Patent Description:
This disclosure relates to thread profile geometry, and, more particularly, to a new and useful thread configuration for a locknut enabling its use in National Pipe Taper (NPT), British Standard Pipe Taper thread (BSPT), National pipe straight-mechanical (NPSM), National pipe straight-locknut (NPSL), British Standard Pipe Parallel thread (BSPP) , and unthreaded applications.

Industries handling hazardous materials, e.g., flammable vapors, liquids or gases, combustible dusts or fibers, toxic materials, etc., must maintain certain safety standards while manufacturing, handling and/or storage of the such materials. Depending upon the particular hazard, safety standards and regulations require that the hazardous materials be contained/enclosed within containers or enclosures which prevent the further spread of danger, or damage, to a surrounding environment or area. Hazardous locations may be found in occupancies such as aircraft hangars, gasoline/service stations, bulk storage plants for volatile flammable liquids, paint-finishing plants, health care facilities, agricultural facilities storing harvested grain in storage silos, marinas, boat yards, and petroleum processing plants. Each room, section or area is typically evaluated separately when determining its classification and the precautions which must be taken.

Considering one example, pressure vessels containing natural gas may be held within a storage area having walls of a particular thickness to prevent fragments from inadvertently harming personnel in a surrounding area should an explosive event occur. Additionally, piping or conduit leading into or out of the enclosure will often require a bladder, sheath, or other device to capture or prevent the leakage of the volatile gas out of the enclosure and into the surrounding area. This often includes standards for threaded apertures which accept the passage of the pipe or conduit. For example, it is common to seal pipe threads traversing the walls of the storage container, whether such walls be thin- or thick-walled containers. A variety of industry standards exist for such threaded connections including UL <NUM>, <NUM>, NEC <NUM> -<NUM>, and IEC EN <NUM>-<NUM> Explosion Proof.

In view of the plethora of standards, it will be appreciated that the number and type of threaded connections also varies. As such, an operator must carry multiple connectors each configured to tighten against, and seal the apertures of boxes designed to contain a variety hazardous conditions, whether they be the form of a gaseous, liquid or combustible solid (dust) form. It will, therefore, be appreciated that maintaining inventory at twice present-day levels, creates an enormous burden for a business reliant upon a "just-in-time" inventory system for its daily repair, maintenance and construction costs.

A need, therefore, exists for a fitting capable of fulfilling more than one operation in the construction, repair and maintenance of threaded fittings for thin and thick-walled enclosures containing hazardous materials. <CIT> discloses a terminator, and more particularly a cable entrance bushing for connecting a sheathed electrical conductor through the wall of an entrance. <CIT> discloses a conduit/piping sump penetration fitting. The conduit/piping sump penetration fitting may comprise a bulk head fitting which does not require a plurality of mounting holes to mount the bulk head fitting to a sump wall. Rather, the bulk head fitting has a flange and a threaded portion. Opposed sides of the sump wall may have a rubber gasket through which the threaded portion is fed. A compression flange and compression nut compress the rubber gaskets onto the sump wall so as to form a fluid tight seal between the bulk head fitting and the sump wall. The threaded portion may have an internal beveled surface at its distal end portion which receives an o-ring. A conduit/piping is disposed in the bulk head fitting with the o-ring disposed about the conduit/piping. A second compression nut is threaded onto the threaded portion of the bulk head fitting which pushes the o-ring further down the internal beveled surface. This action causes the o-ring to compress upon the conduit/piping and form a fluid tight seal between the o-ring with the internal beveled surface and the conduit/piping exterior surface. <CIT> discloses a process and apparatus for internally reinstating a connection in a lined conduit. The connection may be a branch pipe or corporation stop that may or may not protrude into the conduit. It may be milled prior to lining. The process includes the step of locating the connection visually or with a probe; forming at an opening in the lining at the connection and then installing a T-nut with a sealing gasket facing the liner to hold the liner in place and form a seal between the T-nut and liner and the connection. The apparatus includes a motor coupled to a turntable with drive to install the T-nut and a supply of T-nuts mounted on a slide for loading the T-nuts onto the drive for installation of the T-nuts without having to remove the assembly between each installation. <CIT> discloses a threaded interconnect structure incorporating respective matching internal and external threaded portions of members to be threadedly interconnected, with the thread geometry defining a profile having contiguous straight-thread and tapered-thread sections. Tapered sections have a taper in excess of standard taper-threaded profiles and comprise comparatively fewer threads, with the sealing action in the tapered section being mechanically aided by the straight-thread sections during make-up of the joint, and thereafter mechanically reinforced by the straight-thread sections.

A more particular description of the disclosure may be had by reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Thus, for further understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, references can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which:.

A threaded fitting according to claim <NUM> is provided.

A method for fabricating a hybrid threaded fitting according to claim <NUM> is provided.

The present disclosure describes a new and useful threaded fitting for use in industrial and/or commercial facilities deemed to contain hazardous materials. In the context used herein, "fitting" means any device, coupling, connector, adaptor, joint, or attachment configured to join a conduit, pipe, cable, or wiring harness in combination with a thin- or thick-walled enclosure. To assist operators in maintaining the safety of its facilities, various standards have been developed so that the manufacturer can assess the need for explosion protection in compliance with, for example, Atex Directive <NUM>/<NUM>/EU. A uniform classification of hazardous areas (installations) provides a basis for selecting and assigning systems and devices including their installation. Under EU Directive <NUM>/<NUM>/EC, an explosion protection document is a precondition for setting up and operating a potentially explosive facility. These documents are prerequisites for selecting systems, devices and components with respect to explosion protection and to install, operate, maintain and repair them in compliance with the relevant standards.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various installations require different thread configurations to provide the requisite explosion protection. Furthermore, the use of lock-nuts has become particularly relevant for augmenting the performance of threaded fittings, especially those exposed to a continuous source of vibration. Lock-nuts are used in combination with parallel threads inasmuch as the root diameter of such threads does not decrease as the lock-nut rotates in a direction tending to loosen the nut. That is, once the lock-nut plastically deforms into the root diameter of the threads, the threads remain deformed as vibration causes the lock-nut to rotate. While such plastic deformation does not lessen the frictional engagement with respect to straight threads, the effect of friction is adversely impacted, i.e., exacerbated, as a consequence of a reduction in root diameter dimension associated with tapered threads. Consequently, lock-nuts are not used in combination with tapered threads.

Inasmuch as the need to abate vibration and provide explosion protection continues to grow, the inventors of this disclosure configured a threaded fitting to meet both requirements. <FIG> and <FIG> depict a threaded fitting <NUM> having a first plurality of threads T, a second plurality of threads S, and at least one transition thread TT disposed therebetween. The first plurality of threads T is configured to provide a labyrinth-type seal for minimizing the migration of at least hazardous dust and/or gases across thick-walled enclosures. More specifically, the first plurality of threads T have a root diameter D1 which tapers from the transition thread TT to a reference plane zero R<NUM>. In one embodiment, not covered by the claims, the crest diameter D2 of the first plurality of threads T (see <FIG>) also tapers from the transition thread TT to a reference plane zero R<NUM>. In an embodiment covered by the claims, (shown in <FIG>), the crest diameter D3 of the first plurality of threads T, forms a straight angle or is parallel to the elongate axis 10A of the threaded fitting <NUM>. In this embodiment, the crest diameter D3 is equal to the crest diameter D6 of the second plurality of threads S.

The root and crest diameters D1, D2 of the first plurality of threads T may taper along an angle α of between about one degree (<NUM>°) to about two and one quarter degrees (<NUM><NUM>/<NUM>°) relative to the elongate axis 10A of the threaded fitting <NUM>. The cone angle is twice the value of angle alpha α and may vary from two degrees (<NUM>°) to about four and one half degrees (<NUM><NUM>/<NUM>). The taper of the crest diameter is preferably the same as the taper of the root diameter or between about one degree (<NUM>°) to about two and one quarter degrees (<NUM><NUM>/<NUM>°) relative to the elongate axis 10A of the threaded fitting <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the root diameter taper of the first plurality T is between about one and twelve sixteenths degrees (<NUM><NUM>/16ths°), i.e., one and three quarter degrees (<NUM><NUM>/<NUM>°) to about one and thirteen sixteenths degrees (<NUM><NUM>/16ths). The root diameter angle α is about one and seventy-eight hundredths degrees (<NUM>°) to about one and one hundred eighty eight thousandths degrees (<NUM>°) and the cone angle is three and fifty eight hundredths degrees (<NUM>°).

In the described embodiment, the root and crest diameters D1, D2 of the first plurality of threads T taper along a cone angle α of about one and one eighth degrees (<NUM><NUM>/<NUM>°) relative to the elongate axis 10A of the threaded fitting <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the second plurality of threads S is configured to provide a labyrinth-type seal for minimizing the migration of at least water/fluids across thin-walled enclosures. The second plurality of threads S have root and crest diameters, D4 and D6, respectively, which are straight or parallel relative to the elongate axis 10A of the threaded fitting <NUM>.

The threaded fitting <NUM> also includes at least one (<NUM>) transition thread disposed between the first and second plurality of threads T, S. In the described embodiment, the transition thread has a root diameter D5 which is equal to the root diameter D4 of the second plurality of threads S and a crest diameter D3 which is equal to the crest diameter D6 of the second plurality of threads S.

The threaded fitting <NUM> includes between four (<NUM>) and six (<NUM>) threads in each of the first and second plurality of threads T, S. The illustrated embodiment depicts five (<NUM>) tapering threads in the first plurality of threads T, and five (<NUM>) straight or parallel threads in the second plurality of threads S. The at least one transition thread TT changes the profile of the thread from a tapering thread in the first plurality of threads T to a straight thread in the second plurality of threads S.

In the described embodiment, the first plurality of threads T may be preceded by a chamfer having an angle β of about thirty-seven degrees (<NUM>°) while the second plurality may be succeeded by a vanishing thread defining an angle θ greater than about forty-five degrees (<NUM>°).

A method for fabricating a hybrid threaded fitting is also disclosed comprising the steps of: forming a first plurality of tapered threads along a tubular blank or shaft having an elongate axis, forming a transition thread along the same tubular shaft and, in series with a last tooth of the first plurality of threads, and forming a second plurality of straight or parallel threads along the same blank or shaft and, in series with the transition tooth of the threaded fitting. The first plurality of tapered threads is configured to engage a tapered female nut to mitigate the passage of dust and/or combustible vapors. The second plurality of tapered threads are configured to engage a locknut to mitigate vibrations while mitigating the passage of water/fluid.

In <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the threaded fitting <NUM> is shown performing various functions associated with providing hazard protection, e.g., gas, vapor, flame, dust, and water protection, for thin- and thick-walled, enclosures. <FIG> depicts a partially broken-away sectional view of the threaded fitting affixed to a thick-walled enclosure THWE. The threaded fitting <NUM> is secured to the enclosure as the tapered male threads T of the fitting <NUM> engage the straight female threads of the thick-walled enclosure THWE. As the first plurality of tapered male threads T engage the straight female threads, the root diameter of the male threads T engage the crests of the straight female threads. As torque is applied to the tapered male threads, a labyrinth seal is produced for mitigating the passage of dust and gas across the interface. The male accessory could be a cable gland, a conduit hub or any structure configured for connecting or terminating to the enclosure. In this application, the tapered threads prevent the flame-path from escaping the enclosure, i.e., functioning as a source of ignition outside the enclosure or into the next zone. UL1203 defines the minimum thread engagement necessary for preventing the flame-path from entering other hazardous areas.

<FIG> depicts a partially broken-away sectional view of the threaded fitting <NUM> affixed to a thin-walled enclosure TNWE. The threaded fitting <NUM> is secured to the thin-walled enclosure as a locknut LN passes over the first plurality of threads T to engage the second plurality of parallel threads S of the fitting <NUM>. As the second plurality of parallel threads S engage the threads of the locknut LN, a shoulder or flange FL of the fitting <NUM> is drawn toward the locknut thereby capturing a rim of the aperture therebetween. A gasket may be disposed between the flange FL and the thin wall of the enclosure. As such, a water-tight seal can be effected with the aid of a rubber O-ring or gasket. In this embodiment, the locknut LN passes over the first plurality of tapered threads T to engage the second plurality of parallel threads. Once again, the male accessory could be a cable gland, a conduit hub or any structure configured for connecting or terminating to the enclosure. A locknut has been described in this embodiment, however in other embodiments other types of threaded fasteners may be used in place of a lock nut, such as a Myers Nut.

<FIG> depicts a partially broken-away sectional view of the threaded fitting <NUM> affixed to thick-walled enclosure THWE, however, in this application, the first plurality of tapered threads extend past the aperture such that the second plurality of parallel threads engage pre-formed threads in the aperture. A gasket may be disposed between the flange FL and the thick wall of the enclosure. This application is not explosion proof, but is, rather is "weather-proof," i.e., preventing fluids from ingress into the enclosure. Similar to the other applications, the male accessory may include a cable gland, conduit hub or other structure for terminating to the enclosure.

In summary, the threaded fitting <NUM> of the present disclosure may be used in both applications common to explosion-proof fittings <NUM>, i.e., to secure/protect thin- and thick-walled enclosures. As such, the quantity of stored inventory can be significantly reduced inasmuch as a single threaded fitting satisfies two requirements. Furthermore, the threaded fitting <NUM> provides a standardized installation which eliminates the need for a separate female threaded adaptor. This further reduces inventory requirements while facilitating ease of assembly. Finally, the threaded fitting reduces the overall length of installation and, with it, the propensity for impact damage.

Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above.

Claim 1:
A threaded fitting (<NUM>), comprising:
a first plurality of threads (T) configured to provide a labyrinth type seal minimizing migration of at least hazardous dust or gases;
a second plurality of threads (S) configured to provide a labyrinth type seal for attenuating vibration while minimizing migration of at least fluids; and
a transition thread (TT) between the first plurality of threads and the second plurality of threads,
wherein the first and second plurality of threads are serially-arranged and may be used for either thin or thick-walled enclosures to retard a passage of at least one of gas, fluid, dust or flame,
wherein each thread of the first plurality of threads has a root diameter (D1) which tapers from the transition thread to a reference plane zero, and a crest diameter (D3) which forms a straight angle or is parallel to an elongate axis (10A) of the thread fitting,
wherein the second plurality of threads has a root diameter (D4) which is straight or parallel to the elongate axis (10A) of the threaded fitting.