ANTI-ROTATION PIPE COUPLING

Abstract

Apparatus and related method for coupling adjacent pipe lengths, for example, an outlet pipe assembly that utilizes an intermediate coupling member to prevent rotational uncoupling of adjacent pipe lengths under the influence of rotational torque. The coupling member may comprise an internal key feature that physically engages a keyed end on at least one end of a pipe length. The internal key feature may include key members located at each mating end of the coupling member such that the key members engage the corresponding keyed ends of the adjacent pipe lengths, thereby preventing rotation of the adjacent pipe lengths relative to each other.

Description

ANTI-ROTATION PIPE COUPLING PRIORITY CLAIM This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 078,296 filed on September 14, 2020 and entitled ANTI-ROTATION PIPE COUPLING, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to pipes and pipe fittings used to prevent unscrewing or uncoupling if a rotational torque is applied to a connected pipe section. More specifically, the present invention relates to pipes and pipe fittings that use a keyed coupling member in a pipe joint to prevent rotation and / or separation of the pipe joint under the influence of a rotational torque applied to a connected pipe member. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Individual lengths of pipe are frequently connected in a variety of commercial and industrial settings. A common installation occurs in a water well where a lead pipe connects to a pump located at the bottom of a well screen. The lead pipe generally allows the pump to be raised and lowered within the well while also providing a conduit for the pumped water from the well screen area to a surface location. Typically, the lead pipe is constructed by sequentially adding lengths of pipe as the pump is lowered to the appropriate well depth. Conventional methods of assembling outlet pipes can lead to several problems. For example, threaded connections between adjacent pipes can loosen if a rotational torque is applied to one of the connected pipes. To prevent thread loosening, some connection designs use clips or retaining pins to secure the threaded joint. While this can prevent loosening, there is a possibility that these clips or pins may fall out and become obstructions on the outside of the outlet pipe. Alternatively, some conventional designs use adhesives at joint locations to prevent pipe separation. While the use of adhesives can prevent pipe separation, they have disadvantages, including the time required for application and curing, and the fact that these are permanent connections that cannot be separated at the pipe joint if the outlet pipe is lifted or otherwise removed. As such, it would be advantageous to improve current pipe and tube connections to resist threaded uncoupling after the application of a rotational torsional torque, while similarly providing separation in the event of lifting or pulling the outlet pipe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to embodiments of an outlet pipe assembly that utilize an intermediate coupling member to smoothly couple adjacent pipe lengths while preventing rotational decoupling of the adjacent pipe lengths in the event that a rotational torsional torque is applied to the outlet pipe assembly. Generally, the coupling member may comprise an internal key feature that physically engages a keyed end at at least one end of the pipe length.When the coupling member is used to connect adjacent lengths of pipe, the internal keying feature may include key members located at each mating end of the coupling member so that the key members engage with the corresponding keyed ends of the adjacent lengths of pipe, thus preventing rotation of the adjacent pipe lengths relative to each other. In some embodiments, the internal keying feature may be located at only one mating end of the coupling member, with a second end of the coupling member including an alternative connection feature, such as a threaded or clamp-type connection, providing a watertight connection to a well or surface feature, such as a well pump or distribution network, at the ends of the outlet pipe assembly. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a length of tubing that can be used to form a fluid conduit in which adjacent lengths of tubing are prevented from rotating relative to one another under the influence of rotational torque. A length of tubing may comprise a tube body having a defined tube conduit between the first and second tube ends. The first and second tube ends may each comprise a keyed end which may include one or more keyways defining a keyway. In some embodiments, the keyway may comprise an arched or partially arched keyway configured to receive a key member. The tube length may further comprise a circumferential outer groove near the first and second tube ends, wherein this circumferential outer groove defines a keyway cross-section. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a coupling member that can be used to prevent unintentional rotation and uncoupling of adjacent pipe lengths, for example, in an outlet pipe assembly. The coupling member may comprise a coupling body having a defined coupling channel between a first coupling end and a second coupling end. The first and second coupling ends can be configured to accept the sliding insertion of a pipe end. The coupling member may include a key feature defined within the coupling channel. The key feature may include a circumferential inner wall defining a pair of opposing flanged inner surfaces. One or more key assemblies may project outward from the flanged inner surface toward the first and second coupling ends, respectively.Each key assembly may comprise a key member defining a key shape configured to slide into a keyway opening. The first and second mating ends may each include a circumferential sealing groove and a circumferential retaining groove defined on an inner wall of the mating body. In some embodiments, the mating member may comprise an alternative mating feature at the second mating end so that the second mating end can be fluidly coupled to a well pump or surface distribution feature at the ends of an outlet pipe assembly. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling pipe conduits, such as outlet pipe assemblies, in such a way as to prevent adjacent pipe lengths from rotationally decoupling under the influence of rotational torque. Generally, the method may comprise advancing a first end of a first pipe length into a first coupling end of a coupling member. Preferably, the method further comprises compressing a sealing member, such as an O-ring seal, to define a fluid-tight seal between the coupling member and the first pipe length as insertion occurs. The method may further comprise advancing the first end into the first coupling end such that a keyway in the first end advances over a keyway member defined in an inner wall of the coupling member.The method may further comprise advancing the first length of pipe into the coupling member until the first end physically contacts a defined internal flanged surface on a circumferential inner wall of the coupling member and the key member is completely enclosed by the keyway opening. The method may further comprise inserting a connecting member, for example, a spline, through an insertion opening in the coupling member, such that the insertion opening provides access to a combined connector groove defined by aligning a circumferential outer groove and a circumferential retaining groove on the first length of pipe and the coupling member, respectively. In some embodiments, the method may be repeated with a second length of pipe and a second coupling end of the coupling member to join the adjacent length of pipe.Alternatively, the second coupling end may include an alternative coupling feature such that the method further comprises attaching the second coupling end to a well or surface feature at one end of the outlet pipe assembly. The preceding summary is not intended to describe every illustrated modality or every implementation of the subject matter herein. The figures and detailed description that follow provide more specific examples of various modalities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The subject matter herein can be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various modalities in relation to the attached figures, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an outlet tube assembly according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the outlet pipe assembly of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a first length of tube according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 4 is a detailed perspective view of one end of the first tube length of FIGURE 3. FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a coupling member according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member of FIGURE 5. FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member of FIGURE 5. FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a connecting member according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 9 is a plan view of the connecting member of FIGURE 8. FIGURE 10 is a side view of the connecting member of FIGURE 8. FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the connecting member of FIGURE 8. FIGURE 12 is a view from one end of the connecting member of FIGURE 8. FIGURE 13 is a view from an opposite end of the connecting member of FIGURE 8. FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view of the outlet pipe assembly of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first length of pipe from FIGURE 3 coupled to the coupling member of FIGURE 5. FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of a coupling member according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of a coupling member according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. Since various embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific details of these have been shown as examples in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, an outlet pipe assembly 100 according to a representative embodiment of the present invention may comprise a first pipe length 102, a coupling member 104, and a second pipe length 106. For the purposes of this disclosure, the first pipe length 102 and the second pipe length 106 may be constructed to be copies of each other, although it shall be understood that all that is required for the outlet pipe assembly 100 is that both the first pipe length 102 and the second pipe length 106 each have a pipe end compatible with the coupling member 104, as described below.The first pipe length 102, the coupling member 104, and the second pipe length 106 can generally be made of a single material such as, for example, suitable metallic materials such as carbon or stainless steel, or polymeric materials including, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass, and other suitable polymers. Now, with reference to FIGURES 3 and 4, the first pipe length 102 generally comprises a pipe body 110 that defines a continuous pipe conduit 112 between a first end 114 and a second end 116. The first end 114 and the second end 116 may be identical, for example, when the first pipe length 102 constitutes an intermediate pipe length within a drop pipe, or alternatively, the first end 114 and the second end 116 may comprise different connection styles, for example, when the first pipe length 102 constitutes one end of a drop pipe and is to be connected to a well pump or surface component at one end of the pipe body 110. As such, at least one of the first end 114 and the second end 116 comprises a keyed end 118 for interacting with the coupling member 104. Generally, the keyed end 118 defines a tapered end wall 120 that tapers to the 110 tube body.The tube body 110 generally defines an outside diameter of tube 122. The keyed end 118 generally defines at least one keyway. 124 defining a keyway opening 126 within the tube body 110. The keyway opening 126 can be configured to have a variety of key shapes 128, for example, arched or partially arched, as illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4. At a location beyond the tapered end wall 120, the tube body 110 can define a circumferential outer groove 130 defining a groove cross-section 132. Since only the first tube length 102 is currently described, it will be understood that the second tube length 106 will have a similar structure. As shown in FIGURES 5, 6, and 7, the coupling member 104 generally comprises a coupling body 140 that defines a continuous coupling conduit 142 between a first coupling end 144 and a second coupling end 146. The coupling body 140 generally defines a coupling inside diameter 148 that is selected to slightly exceed the pipe outside diameter 122. The coupling body 140 defines an inner wall 150. Near the first coupling end 144 and the second coupling end 146, the inner wall 150 includes a circumferential sealing groove 152 and a circumferential retaining groove 154. The circumferential retaining groove 154 may include a retaining groove cross-section 156 that may be similar to the groove cross-section 132.The coupling body 140 may further comprise an insertion opening 158 that communicates with the circumferential sealing groove 152. The coupling body 140 may further comprise a key feature 160 defined within the continuous coupling channel 142. In general, the key feature 160 includes a circumferential inner wall 162 that defines a pair of flanged inner surfaces 164a, 164b and a key assembly 166. The key assembly 166 may comprise a pair of oppositely projecting key members 168, with at least a portion of each key member 168 extending parallel to a center axis of the continuous coupling channel 142. Each key member 168 may comprise a key shape 170 that is sized and shaped to be received within the key opening 126.For example, each key member 168 may comprise an arched or partially arched portion that interacts with a similar portion of the keyway opening 126. In some embodiments, the mating body 140 may comprise multiple key assemblies 166 defined around the inner wall 150, for example, two key assemblies 166 on opposite sides (180° apart) of the inner wall 150, three key assemblies 166 spaced 120° apart, four key assemblies 166 spaced 90° apart, and so on. The number of key assemblies 166 within the mating body 140 may be selected to provide the desired resistance to rotational torque. In general, the number of key assemblies 166 will match the number of keyways 124 at the first end 114 and / or the second end 116. As shown in FIGURES 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, a representative connecting member, for example, a spline 180, generally comprises a spline body 182 including an insertion end 144 and a handling end 186. The spline body 182 may comprise a square or rectangular cross-section 187 defined by a top surface 188, a bottom surface 190, and a pair of side surfaces 192a, 192b. The spline body 182 generally comprises a retaining portion 194 having a retaining length 196 and a handling portion 197. The handling portion 197 may comprise an inclined tab 198 or a similar feature that promotes gripping or coupling. The insertion end 184 can define an inclined surface 200. The groove 180 is generally made of a flexible polymeric material such as, for example, nylon and similar ductile materials. While the assembly of the first length of pipe 102, the coupling member 104, and the second length of pipe 106 is described in general terms later, it will be understood that in real-world installations, for example, the assembly of outlet pipe for a water well, this installation generally occurs at the top of a wellhead as the well pump is lowered to a desired well depth. Generally, the coupling member 104 is prepared for assembly by placing a sealing member 210, for example, a polymeric O-ring, inside the circumferential sealing groove 152 as shown in Figures 14 and 15. Then, the first length of pipe 102 is positioned so that the first end 114 is close to the first coupling end 144.The tapered end wall 120 slides into the first coupling end 144 so that the tube body 110 advances into the continuous coupling passage 142. The first end 114 continues to be inserted as the keyway 126 slides over the key member 170. The tube body 110 continues to advance into the continuous coupling passage 142 until further advancement is prevented by the tapered end wall 120 contacting the flanged inner surface 164a and the key member 168 filling the keyway 124. At this point, the advancement of the tube body 110 into the continuous coupling passage 142 results in the sealing member 210 being compressed between the tube body 110 and the coupling body 140 to create a fluid-tight seal between the first length of tube. 102 and coupling member 104. With the first end 114 fully inserted into the continuous mating channel 142, the outer circumferential groove 130 and the circumferential retaining groove 154 are aligned with each other to define a combined connector groove 214. Generally, the groove cross-section 132 and the retaining groove cross-section 156 cooperatively define a combined connector groove cross-section 216 that substantially matches the cross-section 187 of the splined body 182. Once the combined connector groove 214 is defined, a user can then slide the insertion end 184 of the spline 180 through the insertion opening 158 so that the insertion end 184 engages in the combined connector groove 214.Using the handling portion 197, the user continues to advance the spline body 182 through the insertion opening 158 so that the insertion end 184 is advanced circumferentially through the combination connector groove 204. The retention length 196 is preferably selected to be equal to the circumferential length of the combination connector groove 204. As such, the insertion end 184 is displaced circumferentially around the combination connector groove 204 and approaches the insertion opening 158. At that point, the angled tab 198 can be pressed into and reside with the insertion opening 158. With the spline 180 in the combination connector groove 204, the first end 114 cannot be withdrawn from the continuous coupling conduit 142 so that a continuous, fluid-tight conduit is defined between the first tube length 102 and the coupling member 104.This joining method can be repeated for the second length of pipe 106 or for any number of pipe lengths, such as during the assembly of the outlet pipe to place a well pump at a desired well depth. With the outlet pipe assembly 100 assembled as described, applying rotational torque to the first pipe length 102, the second pipe length 104, or any other connected pipe lengths will not cause disassembly or failure of the pipe connections. With each key member 170 inserted into a corresponding keyway 124, any rotational torque applied to a pipe length will either cause the entire outlet pipe assembly 100 to rotate, or none of the outlet pipe assembly 100 will rotate if the applied torque is insufficient to rotate the entire outlet pipe assembly. Therefore, torque cannot cause adjacent pipe lengths to rotate relative to each other, and the outlet pipe assembly 100 can be maintained in a fully assembled, fluid-tight configuration. To disassemble the tube, a user simply grasps the angled tab 198 by hand or with an appropriate tool and pulls the spline 180 out of the combined connector groove 204. After the spline 180 is removed, a user can simply pull the first end 114 of the continuous coupling conduit 142 to disassemble adjacent lengths of tube. Now, with reference to FIGURES 16 and 17, alternative embodiments of coupling members 250 and 270 are illustrated, respectively. Generally, coupling members 250 and 270 can share several characteristics of the coupling member. 104, but generally only at one end, since coupling members 250 and 260 can be used to seamlessly connect the outlet pipe assembly 100 to features at either end of the outlet pipe assembly 100, for example, a well pump or a surface distribution feature. With reference to FIGURE 16, the coupling member 250 generally comprises a coupling body 252 defining a continuous coupling conduit 254 between the first coupling end 144 and a second coupling end 256. The first coupling end 144 can be substantially the same as that described above with respect to the coupling member 104, including the various dimensions and features described above that provide an anti-rotation connection to the first and second pipe lengths 102, 104.Instead, the difference between coupling member 250 and coupling member 104 lies in the features found at the second coupling end 256, which is configured to join other well or surface features. The coupling end 256 may comprise an internal thread 258 defined on an inner wall 260 of the coupling body 252 to provide a rotational threaded connection to the well or surface feature. Similarly, and as shown in Figure 17, the second coupling end 256 of coupling member 270 may comprise a connecting groove 272 on an outer wall 274 of the coupling body 252. The connecting groove 272 can provide a clamp-type mechanical connection between the second coupling end 256 and the well or surface feature.For example, the connection groove 272 can be configured to use Victaulic-style mechanical connectors to create a fluid-tight connection between the coupling member 270 and the well or surface feature. By using one or more of the coupling members 250, 270 where the outlet pipe assembly 100 connects to well or surface features, an installer can use the same pipe length configuration—for example, first and second pipe lengths 102, 106—when assembling the outlet pipe assembly 100 and use a desired configuration of coupling members 250, 270 when connecting the outlet pipe assembly 100 to the well pump or surface distribution feature. This eliminates potential errors as the pipe lengths are assembled and eliminates the need to fabricate pipe lengths with different first and second ends 114, 116. Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should also be appreciated that the various features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Furthermore, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, and locations, etc., have been described for use with the disclosed embodiments, others may be used in addition to those disclosed without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than those illustrated in any single embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not combinations of mutually exclusive features; rather, the various embodiments may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons skilled in the art. Furthermore, the elements described with respect to one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in those embodiments, unless otherwise indicated. Any incorporation by reference from prior documents is limited so that no subject matter contrary to explicit disclosure herein is incorporated. Any incorporation by reference from prior documents is further limited so that claims contained in those documents are not incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference from prior documents is still more limited so that any definitions provided in those documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

Claims

1. A tube assembly resistant to unintentional disassembly in response to a rotational torsional torque, the tube assembly characterized in that it comprises: a first length of tube having a defined tube conduit between a first end and a second end, the first end including a keyway; and a coupling member defining a coupling conduit between a first coupling end and a second coupling end, the coupling member including a circumferential inner wall within the continuous coupling end, the circumferential inner wall defining a pair of flanged inner surfaces with at least one key member extending into the first coupling end from the flanged inner surface adjacent to the first coupling end,wherein the insertion of the first end into the first coupling end defines a continuous fluid conduit between the pipe conduit and the coupling conduit, the insertion of the first end into the first coupling end directs the keyway over the key member such that the key member is positioned within the keyway when the first end contacts the flanged inner surface adjacent to the first coupling end, and wherein the presence of the key member within the keyway prevents rotation of the first pipe length with respect to the coupling member.

2. The tube assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling member further comprises a circumferential sealing groove defined in the coupling conduit near the first coupling end, and wherein the tube assembly further comprises: a sealing member positioned within the circumferential sealing groove, the sealing member being compressed between the coupling member and the first length of tube as the first end is inserted into the first coupling end.

3. The tube assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling member further comprises a circumferential retaining groove defined in the coupling duct near the first coupling end, the circumferential retaining groove defining a retaining groove cross-section; and wherein the first tube length further comprises an outer circumferential groove near the first end, the outer circumferential groove defining a groove cross-section, wherein the outer circumferential groove and the circumferential retaining groove cooperatively define a combined connector groove when the first end comes into contact with the flanged inner surface.

4. The tube assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the coupling member further comprises an insertion opening in communication with the circumferential retaining groove such that the insertion opening is in communication with the combined connector groove when the first end contacts the flanged inner surface.

5. The tube assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises: a connecting member adapted for handling through the insertion opening and within the combined connector groove, the connecting member retaining the connection of the coupling member and the first length of tube.

6. The tube assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting member defines a body cross-section, wherein the body cross-section substantially coincides with a combined connector groove cross-section of the combined connector groove.

7. The tube assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting member comprises a spline connector having a spline body, the spline body including an insertion end and a manipulation end, wherein the insertion end is advanced through the combined connector groove.

8. The tube assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the insertion end defines a retention length and wherein the retention length is equal to a circumferential length of the combined connector groove.

9. The tube assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the handling end includes a tab, and wherein the tab can reside within the insertion opening when the retention length is within the combined connector groove.

10. The pipe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the second coupling end includes at least one second end key member extending into the second coupling end from the flanged inner surface adjacent to the second coupling end.

11. The tube assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises: a second tube length having a second tube conduit defined between a first end of the second tube and a second tube end, the first end of the second tube including a second keyway, and wherein the insertion of the first end of the second tube into the second tube end defines an assembly fluid conduit between the first tube length, the coupling member, and the second tube length, the insertion of the first end of the second tube into the second coupling end directs the second keyway over the second end key member such that the second end key member is positioned within the second keyway when the first end of the second tube contacts the flanged inner surface adjacent to the second tube end,and wherein the presence of the second end key member within the second keyway prevents rotation of the second tube length with respect to the coupling member.

12. The pipe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the second coupling end defines a second connection different from the first coupling end, the second connection being configured to seamlessly connect the coupling member to the well or surface feature.

13. The pipe assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the second connection comprises a clamp connection or a threaded connection.

14. An outlet pipe for insertion into a water well, characterized in that it comprises the pipe assembly in accordance with claim 1.

15. A method for assembling a pipe conduit resistant to disassembly under rotational torsional torque, characterized in that it comprises: advancing a first end of a first length of pipe into a first coupling end of a coupling member; guiding a key member in an inner wall of the coupling member into a keyway opening in the first end; and coupling the first end with an inner flanged surface of the coupling member, wherein the key member is advanced fully into the keyway opening.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises: compressing a sealing member between the first length of tube and the coupling member as the first end is advanced into the first coupling end.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises: defining a connector groove combined between an outer circumferential groove in the first tube length and a circumferential retaining groove within the coupling member when the first end is coupled to the inner flanged surface.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises: inserting a connecting member through an insertion opening in the coupling member, the insertion opening being in communication with the circumferential retaining groove so that the connecting member advances into the combined connector groove.

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises: advancing a first tube end towards a second coupling end of the coupling member; guiding a second key member in the inner wall of the coupling member into a second keyway in the first end of the second tube; and coupling the first end of the second tube to a second inner flanged surface of the coupling member, wherein the second key member is advanced completely into the second keyway.

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