Pipe fitting with draw mechanism

Abstract

A fitting (100), comprising: a hollow body (102) that includes an opening at a first end; a sealing member (144) positionable on the hollow body; a hook shaped element (148) coupled to the sealing member; and a ramp element (138) including a sloped surface positioned against an inner face of a throat of the hook shaped element, the ramp element (138) configured to be actuated by a draw mechanism coupled to the hollow body such that the ramp element (138) moves relative to the hook shaped element, wherein the hook shaped element is engaged with the sloped surface of the ramp element (138) such that actuation of the ramp element (138) draws the hook shaped element and the sealing member in a direction parallel with a shaft of the hook element, thereby translating the sealing member from an open position to a connection sealing position, and wherein the inner face of the hook shaped element (138) includes a non-flat shape.

Description

PIPE FITTING WITH DRAW MECHANISMBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to pipe fittings, and more particularly to pipe fittings including draw mechanisms that facilitate securing the pipe fittings to ends of pipes.Description of the Related Art

[0002] A wide variety of pipe fittings are currently available in the market. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in existing fittings, including with respect to the cost efficiency, strength and other capabilities, as well as usability of such fittings. Examples of pipe fittings are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,894,100, issued November 25, 2014, 9,534,714, issued January 3, 2017, and 9,915,385, issued March 13, 2018, and PCT Publication No. WO 2023 / 038646 Al, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] A pipe fitting according to an example embodiment may include a hollow body that includes an opening at a first end, a sealing member positionable on the hollow body, a hook shaped element coupled to the sealing member, and a ramp element including a sloped surface positioned against an inner face of a throat of the hook shaped element. The ramp element may be configured to be actuated by a draw mechanism coupled to the hollow body such that the ramp element moves relative to the hook shaped element. The hook shaped element may be engaged with the sloped surface of the ramp element such that actuation of the ramp element draws the hook shaped element and the sealing member in a direction parallel with a shaft of the hook element, thereby translating the sealing member from an open position to a connection sealing position. The inner face of the hook shaped element may include a non-flat shape.

[0004] The inner face of the hook shaped element includes a crease. The crease of the inner face of the hook shaped element may be configured such that a cross-section of the bend of each hook is V-shaped or U-shaped. The hook shaped element may have a constant cross- sectional area along its longitudinal length. The hook shaped element may have a variable cross- sectional shape along its longitudinal length.1#11282638.1

[0005] A pipe fitting according to another embodiment may include a hollow body that includes an opening at a first end, a sealing member positionable on the hollow body, a hook shaped element coupled to the sealing member, and a ramp element including a sloped surface positioned against an inner face of a throat of the hook shaped element. The ramp element may be configured to be actuated by a draw mechanism coupled to the hollow body. The hook shaped element may be engaged with the sloped surface of the ramp element such that actuation of the ramp element draws the hook shaped element in a direction parallel with a shaft of the hook element, thereby translating the sealing member from an open position to a sealing position. A cross-sectional area of a shaft of the hook may differ from a cross-sectional area of a bend of the hook.

[0006] The cross-sectional area of the bend of the hook shaped element may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the shaft of the hook shaped element. An inner face of the bend of the hook may not be parallel to a crossing axis, the crossing axis being perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the inner face of the shaft of the hook. At least a portion of the inner face may correspond in shape to the sloped surface of the ramp element. The sloped surface of the ramp element may be sloped in a circumferential direction. The inner face of the hook shaped element may be sloped across at least a portion of the inner face at a slope equivalent to a slope of the sloped surface of the ramp element.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pipe fitting.

[0008] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a main body of the pipe fitting of Figure1.

[0009] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3 illustrated in Figure 2.

[0010] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3.

[0011] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an end ring of the pipe fitting of Figure1.

[0012] Figure 6 illustrates another perspective view of the end ring of Figure 5.

[0013] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the end ring of Figure 5 taken along line 7-7 illustrated in Figure 5.

[0014] Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 7.

[0015] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a seal assembly of the pipe fitting of Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a gasket of the seal assembly of Figure 9.

[0017] Figure 11 illustrates another perspective view of the gasket of Figure 10.

[0018] Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gasket of Figure 10 taken along line 12-12 illustrated in Figure 10.

[0019] Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 12.

[0020] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of the seal assembly of Figure 9 without the gasket of Figures 10-13.

[0021] Figure 15 illustrates another perspective view of the seal assembly of Figure 9 without the gasket of Figures 10-13.

[0022] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of components of the seal assembly of Figure 9.

[0023] Figure 17 illustrates another perspective view of the components of the seal assembly of Figure 9 illustrated in Figure 16.

[0024] Figure 18A illustrates a perspective view of a draw hook of the seal assembly of Figure 9.

[0025] Figure 18B illustrates an end view of the draw hook of the seal assembly of Figure 9.

[0026] Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of a bolt assembly of the pipe fitting of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 20 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the pipe fitting of Figure 1 including the bolt assembly of Figure 19.

[0028] Figure 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting of Figure 1 taken along line 21-21 illustrated in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe fitting of Figure 1 in a disengaged configuration.

[0030] Figure 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe fitting of Figure 1 in an engaged configuration.

[0031] Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to a second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of a seal assembly of the pipe fitting of Figure 24.

[0033] Figure 26 illustrates a perspective view of the seal assembly of Figure 25 without the gasket.

[0034] Figure 27 illustrates another perspective view of the seal assembly of Figure 25 without the gasket.

[0035] Figure 28 illustrates a perspective view of components of the seal assembly of Figure 25.

[0036] Figure 29 illustrates another perspective view of the components of the seal assembly of Figure 25 illustrated in Figure 28.

[0037] Figure 30A illustrates a perspective view of a draw hook of the seal assembly of Figure 25.

[0038] Figure 30B illustrates a plan view of the draw hook of the seal assembly of Figure 25.

[0039] Figure 30C illustrates a side view of the draw hook of the seal assembly of Figure 25.

[0040] Figure 30D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the draw hook of the seal assembly of Figure 25 taken along line 30D-30D illustrated in Figure 30B.

[0041] Figure 31 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe fitting of Figure 24 in a disengaged configuration.

[0042] Figure 32 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe fitting of Figure 24 in an engaged configuration.

[0043] Figure 33 illustrates a perspective view of an end cap of another pipe fitting.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with the technology have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the implementations.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a pipe fitting 100. As illustrated in Figure 1, the pipe fitting 100 includes a main body, housing, or barrel sleeve 102, a first end ring 104 mounted to a firstend of the main body 102, and a second end ring 106 mounted to a second end of the main body 102 opposite the first end of the main body 102. The main body 102, the first end ring 104, and the second end ring 106 each has an overall generally hollow cylindrical shape. The pipe fitting 100 has an overall generally hollow cylindrical shape having a central longitudinal axis that is coincident with central longitudinal axes of the main body 102, the first end ring 104, and the second end ring 106. Further, the illustrated pipe fitting 100 is generally symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis that extends through a center of the pipe fitting 100, or about an axis within such a plane, such that the pipe fitting 100 looks identical whether viewed in a first direction along its central longitudinal axis, or in a second direction opposite to the first direction along its central longitudinal axis. Thus, while the present disclosure focuses on the features and functionality of the pipe fitting 100 at the first end thereof, the description herein applies equally to the features and functionality of the pipe fitting 100 at the second end thereof. The inventors note that, in alternate embodiments, the opposing ends of the pipe fitting 100 could instead be configured with different types of mechanisms having different features.

[0046] The pipe fitting 100 also includes a first bolt assembly 108 mounted to the first end of the main body 102 and to the first end ring 104, and a second bolt assembly 110 mounted to the second end of the main body 102 and to the second end ring 106, as well as a first seal assembly 112 mounted to the first end of the main body 102 and to the first end ring 104, and a second seal assembly 114 (not shown in Fig. 1) mounted to the second end of the main body 102 and to the second end ring 106. The end rings 104, 106 are rotatably mounted to the respective ends of the main body 102, such that the first and second end rings 104, 106 can rotate with respect to the main body 102 about the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100.

[0047] For example, threading a nut of one of the bolt assemblies 108, 110 onto a threaded bolt of the bolt assembly 108 or 110 (that is, tightening the nut) can force the respective end ring 104, 106 to rotate in a first direction with respect to the main body 102 about the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, e.g., to tighten or close the pipe fitting 100 at the respective end thereof. In some embodiments, this tightening of the nut can force the respective seal assembly 112, 114 to move longitudinally outward along the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, and radially inward with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100 until the seal assembly 112, 114 engages with an outer surface of a pipe 400 (see Figure 21) to which the pipe fitting 100 is being coupled, thereby resulting in the tightening and closing of the pipe fitting 100 about the end of the pipe 400.

[0048] Further, threading a nut of one of the bolt assemblies 108, 110 off of a threaded bolt of the bolt assembly 108 or 110 (that is, loosening the nut) can allow the respective end ring 104, 106 to rotate in a second direction opposite the first with respect to the main body 102 about the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, e.g., to loosen or open the pipe fitting 100 at the respective end thereof. In some embodiments, this loosening of the nut can allow the respective seal assembly 112, 114 to move longitudinally inward along the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, and radially outward with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100 until the seal assembly 112, 114 no longer engages with the outer surface of the pipe 400 to which the pipe fitting 100 was coupled, thereby resulting in the loosening and opening of the pipe fitting 100 about the end of the pipe 400.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates the main body 102 of the pipe fitting 100 by itself. As illustrated in Figure 2, the main body 102 of the pipe fitting 100 includes a plurality of slots or notches 116 formed in either end thereof. For example, at the first end of the pipe fitting 100, the main body 102 includes six notches 116 that extend longitudinally into the terminal end portion of the main body 102. As also illustrated in Figure 2, the main body 102 includes a respective circumferential flange that extends radially outward from an outer surface of the main body 102 at either end thereof. For example, the main body 102 includes a first circumferential flange 118 at a first end portion thereof and a second circumferential flange 120 at a second end portion thereof. As illustrated in Figure 2, each of the circumferential flanges 118, 120 extends a full 360 degrees around the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. Each of the circumferential flanges 118, 120 has a generally annular shape having a central longitudinal axis that is coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. That is, the circumferential flanges 118, 120 extend radially outward from the outer surface of the main body 102 of the pipe fitting 100 at every location around the circumference of the main body 102. Put another way, each of the circumferential flanges 118, 120 extends, uninterrupted, about the entirety of the outer surface of the main body 102 of the pipe fitting 100.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body 102, including the notches 116 and the flanges 118, 120. Figure 3 illustrates, among other things, symmetries of the main body 102. Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3. Specifically, Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a terminal end portion of the main body 102 of the pipe fitting 100. Figure 4 illustrates some geometric details of the circumferential flange 118 in greater detail. For example, Figure 4 better illustrates the circumferential flange 118 extendingradially outward from an outer surface of the main body 102 with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100.

[0051] A longitudinally-outward facing surface 122 of the circumferential flange 118 is substantially planar along its length from a radially-outermost end portion of the circumferential flange 118 to the outer surface of the main body 102. In some embodiments, a radial length of the longitudinally-outward facing surface 122, from the radially-outermost end portion of the circumferential flange 118 to the outer surface of the main body 102, can be equal to or approximately equal to a longitudinal distance from the longitudinally-outward facing surface 122 to a terminal end of the main body 102. A longitudinally-inward facing surface 124 of the circumferential flange 118, opposite to the longitudinally-outward facing surface 122 thereof, is substantially curved from the radially-outermost end portion of the circumferential flange 118 to the outer surface of the main body 102. A radially-outermost end surface 126 of the circumferential flange 118 can be planar, parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, and perpendicular to both the longitudinally-outward facing surface 122 of the circumferential flange 118 and the longitudinally-inward facing surface 124 of the circumferential flange 118 near where the longitudinally-inward facing surface 124 meets the radially-outermost end surface 126 of the circumferential flange 118.

[0052] In some implementations, fabricating the main body 102, including the circumferential flange 118, can include casting the main body 102, including the circumferential flange 118, as a single component. In other implementations, fabricating the main body 102, including the circumferential flange 118, can include casting the main body 102 without the circumferential flange 118 and then welding the circumferential flange 118 onto the main body 102. In such implementations, the material from which the circumferential flange 118 is formed can have planar surfaces on both sides and the curvature of the longitudinally-inward facing surface 124 can represent the location of the weld or the weld bead coupling the circumferential flange 118 to the rest of the main body 102.

[0053] Figures 3 and 4 also illustrate profiles of inner and outer surfaces of the main body 102. In particular, as an inner surface 128 of the main body 102 extends longitudinally outward toward a terminal end portion of the main body 102, it also extends radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. For example, the inner surface 128 extends, from a central portion 130 of the main body 102 to a terminal end portion 132 of the main body 102, at an angle a2 with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. As another example, a first portion of the outer surface 134a extends, from the central portion130 of the main body 102 to the circumferential flange 118, at an angle a3 with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. In some implementations, angle a2 is equal to angle a3, such that a wall thickness of the main body 102 is constant between the central portion 130 of the main body 102 and the circumferential flange 118. In some implementations, angle a2 and angle a3 are both 30 degrees. As further illustrated in Figure 4, a second portion of the outer surface 134b extends, from the circumferential flange 118 to the terminal end of the main body 102, that is, across the terminal end portion 132 of the main body 102, at an angle al with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. In some implementations, angle al is less than angle a2 and angle a3, such as by at least 5 degrees, at least 10 degrees, or at least 15 degrees, and by less than 40 degrees, less than 30 degrees, or less than 20 degrees, and such that the first portion of the outer surface 134a is oblique to the second portion of the outer surface 134b. In some implementations, angle al is 20 degrees.

[0054] The main body 102 may include an internal gripper stop surface or lip, which is a longitudinally inward-facing surface at the longitudinally innermost end of the terminal end portion 132 of the main body 102. When the fitting 100 is in use, the lip prevents movement of the first seal assembly 112, including a gasket 144 and grippers 146 thereof (shown and described more fully elsewhere herein) from moving longitudinally outward beyond the longitudinal location of the circumferential flange 118. Thus, when the first seal assembly 112 reaches the end of its travel toward the terminal end portion 132 of the main body 102, the grippers 146 are directly radially inward of the circumferential flange. Depending on installation requirements, in practice, the first seal assembly 112 may not reach the end of its travel, but in general at least a portion of the grippers 146 will be directly radially inward from the circumferential flange 118. While this limits the travel of the first seal assembly 112, this can be advantageous at least because it can limit a degree to which the grippers 146 bite into the pipe 400 to which the pipe fitting 100 is being coupled. In particular, it is desirable that the grippers 146 bite into the outer surface of the pipe 400 to a degree, to restrain relative movement between the pipe 400 and the fitting 100, but without crushing or destroying the pipe 400. The limitation of the travel of the first seal assembly 112 in this manner also results in the circumferential flange 118 reinforcing a potential failure point of the fitting 100 at a location where the first seal assembly 112 sits when in use.

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates a first perspective view of the first end ring 104, and Figure 6 illustrates a second perspective view of the first end ring 104. Figure 7 illustrates a cross- sectional view of the first end ring 104, and Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion ofFigure 7. As illustrated in Figures 5-8, the first end ring 104 includes an annular main body 136, which has an overall hollow cylindrical shape that extends continuously a full 360 degrees about the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. The first end ring 104 also includes a plurality of ramp elements 138, each rigidly coupled to, and extending longitudinally outward and radially inward from, a first outer surface of the main body 136. Each of the ramp elements 138 includes a generally triangular (e.g., a truncated triangle) or a substantially triangular overall shape and provides a respective sloped surface 140 configured to engage other components of the pipe fitting 100, as described further elsewhere herein.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first end ring 104 may include a longitudinal flange extending directly longitudinally outward from a second outer surface of the main body 136 opposite the first outer surface of the main body 136. In particular, the longitudinal flange may extend outward from a radially-outermost end portion of the main body 136. The longitudinal flange may extend circumferentially around almost the entirety of the annular shape or profile of the main body 136, but may extend circumferentially around less than an entirety of the annular shape or profile of the main body 136. For example, the longitudinal flange may extend circumferentially around more than 270 degrees, 280 degrees, 290 degrees, 300 degrees, 310 degrees, 320 degrees, 330 degrees, 340 degrees, or 350 degrees of the annular shape or profile of the main body 136. As other examples, the longitudinal flange may extend circumferentially around less than 280 degrees, 290 degrees, 300 degrees, 310 degrees, 320 degrees, 330 degrees, 340 degrees, 350 degrees, or 360 degrees of the annular shape or profile of the main body 136. When the first end ring 104 is installed on and coupled to the first end of the main body 102, the ramp elements 138 extend longitudinally outward with respect to a center of the main body 102, and the longitudinal flange may extend longitudinally inward with respect to a center of the main body 102. The longitudinal flange can facilitate the casting of the first end ring 104, such as by increasing a rigidity and / or stiffness of the first end ring 104.

[0057] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the first seal assembly 112. As illustrated in Figure 9, the first seal assembly 112 includes an annular gasket 144, a plurality of (e.g., six) grippers or teeth 146, and a plurality of (e.g., six) draw hooks 148 . The embodiment shown in Figure 9 includes a plurality of (e.g., six) runner components 150, however, the runner components are not required in all embodiments. Figure 10 illustrates a first perspective view of the gasket 144, Figure 11 illustrates a second perspective view of the gasket 144, Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gasket 144, and Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 12. As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the gasket 144 is annular and has anoverall hollow cylindrical shape that extends continuously a full 360 degrees about the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. As illustrated in Figure 10 in particular, a longitudinally-outward facing outer surface of the gasket 144 includes a plurality of (e.g., six) openings 152, where each of the openings 152 is configured to receive a portion of a respective one of the draw hooks 148 so that the draw hooks 148 can be securely coupled to the gasket 144 by embedding a respective portion of each of the draw hooks 148 within the gasket 144.

[0058] The illustrated gasket 144 has a constant overall cross-sectional shape along the entirety of its length, 360 degrees about the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, in particular, the gasket 144 has a cross-sectional shape that includes an irregular pentagon. A first side of the irregular pentagon, corresponding to a first side surface 154 of the gasket 144, is a radially inner-most side of the irregular pentagon that extends generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. Thus, the first side surface 154 of the gasket 144 extends longitudinally but not radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. A second side of the irregular pentagon, corresponding to a second side surface 156 of the gasket 144, which is the longitudinally- outward facing outer surface of the gasket 144 that includes the openings 152, is the longitudinally outer-most side of the irregular pentagon and extends generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100 and perpendicular to the first side surface 154. Thus, the second side surface 156 of the gasket 144 extends radially but not longitudinally with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100.

[0059] A third side of the irregular pentagon, corresponding to a third side surface 158 of the gasket 144, is opposite to, parallel to, and shorter than the second side surface 156, and is also a longitudinally inner-most side of the irregular pentagon, and extends generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100 and perpendicular to the first side surface 154. Thus, the third side surface 158 of the gasket 144 extends radially but not longitudinally with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100. A fourth side of the irregular pentagon, corresponding to a fourth side surface 160 of the gasket 144, extends from the second side surface 156, both radially outward and longitudinally inward with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, to a location a portion of the way between the planes of the second side surface 156 and the third side surface 158 of the gasket 144. A fifth side of the irregular pentagon, corresponding to a fifth side surface 162 of the gasket 144, extends from the third side surface 158, both radially outward and longitudinally with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, to meet the fourth side of the irregularpentagon at the location between the planes of the second side surface 156 and the third side surface 158 of the gasket 144. Thus, because the third side surface 158 is shorter than the second side surface 156, the fifth side surface 162 is longer than the fourth side surface 160.

[0060] The overall cross-sectional shape of the gasket 144 provides several advantages. First, it has been found that the cross-sectional shape of the gasket 144 improves sealing of the pipe fitting 100 to an end of a pipe 400 by using a pressure of a fluid carried by the pipe 400 (Fig. 21) to strengthen the seal. That is, when the first end of the pipe fitting 100 is coupled and sealed to an end of a pipe 400, the first side surface 154 of the gasket 144 is in contact with and provides a seal against an exterior surface of the pipe 400. When pressurized fluid is provided to the interior of the pipe 400, the pressurized fluid exerts positive pressure against the third side surface 158 and the fifth side surface 162 of the gasket 144, thereby urging the gasket 144 further longitudinally outward, as well as, due to the angle of the fifth side surface 162, radially inward and against the exterior of the pipe 400. The specific cross-sectional shape of the gasket 144 has also been found to improve uniformity of compression of the gasket 144 when it is under pressure and reduce or prevent undesirable “wrinkling” of the gasket 144 when it is under pressure.

[0061] Figure 14 illustrates a first perspective view of the first seal assembly 112 without the gasket 144 and Figure 15 illustrates a second perspective view of the first seal assembly 112 without the gasket 144. In particular, Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the six grippers 146, the six draw hooks 148, and the six runner components 150. Figure 16 illustrates a first perspective view of one of the grippers 146, one of the draw hooks 148, and one of the runner components 150, and Figure 17 illustrates a second perspective view of one of the grippers 146, one of the draw hooks 148, and one of the runner components 150. As illustrated in Figures 14-17, each of the draw hooks 148 is coupled to a respective one of the grippers 146 and a respective one of the runner components 150 to form a hook assembly, such that six distinct hook assemblies are formed and collectively positioned and arranged concentrically with the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100.

[0062] Each of the draw hooks 148 includes a plate base portion 164 at a first end thereof and a curved hook portion 166 ( / .< ., a bend of the hook) at a second end thereof opposite the first end. When the pipe fitting 100 is assembled, the plate base portion 164 of each of the draw hooks 148 is embedded within the gasket 144 and each of the draw hooks 148 extends from the respective plate base portion 164 out of the gasket 144 through a respective one of the openings 152.

[0063] Figures 18A and 18B provide views of the draw hook 148 without additional elements attached thereto. As can be seen in Figures 18A and 18B, an inner face 168 of the curved hook portion 166 may include a non-flat shape. In some embodiments, the inner face 168 of the curved hook portion 166 may include a crease 170. The crease 170 may be configured such that a cross-section of the curved hook portion 166 is V-shaped, U-shaped, or another suitable shape. Such a crease 170 may be positioned in a center of the curved hook portion 166 of the draw hook, though other positions are possible. The crease 170 shown in Figures 18A and 18B is parallel with a longitudinal length of the draw hook 148. However, the crease 170 need not be parallel with the longitudinal length of the draw hook 148. Each of the draw hooks 148 may have a constant cross-sectional area along its longitudinal length or a variable cross- sectional area along its longitudinal length. In this regard, the longitudinal length of the draw hook 148 extends from the plate base portion 148 to a base end 172 of the curved hook portion 166. Such a configuration of a draw hook 148 may improve strength of the draw hook 148. Further, such changes may reduce the potential for breaking of the draw hook 148.

[0064] The draw hook 148 may be manufactured by any suitable manufacturing technique, including, but not limited to, smashing, bending, forging, wroughting, casting, and 3D printing. The draw hook may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal and plastic.

[0065] Each of the grippers 146 is mounted on a respective one of the draw hooks 148 and adjacent to the gasket 144 such that the grippers 146 are confined to move together with the draw hooks 148 and the gasket 144. Each of the grippers 146 has a set of teeth facing in a direction opposite to the curved hook portion 166 of the respective one of the draw hooks 148, where the teeth are configured to bite into and engage with an outer surface of an end of a pipe 400 to which the pipe fitting 100 is secured. Each of the runner components 150 is mounted on an inner side of the curved hook portion 166 of the respective one of the draw hooks 148, such as to allow the curved hook portion 166 of the respective one of the draw hooks 148 to slide more efficiently (e.g., with less friction) along another surface, such as a sloped surface 140 of a respective one of the ramp elements 138.

[0066] Figure 19 illustrates the first bolt assembly 108 of the pipe fitting 100 and Figure 20 illustrates the first bolt assembly 108 coupled to the first end of the main body 102 of the pipe fitting 100 and to the first end ring 104. As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the first bolt assembly 108 includes a bolt 168 having a flanged head at a first end thereof and threads at a second end thereof opposite the first end thereof. The first bolt assembly 108 further includes abolt guide 170, a washer 172, and a threaded nut 174 that is configured to be threaded onto and off of the threads at the second end of the bolt 168.

[0067] Figure 20 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of several components described herein and the ways in which such components are coupled to one another. Figure 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting 100, and Figure 22 illustrates a cross- sectional view of a portion of the pipe fitting 100 in a disengaged configuration which results when the first bolt assembly 108 is loosened. Figures 20-22 illustrate that the first end ring 104 is coupled to the main body 102 such that the second outer surface of the main body 136 of the first end ring 104 faces toward, and is adjacent to, the longitudinally-outward facing surface 122 of the circumferential flange 118 of the main body 102, such that inner surfaces of the ramp elements 138 extend over, face, and are adjacent to, the second portion of the outer surface 134b and the terminal end portion 132 of the main body 102. Such engagement of the first end ring 104 with the first circumferential flange 118 of the main body ensures that the fist end ring 104 remains concentric or substantially concentric with the main body 102.

[0068] Figure 20 further illustrates that the first bolt assembly 108 is coupled to the first end of the main body 102 and to the first end ring 104 such that, as the threaded nut 174 is tightened on the bolt 168, the first end ring 104 is forced to rotate in a clockwise direction DI with respect to the main body 102, and such that, when the threaded nut 174 is loosened on the bolt 168, the first end ring 104 is allowed to rotate counter-clockwise ( / .< ., in a direction opposite of clockwise DI) with respect to the main body 102. Figure 21 further illustrates that each of the draw hooks 148 extends from the gasket 144, which is positioned inside the main body 102, through a respective one of the slots 116 formed in the terminal end portion 132 of the main body 102, to an exterior of the main body 102, such that the draw hooks 148 are restrained against rotation with respect to the main body 102 by their engagement with the surfaces of the main body defining the edges of the slots 116. Figure 20 further illustrates that a curved hook portion 166 of each of the draw hooks 148 and a respective one of the runner components 150 are engaged with a sloped surface 140 of a respective one of the ramp elements 138.

[0069] Thus, rotation in the clockwise direction DI of the first end ring 104 with respect to the main body 102 forces the draw hooks 148 to move longitudinally outward with respect to the main body 102 due to the engagement of the curved hook portions 166 of the draw hooks 148 and of the respective runner components 150 with the sloped surfaces 140 of the ramp elements 138 of the first end ring 104 and the restraint of the draw hooks 148 against rotation. That is, rotation in the clockwise direction DI of the first end ring 104 with respect to the main body 102forces the draw hooks 148 to ride up the sloped surfaces 140 of the ramp elements 138 of the first end ring 104. Similarly, counter-clockwise rotation of the first end ring 104 with respect to the main body 102 allows the draw hooks 148 to move longitudinally inward with respect to the main body 102. That is, counter-clockwise rotation of the first end ring 104 with respect to the main body 102 allows the draw hooks 148 to ride down the sloped surfaces 140 of the ramp elements 138 of the first end ring 104.

[0070] Figure 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe fitting 100 in an engaged configuration which results when the first bolt assembly 108 is tightened. As illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, as the first bolt assembly 108 is tightened, the first end ring 104 is forced to rotate with respect to the main body 102 and the draw hooks 148 are thereby forced to move longitudinally outward with respect to the main body 102. Such movement of the draw hooks 148 pulls the gasket 144 and the grippers 146 longitudinally outward with respect to the main body 102. Further, because the inner surface 128 of the main body 102 is angled radially inward, such movement and engagement between the gasket 144 and the grippers 146 also forces the gasket 144 and the grippers 146 to move radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, eventually closing and sealing the pipe fitting 100 against an outer surface of a pipe 400 to which the pipe fitting 100 is being coupled. As illustrated in Figure 23, the first seal assembly 112 is positioned such that the fourth side surface 160 of the gasket 144 is engaged with and abuts against the inner surface 128 of the main body 102.

[0071] Figures 22 and 23 also illustrate that, due to the difference in the angles al and a2, the draw hooks 148 rotate with respect to the hollow main body 102 as they are pulled and move longitudinally outward with respect to the hollow main body 102. In particular, because angle a2 is steeper with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the hollow main body 102 than the angle al, for the same or substantially the same longitudinal travel of the curved hook portion 166 and the plate base portion 164 of one of the hooks 148, the plate base portion 164 travels further radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the hollow main body 102. As a result, for a given longitudinal range of the curved hook portions 166 of the hooks 148, the radial range of the plate base portions 164 of the hooks 148, and of the gasket 144 and the grippers 146, increases as angle a2 increases relative to angle al, and decreases as angle a2 decreases relative to angle al. This can be advantageous because increased radial range of the gasket 144 and the grippers 146 increases the range of pipe diameters the fitting 100 is able to accommodate.

[0072] As also illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, as the first bolt assembly 108 is loosened, the first end ring 104 is allowed to rotate with respect to the main body 102 and the draw hooks 148 are thereby allowed to move longitudinally inward with respect to the main body 102. Such movement of the draw hooks 148 allows the gasket 144 and the grippers 146 to move longitudinally inward with respect to the main body 102. Further, because the inner surface 128 of the main body 102 is angled radially inward, such movement also allows the gasket 144 and the grippers 146 to move radially outward away from the central longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting 100, eventually opening and releasing a seal between the pipe fitting 100 and the outer surface of the pipe 400 to which the pipe fitting 100 was coupled.

[0073] An alternative embodiment of a fitting 200 is shown in Figures 24-32. In the embodiment shown in Figures 24-32, an alternative draw hook 202 is provided. The fitting 200 is otherwise unchanged from the fitting 100 of Figures 1-23, except as described below.

[0074] Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of the first seal assembly 204 including the plurality of (e.g., six) draw hooks. Notably, the embodiment shown in Figures 24-32 does not include a runner component.

[0075] Figure 26 illustrates a first perspective view of the first seal assembly 204 without the gasket and Figure 27 illustrates a second perspective view of the first seal assembly 204 without the gasket. In particular, Figures 26 and 27 illustrate the six grippers and the six draw hooks 202. Figure 28 illustrates a first perspective view of one of the grippers and one of the draw hooks 202, and Figure 29 illustrates a second perspective view of one of the grippers and one of the draw hooks 202.

[0076] Each of the draw hooks 202 includes a plate base portion 208 at a first end thereof and a curved hook portion 210 at a second end thereof opposite the first end thereof. When the pipe fitting 200 is assembled, the plate base portion 208 of each of the draw hooks 202 is embedded within the gasket and each of the draw hooks 202 extends from the respective plate base portion 208 out of the gasket.

[0077] Figures 30A-30D provide views of the draw hook 202 without additional elements attached thereto. As can be seen in Figures 30A-30D, a cross-sectional area of a shaft 212 of the draw hook 202 differs from a cross-sectional area of the curved hook portion 210 of the draw hook 202. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of the curved hook portion 210 of the draw hook 202 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the shaft 212 of the draw hook 202.

[0078] Additionally, an inner face 220 of the curved hook portion 210 of the draw hook 202 is not parallel to a crossing axis Al. The crossing axis Al is perpendicular to a longitudinalcenterline LI of the inner face 220 of the shaft 212 of the draw hook 202. At least a portion of the inner face 220 corresponds in shape to the sloped surface 140 of the ramp element 138 to which the draw hook 202 will engage. Figures 30A-30D, and particularly Figures 30C and 30D, also show that a base end 222 of the curved hook portion 210 may be thicker than remaining portions of the draw hook 202. Such additional material at the base end 222 of the curved hook portion 210 may stiffen and reduce breaking of the draw hook 202.

[0079] Figure 31 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fitting 200 in a disengaged configuration (z.e., when a bolt assembly is loosened). Figure 32 shows a cross- sectional view of a portion of the fitting 200 in an engaged configuration ( / .< ., when a bolt assembly is tightened). When transitioning from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration, the draw hooks 202 rotate with respect to a hollow main body 224 as they are pulled and move longitudinally outward with respect to the hollow main body 224. As shown in Figures 31 and 32, the inner face 220 of the draw hook 202 is sloped across at least a portion of the inner face 220 at a slope equivalent to a slope of the sloped surface 140 of the ramp element 138. For example, sloped surface 140 of the ramp element 138 is sloped in a circumferential direction and the inner face 220 of the draw hook 202 sloped in the circumferential direction at the same rate as the sloped surface 140 of the ramp element 138. While the inner face 220 of the draw hook 202 may be sloped, opposing sides 228 of the draw hook 202 may be parallel along a length of the draw hook 202.

[0080] Notably, a runner component is not present between the draw hook 202 and the ramp element 138. Friction between the draw hook 202 and the ramp element 138 may be reduced due to the sloping of the inner face 220 of the draw hook 202, such that a runner component is not necessary to reduce the friction to a preferred amount. Due to the lack of a runner component the inner face 220 of the draw hook 202 may directly contact the ramp element 138, as shown in Figures 31 and 32.

[0081] Figures 1-32 illustrate various features of a pipe fitting 100, 200 configured to couple an end of a first pipe to an end of a second pipe. For example, the end of the first pipe can be coupled to the first end of the pipe fitting 100, 200 and the end of the second pipe can be coupled to the second end of the pipe fitting 100, 200. Thus, the pipe fitting 100, 200 can be referred to as a pipe coupling 100, 200. Figure 33 illustrates another embodiment including a pipe end cap 300 configured to cap or seal off an end of a pipe. The pipe end cap 300 can be used in combination with any of the features described herein for the pipe coupling 100, 200, including the first end ring 104, the first bolt assembly 108, and the first seal assembly 112, andcan function in any of the ways described herein for the pipe coupling 100, 200. In one sense, an embodiment may include various features of the pipe coupling 100, 200 with the pipe end cap 300 in place of the main body 102. A first end of the pipe end cap 300 may include any of the features described herein for the first end of the main body 102, and a second end of the pipe end cap 300 may include a cap or a solid wall configured to cap an end of a pipe.

[0082] The waterworks, oil, gas, and chemical industries generally employ pipes or other hollow bodies to transport water and other fluids. Fittings are structural elements that are typically employed to mechanically couple individual pipes or other hollow bodies to other system components. For example, a fitting can act as a connection component in conjunction with a valve, a hydrant, or a flange end, such as a flared flange end. In addition, some pipes include an integrated fitting type structure on one end to facilitate coupling. Fittings are installed in both above-ground and below-ground applications. For example, they can be used in manufacturing plants for a variety of applications, including on conduits, such as electrical conduits, or on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications. The materials used for pipes or other hollow bodies, such as conduits, can vary depending on the application. As such, particular fittings have been developed for use with particular materials, such as steel, cast iron, cement, plastic, and other kinds of materials. The pipe fitting 100 can be used in any of these applications.

[0083] In general, the pipe fitting 100, 200 includes a generally cylindrical and tubular body or barrel sleeve, where each end of the sleeve includes an opening into which a pipe can be inserted. The barrel sleeve thus provides a hollow body that provides a fluid passageway that connects the ends of two pipes together. However, the features described herein are also applicable to other fittings that include hollow bodies, such as a “T” coupling, a 45 degree or other angle “elbow” coupling, or a single-end coupling. In the case of a “T” coupling, any one, any two (that is, exactly two, and not all three) or all three of the ends of the “T” coupling can include the features described herein for the first end of the pipe fitting 100, 200. In other embodiments, the pipe fitting 100 can be used as a connection component in combination with a valve, a hydrant, or a flange end, such as a flared flange end, all of which include hollow bodies. Pipes may also be configured so that one or both ends include the fitting features described herein. For example, a pipe can include an integrated fitting structure on one or both ends to facilitate coupling to other components.

[0084] The fittings described herein can achieve both sealing and restraint over a wide range of pipe sizes, including sizes ranging from Iron Pipe Size (IPS) to Ductile Iron (DI) andbeyond. In one specific embodiment, the pipe fitting 100 is configured to engage the outer surface of a pipe having a diameter (either inside diameter or outside diameter) of 16 inches. Further, because the draw hooks 148 and the hook assemblies of which they are a part can move independently of one another, they are capable of engaging a variety of pipe sizes and shapes, regardless of whether they are perfectly circular or have a degree of eccentricity.

[0085] While there are different ways of manufacturing the components described herein, many of the components described herein, such as the main body 102, the first end ring 104, and the second end ring 106, can be cast. Gasket 144 can be made of a conventional rubber material. The grippers 146 and draw hooks 148 can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as steel, stainless steel, or ductile iron.

[0086] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and / or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including U.S. Application No. 63 / 733,151, filed December 12, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0087] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the abovedetailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fitting, comprising: a hollow body that includes an opening at a first end; a sealing member positionable on the hollow body; a hook shaped element coupled to the sealing member; and a ramp element including a sloped surface positioned against an inner face of a throat of the hook shaped element, the ramp element configured to be actuated by a draw mechanism coupled to the hollow body such that the ramp element moves relative to the hook shaped element, wherein the hook shaped element is engaged with the sloped surface of the ramp element such that actuation of the ramp element draws the hook shaped element and the sealing member in a direction parallel with a shaft of the hook element, thereby translating the sealing member from an open position to a connection sealing position, and wherein the inner face of the hook shaped element includes a non-flat shape.

2. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the inner face of the hook shaped element includes a crease.

3. The fitting of claim 2, wherein the crease of the inner face of the hook shaped element is configured such that a cross-section of the bend of each hook is V-shaped.

4. The fitting of claim 2, wherein the crease of the inner face of the hook shaped element is configured such that a cross-section of the bend of each hook is U-shaped.

5. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the hook shaped element has a constant cross- sectional area along its longitudinal length.

6. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the hook shaped element has a variable cross- sectional shape along its longitudinal length.

7. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the fitting includes a plurality of hook shaped elements, wherein the ramp element includes a plurality of sloped surfaces, and wherein each sloped surface of the plurality of sloped surfaces is engaged with a respective hook shaped element of the plurality of hook elements.

8. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is coupled to an interior surface of a hollow body.

9. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the fitting is configured to couple a first pipe to any of a second pipe, a valve, a hydrant, and a flange end.

10. A fitting, comprising:A hollow body that includes an opening at a first end; a sealing member positionable on the hollow body; a hook shaped element coupled to the sealing member; and a ramp element including a sloped surface positioned against an inner face of a throat of the hook shaped element, the ramp element configured to be actuated by a draw mechanism coupled to the hollow body, wherein the hook shaped element is engaged with the sloped surface of the ramp element such that actuation of the ramp element draws the hook shaped element in a direction parallel with a shaft of the hook element, thereby translating the sealing member from an open position to a sealing position, and wherein a cross-sectional area of a shaft of the hook differs from a cross-sectional area of a bend of the hook.

11. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the cross-sectional area of the bend of the hook shaped element is larger than the cross-sectional area of the shaft of the hook shaped element.

12. The fitting of claim 10, wherein an inner face of the bend of the hook is not parallel to a crossing axis, the crossing axis being perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the inner face of the shaft of the hook.

13. The fitting of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the inner face corresponds in shape to the sloped surface of the ramp element.

14. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the sloped surface of the ramp element is sloped in a circumferential direction, and wherein the inner face of the hook shaped element is sloped across at least a portion of the inner face at a slope equivalent to a slope of the sloped surface of the ramp element.

15. The fitting of claim 10, wherein opposing sides of the hook shaped element are parallel along a length of the hook shaped element.

16. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the hook shaped element comprises a forged metal.

17. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the fitting does not include a member positioned between surfaces of the ramp element and the hook shaped element.

18. The fitting of claim 10, wherein a surface of the ramp element directly contacts the hook shaped elements.

19. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the fitting includes a plurality of hook shaped elements, wherein the ramp element includes a plurality of sloped surfaces, and wherein each sloped surface of the plurality of sloped surfaces is engaged with a respective hook shaped element of the plurality of hook elements.

20. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the sealing member is coupled to an interior surface of a hollow body.

21. The fitting of claim 10, wherein the fitting is configured to couple a first pipe to any of a second pipe, a valve, a hydrant, and a flange end.

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