Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     [Not Applicable] 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     [Not Applicable] 
       MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE  
       [0003]     [Not Applicable] 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     Certain embodiments of the invention relate to plumbing parts. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a pipe union with extension.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     Pipe unions are widely utilized for interconnecting separate lengths of pipes. For example, a pipe union may be utilized to connect two separate long runs of pipe. In addition, a pipe union may be utilized to repair a break, or rupture, in a run of pipe. In such instances, a short length of the ruptured pipe may be removed and the resulting two lengths of pipe may be connected via a pipe union.  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a prior art pipe union. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the pipe union  100  comprises a first annular pipe member  104 , a second annular pipe member  102 , and a fastening member  106 . The first annular pipe member  104  may be adapted to receive a length of pipe  110  and the second annular pipe member  102  may be adapted to receive a length of pipe  108 . For example, the annular pipe members  104  and  102  may comprise internal thread means and may be adapted to engage externally-threaded lengths of pipe  110  and  108 , respectively, utilizing the thread means. In addition, the annular pipe members  104  and  102  may be welded to corresponding ends of pipes  110  and  108 , respectively.  
         [0007]     The fastening member  106  may comprise an inwardly extending flange  107 . During an installation of the pipe union  100 , the annular pipe members  104  and  102  may be attached to the corresponding lengths of pipe  110  and  108 , respectively (e.g., by utilizing thread means or welding). The fastening member may be slided over the first annular pipe member  104  so that the inwardly extending flange  107  abuts a shoulder  109  of an extending flange of the first annular pipe member  104 . The pipes  110  and  108  may be brought together and the pipe union  100  may be closed by engaging the thread means on the fastening member with the thread means on the second annular pipe member  102 . The pipe union  100  may be engaged by tightening the fastening member  106  so that a concave surface from the circumferential area  112  in the second annular pipe member  102  abuts a convex surface of the first annular pipe member  104 , as illustrated in area  114  in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view of the prior art pipe union of  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the side elevational view of the pipe union  100  illustrates that the fastening member  106  and the first annular member  104  may have octagonal shape of their outside circumferences.  
         [0009]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in order to attach the annular pipe members  104  and  102  to the pipes  110  and  108 , one of the pipes, either  108  or  110 , must be moved aside so that there may be enough space to install the pipe members  104  and  102  to the corresponding pipes  110  and  108 . After the pipe members  104  and  102  are installed, the pipe which was moved during the installation of the pipe members may be moved back to its original position so that the two lengths of pipe  110  and  108  are coaxial.  
         [0010]     A drawback, therefore, exists with regard to using prior art pipe unions as it is undesirable, or impossible under certain circumstances, to move either pipe  110  or  108  in order to install the pipe union  100 . The present invention discloses a solution allowing for installation of a pipe union without moving any of the pipes intended for connection by the pipe union.  
         [0011]     Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     In an exemplary aspect of the invention, a pipe union for interconnecting a first length and a second length of coaxial pipe may comprise a first annular pipe member attachable to the first length of pipe. The first annular pipe member may incorporate a circumferential flange having a shoulder. The first annular pipe member may comprise a front face which faces the first length of pipe, and a rear face which faces in a direction of the second length of pipe. The pipe union may also comprise a fastening member incorporating an inwardly extending flange with a central passageway adapted to fit around the first annular pipe member. The inwardly extending flange may be adapted to abut the shoulder as the fastening member is fitted over the first annular pipe member. The fastening member may comprise thread means formed on an inner surface of the fastening member.  
         [0013]     The pipe union may also comprise a second annular pipe member attachable to the second length of pipe, having thread means formed on an outer surface of the second annular pipe member. The second annular pipe member may be adapted to receive and engage the thread means of the fastening member. The second annular pipe member may have a rear face which faces the second length of pipe, and a front face which faces in a direction of the first length of pipe. The pipe union may also comprise a third annular pipe member having a central passage therethrough. The third annular pipe member may be disposed between the first annular pipe member and the second annular pipe member. The third annular pipe member may have a rear face which faces in a direction of the second length of pipe, and a front face which faces in a direction of the first length of pipe.  
         [0014]     The rear face of the third annular pipe member may be adapted to abut the front face of the second annular pipe member and the front face of the third annular pipe member may be adapted to abut the rear face of the first annular pipe member when the thread means of the fastening member engage the thread means of the second annular pipe member. A substantial portion of the rear face of the first annular pipe member may comprises a convex surface. A substantial portion of the rear face of the third annular pipe member may comprise a convex surface. A substantial portion of the front face of the third annular pipe member may comprise a concave surface. A substantial portion of the front face of the second annular pipe member may comprise a concave surface. The pipe union may further comprise a first sealing means having a central passage therethrough.  
         [0015]     The first sealing means may be compressable between the first annular pipe member and the third annular pipe member. The first sealing means may comprise an O-ring. The pipe union may comprise a second sealing means having a central passage therethrough. The second sealing means may be compressable between the second annular pipe member and the third annular pipe member. The first sealing means may comprise an O-ring. The first length of coaxial pipe and the second length of coaxial pipe are immovable with relation to a central axis of the first length of coaxial pipe and the second length of coaxial pipe. The first annular pipe member and the third annular pipe member may be adapted to engage utilizing a plurality of bolts and a corresponding plurality of nuts.  
         [0016]     Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a prior art pipe union.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view of the prior art pipe union of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe union with extension, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe union with extension of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of the pipe union extension of the pipe union of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the pipe union extension of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the pipe union extension of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe union extension in a compact state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe union extension in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of a bolted pipe union with extension, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a right side elevational view of the bolted pipe union with extension of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a pipe union with extension. With regard to a prior art pipe union, a third annular pipe member, or an extension, may be utilized allowing for a bigger distance between the connecting runs of pipe. The bigger distance between the pipes may allow for the corresponding pipe union fittings, or annular members, to be connected to the corresponding pipes without a need for moving any of the pipes. In this regard, a pipe union with extension in accordance with the present invention may be utilized to connect pieces of immovable pipe, for example, or to repair a break or rupture in an immovable pipe. Similarly, a pipe union with extension in accordance with the present invention may be utilized to connect two pieces of pipe where moving either pieces of pipe is undesirable.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe union with extension, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the pipe union  300  may comprise a first annular pipe member  304 , a second annular pipe member  302 , a third annular pipe member, or an extension,  314  and a fastening member  306 . The first annular pipe member  304  may be adapted to receive a length of pipe  310  and the second annular pipe member  302  may be adapted to receive a length of pipe  308 . For example, the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may comprise internal thread means, or threading on at least a portion of an internal surface, and may be adapted to engage externally-threaded lengths of pipe  310  and  308 , respectively, utilizing the thread means. In addition, the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may be welded to corresponding ends of pipes  310  and  308 , respectively.  
         [0030]     The thread means of the first annular pipe member  304  may be disposed internally near a front face of the first annular pipe member  304 . The front face of the first annular pipe member  304  may face the first length of pipe  310  and a rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  may face in a direction of the second length of pipe  308 . Similarly, the thread means of the second annular pipe member  302  may be disposed internally near a rear face of the second annular pipe member  302 . A front face of the second annular pipe member  302  may face in a direction of the first length of pipe  310  and a rear face of the second annular pipe member  302  may face the second length of pipe  308 .  
         [0031]     The fastening member  306  may comprise an inwardly extending flange  307 . The first annular pipe member  304  may comprise an extending flange portion  309  and the extending flange portion  309  may comprise a flange shoulder  311 . The inwardly extending flange  307  may be adapted to abut the flange shoulder  311  when the thread means of fastening member  306  engage the thread means of the second annular pipe member  302 .  
         [0032]     The third annular pipe member  314  may have a central passage therethrough and may be disposed between the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302  so that a front face of the third annular pipe member  314  may face the rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  and a rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  may face the front face of the second annular pipe member  302 . In instances where the pipe union  300  is closed, the front face of the third annular pipe member  314  may abut against the rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  and the rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  may abut against the front face of the second annular pipe member  302 .  
         [0033]     In an exemplary aspect of the invention, the front face of the third annular pipe member  314  may comprise a concave surface and the rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  may comprise a convex surface. In this regard, in order to achieve a better seal between the first annular pipe member  304 , the third annular pipe member  314  and the second annular pipe member  302 , the front and rear faces of the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may comprise concave and/or convex surfaces so that a concave surface may abut a convex surface, and vice versa. For example, the rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  and the rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  may each comprise a convex surface. Accordingly, in order to achieve a better seal between the first annular pipe member  304 , the third annular pipe member  314 , and the second annular pipe member  302 , the front face of the third annular pipe member  314  and the front face of the second annular pipe member  302  may each comprise a concave surface.  
         [0034]     In another aspect of the invention, the front face of the third annular pipe member  314  may comprise a convex surface and the rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  may comprise a concave surface. In this regard, in order to achieve a better seal between the first annular pipe member  304 , the third annular pipe member  314  and the second annular pipe member  302 , the front and rear faces of the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may comprise concave and/or convex surfaces so that a concave surface may abut a convex surface, and vice versa. For example, the rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  and the rear face of the third annular pipe member  31   4  may each comprise a concave surface. Accordingly, in order to achieve a better seal between the first annular pipe member  304 , the third annular pipe member  314 , and the second annular pipe member  302 , the front face of the third annular pipe member  314  and the front face of the second annular pipe member  302  may each comprise a convex surface.  
         [0035]     In yet another aspect of the invention, the front and the rear faces of the third annular pipe member  314  may each comprise a flat surface. In this regard, in order to achieve a better seal between the first annular pipe member  304 , the third annular pipe member  314  and the second annular pipe member  302 , the front and rear faces of the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may also comprise flat surfaces. Additionally, in instances when the front and rear faces of the annular pipe members  304 ,  314 , and  302  comprise flat surfaces, a gasket, or an O-ring, may be utilized between the first annular pipe member  304  and the third annular pipe member  314 , and between the third annular pipe member  314  and the second annular pipe member  302 .  
         [0036]     In an exemplary aspect of the invention, the front face of the third annular pipe member may comprise a seat ring  316 . The seat ring  316  may be pressed into the body of the third annular pipe member  314  and may comprise a softer metal than the metal used for making the third annular pipe member  314 . For example, the pipe union  300 , including the third annular pipe member  314 , may be manufactured from iron, such as a high grade malleable iron, while the seat ring  314  may be manufactured from brass or another metal. By utilizing a third annular pipe member  314  with a seat ring  316 , better friction and tighter connection may be effectuated between the first annular pipe member  304  and the third annular pipe member  314 .  
         [0037]     In another aspect of the invention, the front face of the second annular pipe member may comprise a seat ring  312 . The seat ring  312  may be pressed into the body of the second annular pipe member  302  and may comprise a softer metal than the metal used for making the second annular pipe member  302 . For example, the pipe union  300 , including the second annular pipe member  302 , may be manufactured from iron, such as a high grade malleable iron, while the seat ring  312  may be manufactured from brass or another metal. By utilizing a second annular pipe member  302  with a seat ring  312 , better friction and tighter connection may be effectuated between the third annular pipe member  314  and the second annular pipe member  302 .  
         [0038]     Although  FIG. 3  illustrates the third annular pipe member  314  as being of fixed length (i.e., the distance between the front and rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  is fixed), the present invention may not be so limited. Accordingly, the third annular pipe member  314  may comprise a different length so that the pipe union  300  may be utilized to connect pipes  308  and  310  with varying distances between them. As fastening member  306  is utilized to engage the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302 , with the third annular pipe member  314  disposed between the annular pipe members  302  and  304 , the length of the fastening member  306  may be proportional to the length of the third annular pipe member  314 . In this regard, as the length of the third annular pipe member  314  increases, the length of the fastening member  306  increases as well.  
         [0039]     During an exemplary installation of the pipe union  300 , the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may be attached to the corresponding lengths of pipe  310  and  308 , respectively (e.g., by utilizing thread means or welding). The third annular pipe member  314  may then be disposed between the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302 . The fastening member  306  may then be slided over the first annular pipe member  304  so that the inwardly extending flange  307  abuts the flange shoulder  311  of the extending flange  309  of the first annular pipe member  304 . The pipes  310  and  308  may then be connected by closing the pipe union  300 . The pipe union  300  may be closed by engaging the thread means on the fastening member  306  with the thread means on the second annular pipe member  302 . The fastening member  106  may then be tightened so that the rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  abuts the front face of the third annular pipe member  314  and the rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  abuts the front face of the second annular pipe member  302 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe union with extension of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 3A , the pipe union  300  may comprise the first annular pipe member  304 , the second annular pipe member  302 , and the third annular pipe member, or a pipe union extension  314 . In an exemplary aspect of the invention, the first annular pipe member  304  may comprise internal threading means  360  and the second annular pipe member  302  may comprise internal threading means  358 . The threading means  360  may be disposed on an internal surface of the first annular pipe member  304  and the threading means  358  may be disposed on an internal surface of the second annular pipe member  302 . The threading means  358  and  360  may be utilized for connecting corresponding lengths of pipe to the second annular pipe member  302  and the first annular pipe member  304 , respectively.  
         [0041]     In addition, the fastening member  306  may comprise thread means disposed on an internal surface thereof, and the second annular pipe member  302  may comprise another thread means disposed on an external surface thereof. In this regard, the thread means of the fastening member  306  may be adapted to engage the thread means on the external surface of the second annular pipe member  302  when the pipe union  300  is closed, as illustrated by the thread connection  362  in  FIG. 3A .  
         [0042]     During an exemplary installation of the pipe union  300 , the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may be attached to the corresponding lengths of pipe by, for example, utilizing thread means  360  and  358 . The third annular pipe member  314  may then be disposed between the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302 . The fastening member  306  may then be slided over the first annular pipe member  304  so that the inwardly extending flange  307  abuts the flange shoulder  311  of the extending flange  309  of the first annular pipe member  304 . The pipe union  300  may be closed by engaging the thread means on the fastening member  306  with the thread means on the second annular pipe member  302 , resulting in thread means connection  362 . The fastening member  106  may then be tightened so that the rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  abuts the front face of the third annular pipe member  314  in area  372 , and the rear face of the third annular pipe member  314  abuts the front face of the second annular pipe member  302  in area  370 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A .  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of the pipe union extension of the pipe union of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the pipe union extension, or the third annular pipe member  400 , may comprise a seat ring  402 . The seat ring  402  may be pressed into the body of the third annular pipe member  400  and may comprise a softer metal than the metal used for making the third annular pipe member, or the pipe union extension  400 . For example, the pipe union extension  400  and a pipe union utilizing the pipe union extension  400  may each be manufactured from iron, such as a high grade malleable iron. The seat ring  402 , however, may be manufactured from brass, or another softer metal or alloy. By utilizing the pipe union extension  400  with the seat ring  402 , better friction and tighter connection may be effectuated by the pipe union utilizing the pipe union extension  400 .  
         [0044]     In an exemplary aspect of the invention, the pipe union extension  400  may comprise a concave surface  404  and a convex surface on an opposite side of the pipe union extension  400 . The convex and concave surfaces of the pipe union extension  400  may be utilized so that a better connection may be achieved within the pipe union utilizing the pipe union extension  400 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the pipe union extension of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated a left side elevational view of the pipe union extension  400  having a central passageway therethrough.  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the pipe union extension of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated a right side elevational view of the pipe union extension  400  having a central passageway therethrough, with a seat ring  402 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe union extension in a compact state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the pipe union extension  700  may comprise a first extension member  702  and a second extension member  704 . The second extension member  704  may comprise a seat ring  706 . The seat ring  706  may be made of softer metal such as brass, for example, so that a better fit may be achieved between the extension member  700  and other parts of the pipe union (for example, as explained above with regard to  FIGS. 3 and 3 A).  
         [0048]     In one aspect of the invention, the first extension member  702  may comprise thread means on an external surface thereof, and the second extension member  704  may comprise thread means on an internal surface thereof. In this regard, the first extension member  702  and the second extension member  704  may be engaged via their corresponding thread means.  
         [0049]     Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , the pipe union extension  700  may be utilized within the pipe union  300  (in place of the pipe union extension, or the third annular pipe member,  314 ). During an exemplary installation of the pipe union  300 , the annular pipe members  304  and  302  may be attached to the corresponding lengths of pipe  310  and  308 , respectively (e.g., by utilizing thread means or welding). The pipe union extension  700  may then be disposed between the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302 . The first extension member  702  may then be adjusted in relation to the second extension member  704  utilizing their corresponding thread means. For example, after the pipe union extension  700  is disposed between the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302 , if there is still a distance between the pipe union extension  700  and the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302 , the first extension member  702  may rotated away from the second extension member  704  until there is a tight fit between the pipe union extension  700  and the first annular pipe member  304  and the second annular pipe member  302  (an extended state of the pipe union extension  700  with the first extension member  702  rotated away from the second extension member  704  is illustrated in  FIG. 7A ).  
         [0050]     The fastening member  306  may then be slided over the first annular pipe member  304  so that the inwardly extending flange  307  abuts the flange shoulder  311  of the extending flange  309  of the first annular pipe member  304 . The pipes  310  and  308  may then be connected by closing the pipe union  300 . The pipe union  300  may be closed by engaging the thread means on the fastening member  306  with the thread means on the second annular pipe member  302 . The fastening member  106  may then be tightened so that the rear face of the first annular pipe member  304  abuts the front face of the pipe union extension  700  and the rear face of the pipe union extension  700  abuts the front face of the second annular pipe member  302 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 7A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe union extension in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0052]      FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of a bolted pipe union with extension, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the pipe union  800  may comprise a first annular pipe member  804 , a second annular pipe member  802 , and a third annular pipe member, or a pipe union extension,  806 . The first annular pipe member  804  and the second annular pipe member  802  may be adapted to receive lengths of pipe (not pictured in  FIG. 8 ).  
         [0053]     In an exemplary aspect of the invention, the first annular pipe member  804  and the second annular pipe member  802  within the pipe union  800  may be adapted to engage utilizing a plurality of bolt connections. For example, the first annular pipe member  804  and the second annular pipe member  802  may each comprise a circumferential flange surfaces  805  and  803 , respectively, adapted to receive bolts therethrough. In this regard, referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , bolts  808 ,  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 , and  818  may be utilized with corresponding nuts  809 ,  811 ,  813 ,  815 ,  817 , and  819  to tighten the first annular pipe member  804  and the second annular pipe member  802 , with the pipe union extension  806  disposed between the first annular pipe member  804  and the second annular pipe member  802  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ).  
         [0054]     During an exemplary installation of the pipe union  800 , the annular pipe members  804  and  802  may be attached to corresponding lengths of pipe (not pictured in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). The pipe union extension  806  may then be disposed between the first annular pipe member  804  and the second annular pipe member  802 . Bolts  808 ,  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 , and  818  may then be utilized with corresponding nuts  809 ,  811 ,  813 ,  815 ,  817 , and  819  to tighten the first annular pipe member  804  and-the second annular pipe member  802 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is a right side elevational view of the bolted pipe union with extension of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0056]     While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 2