Patent Publication Number: US-2018051837-A1

Title: Rigid Self-Sealing Pipe Clamp System and Method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of pipe fittings and more specifically relates to a rigid self-sealing pipe clamp. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A pipe fitting is a very short length of pipe or tube, with a socket at one or both ends that allows two pipes or tubes to be joined, welded (steel), brazed or soldered (copper, brass etc.) together. A fitting is used in pipe systems to connect straight pipe or tubing sections, adapt to different sizes or shapes and for other purposes, such as regulating (or measuring) fluid flow. Fittings allow the conveyance of water, gas, or liquid waste in domestic or commercial environments, and also are used for the conveyance of fluids in specialized applications (such as high-pressure, high-flow, high-temperature or hazardous-material). Fittings are also used for lighter-weight piping, especially those flexible enough to be supplied in coiled form. 
     Fittings require investment in material, time, and tools to install, and are an important part of piping and plumbing systems. Nonetheless, many commercial fittings are not suitable for heavy-duty or long-term installations. Fittings may deteriorate over time, succumb to internal or external stresses, or be installed improperly and thereby fail. The failure of pipe fittings can cause catastrophic damages of property and demand significant time and expense for repairs. Therefore, there is a need for fittings which are both reliable over time and simple to install. A suitable solution is desired. 
     Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,293 to Wolf and Ross, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,482 to Daigle et al. This art is representative of pipe fittings. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known pipe fitting art, the present invention provides a novel rigid self-sealing pipe clamp. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a fluid connection which is both reliable over time and simple to install. 
     A rigid self-sealing pip clamp is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, combining a left-side coupler shell (defined by an upper clamping shelf, a lower clamping shelf, a cylindrical pipe-clamping body, at least two O-ring receiving channels, an upper shelf seal-receiving channel, a lower shelf seal-receiving channel, at least one alignment ridge, at least one alignment ridge receiving channel, at least four bolt-receiving apertures, all being in function and structural combination), a right side coupler shell (defined by an upper clamping shelf, a lower clamping shelf, a cylindrical pipe-clamping body, at least two O-ring receiving channels, an upper shelf seal-receiving channel, a lower shelf seal-receiving channel, at least one alignment ridge, at least one alignment ridge receiving channel, and at least four bolt-receiving apertures, all being in structural and functional combination), at least two O-rings, at least two shelf seals, at least four bolts, and at least four nuts. 
     The left-side coupler shell is attachable to the right-side coupler shell, with the O-ring receiving channels of the left-side coupler and the O-ring receiving channels of the right-side coupler being structured to receive the O-rings. The upper shelf-receiving channel of the left-side coupler, the lower shelf-receiving channel of the left-side coupler, the upper shelf-receiving channel of the right-side coupler, and the lower shelf-receiving channel of the right-side coupler are structured to receive the shelf seals. The bolt-receiving apertures of the left-side coupler and the bolt-receiving apertures of the right-side coupler the structured to receive the bolts and nuts. 
     The left-side coupler shell, right-side coupler shell, and at least two O-rings are each concentric to the first pipe end and the second pipe end when assembled. The left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell are symmetrical in function, and are assembled in mirror image to each other, surrounding the first pipe end and the second pipe end. The O-rings prevent fluid leakage around the two mated pipe ends, and the two shelf seals prevent fluid leakage between the upper clamping shelf of the left-side coupler shell and the upper clamping shelf of the right-side coupler shell, and likewise for the respective lower clamping shelves. 
     When assembled, the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell are compressed against the first pipe end, the second pipe end, and each other when the bolts are threaded into the four nuts. In this way, the first pipe end and the second pipe end are held together by the compression of the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell. 
     The left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell are aligned on an axis parallel with the first pipe end and the second pipe end by engagement of the one at least one alignment ridges with the opposing at least one alignment ridge-receiving channels on both the upper and lower shelves of the two coupler shells. This pair of at least one alignment engagements ensures consistent and complete seal of both shelf seals. 
     The left-side coupler shell, right-side coupler shell, O-rings, and shelf seals form a sealed inner volume for communicating a flow of water when assembled around the two pipe ends. The left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell each comprise a semi-cylindrical sleeve encompassing 180° of rotation, including a raised boss at each end of each coupler shell, each including one of the O-ring receiving channels, which are grooves recessed into an inner face of each coupler shell. Together the coupler shells form a resilient annular channel forming a clinched engagement embracing the two pipe ends. 
     For each coupler shell, the upper and lower clamping shelves are integrally and resiliently attached to the cylindrical pipe-clamping body. This structure causes the cylindrical body to be placed under tension around the pipe ends when the upper and lower shelves are compressed against the shelves of the opposite coupler shell body. 
     The alignment ridge of the left-side coupler shell the at least one alignment ridge of the right-side coupler shell each engage the alignment ridge-receiving channels of the opposite coupler shells, thereby providing significant structural support and maintaining a proper at least one alignment of the two pipe ends necessary for promoting a fluid-communicating seal over time. 
     The left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell are structured and arranged to receive, mate, and retain two opposing pipe ends, through the compression of the two coupler shells by application of the bolts and nuts. The O-rings and the shelf seals are engaged and retained by the coupler shells against the pipe ends to form the sealed inner volume. The O-rings and the coupler shells are arranged in functional combination to form a water-tight interior, thereby sealing the fluid contents of both pipe ends. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for using the rigid self-sealing pipe clamp is also disclosed herein. The method for providing the rigid self-sealing pipe clamp includes the steps of: placing the first pipe end and the second pipe end inside the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell, aligning the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell; inserting the four bolts into the four bolt-receiving apertures in the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell; and compressing the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell around the first pipe end and the second pipe end by threading the four bolts into the four nuts. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a rigid self-sealing pipe coupler shell. Preferably, a pipe fitting should provide a fluid connection which is both reliable over time and simple to install and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable rigid self-sealing pipe clamp to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present disclosure, rigid self-sealing pipe clamp system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a rigid self-sealing pipe clamp system during an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a disassembled the rigid self-sealing pipe clamp system comprising a rigid self-sealing pipe clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an end perspective illustrating the coupler shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled rigid self-sealing pipe clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the rigid self-sealing pipe clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As disclosed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pipe fitting and more particularly to a rigid self-sealing pipe clamp as used to provide a simpler and more ‘rugged’ (durable) pipe fitting. 
     Generally speaking, the rigid self-sealing pipe clamp is a two-piece injection molded coupler shell with seals which are useful for both joining and repairing pipes, particularly storm water and sanitary sewer pipes. Installation of this system is easier than other conventional systems. The present invention does not require any form of soldering or adhesive application, and provides a rigid structural support to prevent degradation of the coupling over time. The clamp also provides a positive at least one alignment of the pipes being coupled or repaired to prevent movement of the sealed pipes, promoting the longevity of the connection under stress. 
     The clamp comprises of two symmetrical coupler shells which are attached to each other on either side of the pipes being coupled or repaired using a series of bolts and nuts which pass through holes drilled in shelves extruded outwardly from the top and bottom of each coupler shell. The bolts are tightened, thereby tensioning the coupler shells, sealing the watertight O-rings, and securely clamping the pipes within. Completed sealing of the clamp is achieved by additional seals lining the separable shelves on the top and bottom of the coupler shells. At least one alignment ridges on either coupler shell mate with channels in the opposite coupler shell, fixing the enclosed pipes in a parallel orientation. Concentric bosses on the coupler shells provide strength as well as house the O-rings sealing the fluid channel. 
     Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of rigid self-sealing pipe clamp system  100  comprising left-side coupler shell  120  including and defined by upper clamping shelf  121 , lower clamping shelf  122 , cylindrical pipe-clamping body  123 , at least two O-ring receiving channels  124 , upper shelf seal-receiving channel  125 , lower shelf seal-receiving channel  126 , at least one alignment ridge  127 , at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  128 , and at least four bolt-receiving apertures  129 , upper clamping shelf  121 , lower clamping shelf  122 , cylindrical pipe-clamping body  123 , at least two O-ring receiving channels  124 , upper shelf receiving channel  125 , said lower shelf receiving channel  126 , at least one alignment ridge  127 , at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  128 , and at least four bolt receiving apertures  129  being in functional and structural combination; right side coupler shell  130  including and defined by upper clamping shelf  131 , lower clamping shelf  132 , cylindrical pipe-clamping body  133 , at least two O-ring receiving channels  134 , upper shelf seal-receiving channel  135 , lower shelf seal-receiving channel  136 , at least one alignment ridge  137 , at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  138 , and at least four bolt-receiving apertures  139 , upper clamping shelf  131 , lower clamping shelf  132 , cylindrical pipe-clamping body  133 , at least two O-ring receiving channels  134 , upper shelf receiving channel  135 , lower shelf receiving channel  136 , at least one alignment ridge  137 , at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  138 , and at least four bolt receiving apertures  139  being in functional and structural combination; at least two O-rings  112 ; at least two shelf seals  114 ; at least four bolts  116 ; and at least four nuts  118 . Alternate fastening means may be used. 
     Left-side coupler  120  shell is attachable to right-side coupler shell  130 . At least two O-ring receiving channels  124  of left-side coupler  120  and at least two O-ring receiving channels  134  of right-side coupler  130  are structured to receive at least two O-rings  112 . At least one upper shelf-receiving channel  125  of left-side coupler  120 , at least one lower shelf-receiving channel  126  of left-side coupler  120 , at least one upper shelf-receiving channel  135  of right-side coupler  130 , and at least one lower shelf-receiving channel  136  of right-side coupler  130  are structured to receive at least two shelf seals  114 . At least four bolt-receiving apertures  129  of left-side coupler  120  and at least four bolt-receiving apertures  139  of right-side coupler  130  are structured to receive at least four bolts  116  and at least four nuts  118 . 
     Left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  are structured and arranged to receive, mate, and retain first pipe end and second pipe end, left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  being compressible by application of at least four bolts and at least four nuts. At least two O-rings and at least two shelf seals are engaged and retained by left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  against first pipe end and second pipe end. At least two O-rings, left-side coupler shell  120 , and right-side coupler shell  130  are arranged in functional combination to form a water-tight interior, thereby sealing the fluid contents of first pipe end  142 , second pipe end  144 . 
     Left-side coupler shell  120 , right-side coupler shell  130 , and at least two O-rings  112  are preferably assembled concentric to first pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144 . Left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  are symmetrical in function, and are assembled in mirror image to each other, surrounding first pipe  142  end and second pipe end  144 . At least two O-rings  112  prevent fluid leakage around first pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144 . 
     At least two shelf seals  114  prevent fluid leakage between upper clamping shelf  121  of left-side coupler shell  120  and upper clamping shelf  131  of right-side coupler shell  130 , and between lower clamping shelf  122  of left-side coupler shell  120  and lower clamping shelf  132  of right-side coupler shell  130 . 
     Left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  are compressed against first pipe end  142 , second pipe end  144 , and each other when at least four bolts  116  are threaded into at least four nuts  118 . Other fasteners may be used. First pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144  are held together by the compression of left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130 . Left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  are aligned on an axis parallel with first pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144  by engagement of at least one alignment ridge  127  of left-side coupler shell  120  with at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  138  of right-side coupler shell  130 , and by engagement of at least one alignment ridge  137  of right-side coupler shell  130  with at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  128  of left-side coupler shell  120 . 
     Upper shelf seal-receiving channel  125  of left side coupler shell  120  and lower shelf seal-receiving channel  126  of left side coupler shell  120  are parallel with at least one alignment ridge  127  of left-side coupler shell  120  and at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  128  of left-side coupler shell  120  for the purpose of ensuring consistent and complete seal of at least two shelf seals  114 . 
     Upper shelf seal-receiving channel  135  of right side coupler shell  130  and lower shelf seal-receiving channel  136  of right side coupler shell  130  are parallel with at least one alignment ridge  137  of right-side coupler shell  130  and at least one alignment ridge receiving channel  138  of right-side coupler shell  130  for the purpose of ensuring consistent and complete seal of at least two shelf seals  114 . 
     Left-side coupler shell  120 , right-side coupler shell  130 , at least two O-rings  112 , and at least two shelf seals  114  form a sealed inner volume for communicating a flow of water (or other fluid) when assembled about first pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144 . Left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  each comprise a semi-cylindrical sleeve encompassing 180° of rotation, including a raised boss at each end of left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130 , each including one of at least two O-ring receiving channels  124  and  134 , each comprising a groove recessed into an inner face of left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130 . Left-side coupler shell  120  and right-side coupler shell  130  together comprise a resilient annular channel forming a clinched engagement embracing first pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144 . 
     Upper clamping shelf  121  of left-side coupler shell  120  and lower clamping shelf  122  of left-side coupler shell  120  are integrally and resiliently attached to cylindrical pipe-clamping body  123  of left-side coupler shell  120 , cylindrical pipe-clamping body  123  of left-side coupler shell  120  being tensioned about first pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144  when upper clamping shelf  121  of left-side coupler shell  120  and lower clamping shelf  122  of left-side coupler shell  120  are compressed against upper clamping shelf  131  of right-side coupler shell  130  shell and lower clamping shelf  132  of right-side coupler shell  130 . Upper clamping shelf  131  of right-side coupler shell  130  and lower clamping shelf  132  of right-side coupler shell  130  are integrally and resiliently attached to cylindrical pipe-clamping body  133  of right-side coupler shell  130 , cylindrical pipe-clamping body  133  of right-side coupler shell  130  being tensioned about first pipe end  142  and second pipe end  144  when upper clamping shelf  131  of right-side coupler shell  130  and the lower clamping shelf  132  of right-side coupler shell  130  are compressed against upper clamping shelf  121  of left-side coupler shell  120  and lower clamping shelf  122  of left-side coupler shell  120 . 
     At least one alignment ridge  127  of left-side coupler shell  120  and at least one alignment ridge  137  of right-side coupler shell  130  engage at least one alignment ridge-receiving channel  138  of right-side coupler shell  130  and at least one alignment-receiving ridge  128  of left-side coupler shell  120 , thereby providing structural support and maintaining a proper at least one alignment of first pipe end  142  relative to second pipe end  144  necessary to promote a fluid-communicating seal over time. 
     The rigid self-sealing pipe clamp system  100  may be sold as a kit comprising the following parts: at least two coupler shells; at least two O-rings; at least two shelf seals; at least four bolts; at least four nuts; and at least one set of user instructions. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). 
     The rigid self-sealing pipe clamp system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different fastening combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing a flow diagram  550  illustrating method of use  500  for rigid self-sealing pipe clamp  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . As shown, method of use  500  may comprise the steps of: step one  501 , placing a first pipe end and a second pipe end inside the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell; step two  502 , aligning the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell; step three  503 , inserting the four bolts into the apertures in the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell; and step four  504 , compressing the left-side coupler shell and the right-side coupler shell around the first pipe end and the second pipe end by threading the four bolts into the four nuts. 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112 (f). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.