Patent EA-005052-B1 (EA)
Title: End fitting for tubular members and method of applying same
Inventor: FRAZER DANA J
IPC: F16L33/213
Filed: 2002-12-11
Abstract: 1. A method for applying a fitting to a pipe, the method comprising: mounting an outer ferrule around a tubular insert to define an annular space; inserting an end portion of the pipe in the annular space; applying a radially outwardly directed force against the inner wall of the insert thus forcing the insert into engagement with the end portion of the pipe; and applying a radially inwardly directed force against the outer wall of the ferrule thus forcing the ferrule into engagement with the end portion of the pipe. 2. The end fitting of claim 1 further comprising progressively increasing the radially outwardly directed force and the radially inwardly directed force as the force-applying member is passed through the insert and as the relative movement occurs, respectively. 3. The method of claim 1 where the step of applying the radially outwardly directed force against the inner wall of the insert comprises passing a force-applying member through the insert. 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising tapering the inner wall of the insert radially inwardly in a direction corresponding to the direction of passage of the force-applying member. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying the radially inwardly directed force against the outer wall of the ferrule comprises moving the ferrule, the insert and the pipe in a direction towards a toot die. 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising tapering the tool die in a manner so that the radially inwardly directed force on the ferrule progressively increases during the step of moving. 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the ferrule, the insert and the pipe are moved in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the force-applying member. 8. The method of claim 4 further comprising tapering the inner wall of the ferrule radially outwardly in the direction of passage of the force-applying member. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the outwardly tapered inner wall is formed on a first section of the ferrule and further comprising tapering a second section of the ferrule radially inwardly in the direction of passage of the force-applying member through the insert. 10. The method of claim 9 engaging the insert with an end of the inwardly tapered inner wall of the ferrule. 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising forming a plurality of serrations on the outer wall of the insert and on the inner wall of the ferrule, so that when the insert and the ferrule are forced into engagement with the end portion of the pipe, the serrations engage the pipe. 12. An end fitting for a pipe, the end fitting comprising: a tubular insert; an outer ferrule extending around the insert to define an annular space for receiving the end portion of the pipe; the inner wall of the insert being tapered radially so that when a force-applying member is passed through the insert it applies a radially outwardly directed force against the inner wall of the insert thus forcing the insert into engagement with the end portion of the pipe; and the inner wall of the ferrule being tapered so that when relative movement occurs between a second force applying member and the ferrule, a radially inwardly directed force is applied against the outer wall of the ferrule thus forcing the ferrule into engagement with the end portion of the pipe. 13. The end fitting of claim 12 wherein the radially outwardly directed force and the radially inwardly directed force increase progressively as the force-applying member is passed through the insert and as the relative movement occurs, respectively. 14. The end fitting of claim 12 wherein the ferrule is moved in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the force-applying member. 15. The end fitting of claim 12 wherein the inner wall of the insert is tapered radially inwardly in the direction of passage of the force-applying member. 16. The end fitting of claim 15 wherein the inwardly tapered inner wall is formed on a first section of the insert and wherein the insert further comprises a second section extending from the first section and having an inner wall tapered radially outwardly in the direction of passage of the force-applying member. 17. The end fitting of claim 16 wherein the inner wall of the first section of the insert is tapered radially inwardly at a relatively small angle to the longitudinal axis of the insert, and the inner wall of the second section of the insert is tapered radially outwardly at a relatively large angle. 18. The end fitting of claim 16 wherein the second section of the insert has an outer wall tapered radially outwardly in the direction of passage of the force-applying member through the insert. 19. The end fitting of claim 18 wherein the outer wall of the second section of the insert is tapered at a different angle than the inner wall of the second section. 20. The end fitting of claim 12 wherein the inner wall of the ferrule is tapered radially outwardly in the direction of passage of the force-applying member. 21. The end fitting of claim 20 wherein the outwardly tapered inner wall is formed on a first section of the ferrule, and wherein a second section of the ferrule is tapered radially inwardly in the direction of passage of the force-applying member through the insert. 22. The end fitting of claim 21 wherein an end of the inwardly tapered inner wall of the ferrule engages the insert. 23. The end fitting of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of serrations on the outer wall of the insert and on the inner wall of the ferrule, so that when the insert and the ferrule are forced into engagement with the end portion of the pipe, the serrations engage the pipe.