BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a portable fitting assembly, in particular a portable fitting assembly for a pump installation or piping system that is used at construction sites , in the maritime industry, for wellpoint dewatering or for over pumping sewage .

Known fitting arrangements comprise a fitting such as a gate valve, non-return valve or flow meter . These fittings comprise a fitting body that has a fitting inlet side with a fitting inlet , and an opposite fitting outlet side with a fitting outlet . The fitting body defines a flow channel that extends between the fitting inlet and the fitting outlet .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The known fitting assemblies are designed to handle large flows and to be robust as they are used in demanding environments . Due to these design requirements the fittings are large and heavy and therefore hard to handle . Especially at sites that are dif ficult to reach and/or that have little room to move, it can be hard to move the fitting around . At these sites supporting equipment such as forklifts or cranes can often not be deployed and thus the fittings need to be handled by hand .

It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a fitting assembly that is easy to handle .

According to a first aspect , the invention provides a portable fitting assembly comprising a first standard, a second standard that is spaced apart from the first standard, a fitting between the first standard and the second standard, a first conduit coupling on the first standard and a second conduit coupling on the second standard, wherein the first conduit coupling and the second conduit coupling are located outside the standards with respect to the fitting, wherein the fitting comprises a fitting body that has a fitting inlet side that defines a fitting inlet, and a fitting outlet side that defines a fitting outlet, wherein the fitting body defines a flow channel that extends between the fitting inlet and the fitting outlet, and has a center axis that extends through the fitting inlet and the fitting outlet , wherein the first standard bounds an outlet opening that corresponds to the fitting outlet and the first conduit coupling, and the second standard bounds an inlet opening that corresponds to the fitting inlet and the second conduit coupling, wherein the first standard has a first main plane and comprises a first foot that extends in the first main plane spaced apart from the center axis , a first head that extends in the first main plane spaced apart from the center axis and the first foot , and a first handle opening that forms a first handle that extends in the first main plane spaced apart from the center axis , wherein the second standard has a second main plane and comprises a second foot that extends in the second main plane spaced apart from the center axis , a second head that extends in the second main plane spaced apart from the center axis and the second foot , and a second handle opening that forms a second handle that extends in the second main plane spaced apart from the center axis , wherein the first main plane and the second main plane are spaced apart from each other along the center axis and extend substantially transverse to the center axis .

As the fitting may have a high weight , the center of gravity of the fitting assembly is located between the first main plane and the second main plane of the standards and close to the center axis . The center of gravity is located between the feet of the standards which thereby provide a stable base for the fitting assembly . The standards extend in the main planes whereby the handles of the standards extend parallel to each other and transverse to the center axis at opposite sides of and above the fitting . This configuration of the handles is favourable for a user lifting the fitting assembly as the user can conveniently grab the two handles in a natural and ergonomic posture . As the handles are located at or j ust above knee height when the fitting assembly stands on the ground the fitting assembly can be lifted with a straight back by a movement of the knees . As the couplings protrude sidewards , as seen by the user, the fitting assembly can be held close to the users body in balance which further reduces the strain on the back of the user . The above described advantages result in a fitting assembly that is easy to handle .

In an embodiment the first head and the second head correspond to or mate with the respective first foot and second foot whereby a first portable fitting assembly is stackable onto a second portable fitting assembly by placing the first foot and the second foot of the first portable fitting assembly onto the respective first head and second head of the second portable fitting assembly . The feet and heads provide respective notional straight support surfaces whereby the fitting assemblies can be stacked in a stable and safe manner which makes it easy to handle the fitting assemblies when stacking them.

In a further embodiment the first standard and/or the second standard comprises a stacking index whereby the respective feet of the first portable fitting assembly align with the respective heads of the second portable fitting assembly . The index aids the user to stack the portable fitting assemblies straight onto each other, which makes it more easy to handle the portable fitting assemblies when stacking them. In a further embodiment the stacking index comprises a cam on the head and a recess in the foot that corresponds to or mates with the cam on the head . The cam- and-recess is a robust stacking index that does not interfere when handling the portable fitting assembly .

In a further embodiment the cam covers substantially half of the head in a direction parallel to the center axis . As the cams are part of the handles this configuration keeps half of the top of the handle free for the fingers of the user which are wrapped around the handle . This makes it pleasant for the user to handle the portable fitting assembly .

In an embodiment the first standard and the second standard are spaced apart from each other along the center axis over a distance that is substantially equal to the shoulder width of a human user or human carrier of the portable fitting assembly . By this configuration the handles are optimally located with respect to the arms and shoulders of the user . This makes handling of the portable fitting assembly ergonomic .

In an embodiment the first handle and the second handle are spaced apart from the center axis over the same height . In an embodiment the first handle and the second handle are respectively spaced apart from the first foot and the second foot over the same depth . By these configurations the weight of the portable fitting assembly is distributed evenly among the handles and the user carries an equal weights in each arm . The user is therefore in balance when handling the portable fitting assembly .

In an embodiment the first handle extends above the fitting in a direction away from the center axis . In an embodiment the first standard covers the contour of the fitting when viewed along the center axis . The handle and/or the standard protects the portable fitting assembly against impacts which improves the durability thereof .

In an embodiment the first foot and the first head are elongate and extend parallel to each other at opposite sides of the center axis .

In an embodiment the first handle forms the first head . In an embodiment the first standard comprises a top rib that extends along the handle opening transverse to the first main plane and that forms the first handle and/or the first head . In an embodiment the first standard comprises a bottom rib that extends along the first standard transverse to the first main plane and that forms the first foot . The ribs reinforce the standard . By combining the ribs , handles , heads and feet the standards are good to produce and material is saved .

In an embodiment the first standard and the second standard are identical to each other . In an embodiment the first standard and the second standard are mirrored with respect to each other . This reduces the amount of dif ferent parts of the portable fitting assembly which is advantageous in view of production costs .

In an embodiment the portable fitting assembly comprises a panel that extends parallel to the center axis between the first standard and the second standard . In an embodiment the portable fitting assembly comprises a lid that extends parallel to the center axis between the first standard and the second standard . The panel and lid cover and protect the fitting which improves the durability thereof .

In a further embodiment the lid is hingeably connected to the respective standards in order to be hingeable between an open position and a closed position around a hinge axis that is substantially parallel to the center axis . In the closed position the fitting is covered and protected by the lid while in the open position the fitting is reachable and serviceable in an easy manner .

In an embodiment the fitting is connected to the first standard and/or to the second standard by a bolted connection . In an embodiment the respective couplings are connected to the respective standards by gluing . Bolted connections and glued connections are economically favourable types of connections . In an embodiment the standards are made of metal , in particular of aluminium . Metal is a durable material to produce the standards of . Aluminium is also light which makes the portable fitting assembly lighter and therefore more easy to handle .

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible . These individual aspects , in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims , can be made subj ect of divisional patent applications .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings , in which :

Figures 1A and IB are an isometric front view and an isometric rear view of a portable fitting assembly according to the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B are an isometric front view and an isometric rear view of the fitting assembly according to figures 1A and IB from which some parts are removed; and

Figure 3 is an isometric front view of two portable fitting assemblies of figure 1A stacked onto each other .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1A, IB are an isometric view of a portable fitting assembly 1 according to the invention . The fitting assembly 1 can be used in or connected to a pump installation or piping installation that for instance is used, at construction sites , in the maritime industry, for wellpoint dewatering or for over pumping of sewage . Figures 2A and 2B are an isometric view of the portable fitting assembly 1 according to figures 1A and IB from which some parts are removed for illustrative purposes . The fitting assembly 1 comprises a fitment or fitting 10 that can for instance be a gate valve, a non-return valve or a flow meter . In the exemplary embodiment below a flow meter is described . Figure 3 is an isometric view of two such portable fitting assemblies 1 , 201 stacked onto each other . The fitting 10 can be made of metal , for instance steel , stainless steel or aluminium, of plastic, or of a combination thereof .

As shown in figures 1A and IB the portable fitting assembly 1 comprises a metal first standard 50 , a metal second standard 70 that is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first standard 50 , metal or plastic side panels 120 that extend between the respective first standard 50 and second standard 70 , a metal or plastic lid 121 that extends between and is protected by the first standard 50 , the second standard 70 and the respective side panels 120 . The metal standards 50 , 70 are preferably made of aluminium .

The fitting assembly 1 comprises a first conduit coupling 110 on the first standard 50 and a second conduit coupling 100 on the second standard 70 . The conduit couplings 100 , 110 are located outside the standards 50 , 70 with respect to the fitting 10 . The conduit couplings 100 , 110 are known per se and are used to couple the fitting assembly 1 to a not shown conduit section . The conduit couplings 100 , 110 can be made of metal , for instance steel , stainless steel , aluminium or of a combination thereof . The conduit section can be a hose , tube or pipe and may be part of or integrated with an adapter piece or equipment such as a pump, a turbine or a further fitting, or coupling members such as bends , T-pieces , Y-pieces or reducers .

In this example the first conduit coupling 110 comprises a circumferential insertion collar 111 that is connected, connectable to or merges into the first standard 50 .

In this example the second conduit coupling 100 comprises a coupling tube 101 that at one end is connected, connectable to or merges into the second standard 70 , and that at the opposite end merges into a receiving collar 102 . The second conduit coupling 100 comprises a ring 103 that surrounds and is connected to the coupling tube 101 , two claws 104 that are connected to the ring 103 at opposite sides of the coupling tube 101 , and a lever 105 for operating one of the claws 104 .

It is to be understood that the not shown conduit sections are outfitted with a mating first and/or second conduit coupling 100 , 110 to be connectable to the respective first and/or second conduit coupling 100 , 110 of the fitting assembly 1 . The receiving collar 102 and the insertion collar 110 correspond to each other and the claws 104 are engageable with the insertion collar 110 to connect the conduit sections to the fitting assembly 1 . The standards 50 , 70 of the fitting assembly 1 may comprise or be outfitted with any kind of conduit couplings , in particular with conduit couplings that correspond to the conduit couplings of the conduit sections they are to be connected with .

In figures 2A and 2B the fitting assembly 1 is shown without the side panels 120 , the lid 121 and the couplings 100 , 110 for illustrative reasons only . The fitting 10 comprises a fitting body 11 that has a fitting outlet side 12 that defines a circular fitting outlet 13 , and an opposite fitting inlet side 14 that defines a circular fitting inlet 15 . The fitting body 11 defines an internal flow channel 16 that extends between the fitting inlet 15 and the fitting outlet 13 . The flow channel 16 continues into the conduit couplings 100 , 110 . The fitting 10 has a center axis F that extends through the center of the fitting inlet 15 and through the center of the fitting outlet 13 .

The fitting 10 comprises a circumferential first flange 17 on the fitting outlet side 12 that extends from the fitting body 11 away from and transverse to the center axis F . The first flange 17 comprises first flange bolt holes 18 that are evenly distributed around the circumference of the fitting body 11 . The fitting 10 comprises a circumferential second flange 19 on the fitting inlet side 14 that extends from the fitting body 11 away from and transverse to the center axis F . The second flange 19 comprises second flange bolt holes 20 that are evenly distributed around the circumference of the fitting body 11 .

In this example the first flange 17 and the second flange 19 comprises four flange bolt holes 18 , 20 in a rectangular configuration, in particular in a square configuration .

In this example the fitting 10 comprises a flow meter arrangement 21 that is attached to the fitting body 11 of the fitting 10 and that is in communication with the flow channel 16 . The flow meter arrangement 21 protrudes upwardly from the fitting body 11 .

In this example the first standard 50 and the second standard 70 are substantially identical to each other and are provided at the respective fitting outlet side 12 and fitting inlet side 14 of the fitting 10 , substantially parallel and mirrored with respect to each other . The first standard 50 and the second standard 70 protrude outside or cover the contour of the fitting 10 when viewed along the center axis F .

The first standard 50 and the second standard 70 are substantially flat or plate-shaped and have a substantially rectangular outline, wherein the height and width of the standards 50 , 70 is signi ficantly bigger than the thickness thereof , in particular the thickness thereof at the handle 52 , 72 , and the height is bigger than the width . In this example the height is substantially two times the width of the standard 50 , 70 , and the width is substantially ten times the thickness of the standard 50 , 70 at the handle 52 , 72 .

The first standard 50 and the second standard 70 extend in a respective notional straight first main plane M and a notional straight second main plane N that are parallel to each other and transverse to the center axis F . Each standard 50 , 70 comprises or merges along its circumference into a respective top rib 53, 73, a bottom rib 54, 74 that is substantially parallel to the top rib 53, 73, two parallel side ribs 55, 75 that extend between and substantially transverse to the top rib 53, 73 and bottom rib 54, 74, a front face 56, 76 and a back face 57, 77. The respective ribs 53, 54, 55, 83, 84, 85 form a continuous rib along the outline of the standards 50, 70.

The respective ribs 53, 54, 55, 83, 84, 85 have an elongate strip like shape and, in their longitudinal direction, substantially extend in the main plane M, N. The respective ribs 53, 54, 55, 83, 84, 85, in their cross direction, extend and protrude substantially transverse to the main plane M, N of the standards 50, 70 from the front face 56, 76 and/or the back face 57, 77. The ribs 53, 54, 55, 83, 84, 85 reinforce the standards 50, 70 by providing strength and stiffness thereto.

The first top rib 53 and the second top rib 73 form a first head 69 and a second head 89 both having a flat top support surface. The first head 69 and the second head 88 are elongate. The first head 69 and the second head 88 are spaced apart from the fitting 10 and extend in a notional common top support plane that extends substantially parallel to the center axis F. The first head 69 and the second head 88 extend above the fitting 10 in a direction away from the center axis F.

The first bottom rib 54 and the second bottom rib 74 form a first foot 68 and a second foot 88 both having a flat bottom support surface. The first foot 68 and the second foot 88 are elongate. The first foot 68 and the second foot 88 are spaced apart from the fitting 10 and extend in a notional common bottom support plane that extends substantially parallel to the center axis F. The first foot 68 and the second foot 88 extend below the fitting 10 in a direction away from the center axis F. The bottom support plane and the top support plane extend parallel to each other at opposite sides of the center axis F.

The first standard 50 comprises, defines or bounds a first handle opening 59 near or along the first top rib 53 . The first handle opening 59 and/or the first top rib 53 defines , makes or forms an elongate first handle 52 of the first standard 50 . The first handle opening 59 and the first handle 52 extend in the first main plane M . The second standard 70 comprises , defines or bounds a second handle opening 79 near or along the second top rib 73 . The second handle opening 79 and/or the second top rib 73 defines , makes or forms an elongate second handle 72 of the second standard 70 . The second handle opening 79 and the second handle 72 extend in the second main plane N . The handles 52 , 72 are formed by the heads 69 , 89, or vice versa .

The first handle opening 59 and the first handle 52 are spaced apart from the second handle opening 79 and the second handle 72 parallel to the center axis F and extend substantially transverse to the center axis F . The first standard 50 and the second standard 70 , and therewith the first handle opening 59 and the second handle opening 79, and the first handle 52 and the second handle 72 are spaced apart from each other along the center axis F over a distance D that is substantially equal to the shoulder width of a human user or human carrier of the portable fitting assembly 1 . The portable fitting assembly 1 weighs less than 50 kilograms whereby it is practically portable by the human user or human carrier .

The first standard 50 defines , comprises or merges into a circumferential first collar that 58 bounds a circular outlet opening 51 that corresponds to the circular fitting outlet 13 of the fitting body 11 and to the first conduit coupling 110 . The second standard 70 defines , comprises or merges into a circumferential second collar that 78 that bounds a circular inlet opening 71 that corresponds to the circular fitting inlet 15 of the fitting body 11 and to the second conduit coupling 100 . The respective collars 58 , 78 extend from the front face 56 , 76 away from the fitting 10 and substantially parallel to the center axis F . The collars 56 , 76 of the respective standards 50 , 70 are configured to be connectable to, merge into, carry or be part of the conduit coupling 100 , 110 . In this example the respective conduit couplings 100 , 110 are connected to the collars 56 , 76 by gluing .

As best shown in figure 3 , the feet 68 , 88 correspond to the heads 69, 89 as they have substantially the same dimensions and are mutually spaced apart over the same distance . This allows that the first fitting assembly 1 is stackable onto the second identical fitting assembly 201 by placing the feet 68 , 88 of the first fitting assembly 1 onto the heads 69 , 89 of the second fitting assembly 201 , in particular by placing the respective bottom support surfaces onto the respective top support surfaces .

The standards 50 , 70 comprise a cam 67 , 87 on the heads 69 , 89 , and a recess 66 , 86 in the feet 68 , 88 that corresponds to or mates with the cam 66, 86 on the heads 69, 89 . The cams 67 , 87 and recesses 66 , 86 serve as stacking indexes for the standards 50 , 70 so that the feet 68 , 88 of the first fitting assembly 1 are placed straight onto and aligned with the heads 69, 89 of the second fitting assembly 201 . The cams 37 , 87 cover substantially half of the width of the head 69, 89 in a direction parallel to the center axis F and merge only into the outer edge of the head 69, 89.

As best shown in figure 2A and 2B, the standards 50 , 70 comprise standard bolt holes 61 , 81 that are evenly distributed around the circumference of the respective outlet opening 51 and inlet opening 71 and/or collar 58 , 78 . The standard bolt holes 61 , 81 correspond to the respective first flange bolt holes 18 and second flange bolt holes 20 . In this example the standard bolt holes 61 , 81 correspond to the four flange bolt holes 18 , 20 in a rectangular configuration, in particular in a square configuration . Bolts 2 are provided through the respective flange bolt holes 18 , 20 and standard bolt holes 61 , 81 to provide a bolted connection between the standards 50 , 70 and the fitting 10 .

The standards 50 , 60 comprise two oblong or oval first protrusions 62 , 82 along each side edge 55 , 75 thereof , and two circular second protrusions 63 , 83 near the handle opening 59, 79, that protrude from the back face 57 , 77 thereof . The first protrusions 62 of the first standard 50 correspond to and extend towards the first protrusions 82 of the second standard 70 , and the second protrusions 63 of the first standard 50 correspond to and extend towards the second protrusions 83 of the second standard 70 .

As best shown in figures 1A and IB, the side panels extend substantially parallel to the center axis F and substantially parallel to each other . The shape of the side panels 120 matches the contour of the side edges 55, 75. The side panels 120 comprise not shown rims at their edges near the standards 50 , 70 . The rims protrude transverse to the side panels 120 towards the fitting 10 and extend along the standards 50 , 70 . The rims comprise not shown oblong holes that correspond to the first protrusions 62 , 82 of the standards 50 , 70 . The first protrusions 62 , 82 extend through the oblong holes and therewith hold/ fix the side panels 120 in place between the standards 50 , 70 .

The lid 121 is shaped such that it covers the fitting 10 and leaves the handles 52 , 72 and the handle openings 59, 79 free . In this example the lid 121 comprises an upwards bulge 122 that corresponds with the shape of the flow meter arrangement 21 that protrudes upwardly from the fitting body 11 . The lid 121 comprises not shown rims at its edges near the standards 50 , 70 . The rims protrude transverse to the lid 121 towards the fitting 10 and extend along the standards 50 , 70 . At one side the lid comprises not shown circular holes that correspond to the second protrusions 63 , 83 of the standards 50 , 70 . The second protrusions 63 , 83 extend through the circular holes and therewith hingeably hold the lid 121 in place between the standards 50 , 70 so that the lid is hingeable between an open position and a closed position around a hinge axis that is substantially parallel to the center axis F . At the opposite side the lid comprises not shown slots that correspond to the second protrusions 63 , 83 of the standards 50 , 70 . The slots receive the second protrusions 63 , 83 in the closed position of the lid 121 . The lid 121 comprises a not shown locking mechanism between the lid 121 and one of the standards 50 , 70 or one of the side panels 120 to lock the lid 121 when it is in its closed position .

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention .