Infinitely selectable angle pipe fitting

Details Infinitely selectable angle pipe fitting Infinitely selectable angle pipe fitting

1997-11-01

2001-01-30

Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3627)

Pipe joints or couplings

Adjustable angle

C285S181000, C285S002000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06179343

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is in the field of pipe fittings, specifically pipe elbows and pipe connections.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Most piping installations require changes of direction. With rigid pipe, the change in direction is effected with elbow-type fittings which attach to lengths of straight pipe. Conventional pipe elbows are available in fixed angular increments, typically ⅛ bend increments (90, 45, 22½ degrees). When a pipe layout requires an intermediate angular displacement, the pipe fitter finds himself in a difficult situation.
In some specific situations, provision is made for selecting a specific angular displacement. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,654,619 to Guam, describes a reducing elbow for welded pipe, part of which has constant radius of curvature and diameter. The pipe fitter can sever the elbow at the desired point and weld it into his run of pipe. Two cuts are required to be made exactly perpendicular to the axis of curvature to provide a weldable fit to the mating piece of pipe. Williams U.S. Pat. No. 2,449,265 provides a rubber automobile radiator hose which can be cut along lines marked to agree with specific automobile models. The hose depends on its elasticity at the cut end for attachment to the car radiator.
A need therefore exists for a pipe elbow which can be adapted to whatever angular displacement is required for a piping installation, and it is this need which the invention addresses.
DEFINITIONS
In what follows, these terms mean these things:
Proximal means the end of a pipe fitting to be connected to a run of pipe.
Distal refers to the end of a pipe fitting farthest from a run of pipe after it has been joined thereto.
Pipe refers to any rigid conduit with a continuous periphery, whether of round, rectangular, or other shape. For example, rectangular duct work is included in ther term “pipe”.
Dimensions hereunder means the set of dimensions necessary and sufficient to specify the cross-sectional configuration of a piece of pipe. For round pipe, the term refers to its diameter. When a pipe connection is described, clearance between the mating parts is to be understood as implied. The clearances contemplated are the standard industry clearances appropriate to the material used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The pipe fitting of the invention comprises two parts, each with a proximal, or upstream end, and a distal, or downstream end. The proximal end of the first pipe part and the distal end of the second pipe part are contemplated to accommodate standard pipes and fittings. The distal end of the first part has a constant radius of curvature which fits into the proximal end of the second pipe part. The second pipe part has the same radius of curvature as the first pipe part. The first pipe part can be precut to a desired included angle and inserted into the proximal end of the second pipe part. An internal stop is provided within the second pipe part. The distal end of the first pipe part is inserted into the second part until it bottoms against or abuts the stop, providing an elbow of fixed included angle. Alternatively, the first part may be inserted into the second part just far enough to provide the included angle which a given run of pipe requires.
At the proximal end of the first pipe part is a socket with an external sloped shoulder. The proximal end of the second pipe part is formed at an angle transverse to the axis so that the proximal end of the second pipe part abuts the shoulder of the first pipe part around the circumference of the first pipe part. Where the application requires that the first pipe part be cut for a very acute angle, the sloped shoulder provides for a minimum extension of the first pipe part into the second pipe part in order to meet industry standards for minimum insertion of mating parts.


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