Pressurized system warning attachment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a common safety issue for maintenance personnel working with hydraulic systems, because the potential energy stored in a fluid in such a system can be extremely high. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to an attachment for a hydraulic line of a hydraulic actuator or an accumulator. In one aspect, the attachment comprises a tubular body defining an internal bore configured for securement to a portion of a hydraulic line or an hydraulic fitting so as to extend at least partially therearound, and comprising an external surface bearing colouring and / or indicia configured to indicate that the hydraulic line or fitting presents a hazard. In one form, the attachment is configured for securement to a nut or a head of a bolt and to prevent engagement for loosening thereof.

Description

PRESSURIZED SYSTEM WARNING ATTACHMENTPRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024900894 titled “PRESSURIZED SYSTEM WARNING ATTACHMENT” and filed on 2 April 2024, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a common safety issue for maintenance personnel working with hydraulic systems employing hydraulic actuators and / or accumulators. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to an attachment for a hydraulic line of a hydraulic actuator or an accumulator.BACKGROUND

[0003] Equipment that employs one or more hydraulic actuators and / or an accumulator has the potential to cause severe injury or death to maintainers. The potential energy stored in a fluid in a hydraulic circuit, or an accumulator can be extremely high. Moreover, serious crush injuries can result from unexpected movement of hydraulic actuators.

[0004] Some hydraulic circuits incorporate a load restraint system to hold the actuators in place should a connection fail or be unscrewed. Load restraints typically take the form of one or more check valves fitted to one or more hydraulic actuators or installed in a circuit close to the load. Removing a hose or fitting from a load restrained system does not affect the load or fluid pressure held by the actuator. The Applicant estimates that approximately 30% of hydraulic circuits do not employ a safety load restraint at the actuator.

[0005] However, removing a hose or fitting from an actuator without load restraints will likely result in unplanned movement (such as a cylinder moving, a turning device pivoting or a machine articulating) creating a high likelihood of crush injuries. Moreover, high pressure hydraulic oil will also be discharged from the hose or fitting subjecting personnel to risk of hydraulic injection.

[0006] Removal of a hose from a circuit containing an accumulator will similarly result in high pressure oil discharge and the chance of oil injection to personnel.

[0007] The difference between a hydraulic circuit equipped with load restraint and one which is not so equipped is not always obvious or easily identifiable to maintainers or operators.

[0008] This is a common cause of injury and death within the mechanized equipment maintenance industry and operations industry, with no current control or mitigation of risk. Similarly, circuits with accumulators storing high pressure are common but difficult to identify.

[0009] It is against this background that the present disclosure has been developed.SUMMARY

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided an attachment comprising a tubular body defining an internal bore configmed for secmement to a portion of a hydraulic line or an hydraulic fitting so as to extend at least partially therearound and comprising an external surface bearing colouring and / or indicia configured to indicate that the hydraulic line or fitting presents a hazard.

[0011] In one form, the colouring and / or indicia are configured to indicate that a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic line is dangerously pressurised.

[0012] In one form, the colouring and / or indicia are configured to indicate that breaking the hydraulic line might result in movement of an actuator that creates a crush zone.

[0013] In one form, the colouring and / or indicia are configured to indicate that breaking the hydraulic line might result in discharge of hydraulic fluid.

[0014] In one form, the attachment is configured to clip mound a portion of the hydraulic line.

[0015] In one form, the attachment is configured to snap-fit around a portion of the hydraulic line.

[0016] In one form, the attachment is configured for secmement to a nut of a hose tail of the hydraulic line.

[0017] In one form, the attachment is configured to clip around the nut.

[0018] In one form, when in use fitted to a nut, the attachment prevents any engagement of the nut by a tool configmed to turn the nut.

[0019] In one form, the attachment covers all but one face of the nut.

[0020] In one form, the internal bore is faceted with a plurality of substantially identical faces.

[0021] In one form, the faces cooperatively define a portion of a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

[0022] In one form, the internal bore cooperatively defines a portion of a hexagonal shape.

[0023] In one form, the internal bore comprises five faces of a hexagon.

[0024] In one form, when in use fitted to a flange fitting, the attachment prevents any engagement of the clamp bolts by a tool configured to turn the bolts.

[0025] According to a further aspect, there is provided an attachment comprising a tubular body configured for secmement at least partially around a nut of a hydraulic line and prevent any engagement of the nut by a tool configured to turn the nut.

[0026] According to a further aspect, there is provided an attachment comprising a tubular body defining an internal bore configured for secmement at least partially around a nut or a head of a bolt of a hydraulic line, and to prevent any engagement of the nut or the bolt by a tool configured to turn the nut or the bolt, and comprising an external surface bearing colouring and / or indicia configmed to indicate that the hydraulic line presents a hazard.

[0027] In one form, the tubular body incorporates multiple hexes inside the tube to allow fitment to various sized nuts.

[0028] In one form, in an alternative, the attachment is configmed for secmement to a portion of hydraulic hose.

[0029] In one form, in an alternative, the attachment is configmed for secmement to a ferrule of a hydraulic hose.

[0030] In one form the tubular body comprises a pair of ends, and a side wall extending between the ends.

[0031] In one form, a slot extends through the side wall and from one end of the body to the other.

[0032] In one form, the presence of the slot gives the body a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0033] In one form, at least one end of the body comprises at least one inwardly directed shoulder.

[0034] In one form, the end of the body comprises a plurality of spaced apart inwardly directed shoulders.

[0035] In one form, the least one end of the body comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inwardly directed shoulders.

[0036] In one form, only one end of the body comprises an inwardly directed shoulder.

[0037] In one form, the tubular body defines an internal bore.

[0038] In one form, the internal bore is faceted.

[0039] In one form, the internal bore comprises a plurality of substantially identical faces.

[0040] In one form, the internal bore comprises a portion of a polygonal shape.

[0041] In one form, the internal bore comprises a portion of a hexagonal shape.

[0042] In one form, the internal bore comprises five sides of a hexagonal shape.

[0043] In one form, the body of the attachment is integrally formed. That is to say, it is one piece.

[0044] In one form, the attachment is made of a material capable of elastic deformation.

[0045] In a further aspect, there is provided a method of using the attachment, the method comprising the steps of deforming the body to further open the slot, attaching the attachment around the portion of the hydraulic line, and then allowing the body to elastically recover.

[0046] In a further aspect, there is provided a method of using the attachment, the method comprising the steps of deforming the body to further open the slot, removing the attachment from around the portion of the hydraulic line, and then allowing the body to elastically recover.

[0047] In one form, the attachment is made of a polymer.

[0048] In one form, the attachment is made of an engineering plastic material.

[0049] In one form, the attachment is made by molding.

[0050] In one form, the attachment is made by additive manufacturing.

[0051] In one form, in an alternative, the body is comprised of two pieces which are hinged together.

[0052] In one form, each of the two pieces of the hinged body comprises a portion of a catch for securing the attachment in a closed position.

[0053] In a further aspect, there is provided a method of using the hinged attachment comprising the steps of opening it to receive a portion of the hydraulic line and then closing it around the fitting.

[0054] In a further aspect, there is provided a method of using the hinged attachment comprising the steps of opening it to remove a portion of the hydraulic line therefrom and then closing it around the fitting.

[0055] For ease of description, an attachment embodying the present features is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the attachment may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0056] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0057] Figures 1 through 4 are isometric views of an attachment according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 5 is a top view of the attachment;

[0059] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the attachment;

[0060] Figures 7 and 8 are side views of the attachment;

[0061] Figure 9 is an end view of the attachment;

[0062] Figures 10 through 13 are isometric views of the attachment in use, fitted to a nut of a hydraulic fitting;

[0063] Figures 14 and 15 are side views of the of the attachment in use;

[0064] Figure 16 is a front view of the attachment in use;

[0065] Figure 17 is an end view of the attachment in use;

[0066] Figure 18 is an isometric view of an attachment according to a further form;

[0067] Figure 19 is an isometric view of the attachment of Figure 18, illustrating hidden detail;

[0068] Figure 20 is a top view of the attachment of Figure 18; and

[0069] Figure 21 is a top view of the attachment of Figure 18, illustrating hidden detail;

[0070] Figure 22 is a bottom view of the attachment of Figure 18;

[0071] Figure 23 is an isometric view of an attachment according to a further form;

[0072] Figure 24 is an isometric view of the attachment of Figure 23 , illustrating hidden detail;

[0073] Figure 25 is a top view of the attachment of Figure 23; and

[0074] Figure 26 is a bottom view of the attachment of Figure 23.

[0075] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0076] Referring now to Figures 1 through 9, where there is shown an attachment 1 comprising a tubular body 2 defining an internal bore 4. The tubular body 2 comprises a pair of ends 2a and 2b, and a side wall 6 extending between these ends 2a and 2b. A slot 8 extends through the side wall 6 and from one end 2a of the body to the other end 2b. The presence of the slot 8 gives the body 2 a generally C-shaped cross- sectional shape, best visible in Figure 9.

[0077] The internal bore 4 is faceted with a plurality of substantially identical faces 12. These faces 12 comprise a portion of a polygonal cross-sectional shape. In one form, the internal bore 4 comprises a portion of a hexagonal shape, and namely five faces 12 or sides of a hexagon in this case.

[0078] One end of the body 2 comprises a plurality of spaced apart inwardly directed shoulders 20. Each edge of the body 2 side wall 6 defining the edges of the slot 8 comprises one of these shoulders 20. A further shoulder 20 is provided midway between the edge pair. Spacing apart the shoulders 20 maintainsflexibility in the regions of the side wall 6 between the shoulders 20, which is important for reasons explained further below.

[0079] In this embodiment, the body 2 of the attachment 1 is integrally formed. That is to say, it is one piece. Moreover, the attachment 1 is made of a material capable of elastic deformation. Conceivably, the body could be made from an engineering plastic by moulding or additive manufacturing.

[0080] An external surface of the body 2, and more particularly the side wall 6 in this instance, bears colouring and / or indicia 10 configured to indicate that a hydraulic line to which the attachment 1 is configured to be attached, is potentially hazardous. In the illustrated embodiment the indicia 10 comprises the pictograph representing a general caution warning but is not so limited.

[0081] The attachment 1 might be brightly coloured to attract attention. Red might be used, as this colour is typically associated with danger. Optionally, a brightly coloured, fluorescent yellow or orange could be used to draw attention. Reflective material might be added to improve visibility of the attachment at night or in low light.

[0082] The indicia 10 might indicate that breaking the hydraulic line might result in movement of an actuator that creates a crush zone. The indicia 10 might indicate that breaking the hydraulic line might result in a high pressure discharge of hydraulic fluid that could cause fluid injection.

[0083] The colour and / or indicia might be formed into the body 2, such as during moulding, or applied to the body in the form of paint or tape.

[0084] With reference to Figures 10 through 17, it can be seen how in use, the tubular body 2 is configured for secmement at least partially around a portion of a hydraulic line.

[0085] More particularly, Figures 10 through 17 show a typical nut and tail fitting 50 of the type found at the end of a hydraulic hose. The fitting 50 comprises a nut 52 with an internal thread via which the fitting 50 can be connected to or disconnected from a further male fitting represented at 60, or an actuator.

[0086] In the illustrated form, the attachment 1 is configured for securement to the nut 52 of the fitting 50.

[0087] In use, the attachment 1 is fitted to the fitting 50 by deforming the body 2 to further open the slot 8, attaching the attachment 1 around the nut 52, and then allowing the body 2 to elastically recover so that the slot 8 returns to its original, un-deformed, width. This elasticity is both a factor of the material properties and the geometry of the cross-section of the attachment 1.

[0088] In order to clip to the nut 52, the body 2 must deform enough that the width of the slot 8 can open up as wide as the distance across the flats of the nut 52 at least and may open as wide as the distance across the comers of the nut 52. Once the nut 52 is received in the bore 4, the width of the slot 8 can then return to its undeformed width, which matches a length of one flat of the nut 52 in this case. This ensures sufficient retention that the attachment 1 cannot fall off accidentally but requires some force to remove.

[0089] Once attached, the faceted internal bore 4 receives the nut 50, and the five faces 12 in the bore 4 bear against five corresponding faces of the nut 50, and the shoulders 20 locate over the end of the nut 50 and between the nut 50 and the male fitting 60.

[0090] Optionally, the internal bore 4 might employ a polygonal shape having more sides, as this might potentially adapt the attachment 1 to a range of nuts of varying sizes.

[0091] Advantageously, the attachment 1 prevents any engagement of the nut 52 by a tool configured to turn the nut 52, such as an open-ended spanner. The nut 52 cannot be loosened then without removing the attachment 1, thereby preventing a maintainer from overlooking the warning provided by the indicia 10 on the attachment 1. This in turn should hopefully prevent a maintainer from inadvertently loosening a fitting in a pressurised line without first taking the proper precautions to prevent high pressure fluid injuries and / or crush injuries.

[0092] Removing the attachment 1 involves deforming the body 2 to further open the slot 8, removing the attachment 1 from around the nut 52, and then allowing the body 2 to elastically recover so that the slot 8 returns to its original, un-deformed, width.

[0093] It should be understood that the attachment 1 can be manufactured in a variety of sizes, with varying dimensions, to fit hydraulic fittings of different sizes.

[0094] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the attachment comprises a pair of hinged body portions, where each of the two pieces of the hinged body comprises a portion of a catch for securing the attachment in a closed position.

[0095] Referring now to Figures 18 through 22, where there is illustrated an attachment 100 according to a further form.

[0096] The attachment 100 comprises two tubular bodies 102 linked by a connecting portion 110 extending between the tubular bodies 102 to create a pair of tubular bodies.

[0097] Again, each tubular body 102 defines an internal bore 4a, and comprises a pair of ends 2a and 2b, and a side wall 6 extending between these ends 2a and 2b. In this form, the side wall 6 is unbroken, so it surrounds the internal bore 4a.

[0098] An upper end 2a of the tubular body 102 comprises a top wall 9 which closes this end of the tubular body 102 so that the internal bore 4a is a blind hole.

[0099] The top wall 9 of each of the tubular bodies 102 bears indicia 10 configured to indicate that a flange fitting to which the attachment 1 is configured to be attached, is hazardous. One indicia 10a comprises the pictograph representing a general caution warning, and the other indicia 10b comprises the pictograph representing a life threatening hazard.

[0100] The internal bore 4a is faceted with a plurality of substantially identical faces 12. These faces 12 comprise a polygonal cross-sectional shape. In one form, the internal bore 4a comprises a dodecagonal shape, and thus twelve faces 12 or sides. This internal shape permits the internal bore 4a to receive either of a circular head of a shoulder bolt or a socket bolt, or a hexagonal head of other bolt types.

[0101] The connecting portion 110 is integrally formed with the tubular bodies 102. The connecting portion 110 comprises a waisted portion 112, which is of reduced thickness relative to the remainder of the connecting portion 110. This waisted portion 112 provides a point of increased flexure for the connecting portion 110.

[0102] In use, the attachment 100 is secured with respect to a hydraulic flange fitting by seating each of the tubular bodies 102 over a head of a clamping bolt being used with the flange fitting. A typical hydraulic flange fitting is secured using four such bolts arranged in a rectangular pattern around the hose being secured, so two of the attachments 100 will be required to cover all four bolts.

[0103] Referring now to Figures 23 through 26, where there is illustrated an attachment 200 according to a further form.

[0104] Attachment 200 comprises a least two of the pairs of the linked tubular bodies 102 for a total of four tubular bodies 102, wherein the at least two pairs of linked tubular bodies 102 are linked together by a further connecting portion 210 extending between the two pairs. The further connecting portion 210 is longer than the connecting portion 110 of each pair of linked tubular bodies 102. That is to say, there is a pair of the linked tubular bodies 102 to either side of the further connecting portion 210.

[0105] The connecting portion 210 is integrally formed with the tubular bodies 102. The connecting portion 210 comprises a plurality of waisted portions 212, each of reduced thickness relative to the remainder of the connecting portion 210. Each waisted portion 212 provides a point of increased flexure for the connecting portion 210.

[0106] In use, the attachment 200 is secured with respect to a hydraulic flange fitting by seating each of the tubular bodies 102 over a head of a bolt being used with the flange fitting. A single attachment 200 will cover all four bolts of a standard hydraulic flange fitting.

[0107] Advantageously, the attachments 100 and 200 prevent any engagement of the heads of the clamping bolt by a tool configured to turn these. The bolts cannot be loosened then without removing the attachment 100 or 200, thereby preventing a maintainer from overlooking the warning provided by the indicia 10a and 10b on the attachment 100 or 200. This in turn should hopefully prevent a maintainer from inadvertently loosening hydraulic flange fitting without first taking the proper precautions to prevent high pressure fluid injuries and / or crush injuries.

[0108] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0109] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0110] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and / or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0111] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and / or features described or depicted herein.It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

[0112] Please note that the following claims are provisional claims only, and are provided as examples of possible claims and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any future patent applications based on the present application. Integers may be added to or omitted from the example claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An attachment comprising a tubular body defining an internal bore configured for secmement to a portion of a hydraulic line or an hydraulic fitting so as to extend at least partially therearound, and comprising an external surface bearing colouring and / or indicia configmed to indicate that the hydraulic line or fitting presents a hazard.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the colouring and / or indicia me configured to indicate that a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic line is dangerously pressurised.

3. The attachment of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the colouring and / or indicia are configmed to indicate that breaking the hydraulic line might result in movement of an actuator that creates a crush zone.

4. The attachment of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the colouring and / or indicia me configured to indicate that breaking the hydraulic line might result in discharge of hydraulic fluid.

5. The attachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal bore is faceted.

6. The attachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal bore comprises at least a portion of a polygonal shape.

7. The attachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular body comprises a pair of ends, and both of these ends me open, so that the internal bore is a through bore.

8. The attachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a slot extends through the side wall and from one end of the body to the other.

9. The attachment of claim 8, wherein the presence of the slot gives the body a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape.

10. The attachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal bore comprises five sides of a hexagonal shape.

11. The attachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one end of the body comprises at least one inwmdly directed shoulder.

12. The attachment of claim 11, wherein the at least one end of the body comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inwmdly directed shoulders.

13. The atachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment is configured to clip around a portion of the hydraulic line.

14. The atachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment is configured to snap-fit around a portion of the hydraulic line.

15. The atachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment is configured for securement to a nut of a fitting of the hydraulic line.

16. The atachment of claim 15, wherein when in use fitted to a nut, the atachment prevents any engagement of the nut by a tool configured to turn the nut.

17. The atachment as in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tubular body comprises a pair of ends, and one end of the tubular body is closed, so that the internal bore is a blind hole.

18. The atachment of claim 17, wherein the attachment is configured for secmement to a head of a bolt.

19. The atachment of claim 18, wherein when in use fitted to a head of a bolt, the attachment prevents any engagement of the head of the bolt by a tool configured to turn the bolt.

20. The atachment as in any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising at least two tubular bodies linked by a connecting portion extending between the tubular bodies to create a pair of tubular bodies.

21. The atachment of claim 20, comprising at least two of the pairs of the linked tubular bodies, wherein the at least two pairs of linked tubular bodies are linked together by a further connecting portion extending between the two pairs.

22. The atachment of claim 20 or 21, wherein the further connecting portion is longer than the connecting portion of each pair of linked tubular bodies.

23. An atachment comprising a tubular body defining an internal bore configured for secmement at least partially around a nut or a head of a bolt of a hydraulic line, and to prevent any engagement of the nut or the bolt by a tool configured to turn the nut or the bolt, and comprising an external surface bearing colouring and / or indicia configured to indicate that the hydraulic line presents a hazard.

24. The atachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment is integrally formed.

25. The atachment as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment is made of a material capable of elastic deformation.

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