CONNECTION ASSEMBLY FOR COUPLING TO A PIPE

Abstract: A connection assembly (1, 53, 60) for coupling to a pipe (18). The assembly includes a body portion (2), a collar portion (6), an 'O'-ring (4) and a grip ring (5). The body and collar portions are arranged for bayonet type connection which serves to force the grip ring into engagement with the pipe and simultaneously energise the 'O'-ring to form a seal between the body portion and the pipe. A locking means (50) is preferably provided to prevent relative rotation between the collar portion and body portion.

Description: CONNECTION ASSEMBLY FOR COUPLING TO A PIPE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connection assembly for coupling to a pipe. Background of the Invention A conventional assembly used for coupling to a pipe, to facilitate connection of an additional fitting or for terminating the pipe, includes a threaded body portion adapted to be received in a correspondingly threaded collar portion which fits over an end of the pipe. The assembly includes an 'O'-ring, or the like, a clamping ring and a thrust ring for transferring load from the body portion to the clamping ring. The portions are configured so that when the body portion is screwed into the collar portion, the clamping ring is forced into clamping engagement with the pipe. However, the 'O'-ring is not preloaded or energised. Sealing and energising of the O'-ring takes effect only when fluid pressure is applied within the pipe. Construction of such an assembly is generally fairly complicated, particularly, since accurate machining or moulding of the screw thread is required. Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection assembly which is of simplified construction, is easy to use and is preferably tamper proof. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a connection assembly including: a collar portion adapted to fit over a pipe; a body portion arranged to engage with the collar portion; sealing means; and a grip ring, wherein one of the portions includes a boss for engagement with corresponding retaining structure of the other portion so as to facilitate bayonet type connection between the components, comprising axial advancement followed by rotational connection, the connection resulting in a compressive force being applied between the body portion and the collar portion to drive the grip ring into gripping engagement with the pipe and simultaneously energise the sealing means to effect a seal between the body portion and the pipe. Preferably, the assembly further includes a locking means movable so as to be able to adopt a lock position in which relative rotation between the two portions is inhibited. Preferably the body portion includes the boss and the collar portion includes said retaining structure, in the form of a flange, extending circumferentially and radially, inwardly of the housing. Preferably, the flange or boss includes a ramped surface with axial dimension for effecting axial advancement of the body portion into the collar portion during rotational connection, to apply a compression force to the grip ring and energise the sealing means. Preferably, a plurality of bosses are provided about a circumference of the body portion and a plurality of associated flanges are provided in the collar portion. Preferably, the locking means includes a plurality of tabs projecting from an annular locking cap and the collar portion includes a plurality of associated slots for receipt of the tabs which, in use, extend through the collar portion for engagement with associated ones of the bosses of the body portion to inhibit relative rotation between the portions. Preferably, the locking cap includes at least one attachment hole for receiving at least one spigot projecting outwardly from the collar portion, the spigot having a resiliently biased head adapted to contract to pass through the hole and subsequently expand to anchor the locking cap to the collar portion when the locking means is in the lock position. Alternatively, the locking cap is provided with the at least one spigot and the collar portion provided with the at least one attachment hole for receipt of the spigot to anchor the locking cap to the collar portion. Preferably, the collar portion includes a plurality of indents about a periphery thereof for receipt of associated fingers of a driving spanner used to rotate the collar portion relative to the body portion into engagement therebetween. In another possible form, the locking means includes at least one elongated arm member mounted for pivotal movement in the region of one end portion thereof between the lock position and a release position. Preferably, the or each arm includes a locking detent in the region of the other end portion of the arm member, the detent, when the arm member is in the lock position extending through an aperture or slot in the collar portion into a position which inhibits relative rotation between the portions. Preferably, the or each arm member is pivotally mounted to the collar portion and in the release position extend generally radially with respect to the collar portion. Preferably, two arm members are provided and are disposed in generally diametrically opposed positions. Preferred Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a connection assembly; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a connection assembly; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a first perspective view of the assembly shown in Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a second perspective view of the assembly shown in Figures 2 to 4; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line A- A, shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B, shown in Figure 6; and Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Referring to the drawings, a connection assembly 1 includes a body portion 2, a grip ring 5, a collar portion 6 and sealing means 3 in the form of an 'O'-ring 4, for forming a seal between the grip ring 5 and the body portion 2, and a pipe 18. The body portion 2 has a cylindrical body 7 with bosses 8 arranged about a circumference 9, at one end 10 thereof. Each boss 8 includes two surfaces 11, 12, oppositely ramped in an axial direction of the body portion 2, so as to form a V-shaped connection surface. The body portion 2 also includes an annular recess 13 for carrying of the 'O'-ring 4 and base 14 of the grip ring 5. The collar portion 6 includes a cylindrical housing 15 with a cone-shaped front end 16, defining a first opening 17 for receipt of the pipe 18. The second end 19 of the housing 15 is arranged for receipt of the body portion 2, carrying the grip ring 5 and the O'-ring 4. Retaining structure 20 is provided in the housing 15 for releasably holding the body portion 2 in the collar portion 6. The retaining structure 20 comprises a plurality of flange elements 21 arranged around an inner circumference of the housing 15 and extending radially inwardly thereof. The flange elements 21 each include a V-shaped indentation 22, facing the front end 16 of the housing 15, for receipt of the corresponding V-shaped connection surfaces 11, 12 of the associated bosses. The assembly 1 is fitted to the pipe 18 by inserting an end 23 of the pipe 18 into the assembly via the first opening 17 of the collar portion 6 and sliding the collar portion 6 over the pipe 18. The body portion 2, carrying the 'O'-ring and grip ring, extends through the second end 19 of the collar portion 6 so that the bosses 8 register with apertures 24 provided between the flange elements 21. The body portion 2 is subsequently advanced into the housing 15 of the collar portion 6 until the grip ring 5 abuts an inner surface 25 of the cone-shaped front end 16. The body portion 2 is then rotated relative to the collar portion 6 so that the bosses 8 engage with the flange elements 21. The respective ramped surface 11 or 12 of each boss rides up over the associated flange element 21 to axially advance the body portion 2 and compress the grip ring 5, forcing it into gripping engagement with the pipe 18 and simultaneously compressing and energising the O'-ring 4 for sealing engagement between the body portion 2, the pipe 18 and the grip ring, as represented in Figure 3. The end sections of the grip ring 5 which engage the pipe 18 may have serrations or tooth-like elements thereon. Further rotation of the body portion results in the V-shaped connection surfaces of the bosses being releasably located in the corresponding V-shaped indentation 22 of the flange elements 21. The body portion 2 is shown as terminating the pipe 18 but may be of any suitable construction, for example, of a hollow structure for coupling to other pipes to allow for fluid communication therebetween, such as in the form of an "L", "T" or other threaded connector, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 6 and 9. Referring to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5 the assembly further includes releasable locking means 30 which is movable so as to be able to adopt a lock position in which relative rotation between the body portion 2 and collar portion 6 is inhibited. As shown in Figures 2 to 5 the releasable locking means 30 includes a pair of elongated arm members 31 and 32 mounted to the collar portion 2 for pivotal movement in the region of one end portion thereof about pivot mountings 33 and 34 between the lock position and a release position. Each arm member includes a locking detent 35 and 36 in the region of the other end portion of the arm member. When the arm members are in the lock position the detents extend through an aperture or slot 41 and 42 in the collar portion into a position which inhibits relative rotation between the two parts. In the release position the arms 31 and 32 extend generally radially with respect to the collar and the two arm members are disposed in generally diametrically opposed positions. In the radially extended position the arm members can act as levers to assist in the connection of the two portions together. An alternative and preferred form of the locking means 50 is shown in Figures 6 to 8, where like reference numerals denote like parts to those shown in Figures 1 to 5. The locking means 50 includes an annular locking cap 51 with tabs 52 projecting circumferentially and axially therefrom. For installation, the locking cap 51 is slid over the pipe 18 and an assembly 53 attached, as described above. The connection assembly 53 is of generally the same construction as assembly 1 but includes slots 54 in the end 16 of the collar portion. Once the assembly 53 is attached to the pipe, the locking means 50 is advanced such that the tabs 52 pass through the slots 54 to locate between the bosses 8, when the body portion and collar portion are connected together, to thereby prevent relative rotation between the body portion 2 and the collar portion 6. The locking cap 51 has attachment holes 55 therein for receipt of spigots 56 projecting from the collar portion 6. Alternatively, the collar portion may be provided with the holes and the locking cap with the spigots. The spigots 56 are preferably formed with resiliently biased heads such that the heads may contract to enter the holes and subsequently expand after passing therethrough to securely anchor the locking cap 51 in place. The locking cap 51 thereby provides a high level of security against tampering or unintentional loosening of the assembly. A specially designed tool (not shown) may be employed to release the spigots, and thereby the locking cap, if the assembly 53 need to be released from the pipe. The configuration of the locking cap 51 is also such that secure locking of the assembly can be achieved without requiring additional space around the assembly for manipulation, as would be the case with the locking means 30 shown in Figures 2 to 5. The collar portion of Figure 6 also includes circumferentially spaced indents 57 about a periphery thereof to assist in gripping the collar portion during installation. In particular the indents 57 are adapted for receipt of associated fingers of a driving spanner (not shown) used for effecting relative rotation between the collar portion 6 and the body portion 2. Similar indents 58 may be provided on the body portion, as shown in Figure 9, which illustrates a further preferred assembly 60. The assembly 60 is again of generally similar construction to each of the abovedescribed assemblies 1 and 53 and like parts are denoted with like reference numerals. The locking means 50 is, however, somewhat differently constructed to the locking means shown in Figure 6 in that only two tabs 52 are provided and the remaining two tabs of Figure 6 are replaced with resilient latches 61 which snap engage through the associated apertures 54 to secure the cap 51 in place. Accordingly, the need for separate spigots 56 and holes 55 to lock the cap in place is dispensed with. The body portion of Figure 9 is also provided with a modified "Z" shaped profile 62 on each of the bosses 8 for engagement with complimentary shaped retaining structure (not shown) in the collar portion 6 and a tapered seat 63 is provided for the 'O'-ring 4. Such an arrangement has proven to be particularly advantageous for secure and reliable installation of the assembly 60. As can be appreciated from the above, the invention provides a simplified connection assembly which allows for rapid and reliable interconnection with the pipe. The assembly is easy to construct and requires minimal rotational movement for secure interconnection. Pre-loading and energising of the sealing means is also effected during connection so that a seal is established without the need for separate fluid pressurisation of the pipe. The assembly can also be locked in place in a quick, effective and secure manner. Further, the bayonet type connection, in combination with the tabs of the locking cap locating between bosses of the body portion ensures the assembly is installed correctly without the danger of the body and collar portions being under or overtightened, as may be the case with the screw-threaded arrangement of the prior art, thereby also avoiding the need for specialised tradespeople to install the assembly. Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A connection assembly including: a collar portion adapted to fit over a pipe; a body portion arranged to engage with the collar portion; sealing means; and a grip ring, wherein one of the portions includes a boss component for engagement with corresponding retaining structure of the other portion so as to facilitate bayonet type connection between the components, comprising axial advancement followed by rotational connection, the connection resulting in a compressive force being applied between the body portion and the collar portion to drive the grip ring into gripping engagement with the pipe and simultaneously energise the sealing means to effect a seal between the body portion and the pipe. 2. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion includes the boss and the collar portion includes said retaining structure, in the form of a flange, extending circumferentially and radially, inwardly of the housing. 3. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flange or boss includes a ramped surface with axial dimension for effecting axial advancement of the body portion into the collar portion during rotational connection, to apply a compression force to the grip ring and energise the sealing means. 4. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of bosses are provided about a circumference of the body portion and a plurality of associated flanges are provided in the collar portion. 5. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the assembly further includes a locking means movable so as to be able to adopt a lock position in which relative rotation between the two portions is inhibited. 6. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking means includes a plurality of tabs projecting from an annular locking cap and the collar portion includes a plurality of associated slots for receipt of the tabs which, in use, extend through the collar portion for engagement with associated ones of the bosses of the body portion to inhibit relative rotation between the portions. 7. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking cap includes at least one attachment hole for receiving at least one spigot projecting outwardly from the collar portion, the spigot having a resiliently biased head adapted to contract to pass through the hole and subsequently expand to anchor the locking cap to the collar portion when the locking means is in the lock position. 8. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking cap is provided with the at least one spigot and the collar portion provided with at least one attachment hole for receipt of the spigot to anchor the locking cap to the collar portion. 9. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking cap is provided with at least one latch for anchoring the locking cap to the collar portion. 10. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the collar portion includes a plurality of indents about a periphery thereof for receipt of associated fingers of a driving spanner used to rotate the collar portion relative to the body portion into engagement therebetween. 11. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the body portion includes indents for receipt of a spanner to assist in relative rotation of the collar portion and body portion.

Inventors: KIRSH ANDREW, MCNAB JOHN SELKIRK, KIRSH, ANDREW, MCNAB, JOHN, SELKIRK
Applicants: CALAIR AIR PIPE SYSTEMS PTY LT, KIRSH ANDREW, MCNAB JOHN SELKIRK, CALAIR AIR PIPE SYSTEMS PTY. LTD., KIRSH, ANDREW, MCNAB, JOHN, SELKIRK
Application year: 1999
Main classification: F16L37
IPC codes: F16L37