Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PIPE ALIGNING TOOL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tool for aligning the ends of two
abutted sections of pipe relative to one another, and more particularly the
present
invention relates to a pipe aligning tool including a clamp member for
clamping about
one pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members on the clamp member for
engaging the other pipe section.
BACKGROUND
When connecting pipelines or distributed plumbing in buildings or the
like, it is common to attach pipe sections in end to end abutment with the
pipes in
proper alignment with one another. To achieve this alignment, various tools
have
been proposed as disclosed for example in United States Patents 4,726,575 and
3,952,936 both to Dearman, 6,651,967 by Barber, 5,560,091 by Labit Jr, and
6,641,124 by Melanson. Typical prior art devices involve clamping about one of
the
pipe sections with pipe engaging members extending from the clamp to engage
the
other pipe section.
In each instance of the prior art noted above, the pipe engaging
members frictionally engage the second pipe, which may cause damage to the
second pipe as the second pipe is displaced relative to the first pipe during
pipe
alignment. The friction may also make it difficult to align the second pipe by
rotation
or longitudinal displacement relative to the first pipe so that accurate
alignment is
somewhat resisted by the frictional forces.
Another problem with many prior art pipe aligning tools is the limited
ability to customize the number and location of pipe engaging members. For
example
6,641,124 by Melanson (noted above) discloses a pipe aligning device which
uses a
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chain to clamp a plurality of pipe engaging members onto a first pipe section
so that
they are suitably positioned for engaging and supporting a second pipe section
to be
aligned with the first pipe section. Any repositioning of pipe engaging
members or the
addition of another pipe engaging member if it is later found to be required,
necessitates releasing the chain so that all support of the second pipe
section relative
to the first pipe section is lost. Likewise, US 4,726,575 by Dearman (also
noted
above) similarly uses a chain to clamp about the first pipe section, but the
pipe
engaging members further require the chain to be threaded therethrough such
that
any repositioning of pipe engaging members or the addition of another pipe
engaging
member also necessitates releasing the chain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a pipe
alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to
be joined,
the tool comprising:
a clamp member comprising a plurality of modular sections arranged to
be connected in series in a circumferential direction so as to be clamped
circumferentially about the first pipe section;
at least some of the modular sections including respective designated
mounting locations formed thereon such that designated mounting locations are
arranged to be located at circumferentially spaced apart positions about the
first pipe
section; and
at least one pipe engaging member mountable on the designated
mounting location of one of the modular sections of the clamp member so as to
extend longitudinally from a first end fixed to the clamp member to an
opposing
second end adapted to overlap the second pipe section such that the pipe
engaging
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member extends across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second
pipe sections so as to engage the second pipe section.
By mounting the pipe engaging members in abutment with an outer
surface of the sections of the clamp member, two levels of adjustment are
permitted.
Firstly, the modular sections of the clamp member can be assembled to adjust
the
number and location of the designated mounting locations prior to attachment
to the
first pipe section. Secondly, individual ones of the pipe engaging members can
be
detached for repositioning, or new pipe engaging members can be added where
additional support is found to be required during a pipe alignment procedure,
without
loss of support by other ones of the pipe engaging members.
Preferably the clamp member further comprises two end sections
between which the modular sections are arranged to be connected in series, the
two
end sections being connected by a clamping fastener extending therebetween in
the
circumferential direction of the first pipe section.
The tool may further be arranged such that: i) the clamping fastener
includes a threaded shaft and a head having a bevelled inner end supported on
one
end of the threaded shaft; ii) one end section has a threaded bore which
threadably
receives the threaded shaft therein; iii) another end section has a fastener
slot
receiving the threaded shaft therethrough; and iv) the fastener slot has a
mating
bevelled surface at one end thereof which is arranged to mate with the
bevelled inner
end of the head of the clamping fastener so as to self-center the clamping
fastener
relative to the respective end section.
Preferably at least one modular section includes a plurality of teeth
protruding from an inner side thereof so as to be arranged for biting
engagement with
the first pipe section.
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4
Each modular section may extend in the circumferential direction of the
first pipe section between a first end including a plurality of teeth
protruding from an
inner side thereof so as to be arranged for biting engagement with the first
pipe
section, and a second end arranged to be pivotally coupled to the first end of
an
adjacent modular section.
Preferably each modular section has an inner side which is generally
concave between the first and second ends.
Each pipe engaging member is preferably arranged to be secured to the
respective designated mounting location using a threaded fastener.
Preferably each pipe engaging member is arranged to be supported in
abutment with an outer surface of the clamp member.
When the clamp member has an inner side arranged for abutment with
the pipe engaging member in a clamped position about the first pipe section,
preferably the clamp member is arranged to support said at least one pipe
engaging
member thereon at a location which is radially outward relative to the inner
side.
Preferably each pipe engaging member is arranged to be secured to the
clamp member using a threaded fastener.
Preferably each pipe engaging member includes a threaded fastener
rotatably retained thereon which is arranged for threaded connection with the
clamp
member.
When the clamp member includes an end face, preferably the inner end
of said at least one pipe engaging member is stepped to define: i) a first end
surface
in abutment with the outer surface of the clamp member, ii) a second end
surface
offset radially from the first end surface, and iii) a shoulder surface
between the first
and second end surfaces which is in abutment with the end face of the clamp
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member.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
5 Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pipe alignment tool according
to a
first embodiment;
Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the pipe alignment tool according
to the first embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of one of the pipe engaging members
according to the first embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an elevational view of the pipe engaging member according
to the first embodiment of Figure 1 as viewed radially outward from the
longitudinal
axis;
Figure 5 is an elevational view of a portion of the pipe engaging member
according to the first embodiment of Figure 1 from the opposing direction
relative to
Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of one of the
pipe engaging members;
Figure 7 is an elevational view of the pipe engaging member according
to the second embodiment of Figure 6 as viewed radially outward from the
longitudinal axis;
Figure 8 is an elevational view of the pipe engaging member according
to the second embodiment of Figure 6 from the opposing direction relative to
Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a first end elevational view of the pipe engaging member
according to the second embodiment of Figure 6;
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Figure 10 is a second end elevational view of the pipe engaging
member according to the second embodiment of Figure 6;
Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the clamp member according
to the second embodiment of Figure 6;
Figure 12 is end elevational view of a further embodiment of the clamp
member shown separated from the pipe sections;
Figure 13 is a top plan view of the clamp member according to the
embodiment of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is an end elevational view of the clamp member according to
the embodiment of Figure 12, shown clamped about the first pipe section;
Figure 15 is a section view along the line 15-15 in Figure 13 of a portion
of one of the end sections of the clamp member; and
Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the clamp member according to
the embodiment of Figure 12, shown clamped about the first pipe section with
one of
the pipe engaging members according to Figures 6 through 10 shown mounted
thereon in engagement with the second pipe section.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts
in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a pipe
alignment tool generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The tool 10 is
suited for
joining two pipe sections 12 such that the ends 14 are abutted in alignment
with one
another forming a seam between the abutted ends where the pipe sections. The
pipe
sections may be joined either by welding or by bolting together flanges 16 at
the ends
of the pipe as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
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Although several embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying
Figures, the common features of the various embodiments will first be
described
herein. In each instance, the tool 10 is particularly suited for clamping onto
a first pipe
section 12 adjacent the end thereof, for example about the end flange 16 while
engaging the second pipe similarly at the end flange 16 to support and align
the
second pipe relative to the first pipe. The tool engages the second pipe
adjacent the
end of the pipe. The tool comprises a clamp member 18 which clamps onto the
first
pipe section.
In the illustrated embodiments, one pipe engaging member 24 is
mounted on the clamp member 18 so as to be positioned adjacent the bottom of
the
pipe in use so that the second pipe section can rest on the pipe engaging
member to
carry the weight of the second pipe section on the first pipe section during
relative
alignment. Typically a plurality of pipe engaging members 24 are mounted at
evenly
circumferentially spaced positions about the longitudinal axis of the clamp
member so
that the pipe engaging members 24 collectively center the second pipe
coaxially with
the first pipe. More particularly, a set of four pipe engaging members at
evenly
spaced positions in the longitudinal direction is particularly advantageous
for optimally
supporting the two pipe sections relative to one another.
Each pipe engaging member 24 comprises a first portion 26 fixed to the
clamp member and a second portion 28 which is adjustably coupled to the first
portion
and adapted to engage the second pipe in rolling contact therewith.
The first portion 26 includes a base portion 30 secured to a respective
portion 20 of the clamp member in fixed relation either by welding or by
securing the
base portion with bolts to studs welded on the clamp member. A leg 32 extends
radially outward from the base portion in relation to the longitudinal axis of
the clamp
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member. An arm 34 of the first portion is fixed to the leg 32 and extends
axially in the
longitudinal direction from a first end fixed to the leg at a location spaced
radially
outward from the base portion to an opposing second end adapted to overlap the
second pipe by spanning across the seam between the abutted pipe sections.
The second portion 28 is connected to the second end of the arm 34 of
the first portion so as to extend radially inward towards an inner end 36 for
engaging
the second pipe. The second portion generally comprises an elongate threaded
rod
which is threadably received through a threaded aperture or nut formed at the
second
end at the arm of the first portion. Accordingly rotating the rod about a
respective
radial axis of the clamp causes the second portion to be radially displaced
and
adjusted in radial position relative to the clamp member and the pipe section
upon
which it is secured.
In some instances the second portion 28 comprises a threaded rod with
a blunt end for contacting the second pipe section. Alternatively, as shown in
Figures
1 through 11, a rolling contact at the inner end 36 of the second portion 28
is used
such that the second pipe is rotatably adjustable about its longitudinal axis
as well as
being readily moveable in an axial or longitudinal direction. In this
instance, a bearing
member 38 is mounted at the inner end of the second portion in the form of a
freely
rolling ball received within a socket 40 formed in the inner end of the second
portion of
the pipe engaging member. A cap member 42 is threaded onto the inner end of
the
second portion overtop of the ball defining the bearing member 38 so as to
retain the
bearing member within the socket. A central opening in the cap 42 allows the
bearing
member to protrude outwardly beyond the cap for rolling contact with the
second pipe
with which it engages.
The bearing is supported for free rotation in the any direction including
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rolling movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis when rotating
the
second pipe about its longitudinal axis as well as rolling movement about an
axis
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when axially displacing the second
pipe
towards and away from the first pipe.
The socket 40 is suitably sized to allow some radial displacement of the
bearing member within the socket relative to the first and second portions of
the pipe
engaging member. A spring 44 is mounted within the socket between the bearing
member and the internal end of the socket so as to urge the bearing member in
the
radial direction relative to the second portion 28 towards the central
longitudinal axis
about which the clamp is aligned.
A grease port 46 is formed to extend in a radial direction through the
second portion 28 of the pipe engaging member for communication at an inner
end
with the bearing member in the socket 40 and for communication at an outer end
with
a nipple 48 formed on the outer end of the second portion. The nipple includes
an
injection port therethrough permitting attachment of a suitable grease gun or
the like
to inject grease through the grease port to maintain the bearing member well
lubricated relative to the socket.
Also as shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 through 11, the first
embodiment of the clamp member 18 is a generally annular member which
encircles
a longitudinal axis so as to be adapted to be clamped circumferentially about
the first
pipe section in which the longitudinal axis of the clamp is aligned with the
longitudinal
direction of the pipe section. More particularly, according to Figures 1
through 11, the
clamp member 18 comprises two semi-circular portions 20, each extending near
180
degrees about the circumference of the pipe section. Opposing ends of each
portion
20 include bolt flanges 22 projecting radially outward from the longitudinal
axis with
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bolt apertures formed therein such that the bolt flanges of one portion 20 can
be
bolted to the corresponding flanges of the other portion to fully encircle the
pipe
section and clamp the pipe section therebetween. Due to the two portions each
spanning less than 180 degrees, a gap remains between the opposing ends of the
5 two portions so that tightening the bolts joining the bolt flanges causes
the clamp
member 18 to be clamped and frictionally retained relative to the pipe.
A second embodiment of the clamp member 18 is described below in
relation to the embodiment of Figures 12 through 16.
Turning now more particularly to the embodiment of Figures 1 through 4,
10 the pipe engaging member in this instance is arranged such that the base
portion 30
of each pipe engaging member comprises a flange which extends in the
circumferential direction for overlapping an outer surface of a portion of the
clamp
member. The flange is joined by welding or by various fastening techniques to
the
clamp member at a selected mounting location. The leg 32 and the arm 34 are
integrally joined in fixed and seamless connection with the flange forming the
base
portion 30.
Turning now to both the embodiments of Figures 6 through 11 and
Figures 12 through 16, the pipe engaging member instead mounts at designated
mounting locations 50 formed at circumferentially spaced apart positions on
the clamp
member 18. Each pipe engaging member is arranged to be selectively supported
at
any one of the designated mounting locations so as to be readily separable
from the
clamp member. The designated mounting locations 50 comprise respective
threaded
bores formed in the body of the clamp member about respective radially
oriented axis
at evenly spaced apart positions, for example at 1.5 inch intervals in the
circumferential direction.
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Position of each pipe engaging members is thus readily adjustable in the
circumferential direction. This is desirable for example to position the pipe
engaging
members out of the way of obstructions that would prevent stud and bearing
from
contacting the other surface. Another advantage to adjustable placement of the
pipe
engaging members is when a gasket needs to be installed between the flanges.
Because of the circular gasket design for flanges, there is a certain amount
of spacing
required in order for the gasket to fit between the studs and bearings. More
typically a
user would place four pipe engaging members equally spaced around the collar
of the
clamping member to maximize the alignment of the circular surfaces relative to
one
another.
Each pipe engaging member in this instance includes a main body 52
defining the leg 32 and the arm 34 noted above. A bore 54 extends fully
through the
main body in a radial direction relative to the clamp member and pipe sections
in
alignment with the leg 32 to receive a threaded bolt 56 extending fully
therethrough.
A head of the bolt 56 is arranged to abut an outer side of the body 52 while
the
opposing threaded end of the bolt 56 protrudes radially inwardly beyond an
engaging
surface 57 about the bore the inner side of the body 52 which abuts the
corresponding outer surface of the clamp member in a mounted position. As
shown
in the accompanying figures, each pipe engaging member 24 abuts an outer
surface
of the clamp member 18 so as to permit removal from the clamp member and
reattachment to the clamp member at a different mounting location 50 while the
clamp
member 18 remains secured about a respective pipe section 12. As further shown
in
the Figures, the clamp member has an inner side arranged for abutment with the
pipe
engaging member in a clamped position about the first pipe section in which
the
clamp member is arranged to support said at least one pipe engaging member
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12
thereon at a location which is radially outward relative to the inner side.
The threaded end of the bolt is thus arranged to be received in threaded
connection into a selected one of the threaded bores in the clamp member when
the
body is abutted with the outer side of the clamping member. The bolt has a
suitable
length such that the threaded end protrudes from the body by a radial distance
which
is less than a radial thickness of the body of the clamping member, which may
be 5/8
of an inch for example, such that the bolts do not engage through the clamp
member
into the pipe sections.
The bore 54 receiving the bolt 56 therein is sufficient oversized relative
to the bolt that the bolt is freely rotatable within the bore. The inner end
of the bore
includes a recessed counter bore 58 of increased diameter to accommodate a
snap
ring 60 in a corresponding groove about the bolt. The groove in the bolt is
located
relative to the bolt head so as to be received within the counter bore 58 when
the bolt
head is abutted with the outer side of the body. The snap ring 60 serves to
retain the
bolt rotatable within the bore 54 by abutment with an inner end face of the
counter
bore 58 even when the bolt is threadably released from a corresponding bore in
the
clamp member such that the bolt remains readily accessible for reattachment to
the
clamp member at a different mounting location.
The inner end of the leg portion 32 of the body is stepped to define the
engaging surface 57 which is recessed radially into the body relative to a
remaining
end face 61. The resulting shoulder 62 defined between the engaging surface 57
abutting the outer side of the clamp member and the remaining end face 61 is
located
relative to the bolt and threaded bore such that the shoulder abuts a
corresponding
end face 64 of the clamp member when the bolt and threaded bore are aligned.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the second
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13
portion 28 of the pipe engaging member comprises a hydraulic piston cylinder
assembly in which the cylinder is anchored onto the first portion 26 and the
piston is
extendable relative to the cylinder to extend radially inward towards the
central
longitudinal axis. The bearing member 38 in this instance is supported within
a
respective socket 40 in the inner end of the piston. Hydraulic pressure can be
used to
urge the bearing member inwardly into engagement with the pipe section in this
instance such that a spring member 44 may not be required within the socket.
Turning now to Figures 12 through 18, a further embodiment of ihe
clamp member 18 is illustrated. In this instance, the body of the clamp member
comprises a plurality of sections connected in series with one another in the
circumferential direction of clamping about the end of the first pipe section.
The
sections include a first end section 100, a second end section 102 and a
plurality of
intermediate modular sections 104 connected in series between the opposing
first and
second end sections.
Each intermediate modular section 104 is pivotally coupled to adjacent
sections about respective pivot axes which are all parallel to one another and
the axial
direction of the pipe sections about which the clamp member is clamped. Each
intermediate section 104 has a body which extends generally in the
circumferential
direction of the pipe section between a first end 106 and a second end 108
thereof.
An inner side 110 of the body is generally concave between the first and
second ends
so as not to interfere with engagement of the first and second ends with the
outer
periphery of the pipe through a large range of pipe diameters.
A plurality of teeth 112 protrude inwardly from the inner side of each
section, particularly at the first end thereof for biting engagement with the
outer
periphery of the pipe section upon which it is engaged in use. The opposing
second
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14
end may further include teeth at the inner side thereof, or alternatively the
second end
may be arranged for biting engagement solely by the teeth at the first end of
an
adjacent section of the clamp member coupled thereto.
At the first end of each intermediate modular section 104, there is
provided a first set of knuckles 114 protruding from the end of the main body
in the
circumferential direction about the pipe section. Each first knuckle 114
includes a
pivot aperture extending therethrough such that the pivot apertures are all
aligned
with one another to define the pivot axis of relative pivotal movement between
that
modular section and an adjacent modular section of the clamp member.
At the opposing second end, the body of each intermediate modular
section 104 further includes a plurality of second knuckles 116 which protrude
in the
circumferential direction of the pipe section beyond the end of the main body
for
mating reception between adjacent first knuckles 114 of an adjacent section of
like
configuration. The second knuckles similarly include pivot apertures therein
which
align with the pivot apertures in the first knuckles to receive a common pivot
pin 118
slidably therethrough which retains the first and second knuckles coupled to
one
another between two adjacent intermediate modular sections. The pivot pin 118
includes a head at one end and a spring loaded retainer ball at the opposing
end to
retain the pivot pin essentially within the corresponding pivot apertures of
the two
adjacent modular sections which it couples together.
All of the intermediate modular sections are identical to one another so
as to be readily interchangeable with one another and so as to permit more
sections
or fewer sections to be connected in series between the first and second end
sections
according to the pipe diameter about which the clamp member is to be secured.
The
axial width of each second knuckle closely fits between adjacent first
knuckles and the
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axial width of the first knuckles closely fit between second knuckles to limit
relative
movement to a pivotal movement about the pivot pins. In the illustrated
embodiment
two first knuckles are provided at the first end of each section and three
second
knuckles are provided at the second end thereof.
5 The
designated mounting locations 50 comprise a single threaded bore
120 centrally located in the main body of each intermediate modular section so
as to
be centered both in the widthwise direction corresponding to the axial
direction of the
pipe section and in the lengthwise or circumferential orientation relative to
the pipe
section. The bore 120 extends fully through the main body of the modular
section
10
between the inner side and an opposing outer side against which a respective
one of
the pipe engaging members 24 is abutted in a mounted position thereon.
Mounting of
the pipe engagement member 24 is substantially identical to the mounting
thereof on
the clamp member according to the embodiment of Figures 6 through 11.
The first end section 100 has an inner side which is also concave and
15
locates teeth 112 protruding inwardly from the inner side thereof for biting
engagement with the outer periphery of the pipe section. A set of second
knuckles
protrude from the inner end thereof for mating connection with the first
knuckles of an
adjacent intermediate modular section for relative pivotal movement
therebetween. At
the opposing end, the first end section includes an upright flange 122 which
is
oriented to extend generally radially relative to the pipe section and
perpendicularly to
the circumferential direction in a mounted position about the pipe section. A
threaded
bore 124 extends fully through the upright flange of the first end section for
threaded
connection to the threaded shaft of a clamp fastener 126 as described further
below.
The second end section 120 is similarly arranged to include a set of first
knuckles 114 at the inner end thereof for mating connection with the second
knuckles
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16
of an adjacent intermediate modular section. The inner side of the second end
section also includes teeth 112 thereon which protrude inwardly for biting
engagement
with the outer periphery of the pipe section. An upright flange 122 is mounted
at the
opposing end of the second end section to be similarly oriented radially and
perpendicularly to the circumferential direction of a pipe section about which
the
clamp member is secured. The upright flange of the second end section includes
a
fastener slot 128 formed therein which extends radially outward to be open at
the
outermost end of the flange. The flange is thus substantially U-shaped about
the
fastener slot 128. An inner edge about the fastener slot is beveled.
The clamp fastener 126 includes a threaded shaft with a head at one
end thereof in which the inner end of the head is similarly beveled to mate
with the
bevel of the fastener slot 128. The beveled surfaces effectively self-center
the clamp
fastener 126 relative to the fastener slot 128.
In use, the clamp member is assembled by using a selected number of
intermediate modular sections 104 coupled between the first and second end
sections
so that the overall length corresponds approximately to the circumference of
the first
pipe section upon which the clamp member is to be secured. The clamp fastener
126
threaded into the bore of the first end section is then aligned and received
into the
fastener slot of the second end section so that tightening of the clamp
fastener into
the threaded bore pulls the two upright flanges 122 towards one another to
reduce the
overall circumference of the clamp member for overall clamping engagement
about
the first pipe section.
One or more pipe engaging members are then threadably connected to
the designated mounted locations 50 of one or more intermediate modular
sections to
provide support to a second pipe section supported thereon similarly to the
use of the
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17
first embodiment of the tool.
As shown in Figure 16, the second portion 28 of the pipe engaging
member comprises conventional bolt or threaded rod having a beveled free end
for
engagement with the outer periphery of the second pipe section as opposed to
the
rolling contact of the bearing member 38 described above with regard to
previous
embodiments; however a rolling contact as described above may also be used
with
the embodiment of Figures 12 to 16 if desired. The threaded bores defining the
designated mounting locations 50 are externally accessible to permit pipe
engaging
members to be readily separated and reattached to different ones of the
intermediate
modular sections as desired. Pipe engaging members can thus be placed where
additional support and alignment between the two pipe sections to be joined is
desired.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein
above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made
within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit
and
scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying
specification shall
be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
