Improvements in or connected with Pipe Joints or Couplings.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Nov., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 15th Aug., 1893-Accepted, 15th Nov., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Pipe Joints or Couplings.
We, JOSEPH VEVERS, of 16, Russell Street, Swansea, in the County of
Glamorgan, Wales, Civil Engineer, and GEORGE SEPTIMUS FITT, of 22, Uplands
Crescent, Swansea, aforesaid, Merchant, do. hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
:-
This invention has reference to those kinds of pipe joints or couplings in which
the connection is effected without the use or employment of coupling belts as in
ordinary joints, and comprises certain constructions and arrangements of parts,
hereinafter specified, by which such connections of pipes, or couplings, can be
effected in this manner, that is, without bolts, and further, which enables the pipes
to be laid in line or at an angle to each other at will, or to be moved, or to move,
when laying, or after they have been laid.
A pipe joint comprising our improvements is constructed as follows:-One end
of one pipe or length of pipe is provided with a socket while the end of the other
pipe or conduit to be connected or coupled thereto is provided with a spigot which
is adapted to fit into the socket. On the inside of the socket is provided a jointing
material, the inner surface of which is of the form of the frustum of a sphere;
whilst the spigot outer surface is provided with or in the form of a corresponding
frustum, the centres of both spheres lying in the same point and thus so disposed
that the spigot can be inserted, and when inserted is free to move about within the
socket jointing material.
The means for connecting and tightening the two parts up, consists in providing
projecting parts on the pipe end, which are bent inwards, and corresponding pro-
jections on the other pipe end, the one set being adapted to engage with the other.
The surfaces of both these provisions or parts are spherical planes, inclined along
the direction of the circumference of the pipe, and produce when connected an
effective forward and circular motion creating thereby a perfectly tight joint.
In coupling up the pipes, the spigot is introduced into the socket, and then the
pipe is turned about its longitudinal axis, whereupon the projections or provisions
above mentioned of the two parts, engage with each other, and cause, by their
form, a longitudinal movement forcing the spigot tightly up against the surface of
the jointing material in the socket. The pressure so exerted should be sufficient to
drive out all air in the interstices of the surfaces of the joint and induce perfect
contact, the retention of which depends upon the effect of the circular motion
imparted to the spigot pipe.
In some cases, a groove or grooves may be formed in the spigot end which comes
in contact with the jointing material; and these may be pitched at a suitable
inclination. Some of the effects of these grooves are that in compression they may
produce fillets or corrugations by which the efficiency of the joint is enhanced; or,
they may provide refuge for particles of air which may not be completely expelled,
and they may serve to give a lead when the joint is being made.
The jointing inaterial may be of lead or other soft metal, or of other suitable
material, according to the purposes to which the pipes or conduits would be put, or
to the conditions of their use, or other circumstances.
When all the connections or couplings of a series of pipes are of the construction
herein described, such length of pipe would be provided at one end with the socket
specified while the other end would constitute the spigot.
In some cases, in lieu of the construction above specified, a loose collar arrange-
ment may be used, in which case the joint would be adapted to act in the same
manner as or in a substantially equivalent manner to that above specified in the
act of connecting and when connected.

page_text: To form and fit the jointing material in the socket, suitable special moulds,
templates, and mandrils, and tools may be used.
By the jointing material being inserted in the socket or otherwise of the pipes,
as described, the joint would be self-maintaining, that is to say, the pressure
of the matter conveyed would tend to tighten the joint when the pipes or couplings
are in use.
By this construction and invention, the pipes may be laid or fixed in a straight
line, or on a curve, or at different inclinations, since the spigot may be placed in
the socket, or moved in the socket (or vice versa) at any desired angle within
certain degrees in any direction; and also they are capable of moving when once
laid, should their support or bed move, or should it be desired to alter their position
or inclination.
Further, the application and fixing of pipes according to this invention is
independent of physical and meteorological conditions, so that it is possible and
feasible to make joints under stress of weather, when pipes are to be jointed under
water, and in all other conditions when connections as ordinarily made are impossible
or undesirable.
The improvements according to this invention are applicable to various pipes,
conduits, connections, and couplings; and it is to be stated that the invention is
not confined strictly to the forms of parts herein more particularly specified, as
these may vary and be modified and arranged or combined in different ways in
different cases to suit or meet the varying conditions of its application, or special
requirements, or other circumstances.
Dated this 14th day of November 1892.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicants' Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Pipe Joints or Couplings.
We, JOSEPH VEVERS, of 16, Russell Street, Swansea, in the County of
Glamorgan, Wales, Civil Engineer, and GEORGE SEPTIMUS FITT, of 22, Uplands
Crescent, Swansea, aforesaid, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention has reference to those kinds of pipe joints or couplings in which
the connection is effected without the use or employment of coupling bolts as in
ordinary joints, and comprises certain constructions and arrangements of parts,
hereinafter specified, by which such connections of pipes, or couplings, can be
effected in this manner, that is, without bolts; and further, which enable the pipes
to be laid in line, or at an angle to each other, at will, or to be moved, or to move,
when laying, or after they have been laid.
A pipe joint comprising our improvements is constructed as follows:- One end
of one pipe or length of pipe is provided with a socket, while the end of the other
pipe or conduit to be connected or coupled thereto is provided with a spigot, which
is adapted to fit into the socket. On the inside of the socket is provided a jointing
material, the inner surface of which is of the form of the frustum of a sphere;
whilst the spigot outer surface is provided with or in the form of a corresponding.
frustum, the centres of both spheres lying in the same point, and thus so disposed,
that the spigot can be inserted, and when inserted is free to move about within
the socket jointing material.
The means for connecting and tightening the two parts up, consists in providing
projecting parts on one pipe end, which are bent inwards, and corresponding
projections on the other pipe end, the one set being adapted to engage with the
other. The surfaces of both these provisions or parts are curved, and inclined
along the direction of the circumference of the pipe, and produce when being

page_text: connected an effective forward and circular motion, creating thereby a perfectly
tight joint.
In coupling up the pipes, the spigot is introduced into the socket, and then the
pipe is turned about its longitudinal axis, whereupon the projections or provisions
above mentioned of the two parts engage with each other, and cause, by their
form, a longitudinal movement, forcing the spigot tightly up against the surface of
the jointing material in the socket. The pressure so exerted should be sufficient
to drive out all air in the interstices of the surfaces of the joint and induce
perfect contact, the retention of which depends upon the effect of the circular
motion imparted to the spigot pipe.
In some cases, a groove or grooves may be formed in the spigot end which comes
in contact with the jointing material; and these may be pitched at a suitable
inclination. Some of the effects of these grooves are, that in compression, they
may produce fillets or corrugations by which the efficiency of the joint is enhanced;
or, they may provide refuge for particles of air which may not be completely
expelled; and they may serve to give a "lead" when the joint is being made.
The jointing material may be of lead or other soft metal, or of other suitable
material, according to the purposes to which the pipes or conduits would be put,
or to the conditions of their use, or other circumstances.
When all the connections or couplings of a series of pipes are of the
construction herein described, each length of pipe would be provided at one end
with the socket specified, while the other end would constitute the spigot.
In some cases, in lieu of the construction above specified, a loose collar arrange-
ment may be used, in which case the joint would be adapted to act in the same
manner as or in a substantially equivalent manner to that above specified in the
act of connecting, and when connected.
To form and fit the jointing material in the socket, suitable special moulds,
templates, and mandrils, and tools may be used.
By the jointing material being inserted in the socket or otherwise of the pipes,
as described, the joint would be self-maintaining, that is to say, the pressure of the
matter conveyed would tend to tighten the joint when the pipes or couplings are
in use.
By this construction and invention, the pipes may be laid or fixed in a straight
line, or on a curve, or at different inclinations, since the spigot may be placed in
the socket, or moved in the socket (or vice versa) at any desired angle within
certain degrees in any direction; and also they are capable of moving when
once laid, should their support or bed move, or should it be desired to alter their
position or inclination.
Further, the application and fixing of pipes according to this invention is
independent of physical and meteorological conditions, so that it is possible and
feasible to make joints under stress of weather, when pipes are to be jointed under
water, and in all other conditions when connections as ordinarily mide are
impossible or undesirable.
The improvements according to this invention are applicable to various pipes,
conduits, connections, and couplings; and it is to be stated that the invention is
not strictly confined to the forms of parts particularly shown in the drawings, as
these may be modified to suit or meet the varying conditions of its application, or
special requirements, or other circumstances.
We will now describe the invention with the aid of the accompanying drawings
which illustrate constructions in and connected with pipe joints or couplings, the
nature of which is above described.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section, and Figure 2 is a cross section of one form or
modification of pipe joint or coupling under this invention.
Figures 3 and 4 are longitudinal sections shewing a more extended view and
cross section, the construction of the pipe joint or coupling shewn in Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 5 and 6 are, respectively, longitudinal section and cross section of a
modified form or construction of joint under this invention.

page_text: Figure 7 is a longitudinal section illustrating a mandril for use in connection with
the pipe socket for forming the soft metal seat therein.
The same letters and figures of reference are used to denote the same or
equivalent parts wherever they occur in the drawings.
Referring now to the drawings, A represents the socket; B is the spigot ;
and C is the jointing material.
The curved surfaces on the inside of the pipe socket A are designated a¹.
These curved surfaces are inclined along the direction of the circumference of the
pipes as seen in Figures 2 and 4, whilst in the longitudinal direction are of
circular form, which combined formations produce the curved surfaces specified.
In the drawings shewn, there are four of these curved surfaces in the joint, but
other suitable numbers, more or less, may be employed; and it may be here
stated that, of course, the same number of curved surfaces on the spigot end will
be provided. The curved surfaces of the spigot B are designated . The inner
surface of the jointing material C is of a form corresponding with the surface of
the frustum of a sphere, whilst the front portion of the spigot B, on its outer
surface, is also of the form of a frustum of a sphere, equal in diameter with that
corresponding with the inner side of the jointing C. The centre of the sphere of
which the spigot end portion forms a frustum, and the centre of the sphere corre-
sponding with the interior of the jointing, and also the centres of the circles
describing the longitudinal curves of the curved surfaces a¹ and b' of the pipe
socket and spigot, all lie, practically, in the same poiut, when the spigot is in its
proper and tightened up position in the socket; this centre is represented by the
point o in the drawings. Thus it will be seen that a pipe may take any inclination,
in any direction, in relation to that or those connected with it, within reasonable
limits, after the pipes have been laid, or before that time, either by design or
accident, and remain tight equally in all positions.
The circles representing the spheres in which the joint and tightening curved
surfaces lie are represented by the dotted lines in Figure 4. In coupling up pipes
with these joints, the spigot B is introduced into the socket A, the curved surfaces b¹
passing in between the corresponding parts a' of the socket. Then by turning one
pipe about its axis the parts a' and engage with each other, and cause by their
form a longitudinal movement, forcing the spigot frustum 2 tightly up against the
surface of the jointing material in the socket.
In some cases, the centre of the sphere corresponding with the surface of the
jointing material may be slightly behind (that is nearer to the socket mouth thereof)
the centre of the circle on which the longitudinal curves of the curved surfaces a
are formed, by which means, when the spigot is introduced, the leading edge of the
spherical portion will first meet the part of the jointing material which is of
the smaller diameter; when however the spigot is fully tightened up, this part
will be compressed and gradually contact is obtained over the whole of the
frustum, and the centres of the different spherical formations lie in one point as
above described. The formation of the jointing material in this manner
with reference to Figure 7 hereinafter described.
set forth
In the modification shewn in Figures 5 and 6, the socket is not in one piece as in
the figures above described, but is in two parts, the two parts being connected
together by an interrupted outwardly turned flange a² on the socket, and a
corresponding interrupted inwardly turned flange as on a loose ring a', by which
the two parts are connected together, the inside curved surface a' being provided
on the ring, and the jointing C in the other part of the socket. This type of
coupling is suitable for "specials," such as outlets, valves, and other connections;
or, it may be used in ordinary joints, or where required.
It will be seen with reference to the drawings, that in this modification, the
curved surfaces of the loose ring a' are narrow in their longitudinal dimension and
contact, that is, they do not touch the curved surfaces of the spigot over its whole
Bur ace longitudinally as in the previously described constructions; but this pro-
portion of surface may be used in any of the modifications.

page_text: With reference to the mode of applying the jointing material C in the socket,
the mandril D is substantially of the same form as the spigot of the pipe which is
to fit in the socket; that is to say it has tightening curved surfaces d', and a front
portion in the form of a frustum of a sphere. This front portion, however, is
carried forward at d³ so as to form a matrix to the cylindrical portiou of the jointing
material, a shoulder on d³ abutting against the metal at the end of the space to
receive the jointing material, whilst at the upper part, a projecting part dis
provided to fill the upper part of said space and make a joint at that part. By
this means, as shewn, the space between the mandril and the socket is a closed one,
and forms a mould to receive the lead, white metal, or other jointing material.
enable the metal or material to be poured or introduced into the said space or
mould, a diaphragm is carried across the mandril, and apertures or conduits d
are provided through which the material is passed thereto.
To
In this drawing, Figure 7, the centre o₁ of the sphere frustum d' of the mandril,
is slightly behind the centre of the circle on which the longitudinal curve of the
curved surfaces a' and ' are formed, and thus the inner and smaller part of the
jointing material C, when provided, will in consequence, not have its centre in
the same point as the centre of the circle on which the curved surfaces a¹ of the
socket is struck from. The spigot therefore of the pipe having the centres of the
parts and 6 in the same point will not fit in the socket when first introduced, in
such a manner that the frustum part 6 will touch the jointing material surface all
over. However, by turning the spigot round, it will be forced forward into the
socket, and will compress the inner and smaller part of the jointing material,
finally bearing over and upon its whole surface, and making a tight joint, and from
which also the air will have been gradually but effectually forced.
When pipes of this nature are employed to convey fluids under pressure above
that surrounding them, such pressure will tend to keep the joint tight.
In lieu of applying the jointing material in the socket as herein shewn, it may
be cast or formed upon the spigot if desired; or it may be cast or made in an
independent state, such as in rings or sheaths.
The joints in whole or in part are tooled, or used in a rough state.
By this joint and design of jointing material, when pipes are unencumbered that
is to say, laid without anchorage, the joints can move out of true line in expansion,
and contract to a normal position, the tightness of the joint being maintained
absolutely under these conditions. The joints also afford facilities in case of
emergency, as the pipes can, for temporary work, be easily laid and disconnected
without damage or destruction to joints.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:
1. In a pipe joint or coupling, the combination of spherical portions, with con-
necting constructions, substantially as described, by which said spherical portion or
portions are kept up to one another.
2. In a pipe joint or coupling, a socket having a seating of a jointing material
such as specified, with its bearing face of spherical formation, and internal curved
surfaces; and a spigot with a spherically formed part adapted to fit upon the face
of the seating material of the socket, and external curved surfaces adapted to
engage with the curved surfaces of the said socket, through which the spigot end
is moved up to and kept on the face of the seating material; whereby the pipes
can be set and fastened up at any inclination in relation to each other, or may be
moved to, or lie in, any such inclination, after being connected.
3. The pipe joint or coupling having its parts constructed and operating
particularly as set forth with reference to and shewn in Figures 1 to 4 of the
drawings.
4. The pipe joint or coupling having its parts constructed and operating

page_text: particularly as set forth with reference to and shewn in Figures 5 and 6 of the
drawings.
5. The construction of mandril and mode of use substantially as set forth with
reference to Figure 7 of the drawings.
6. A pipe joint or coupling having curved surfaces arranged substantially as
herein described by which a spigot is brought up to, and held upon the surface of,
or seat in, or of, a socket.
Dated thig 14th day of A noust 1002
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicants' Patent Agents.