Coupling system for articulated pipe joints

Abstract

A coupling system for pipes that are press-fit together to provide for the construction of curved pipelines in trenchless tunneling operations includes a pipe having a pipe axis, a first end, and a second end. The second end includes a female coupler having an inner wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the coupler feature including a plurality of teeth and a plurality of inclined surfaces between the teeth. The second end of the pipe includes a radially extending distal end face. The female coupler further includes a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the distal end face. The distal end face and the shelf are inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 423,386, filed November 7, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a joining system for pipes that are press-fit together in tunneling operations to facilitate the construction of curved pipelines. [Background technology]

[0003] Tunneling and microtunneling are trenchless tunnel construction techniques in which a shaft or tunnel is drilled and sections of pipe are inserted into the shaft as the drilling progresses. Tunnel-boring machines may have an operator riding on the machine as it cuts through the ground. In microtunneling, the shaft diameter may be too small to allow a human operator to ride on the machine; instead, the machine may be controlled remotely from outside the shaft. The pipe sections placed in the tunnel form the tunnel's protective casing, which can then house other conduits such as utilities, including water, sewer, electrical wires, fiber optic cables, and the like. Tunneling and microtunneling can be advantageous when minimizing ground subsidence and / or heave is desired, such as when tunneling under buildings, roads, railroad tracks, etc. However, the pipes traditionally used in tunneling applications can only bend slightly, which can make the construction of curved tunnels difficult or impossible. Therefore, there is a need for improved joint systems for pipes in tunneling applications. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A particular example of the disclosure relates to a coupling system for pipes that are press-fit together to provide for the construction of curved pipelines in trenchless tunneling operations. In a representative example, the pipe comprises a pipe axis, a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a female coupler, the female coupler comprising an interior wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the interior wall surface, the coupler feature comprising a plurality of teeth and a plurality of inclined surfaces between the teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening, the second end of the pipe comprising a radially extending distal end face, the female coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the interior wall surface opposite the distal end face from the coupler feature, the distal end face and the shelf being inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

[0005] In another representative example, a pipe comprises a pipe axis, a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a male coupler, the male coupler comprising an outer wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the outer wall surface, the coupler features comprising a plurality of angled surfaces and teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening, the first end of the pipe comprising a radially extending distal end face, a female coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the outer wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the distal end face, the distal end face and the shelf being angled relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

[0006] In another representative example, a pipe system includes a first pipe having a first pipe axis, a first end and a second end, the second end including a female coupler, the female coupler including an inner wall surface and a set of first coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the first coupler feature including a plurality of teeth and a plurality of angled surfaces between the teeth, the first end of the first pipe defining a first pipe opening, the second end of the first pipe including a radially extending distal end face, the female coupler further including a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the distal end face from the first coupler feature, the distal end face and the shelf being angled relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the first pipe axis, and the second pipe including a second pipe having a radially extending distal end face and an angled distal end face relative to the second pipe axis. a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a male coupler, the male coupler comprising an outer wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the outer wall surface, the coupler features comprising a plurality of inclined surfaces and teeth, the first end of the second pipe defining a pipe opening; the first end of the second pipe comprising a radially extending distal end face, the male coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the outer wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the distal end face, the distal end face and the shelf of the male coupler being inclined with respect to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the second pipe axis; and the male coupler of the second pipe is received within the female coupler of the first pipe such that the male coupler feature engages with the female coupler feature to form a pipe joint.

[0007] In another representative example, a pipe has a first end with a female coupler, the female coupler comprising an interior wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the interior wall surface, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening, the pipe having a radially extending shelf formed on the interior wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the first end, the pipe opening, the coupler feature including, in a direction toward the pipe opening, repeating units of radially extending tooth flanks and ramped surfaces extending from the teeth to an annular surface, with the next radially extending tooth flank extending from the annular surface.

[0008] In another representative example, a pipe comprises a pipe axis, a female coupler attached to or formed on a first end of the pipe, the female coupler comprising an inner wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the coupler feature comprising a plurality of ramp surfaces and teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening, the first end of the pipe comprising a distal end and a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the distal end from the coupler feature, a first annular surface having a first annular surface diameter that varies constantly in a direction from the shelf towards the distal end, the first ramp surface with a first ramp surface diameter that increases in a direction towards the distal end, a second annular surface having a second annular surface diameter that varies constantly in a direction towards the distal end, a first tooth with a first tooth surface extending radially from the second annular surface towards the pipe axis, and a coupler feature comprising a second ramp surface extending from the first tooth surface in a direction towards the distal end to a third annular surface.

[0009] In another representative example, a pipe system includes a first pipe having a distal end and a female coupler having a radially extending shelf formed on an inner wall surface of the first pipe, the shelf being spaced from the distal end along a longitudinal axis of the first pipe; a second pipe having a male coupler that is received in the female coupler of the first pipe to form a fitting; the female coupler of the first pipe having a plurality of toothed flanks extending radially inward from an annular surface formed on the inner wall surface of the first pipe; and the male coupler of the second pipe having a plurality of radially extending toothed flanks formed on an outer wall surface of the second pipe, the toothed flanks of the second pipe engaging the toothed flanks of the first pipe, the annular surface of the second pipe being axially aligned with the annular surface of the first pipe, and a radially measured gap between the annular surface of the second pipe and the axially aligned annular surface of the first pipe increasing moving in a direction from the distal end of the first pipe toward the shelf of the first pipe.

[0010] In another representative example, a pipe system includes a first pipe including a female coupler having a distal end and a radially extending shelf formed on an inner wall surface of the first pipe, the shelf being spaced from the distal end along a longitudinal axis of the first pipe; a second pipe including a male coupler that is received in the female coupler of the first pipe to form a joint; the female coupler of the first pipe including a plurality of toothed flanks extending radially inward from an annular surface formed on the inner wall surface of the first pipe; and the male coupler of the second pipe including a plurality of radially extending toothed flanks formed on an outer wall surface of the second pipe, the toothed flanks of the second pipe engaging the toothed flanks of the first pipe, wherein a radial height of the toothed flanks of the first pipe is greater than a radial height of the toothed flanks of the second pipe.

[0011] In another representative example, a pipe system includes a first pipe having a distal end and a female coupler having a radially extending shelf formed on an inner wall surface of the first pipe, the shelf being spaced apart from the distal end along a longitudinal axis of the first pipe; a second pipe having a male coupler received in the female coupler of the first pipe to form a joint; the female coupler of the first pipe having a plurality of toothed surfaces extending radially inward from an annular surface formed on the inner wall surface of the first pipe; a male coupler for the second pipe having a plurality of radially extending toothed surfaces formed on an outer wall surface, the toothed surfaces of the second pipe engaging the toothed surfaces of the first pipe, the male coupler having a first annular surface closest to an opening defined by the second pipe, and the female coupler having a first annular surface closest to a shelf of the female coupler, a gap defined between the first annular surface of the male coupler and the first annular surface of the female coupler being 70% to 110% of the radial height of the toothed surfaces of the female coupler; [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary microtunneling project. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary microtunneling project.

[0013] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a pipe system in which two pipes are joined together with a fitting and angled relative to each other.

[0014] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the joint between the pipes of FIG. 3.

[0015] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example female coupler.

[0016] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal portion of the female coupler of FIG. 5.

[0017] [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a distal portion of the female coupler of FIG. 5.

[0018] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example male coupler.

[0019] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal portion of the male coupler of FIG.

[0020] [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a distal portion of the male coupler of FIG.

[0021] [Figure 11] 9 is a schematic diagram of the female coupler of FIG. 5 and the male coupler of FIG. 8 as a cone. [Figure 12] 9 is a schematic diagram of the female coupler of FIG. 5 and the male coupler of FIG. 8 as a cone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Terminology

[0023] The following explanations of terms are provided to aid in understanding the present disclosure. For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosed embodiments are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed to all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and subcombinations with each other. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and the disclosed embodiments do not require that any one or more particular advantages be present or problems be solved.

[0024] Although some operations of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this method of description encompasses rearrangements unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be reordered or performed simultaneously. Moreover, for simplicity, the accompanying figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed examples can be used in combination with other examples.

[0025] As used in this disclosure and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "includes" means "comprises." Furthermore, the terms "coupled" and "associated" generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and / or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or connected and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between coupled or associated items unless the opposite is specified.

[0026] In some instances, values, procedures, or devices may be referred to as "lowest," "best," "smallest," etc. Such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection may be made from among many options, and it will be understood that such a selection is not necessarily better or otherwise preferred than other options.

[0027] Certain terms may be used herein, such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "bottom," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," and "right." These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. However, these terms do not imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, a "top" surface can become a "bottom" surface simply by flipping the object. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

[0028] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in this specification or claims expressing quantities such as components, forces, moments, molecular weights, percentages, temperatures, times, and the like, should be understood to be modified by the term "about." Thus, unless otherwise indicated, numerical parameters, implicitly or explicitly indicated, are approximations that may depend on the desired properties sought and / or limits of detection under testing conditions / methods well known to those skilled in the art. When directly and explicitly distinguishing an embodiment from the prior art discussed, the number of an embodiment is not an approximation unless the word "about" is recited.

[0029] Although alternatives may exist for the various components, parameters, ratios, dimensions, operating conditions, etc. described herein, this does not imply that the alternatives are necessarily equivalent and / or will perform equally well, nor does it imply that the alternatives are listed in order of preference unless otherwise stated.

[0030] Where applicable, values ​​and relationships modified by the term "substantially" mean ±10% of the stated value or relationship. The term "substantially parallel" means an angle of ±10° between an object and a reference. The term "substantially perpendicular" means an angle of 80° to 100° between an object and a reference.

[0031] Overview of the disclosed technology

[0032] The present disclosure relates to a coupling system for press-fit pipes, such as in tunneling applications, that allows articulation of the coupled pipes within a selected range of motion. The coupling system can include male and female couplings including a plurality of coupler mechanisms that engage when the male coupling is inserted into the female coupling. The coupling mechanism of the female coupler can be formed on an inner wall surface of the female coupling and can include a plurality of teeth and a plurality of angled surfaces between the teeth. The distal end of the female coupling can have a radially extending distal end face. The female coupling can further include a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the coupler mechanism from the distal end face. The distal end face and the shelf can be angled relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

[0033] The male coupling may include multiple coupling features formed on the outer wall surface of the male coupling. The male coupling's coupling feature may also include multiple teeth and multiple inclined surfaces between the teeth. The male coupling may also include a distal end face and a shelf on the opposite side of the coupling feature from the distal end face. The male coupling's distal end face and shelf may also be inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis. In certain examples, the male coupling's teeth may decrease in height or "step down" toward the male coupler pipe opening at a higher rate than the female coupling's teeth "step up" toward the female coupler pipe opening. As a result, a gap may exist between the male and female coupling features when the couplers are engaged. The gap may increase toward the proximal shelf of the female coupling. The gap between the features may allow the male coupling to articulate relative to the female coupling within a selected range of motion. The inclined distal end faces and inclined shelf surfaces of the male and female couplings may also facilitate contact between these surfaces when the pipe coupling is inclined, allowing for the transmission of jacking forces along the continuous pipe of a curved tunnel pipe system.

[0034] Example 1: Tunnel drilling and microtunneling

[0035] Tunnels are typically drilled beneath roads, buildings, and other structures to install utility conduits while minimizing ground settlement and disturbance. Such tunnels typically have a tunnel casing comprising a series of pipes that are joined end-to-end and inserted into the tunnel as drilling progresses. Typical pipe diameters range from 36 inches to over 96 inches. When the tunnel's inner diameter is too small for an operator to fit inside the tunnel-boring machine, such operations are commonly referred to as "microtunneling" operations.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, in microtunneling, a microtunneling machine 10 (also referred to as a pipe jacking machine) is positioned in a pit or shaft referred to as a "launch shaft" or "drive shaft" 12. The microtunneling machine 10 can have a selected cutting head for tunneling material (e.g., soil, clay, rock, etc.) along a selected path between the launch shaft 12 and a receiving shaft 22. A hydraulic jacking rig 14 is positioned in the launch shaft 12 between a reaction wall 16 and the microtunneling machine 10. The jacking rig 14 can have one or more hydraulic jacks 15. In certain examples, the jacking rig 14 can be on a track or other support and / or guide disposed in the launch shaft. A first pipe 18 (also referred to as a first casing pipe) having a specified length and diameter is attached to the microtunneling machine 10. The jacking rig 14 can engage the first pipe 18 with a coupling ring 20. The jacking rig 14 can thrust the first pipe 18 and the microtunneling machine 10 forward through the ground along a predetermined trajectory toward a receiving shaft 22. As the microtunneling machine 10 is forced through the ground, it can drill a tunnel of a specified diameter.

[0037] After the microtunneling machine 10 has traveled a specified distance, the hydraulic jacks 15 of the jacking rig 14 can be retracted. The specified distance can be such that the rear end of the first pipe 18 is accessible at the launch shaft 12 and there is sufficient space between the jacking rig 14 and the first pipe 18 to lower the second pipe 24 into the launch shaft 12. The second pipe 24 can have a coupling mechanism at its front end that engages with the coupling mechanism on the rear end of the first pipe 18. In a particular example, the rear end of the first pipe 18 can include a male coupler with a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the teeth of a female coupler on the front end of the second pipe, as described further below.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2 , after the second pipe 24 is placed in the launch shaft, the jacking rig 14 can engage the second pipe 24 with the coupling ring 20. The second pipe 24 can be coupled to the first pipe 18 by using the jacking rig 14 to drive the female coupler of the second pipe 24 over the male coupler of the first pipe 18. The jacking rig 14 can then be used to push the second pipe 24, the first pipe 18, and the microtunneling machine 10 forward toward the receiving shaft 22. Additional pipes can be inserted and coupled to the pipe string in the manner described above until the microtunneling machine 10 reaches the receiving shaft 22. The microtunneling machine 10 can then be removed, leaving the series of coupled pipes in place as the tunnel casing. The launch and receiving shafts can then be completed as an access shaft for servicing the tunnel and the utility conduits that pass through it.

[0039] Tunnel drilling for larger diameter tunnels can proceed in a similar manner to that described above, except that an operator may ride on the tunneling machine in the shaft and control the tunneling machine.

[0040] Example 2: Connection system for articulated pipe joints

[0041] A particular example of the present disclosure relates to a coupling system for pipes that are press-fit together, allowing the two coupled pipes to articulate within a specified range around the coupling. For example, Figure 3 shows two pipes 102 and 104 coupled together with a coupling 100 to form a pipe system 106 (also called a pipeline or pipe string). The first pipe 102 has a first end 108 and a second end 110. The second pipe 104 has a first end 112 and a second end 114. The first end 112 of the second pipe 104 is coupled to the second end 110 of the first pipe 102 at the coupling 100.

[0042] The pipe axis of the first pipe 102 is tilted relative to the pipe axis of the second pipe 104 such that the pipe system 106 is curved at the fitting 100. For purposes of illustration, the pipes 102 and 104 are tilted in the x-z plane so that the angle measured on the inside of the curve at the apex is less than 180° and the angle measured on the outside of the curve at the apex (e.g., on the opposite side of the pipe fitting) is greater than 180°. This results in a relatively small curve or deviation in the axis of the pipe system 106. By joining multiple pipes in this manner, it is possible to create a pipe system that defines a curved (e.g., non-linear) path between two end points, with the curvature being achieved gradually at each pipe fitting.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a cross section through the fitting 100 of Figure 3. In Figure 4, the second end 110 of the pipe 102 has a female coupler 200 with a plurality of coupling features, generally indicated at 202, formed on an inner wall surface 204 of the female coupler. The first end 112 of the second pipe 104 has a male coupler 300 with a plurality of coupling features, generally indicated at 302, formed on an outer wall surface 304 of the male coupler.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a representative example of a female coupler 200 in more detail. As discussed with reference to FIG. 4 above, the female coupler 200 can include a plurality of coupling features, generally designated 202, formed on an inner wall surface 204 of the coupler. In the particular example shown in FIG. 5, the female coupler 200 can be a ring configured to attach to the end of a main length of pipe, such as pipes 102 and 104. Thus, in the illustrated example, the female coupler 200 can have a first end 206 (also referred to as a distal end) and a second end 208 (also referred to as a proximal end). The second end 208 can be configured to attach to the main length of pipe (e.g., by welding). When attached to the pipe, the distal end 206 can define a pipe opening 210.

[0045] The coupling feature 202 can include various teeth and / or ridges, ramps and / or beveled surfaces, and / or a surface having a constant or substantially constant diameter. The coupling feature 202 can be formed on the distal end 212 of the female coupler. At the distal end 206, the female coupler can include an end face 214 (also referred to as a distal end face). The end face 214 can extend radially relative to the longitudinal pipe axis 207. Offset inward from the distal end 206 (to the left in FIG. 5 ), the female coupler can include a radially extending surface hereinafter referred to as a “shelf” or “proximal shelf” 216. Moving forward from the shelf 216 in the proximal direction (e.g., toward the second end 208), the female coupler can have a first thickness T corresponding to the nominal thickness of the pipe to which the female coupler is attached. Moving distally from the shelf 216, the female coupler can have a reduced thickness in the area where the coupling feature is machined into the inner wall surface 204.

[0046] Starting at the shelf 216 and moving in a direction toward the distal end face 214 (e.g., toward the pipe opening), the coupler mechanism of the female coupler can comprise a plurality of circumferentially extending rings and / or surfaces 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270 having a constant or substantially constant diameter, hereinafter referred to as "annular surfaces." The coupler mechanism can also include a plurality of angled surfaces 222, 232, 242, 252. The angled surfaces 222, 232, 242, and 252 can be angled toward the pipe opening. The angle can be such that the diameter of the angled surfaces increases from left to right in FIG. 5 (e.g., toward the pipe opening).

[0047] The coupler mechanism may also include a plurality of teeth, generally designated 224, 234, 244, and 254. Each tooth may have a radially extending surface that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pipe axis 207. Each tooth may also have an apex. In the illustrated example, the tooth apex may mark the transition from the radially extending surface of the tooth to an adjacent beveled surface.

[0048] 5 , the female coupler can include, in a direction from the shelf 216 toward the distal end face 214, a first annular surface 220, a first angled surface 222, a second annular surface 230, a first tooth 224, a second angled surface 232, a third annular surface 240, a second tooth 234, a third angled surface 242, a fourth annular surface 250, a third tooth 244, a fourth angled surface 252, a fifth annular surface 260, a fourth tooth 254, and a sixth annular surface 270. In certain examples, the chamfer 226 can extend between the sixth annular surface 270 and the distal end face 214.

[0049] As described above, each tooth can include a radially extending surface and an apex. FIG. 6 shows a first tooth 224 as an example. The first tooth 224 can include a radially extending tooth flank 236 that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pipe axis 207, and an apex 238. The apex 238 can mark the transition between the radially extending tooth flank 236 and the second beveled surface 232. In the illustrated example, the first tooth 224 does not include an annular surface between the apex 238 and the second beveled surface 232. This can facilitate angulation of the male coupler when received in the female coupler, as described further below.

[0050] In certain examples, the distal end face 214 and / or the shelf 216 can be angled relative to the pipe axis 207. In certain examples, the distal end face 214 and / or the shelf 216 can be non-perpendicular to the pipe axis 207. In certain examples, one or both of the distal end face 214 and the shelf 216 can be angled relative to a radially extending reference line that is perpendicular to the pipe axis 207. For example, FIG. 6 shows the shelf 216 in more detail. The radially extending surface of the shelf 216 can define an angle θ1 with the radially extending reference line 28 that is perpendicular to the pipe axis. In certain examples, the angle θ1 can be between 1° and 45°, e.g., between 1° and 30°, between 1° and 20°, between 1° and 10°, between 2° and 45°, between 2° and 30°, between 2° and 20°, between 2° and 10°, between 5° and 20°, between 5° and 15°, between 5° and 10°, etc. In one particular example, angle θ1 may be 10°. In a particular example, shelf 216 may be angled such that apex 246 formed by the intersection of the radially extending surface of shelf 216 with coupler inner wall surface 204 is closer to first tooth 224 than apex or corner 248 formed by the intersection of first annular surface 220 with the radially extending surface of shelf 216. In other words, apex 246 is closer to the pipe opening than corner 248.

[0051] 7 shows the distal end surface 214 in more detail. The radially extending distal end surface 214 can define an angle θ2 with a radially extending reference line 30 perpendicular to the pipe axis 207. In particular examples, the angle θ2 can be between 1° and 45°, e.g., between 1° and 30°, between 1° and 20°, between 1° and 10°, between 2° and 45°, between 2° and 30°, between 2° and 20°, between 2° and 10°, between 5° and 20°, between 5° and 15°, between 5° and 10°, etc. In one particular example, the angle θ2 can be 10°.

[0052] In certain examples, angle θ1 can be greater than angle θ2, or vice versa. In certain examples, angles θ1 and θ2 can be equal.

[0053] In certain examples, the annular surfaces, ramps, and teeth of the coupler features can be arranged in repeating units along the inner wall surface. For example, referring again to FIG. 5, in the illustrated example, the region of each tooth 224, 234, 244, 254 can include a repeating unit of radially extending tooth flanks, ramps, and annular surfaces. One such repeating unit is shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. The repeating unit can include the radially extending tooth flank 236 (FIG. 6), ramps 232, and annular surface 240 (FIG. 5) of tooth 224. Moving in a direction toward the pipe opening, annular surface 240 can lead directly into the next repeating unit, which is the second repeating unit including the radially extending tooth flank, ramps 242, and annular surface 250 of tooth 234. In the illustrated example, the female coupler can include a third repeating unit including the radially extending tooth flank 244, ramps 252, and annular surface 260. Thus, the illustrated female coupler may have three repeating units of the coupler mechanism defined at the top, with each annular surface leading directly to the next radially extending tooth flank, and each radially extending tooth flank leading directly to the next inclined surface. In other words, the radially extending surface of each tooth immediately transitions to the next inclined surface at the apex of the tooth without an annular surface between the radially extending surface and the inclined surface. It should be understood that the female couplers described herein may have any number of repeating units of the coupling mechanism, depending, for example, on the specifications of the particular pipe system being constructed.

[0054] 5, the various coupler features can have widths measured along the pipe axis 207. For example, first annular surface 220 can have a width W1, first angled portion 222 can have a width W2, second annular surface 230 can have a width W3, second angled surface 232 can have a width W4, third annular surface 240 can have a width W5, third angled surface 242 can have a width W6, fourth annular surface 250 can have a width W7, fourth angled surface 252 can have a width W8, fifth annular surface 260 can have a width W9, and sixth annular surface 270 can have a width W10. 10 It can have:

[0055] In certain examples, at least widths W3, W5, W7, and W9 of second, third, fourth, and fifth annular surfaces 230, 240, 250, and 260 can be equal or substantially equal (e.g., within ±10% of the specified dimensions). In certain examples, width W1 of annular surface 220 can be greater than widths W3, W5, W7, and W9 (e.g., to facilitate reception of corresponding annular surface 360 ​​at the distal end of the male coupler). Width W of annular surface 270 10 may also be greater than widths W3, W5, W7, and W9. In a particular example, width W of annular surface 270 10 may be greater than the width W1 of the annular surface 220.

[0056] In certain examples, widths W2, W4, W6, and W8 of first, second, third, and fourth inclined surfaces 222, 232, 242, and 252 can be equal or substantially equal (e.g., within ±10% of the specified dimensions). In certain examples, some of the inclined surfaces can also be longer or shorter than other inclined surfaces, depending on the particular characteristics desired. In certain examples, the inclined surfaces can have the same slope. In other examples, some of the inclined surfaces can have a different slope than other inclined surfaces. For example, in certain examples, inclined surface 252 can have a slope less than the slope of inclined surfaces 242, 232, and / or 222 to facilitate insertion of male coupler 300 into female coupler 200. Pipe couplers with inclined surfaces having different slopes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,823,320, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] Some of the coupler features may also have diameters / radii measured perpendicular to the pipe axis 207. For example, the first annular surface 220 may have a diameter D1, the second annular surface 230 may have a diameter D2, the first tooth 224 may have a diameter D3 (e.g., measured between two diametrically opposed positions on the apex of the first tooth 224), the third annular surface 240 may have a diameter D4, the second tooth 234 may have a diameter D5, the fourth annular surface 250 may have a diameter D6, the third tooth 244 may have a diameter D7, the fifth annular surface 260 may have a diameter D8, and the sixth annular surface 270 may have a diameter D9. The tooth 254 may have the same diameter D9 as the sixth annular surface 270. The diameter of the first angled surface 222 may increase from diameter D1 to diameter D2. The diameter of the second angled surface 232 can increase from a diameter D3 to a diameter D4, the diameter of the third angled surface 242 can increase from a diameter D5 to a diameter D6, and the diameter of the fourth angled surface 252 can increase from a diameter D7 to a diameter D8.

[0058] Thus, in a particular example, a female coupler may comprise a coupler feature, in a direction from the shelf 216 toward the distal end 206, including a first annular surface 220 having a diameter D1 (first annular surface diameter) that varies constantly in a direction toward the distal end, a first beveled surface 222 with a diameter (first beveled surface diameter) that increases in a direction toward the distal end, a second annular surface 230 having a diameter D2 (second annular surface diameter) that varies constantly in a direction toward the distal end, a first tooth 224 with a first tooth flank 236 that extends radially from the second annular surface 230 toward the pipe axis 207, and a second beveled surface 232 that extends from the first tooth flank 236 toward the distal end to a third annular surface 240. In this example, the first tooth 224 does not have a flat annular surface extending from its apex 238, but instead transitions immediately to the beveled surface 232. This facilitates angling of the male coupler relative to the female coupler, as explained further below.

[0059] FIG. 8 shows male coupler 300 in more detail. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, male coupler 300 may include a plurality of coupling features, generally designated 302, formed on the outer wall surface 304 of the coupler. Male coupler 300 may be a ring configured to attach to the end of a main length of pipe, such as pipes 102 and 104, or coupling features 302 may be machined directly into the main pipe, as described above. Male coupler 300 may have a first end 306 (also referred to as the distal end) and a second end 308 (also referred to as the proximal end). In the illustrated configuration, the male coupler is a ring, and second end 308 may be configured to attach to the main length of pipe (e.g., by welding). When attached to a pipe, distal end 306 may define a pipe opening 310.

[0060] The coupling feature 302 may include various teeth and / or ridges, ramps and / or beveled surfaces, and / or annular surfaces having a constant or substantially constant diameter similar to the coupling feature of the female coupler. The male coupling feature 302 may be formed on the distal end portion 312 of the male coupler. At the distal end 306, the male coupler may include an end face 314 (also referred to as the distal end face) that extends radially relative to the longitudinal pipe axis 307. Offset inward from the distal end 306 (to the right in FIG. 8 ), the male coupler may include a radially extending surface hereinafter referred to as the “shelf” or “proximal shelf” 316. Moving forward from the shelf 316 in the proximal direction (e.g., toward the second end 308), the male coupler may have a thickness T corresponding to the nominal thickness of the pipe to which the male coupler is attached. Moving distally from the shelf 316, the male coupler may have a reduced thickness in the area where the coupling feature is machined into the outer wall surface 304.

[0061] Starting at the ledge 316 and moving in a direction toward the distal end face 314 (e.g., toward the pipe opening), the coupler mechanism of the male coupler can include a plurality of annular surfaces 320, 330, 340, 350, and 360 having a constant or substantially constant diameter. The coupler mechanism can also include a plurality of angled surfaces 322, 332, 342, 352 that can be angled toward the pipe opening. The angle can be such that the diameter of the angled surfaces decreases from right to left in FIG. 8 (e.g., toward the pipe opening).

[0062] The coupler mechanism may also include a plurality of teeth, generally designated 324, 334, 344, and 354. Each tooth may have a radially extending surface that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., 80° to 110°) to the pipe axis, and an apex. As with the female coupler described above, the apex of the tooth may mark the transition from the radially extending surface of the tooth to an adjacent angled surface.

[0063] Thus, the male coupler can include, in a direction from the shelf 316 toward the distal end face 314, a first annular surface 320, a first tooth 324, a first angled surface 322, a second annular surface 330, a second tooth 334, a second angled surface 332, a third annular surface 340, a third tooth 344, a third angled surface 342, a fourth annular surface 350, a fourth tooth 354, a fourth angled surface 352, and a fifth annular surface 360. In the illustrated example, the fifth annular surface 360 ​​can be a lead-in annular surface that engages with the annular surface 270 to guide the male and female couplers together when the couplers are engaged. In the illustrated example, the fifth annular surface 360 ​​can be axially aligned with the first annular surface 220 of the female coupler when the male and female couplers are fully engaged. In the illustrated example, a chamfer 326 may extend between the fifth annular surface 360 ​​and the distal end face 314 to facilitate insertion of the male coupler into the female coupler.

[0064] As described above, each tooth of the male coupler can include a radially extending surface and an apex. Figure 9 shows a first tooth 324 as an example. The first tooth 324 can include a radially extending surface 336 that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pipe axis 307, and an apex 338. The apex 338 can mark the transition between the radially extending surface 336 and the first angled surface 322. In the illustrated example, the first tooth 324 does not include an annular surface between the apex 338 and the second angled surface 332, similar to the female coupler described above.

[0065] In certain examples, distal end face 314 and / or shelf 316 can be angled relative to pipe axis 307. In certain examples, distal end face 314 and / or shelf 316 can be non-perpendicular to pipe axis 307. In certain examples, one or both of distal end face 314 and shelf 316 can be angled relative to a radially extending reference line that is perpendicular to pipe axis 307. For example, FIG. 9 shows shelf 316 in more detail. The radially extending surface of shelf 316 can define an angle θ3 with a radially extending reference line 328 that is perpendicular to the pipe axis. In a particular example, angle θ3 can be between 1° and 45°, e.g., between 1° and 30°, between 1° and 20°, between 1° and 10°, between 2° and 45°, between 2° and 30°, between 2° and 20°, between 2° and 10°, between 5° and 45°, between 5° and 30°, between 5° and 20°, between 5° and 15°, between 5° and 10°, etc. In one particular example, angle θ3 can be 8°. In a particular example, shelf 316 can be angled such that apex 346 formed by the intersection of a radially extending surface of shelf 316 with coupler outer wall surface 304 is closer to first tooth 324 than angle 348 formed by the intersection of first annular surface 320 and the radially extending surface of shelf 316. In other words, apex 346 is closer to the pipe opening than angle 348.

[0066] 10 shows the distal end surface 314 in more detail. The radially extending distal end surface 314 can define an angle θ4 with a radially extending reference line 329 perpendicular to the pipe axis 307. In particular examples, the angle θ4 can be between 1° and 45°, e.g., between 1° and 30°, between 1° and 20°, between 1° and 10°, between 2° and 45°, between 2° and 30°, between 2° and 20°, between 2° and 10°, between 5° and 45°, between 5° and 30°, between 5° and 20°, between 5° and 15°, between 5° and 10°, etc. In one particular example, the angle θ4 can be 10°.

[0067] In certain examples, angle θ4 can be greater than angle θ3, or vice versa. In certain examples, angles θ3 and θ4 can be equal. In certain examples, angle θ2 of the female coupler distal end face 214 can be greater than angle θ3 of the male coupler ledge 316, or vice versa. For example, in certain examples, angle θ3 of the male coupler ledge 316 can be 50% to 100%, 60% to 100%, 70% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 90% to 100%, 50% to 95%, 60% to 95%, 70% to 95%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, etc., of angle θ2 of the female coupler distal end face 214. In the particular example shown herein, angle θ3 of the male coupler ledge 316 is 80% of angle θ2 of the female coupler distal end face 214. By making the angle θ3 of the male coupler ledge 316 different from the angle θ2 of the female coupler distal end face 214, the male coupler ledge 316 can contact the female coupler distal end face 214 when the pipe is angled, as described further below.

[0068] In certain examples, the annular surface, ramps, and teeth of the male coupler feature can be arranged in repeating units along the outer wall surface. For example, referring again to FIG. 8, in the illustrated example, the region of each tooth 324, 334, 344, 354 can comprise a repeating unit of radially extending tooth flanks, ramps, and annular surfaces in a direction toward the distal end 306. One such repeating unit is shown in detail in FIG. 9. The repeating unit can comprise the radially extending tooth flank 336, ramps 322, and annular surface 330 of tooth 324. Moving in a direction toward the pipe opening, annular surface 330 can lead directly into the next repeating unit, which is a second repeating unit comprising the radially extending tooth flank, ramps 332, and annular surface 340 of tooth 334. In the illustrated example, the male coupler may include a third repeat unit including radially extending tooth flank 344, ramp 342, and annular surface 350, and a fourth repeat unit including radially extending tooth flank 354, ramp 352, and annular surface 360. Thus, the illustrated male coupler may include four repeat units of a coupler mechanism defined at the top, with each annular surface (except for annular surface 360) leading directly to the next radially extending tooth flank, and each radially extending tooth flank leading directly to the next ramp. In other words, the radially extending surface of each tooth immediately transitions to the next ramp at the apex of the tooth without an annular surface between the radially extending surface and the ramp. It should be understood that the male couplers described herein may have any number of repeat units of a coupling mechanism, depending, for example, on the specifications of the particular pipe system being constructed.

[0069] 8, the various coupler features can have a width measured along the pipe axis. For example, the first annular surface 320 can have a width W 11 and width W 12 The first inclined surface 322 can have an overall width that is the sum of width W 13 and second annular surface 330 may have a width W 14 and the second inclined surface 332 can have a width W 15 and the third annular surface 340 may have a width W 16and the third inclined surface 342 can have a width W 17 and the fourth annular surface 350 may have a width W 18 and the fourth inclined surface 352 can have a width W 19 and fifth annular surface 360 ​​may have a width W 20 It can have:

[0070] In a particular example, the first, second, third, and fourth annular surfaces 320, 330, 340, and 350 have at least a width W 12 , W 14 , W 16 , and W 18 can be equal or substantially equal (e.g., within ±10% of the specified dimension). In certain examples, the total combined width W of the annular surface 320 11 +W 12 is a width W (e.g., to facilitate receipt of a corresponding annular surface 270 at the distal end of the female coupler). 14 , W 16 , W 18 , and W 20 For example, the width W 11 represents the distance occupied by the annular surface 270 of the female coupler when the male and female couplers are mated together, and the width W 12 represents the axial distance that the male and female couplers can move or slide relative to each other when the pipe is angled. 20 is the width W 12 , W 14 , W 16 , and W 18 In a particular example, the total width W of the annular surface 320 may be greater than 11 +W 12 is the width W of the annular surface 360 20 can be larger than

[0071] In a particular example, the widths W of the first, second, third, and fourth angled surfaces 322, 332, 342, and 352 are 13 , W 15 , W 17 , and W 19can be equal or substantially equal (e.g., within ±10% of the specified dimension). In certain examples, some of the ramps can also be longer or shorter than other ramps, depending on the particular characteristics desired. In certain examples, the ramps can have the same slope. In other examples, some of the ramps can have a different slope than other ramps. For example, in certain examples, ramp 352 can have a slope that is less than the slope of ramps 342, 332, and / or 322 to facilitate insertion of male coupler 300 into female coupler 200, as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 10,823,320, incorporated by reference above.

[0072] Some of the coupler features may also have a diameter / radius measured perpendicular to the pipe axis 307. For example, the first annular surface 320 has a diameter D 10 and the first tooth 324 may have a diameter D 11 (e.g., measured between two diametrically opposed locations on the apex of the first tooth 324), and the second annular surface 330 may have a diameter D 12 and the second tooth 334 may have a diameter D 13 and the third annular surface 340 can have a diameter D 14 and the third tooth 344 may have a diameter D 15 and the fourth annular surface 350 may have a diameter D 16 and the fourth tooth 354 may have a diameter D 17 and fifth annular surface 360 ​​may have a diameter D 18 By moving in a direction from shelf 316 toward distal end 306, the diameter of first angled surface 322 can be adjusted to a diameter D 11 to diameter D 12 The diameter of the second inclined surface 332 can be reduced to a diameter D 13 to diameter D 14 The diameter of the third inclined surface 342 can be reduced to a diameter D 15 to diameter D 16 The diameter of the fourth inclined surface 352 can be reduced to a diameter D 17 to diameter D 18can be reduced to

[0073] Thus, in a particular example, the male coupler extends from the shelf 316 toward the distal end 306 to a diameter D 10 a first annular surface 320 having a first annular surface diameter D (first annular surface diameter), a first tooth 324 with a first tooth surface 336 extending radially from the first annular surface 320 away from the pipe axis, a first inclined surface 322 with a diameter (first inclined surface diameter) that decreases in a direction toward the distal end, a diameter D that moves constantly in a direction toward the distal end 12 (second annular surface diameter), and a coupler feature including a second tooth 334 including a second tooth flank extending radially from the second annular surface 330. In this example, the first tooth 324 does not have a flat annular surface extending from its apex 338, but instead transitions immediately to an angled surface 322. This facilitates angling of the male coupler relative to the female coupler, as described further below.

[0074] In certain instances, the diameter of the female coupler tooth can increase by a specified height increment moving in a direction toward the pipe opening. For example, referring again to FIG. 7, the female tooth height increase increment h measured radially between tooth 244 and tooth 254 can be f In other words, the tooth height increase h from tooth 244 to tooth 254 f The difference is D9-D7=h f In a particular example, the height difference between each successive tooth of the female coupler is expressed as a height increase increment h f Similarly, the teeth of the male coupler may have a tooth height reduction increment that is the difference between the diameter of a given tooth and the diameter of the subsequent tooth in a direction toward the pipe opening of the male coupler. Referring to FIG. 9 as an example, D 11 -D 13 =h m the male tooth height reduction increment h measured between the apex of the first tooth 324 and the apex of the subsequent tooth 334, expressed as m In a particular example, the height difference between each successive tooth of the male coupler is a tooth height reduction increment h mIt can be equal to or substantially equal to

[0075] In the specific example, the female coupler tooth height increase increment h f is the increment of decrease in the height of the male coupler teeth h mと In certain instances, the male coupler tooth height reduction increment h m is the height increase increment h of the female coupler teeth f . Thus, the apexes of the male coupler teeth step down in the distal direction (e.g., from shelf 216 toward distal end face 214) at a greater rate than the apexes of the female coupler teeth step up in the distal direction (e.g., from shelf 316 toward distal end face 314). FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate the female and male couplers as cones. The cone's taper line is a straight line connecting the apexes of the teeth in a cross-sectional view of the male and female couplers. In other words, the cone's taper line is a best-fit line connecting the apexes of the teeth at positions 180° apart around the circumference of the male and female couplers. As shown in FIG. 11, the cone of the male coupler 300 is more tapered (e.g., narrows at a greater rate from right to left) than the cone of the female coupler 200. The greater slope of the male cone corresponds to the tooth height reduction increment h of the male coupler teeth. m The tooth height increase increment h of the female coupler teeth f greater than (e.g., h m >h f ) resulting.

[0076] In FIG. 11 , the cones of the male coupler 200 and female coupler 300 only partially overlap, representing an initial, partial engagement between the male and female couplers. FIG. 12 shows the cones of the male coupler 300 and female coupler 200 fully engaged and with the pipe axes aligned (e.g., the male and female couplers are not angled). As shown in FIG. 12 , there may be a relatively larger radial gap between the male and female couplers at the proximal end of the female coupler (e.g., adjacent shelf 216) than at the distal end of the female coupler adjacent end face 214. The gap between the male and female coupler features increases as you move from the pipe opening of the female coupler toward the rear of the female coupler (e.g., toward the proximal end). The gap g defined between the male and female coupler features at the distal end of the male coupler when fully engaged can determine the extent of angulation of the two couplers and, therefore, the two pipes in the fitting. Thus, the male and female couplers can allow for a selected degree of angulation of the two pipes relative to the gap g. In a particular example, the gap g can be measured between the annular surface 360 ​​of the male coupler and the annular surface 220 of the female coupler when the couplers are fully engaged and axially aligned, with the longitudinal pipe axes parallel to one another. In a particular example, the gap g can be calculated by the difference D1 - D 18 = g The gap between the annular faces of the male and female couplers can increase as one moves in a direction from the pipe opening of the female coupler towards the ledge 216.

[0077] In certain examples, the gap g defined between the male coupler annular surface 360 ​​and the female coupler annular surface 220 can be 50% to 150% of the radial height dimension of the female coupler tooth flank (e.g., the radial distance that the tooth extends above the adjacent annular surface), such as 60% to 110%, 60% to 100%, 70% to 110%, 70% to 100%, etc. The gap g can fall within a similar range for the radial height dimension of the male coupler tooth flank.

[0078] As discussed above, the gap g between the male and female couplers can determine the degree of angulation between the couplers when mated. This is illustrated in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, when the male and female pipe couplers 300 and 200 are fully engaged and angled, the fitting 100 forms a curve. The coupling features on the proximal end of the male coupler and the coupling features on the distal end of the female coupler can contact and / or be most closely spaced at the inner apex of the curve formed by the two pipes (e.g., at the top of the cross section in FIG. 4). The coupling features on the proximal end of the male coupler and the coupling features on the distal end of the female coupler can be spaced apart a greater amount at the outer apex of the curve (e.g., at the bottom of the cross section in FIG. 4). In certain examples, the inner apex of the curve can correspond to the distal end face ledge contact area 116 where the distal end face 214 of the female coupler and the ledge 316 of the male coupler contact. Conversely, the coupling features can be spaced apart a maximum amount on the opposite side of the curve, e.g., at the outer apex of the curve, but still be able to engage. The outer apex of the curve can be offset 180° circumferentially from the distal end surface-ledge contact area 116 around the circumference of the coupler. When the couplers are angled to their maximum, there may be little or no contact between the distal end face 214 of the female coupler and the ledge 316 of the male coupler at the outer apex of the curve.

[0079] In another example, the female coupler tooth dimension h f is the male coupler tooth dimension h m can be larger than

[0080] In certain examples, the radial dimension (also referred to as the radial height) of the tooth flanks of the female coupler can be greater than the radial height of the tooth flanks of the male coupler. For example, in certain examples, the radial dimension of the tooth flanks of the female coupler can be 101% to 130%, such as 105% to 125%, 105% to 120%, of the radial dimension of the tooth flanks of the male coupler. In certain examples, the radial dimension of the tooth flanks of the female coupler can be 115% of the radial dimension of the tooth flanks of the male coupler.

[0081] In certain examples, the angle θ3 of the male coupler ledge 316 (FIG. 9) and / or the angle θ4 of the male coupler distal end face 314 can be greater than the angle formed between the axes of the male and female couplers when they are angled. For example, in FIG. 4, the axis 207 of the female coupler 200 forms an angle α with the axis 307 of the male coupler 300. 3 and 4, the angle θ3 of the male coupler shelf 316 can be from 1.5α to 12α (e.g., 1.5 to 12 times the angle α), e.g., from 1.5α to 10α, 1.5α to 8α, 1.5α to 6α, 1.5α to 5α, 1.5α to 4α, 1.5α to 3α, 1.5α to 2α, 2α to 12α, 2α to 10α, 2α to 8α, 2α to 6α, 2α to 5α, 2α to 4α, 2α to 3α, 3α to 10α, 4α to 10α, 5α to 10α, etc. The angle θ4 of the male coupler distal end face 314 can have any of the angle ranges given above with reference to θ3. By sloping the male coupler ledge 316 and / or male coupler distal end face 314 in this manner, the force of the pipe jack on the couplers can drive the couplings together and prevent one coupler from slipping over the other.

[0082] Any or all of the example pipe couplings described herein may offer several significant advantages over existing pipe couplings. For example, the pipe couplings described herein may provide the ability to angle or articulate the pipes relative to one another at the coupling within a surprisingly large, selected range of motion without compromising the structural integrity of the coupling. The apex and distal end face-shelf contact areas 116 of the resulting curved joint can be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the pipe coupling. By joining multiple pipes together using the couplings described herein, a pipe system can be constructed with a curved path of a specified curvature between two end points. The angle between pipes achievable with the couplings described herein may vary depending on the diameter of the pipes, but in some instances may be 2° or greater.

[0083] Furthermore, the male and female pipe coupling configurations described herein can offer significant advantages in the context of tunneling and microtunneling applications in which continuous casing pipe is driven (e.g., by jacking) into a curved tunnel shaft. For example, the angled distal end faces and angled ledges of the male and female couplings can facilitate contact between these surfaces when the couplings are joined together at an angle, such as that shown in Figure 4. The angular range of these surfaces described herein can ensure that a relatively larger surface area of ​​the distal end faces and ledges contacts at the apex of the curve than would be the case if the surfaces were perpendicular to the couplers' respective axes. Because pipe jacking forces are transmitted between pipe sections at the area where the pipe couplings are in contact, a larger contact area at the interface between the female coupler's distal end face and the male coupler's ledge can improve force transfer, particularly along pipe systems in which multiple pipes are joined with multiple angled joints. As described herein, sloping the female coupler's distal end face and the male coupler's ledge can also urge the surfaces together in abutting contact. In other words, the sloped distal end face of the female coupler and the sloped ledge of the male coupler function to press the fittings together as the pipe is jacked forward on the shaft, reducing or preventing "ramping," where the female coupler slides over the outer diameter surface of the male coupler. The sloped surfaces of the female coupler ledge 216 and male coupler distal end face 314 can also improve contact between these surfaces at the apex when the pipe is angled, further contributing to the transmission of forces along the pipe system.

[0084] Additional Examples of the Disclosed Technology

[0085] In consideration of the above-described implementations of the disclosed subject matter, the present application discloses the following additional examples: Note that one feature of an example alone, or two or more features of an example resulting from the combination, and possibly combined with one or more features of one or more additional examples, are also additional examples that fall within the disclosure of the present application.

[0086] Example 1: A pipe has a pipe axis, a first end and a second end, the second end having a female coupler, the female coupler having an inner wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the coupler feature having a plurality of teeth and a plurality of inclined surfaces between the teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening, the second end of the pipe having a radially extending distal end face, the female coupler further having a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the distal end face, the distal end face and the shelf being inclined with respect to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

[0087] Example 2 Any example herein, particularly the pipe of Example 1, wherein the distal end face forms an angle with a radially extending reference line of between 2° and 20°.

[0088] Example 3 The pipe of any example herein, particularly Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the shelf forms an angle with a radially extending reference line of between 2° and 20°.

[0089] Example 4 Any of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1 to 3, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with a radially extending reference line is different from the angle formed by the shelf with a radially extending reference line.

[0090] Example 5. The pipe of any and all examples herein, particularly Examples 1 to 3, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with a radially extending reference line is equal to the angle formed by the shelf with a radially extending reference line.

[0091] Example 6 Any example herein, particularly Examples 1 through 4, in which the angle formed by the distal end surface with a radially extending reference line is greater than the angle formed by the shelf with a radially extending reference line.

[0092] Example 7. The pipe of any example herein, particularly Examples 1 to 4, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with a radially extending reference line is less than the angle formed by the shelf with a radially extending reference line.

[0093] Example 8 Any pipe of any example herein, particularly Examples 1 to 7, wherein the coupler mechanism comprises repeating units of radially extending tooth flanks and inclined surfaces extending from the tooth flanks to the annular surface in a direction towards the pipe opening, with subsequent radially extending tooth flanks extending from the annular surface.

[0094] Example 9 The pipe of any of the Examples herein, particularly Examples 1 to 8, wherein the coupler mechanism comprises: a first annular surface having a first annular surface diameter that moves constantly in a direction from the shelf toward the distal end toward the distal end; a first inclined surface with a first inclined surface diameter that increases in a direction toward the distal end; a second annular surface having a second annular surface diameter that moves constantly in a direction toward the distal end; a first tooth with a first tooth surface extending radially from the second annular surface toward the pipe axis; and a second inclined surface extending from the first tooth surface in a direction toward the distal end to a third annular surface.

[0095] Example 10 The pipe of any of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1 to 9, wherein the first end of the pipe comprises a male coupler, the male coupler comprising a plurality of coupler features formed on an outer wall surface of the male coupler.

[0096] Example 11 A pipe system comprises the pipe of Example 1, wherein the pipe is a first pipe, and a second pipe comprising a male coupler coupled to the female coupler of the first pipe, the male coupler comprising an outer wall surface and a set of male coupler features formed on the outer wall surface, the male coupler feature comprising a plurality of inclined surfaces and teeth, the male coupler of the second pipe comprising a radially extending distal end face, the male coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the outer wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the male coupler distal end face, the distal end face and shelf of the male coupler being inclined with respect to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the axis of the second pipe.

[0097] Example 12: A pipe has a pipe axis, a first end and a second end, the first end having a male coupler, the male coupler having an outer wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the outer wall surface, the coupler features having a plurality of inclined surfaces and teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening, the first end of the pipe having a radially extending distal end face, the male coupler further having a radially extending shelf formed on the outer wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the distal end face, the distal end face and the shelf being inclined with respect to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

[0098] Example 13 The pipe of any example herein, particularly Example 12, wherein the distal end face forms an angle with a radially extending reference line of between 5° and 20°.

[0099] Example 14 The pipe of any example herein, particularly Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the shelf forms an angle with a radially extending reference line of between 5° and 20°.

[0100] Example 15 Any of the examples herein, particularly Examples 12 to 14, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face using a radially extending reference line is different from the angle formed by the shelf using a radially extending reference line.

[0101] Example 16 Any of the examples herein, particularly Examples 12 to 14, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face using a radially extending reference line is equal to the angle formed by the shelf using a radially extending reference line.

[0102] Example 17. The pipe of any example herein, particularly Examples 12 to 15, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with a radially extending reference line is greater than the angle formed by the shelf with a radially extending reference line.

[0103] Example 18. The pipe of any example herein, particularly Examples 12 to 15, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with a radially extending reference line is less than the angle formed by the shelf with a radially extending reference line.

[0104] [Example 19] The pipe of any example herein, particularly Examples 12 to 18, wherein the second end of the pipe comprises a female coupler, the female coupler comprising a plurality of coupler features formed on an inner wall surface of the female coupler.

[0105] Example 20: A pipe system includes a first pipe having a first pipe axis, a first end, and a second end, the second end including a female coupler, the female coupler including an inner wall surface and a set of first coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the first coupler feature including a plurality of teeth and a plurality of inclined surfaces between the teeth, the first end of the first pipe defining a first pipe opening, the first end and the second end, the second end of the first pipe including a radially extending distal end face, the female coupler further including a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the distal end face from the first coupler feature, the distal end face and the shelf being inclined with respect to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the first pipe axis, and a second pipe having a second pipe axis, the first end a first end of the second pipe defining a pipe opening; a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a male coupler, the male coupler comprising an outer wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the outer wall surface, the coupler features comprising a plurality of angled surfaces and teeth; a first end of the second pipe defining a pipe opening; the first end of the second pipe comprising a radially extending distal end face; the male coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on an outer wall surface opposite the coupler feature from the distal end face, the distal end face and the shelf of the male coupler being angled relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the second pipe axis; and the male coupler of the second pipe being received within the female coupler of the first pipe such that the male coupler feature engages with the female coupler feature to form a pipe joint.

[0106] Example 21 The pipe system of any example herein, particularly Example 20, wherein the first pipe is angled relative to the second pipe.

[0107] Example 22 The pipe system of any example herein, particularly Example 20 or Example 21, wherein the first pipe axis and the second pipe axis define an angle α therebetween, and the angle defined between the shelf of the male coupler and a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the second pipe axis is between 1.5α and 10α.

[0108] Example 23 The pipe system of any of the examples herein, particularly Examples 20 to 22, wherein the first pipe axis and the second pipe axis define an angle α therebetween, and the angle defined between the distal end face of the male coupler and a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the second pipe axis is between 1.5α and 10α.

[0109] Example 24: A pipe has a first end having a female coupler, the female coupler having an inner wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening, the pipe having a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the first end, the pipe opening from the coupler feature, the coupler feature including, in a direction toward the pipe opening, repeating units of radially extending tooth surfaces and inclined surfaces extending from the teeth to an annular surface, and a next radially extending tooth surface extending from the annular surface.

[0110] Example 25 A pipe is provided with a female coupler attached to or formed on a pipe axis, a first end of the pipe, the female coupler comprising an inner wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the coupler feature comprising a plurality of inclined surfaces and teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening; the first end of the pipe comprising a distal end and a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the distal end from the coupler feature; a first annular surface having a first annular surface diameter that varies constantly in a direction from the shelf towards the distal end towards the distal end; the first inclined surface with a first inclined surface diameter that increases in a direction towards the distal end; a second annular surface having a second annular surface diameter that varies constantly in a direction towards the distal end; a first tooth having a first tooth surface extending radially from the second annular surface towards the pipe axis; and a coupler feature comprising a second inclined surface extending from the first tooth surface in a direction towards the distal end to a third annular surface.

[0111] [Example 26] The pipe system comprises: a first pipe having a distal end and a female coupler having a radially extending shelf formed on an inner wall surface of the first pipe, the shelf being spaced from the distal end along a longitudinal axis of the first pipe; a second pipe having a male coupler that is received in the female coupler of the first pipe to form a joint; the female coupler of the first pipe having a plurality of toothed flanks extending radially inward from an annular surface formed on the inner wall surface of the first pipe; and the male coupler of the second pipe having a plurality of radially extending toothed flanks formed on an outer wall surface of the second pipe, the toothed flanks of the second pipe engaging the toothed flanks of the first pipe, the annular surface of the second pipe being axially aligned with the annular surface of the first pipe, and a radially measured gap between the annular surface of the second pipe and the axially aligned annular surface of the first pipe increasing moving in a direction from the distal end of the first pipe toward the shelf of the first pipe.

[0112] Example 27 A pipe system includes a first pipe having a female coupler with a distal end and a radially extending shelf formed on an inner wall surface of the first pipe, the shelf being spaced from the distal end along a longitudinal axis of the first pipe; a second pipe having a male coupler that is received in the female coupler of the first pipe to form a joint; the female coupler of the first pipe having a plurality of toothed surfaces extending radially inward from an annular surface formed on the inner wall surface of the first pipe; and the male coupler of the second pipe having a plurality of radially extending toothed surfaces formed on an outer wall surface of the second pipe, the toothed surfaces of the second pipe engaging the toothed surfaces of the first pipe, the radial height of the toothed surfaces of the first pipe being greater than the radial height of the toothed surfaces of the second pipe.

[0113] Example 28: A pipe system includes a first pipe having a distal end and a female coupler having a radially extending shelf formed on an inner wall surface of the first pipe, the shelf being spaced apart from the distal end along a longitudinal axis of the first pipe; a second pipe having a male coupler that is received in the female coupler of the first pipe to form a joint; the female coupler of the first pipe having a plurality of toothed surfaces extending radially inward from an annular surface formed on the inner wall surface of the first pipe; a male coupler of the second pipe having a plurality of radially extending tooth flanks formed thereon, the tooth flanks of the second pipe engaging the tooth flanks of the first pipe, the male coupler having a first annular surface closest to an opening defined by the second pipe, and the female coupler having a first annular surface closest to a shelf of the female coupler, a gap defined between the first annular surface of the male coupler and the first annular surface of the female coupler being 70% to 110% of the radial height of the tooth flanks of the female coupler.

[0114] Features described herein with respect to any example may be combined with other features described in any one or more of the other examples, unless otherwise stated. For example, any one or more of the features of one pipe coupler example may be combined with any one or more features of another pipe coupler example.

[0115] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is at least as broad as the following claims and the equivalents of the features recited therein. Accordingly, the inventors claim all that comes within the scope and spirit of those claims.

Claims

1. A pipe, The pipe shaft and a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a female coupler, the female coupler comprising an interior wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the interior wall surface, the coupler features comprising a plurality of teeth and a plurality of angled surfaces between the teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening; the second end of the pipe having a radially extending distal end surface; the female coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the coupler mechanism from the distal end face; The pipe, wherein the distal end surface and the shelf are inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

2. The pipe of claim 1 , wherein the distal end face forms an angle with the radially extending reference line of between 2° and 20°.

3. 3. The pipe of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shelf forms an angle with the radially extending reference line of between 2° and 20°.

4. 4. The pipe of claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is different from the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

5. 4. A pipe according to claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is equal to the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

6. 5. The pipe of claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is greater than the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

7. 5. A pipe according to claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is smaller than the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

8. 8. A pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coupler mechanism comprises repeating units of radially extending tooth flanks and inclined surfaces extending from the tooth flanks to an annular surface in a direction towards the pipe opening, with a next radially extending tooth flank extending from the annular surface.

9. 9. The pipe of claim 1, wherein the coupler mechanism comprises: a first annular surface having a first annular surface diameter that varies constantly in said direction toward the distal end from the shelf; a first inclined surface with a first inclined surface diameter that increases in said direction toward the distal end; a second annular surface having a second annular surface diameter that varies constantly in said direction toward the distal end; a first tooth with a first tooth surface extending radially from the second annular surface toward the pipe axis; and a second inclined surface extending from the first tooth surface in said direction toward the distal end to a third annular surface.

10. 10. The pipe of claim 1, wherein the first end of the pipe comprises a male coupler, the male coupler comprising a plurality of coupler features formed on an outer wall surface of the male coupler.

11. 1. A pipe system comprising: The pipe of claim 1, wherein the pipe is a first pipe; a second pipe having a male coupler coupled to the female coupler of the first pipe, the male coupler comprising: an exterior wall surface and a set of male coupler features formed on the exterior wall surface, the male coupler features comprising a plurality of ramps and teeth; the male coupler of the second pipe having a radially extending distal end face; the male coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the outer wall surface opposite the coupler mechanism from the male coupler distal end face; The pipe system, wherein the distal end face and the shelf of the male coupler are inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the axis of the second pipe.

12. A pipe, The pipe shaft and a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a male coupler, the male coupler comprising an exterior wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the exterior wall surface, the coupler features comprising a plurality of ramps and teeth, the first end of the pipe defining a pipe opening; the first end of the pipe having a radially extending distal end surface; the male coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the outer wall surface opposite the coupler mechanism from the distal end face; The pipe, wherein the distal end surface and the shelf are inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the pipe axis.

13. 13. The pipe of claim 12, wherein the distal end face forms an angle with the radially extending reference line of between 5° and 20°.

14. 14. A pipe according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the shelf forms an angle with the radially extending reference line of between 5° and 20°.

15. 15. A pipe according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is different from the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

16. 15. A pipe according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is equal to the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

17. 16. A pipe according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is greater than the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

18. 16. A pipe according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the angle formed by the distal end face with the radially extending reference line is less than the angle formed by the shelf with the radially extending reference line.

19. 19. The pipe of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the second end of the pipe comprises a female coupler, the female coupler comprising a plurality of coupler features formed on an inner wall surface of the female coupler.

20. 1. A pipe system comprising: A first pipe, a first pipe shaft; a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a female coupler, the female coupler comprising an inner wall surface and a set of first coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the first coupler features comprising a plurality of teeth and a plurality of angled surfaces between the teeth, the first end of the first pipe defining a first pipe opening; the second end of the first pipe having a radially extending distal end surface; the female coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the inner wall surface opposite the first coupler mechanism from the distal end face; a first pipe, the distal end surface and the shelf being inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the first pipe axis; a second pipe, a second pipe shaft; a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a male coupler, the male coupler comprising an outer wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the outer wall surface, the coupler features comprising a plurality of ramps and teeth, the first end of the second pipe defining a pipe opening; the first end of the second pipe having a radially extending distal end surface; the male coupler further comprising a radially extending shelf formed on the outer wall surface opposite the coupler mechanism from the distal end face; the distal end surface and the shelf of the male coupler are inclined relative to a radially extending reference line perpendicular to the second pipe axis; a second pipe, the male coupler of the second pipe being received within the female coupler of the first pipe such that the male coupler feature engages the female coupler feature to form a pipe joint.

21. 21. The pipe system of claim 20, wherein the first pipe is angled relative to the second pipe.

22. the first pipe axis and the second pipe axis define an angle α therebetween; 22. The pipe system of claim 20 or 21, wherein the angle defined between the shelf of the male coupler and the radially extending reference line perpendicular to the second pipe axis is between 1.5α and 10α.

23. the first pipe axis and the second pipe axis define an angle α therebetween; 23. The pipe system of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the angle defined between the distal end face of the male coupler and the radially extending reference line perpendicular to the second pipe axis is between 1.5α and 10α.

Images