Improved Means for Making Joints in Metal Piping.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 28th June, 1897-Accepted, 31st July, 1897
Improved Means for Making Joints in Metal Piping.
い
I, HEDLEY BUTTON, of Launceston, in the Colony of Tasmania, Printer and
Stationer, 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:-
The object of this Invention is to simplify and cheapen the principle, appliances,
and labour pertaining to the making of Joints (particularly those of an Angular
character) in Metal Pipes of every description. In attempting this I have sought 10
benefit not only the private user, by cheapening the work executed on his premises,
but also, and very largely and particularly, those engaged in the plumbing,
engineering, and kindred trades, who are obliged to keep in stock a supply of pipe
fittings to meet every requirement.
Under the system at present prevailing the stock required to completely equip an
establishment of this character is necessarily large and costly, embracing a multitude.
of parts of great variety of form and purpose, each variation being again divided into.
series of sizes. This multiplication of parts is occasioned by the fact that each
individual piece, of given form and size, cannot be used otherwise than for the one
specific purpose for which it was manufactured. Thus, the simple coupling socket,
the L, T, and X joints, the reducing sockets, etc., can. each be applied solely to the
one purpose for which it was originally intended; and it frequently necessary to!
combine several of these parts to accomplish one very simple object; while every
variation in dimension of piping renders imperative the use of a corresponding series
of all these fittings in that particular size.
My aim has been to provide a system by which a few simple parts can be applied
separately, or in combination, in many different ways, to occupy any desired position,
and form any required angle.
My new principle has proved completely successful in meeting these requirements,
only six simple parts being necessary for each size of piping. By this method two or
more pipes, of similar or different sizes, may be connected together, at any angle, or
at various angles, by simply screwing on to the end of each pipe one piece of my
improved fittings, tying all the pieces together (with pipes attached) by means of one
bolt passing through the centre of each, and, after adjusting the various angles,
screwing up the whole combination closely and firmly together with a nut at one end.
of the bolt.
The six simple parts mentioned above as essential to the Invention are an L elbow,
two T junctions (external and. intermediate), a reducing ring, a bolt and nut, and a
common, flat, lead, leather, or asbestos washer. The elbow and junctions are of cast
or wrought iron, brass, or any other suitable metal; the reducing ring may be of
similar metal, either cast or stamped; and the bolt and put of galvanized iron, brass,
or some other tough, non-corroding metal.
'The elbow has a screw thread cut in one of its openings, to connect with piping in
the ordinary way; but the other aperture is left plain, and is cast in cup shape,
with sufficient metal around it to form a broad, flat, annular face, turned true, so that-
when another piece is applied to it, face to face, the two will fit closely together. In

page_text: this face a number of small grooves are turned, around and concentric with the
opening, the sharp edges of which cut into the lead washer interposed between them
and the corresponding grooves of any other part with which connection is desired, thus
forming a very tight joint. Or as an alternative, but not so generally useful method,
each face may bear only one deep groove, of semi-circular, triangular, or rectangular
section (U, V, or ), which will receive one side of a lead ring, of circular section, the
other side of the ring being recessed into the corresponding groove of the companion
fitting but the application of this plan to any joint necessitates the use of a set of
fittings of particular size, as the one lead ring must fit exactly into the two opposing
grooves. Through the bottom of the cup-shaped end of the elbow, exactly under the
centre of the plain opening, a hole is drilled, to accommodate a bolt of sufficient
strength, its external orifice being counter-sunk, so that the turned conical head of
the bolt, with lead washer between, may fit intimately into it. The faces of the two
parts being placed together, with lead washer between, as described, the bolt is passed
right through both, and screwed up tight with a conical-shaped nut, which, with its
lead washer, fits closely into the counter-sunk hole made to receive it, in exactly
similar manner to the head of the bolt at the opposite end.
In the external junction the two opposite ends of the main tube are screwed, to
connect with piping in the ordinary way; while the centre aperture, for forming a
connection at right angles, is left plain, the casting surrounding it assuming the cup
shape, with broad face, bearing the concentric grooves (or alternative single groove),
and counter-sunk bolt-hole through under-side, exactly ns in the case of the elbow.
This form of T junction is intended both for ordinary single connection, as in the
case of a main with one branch proceeding from it, and also for a multiplication of
connections at the same point, but in the latter case a second form of T is necessary
for each intermediate part between the two external fittings. In this the two
apertures of the main tube, at either end, are left plain, each with its broad, flat,
annular, connecting face and concentric groove or grooves, as already described; while
the mouth of the junction, at right angles to the main tube,, is screwed, for connection
with piping in the ordinary way. Thus the chief difference between the two forms
of T will be seen to consist of a reversal of the two methods of connection applied to
the three apertures. Another distinction in this second form of junction is that no
bolt-hole is required through the side, as the bolt passes through the centre of the
main tube.
The reducing ring is simply a thick washer, or annular disc, introduced between
two other fittings of different sizes as a reconciling or adjusting medium. Each side
is grooved, similarly to the faces of the elbow and junctions, and for the same
purpose. If considered necessary or desirable under certain circumstances, and as a
further safeguard, the reducing ring may bear a circular depression or shallow socket,
on each face, into which the faces of other attaching parts of similar size will fit,
and on being screwed down tight will be thus secured against all possibility of
lateral movement.
To illustrate the foregoing description, and clearly and precisely explain my
Invention, both as to the form of its various parts, and the manner in which they are
used, I have provided herewith a series of drawings, in which all necessary details are 4
depicted, as follows:-
Fig. 1. Elbow (L-shape)—Aɑ plan-Ab elevation-Ac section on line ZY-
Ad sharp-edged concentric grooves, intended to cut into the lead washers and effect
a tight joint Ae bolt hole-Af ordinary screw connection with piping..
Fig. 2. Junction (T-shape), external-Ba plan-B elevation-Bc section on 5
line X W Bd concentric grooves-Be bolt hole-Bf ordinary screw connection.
Fig. 3. Junction (T-shape), intermediate-Ca plan-Cb elevation-Cc section on
line V-Cd concentric grooves-Ce ordinary screw connection.
Fig. 4. Reducing ring-Da plan-Db section on line TS-De concentric grooves-
Dd edge of opening tapered, to connect with the larger of the two fittings-the ring 5
is made in various sizes, to adapt it to any required' reduction.
Fig. 5. Bolt and attachments-Ea solid head, with conical elevation on under-

page_text: surface, for forcing the lead washer into a corresponding conical depression in the
surface of the fitting to which it is applied, to effect a tight joint Eb nut, with
similar conical elevation to the head, and for the same purpose-Ec Ec lead washers,
one for use with head, the other with nut.
Fig. 6. Two elbows connected-A elbows-E bolt-Eb nut-Ec bolt lead washers-
F lead coupling washer-G piping connected by ordinary screw joint.
Fig. 7. External junction connected with elbow-A elbow-B external junction―
E bolt Eb nut-Ec bolt lead-washers-F lead coupling washer-G piping,.
Fig. 8. Plan of Fig. 7-A elbow-B external junction-E bolt--b nut-G piping
-the dotted lines illustrate how the upper fitting may be revolved on the lower one;
permitting every gradation of angle between the two-this plan applies equally to
Fig. 6.
Fig. 9. Combination of external junction, intermediaté junction, reducing ring,
and elbow 9a elevation-96 section on centre line-A elbow-B external junction--
C intermediate junction-D reducing ring-E bolt-Eb nut-Ec bolt lead washers—
F lend coupling washers- piping this figure illustrates the method of combining
several parts with one bolt, aud also how a smaller fitting is connected with a larger
one by the medium of the reducing ring.
Fig. 10. Reducing ring applied as a temporary valve or stop-cock-section through
centre A elbow-D reducing ring-F lead coupling washers-though for convenience
this principle is represented in connection with only one simple part (the elbow), it
is equally applicable to each of the others, or to any combination of them.
From these particulars it will be seen that the principle of the Invention is simple,
its several parts are easily and quickly joined and separated, its connections may be
made very close and firm, its convenience is undoubted,, while its economy is certain,
both to the tradesman and to the private user. Its advantages are manifested by
very short experience, and will be evident to trained eyes even in the examples of
application given in the drawings. Thus, referring to Fig. 6'; the simple connection
with two elbows may be taken to represent a joint, either in the middle of a straight
line of pipe or at an angle, which is required to be frequently opened or disconnected;
how readily this is effected by simply unscrewing the nut and withdrawing the
bolt as compared with the operation necessary under the old system, with its
indifferent joint of long screw, socket, back nut, and string or rag packing! Again,
in Fig. 7, the facility of application is evidenced in the junction of a branch pipe
with a main, where connection or disconnection can be accomplished with such
expedition that practically no interruption to the use of the main pipe occurs, in
many instances there being no necessity to cut off the flow during the momentary
operation. But it is in such a combination as is illustrated by Fig. 9 that the
advantages of the new principle are most clearly seen and truly appreciated! In this
instance the junction of two branches (one being a reduction) with a main is effected
in a few moments by the single act of screwing up the one bolt that holds all
together. And it will be evident that though only four parts are shown in this figure,
the intermediate connections may be multiplied almost indefinitely, the only limit
being the length and strength of the tying bolt. The extreme simplicity and
compactness, yet complete effectiveness, of the reducing ring is also seen in this
connection--a contrast to the bulky apparatus required for a similar office under the
old system. Not the least useful purpose the reducing ring is intended to serve is
that of a temporary valve or stop-cock, as demonstrated by Fig. 10. In this capacity
it will be found exceedingly useful and convenient to the pipe-fitter when effecting
repairs, making new connections, or in any other work necessitating the temporary
closing of a pipe. The simplicity of this operation, and the rapidity with which it
can be effected by even an unskilled person, commends this portion of my Invention
particularly to the notice of householders and other private users, as a ready means of
quickly shutting down a pipe in the event of a burst or leak, until competent
assistance can be obtained. Indeed, the whole system, in its method of connection,
formation of angles, and attachment as stop-cock, is so entirely devoid of intricacy
and complication, is so easily manipulated, and is of such wide application, that its

page_text: general adoption would be found advantageous; while its benefits would be particularly
appreciated under conditions where skilled labour and complete stocks of fittings are
not readily available.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. In an improved system of forming joints in metal piping the fundamental
principle of connection of two or more parts by bringing them into close contact and
tying them firmly together by means of a bolt, which passes through the centre of
each, having a solid head one end and a screw and nut on the other; in contra-
distinction to the present cominon screwed socket joints-substantially as described
and illustrated.
2. In connection with such systein the particular form adopted for its most essential
part, the elbow (L), namely, a solid casting in any suitable inetal, with bore curved
at right angles between its inlet and outlet; one of these apertures being screwed
internally for connection with piping in the present ordinary way, the other left
plain, with an external broad, flat, annular surface, made perfectly true, to permit of
close contact with the corresponding surface of any other part applied to it; a hole is
bored through the back of the casting, about the centre of the curve, immediately
under the plain (unscrewed) aperture last described, counter sunk externally, to
receive the conical head or nut of the tying bolt-substantially as described and
illustrated.
3. In further connection with such system, the particular form adopted for the
external junction (T), namely, a solid casting, with main bore passing through in a
straight line, and branch bore meeting it at right angles in its centre; the two
apertures of the main bore are screwed internally, for present ordinary connection,
while the aperture of the branch bore is left plain, in the same manner and for the
same purpose as already described in the case of the elbow; a similar bolt-hole to
that referred to in the elbow, and for the same purpose, being provided in the back of
the casting, under the plain aperture-substantially as described and illustrated.
4. In further connection with such system, the particular form adopted for the
intermediate junction (T), namely, a solid casting, with main and branch bores at
right angles, as in the case of the external junction, but with mode of connection.
with each aperture exactly the reverse of that fitting, thus, the two openings of the
main bore left plain, while the branch opening is screwed, no bolt-hole being required
substantially as described and illustrated.
5. In further connection with such system, the principle and form of the reducing
ring, namely, a thick washer, or annular disc, either cast or stamped, introduced
between the faces of two opposing fittings of different size, as a reconciling medium,.
affording a coumnon base, or plane of junction, to both parts-substantially as
described and illustrated.
6: In further connection with such system, the principle of the concentric groove
or grooves in the face of every fitting (elbow, junctions, and reducing ring), the
sharp edges of which are intended to cut into the lead washers introduced between
any two fittings and so effect a tight, immovable joint-substantially as described
and illustrated.