TECHNIC AL FIELD

[0001] The present invention, in general, relates to a pipe and coupler system and in particular, relates to one or more pipes and a coupler, joined together and incorporating a locking mechanism in a detachably attached portion of the coupler.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Pipes are extensively used for drawing and distributing water harvested from underground or other water bodies for various purposes, mainly including drinking and irrigation. Water carrying pipes are typically made of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). As water pipes are generally placed underground, using PVC pipes is more advantageous and beneficial over metal pipes as PVC pipes are corrosion-free and durable. PVC pipes provide a cheap and durable substitute for metal pipes and are widely accepted in different sectors including construction and utility. Thus, there is an increase in the usage of P VC pipes and various new models of PVC pipes have emerged for different usages.

[0003] Water-carrying PVC pipes are mainly used for purposes including disposal of waste water from houses and factories and distribution of potable water to households. PVC pipes are also used nowadays in bore wells.

[0004] Conventionally, bore wells widely employ steel galvanized pipes to draw water. These steel galvanized pipes are threaded on both sides and any two pipes are joined using threaded steel galvanized couplings. The main disadvantage associated with the use of steel pipes is that they get rusted and deteriorate at a very fast pace. Moreover, placing steel pipes in bore wells, or removing them for repair purpose, is extremely labor intensive and time consuming because of their sheer weight.

[0005] In order to put two pipe sections in place so as to make a single pipe, or to disjoin two segments of a pipe, the pipe and coupler system is used. In such a system, a pipe has threaded portions on both sides for connecting a coupler, which facilitates engagement of another pipe segment of same cross-section from either side. However, using such a pipe and coupler system to construct a long pipe including two or more pipe segments requires extra time and effort since each end of a connecting pipe has to be removable fixed to a coupler. Moreover, in case where a single damaged pipe segment needs to be replaced, the whole column is taken off and dismantled.

[0006] In order to overcome the above mentioned drawback, locking mechanism are include in the coupler system. Conventionally, the locking mechanism are provided in the coupler and the pipe, that is fixed to one end of the pipe. A locking mechanism may be a any type of lock element accommodated into a circumference groove that is partially present in the pipe and partially present in the coupler. The lock element locks one end of the coupler with an end of a pipe, thus making said joint non-removable. The other end of the coupler may engage another connecting pipe in a removable manner. However, a major shortcoming of the conventional locking mechanism is that a part of the load born by the pipe shared by the coupler and locking mechanism fixed thereto. The additional load transferred can damage the coupler and therefore may lead to failure of the system. In addition, in case of any fault in the locking mechanism, the non-removable joint is damaged in order to remove the lock thereby leading to the replacement of the hole pipe along with the coupler.

[0007] During disassembly of pipe joints, a pipe wrench is used to hold the coupler with the external ribs provided on the outer surface of the coupler. In some cases, a user is unable to hold the coupler properly while unthreading or removing a single pipe. Further, in case if there is no positive locking system to retain the permanency of the pipes, the unthreading results in the rotation and removal of the coupler itself. Due to lack of such positive locking system, the entire pipe assembly- gets dismantled. Thus, there is a need for a pipe and coupler system with a locking mechanism which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY

[0008] The subject matter described herein is directed to a pipe and coupler system. In one embodiment, the pipe and coupler system includes a fixed pipe, a removable pipe, and a coupler having a fixed pipe end and a removable pipe end. The fixed pipe is joined to the fixed pipe end coupler, and the removable pipe is joined to the removable pipe end of the coupler by means of threads. The pipe and coupler system further includes a locking system, such as a pressure flange lock, two external element in the form of slatted flange & cir-ciip has been inserted made up of same material such as PVC to provide permanent locking mechanism in groove partially present pipe and coupler in the fixed end.

[0009] The cir-clip is present partially on the groove of the pipe where the male threads formed (circumferential groove) and partially in the inner surface of the coupler where the female threads are formed (circumferential groove).

[0010] Then specially designed pressure flange is inserted in the groove present inside the coupler. During entry of pressure flange it gets compressed & after reach the groove its expended again which makes a perfect locking at fix end of the pipe and coupler system.

[0011] Further the partial tensile loads of pipe and coupler system are borne by the locking system at the cir-clip groove of the pipes. Therefore, the locking mechanism is permanent and there is no chance of dismantling of the pipe and coupler system once locked and also ensures durability of the joints.

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is neither intended to identify key features or elements of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0013] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where

[0014] Fig. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a pipe and coupler system in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a pipe and coupler system showing a fixed pipe end and a coupler assembly incorporating a locking element groove.

[0016] Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a removable pipe end of the coupler.

[0017] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view and side view of a coupler.

[0018] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the locking side of pipe with groove details.

[0019] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the Temporary side of pipe with groove details.

[0020] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the pressure flange.

[0021] Fig. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the Cir-elip. [0022] Fig. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the Leak Proof Ring.

[0023] Fig. 10 illustrates a sectional view of Profile Ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The subject matter described herein relates to a pipe and coupler system. More particularly, the subject matter relates to pipes and a coupler joined together and incorporating a locking mechanism in a detachably attached portion of the coupler.

[0025] Initially, a fixed pipe and a coupler are assembled together by the manufacturer, wherein both the fixed end of pipe and the fixed end of the coupler include a locking system. The threaded portion of the fixed pipe is joined to an equally threaded portion of the fixed end of the coupler, thus, along with the locking system, making a fixed joint. This fixed joint is a permanent joint and cannot be unthreaded by a user during the process of dismantling of a pipe and coupler system. A sealing system is provided to make the pipe and coupler system, a leak proof system. The locking system helps retain the coupling of the fixed pipe with the coupler and prevents the detachment of the coupler from the fixed pipe during a dismantling operation.

[0026] In one embodiment, the locking system includes a Pressure flange &

Cir-clip made up of PVC. Initially the Cir-clip is sited at the groove provided in pipe. Then the pipe & coupler fixe end fitted each other, whereas the Cir-clip sited at the sitting area provided inside surface of coupler. After that the pressure flange pushed inside the groove provided at inner surface of coupler. During that, the pressure flange get compressed & get expanded at the grooving area of the coupler, which give positive locking between Pipe & Coupler. Resulting non failure fixed joint in pipe and coupler system. Which cannot remove by unthreading or any tensile or thrust force/ load. [0027] With the introduction of such a press flange locking system, the tensile loads of components, for example, suspended pump and pipes assemblies, in a bore well, are borne by the locking system as well as by the threads on the outer ends of the pipes. Therefore, the locking mechanism enables easy assembling of the pipe and coupler system and also ensures durability of the joints.

[0028] Various modifications of the disclosed objects, as well as alternate objects of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

[0029] Fig. l Illustrates a sectional view of a pipe and coupler system 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter showing both the ends of a pipe and coupler system 1 is joined.

[0030] The pipe and coupler system 1 includes a fixed pipe 10, removable pipe 1 and a coupler 12, joining both the pipes 10, and 1 together with the coupler 12. The pipes 1, 10 and the coupler 12 are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that is light in weight and has non-corrosive properties. The coupler 12 has two ends, namely a fixed pipe end 7 to which the fixed pipe 10 is joined, and a removable pipe end 4 to which the removable pipe 1 is joined.

[0031] The coupler 12 includes threads disposed in both the side on inner circumferential surface of the coupler 12 along with have a rubber sealing 6 step, cir-clip 8 seat & pressure flange 9 groove at the inner circumferential coupler at fix end. The fixed pipe 0 and removable pipe 1 have thread on outer circumference of the pipe. Threads can be circular or square shaped threads with clearances on three sides.

[0032] A circular silted cir-clip 8 is partially accommodated on the groove 1 1 of fixed pipe 10 at fixed end and partially in the fixed coupler 12 groove 1 1. A circular four point silted pressure flange 9 is partially accommodated on the groove 3 of fixed coupler 12 groove 13.

[0033] The construction of the pipe and coupler system 1 is made in two phases. During phase one, at first the Cir-clip 8 inserted over the fixed thread 14 and placed at the groove 11 of the fixed pipe, then the fixed pipe 10 is joined with the coupler 12 in the factory. The fixed pipe 10 is joined with the fixed pipe end of the coupler 17 such that the external (RH) threads of the fixed pipe 14 it match with internal right hand (RH) threads of the coupler 7. The fixed thread end of the coupler 7 is screwed on the fixed pipe thread 14 till the butting up to the Rubber seal 6 face. Then the Pressure flange 9 inserted into the fixed side of the coupler 16. During entry of that Pressure flange 9, it will get compressed & when it will reach at the groove 13 it will get expand and accumulate at that groove 13 & makes a Lock at that point. Same time the front face of Pressure Flange 9 touch to the Cir-clip 8. During unthread time the Cir-clip 8 try to push the pressure flange 9 & couldn't able to come out since the Pressure Flange 9 already locked at the groove 13. Hence this joint, also referred to as fixed joint or non-removable joint, this joint is the factory made joint, and it will never be unthreaded during the assembly and dismantle operations.

[0034] In addition, coupling of both the fixed pipe 10 and the removable pipe

1 with the coupler 12 is made leak proof by sealing means. In one embodiment, Rubber seal (Profile) 2, Leak proof Ring 6 are provided at the centre of to ensure a leak proof coupling. The Profile ring 2 is preferably round-shaped in cross-section and is made of rubber. In addition, rubber Profile ring one more Leak Proof Ring 6 is fixed at the centre of coupler 12 as an additional safeguard to prevent leakage.

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the pipe and coupler system 1 showing the fixed pipe end 10. As shown herein, a locking element Cir-clip 8 sited on the groove 11 provide on the fixed pipe 10 and the Pressure Flange 9 sits at the groove 13 provided at fixed side 17 of the coupler 10, which gives the back support to Cir-clip 8.

[0036] In one embodiment, the Cir-clip 8 is rectangular / circular in shape. In another embodiment, the locking element Pressure Flange 9 is substantially rectangular /circular in shape. The dimensions of the locking element Pressure Flange 9 ensure that, it share the axial load in the usage.

[0037] The fixed thread end of the coupler 17 is screwed on the end of the fixed pipe thread provided in the fixed pipe 10 and fixed pipe end of the 10 matches to make a complete rectangular/circular shape. After joining the fixed pipe 10 with the coupler 12, a fixed joint is formed.

[0038] Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the removable pipe 1. The removable pipe 1 is joined with the removable pipe end 15 of the coupler 16 by threads 153 on the removable pipe 15 with the RH threads of the coupler 4. Coupling of both the removable pipe 1 with the coupler 16 is made leak proof by sealing means, such as the Profile ring 2. A groove 3 is provided to accommodate the Profile ring 2 at the end of the removable pipe 1 thread 15.

[0039] The Profile ring 2 is provided to ensure that the coupling is leak proof.

Further, at one end of the removable coupler 1, a projection step 6 is provided for the Leak Proof Ring 5. In one embodiment, the Profile ring 2 is made of rubber. The inner & outer contact surface of the rubber Profile ring 2 is made round shaped and the side is flattened to act as an effective leak proof joint. The rubber Profile ring 2 can be fixed within the groove 3 in the removable pipe 1 to further prevent leakage of water flowing through the pipes.

[0040] Fig. 4 illustrates the sectional front view of the coupler 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The coupler 12, as shown in Fig. 4, has two ends namely the fixed pipe end 17 and the removable pipe end 16. The coupler 12 is a RH square on both sides. [0041] In addition, the coupler 12 also includes internal Right hand (RH) threads on both side, The threads can be square shaped threads and are provided with clearances on all sides. In another embodiment, the RH threads can also be oval, circular, or any other shaped threads. The RH threads are provided at the removable thread end 4 to fix the removable pipe 1 with the coupler 12. and other side of the coupler provided (RH) threads at fixed thread end of coupler 7 to fix the fixed pipe 10 with the coupler 12.

[0042] A groove 13, in the shape of rectangular/circular provided at the fixed end 17 of the coupler 12 for sitting of Pressure flange 9. A step 5 is provided at inner circumference center of the coupler 12 for accumulation of Leak Proof Ring 6. Two ribs 18 and 19 as shown in fig are provided on the outer surface of the coupler 12 to facilitate the clamper or the pipe wrench to firmly hold the coupler 12.

[0043] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the fixed side of pipe with groove details, showing the details of the groove 11 rectangular/ circular.

[0044] A groove 11 rectangular/circular is made on the outer surface of the fixed pipe 10 at the end of the thread 14. A groove 11 rectangular circular groove made circumferentially to the fixed pipe 10. As shown in the fig.5 the groove 11 is provided for the fitment of Cir-clip 8.

[0045] During the process of un-installation of a pipe assembly, for example, in a bore well system, only the removable pipe 1 is to be unthreaded. The removable pipe 1 is unthreaded by holding the coupler 12 with a clamper, such as a pipe wrench, and unscrewing the removable pipe 1.

[0046] Two external ribs 18 and 19, as show in Fig. 4B, are provided on the outer surface of the coupler 12 to facilitate the clamper or the pipe wrench to firmly hold the coupler 12.

[0047] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the Temporary side of pipe with groove 3 details. A groove 3 rectangular/circular is made on the outer surface of the removable pipe 1 at the end of the thread 15. A groove 3 rectangular circular groove made circumferential fy to the removable pipe 1. As shown in the fig.6 the groove 3 is provided for the fitment of Profile ring 2,

[0048] During the process of un-instailation of a pipe assembly, for example, in a bore well system, only the removable pipe 1 is to be unthreaded. The removable pipe 1 is unthreaded by holding the coupler 12 with a clamper, such as a pipe wrench, and unscrewing the removable pipe 1. Two external ribs 18 and 19, as show in Fig. 4B, are provided on the outer surface of the coupler 12 to facilitate the clamper or the pipe wrench to firmly hold the coupler 12.

[0049] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the pressure flange 9 made up of

PVC. A pressure flange 9 used at fix end Pipe 10 with fixed end of Coupler 17. The pressure flange 9 accumulate at the Groove 13 of fixed end of Coupler 17 and get permanent lock and acts as a stopper to Cir-ciip 8. Pressure flange 9 will with stand axial load of assembly.

[0050] Fig. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the Cir-clip 8 made up of PVC. A

Cir-clip 8 used at fix end Pipe 10 with fixed end of Coupler 17. Cir-clip 8 accumulate at the Groove 11 of fixed end of Pipe 10. After fitment of fix end of pipe 0 with fixed end of Coupler 17 the Cir-clip 8 rests on Pressure flange 9 will with stand axial load of assembly.

[0051] Fig. 9 il lustrates a sectional view of the Leak Proof Ring 6 made up of rubbed. A Leak Proof Ring 6 fitted at centre step 5 of coupler 12. The front end of both fix Pipe end 10 & removable pipe end 15 compressed to both side of Leak Proof Ring 6, which gives leak proof joint.

[0052] Fig. 10 illustrates a sectional view of Profile Ring 2 made up of rubbed. A Leak Proof Ring 2 fitted at groove 3 of removable pipe end 1. During installation of pipe the Profile Ring 2 get compressed under the seat provided at removable coupler end 16 and gives an additional leak proof joint. l u [0053] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. As such, the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein should not be limited to the description of the embodiment contained herein.