the second section of the fixing member. If desired, two sealing elements may be provided in respective spaces between convolutions. The pipe may be reinforced in the area occupied by the or each sealing element. For example, a stiffening element such as a rigid tube of material may be provided to stiffen the pipe m the area occupied by the or each sealing element. The stiffening element is preferably arranged inside the pipe. In that case, the pipe may have its internal diameter increased to receive the stiffening element so that, when the stiffening element is in place, the internal bore of the pipe is not decreased substantially. The said member to which the pipe is attached may be of the aforesaid cylindrical member or may be, for example, a cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve having open ends into which respective ends of two pipes are passed. The first section of the fixing member may be bifurcated to define a pair of fingers which can fit between two adjacent convolutions, the fingers being arranged one-each side of the pipe. Pipe retainers m accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig 1 is a diagrammatic cross-section through part of a convoluted pipe having a retainer m accordance with the invention; Fig 2 is a plan view of one form of fixing member of the retainer shown in Fig 1; Figs 3 and 4 are end views of the fixing member shown m Fig 2 looking respectively in the directions of arrows III and IV Fig 5 is a plan view similar to Fig 2 but showing a modified form of fixing member; Fig 6 is a cross-section showing two pipes joined together by means of a hose and held in the hose by means of a fixing member of the kind shown in Fig 2 or 5; Fig 7 is a perspective view of an alternative type of fixing member; Fig 8 shows the way in which one arm of the fixing member shown m Fig 7 can be modified to provide a pivotal locking action; Fig 9 shows the way in which the pipe can be retained on the outside of a cylindrical member; Fig 10 is a part cross-section, part side elevation of two pipes joined together and held by means a fixing member in accordance with the first two aspects of the invention; Fig 11 is a bottom plan view of the two coupled pipes of Fig 10 looking in the direction of arrow XI in Fig 10; Fig 12 is a perspective view of the fixing member shown in Figs 10, 11 and Figs 13, 14 and 15 are perspective views of respective fixing members in accordance with the invention. In Fig 1, a convoluted pipe 10 of known kind has a plurality of equi-spaced convolutions 12 defining spaces 13 therebetween to permit easy flexing of the pipe. Such pipes may be used in a fuel system, for example, to conduct vapour from a fuel tank in a vehicle. In such a case, it is- necessary for the pipe 10 to be secured firmly and sealingly to an outlet 14 on the fuel tank which is generally indicated at 16. In accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, two spaces between the convolutions 12 are occupied by respective O-rings 16 which seal against sides 12a, 12b of their associated convolutions and project outwardly beyond the radial extremities of the convolutions. The section of the pipe 10 carrying the seals 16 is then inserted into the outlet 14 (which is cylindrical in the example shown) so that the seals 16 make sealing contact with the internal surface of the outlet 14. It will be noted that the outlet 14 includes a reduced diameter portion 14a so as to define an annular shoulder 18. A fixing member 20 is then placed in position to secure the pipe 10 in the outlet 14 and reference is now made to Figs 2 to 5. Fig 2 shows a first type of fixing member 20 comprising spaced apart bifurcated first and second end sections 22, 24 interconnected by a strip of material 26. The end sections 22, 24 are of horse shoe form in order that the end sections will snap fit into position as described below. Conveniently, the fixing member 20 is formed as a plastics injection moulding. Fig 5 has similar bifurcated end sections 22, 24 which are interconnected by a flexible rod 28 to facilitate relative off-set positioning of the end sections as shown in broken lines in Fig 5 which may be advantageous in certain arrangements . In use, and referring again to Fig 1, the fixing member 20 is arranged as shown in Fig 1 with the end section 24 snap-fitted around the pipe 10 so that fingers 24a of the end section 24 pass between adjacent corrugations 12 and snap- fit around the pipe 10 as indicated in Fig 4. The other bifurcated end section 22 extends behind the annular shoulder 18 so that fingers 22a thereof snap-fit around the reduced diameter section 14a as indicated in broken lines in Fig 3. The fixing member 20 then inhibits removal of the pipe 10 from the outlet 14. Fig 6 shows the way in which the fixing member 20 can be used to hold two pipes 30, 32 together with the pipe ends being sealed together by an interconnecting hose 34. Each pipe 30, 32 has a peripheral abutment flange 36 (or may be convoluted) and the end sections 22, 24 of the fixing member are formed so as to snap-fit around the tubes 30, 32 respectively behind the flanges 36 to prevent the pipes being withdrawn from the hose 34. Where the pipes 30, 32 are convoluted, the end sections 22, 24 will fit between adjacent convolutions. In Fig 7, an alternative type of fixing member 20 is shown. In Fig 7, a bifurcated end section 38 has fingers 38a which form an inverted U-shape or, as shown in broken lines, a horse shoe shape similar to that shown in Fig 4. The fingers 38a have respective arms 40 extending therefrom. Each arm 40 being formed with a ramp section 42 leading to a locking surface 44. In use, and referring again to Fig 1, the end section 38 is positioned between adjacent corrugations 12, for example, before the pipe 10 is assembled into the outlet 14. On inserting the pipe 10 into the outlet 14, the ramp sections 42 ride up and along the outside of the outlet 14 and when the pipe 10 reaches the position shown m Fig 1, the locking surfaces 44 snap behind the annular shoulder 18 to inhibit removal of the pipe. Again, when the bifurcated end section 38 is assembled on the pipe 10, the horse shoe shaped version will snap over the pipe 10 to hold the end section 38 in position. As shown in Fig 8, one of the arms 40 may be provided with a pivotal locking mechanism 45. In that case, the arm 40 is formed with an inwardly projecting cam 46 which is movable about a hinge portion 48. A neck portion 50 is defined opposite the hinge portion 48 and an outwardly projecting lever 52 is formed integrally on the arm 40. Normally, the arm 40 takes the form shown in full lines in Fig 8. However, on assembly as described above on to the outlet 14, a nose part 44a of the ramp section 42 simply slides along the outlet 14 until the cam 46 encounters the outlet. Further movement of the fixing member 20 along the outlet 14 causes the cam 46 to be urged outwardly about the hinge 48 thereby tipping the locking surface 44 inwardly as shown in broken lines in Fig 8. In that way, the fixing member 20 latches securely in position on the outlet 14 with the locking surface 44 behind the annular shoulder 18. In order to release the fixing member of Fig 8, a user can simply press the lever 52 inwards to move the locking surface 44 back towards the full line position to enable the fixing member to be removed manually with one hand. If desired both of the arms 40 could be formed as shown in Fig 8. Also, if necessary, the arms 40 can be interconnected by a circular linking strap 54 extending between the cams 46 as shown diagram atically in broken lines in Fig 7. The linking strap 54 will effectively prevent the arms 40 from deforming outwardly as outward movement of the cam 46 causes the locking surface 44 to move inwardly. It may be desirable to reinforce the pipe 10 in the region of the sealing rings 16. One way of achieving that is shown m broken lines in Fig 1 where a rigid tube 56 is inserted into the pipe 10 inside the region carrying the sealing rings 16. If desired, that part of the pipe 10 may be formed so as to be of slightly greater internal diameter than the remainder of the pipe. In that way, the internal diameter of the tube 56 can be the same as the diameter of the remainder of the pipe so as not to reduce cross-sectional area of the flow path through the pipe 10. In Fig 9, the seals 16 are arranged inside the pipe 10 and seal against the outside of a cylindrical member 114 which may comprise an outlet from a fuel tank. The cylindrical member is formed with a radial projection 60, eg an annular shoulder, for co-operation with the bifurcated end section 22 of the fixing member 20. The other bifurcated end section 24 locates between adjacent convolutions 12 as before. If desired, the fixing member of Fig 7 or Fig 8 could be used. In such a case, the arms 40 could be used to inhibit radial expansion of the pipe at least to some extent due to the sealing contact of the seals 16 against the cylindrical member 114. Figs 10 and 11 an alternative type coupling is shown in which the retainer 20 can be used. In Figs 10 and 11 parts corresponding to parts m Figs. 1 to 9 carry the same reference numerals. A pipe 10 which can be convoluted or straight receives a push- in type coupling member 62 which comprises an elongate hollow nipple part 64 with annular barbs or crenellations 66 defined on the outer surface thereof. A sealing '0' ring 68 is retained in an annular recess 70 m the wall of the nipple part 64. The coupling member 62 further includes a radially extending annular shoulder 72 which extends from one end of the nipple part 64 and a cylindrical part 74 which extends from the shoulder 72. In use, the nipple part 64 is pushed into the end of the pipe 10. The '0' ring 68 seals against the inner wall of the pipe 10 to prevent fluid travelling down the pipe 10 from escaping at the coupling. The cylindrical part 74 of the coupling 62 receives a grommet seal 76 having a small annular projecting lip 76a. The grommet 76 receives a cylindrical part 78 of a second pipe member 80 which may be an outlet from a fuel tank. The pipe 80 includes an annular shoulder 82 which abuts the lip 76a of the grommet seal 76 which in turn abuts the upper rim of the cylindrical part 74 of the coupling element 62. The cylindrical part 74 of the coupling member 62, the grommet seal 76 and the cylindrical part 78 and annular shoulder 82 of the pipe 80 are dimensioned so as to form a tight fit. However, since the pipe coupling is subjected to significant forces m use, particularly where the pipe coupling couples an outlet from a fuel tank to a fuel pipe, it is necessary to ensure the retention of the coupling with the fixing member 20. The fixing member 20 shown in Figs 10 and 11 is illustrated in more detail in Fig 12. The fixing member 20 in Fig 12 s similar to those shown in Figs 2 to 5 and parts corresponding to parts in those figures carry the same reference numerals. Fixing member 20 comprises first and second bifurcated end sections 22, 24 which are connected by three strips of material 26. The bifurcated section 22 comprises fingers 22a which define a substantially circular space 22b therebetween. Similarly, the bifurcated end section 24 comprises fingers 24a defining substantially circular opening 24b. The opening 24b is designed to be arranged around the pipe 10 and the opening 22b is designed to be arranged around the pipe 80. Since the pipes may have different diameters, the openings 22b and 24b may differ in size. Accordingly, an arrow 88 is moulded into the top part of the middle strip of material 26 to indicate the correct orientation of the fixing member 20 on the pipe coupling. The fingers 22a and 24a of the bifurcated end section 22, 24 are arranged in such a way that the fixing member 20 snaps on to the pipes 10 and 80 and can be snapped off, if desired. The fingers 22a, 24a abut the shoulders 82, 72 respectively to prevent the coupling from coming apart. The fixing members 20 shown in Figs 13 to 15 are intended to be retained in a captive manner on the pipe 10. The fixing member 20 shown in Fig 13 comprises bifurcated end sections 22, 24 comprising respective pairs of fingers 22a, 24a interconnected by two strips of material 26. The fingers 24a are joined together at their free ends by a loop of material 90 defining a large aperture 92. Thus, the opening 24b and aperture 92 define a single opening having a large section and a smaller section in the manner of a keyhole. In use, the fixing member 20 is assembled on to the pipe 10 prior to the coupling member 62 being inserted into the pipe 10. The pipe 10 at that point is received through the large aperture 92 which allows enough play to assemble the coupling element 62 into the pipe 10 and the grommet 76 and pipe 80 into the coupling element 62. Once the pipes 10 and 80 are coupled together, the fixing member 20 is moved into position adjacent the shoulder 72 and snapped onto the pipe 10 and the bifurcated end 22 is snapped over the pipe 80 adjacent the shoulder 82. In that way, if the fixing member 20 is removed from the coupling, it is held captive on the pipe 10 by the coupling element 62 so that the fixing member cannot be lost during decoupling and recouplmg of the pipes 10, 80 The fixing memoer 20 shown m Fig 14 is substantially similar to that shown in Fig 13 with the difference that the loop of material 90 is rather thicker to increase the strength of the member 20. The fixing member 20 shown in Fig 15 is rather similar to that shown in Fig 7 with the additional feature of the loop of material 90 to allow retention of the fixing member 20 on the pipe 10 as described above. It will be appreciated that the retainer of the present invention both secures and seals the pipe 10 in position.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A fixing member for holding a pipe to another member, the fixing member comprising a bifurcated first section having two fingers which can be positioned adjacent an abutment surface on the pipe, the fingers being arranged one each side of the pipe, and a second section extending from the bifurcated first section for cooperation with a fixing part to inhibit separation of the pipe from the upper member. 2. A fixing member according to claim 1 in which the said second section of the fixing member is bifurcated and spaced from the first bifurcated section, an elongate section interconnecting the first and second bifurcated sections . 3. A fixing member according to claim 2 in which the elongate section comprises a strip or rod of material. 4. A fixing member according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 in which the/or each bifurcated section is arranged to snap over the pipe so that, once in position on the pipe, removal of the fixing member is inhibited. 5. A fixing member according to claim 4 when dependent upon claim 2 in which the second bifurcated section snaps over part of the member on which the pipe is to be retained so that removal of the fixing member is inhibited. 6. A fixing member according to any preceding claim in which the free ends of the two fingers of the first bifurcated section are joined together by a loop of material so as to define an opening between the loop and the fingers, whereby the fixing member can be retained on the pipe in captive manner with sufficient play to allow coupling and decoupling of the pipe to and from the other member. 7. A fixing member according to claim 1 in which the second section of the fixing member extending from the bifurcated first section comprises spaced apart elongate arms having transversely directed locking surfaces which co-operate with the fixing part to nold the pipe in place . 8. A fixing member for holding a pipe to another member, the fixing member comprising a bifurcated first section having two fingers which, in use, lie one each side of one of the pipe and the other member and co-operate with an abutment surface thereon and spaced apart elongate arms extending from the bifurcated first section and having transversely directed locking surfaces which cooperate with an abutment surface on the upper of the pipe and other member to hold the pipe and other member together . 9. A fixing member according to claim 8 in which at least one of the arms is moved into a locking position by a pivotal arrangement which operates as a result of urging the pipe onto the other member. 10. A fixing member according to claim 9 in which a release lever is provided for pivoting the arm in an opposite direction to enable the fixing member to be released. 11. A retainer for a convoluted pipe comprising a peripheral sealing element disposed in a space between two adjacent convolutions of the pipe and a fixing member having a first section which is locatable in a space between two adjacent convolutions of the pipe and a second section which co-operates with a fixed part, the pipe, in use, being received axially by a cylindrical or like member whereby the sealing element seals between a surface of the cylindrical member and a surface of the convoluted pipe, the fixing member being arranged to prevent the pipe being withdrawn from the cylindrical member. 12. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to claim 11 in which the fixed part comprises a surface on the cylindrical member. 13. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to claim 10 or 11 in which the sealing element is arranged externally around the pipe and the pipe is received into the cylindrical member so that sealing is effected between the sealing element and an inner surface of the cylindrical member. 14. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to claim 11, 12 or 13 in which the cylindrical member comprises a first portion defining the surface against which the sealing element seals and a second portion of different diameter . 15. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to claim 14 in which an annular shoulder is defined between the first and second portions which provides the part co- operable with the second section of the fixing member. 16. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to any of claims 11 to 15 in which two sealing elements are provided in respective spaces between convolutions of the convoluted pipe. 17. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to any of claims 11 to 16 in which the pipe is- reinforced in the area occupied by the or each sealing element. 18. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to claim 17 in which a stiffening element is provided to stiffen the pipe in the area occupied by the or each sealing element. 19. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to claim 18 in which the stiffening element is arranged inside the pipe and the pipe has its internal diameter increased to receive a stiffening element so that the internal bore of the pipe is not decreased when the stiffening element is in place. 20. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to any of claims 11 to 19 in which the member to which the pipe is attached is a cylindrical member or may be a cylindrical sleeve having open ends into which respective ends of two pipes are passed. 21. A retainer for a convoluted pipe according to any of claims 11 to 20 in which the first section of the fixing member is bifurcated to define a pair of fingers which can sit between two adjacent convolutions, the fingers being arranged one each side of the pipe.

Inventors: DAVIES JOHN, DAVIES, JOHN
Applicants: DAVIES JOHN, EAGLE PICHER FLUID SYST LTD, DAVIES, JOHN, EAGLE-PICHER FLUID SYSTEMS LIMITED
Application year: 1998
Main classification: F16L37
IPC codes: F16L25, F16L37