Patent Abstract:
Various systems, tools, and methods are described for rendering regions of coated pipe suitable for receiving press fittings. The systems, tools, and methods may also be applicable for transforming regions of pipe, coated or uncoated, and which are otherwise unsuitable for sealingly engaging press fittings, so that reliable and leak-proof seals can be made between the pipe and press fittings.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/312,697 filed on Mar. 11, 2010; and Ser. No. 61/234,781 filed on Aug. 18, 2009. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to tools, tool systems, and related methods for transforming ends of pipe, to render the pipe end suitable for receiving a fitting. The present invention is particularly directed to a portable tool for preparing pipe ends. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many types of pipe are unsuitable for receiving press type fittings. One such type of pipe is steel piping typically used in plumbing and pressure applications, and typically referred to as “black pipe.” Black pipe is a carbon steel pipe that typically contains a black-colored coating along its outer surface. Black pipe is specified in ASTM A53. 
     Black pipe is typically unsuitable for press fittings because its outer surface is characterized by various surface defects including axial scratches, jaw marks, “zipper line” defects often resulting during manufacture and processing of the pipe, and rough and inconsistent surface properties associated with the black coating. These and other surface irregularities create difficulties in establishing a reliable and effective seal between the pipe and a fitting pressed thereon. Also, black pipe manufactured and sold in the US typically exhibits a relatively large deviation with respect to its outer diameter. All of these factors have hindered the development of practical and effective strategies for preparing pipe ends for receiving press fittings for coated pipe, and particularly for black pipe. 
     Furthermore, there are various common processes used to cut steel pipe such as abrasive cut off saws, carbide tipped saws, fine toothed reciprocating saws or portable band saws or displacement wheel pipe cutters for example. Each of these methods results in burrs on the pipe end after cutting which could cut seals upon insertion into a press type fitting. Accordingly, a significant need exists for tools, tool systems, and methods for preparing the ends of pipe. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previous systems, methods and practices are addressed in the present invention for certain tools, systems, and techniques for preparing pipe ends or end regions in such a manner that the pipe can then be used with a press fitting. 
     The present invention relates to various tools, systems, and methods for conveniently and effectively preparing the end regions of pipe or other workpieces so that the regions can then accept and sealingly engage press fittings. The invention is particularly directed to preparing the ends of coated steel pipe such as black pipe, however is not limited to such applications. 
     The present invention provides tools, systems, and methods with respect to a portable device to perform these pipe end preparations. It is contemplated that the invention is also applicable to tools, systems, and methods regarding a stationary, yet movable, device to perform the noted pipe end preparations. 
     In one aspect, the present invention provides a workpiece end preparation tool comprising a housing having a front face, a rear plate, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The housing defines a generally hollow interior accessible from a workpiece opening defined in the front face. The tool also comprises a front plate disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The front plate is affixed to the housing. The front plate defines a forward face, an oppositely directed rear face, and a centrally disposed aperture extending between the forward and the rear faces. The tool also comprises an abrasive assembly disposed within the hollow interior of the housing and releasably affixed thereto. The abrasive assembly defines at least one abrasive surface exposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The tool also comprises a plurality of rollers disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. Each roller is mounted to the housing and oriented at an angle of from about 10° to about 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides a workpiece end preparation tool comprising a generally cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis, an open front face, a rear wall, and a circumferential wall extending therebetween. The circumferential wall defines an inner circumferential face. The inner circumferential face and the rear wall collectively define a hollow interior accessible from the open front face. The tool also comprises an abrasive assembly disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The abrasive assembly includes an abrasive member extending along the inner circumferential face of the circumferential wall. The abrasive member is equidistantly spaced from the rear wall. The abrasive member includes abrasive particulate material dispersed in a substrate secured to a scrim backing. The tool also comprises a shaft extending rearwardly from the rear wall of the housing. The shaft extends collinearly with the longitudinal axis of the housing. 
     In a further aspect, the invention provides a workpiece end preparation tool comprising a housing having a front face, a rear plate, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The housing defines a generally hollow interior accessible from a workpiece opening defined in the front face. The tool also comprises a front plate disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The front plate is affixed to the housing. The front plate defines a forward face, an oppositely directed rear face, and a centrally disposed aperture extending between the forward and the rear faces. And, the tool comprises a plurality of rollers disposed within the hollow interior of the housing, each roller mounted with the housing and oriented at an angle of from about 10° to about 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing. 
     In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for preparing an end of a workpiece to expose a fresh outer surface region along an end of the workpiece. The method comprises providing a tool including a cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis, an open front face, a rear wall, and a circumferential wall extending therebetween. The housing defines a hollow interior accessible from the front face. The tool further includes an abrasive assembly disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The abrasive assembly defines an abrasive surface extending along the inner circumferential face of the circumferential wall. The method also comprises inserting an end of a workpiece through the open front face of the housing and into the hollow interior of the housing until the end contacts the rear wall of the housing. The method further comprises contacting an outer surface of the workpiece with a portion of the abrasive surface while maintaining contact between the workpiece end and the rear wall of the housing. And, the method additionally comprises displacing the tool relative to the workpiece to thereby expose a fresh outer surface along an outer region of the workpiece as a result of contact between the outer surface of the workpiece and the abrasive surface. Preferably, displacement of the tool is performed by rotating the tool about the longitudinal axis of the housing. 
     Furthermore, in still another aspect, the invention provides a method for preparing a workpiece end. The method comprises providing a tool including a housing defining a generally hollow interior accessible from a workpiece opening defined in a front face of the housing, a front plate disposed within the housing, the front plate defining a forward face and a centrally disposed aperture, an abrasive assembly disposed within the housing, and a plurality of rollers disposed within the housing. The method also comprises inserting an end of a workpiece to be prepared in the hollow interior of the tool. And, the method comprises displacing at least one of the tool and the workpiece while contacting the workpiece with the tool, to thereby modify the workpiece end. 
     As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment tool in accordance with the invention illustrating its use with a drill and a pipe. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the tool and pipe shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the tool and pipe shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 1  taken across line A-A in  FIG. 3 , showing the pipe in a first position for pipe coating removal. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 1  taken across line A-A in  FIG. 3  showing the pipe in a second position for pipe outside diameter deburring. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 1  taken across line B-B in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed view of a preferred configuration of a roller end used in the tool depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates various arrangements of the preferred embodiment tool and a pipe at four different phases during a preferred embodiment method for pipe coating removal in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the preferred embodiment tool of  FIG. 1  during another preferred embodiment method for pipe coating removal in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the preferred embodiment tool of  FIG. 1  during another preferred embodiment method for pipe deburring according to the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective partially exploded schematic view of certain components used in the preferred embodiment tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment tool in accordance with the present invention, used with a drill and a pipe. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the tool, drill, and pipe illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment tool of  FIG. 13 , shown without attachment to a drill, taken across line C-C in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment tool of  FIG. 13 , taken across line D-D in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a schematic partial cross sectional view during use of the tool of  FIG. 13  in a deburring operation. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic cross sectional view of a pipe end before use of the tool. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic detailed end view of the pipe end of  FIG. 18  before use of the tool. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic detailed end view of the pipe end after use of the preferred embodiment tools. 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic partial cross sectional view illustrating use of another preferred embodiment tool in a deburring operation. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment tool in a deburring operation. 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment tool in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic partial cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment tool in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates an end region of a pipe prepared by use of the preferred tools. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment tool engaged with a hand-held rotary power source, e.g. a drill, during preparation of a pipe end in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a front view of the tool, drill, and pipe end depicted in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a detailed cross sectional schematic view of the tool taken across line E-E in  FIG. 27  illustrating its engagement with the drill and positioning relative to the pipe end. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment tool engaged with a hand-held rotary power source such as a drill in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a front view of the tool and drill depicted in  FIG. 29 , shown in combination with a pipe. 
         FIG. 31  is a partial cross sectional schematic view of the tool, drill, and pipe taken across line F-F in  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment tool engaged with a hand-held rotary power source such as a drill in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a front view of the tool and drill shown in  FIG. 32 , in combination with a pipe. 
         FIG. 34  is a partial cross sectional schematic view of the tool, drill, and pipe taken across line G-G in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment tool engaged with a hand-held rotary power source such as a drill in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a front view of the tool and drill shown in  FIG. 35 , illustrated in conjunction with a pipe and a vacuum source. 
         FIG. 37  is a partial cross sectional schematic view of the tool, drill, pipe, and vacuum source taken across line H-H in  FIG. 36 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with the present invention, various tools, systems and related methods are provided for conveniently and effectively transforming an end region of a pipe, such as for example black pipe, such that the region can receive and accept a press fitting subsequently engaged thereto. The various systems and related methods can be efficiently performed in the field, and can be used in new piping applications or in the repair or retrofitting of existing piping systems. 
     Generally, the invention provides tools that perform one or more of the following operations: (i) removing an effective amount of a coating such as for example black coating, from an exterior region of the pipe, and (ii) removing any burrs or outwardly extending projections from the end region of the pipe. The invention accomplishes each of these operations (i)-(ii) in a variety of different manners. Although the present invention is primarily described herein with regard to preparing black pipe for press sealing applications, it will be understood that application of the invention is not limited to black pipe. Generally, any pipe having a coating and/or an exterior surface that renders press fit sealing impractical or impossible, is a candidate for the present invention. The term “black pipe” as used herein refers to ungalvanized steel pipe, which typically contains a black colored coating. Furthermore, although the invention is primarily described in regards to preparing pipe ends or end regions, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to pipes. Instead, nearly any type of workpiece can be prepared or otherwise modified using the various tools, systems, and methods described herein. Moreover, it will also be understood that the invention is not limited to preparing pipes for press sealing applications, or for receiving such fittings. Instead, the invention and its various embodiments are expected to be useful in a wide array of other applications and in association with other types of fittings and hardware. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the ability of many of the preferred embodiment systems and tools to perform the operations (i)-(ii) concurrently or immediately after one another. This results in significant time and cost savings. It is also contemplated that one or both of operations (i)-(ii) could be combined with another operation and potentially in further combination with a cutting or severing application. 
     Before turning attention to the preferred embodiment systems and methods of the present invention, it is instructive to review the types of pipe coatings targeted for removal by the present invention. 
     Pipe Coatings 
     A wide array of coatings and coating systems are typically applied to pipes, and particularly to the exterior surface of pipes. As previously noted, the existence of a coating on a pipe exterior typically precludes or at least interferes with affixing and sealingly engaging a press fitting onto the coated pipe. 
     Various types of protective coatings have been applied to pipes in the past to resist corrosion. Initially, the protective coatings consisted of grease or oil but coatings of this type are of limited effectiveness. Subsequently, solvent-type coatings were employed in which a coating material was dissolved in an organic solvent. After application of the coating solution to the article, the solvent or carrier is evaporated to provide a firm and relatively non-greasy coating. Water-base coatings have also been employed. Thermosetting polymeric resin coatings have also been utilized as protective coatings. Hot melt dips have also been employed to provide protective coatings on ferrous articles. A further type of coating as used in the past is a sprayable hot melt coating. Generally, exterior coating types include alkyds, epoxies, zinc-rich, elastomeric urethanes as well as other multi-coat systems. Plastic can be used to coat steel pipes and thus minimize the potential for corrosion of steel pipes. A typical plastic coating system typically consists of three layers: fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) on the surface of the steel pipe, adhesive, and a top coat made from polyethylene or polypropylene. Additional details and background information of pipe coatings materials are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,074,913; 5,106,415; and 5,348,575. 
     The black coating on black pipe is typically a coating composition that is applied to the outer diameter of piping. One known composition is available from the Valspar Corporation under product designation WLA0133, which according to its Material Safety Data Sheet, is a black waterborne coating. The WLA0133 is designated as a paint product, containing a proprietary resin, carbon black to provide the desired black coloring, and various solvents and modifying agents. Another black coating is available from Mahoning Paint Corp. of Youngstown, Ohio, under the designation L-4042-E, LF Clear High Solids Pipe Coating. That coating contains a resin dispersed in a hydrocarbon solvent and various mineral spirits. After application of one or more suitable black coatings and at least partial drying of the coating, a clear top coat is typically applied onto the black coating. 
     Typically, pipe coatings have a total thickness of from about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches. However, the present invention can be used to remove coatings having thicknesses greater than or lesser than these thicknesses. 
     Preferred Embodiment Systems, Tools, and Methods 
     In accordance with the present invention, various preferred systems, namely tool systems, have been developed for suitably preparing piping ends for subsequent press fittings. The term “press fittings” as used herein refers to any type of fitting that is engaged about the outside diameter, typically along an end or end region of a pipe, and which can be sealingly engaged to the pipe by application of a radial compressive force about the fitting. Typically, the compressive force is applied about a fitting located at a desired location and position relative to the pipe end. The compressive force deforms the fitting and typically one or more sealing elements or other components of the fitting to sealingly engage the fitting to the pipe end. The compressive force can be applied by a variety of tools and techniques. However, a preferred technique is by use of a hydraulically operated, electrically powered press tool such as for example the RIDGID® RP 330-B, RP 330-C, or RP 210-B Press Tools, in combination with specially designed press jaws. 
     In accordance with the present invention, various versions of a tool have been developed that readily and effectively remove the outer coating and prepare a pipe surface for receiving a fitting. Many of these tools also include provisions for quickly and easily removing burrs or other metallic or unwanted particulates from the end regions of a pipe. The various preferred embodiment tools are all portable, lightweight, and convenient to use. 
     As is known in the art, pipe ends typically contain burrs which are very difficult to remove. If these burrs are not removed or re-formed to remove sharp edges, the burrs can damage O-ring seals in press type fittings when the fittings are inserted onto the pipe end. Burrs can result from dry cutting using a carbide tipped blade chop saw. Burrs can also result from cutting with an abrasive cutoff saw. However, it will be appreciated that any cutting method can produce burrs of varying degrees. The term “burr” or “burrs” as used herein is not limited to unwanted material projections along a pipe end caused from cutting. Instead the term broadly refers to any material fragment or outwardly extending region proximate a pipe end. 
       FIGS. 1-12  illustrate a preferred embodiment tool  100  in accordance with the present invention used in conjunction with a rotary power source such as a conventional hand-held drill  30 . The tool  100  is used to prepare an end or end portion of a pipe  10 . In many of the figures described herein, pipes or portions of pipes are illustrated using dashed lines. Dashed lines are used to better illustrate the preferred tools and systems in accordance with the invention.  FIG. 2  shows the tool  100  and a pipe  10 . The drill  30  has been omitted for clarity. The tool  100  preferably includes a shaft  120  or other member for engagement with a rotary power source, such as the drill  30 .  FIG. 3  is a front view of the tool  100  illustrating a generally hollow interior of the tool. The pipe  10  shown in dashed lines is positioned in one of several locations within the tool depending upon the operation to be performed upon the pipe. One or more fasteners such as screws  118  described in greater detail herein may be accessible from the tool interior.  FIG. 4  is a rear view of the tool  100  illustrating a rear face  112  and the shaft  120  extending therefrom. One or more fasteners  119  which engage the screws  118  may be accessible along the rear face as described herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the tool  100  comprises a housing  110  defining the rear face  112  and an oppositely directed front face  114 . The front face  114  defines a workpiece opening  116  that is sized to accommodate or receive an end of a pipe, such as pipe  10 , inserted into a hollow interior region of the tool  100 . 
     The tool  100  also includes the shaft  120  preferably extending from the rear face  112  of the housing  110 . The shaft  120  is sized and configured to be engaged with the powered chuck of a rotary device such as the previously noted drill  30 . Preferably, the shaft has a hexagonal shaped cross section. Preferably, the shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The tool is rotated about the shaft and thus, the axis of rotation of the tool and the longitudinal axis of the housing are preferably collinear with one another. The axis of rotation is depicted in  FIG. 5  as A R.    
     The tool  100  also comprises a front plate  130  and a rear plate  140  spaced rearwardly from the front plate  130 . Preferably, the front plate  130  is disposed within the hollow interior defined in the housing  110 . The front plate  130  defines a centrally located primary aperture  132  that is large enough to receive a pipe end to be deburred. The two plates  130 ,  140  are spaced apart from one another and are preferably oriented parallel to one another. Furthermore, the two plates  130 ,  140  are preferably transversely oriented to the longitudinal axis A R  of the housing  110 . 
     The tool  100  also comprises a plurality of rollers  150  extending between the plates  130  and  140 . The rollers  150  are rotatably received and supported within secondary apertures defined in the plates  130  and  140 . Thus, the front plate  130  defines a plurality of secondary apertures  134  or roller receiving regions. And, the rear plate  140  defines a plurality of secondary apertures  144  or roller receiving regions. Although the preferred embodiment tools include any number of rollers, preferably from about three to about six are used and most preferably four are used. The rollers  150  are preferably equidistantly spaced from one another and symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis and the rotational axis A R  of the tool  100 . 
     The tool  100  also comprises an abrasive assembly  160  which includes one or more abrasive members  162  disposed within the interior hollow region of the housing  110 . Preferably, the abrasive member(s)  162  is located between the front face  114  of the housing  110  and the front plate  130 . The abrasive member  162  provides an inwardly directed abrasive surface  164 . Preferably provided along a differently directed, e.g. oppositely directed, face of the abrasive member  162  are provisions for releasably affixing the abrasive member  162  to the housing  110 . As will be understood by reference to the figures, the abrasive member  162  when positioned within the tool  100 , is preferably in the form of a ring. As described in greater detail herein, the abrasive member  162  features a particular preferred construction and configuration whereby contact between the abrasive surface  164  and a pipe outer surface is promoted. In a particularly preferred version of the tool  100 , the abrasive member  162  is provided in the abrasive assembly  160  that includes a deformable member  166  which is preferably a foam ring which is affixed to the interior circumferential face of the housing  110 . Preferably, the foam ring is adhesively bonded to the tool housing interior face. A layer  165  providing releasable engagement with the foam ring is provided on the inwardly directed, exposed face of the foam. That layer  165  in turn retains and supports the flexible abrasive member  162 . Thus, the layer  165  providing releasable engagement is preferably disposed between the abrasive member  162  and the deformable member  166 . An example of a layer  165  providing releasable engagement between the abrasive member  162  and the foam ring  166  is a layer of hook and loop material, also known in the art as Velcro. These aspects are described in greater detail herein. 
     The tool  100  and its various components are sized, shaped, and configured to receive an end of a pipe to be deburred and/or have a region of an outer coating removed. Thus, the opening  116  defined along the front face  114  of the housing  110  and the primary opening  132  defined by the front plate  130  are both larger than the largest diameter of pipe to be prepared by the tool  100 . Typically, the opening  116  is larger than the primary opening  132  defined in the front plate  130 , however the invention is not limited to this particular configuration. Preferably, the two openings  116 ,  132  are concentrically aligned with one another. And, most preferably, both openings  116 ,  132  are also concentrically aligned with the axis of rotation A R  of the tool  100 . 
     Preferably, the abrasive member  162  when disposed and positioned within the interior of the tool housing  110  defines an internal span. The “internal span” as used herein refers to the dimension extending from a first location on the abrasive surface  164  to a second location on the abrasive surface  164  directly across from the first location. This internal span is illustrated in  FIG. 5  as span S. Preferably, the tools and their components are configured such that the internal span S is greater than the diameter or maximum span of the primary aperture  132  in the front plate  130 . Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the abrasive member  162  is equidistantly spaced from the front plate  130 , when measured along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. 
     The rollers  150  are rotatably supported by the front and rear plates  130  and  140 , respectively, such that each of the rollers extend at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation A R  (see  FIG. 5 ) or longitudinal axis of the tool  100 . Furthermore, none of the rollers  150  rotate about axes that are parallel to one another. Preferably, the rollers are oriented as depicted in  FIG. 5  wherein each of the rollers is positioned at an angle of X with regard to the axis of rotation A R  of the tool  100  depicted in  FIG. 5 . Although the invention includes a wide range of angles for angle X, preferably angle X is from about 10° to about 30°, and most preferably about 15°. It will be understood that the invention includes tools with roller orientations at angles less than 10° and greater than 30°. These values for angle X are taken along a cross section of the assembled tool, such as depicted in  FIG. 5 . The cross section bisects the roller of interest and also intersects the axis of rotation A R  of the tool. 
     The rollers  150  may be rotatably supported within the interior of the tool  100  in a variety of different configurations. Furthermore, the rollers may themselves be provided in various shapes, configurations, and assemblies. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , each roller includes a centrally disposed roller axle  152  about which a roller body  154  is positioned. The roller axle  152  can include various end configurations to support the axle and engage the axle to components within the tool interior such as the front plate  130  and the rear plate  140 . For example, in certain versions of the tool, the roller axle  152  is configured with two milled flat faces along a forward end that engage a slotted aperture in the front plate  130 . This configuration is best depicted in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a detailed view illustrating a preferred configuration for the secondary apertures  134  in the front plate  130  which receive the forward ends of the roller axles  152 . The preferred milled end configuration for the roller axles  152  is evident. This configuration precludes rotation of the roller axle  152 . Returning attention to  FIG. 5 , proper angular orientation of the roller axle  152  relative to the axis of rotation A R  of the tool or housing is maintained by the relationship between the receiving apertures  144  in the rear plate  140  and the secondary apertures  134  which as noted are preferably slotted, in the front plate  130 . Lubricants can be applied between the interfacing surfaces of the roller axles  152  and the roller bodies  154 . It is also contemplated that dry lubricant films or coatings can be provided on the axles  152  or interior bores of the roller bodies  154 . 
     The preferred embodiment tools are sized and configured to accept and receive pipe ends as follows. That is, although the inside diameter of the housings of the preferred tools may be significantly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe of interest, preferably the inside diameter of the tool housing is within a range of dimensions, relative to the size of the pipe of interest as set forth below in Table 1: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Preferred Inner Diameter of Tool Housing Compared to Pipe Size 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Nominal Pipe 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Steel Pipe 
                 O.D. (inches) 
                 Tool I.D. (inches) 
                 Ratio I.D./O.D. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 ½″ Pipe 
                 .840 
                 2.315 
                 2.76:1 
               
               
                 ¾″ Pipe 
                 1.050 
                 2.315 
                 2.20:1 
               
               
                 1″ Pipe 
                 1.315 
                 2.315 
                 1.76:1 
               
               
                 1¼″ Pipe 
                 1.660 
                 3.375 
                 2.03:1 
               
               
                 1½″ Pipe 
                 1.900 
                 3.375 
                 1.78:1 
               
               
                 2″ Pipe 
                 2.375 
                 3.375 
                 1.42:1 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Most preferably, the inner diameter of the tool housings corresponds to the outer diameter of pipes of interest according to the ratios noted in Table 1. Preferably, the range of ratios is from about 1.4:1 to about 2.8:1, and generally from about 1.2:1 to about 3.0:1. However, it will be appreciated that in no way is the invention limited to these particular ratios. Accordingly, the invention includes tools and the use of tool housings that are significantly larger than the ratio of 3.0:1. Table 1 also illustrates that only two differently sized tools can be used to handle a relatively wide range of pipe sizes, such as from 0.5 inch to 2 inch pipe. However, it will be understood that the invention includes the use of a single tool or three or more differently sized tools to accommodate such range of pipe sizes. 
     The housing  110  of the tool  100  can be formed from numerous materials and be provided in various configurations. Preferably, the housing  110  is a single piece housing that is injection molded from a polymeric material. However, as will be appreciated, the invention includes the use of other materials including metals and composite materials. 
     The housing  110  may optionally include a forwardly extending circumferential housing portion that serves to reduce the amount of particulates and dust produced within the interior of the tool  100 . Generally, this dust extension extends from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches or more, as measured from a frontwardly directed side region of the abrasive assembly  160  along a line parallel to the axis of rotation A R  of the tool  100 . Details as to additional versions and embodiments of containment provisions are provided herein. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the tool  100  and a pipe  10  positioned within the tool while undergoing a burr removal or burnishing operation. In this configuration, the pipe  10  is concentrally positioned relative to the housing  110  such that the longitudinal axes of the two are preferably co-extensive with one another. The pipe  10  is extended through the centrally defined primary aperture  132  in the front plate  130 . In performing a roller burnishing or deburring operation, the pipe  10  is held stationary such as by engagement within a pipe vise (not shown). However, the pipe could also be rotated such as by a powered rotary drive such as a RIDGID® model 300 Power Drive available from Ridge Tool. Other similar powered drives could also be used. A pipe end face  11  and particularly, an outer circumferential region of the pipe immediately adjacent to the end face  11  is contacted with the rollers  150  as shown. Upon powered rotation of the tool  100  while the pipe  10  is stationary and contact is maintained between the pipe end face  11  and the rollers  150 , burrs or other outwardly extending projections are removed or substantially so whereby the pipe end is rendered smooth. In all tool embodiments described herein, it is preferred that the outer surface of the rollers is harder than that of the pipe of interest. Thus, the rollers may include outer surfaces that are carburized or otherwise hardened such that the roller hardness is greater than the hardness of the pipe, which as noted is typically steel. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the tool  100  and a pipe  10  positioned within the interior of the housing  110  while undergoing a pipe coating removal operation. In this configuration, the pipe having a longitudinal axis A P  is oriented generally parallel with the axis of rotation A R  of the housing, yet spaced therefrom.  FIG. 7  illustrates this distance between the axis of rotation of the tool A R  and the longitudinal axis of the pipe A P  as distance Q. It will be appreciated that the pipe is preferably positioned such that its longitudinal axis A P  is parallel or substantially so to the tool axis of rotation A R . The pipe  10  is radially spaced from the axis of rotation of the tool  100  such that contact occurs (i) between a region of the outer surface of the pipe  10  and the face  164  of the abrasive member  162 , and (ii) between the end face  11  of the pipe  10  and the forwardly directed face of the front plate  130 . Further description of the pipe coating removal operation is provided in association with  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , while in this configuration, contact occurs between the pipe end  11  and the front plate  130 . Accordingly, the front plate  130  may be formed from wear-resistant materials and/or receive wear-resistant coatings. The front plate  130  serves as a stop for a pipe  10  while undergoing the operation depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 9 .  FIG. 7  also illustrates a fastener configuration in which the previously noted screws  118  pass through tapered clearance holes defined in the front plate  130  to allow the heads of the screws  118  to be slightly recessed from the front surface of front plate  130  and engage the previously noted fasteners  119  which can be hex nuts retained in hexagonal recesses defined in the rear plate  140 . 
       FIG. 9  schematically illustrates a preferred technique for preparing an outer surface region of a pipe  10 . The technique depicted in  FIG. 9  is performed when it is most convenient to hold the pipe stationary such as in a pipe vise (not shown). In this method, the pipe  10  is generally immobile or otherwise held stationary. The tool  100  mounts into a conventional hand drill (not shown) and the drill motor is actuated so that the axis of the drill chuck and that of the tool  100  rotates at a speed preferably within the range of from about 1,500 to about 3,000 RPM. This axis is the axis of rotation A R . However, it will be understood the preferred methods include rotary speeds less than or greater than this range. The tool  100  is engaged onto the end of the pipe  10  which is to be prepared. The tool  100  is then orbited at a very slow speed, such as less than about 10 RPM, around the axis of the pipe A P  as shown in  FIG. 9 , while the drill chuck is rotated at about 1,500 to about 3,000 RPM. The end preparation operation begins at position I where the pipe  10  is at the 6 o&#39;clock position relative to the axis of the drill motor chuck, i.e. axis A R . With the drill chuck rotating counterclockwise (as viewed looking toward the chuck end of the drill), the entire drill assembly is then rotated in a clockwise direction (as viewed looking toward the chuck end of the drill) through positions II, III, and IV. The direction about which the tool  100  is orbited about the pipe  10  is depicted in  FIG. 9  as direction J. As the tool  100  is orbited about the pipe  10 , the centerline of the tool  100  (also corresponding to the axis of rotation A R  of the tool  100 ) traces a circular path around the pipe  10 . The circular trace is illustrated in  FIG. 9  as path  13 . This allows the abrasive face  164  to contact the entire periphery of the pipe  10  within a circumferential band extending along the outer surface of the pipe. This operation typically continues for three to five complete orbits about the pipe  10  to entirely remove the black coating from the steel pipe within the circumferential band. In accordance with this preferred technique, it will be appreciated that the drill and tool  100  are orbited about the pipe  10  in the direction J that is opposite to the direction of rotation K of the tool  100  as it is being rotated by the drill motor. 
       FIG. 10  depicts an alternative method for removing a region of coating from the outer surface of a pipe  10  using the preferred embodiment tool  100 . In this alternative method, the pipe  10  is rotated about its longitudinal axis A P  while the tool is simultaneously rotated about the longitudinal axis of the tool housing A R  and held in a position relative to the tool  100  such as depicted in  FIG. 10 . Preferably, the direction of rotation of the tool  100  is opposite that of the direction of rotation of the pipe rotation. This preferred configuration is depicted by oppositely directed arrows G and H shown in  FIG. 10 . The pipe  10  can be conveniently rotated by use of a powered rotary drive, which may be provided or used in association with a threading machine. A preferred powered drive is a RIDGID® Model 300 Power Drive. Preferably, the pipe is rotated at a relatively slow speed, such as from about 10 to about 50 RPM, and preferably about 38 RPM. During this operation, an operator applies a radial force F to the tool  100  to urge the abrasive member  162  of the tool in contact with the outer surface of the pipe  10 . To ensure that the proper region of pipe coating is removed relative to the distance from the end of the pipe, the tool  100  is also held to maintain contact between the end of the pipe such as previously noted end face  11  and the front plate  130 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative method of using the preferred embodiment tool  100  for burr removal or burnishing the end face  11  of a pipe  10 . In this alternative method, the pipe  10  is rotated about its longitudinal axis, such as by use of the previously noted powered drive. The longitudinal axis A P  of the pipe  10  is coincident with the rotational axis A R  of the tool  100 . In this method, the pipe end is inserted within the tool  100  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The pipe  10  is held or otherwise positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the pipe is coincident or co-extensive with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The tool  100  is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the directions of rotation of the pipe and the housing are opposite from one another. The tool  100  is rotated in the direction N. Preferably, the pipe is rotated in direction M at a relatively slow speed, such as from about 10 to about 50 RPM, and most preferably about 38 RPM. The operator applies axial force to the pipe end and the rotating action of the rollers  150  about the slowly rotating pipe  10  promotes the roller burnishing operation. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic exploded assembly view of a compliant foam layer  166  and an abrasive member  162  in their as-installed ring-like shapes. The term “compliant” as used herein refers to the material disposed between the abrasive member  162  and the tool housing (not shown) as being compressible or deformable upon application of a load or force encountered during a pipe end preparation operation. After removal of the load or force resulting in compression or deformation, the compliant material returns to its original shape or substantially so. An example of such load or force resulting in compression or deformation of the compliant material is the radial force applied to a pipe by an operator in establishing contact between the pipe and the abrasive member. The foam layer  166  is preferably a strip of a deformable, compliant foam material having a layer of a “hook” material  165   b  along its inner face. The outer face  167  of the foam layer  166  is bonded or otherwise affixed to the circumferential interior wall of the tool housing. The abrasive member  162  includes a strip of material having a layer of “loop” material  165   a  along its outer face. Preferably, the materials  165   a  and  165   b  constitute the previously described layer  165  which provides releasable engagement between the foam ring  166  and the abrasive member  162 . The abrasive face  164  extends along the inner face of the abrasive member  162 . It will be understood that the arrangement of the hook and loop materials may be reversed. 
     Although a wide array of materials can be used for the deformable member  166  which is preferably a foam material, preferably from about 0.0625 inch to about 0.5 inch, and more preferably about 0.25 inch thick compliant foam with double sided tape type adhesion on its outer face is used to provide permanent adhesion to the inner face of the tool housing. Although the foam member is preferably adhesively bonded to the inner face of the housing, it will be appreciated that numerous other affixment techniques can be used such as for example, screws, clips, or the use of other mechanical fasteners. 
     The abrasive member  162  is preferably formed of an abrasive material that is permanently bonded to a heavy duty scrim backing. The term “scrim” as used herein refers to a web-like fibrous layer typically formed from a collection of non-woven fibers. The scrim layer may function as a “loop” material when using releasably engageable hook and loop materials. For certain applications, when using non-woven abrasive products, it may not be necessary to use a deformable or compliant layer. Preferably, abrasive materials in granular or particulate form having a relatively high hardness are dispersed and retained in a substrate or matrix. The substrate or matrix is bonded or secured to a scrim backing. The resulting exposed face or outer surface of the abrasive member consists of a series of projections and valleys, with the high hardness materials constituting the projections. This material arrangement is preferred over arrangements of inwardly directed wires, bristles, or other members as is known in the art. Upon excessive wear of the abrasive members used in the preferred embodiment tools described herein, the abrasive member can be easily and conveniently replaced with a new abrasive member without necessity for additional tools. Abrasive materials are well known in the art and are widely available. Examples of preferred abrasive materials include, but are not limited to aluminum oxide grain abrasive particulates or silicon carbide particulates permanently bonded to a heavy duty scrim backing. 
     As noted, a wide array of abrasive materials can be used in the abrasive assemblies and/or for the abrasive members. Although abrasive strips such as strips of thin backing material containing an abrasive face can be used in many applications and particularly in combination with a compliant or deformable layer, for certain applications it is most preferred to use a relatively thick non-woven abrasive material for the abrasive member(s). When using such non-woven abrasive materials, since the entire thickness of the member (as measured in a radial direction when incorporated in a tool as described herein) constitutes abrasive material, the member has a relatively long life. As the exposed abrasive face of the abrasive member is worn, new abrasive regions along the exposed face are revealed. For ring-shaped abrasive members formed from a non-woven abrasive material, as the member wears, a constantly refreshed abrasive face is continually exposed as a result of use of the tools, for example in removing coatings from the outer diameters of pipes. As the internal span (for example span S in  FIG. 5 ) increases with wear of the abrasive member, the abrasive member is still usable and functional. The ring shaped abrasive member can continue to be used, limited only by its remaining thickness. Another advantage of the use of a non-woven abrasive material is that such material has relatively large voids and thus is generally resistant to “clogging” or loss of abrasive action from debris and particulates collecting on or within the abrasive face. 
       FIGS. 13-17  illustrate another preferred embodiment tool  200  in accordance with the present invention used in conjunction with a rotary power source such as a conventional hand-held drill  30 .  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the tool  200 , the drill  30 , and a pipe  10 .  FIG. 14  is a front view of the various components. Referring to  FIG. 15 , the tool  200  comprises a housing  210  defining a rear face  212  and an oppositely directed front face  214 . Preferably, the front face  214  includes an inwardly tapered section  214   a  which extends radially inward for promoting dust and particulate collection. The front face  214  defines a workpiece opening  216  that is sized to accommodate or receive an end of a pipe, such as pipe  10 , inserted into a hollow interior region of the tool  200 . The tool  200  also includes a shaft  220  preferably extending from the rear face  212  of the housing  210 . The shaft  220  is sized and configured to be engaged with the powered chuck of a rotary device such as the previously noted drill  30 . The tool  200  also comprises a front plate  230  and a rear plate  240  spaced rearwardly from the front plate  230 . Preferably, the front plate  230  is disposed within the hollow interior defined in the housing  210 . The front plate  230  defines a centrally located aperture that is large enough to receive a pipe end to be deburred. The two plates are spaced apart from one another and are preferably oriented parallel to one another. The tool  200  also comprises a plurality of rollers  250  extending between the plates  230  and  240 . The rollers  250  are rotatably received and supported by apertures defined in the plates  230  and  240 . Although the invention includes any number of rollers, preferably from about three to about six are used and most preferably four are used. The rollers are preferably equidistantly spaced from one another and symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis and the rotational axis of the tool  200 . The longitudinal axis and the rotational axis of the tool are preferably collinear with one another. 
     The tool  200  also comprises one or more abrasive members  260  disposed within the interior hollow region of the housing  210 . Preferably, the abrasive member  260  is located between the front face  214  of the housing  210  and the front plate  230 . The abrasive member  260  provides an inwardly directed abrasive surface  262 . As described in greater detail herein, the abrasive member  260  features a particular preferred construction and configuration whereby contact between the abrasive surface  262  and a pipe outer surface is promoted. 
     The tool  200  and its various components are sized, shaped, and configured to receive an end of a pipe to be deburred and/or have a region of an outer coating removed. Thus, the opening  216  defined along the front face  214  of the housing  210  and the opening defined by the front plate  230  are both larger than the largest diameter of pipe to be prepared by the tool  200 . Typically, the opening  216  is larger than that defined in the front plate  230 , however the invention is not limited to this particular configuration. Preferably, the two openings are concentrically aligned with one another. 
     The rollers  250  are rotatably supported by the front and rear plates  230  and  240 , respectively, such that the rollers extend at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the tool  200 . That is, none of the rollers  250  rotate about axes that are parallel to one another. Preferably, the rollers are oriented as depicted in  FIG. 15  wherein the rollers are positioned at an angle of X with regard to the axis of rotation A R  of the tool  200  depicted in  FIG. 15 . Although the invention includes a wide range of angles for angle X, preferably angle X is from about 10° to about 30°, and most preferably about 15°. It will be understood that the invention includes tools with roller orientations at angles less than 10° and greater than 30°. 
     Another preferred aspect of the tool  200  is the configuration of the ends of the rollers  250 . As depicted in  FIG. 15 , by forming a forward end  252  of the roller  250  with converging side walls, and a rearward end  254  of the roller  250  with diverging side walls, the receiving apertures defined in the front plate  230  and the rear plate  240  can be formed by drilling operations that are transversely oriented relative to the plane of the plates  230 ,  240 . Thus, relatively costly drilling procedures in which receiving apertures are formed at angles less than 90° relative to the plane of the plates  230 ,  240  can be avoided. It is contemplated that bearings or roller ends could also be utilized at the interface between the rollers and the apertures. Representative examples of bearings include sleeve type, sleeve flanged type or rolling element type. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an alternative clarifying view of the tool  200  illustrating one possible configuration as to how the front and rear plates  230 ,  240  are affixed to the housing  210  and spaced from one another by a plurality of housing screws  218 . In this alternative configuration, the screws  218  or other fasteners are inserted into apertures defined in the rear plate  240 , accessible along a rearward face of the rear plate  240 . The screws  218  extend forwardly into corresponding and aligned threaded apertures in the front plate  230 . This is in contrast to the configuration previously described in association with  FIGS. 4 and 7  in which screws  118  are inserted into a front face of the front plate  130  rearwardly and engaged with hex nuts  119  or other fasteners along a rear face of the rear plate  140 . 
     The use and operation of the tool  200  for the burr removal portion of the pipe end preparation process is described in conjunction with  FIGS. 17-20 .  FIG. 17  illustrates a typical operation using the tool  200  by inserting an end  12  of a pipe  10  having one or more burrs  14  (see  FIGS. 18 and 19 ) extending from the end  12 . The pipe  10  is held stationary to prevent rotation such as by clamping into a pipe vise (not shown). The pipe  10  is then inserted into the hollow interior region of the tool  200  until its end  12  contacts the outer surfaces of the plurality of rollers  250 . The tool  200  is then rotated about the axis of rotation A R , such as by engagement with a drill (not shown) at the shaft  220 . The tool  200  is pressed by hand effort against the end  12  of the pipe  10  to thereby apply an axial force component and a radial force component onto the pipe end via the inclined rollers  250 . As the tool  200  is rotated about the stationary pipe  10 , any burrs  14  extending outward from the pipe end  12  are removed or reformed as shown in the detailed schematic illustration of  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates another preferred embodiment tool  300  in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the tool  300  includes rollers  350 , each having a particular configuration as follows. A representative preferred configuration for roller  350  is as follows. The roller  350  defines a first cylindrical end  351  which is proximate a forward end  352  of the roller  350 . The roller  350  also defines a second cylindrical end  355  opposite the first cylindrical end  351 , the second end  355  proximate a rearward end  354  of the roller  350 . At a location between the first cylindrical end  351  and the second cylindrical end  355 , the roller  350  defines at least one, and preferably two recessed regions extending around the roller such as a recessed ring S and a recessed ring T. The outer arcuate surface of the roller extending between the first cylindrical end  351  and the recessed ring S provides a deburring surface for a first pipe size. The outer arcuate surface of the roller extending between the rings S and T provides another deburring surface for a second pipe size, different than the first pipe size. It will be recognized that any number of deburring surfaces could be included to accommodate various standard outside pipe diameters. Preferably, a raised region  353  is defined along the outer circumferential surface of the roller  350  between the recesses S and T. And thus, the outer arcuate surface of the roller extending between the raised region  353  and the recessed ring T provides a deburring surface for pipe having a diameter smaller than that of pipe deburred by the roller region between the end  351  and the ring S. Regardless of the particular geometry or roller configuration, it is generally preferred that the effective angle of the roller in the region of contact is reduced since smaller angles, for example about 10°, improve roller burnishing. The preferred embodiment tools provide small contact angles without requiring an increased axial length of the tool. It will be appreciated that the present invention includes a wide array of shapes and configurations for the roller  350  and in no way is limited to the particular shape illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Other aspects of the tool  300  are as previously described tools  100  and  200 . 
     For example,  FIG. 22  illustrates another preferred embodiment tool  400  including a plurality of rollers  450  with yet another contoured configuration. The rollers  450  can each be configured to impart an arcuate or curved outer edge along the distal end  12  of a pipe  10  contacted therewith. It will be appreciated that a wide array of configurations can be used for the rollers  450  to produce various configurations for pipe ends. Additional aspects of the tool  400  are as previously described tools  100  and  200 . 
     As noted, many of the tools include an abrasive member incorporated within the hollow interior of the tool housing. For example, the tool  300  comprises an abrasive assembly generally shown in  FIG. 21  as  360 . And, the tool  400  comprises an abrasive assembly depicted in  FIG. 22  as  460 . Preferably, the abrasive assembly includes an effective amount of an abrasive material exposed along a face of one or more abrasive member(s), and a scrim backing exposed along an oppositely directed face of the abrasive member. The scrim is releasably engageable with conventional hook material as in hook and loop material combinations. The scrim layer is preferably disposed on a face or face portion of the abrasive member. It will be appreciated that the invention includes other forms of scrim and scrim-like materials, so long as they provide secure retention of the abrasive member to the tool housing, yet also provide releasable engagement between the abrasive member and the housing. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates yet another preferred embodiment tool  500  having similar components as previously described tools, such as for example a housing  510  and rollers  550 . A significant feature of the tool  500  is the provision of a region or layer  575  of a compressible or deformable material which after removal of a load or force resulting in compression or deformation, returns to its original shape or substantially so. As previously noted, this characteristic is referred to herein as the material being “compliant.” Examples of such compliant materials and which can be used as layer  575  include various foamed materials. The compliant foam backing provides a significant advantage in that it allows an abrasive member  560  to remain in contact with the pipe along the entire width of the abrasive member even if a small angle is inadvertently introduced between the axis of the pipe and the longitudinal axis and/or axis of rotation of the tool during the pipe coating removal process. As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the compliant layer  575  is disposed between the inner face of the housing  510  and the abrasive member  560 . Most preferably, a layer or region  570  of a hook and loop member is provided between the abrasive member  560  and the compliant layer  575 . The compliant layer  575  can be secured to the inner face of the housing  510  in a variety of different fashions. However, it is preferred that the layer  575  be secured with adhesive. 
     The tool  500  can also be used to prepare an outer surface region of a pipe for receiving a press fitting, by removing any coatings such as black coatings in a region of interest along the pipe outer surface. For this operation, a pipe  10  is inserted within the general hollow interior of the tool  500  however positioned such that an exposed outer face  562  of the abrasive member  560  contacts a region of the pipe outer surface while the end  12  of the pipe  10  is contacted with a forward face  534  of the front plate  530 . In this position, it will be appreciated that the longitudinal axis A P  of the pipe  10  is generally radially spaced from and parallel to the axis of rotation A R  of the tool  500 . As previously explained, upon powered rotation of the tool  500 , the tool is orbited about the stationary pipe  10 , while maintaining contact between the pipe end  12  and the face  534  of the plate  530 . This ensures that black coating or other undesirable materials or finishes are removed from the outer surface of the pipe within a circumferential region or band that is appropriately spaced from the pipe end  12  and which has a width sized to accommodate a press fitting. 
       FIG. 24  depicts yet another preferred embodiment tool  600  in accordance with the invention. The tool  600  includes a housing  610 , a plurality of rollers  650 , a compliant layer  675 , an abrasive member  660  disposed thereon, and a layer of a hook and loop material  670  disposed between the abrasive member  660  and the compliant layer  675 . The abrasive member  660  defines an exposed inwardly directed abrasive surface  662 . A significant feature of the tool  600  is the use of cylindrically shaped end regions  652  and  654  for each of the rollers  650 . Thus, instead of using the previously described divergent and convergent end sections such as for rollers  250 , i.e. ends  254  and  252 , respectively, depicted in  FIG. 15 , the rollers  650  of the tool  600  use circumferential end regions having a constant radius. In view of this end configuration for the end sections  652 ,  654  of the rollers  650 , and the angled orientation of each of the rollers  650  relative to the axis of rotation of the tool  600 , the receiving apertures defined in the front plate  630  and rear plate  640  are angled relative to the plane of orientation of these plates. Thus, specifically, for each roller  650 , a receiving aperture  632  is defined in the front plate  630  and a corresponding receiving aperture  642  is defined in the rear plate  640 . The aperture  632  is sized and oriented to supportably receive the forward end  652  of the roller  650 . And the aperture  642  is sized and oriented to receive the rear end  654  of the roller  650 . Each of the apertures  632  and  642  is formed to be aligned with one another and extend at the same angle relative to the tool&#39;s axis of rotation. This angle is designated as angle X in  FIG. 15 . In all embodiments of the tools, it may be preferred to include bearings in each aperture or receiving region that engages a roller end. Examples of such bearings include but are not limited to sleeve bearings or rolling element bearings. 
     Another preferred embodiment tool includes a housing, an abrasive member disposed therein, a front plate and a rear plate, generally as previously described. The tool does not include rollers, but instead includes a plurality of cutting blades generally extending between the plates, and oriented at an angle relative to the axis of rotation of the tool. Preferably, this angle is the same as angle X described in conjunction with tool  100  in  FIG. 15 . Preferably, the interior rearward portion of the housing is formed to include a collection of slots or each of which is sized to receive and support a cutting blade slidably disposed therein. The tool is used to perform a deburring operation upon an end of a pipe by inserting the pipe within the hollow interior of the tool. The pipe must be held stationary such as through the use of a pipe vise (not shown) or similar device. The end of the pipe is contacted with the plurality of the cutting blades. The tool is rotated about its shaft whereby the blades remove or reform any burrs extending from the end of the pipe when the tool is pushed axially onto the pipe. 
       FIG. 25  schematically illustrates a pipe  10   a  after preparation by the various preferred embodiment tools. Specifically, pipe  10   a  defines an outer surface  14   a , and a distal end  12   a , respectively. After appropriate use of the tool upon an end region of the pipe  10   a , a prepared region  16   a  is defined along an outer surface  14   a  of the pipe  10   a  in  FIG. 25 . The prepared region  16   a  is preferably in the form of a circumferential band extending about the circumference of the pipe  10   a . In many instances, the prepared region  16   a  is spaced from the distal end  12   a  of the pipe by an unprepared, native region  18   a  as shown in  FIG. 25 . It will be understood that the present invention tool can be used to form prepared regions such as  16   a  that extend to the distal end  12   a  of the pipe. 
     As explained in greater detail herein, for many applications in which fittings are to be pressed onto pipe ends, it is preferred that the fitting is located a particular distance from the end of the pipe. This distance typically varies depending upon the size of the pipe, particular application, and may also depend upon the particular type of fitting and fitting manufacturer. Thus, in order to accommodate such fittings, it is necessary that the prepared region along the pipe exterior, for example prepared region  16   a  shown in  FIG. 25 , be located a certain corresponding distance form the pipe end  12   a.    
     In accordance with the present invention, the tool is sized so that the distance between the abrasive member and the front face of the front plate corresponds to the desired distance at which the fitting is to be located from the end of the pipe. Referring to  FIG. 25 , this distance is the distance between region  16   a  and the pipe end  12   a . In accordance with the invention, a convenient means to consistently and readily form a prepared region along a pipe that is appropriately spaced from the pipe end, is to contact the end of the pipe to the front face of the front plate. Thus, when using a tool with any of the previously described housings, it is not necessary to measure or otherwise selectively position the tool along a pipe. Instead, all that an operator must do is contact the end of the pipe with the front face of the front plate of the tool. Once in this placement, the abrasive member is appropriately located at the proper location along the pipe and correctly spaced from the pipe end. Thus, in many of the preferred tools described herein, the distance between (i) the abrasive surface and/or the abrasive assembly and (ii) the front plate, is equidistant when measured along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. 
     In certain versions of the tools, the tool housing may be formed so that the distance between the abrasive assembly or the abrasive surface thereof and the front plate is selectively adjustable. Typically, the adjustment provisions are in the form of mechanical assemblies. For example, the housing can include telescoping provisions located between the abrasive assembly and the front plate. Preferably, the adjustment provisions enable the housing to be extended or retracted. This allows adjustment of the distance between abrasive members and components within the interior of the housing such as a front plate and/or a rear plate or faces thereof. A user can then selectively adjust the tool so that the distance between the abrasive surface and the front plate corresponds to the particular requirements for the application and fitting. Specifically, it is contemplated that a user may wish to adjust the distance from the pipe or workpiece end, at which an exposed circumferential region or band is formed, which as will be understood, receives a fitting. 
     Another consideration in preparing regions along pipe surfaces for receiving one or more fittings is the width of the prepared region. Referring to  FIG. 25 , this is the width of region  16   a . The particular width may depend upon one or more factors such as the size of the pipe, application, fitting, fitting type, and fitting supplier. However, for nearly all applications, this dimension is about 0.5 inches±0.0625 inches. Accordingly, it is preferred that the abrasive member have a width corresponding to this dimension, i.e. about 0.5 inches. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention includes widths less than or greater than this value. 
     The present invention also provides various tools which are primarily for removing outer surface regions of pipes or workpieces and which are not used for removing burrs or other projections from pipe ends. Specifically, in this aspect, another preferred embodiment tool is engaged with a rotary power source, for example a drill, and the resulting system positioned for preparing an end region of a pipe. The tool comprises a housing defining a rear face and an oppositely directed front face. The housing also includes a circumferential wall that defines an outer face and an oppositely directed interior face. The tool further comprises a rearwardly extending shaft. As previously described with regard to the tool, the tool also comprises a rear mounting member, a front mounting member or cover plate, and an abrasive member disposed therebetween and accessible from an interior region of the tool. The abrasive member defines an inner edge for contacting a region of the pipe to be prepared. 
     In a preferred version of this tool, the rear mounting member is integrally formed with the housing. In addition, a plurality of pins are affixed to the rear mounting member. In addition, the tool comprises a stop plate along a rear wall of the housing. Specifically, the stop plate is affixed to a front face of the rear wall of the housing and serves as a wear surface for contacting a pipe end. The use of the stop plate is particularly desirable when the housing is formed from plastic. The tool contains provisions for pipe coating removal, but no provisions for removing offensive burrs from the pipe end. Thus, the preferred tools do not include the plurality of rollers. 
       FIGS. 26-28  illustrate an example of such a tool. These figures depict another preferred embodiment tool  710  engaged with a rotary power source, for example drill  90 , and the resulting system positioned for preparing an end region of a pipe  10   b .  FIG. 27  is a front view showing the tool  710 , drill  90 , and pipe  10   b .  FIG. 28  illustrates the tool  710  in greater detail. The tool  710  comprises a housing  720 . The housing  720  generally comprises a rearwardly extending shaft  740 . The tool  710  also comprises a rear mounting member  750 , a front mounting member or cover plate  760 , and an abrasive member  780  disposed therebetween. The rear mounting member  750  of the housing  720  includes a circumferential wall  730  that defines an outer face  732  and an oppositely directed interior face  734 . The tool  710  further comprises a rearwardly extending shaft  740 . The abrasive member  780  defines an inner edge  782  for contacting a region  16   a  of the pipe  10   a  to be prepared for example and as shown in  FIG. 25 .  FIG. 28  illustrates the abrasive member  780  being in the form of a non-woven abrasive material. When using such materials, it is typically not necessary to use a compliant layer as previously described herein. 
     In this preferred version of the tool  710 , the cup-shaped rear mounting member  750  is integrally formed. In addition, a plurality of pins  770  are affixed to the rear mounting member  750  and used to secure the cover plate  760  and the abrasive member  780  thereto. In addition, the tool  710  comprises a stop plate  744  along a rear wall of the housing  720 . Specifically, the stop plate  744  is affixed to a front face  726  of the rear wall of the housing  720  and serves as a wear surface for contacting a pipe end. The use of the stop plate is particularly desirable when the housing  720  is formed from plastic. 
       FIGS. 29-31  illustrate another preferred embodiment tool  810  in accordance with the present invention. The tool  810  is used in conjunction with a rotary power source such as drill  90  and is used to prepare a region of pipe  10   a  (see  FIGS. 30 and 31 ), as previously explained. In this embodiment, the tool  810  does not employ a unitary or single abrasive member, such as previously described abrasive members  660 ,  780  and others. Instead, the tool  810  uses a plurality of abrasive sheets or components  880  spaced about the interior of the tool. Referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the plurality of abrasive sheets  880  are depicted.  FIG. 31  is a schematic cross sectional view of the tool  810  taken across line F-F of  FIG. 30 . The tool  810  is similar to the previously described tools and includes a housing  820 , a shaft  840 , a stop plate  844  for contacting an end of the pipe, and pins  870  for engaging the plurality of abrasive members  880 . 
     Each of the abrasive members  880  is preferably in the form of a rectangular or square shaped piece. Each abrasive member  880  defines an abrasive face  881  that is directed toward the interior of the tool  810 . The face  881 , as will be appreciated, serves to contact a pipe when placed within the tool  810 . A characteristic of the abrasive members  880  is that the abrasive face  881  is flat or at least substantially so. 
       FIGS. 32-34  illustrate another preferred embodiment tool  910  in accordance with the invention. The figures illustrate the tool  910  in conjunction with a drill  90  and pipe  10   a  (see  FIGS. 32-34 ). The tool  910  is similar to the previously described tools, and particularly tool  810 . However, instead of utilizing a plurality of abrasive members having flat abrasive faces, the tool  910  uses a plurality of abrasive members  980  defining arcuate abrasive faces  981 , and particularly having concave recessed abrasive surfaces. Generally, the tool  910  includes a housing  920 , a shaft  940  for engagement to the drill  90 , a stop plate  944 , and a plurality of pins  970  for retaining abrasive members  980 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the tool  910  includes a plurality of arcuate abrasive members  980  spaced about and directed toward the interior of the housing  920  of the tool  910 . The particular shape of each arcuate abrasive member  980  depends upon the number of members that are arranged about the interior of the housing  920 , and possibly upon other factors such as the size of the pipe. However, it is generally preferred to use a total of three (3) members  980 , thus each member is shaped to extend about 120°. The concave face of each member  980  serves as the abrasive face  981  for contacting pipe. 
     Another preferred embodiment tool is generally as previously explained and includes a housing, a shaft, an integrally formed rear mounting member, a front mounting member, one or more pins, and one or more abrasive members. The tool also comprises a reamer attachment that defines a reaming surface. The reamer attachment is preferably disposed within the hollow interior of the housing and preferably in contact with the interior front face of the housing. The reamer attachment defines a conical reaming surface that is sized and oriented to receive a pipe end. The reaming surface includes provisions to remove burrs or other imperfections from a pipe end. Typically, the reaming surface may include a series of spaced ridges and/or serrations, or may utilize an abrasive material. The reamer attachment is preferably engaged to the shaft such that upon rotation of the shaft by the drill, the reamer attachment is also rotated. 
     It is contemplated that commercially available manual reamers that could be modified or otherwise incorporated in the tool and used as the previously described reamer provisions. It is also contemplated that the diameter of the housing may need to be enlarged so as to accommodate the reamer provisions. 
       FIGS. 35-37  illustrate yet another preferred embodiment tool in accordance with the invention. The tool  1010  is generally as previously described and is shown in conjunction with a drill  90  and pipe  10   a  (see  FIGS. 36 and 37 ). The tool  1010  includes a housing  1020 , a shaft  1040 , a rear mounting member  1050 , a front mounting member  1060 , one or more fasteners  1070 , and an abrasive member  1080 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 37 , the tool  1010  also includes an optional shroud enclosure  1094  that essentially encloses, or substantially so, the tool  1010 . The shroud enclosure  1094  includes connection provisions for connection to a vacuum source, vacuum system or other air filtering operation, generally denoted as  1097 , such as by use of a shroud connection  1096 . The shroud enclosure  1094 , upon connection to an air filtering system, is particularly useful for removing air borne particles or other contaminants that may be generated or otherwise released into the environment during a pipe preparation operation. The tool includes one or more bearing assemblies  1098  located about the shaft  1040  such that upon operation of the drill  90  and rotation of the abrasive member  1080 , the shroud enclosure  1094  is independent of such rotation and does not rotate. It will be appreciated that the shroud connection  1096  may also serve as a hand hold for an operator. 
     Any of the previously noted tools can use an optional shroud. The shroud is affixed to a front mounting plate or similar component of the tool along a mounting face of the shroud. The shroud also includes a forwardly extending wall. Preferably, the wall slopes inwardly. Using such an orientation for the wall results in increased collection of particulates and other debris resulting from a pipe preparation operation. In addition, the shroud preferably includes provisions for connection to a vacuum system or other air filtration operation as previously explained. 
     In addition to or instead of a shroud enclosure, the various preferred embodiment tools may also utilize particular configurations for the tool housing front face to promote collection and/or retention of dust, debris and other particulates during use of the tool. For example, the tool housing can include one or more housing sections that extend beyond the location of the housing at which is located the abrasive assembly. An example of this configuration is depicted in  FIG. 5  in which the housing  110  includes a relatively long circumferential extension projecting generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing from the abrasive assembly toward the distal edge constituting the front face  114  of the housing. Furthermore, the housings may include housing front face configurations in which the housing is conical or pseudo-conical as it extends from the abrasive assembly to a narrowed opening constituting the housing front face. An example of this configuration is shown in  FIG. 15  in which the housing  210  includes an inwardly tapering region generally denoted as  214   a.    
     However, it is to be understood that in no way is the invention limited to tools with dust capture provisions. For example, the invention also includes housings that are devoid of any extensions or housing portions which would otherwise extend axially or substantially so, from the abrasive assembly. For example, the invention includes tool embodiments in which the abrasive assembly is disposed immediately adjacent to a front face or opening of the tool housing. 
     The present invention includes versions of all of the previously described tools in which the variant preferred version does not include an abrasive assembly or any abrasive member(s) within the tool interior. Thus, reference may be made to any of the figures noted herein, while accounting for the absence of the abrasive member(s) or abrasive assembly. 
     A wide array of powered rotary drives may be used for the drill, i.e. the rotary power source. A preferred drill is a pistol-style hand-held, electrically powered, portable drill available under the designation RIDGID® model R5013. The model R5013 features an auxiliary handle assembly that can be removed from the drill. However, it will be appreciated that nearly any type of drill can be used so long as it provides sufficient speed and torque. During operation of the device, for either the coating removal process (i) or deburring process (ii), the tool is preferably rotated at a speed of from about 1500 to about 3000 RPM. However, it will be understood that the invention includes the use of rotational speeds greater than or lesser than these. Higher speeds are generally preferred for material removal operations. 
     In addition to the previously provided description, the preferred tools are generally used as follows. A pipe or other object to be prepared or otherwise subjected to the abrasive action of the tool is obtained and secured in a mount or other holding assembly. Alternatively, the pipe may be in an installed state, and thus not require a mount or other holding assembly. The end of the pipe to be prepared is positioned such that a user can freely access the end region and move the tool and rotary power source about the end region of the pipe. The tool is engaged with the rotary power source, which as previously noted can be a hand-held electrically powered drill. The end region of the pipe is identified by the user, and the tool appropriately positioned along that region. For regions along an outer surface of the pipe, the end of the pipe is inserted within the interior region of the housing such that the inner face of the abrasive member can be contacted therewith. Furthermore, the distal end of the pipe material is brought in contact with a front face of the front plate which acts as a mechanical stop and thereby positions the abrasive member the appropriate distance from the end of the pipe to be prepared. While in this position, it will be appreciated that the longitudinal axis of the pipe and that of the tool are generally not collinear with one another, and instead are spaced apart and parallel with each other. Once appropriately positioned, the rotary power source is operated to thereby rotate the tool and the exposed edge of the abrasive member against the desired region of the pipe. The tool is then orbited about the pipe so that the entire region of interest extending about the circumference of the pipe is subjected to the abrasive action of the tool. The course exposed surface of the abrasive member removes any coatings on the outer surface of the pipe, thereby preparing the pipe for receiving one or more fittings. 
     The preferred tools can also be used to perform a deburring operation along the distal end of the pipe. For this operation, the pipe end is inserted into the generally hollow interior of the tool until the pipe end contacts the rollers or the cutting blades located within the tool. In this operation, the longitudinal axis of the pipe and the axis of rotation of the tool are preferably collinear with one another. The tool is rotated such as by a drill engaged with the shaft of the tool, while the tool is axially urged against the pipe end. Tool rotation is continued until the burrs have been sufficiently removed or reformed. 
     It will be appreciated that either of the abrasive operation or the deburring operation could be performed before or after the other. 
     It will be understood that one or more features of any of the preferred embodiments described herein can be combined with one or more other features or aspects of the preferred embodiments. 
     Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology. 
     All patents, applications, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     As described hereinabove, the present invention solves many problems associated with previous type devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1