Joints and connections – Including frangible component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-08
2001-11-27
Dayoan, B. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Including frangible component
C403S362000, C411S412000, C285S404000, C285S337000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322273
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a joint restraint assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a joint restraint assembly for connecting pipe.
BACKGROUND ART
Several types of joint restraint assemblies are known in the art. An example of a conventional type of restraint assembly comprises a substantially annular body having a plurality of internally threaded bores. Each bore radially extends from the body and is disposed in spaced relation to one another. A bolt is configured to extend through each bore. The end of each bolt typically includes a tongue or flange either integrally formed or affixed thereto designed to attach to a segment. The head of each bolt typically includes a torque head that is designed to sever when a predefined amount of torque is applied to the bolt.
To assemble the restraint, each bolt extends through the annular body until the tongue is exposed at the opposite end. The segment is configured with a slot, and is connected to the end of the bolt by laterally sliding the slot onto the tongue. The bolt is then partially retracted through the bore thereby withdrawing the segment into a pocket formed within the annular body. A stop ring is attached to the bolt at a predefined length on the bolt. The bolt is then extended back through the bore tightening the segment against the pipe up to the predefined length where the stop ring lies adjacent or abuts the bore. A wrench is commonly used to extend the bolt in the bore and tighten the torque head. Once the bolt tightens the segment sufficiently against the pipe, the torque head on the bolt severs. This insures that a consistent amount of torque is applied to each segment.
It would be advantageous for a restraint to require fewer assembly steps. As stated, this conventional restraint requires, among other things, to extend the bolt through the annular body, slide each segment onto each bolt, retract each bolt, and then attach each stop ring to the bolt. Refining these steps would obviously simplify the assembly process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to certain features, characteristics, embodiments and alternatives of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds below, the present invention provides a joint restraint assembly for connecting pipe. The assembly includes a substantially annular body configured to fit around a pipe, at least one pocket formed adjacent to the pipe, and at least one bore disposed through the body into said pocket. At least one segment is configured to fit in the pocket. At least one bolt includes an end and an integral stop ring, wherein the end extends through the bore and engages the segment, and the integral stop ring limits the extent to which the bolt can extend through the bore sufficient to retain the annular body around said pipe. The bolt may also include a threaded end, a threaded body, and a torque head attached opposite the end.
The annular body may also include a plurality of pockets circumferentially spaced about the body, as well as a plurality of bores, each one corresponding to one pocket. The assembly may include a plurality of segments respectively positioned within the pockets. In addition, the bolt extends through the bore engaging each segment.
The segment may include a slot configured to receive the threaded end of the bolt. The slot may include a pair of laterally spaced edges selectively cooperating with the threaded end allowing the end to be moveably fitted within the slot. The annular body may include an inner and outer periphery. Each pocket is formed in the inner periphery wherein the bore is disposed from said outer periphery into the pockets.
One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for restraining a pipe joint. The method includes providing a substantially annular body having at least one pocket facing a pipe joint opening and at least one bore disposed therethrough into said pocket; positioning at least one segment into the pocket; extending the pipe joint through the pipe joint opening such that the pipe joint is adjacent the pocket; providing at least one bolt having an end and an integral stop ring; and extending the bolt through the bore to cause the end to engage the segment to cause the segment to abut the pipe and the integral stop ring to abut the body.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for assembling a joint restraint for use with a pipe. The method includes providing a substantially annular body having at least one pocket facing a pipe joint opening and at least one bore disposed therethrough into said pocket; positioning at least one segment into the pocket; extending a mandrel through the pipe joint opening such that the mandrel is adjacent the pocket; providing at least one bolt having an end and an integral stop ring; extending the bolt through the bore to cause the end to engage the segment to cause the segment to abut the mandrel such that the segment moves in concert with the bolt as the bolt is moved through the bore; and removing the mandrel from the pipe joint opening.
The method for assembling a joint restraint may also include extending a pipe through the pipe joint opening, and extending the bolt through the bore to cause the end to engage the segment to cause the segment to abut the pipe and the integral stop ring to abut the body. In addition, the method may include engaging a threaded end of the bolt with a pair of opposed edges of the segment, extending the bolt through the annular body and abutting the mandrel causing the segment to pivot and the opposed edges to angle coincident to the threaded end thereby coupling the bolt to the segment to cause the segment to move in concert with the bolt.
A further embodiment of the present invention includes a substantially annular body configured to fit around a pipe. The annular body has at least one pocket formed adjacent the pipe and at least one bore disposed through the body into said pocket. At least one segment is configured to fit in the pocket. And at least one bolt engages the segment such that the segment moves in concert with the bolt as the bolt is moved through the bore. This embodiment may also include a stop ring, an integral stop ring or a removable stop ring.
Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
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Brochure—Sigma/Nappco, SuperLug™, Pipe Restraints for Ductile Iron Pipe.
Brochure—Stargrip®, Star® Pipe, Mechanical Joint Restraint System for Ductile Iron Pipe.
Brochure—EBAA Iron Sales, Inc., Series 3000 Multi-Purpose Wedge Action Restraint.
Brochure—EBAA Iron Sales, Inc., Series 2000PV, Megalug Retainer Glands for PVC Pipe with Cast-Iron or I.P.S. Outside Diameters with M.J. Bells.
Brochure—The Ford Meter Box Co., Inc., Uni-Flange®, Series 1500 “Circle-Lock”™ For PVC Pipe.
Barnes & Thornburg
Dayoan B.
Garcia Ernesto
The Ford Meter Box Company Inc.
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