Patent Publication Number: US-2015086287-A1

Title: Pipe threading system for a handheld drill

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/881,438 filed on Sep. 23, 2013. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter discloses an attachment for a handheld electric drill that applies a threading to the outer diameter of a round pipe. The attachment incorporates dies shaped to cut a thread, and connects to a handheld drill via an adapter. 
     Pipes are commonly used to transport gasses, liquids and viscous or granulated solids. They see widespread use in the plumbing, construction and petroleum industries, among others. Pipes are often connected to a fitting or device through an attachment mechanism. Spiral threading on a pipe&#39;s outer diameter provides one method of attachment by interlocking with corresponding threads on the inner diameter of a fitting. Applying a thread to a pipe can increase its value and capabilities. 
     However, previous pipe-threading methods were expensive and cumbersome. They often required completely unique tools and lacked the ability to work in remote or hard-to-access places. Other attempts required manual power while alternatives were large and non-portable. Accordingly, there is a need for a pipe-threading device that is compact, inexpensive and powered by a handheld electric drill, as described herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a convenient, portable and cost-effective system for threading the outer diameter of a pipe. Although the present disclosure describes threading pipes, it is understood that the present disclosure may be used to thread any cylindrical body, for example, the present disclosure may be applied to electrical conduits, ducts, etc. 
     This invention may include an adapter and an attachment system. The adapter may include a spindle to fit into a standard drill chuck, and may secure to the attachment using a number of fasteners, such as set screws. Alternatively, or in addition to, the adaptor and/or attachment system may be incorporated into a complete removable drill head. The cross section of the spindle may be any suitable shape including a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, among others. The attachment includes an attachment head containing slits for cutting dies. Dies incorporate cutting surfaces and create a thread pattern on a pipe when powered by a connected handheld electric drill. A die-retaining faceplate fastens to the attachment head and secures the dies within the head&#39;s die slits. The attachment head incorporates a central bore opening to cut pipe lengths longer than the die&#39;s cutting surface. Additionally, the attachment head includes openings for cooling and for the release of metal shavings. 
     The invention may be used by placing the spindle of the adapter into the chuck of a handheld electric drill and securing it with a chuck key, in the same manner as with other drill attachments. The user then selects the appropriately sized attachment head and secures it into the adapter. Upon attachment, the drill is able to power the attachment via the adapter. The attachment is placed at the end of an unthreaded pipe and the cutting surfaces of the dies come into contact with the pipe. Upon operating the drill, the dies create a threading on the outer diameter of the pipe. Once the cutting surfaces engage the pipe, the attachment will secure to the pipe and be driven along the pipe&#39;s outer surface by the electric drill. A central bore through the attachment head allows the dies to continue threading along the pipe beyond the length of the cutting surface, as the threaded pipe section passes into the bore. The drill&#39;s rotational direction can be reversed for chasing the thread or for removing the attachment from the threaded pipe. 
     The present disclosure provides a. 
     Benefits of this system result from the small size of the invention relative to previous pipe-threading devices. The small size allows a user to work in more locations and allows greater flexibility when working on existing pipes in situ. It also eases handling and portability. 
     An additional advantage of the system is the ability to quickly thread differently sized pipes by switching between different attachment sizes. 
     A further benefit of the invention is the ability to quickly create different thread patterns and depths by switching between dies with different cutting surface arrangements. 
     Other advantages of the system provided herein are a result of using an electric motor, rather than manual effort, as the primary power source. Relative to a manually powered threading system, an electric solution will deliver power more consistently and may decrease vibrations. The use of an electric motor will also reduce an operator&#39;s physical fatigue. Depending on the drill&#39;s motor, the electric motor may be able to provide more torque than a manually powered system. An electric motor may also be more compact than a hand crank or other manual power mechanism. Additionally, an electric motor may create a thread faster than a manual system. 
     Significant advantages stem from using a conventional handheld electric drill as a power source. Such drills are commonplace in mechanical working environments. The user will not need to buy a complete dedicated threading system or an additional external power source, decreasing total system costs. The use of an external, and widely-used, power supply allows the attachment and adapter to take up less space and weigh less than if a dedicated power supply was incorporated. 
     Another advantage of the system is the ability to quickly thread pipes made from different materials by switching between dies with cutting surfaces suited to cut various pipe materials. Additionally, dies themselves could be made from different materials suited to cut different pipes. 
     Further benefits derive from the attachment&#39;s low weight when compared to previous threading devices. Lower weight eases handling and decreases the user&#39;s physical fatigue. It also facilitates greater portability. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an example of the system disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the system disclosed herein and illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an adaptor as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of an example of a spindle connected to an adaptor. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an example of an attachment head including openings. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of another example of a die-retaining faceplate including a view of the central bore. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of dies and their cutting surfaces. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  are side views of an embodiment of an adaptor and the attachment system disclosed herein including a guide to correctly feed the pipe into the device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a pipe threading system  10  including an adapter  12  and an attachment  14  for a handheld electric drill that applies a threading to the outer diameter of a pipe. The system  10  includes at least one dies  16  shaped to cut a thread on an outer surface of a pipe. The attachment  14  includes a central open bore  20  to allow the insertion of a pipe to enable threading the pipe sections beyond the length of the die&#39;s cutting surface. 
     The adapter  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , is used to connect the attachment  14  to a handheld electric drill. The adaptor  12  may be composed of a ferrous alloy, another metallic alloy or a polymer. This adapter  12  may include a cylindrical chamber  22  for receiving a cylindrical insert  15  and/or the attachment  14 . The adapter  12  may also include a spindle  18  that secures into the chuck of the handheld electric drill, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The spindle  18  may extend from a closed end of the cylindrical chamber  22  of the adaptor  12 . The spindle  18  may work with right-angle and standard drills. An inner surface of the chamber  22  may include a smooth inner surface or include lengthwise grooves that interlock with optional corresponding grooves on an outer surface of the attachment  14  to ensure the axial rotation of the adapter  12  imparts equal axial rotation of the attachment  14 . 
     As shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the die  16  may be in the form of a cylindrical insert  15 , wherein the cylindrical insert  15  may be inserted within the chamber  22  of the adaptor  12 . The cylindrical insert  15  may exist in different sizes to thread pipes with a range of outer diameters. The cylindrical insert  15  may include an inner surface  11  defining a central insert opening  17 , wherein the inner surface  11  includes at least one die  16 . For example, the inner surface  11  may include a plurality of die  16  surfaces. The cylindrical insert  15  may include an outer surface  13  that contacts the inner surface of the cylindrical chamber  22  of the adapter  12 . The cylindrical insert may be removeably inserted into the cylindrical chamber  22  of the adaptor  12 . Alternatively, the cylindrical insert  15  may be attached to the attachment  14 , which is removeably attached to the adaptor  12 . 
     The attachment  14  may attach to the adaptor  12  to enclose cylindrical insert  15  within the system  10 . The attachment  14  may hold the cylindrical insert  15  in place. Alternatively, or in addition to, the adaptor  12  may include a temporary locking mechanism to hold the cylindrical insert  15  in place. For example, the chamber  22  may include grooves to receive corresponding grooves in an outer surface of the cylindrical insert  15 . The chamber  22  may include various other mechanisms to fasten the cylindrical insert  15  to the adaptor  12 , including, but not limited to, threading, screws, pressure, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the attachment  14  may include a cylindrical disk  5  and a cylindrical guide  36  extending from a central attachment opening  3  within the cylindrical disk  5 . Of course, the cylindrical disk  5  may be any suitable shape, including hexagonal. The central attachment opening  3  is aligned with the central insert opening  17  to receive a pipe to be threaded. The outer perimeter of the cylindrical disk  5  may include threading to mate with a threaded portion of the inner surface of the chamber  22 . Alternatively, or in addition to, notches may be included on a surface of the cylindrical disk  5  that prevent the cylindrical disk  5  from spinning. 
     In one embodiment, the adapter  12  may include one or more fasteners  24 , such as set screws to secure the attachment  14  to the adapter  12 . For example, a screw may attach the cylindrical disk  5  of the attachment  14  to the chamber  22  of the adaptor  12 . Alternative embodiments may use clamps or threaded sections to secure the attachment  14  to the adapter  12 , as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art from the examples provided. 
     In another embodiment, the system  10  may include a spindle  18  rigidly connected to the attachment  14 , foregoing the need for an adapter  12 . In an example, the attachment  14  and adaptor  12  may be one piece, instead of two separate pieces. Further the die  16  and/or cylindrical insert  15  may not be a separate piece, but part of the adaptor  12  or attachment  14 . 
     The attachment  14  may include an attachment head  26  and a die-retaining faceplate  28  to receive at least one die  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 . The attachment head  26  may exist in different sizes to thread pipes with a range of outer diameters. The attachment head  26  may be composed of a ferrous alloy, another metallic alloy or a polymer. The attachment head  26  may include a number of die slits  32  used to accept dies  16 . In an embodiment, the attachment head includes four die slits  32 . Alternative embodiments may include fewer or more die slits  32 . The attachment head  26  may also incorporate lengthwise grooves in an outer surface of the attachment  14  or attachment head  26  that interlock with corresponding grooves in an inner surface of the adapter  12 . In addition, a cylindrical spacer may be inserted into the attachment head  26  to set the length of the threading on the inserted pipe. 
     In an embodiment, the attachment  14  contains threaded screw holes used to fasten the die-retaining faceplate  28  to the attachment  14  with a fastener  30 , such as screws. Other embodiments may include the use of clamps, magnets, or other fasteners to secure the die-retaining faceplate  28  to the attachment  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , he attachment head  26  may incorporate openings  34  between the die slits  32 . These allow metal shavings from previous cuts to exit the attachment head  26 . The openings  34  also allow thermal cooling of the pipe and dies through natural convection by providing channels for air to enter and escape. The channels also allow the concurrent use of cutting fluid, or other liquids, to lubricate and cool the attachment  14 . They also reduce the mass of the attachment head  26 . Additionally, a user may be able to view the pipe through the openings  34  and gauge the length of pipe that has been threaded. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the die-retaining faceplate  28  secures one or more dies  16  within the attachment head  26 . The dies  16  are secured within the die slits  32  of the attachment head  26 . In such embodiment, the dies  16  may be linear, as shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein the linear dies  16  are configured to fit or slide into the slits  32  along the inner surface of the attachment head  26 . 
     The die-retaining faceplate  28  may be removable to permit the replacement of dies  16 , and may be secured to the attachment  14  by several fasteners  30 , which are screws in the shown embodiment. The die-retaining faceplate  28  may contain holes, corresponding to the threaded holes in the attachment head  26 , which allow the die-retaining faceplate  28  to be fastened to the attachment head  26  with fasteners  30 . The die-retaining faceplate  28  may be fabricated from a metal alloy or polymer. The faceplate  28  may include a faceplate central opening  29  aligned with the central open bore  20  to receive a pipe for threading. 
     The attachment head  26  defines an interior attachment chamber that includes a central open bore  20  that accepts sections of pipe that have already been threaded. This bore  20  allows the threading of pipe sections that extend deeper than the length of the die cutting surfaces. 
     The attachment head  26  may include a number of slits  32  for accepting each die  16 . These slits  16  may be accessed by removing the die-retaining faceplate  28 . Dies  16  are secured in their slits by fastening the faceplate  28 . These slits  16  may exhibit radial symmetry around the attachment head  26 . The dies  16  also may be spaced such that cutting surfaces from successive dies follow the same thread pattern as previous cuts, deepening the existing thread. The use of multiple dies  16  eases the wear and load on the dies  16 . 
     Dies  16  may be composed of hardened metal alloys, similar to those used in other bits and tools. Each die  16  includes a series of cutting surfaces, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . When the drill is operated with the attachment  14 , the cutting surfaces of the die  16  contact the outer surface of the pipe. The cutting surfaces may be tapered such that each progressively cuts deeper into the pipe. Such arrangement forms the thread pattern gradually, with successive cuts removing small amounts of pipe material. This reduces stress on the dies  16 , the attachment  14 , and the electric drill. The forward section of the cutting surface, that first comes into contact with the pipe, may incorporate a bevel or chamber to center and stabilize the attachment  14  to the pipe when beginning to cut a thread. As the threading progresses to the deeper cutting surfaces, the die  16  stabilizes the attachment  14  and allow it to be driven along the pipe by the electric drill. Die  16  may also be used to chase the thread when the drill is operated in the opposite direction. Die  16  can incorporate different cutting surfaces to create different thread patterns or cutting depths. They may also be composed of different materials to cut various types of pipe. Die  16  may be replaced due to wear or cutting properties. 
     The cutting surfaces on the dies  16  may be angled such that when operating the drill and attachment, the cutting surfaces are driven inward from the end of the pipe as it is threaded. The dies  16  may also be spaced so that cutting surfaces on successive dies  16  follow the same thread cut by a previous die, progressively deepening the existing cut. This cutting sequence creates a spiral threading starting from the end of the pipe and extending inward. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the system  10  may include a cylindrical guide  36  to correctly feed the pipe straight into the device. For example, the cylindrical guide  36  may extend from faceplate central opening  29  of the attachment, wherein the cylindrical guide  36  is configured to receive a pipe. The faceplate central opening  29  is aligned with the central open bore  20 . In the figure, the guide  36  is shown on the front of a second adapter. In an embodiment, the guide  36  may be permanently affixed to the attachment head  26 . In other embodiments, the guide  36  may be removable. The attachment head  26  may be configured to interoperate with multiple guides  36  of varying sizes to accommodate pipes of multiple sizes. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of the method and portable electronic device may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein.