Lug band retaining assembly
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DRESSER WATER LLC
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Smart Images
Figure US2024042798_27022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
LUG BAND RETAINING ASSEMBLYTECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of pipe fittings, such as tapping sleeves and repair clamps, and more particularly to an improved lug band retaining assembly.BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Tapping sleeves are used to enable or permit branch connections to be made to fluid carrying (i.e., water main for distribution) pipes and pipelines. Repair clamps are used in the placement of pipes or for connecting the ends of pipes axially. Such fittings generally have a cylindrical body, band or shell which encircles the subject pipe or pipe ends. Two or more opposed lugs are attached to opposed edges of the cylindrically-shaped shell, and the lugs are drawn towards each other by tightening bolts or fasteners that extend between the lugs. This reduces the affective internal diameter of the shell, which in turn compresses an elastomeric sheet gasket that is typically placed between the band and the subject pipe. Tightening the bolts or fasteners that extend between the lugs thereby tightens the shell and assembly to the pipe.BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] With parenthetical reference to corresponding parts, portions or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for the purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, an improved clamp assembly (15, 115) is provided comprising: a band (20) configured in operation to clamp on to a fluid conduit (17) oriented about a longitudinally extending axis; the band comprising a longitudinally extending first edge (21a) and a longitudinally extending second edge (21b) and a gap (19a) between the longitudinally extending first edge and the longitudinally extending second edge; the band comprising a longitudinally extending first hem (28a) proximate the longitudinally extending first edge of the band; the band comprising a longitudinally extending second hem (28b) proximate the longitudinally extending second edge of the band; the first hem comprising a longitudinally extending first hem portion (32a) having opposed first outer hem surfaces (34a, 34b) and a longitudinally extending second hem portion (33a) having opposed second outer hem surfaces (35a, 35b); the first hem portion having a transverse first hem thickness (36a) between the opposed first outer hem surfaces; the second hem portion extending from the first hem portion and havinga transverse second hem thickness (36b) between the opposed second outer hem surfaces that is substantially equal to the first hem thickness; the second hem portion of the first hem extending from the first hem portion relative to an imaginary projection of the first hem portion at a first hem angle (37) that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; a first lug element (42a) on a first side of the gap and a second lug element (42b) on a second side of the gap; the first lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings (45a) and the second lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings (45b); multiple bolts (46) configured to extend transversely between the first lug element and the second lug element from one of the bolt receiving openings in the first lug element to one of the bolt receiving openings in the second lug element; the first lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open first slot (25a) configured to receive at least a portion of the longitudinally extending first hem of the band; the second lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open second slot (25b) configured to receive at least a portion of the longitudinally extending second hem of the band; the first slot comprising a longitudinally extending first slot portion (62a) extending from an opening (61a) of the first slot and having opposed first inner slot surfaces (64a, 64b) and a transverse first slot width (66a) between the opposed first inner slot surfaces; the first slot comprising a longitudinally extending second slot portion (63a) extending from the first slot portion and having opposed second inner slot surfaces (65a, 65b) and a transverse second slot width (66b) between the opposed second inner slot surfaces that is substantially equal to the first slot width; and the second slot portion of the first slot extending from the first slot portion relative to an imaginary projection of the first slot portion at a first slot angle (67) that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees.
[0004] The clamp assembly (115) may comprise a non-metallic barrier (80) disposed in a gap (81) between the first and second outer hem surfaces and the first and second inner slot surfaces. The barrier may comprise at least one of an adhesive, an elastomer, and a dielectric. The first lug element may comprise ductile iron and the first hem may comprise stainless steel.
[0005] The first hem angle may be about 45 degrees and the first slot angle may be about 45 degrees. The second hem may comprise a longitudinally extending third hem portion (32b) having opposed third outer hem surfaces and a longitudinally extending fourth hem portion (33b) having opposed fourth outer hem surfaces; the third hem portion may have a transverse third hem thickness between the opposed third outer hem surfaces; the fourth hem portion may extend from the third hem portion and have a transverse fourth hem thicknessbetween the opposed fourth outer hem surfaces that is substantially equal to the third hem thickness; the fourth hem portion of the second hem may extend from the third hem portion relative to a projection of the third hem portion at a second hem angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; the second slot of the second lug element may comprise a longitudinally extending third slot portion (62b) extending from an opening (61b) of the second slot and having opposed third inner slot surfaces and a transverse third slot width between the opposed third inner slot surfaces; the second slot of the second lug element may comprise a longitudinally extending fourth slot portion (63b) extending from the third slot portion and having opposed fourth inner slot surfaces and a transverse fourth slot width between the opposed fourth inner slot surfaces substantially equal to the third slot width; and the fourth slot portion of the second slot may extend from the third slot portion relative to a projection of the third slot portion at a second slot angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees.
[0006] The first hem may comprise a longitudinally extending generally U-shaped portion (31a) and the first hem portion may extend between the U-shaped portion and the second hem portion. The second hem portion may comprise a longitudinally extending distal end portion (38a) defining the longitudinally extending first edge of the band.
[0007] The clamp assembly may comprise a gasket (18a) disposed between the band and the fluid conduit. The first lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers (44a); the second lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands (43b); and each of the lug fingers of the first lug element may extend transversely between the first lug element and the second lug element such that each of the lug fingers bear against one of the lug finger lands; the second lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers (44b); the first lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands (43 a); and each of the lug fingers of the second lug element may extend transversely between the second lug element and the first lug element such that each of the lug fingers of the second lug element bear against one of the lug finger lands of the first lug element.
[0008] The band may comprise a first shell member (20a) having the first longitudinally extending edge (21a) and a second shell member (20b) having the second longitudinally extending edge (21b), the second shell member separate from the first shell member; the first shell member may have a third longitudinally extending edge (22a) and the second shell member may have a fourth longitudinally extending edge (22b); and the connecting assembly may comprise a third lug element (52a) connected proximate to the third longitudinallyextending edge of the band and a fourth lug element (52b) connected proximate to the fourth longitudinally extending edge of the band; whereby the third longitudinally extending edge and the fourth longitudinally extending edge may be drawn towards each other to tighten the band to the fluid conduit.
[0009] In another aspect, a clamp assembly is provided comprising: a band (20) configured to clamp on to a fluid conduit (17) oriented about a longitudinally extending axis; the band comprising a longitudinally extending first edge (21a) and a longitudinally extending second edge (21b) and a gap (19a) between the longitudinally extending first edge and the longitudinally extending second edge; the band comprising a longitudinally extending first hem (28a) proximate the longitudinally first edge of the band; the band comprising a longitudinally extending second hem (28b) proximate the longitudinally second edge of the band; a first lug element (42a) on a first side of the gap and a second lug element (42b) on a second side of the gap; the first lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings (45a) and the second lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings (45b); multiple bolts (46) configured to extend transversely between the first lug element and the second lug element from one of the bolt receiving openings in the first lug element to one of the bolt receiving openings in the second lug element; the first lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open first slot (25a) configured to receive at least a portion of the longitudinally extending first hem of the band; the second lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open second slot (25b) configured to receive at least a portion of the longitudinally extending second hem of the band; the first hem having a longitudinally extending first outer hem surface (34a, 35a, 35b, 34b) defining at least in part the longitudinally first edge of the band; the first slot comprising a longitudinally extending first inner slot surface (64a, 65a, 65b, 64b) extending from an opening (61a) of the first slot; a longitudinally extending first gap (81a) between the first outer hem surface of the first hem and the first inner slot surface of the first slot; and a longitudinally extending non-metallic first contact barrier (80a) disposed in the first gap between the first outer hem surface of the first hem and the first inner slot surface of the first slot.
[0010] The first contact barrier may comprise an adhesive configured to adhere the first contact barrier to the first outer hem surface of the first hem and the first inner slot surface of the first slot. The first contact barrier may be formed of an elastomeric material. The first contact barrier may be formed of a dielectric material. The first contact barrier may beformed of a dielectric and elastomeric material. The first lug may comprise ductile iron and the first hem may comprise stainless steel.
[0011] The first hem may comprise a longitudinally extending first hem portion (32a) having opposed first outer hem surfaces (34a, 34b) and a longitudinally extending second hem portion (33a) having opposed second outer hem surfaces (35a, 35b); the first hem portion may have a transverse first hem thickness (36a) between the opposed first outer hem surfaces; the second hem portion may extend from the first hem portion and may have a transverse second hem thickness (36b) between the opposed second outer hem surfaces that is substantially equal to the first hem thickness; the second hem portion of the first hem may extend from the first hem portion relative to an imaginary projection of the first hem portion at a first hem angle (37) that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; the first slot may comprise a longitudinally extending first slot portion (62a) extending from the opening of the first slot and having opposed first inner slot surfaces (64a, 64b) and a transverse first slot width (66a) between the opposed first inner slot surfaces; the first slot may comprise a longitudinally extending second slot portion (63 a) extending from the first slot portion and having opposed second inner slot surfaces (65a, 65b) and a transverse second slot width (66b) between the opposed second inner slot surfaces substantially equal to the first slot width; the second slot portion of the first slot may extend from the first slot portion relative to an imaginary projection of the first slot portion at a first slot angle (67) that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; and the first contact barrier (80) may be disposed between all of the first and second outer hem surfaces and the first and second inner slot surfaces.
[0012] The first hem may comprise a longitudinally extending generally U-shaped portion (31); the first hem portion may extend between the U-shaped portion and the second hem portion; and the first contact barrier may be disposed between the U-shaped portion of the first hem and the first lug element.
[0013] The second hem may have a longitudinally extending second outer hem surface defining at least in part the longitudinally second edge of the band; the second slot may comprise a longitudinally extending second inner slot surface extending from an opening (61b) of the second slot; a longitudinally extending second gap (81b) may be between the second outer hem surface of the second hem and the second inner slot surface of the second slot; and a longitudinally extending non-metallic second contact barrier (80b) may be disposed in the second gap between the second outer hem surface of the second hem and the second inner slot surface of the second slot.
[0014] The clamp assembly may comprise a gasket (18a) disposed between the band and the fluid conduit. The first lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers (44a); the second lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands (43b); and each of the lug fingers of the first lug element may extend transversely between the first lug element and the second lug element such that each of the lug fingers bear against one of the lug finger lands; the second lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers (44b); the first lug element may comprise multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands (43 a); and each of the lug fingers of the second lug element may extend transversely between the second lug element and the first lug element such that each of the lug fingers of the second lug element bear against one of the lug finger lands of the first lug element.
[0015] The band may comprise a first shell member (20a) having the first longitudinally extending edge (21a) and a second shell member (20b) having the second longitudinally extending edge (21b), the second shell member separate from the first shell member; the first shell member may have a third longitudinally extending edge (22a) and the second shell member may have a fourth longitudinally extending edge (22b); and the connecting assembly may comprise a third lug element (52a) connected proximate to the third longitudinally extending edge of the band and a fourth lug element (52b) connected proximate to the fourth longitudinally extending edge of the band; whereby the third longitudinally extending edge and the fourth longitudinally extending edge may be drawn towards each other to tighten the band to the fluid conduit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein as part of the specification. The drawings described herein illustrate embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter and are illustrative of selected principles and teachings of the present disclosure. However, the drawings do not illustrate all possible implementations of the presently disclosed subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of the improved tapping sleeve assembly in partial engagement with a pipe.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the right connecting assembly shown in FIG. 2, taken generally within the indicated circle A of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the top band hem to lug slot retaining assembly shown in FIG. 3, taken generally within the indicated circle B of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the right connecting assembly shown in FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the top band hem to lug slot retaining assembly shown in FIG. 5, taken generally within the indicated circle C of FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., crosshatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.
[0024] It is to be understood that the specific assemblies and systems illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions, or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, like elements in various embodiments described herein may be commonly referred to with like reference numerals within this section of the application.
[0025] It is to be appreciated that the present teaching is by way of example only, not by limitation. The concepts herein are not limited to use or application with a specific system or method. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will beappreciated that the principles herein may be applied equally in other types of systems and methods involving clamp assemblies.
[0026] Where they are used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and so on, do not necessarily denote any ordinal, sequential, or priority relation, but are simply used to more clearly distinguish one element or set of elements from another, unless specified otherwise.
[0027] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” or “about” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.
[0028] It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, “and / or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and / or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.
[0029] To the extent that the definitions provided above are consistent with ordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings (as generally evidenced, in alia, by dictionaries and / or technical lexicons), the above definitions shall be considered supplemental in nature. To the extent that the definitions provided above are inconsistent with ordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings (as generally evidenced, inter alia, by dictionaries and / or technical lexicons), the above definitions shall control. If the definitions provided above are broaderthan the ordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings in some aspect, than the above definitions will control at least in relation to their broadening aspects.
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, an improved tapping sleeve assembly is provided, of which a first embodiment is generally indicated at 15. As shown in FIG. 1, in operation tapping sleeve 15 is mounted on the outside of pipe 16 via band 20, which in this embodiment includes semi-cylindrical top half sleeve or shell 20a and semi-cylindrical lower half sleeve or shell 20b, and connection assembly 40, which in this embodiment includes right connection assembly 40a between the right opposed edges 21a and 21b of top shell 20a and bottom shell 20b, respectively, and left connection assembly 40b between the left opposed edges 22a and 22b of top shell 20a and bottom shell 20b, respectively. Top half shell 20a and bottom half shell 20b are connected and tightened around pipe 17 with connection assemblies 40a and 40b, which in operation span gap 19a between right opposed edges 21a and 21b of top and bottom shells 20a and 20b and gap 19b between the left opposed edges 22a and 22b of top and bottom shells 20a and 20b, respectively, and are used to draw edges 21a and 21b and edges 22a and 22b together, respectively. As described further below, connecting assembly 40a is attached to band 20 near or proximate to longitudinally extending edges 21a and 21b of band 20 and connecting assembly 40b is attached to band 20 near or proximate to longitudinally extending edges 22a and 22b of band 20.
[0031] In operation, upper sealing gasket 18a is disposed between pipe 17 and upper sleeve 20a of band 20 and lower barrier gasket 18b is disposed between pipe 17 and lower sleeve 20b of band 20. As shown, tapping sleeve assembly 15 is formed by joining and welding in place cylindrical branch connection 30 to top half shell 20a, which is then mated to fluid carrying pipe 17 with upper sealing gasket 18a. Gaskets 18a and 18b are sandwiched between the inside cylindrical surfaces of shells 20a and 20b and the outside cylindrical surface of main fluid carrying pipe 17 to provide sufficient sealing force to prevent leakage of fluid from the interface once a tap is made into fluid carrying pipe 17 through branch outlet 30. Elastic energy is imparted into the structure by tightening or actuating connections 40a and 40b from a loosened or non-actuated position to a tightened sealed position. Upper gasket 18a and lower gasket 18b are flexible elastomeric matte gasket sheets and may have specially contoured raised or thickened sealing beads. For example, upper sealing gasket 18a may be a flexible elastomeric matte gasket sheet with a specially contoured thickened aperture seal for branch connection 30 and multiple transversely extending protruding or raised inner circumferential seal beads.
[0032] Connecting assembly 40a generally includes lug element 42a, lug element 42b, and bolts 46 extending there between. Lug element 42a includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings 45a and a plurality of fingers 44a that are spaced longitudinally along lug 42a and extend from lug body 42a transversely towards lug body 42b. A plurality of finger receiving lands 43a are also spaced longitudinally along lug body 42a. Similarily, lug element 42b includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings 45b and a plurality of fingers 44b that are spaced longitudinally along lug 42b and extend transversely from lug body 42b toward lug 42a. A plurality of finger receiving lands 43b are also spaced longitudinally along lug body 42a. In this embodiment, lugs 42a and 42b are formed of forged ductile iron and are solid unitary pieces. However, it is contemplated that lugs 42a and 42b may be cast as separate pieces and then formed together to provide an assembled part, may be extruded, or molded, or may be formed of other materials.
[0033] Bolt heads 47 of bolts 46 are configured to abut against the top side of openings 45a in lug 42a and corresponding washers 48 and nuts 49 are tightened on threaded bolts 46 that extend through openings 45b in lug 42b. Nuts 49, with washers 48, on the ends of bolts 46 are configured to be tightened against the bottom side of openings 45b in lug 42b to draw opposed lugs 42a and 42b together. Fingers 44a extend from lug 42a and bear against corresponding lands 43b of lug 42b. Fingers 44b extend from lug 42b and bear against corresponding lands 43a of lug 42a. Thus, threaded bolts 46 extend between lugs 42a and 42b and corresponding nuts 49 are tightened on bolts 46 to draw sidebar lug 42a of top shell 20a and opposed sidebar lug 42b of lower shell 20b together, thereby narrowing gap 19a and tightening sleeve 15 to pipe 17.
[0034] Connecting assembly 40b has the same general configuration as connection 40a, and generally includes lug element 52a, lug element 52b, and bolts 56 extending there between. Lug element 52a includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings 55a and a plurality of fingers 54a that are spaced longitudinally along lug 52a and extend from lug body 52a transversely towards lug body 52b. A plurality of finger receiving lands 53a are also spaced longitudinally along lug body 52a. Similarily, lug element 52b includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings 55b and a plurality of fingers 54b that are spaced longitudinally along lug 52b and extend transversely from lug body 52b toward lug 52a. A plurality of finger receiving lands are also spaced longitudinally along lug body 52a. In this embodiment, lugs 52a and 52b are formed of forged ductile iron and are solid unitary pieces. However, it is contemplated that lugs 52a and 52b may be castas separate pieces and then formed together to provide an assembled part, may be extruded, or molded, or may be formed of other materials.
[0035] Bolt heads 57 of bolts 56 are configured to abut against the top side of openings 55a in lug 52a and corresponding washers 58 and nuts 59 are tightened on threaded bolts 56 that extend through openings 55b in lug 52b. Nuts 59, with washers 58, on the ends of bolts 56 are configured to be tightened against the bottom side of openings 55b in lug 52b to draw opposed lugs 52a and 52b together. Fingers 54a extend from lug 52a and bear against the corresponding lands of lug 52b. Fingers 54b extend from lug 52b and bear against corresponding lands 53a of lug 52a. Thus, threaded bolts 56 extend between lugs 52a and 52b and corresponding nuts 59 are tightened on bolts 56 to draw sidebar lug 52a of top shell 20a and opposed sidebar lug 52b of lower shell 20b together, thereby narrowing gap 19b and tightening sleeve 15 to pipe 17.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, at gap 19a the base of right upper lug 42a is connected at connection 23a to upper sleeve 20a proximate to longitudinally extending edge 21a, which is coincident with longitudinal axis x-x of pipe 17. As described further below, connection 23a comprises specially configured longitudinally extending slot 25a that receives corresponding specially configured right hem 28a of upper shell 20a to mate or join the right edge 21a of upper shell 20a to upper lug 42a. The base of right lower lug 42b is connected at connection 23b to lower sleeve 20b proximate to longitudinally extending edge 21b, which is coincident with longitudinal axis x-x of pipe 17. As described further below, connection 23b comprises specially configured longitudinally extending slot 25b that receives corresponding specially configured right hem 28b of lower shell 20b to mate or join the right edge 21b of lower shell 20b to lower lug 42b. Thus, each of slots 25a and 25b include outward bends 67a and 67b that match corresponding outward bends 37a and 37b in each of hems 28a and 28b, respectively.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and similar to the right side connections between the opposed lugs and shells at gap 19a, the base of left upper lug 52a is connected at connection 24a to upper sleeve 20a proximate to longitudinally extending edge 22a, which is coincident with longitudinal axis x-x of pipe 17. As described further below, connection 24a comprises specially configured longitudinally extending slot 26a that receives corresponding specially configured right hem 29a of upper shell 20a to mate or join the left edge 22a of upper shell 20a to left upper lug 52a. The base of left lower lug 52b is connected at connection 24b to lower sleeve 20b proximate to longitudinally extending edge 22b, which is coincident with longitudinal axis x-x of pipe 17. As described further below, connection 24b comprisesspecially configured longitudinally extending slot 26b that receives corresponding specially configured left hem 29b of lower shell 20b to mate or join the left edge 22b of lower shell 20b to lower lug 52b.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment upper shell 20a of band 20 is a solid unitary longitudinally extending heavy-duty 10-12 gage stainless steel sheet (between about 0.135” and 0.105” thick) and comprises center semi-cylindrical arcuate portion 30a orientated about axis x-x and terminating at specially configured hem 28a along one edge 21a and terminating at specially configured hem 29a at the other edge 22a. Lower shell 20b comprises center semi-cylindrical arcuate portion 30b orientated about axis x-x and terminating at specially configured hem 28b along one edge 21b and terminating at specially configured hem 29b at the other edge 22b.
[0039] Each of longitudinally extending hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b share the profile shown in FIG. 4. Thus, each of hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b comprise longitudinally extending U-shaped portion 31 extending transversely from center arcuate portion 30, longitudinally extending first portion 32 extending transversely from U-shaped portion 31, and longitudinally extending second portion 33 extending transversely from first portion 32 at angle 37 and bend 37a relative to first portion 32 and terminating at end 38. Angle 37 is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is about 45 degrees. First portion 32 is defined by longitudinally extending parallel and outwardly-facing surfaces 34a and 34b and has transverse thickness 36a. Second portion 33 is defined by longitudinally extending parallel and outwardly-facing surfaces 35a and 35b and has transverse thickness 36b. In this embodiment, thickness 36a of first portion 32 is substantially equal to thickness 36b of second portion 33 such that each of hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b have a constant cross-sectional profile.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment each of lugs 42a, 42b, 52a and 52b is a solid unitary longitudinally extending forged ductile iron element that is coincident with the longitudinal axis x-x of pipe 17 and they include longitudinally extending slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b operatively configured and arranged to receive at least first and second portions 32 and 33 of hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b, respectively.
[0041] Each of longitudinally extending slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b share the profile shown in FIG. 4. Thus, each of slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b comprise longitudinally extending first portion 62 extending transversely from slot opening 61 and longitudinally extending second portion 63 extending transversely from first portion 62 at angle 67 and bend 67a relative to first portion 62 and terminating at slot end 68. Angle 67 is between about 10degrees and about 90 degrees and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is about 45 degrees. First portion 62 is defined by longitudinally extending parallel and inwardly-facing surfaces 64a and 64b and has transverse width 66a. Second portion 63 is defined by longitudinally extending parallel and inwardly-facing surfaces 65a and 65b and has transverse width 66b. In this embodiment, width 66a of first portion 62 is substantially equal to width 66b of second portion 63 such that each of slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b have a constant cross- sectional profile from opening 61 to end 68.
[0042] Thus, when operatively installed in slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b, outwardly facing surfaces 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b, and 38 of hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b face opposed inwardly- facing surfaces 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b, and 38 of slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b, respectively, with a clearance or gap 81 therebetween that has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile. The shaped hems 28a, 28b, 29a and 29b of band edges 21a, 21b, 22a, and 22b may thereby be slid into the correspondingly shaped slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b in the base of respective lugs 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b to provide a mechanical connection such that the opposed edges of band 16 move transversely with tightening of bolts 46 and 56 and lugs 42a, 42b and 52a, 52b of connecting assemblies 40a and 40b, respectively.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in an embodiment 115 of the clamp system, longitudinally extending gap 81 between outwardly facing surfaces 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b, and 38 of hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b and opposed inwardly-facing surfaces 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b, and 38 of slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b is filled with contact barrier 80. As shown, in this embodiment gap 82 between longitudinally extending and inwardly-facing surface 39 of U- shaped portion 31 of hems 28a, 28b, 29a and 29b and longitudinally-extending and outwardly-facing surface 69 of lugs 42a, 42b, 52a and 52b proximate to opening 61 is also filled with contact barrier 80. In this manner, the stainless steel hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b of band 20 do not come in physical contact with ductile iron lugs 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b. Barrier 80 is non-metallic and may be formed of a dielectric material so as to provide a dielectric insulation barrier between the stainless steel of band 20 and the ductile iron of lugs 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b. Such a configuration provides mitigation of bi-metallic corrosion between lugs 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b and shells 20a and 20b. Such a configuration also helps hold hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b of shells 20a and 20b in slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b of lugs 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b when shells 20a and 20b are in an un-tightened or non-actuated position, such as prior to installation and tightening on conduit 17. The bent configuration thereby holds lugs 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b in place without the need for a crimp prior to the loading of bolts 46 and 56. Barrier 80 may be formed of an elastomeric material such thatbarrier 80 is compressed in place with the tightening of connection assemblies 40a and 40b and barrier 80 may comprise an adhesive so as to facilitate the retention of hems 28a, 29a, 28b and 29b of shells 20a and 20b in slots 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b of lugs 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b prior to and during installation and tightening of clamp assembly 115 on conduit 17. For example, and without limitation, barrier 80 may be an acrylic adhesive or the like to help prevent bi-metallic corrosion between the lug and the hem. Thereby, each hem of each shell is designed to be inserted into and retained by a corresponding slot in each ductile iron lug and each slot may have an insulating contact barrier between the lug and the hem.
[0044] Accordingly, band 20 is configured in operation to clamp on to fluid conduit 17 and includes at least longitudinally extending edge 21a and longitudinally extending edge 21b and gap 19a therebetween with longitudinally extending hem 28a proximate edge 21a and longitudinally extending hem 28b proximate edge 21b. Hem 28a comprises longitudinally extending first hem portion 32a having opposed outer hem surfaces 34a, 34b and longitudinally extending second hem portion 33a having opposed outer hem surfaces 35a, 35b, with first hem portion 32a having transverse hem thickness 36a and second hem portion 33a extending from first hem portion 32a at bend 37a and having transverse hem thickness 36b substantially equal to hem thickness 36a. Second hem portion 33a extends from first hem portion 32a relative to an imaginary projection of first hem portion 32a at hem angle 37 that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees. Hem 28a includes longitudinally extending generally U-shaped portion 31a and first hem portion 32a is between U-shaped portion 31a and second hem portion 33a. Second hem portion 33a terminates at longitudinally extending distal end 38a defining the longitudinally extending first edge of upper shell 20a.
[0045] At least lug element 42a comprises longitudinally extending open slot 25a configured to receive at least a portion of longitudinally extending hem 28a and lug element 42b comprises longitudinally extending open slot 25b configured to receive at least a portion of longitudinally extending hem 28b. Slot 25a comprises longitudinally extending first slot portion 62a extending from opening 61a and having opposed inner slot surfaces 64a, 64b and transverse slot width 66a. Second slot portion 63a extends from first slot portion 62a at bend 67a and has opposed inner slot surfaces 65a, 65b and transverse slot width 66b that is substantially equal to first slot width 66a. Second slot portion 63a extends from first slot portion 62a relative to an imaginary projection of first slot portion 62a at slot angle 67 that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees.
[0046] Hem 28b comprises longitudinally extending hem portion 32b having opposed outer hem surfaces and longitudinally extending hem portion 33b having opposed outer hem surfaces and a transverse hem thickness. Hem portion 33b extends from hem portion 32b at bend 37b and has a transverse hem thickness that is substantially equal to the hem thickness of hem portion 32b. Hem portion 33b extends from hem portion 32b relative to a projection of hem portion 32b at a hem angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees. Hem 28b includes longitudinally extending generally U-shaped portion 31b and hem portion 32b is between U-shaped portion 31b and hem portion 33b. Hem portion 33b terminates at longitudinally extending distal end 38b defining the longitudinally extending first edge of lower shell 20b.
[0047] Second slot 25b of lug 42b comprises longitudinally extending slot portion 62b extending from opening 61b of slot 62b having opposed inner slot surfaces and a transverse slot width. Second slot 25b comprises longitudinally extending slot portion 63b extending from slot portion 62b at bend 67b and having opposed inner slot surfaces and a transverse slot width substantially equal to the slot width of slot portion 62b. Slot portion 63b extends from slot portion 62b relative to a projection of slot portion 62b at a slot angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees.
[0048] Gap 81a extends between the outer hem surfaces of hem 28a and the inner slot surfaces of slot 25a and longitudinally extending non-metallic contact barrier 80a is disposed in gap 81a therebetween. Barrier 80a may comprise an adhesive configured to adhere to the outer hem surfaces of hem 28a and the inner slot surfaces of slot 25a. Barrier 80a may be formed of an elastomeric material and / or a dielectric material. Barrier 80a may also be disposed in gap 83a between U-shaped portion 31a of hem 28a and surface 69 of lug 42a. Gap 81b extends between the outer hem surfaces of hem 28b and the inner slot surfaces of slot 25b and longitudinally extending non-metallic contact barrier 80b is disposed in gap 81b therebetween. Barrier 80b may comprise an adhesive configured to adhere to the outer hem surfaces of hem 28b and the inner slot surfaces of slot 25b. Barrier 80a may be formed of an elastomeric material and / or a dielectric material. Barrier 80b may also be disposed in gap 83b between U-shaped portion 31b of hem 28b and surface 69 of lug 42b.
[0049] While this embodiment discloses a tapping sleeve clamp configuration, the clamp assembly may be used in other configurations or for other purposes. For example, and without limitation, the clamp assembly may be configured for use in a pipeline saddle clamp, a pipeline tapping saddle, a pipeline repair clamp, and a multi-paneled pipeline repair clamp.
[0050] It should be appreciated that certain features of the system, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. While various embodiments have been described in detail above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. While forms of the improved clamp assembly has been shown and described, and a number of alternatives discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined, and differentiated by the following claims.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A clamp assembly comprising: a band configured to clamp on to a fluid conduit oriented about a longitudinally extending axis; said band comprising a longitudinally extending first edge and a longitudinally extending second edge and a gap between said longitudinally extending first edge and said longitudinally extending second edge; said band comprising a longitudinally extending first hem proximate said longitudinally extending first edge of said band; said band comprising a longitudinally extending second hem proximate said longitudinally extending second edge of said band; said first hem comprising a longitudinally extending first hem portion having opposed first outer hem surfaces and a longitudinally extending second hem portion having opposed second outer hem surfaces; said first hem portion having a transverse first hem thickness between said opposed first outer hem surfaces; said second hem portion extending from said first hem portion and having a transverse second hem thickness between said opposed second outer hem surfaces that is substantially equal to said first hem thickness; said second hem portion of said first hem extending from said first hem portion relative to an imaginary projection of said first hem portion at a first hem angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; a first lug element on a first side of said gap and a second lug element on a second side of said gap; said first lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings and said second lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings; multiple bolts configured to extend transversely between said first lug element and said second lug element from one of said bolt receiving openings in said first lug element to one of said bolt receiving openings in said second lug element; said first lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open first slot configured to receive at least a portion of said longitudinally extending first hem of said band;said second lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open second slot configured to receive at least a portion of said longitudinally extending second hem of said band; said first slot comprising a longitudinally extending first slot portion extending from an opening of said first slot and having opposed first inner slot surfaces and a transverse first slot width between said opposed first inner slot surfaces; said first slot comprising a longitudinally extending second slot portion extending from said first slot portion and having opposed second inner slot surfaces and a transverse second slot width between said opposed second inner slot surfaces that is substantially equal to said first slot width; and said second slot portion of said first slot extending from said first slot portion relative to an imaginary projection of said first slot portion at a first slot angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees.
2. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 1, comprising a non-metallic barrier disposed in a gap between said first and second outer hem surfaces and said first and second inner slot surfaces.
3. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said barrier comprises at least one of an adhesive, an elastomer, and a dielectric.
4. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said first lug element comprises ductile iron and said first hem comprises stainless steel.
5. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said first hem angle is about 45 degrees and said first slot angle is about 45 degrees.
6. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein: said second hem comprises a longitudinally extending third hem portion having opposed third outer hem surfaces and a longitudinally extending fourth hem portion having opposed fourth outer hem surfaces; said third hem portion having a transverse third hem thickness between said opposed third outer hem surfaces; said fourth hem portion extending from said third hem portion and having a transverse fourth hem thickness between said opposed fourth outer hem surfaces that is substantially equal to said third hem thickness;said fourth hem portion of said second hem extending from said third hem portion relative to a projection of said third hem portion at a second hem angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; said second slot of said second lug element comprising a longitudinally extending third slot portion extending from an opening of said second slot and having opposed third inner slot surfaces and a transverse third slot width between said opposed third inner slot surfaces; said second slot of said second lug element comprising a longitudinally extending fourth slot portion extending from said third slot portion and having opposed fourth inner slot surfaces and a transverse fourth slot width between said opposed fourth inner slot surfaces substantially equal to said third slot width; and said fourth slot portion of said second slot extending from said third slot portion relative to a projection of said third slot portion at a second slot angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees.
7. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said first hem comprises a longitudinally extending generally U-shaped portion and said first hem portion extends between said U-shaped portion and said second hem portion.
8. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 7, wherein said second hem portion comprises a longitudinally extending distal end portion defining said longitudinally extending first edge of said band.
9. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 1, comprising a gasket disposed between said band and said fluid conduit.
10. The clamp set forth in claim 1, wherein: said first lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers; said second lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands; each of said lug fingers of said first lug element extending transversely between said first lug element and said second lug element such that each of said lug fingers bear against one of said lug finger lands; said second lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers, each of said fingers having a finger bearing surface;said first lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands, each of said lug finger lands having a bearing surface; and each of said lug fingers of said second lug element extending transversely between said second lug element and said first lug element such that each of said finger bearing surfaces of said lug fingers of said second lug element bear against one of said bearing surfaces of said lug finger lands of said first lug element.
11. The clamp set forth in claim 1, wherein: said band comprises a first shell member having said first longitudinally extending edge and a second shell member having said second longitudinally extending edge, said second shell member separate from said first shell member; said first shell member having a third longitudinally extending edge and said second shell member having a fourth longitudinally extending edge; and said connecting assembly comprising a third lug element connected proximate to said third longitudinally extending edge of said band and a fourth lug element connected proximate to said fourth longitudinally extending edge of said band; whereby said third longitudinally extending edge and said fourth longitudinally extending edge may be drawn towards each other to tighten said band to said fluid conduit.
12. A clamp assembly comprising: a band configured to clamp on to a fluid conduit oriented about a longitudinally extending axis; said band comprising a longitudinally extending first edge and a longitudinally extending second edge and a gap between said longitudinally extending first edge and said longitudinally extending second edge; said band comprising a longitudinally extending first hem proximate said longitudinally first edge of said band; said band comprising a longitudinally extending second hem proximate said longitudinally second edge of said band; a first lug element on a first side of said gap and a second lug element on a second side of said gap; said first lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings and said second lug element comprising multiple longitudinally spaced bolt receiving openings;multiple bolts configured to extend transversely between said first lug element and said second lug element from one of said bolt receiving openings in said first lug element to one of said bolt receiving openings in said second lug element; said first lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open first slot configured to receive at least a portion of said longitudinally extending first hem of said band; said second lug element comprising a longitudinally extending open second slot configured to receive at least a portion of said longitudinally extending second hem of said band; said first hem having a longitudinally extending first outer hem surface defining at least in part said longitudinally first edge of said band; said first slot comprising a longitudinally extending first inner slot surface extending from an opening of said first slot; a longitudinally extending first gap between said first outer hem surface of said first hem and said first inner slot surface of said first slot; and a longitudinally extending non-metallic first contact barrier disposed in said first gap between said first outer hem surface of said first hem and said first inner slot surface of said first slot.
13. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, wherein said first contact barrier comprises an adhesive configured to adhere said first contact barrier to said first outer hem surface of said first hem and said first inner slot surface of said first slot.
14. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, wherein said first contact barrier is formed of an elastomeric material.
15. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, wherein said first contact barrier is formed of a dielectric material.
16. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, wherein said first contact barrier is formed of a dielectric and elastomeric material.
17. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, wherein: said first hem comprises a longitudinally extending first hem portion having opposed first outer hem surfaces and a longitudinally extending second hem portion having opposed second outer hem surfaces;said first hem portion has a transverse first hem thickness between said opposed first outer hem surfaces; said second hem portion extends from said first hem portion and has a transverse second hem thickness between said opposed second outer hem surfaces that is substantially equal to said first hem thickness; said second hem portion of said first hem extends from said first hem portion relative to an imaginary projection of said first hem portion at a first hem angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; said first slot comprises a longitudinally extending first slot portion extending from said opening of said first slot and having opposed first inner slot surfaces and a transverse first slot width between said opposed first inner slot surfaces; said first slot comprises a longitudinally extending second slot portion extending from said first slot portion and having opposed second inner slot surfaces and a transverse second slot width between said opposed second inner slot surfaces substantially equal to said first slot width; said second slot portion of said first slot extends from said first slot portion relative to an imaginary projection of said first slot portion at a first slot angle that is between about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees; and said first contact barrier is disposed between all of said first and second outer hem surfaces and said first and second inner slot surfaces.
18. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 17, wherein: said first hem comprises a longitudinally extending generally U-shaped portion; said first hem portion extends between said U-shaped portion and said second hem portion; and said first contact barrier is disposed between said U-shaped portion of said first hem and said first lug element.
19. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, wherein said lug comprises ductile iron and said first hem comprises stainless steel.
20. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, wherein: said second hem has a longitudinally extending second outer hem surface defining at least in part said longitudinally second edge of said band;said second slot comprising a longitudinally extending second inner slot surface extending from an opening of said second slot; a longitudinally extending second gap is between said second outer hem surface of said second hem and said second inner slot surface of said second slot; and a longitudinally extending non-metallic second contact barrier disposed in said second gap between said second outer hem surface of said second hem and said second inner slot surface of said second slot.
21. The clamp assembly set forth in claim 12, comprising a gasket disposed between said band and said fluid conduit.
22. The clamp set forth in claim 12, wherein: said first lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers, each of said fingers having a finger bearing surface; said second lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands, each of said lug finger lands having a bearing surface; and each of said lug fingers of said first lug element extending transversely between said first lug element and said second lug element such that each of said finger bearing surfaces of said lug fingers bear against one of said bearing surfaces of said lug finger lands. said second lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced and transversely extending lug fingers, each of said fingers having a finger bearing surface; said first lug element comprises multiple longitudinally spaced lug finger lands, each of said lug finger lands having a bearing surface; and each of said lug fingers of said second lug element extending transversely between said second lug element and said first lug element such that each of said finger bearing surfaces of said lug fingers of said second lug element bear against one of said bearing surfaces of said lug finger lands of said first lug element.
23. The clamp set forth in claim 12, wherein: said band comprises a first shell member having said first longitudinally extending edge and a second shell member having said second longitudinally extending edge, said second shell member separate from said first shell member; said first shell member having a third longitudinally extending edge and said second shell member having a fourth longitudinally extending edge; andsaid connecting assembly comprising a third lug element connected proximate to said third longitudinally extending edge of said band and a fourth lug element connected proximate to said fourth longitudinally extending edge of said band; whereby said third longitudinally extending edge and said fourth longitudinally extending edge may be drawn towards each other to tighten said band to said fluid conduit.