Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02588543 2007-05-11
FLEXIBLE PIPE ENCLOSURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for the
protection of conduit systems particularly underground conduit systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous industries utilize conduits for transferring, distribution or
protection
of materials extending over a distance. While numerous conduits are available,
one
1o particularly useful conduit includes pipe portions or the like, which can
be linkably
attached. Examples of products that may be transferred through pipe portions
includes natural gas, propane, water, petroleum, industrial products, paper
making
material, chemicals, waste product, nuclear product or byproduct, food
product, air
and other fluids. However, non-fluid materials may also be advantageously
housed
within pipe portions such as: electrical wire, cable wire, the like, or
otherwise.
In any case, it is desired to provide protection to these pipe portions and
any
attached fixture thereto from damaging conditions such as shifting earth,
corrosive
conditions or otherwise. Also, it may also be desired to seal these pipe
portions and
fixture from surrounding environmental conditions, or alternatively seal low
pressure
fluid leaks originating from the pipe portions or fixture.
In one exemplary utility field, a natural gas supply, including a network of
main
gas lines, is provided for delivering natural gas to different localities of a
service
region. From these main gas lines, branches extend to further supply more
specific
areas (e.g., blocks, subdivisions, business sector or otherwise), which may
further
branch to feed individual homes, business, or otherwise, with natural gas.
In connecting these homes, business or otherwise to a natural gas supply
network, a fixture, such as a valve, may be utilized to control the flow of
natural gas.
This control is desired during repair or alteration of a gas line, removal or
the addition
of gas lines, or otherwise. This control is also desired during emergency
occurrences
such as failure of the natural gas line.
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In accessing these pipe, utility companies typically excavate large portions
of
earth in order gain access to these components. This type of excavation
results in
the formation of ditches, craters, holes or otherwise so as to allow
individuals to
physically climb down to where the pipe portions and fixtures are located.
This type of
excavating process requires the use of heavy machinery (e.g., diggers,
excavators,
etc.) to remove the dirt, concrete or otherwise. Not only is this method time
consuming and costly, due in part to the purchase and upkeep of equipment, but
it is
also inconvenient for surrounding homes and business's who must tolerate
noise,
road conditions and obstacles resulting therefrom.
In response to the above excavation inconveniences, the utility industry has
responded with the use of keyhole technology, which has been found to be cost
effective. Keyhole technology is the accessing of underground equipment by
creating
small and substantially vertical holes over pipe portions and fixtures, or
otherwise.
This typically results in the formation of cylindrical-shaped holes, or
otherwise, having
substantially vertical walls. Typically, these holes are small wherein a
person would
not normally be able to access the underground pipes without the use of tools.
Examples of keyhole forming tools include drills, hydro cutting/digging tools,
siphoning mechanism, the like or otherwise.
Upon completion of work to these pipe portions and/or fixtures, these
components may be left with insufficient protection from surrounding
environmental
conditions (e.g., corrosion, earth shifting or otherwise).
Attempts have been made to protect these pipes by coating the pipe portion
and fixture with anti-corrosion agents or wraps. However, the application of
these
protective measures has proven challenging due to the space constraints within
a
keyhole.
Given the difficulty in protecting underground pipe portions and fixtures,
particularly within a keyhole, there is a need for protective systems, methods
of
protection, and tools for the installation of the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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The present invention meets the needs of the industry by providing systems
and methods for forming enclosures for the protection of elongated components,
particularly pipe portions extending therein, from corrosion.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a flexible enclosure for one or
more elongated members, such as pipe portions. The enclosure includes a
unitary
structure forming a plurality of members continuously attached to each other.
The
plurality of members having a circumferal portion and lateral side portions
extending
from the circumferal portion, wherein each of the members are flexibly
attached to
each other through an integrally formed flexible hinge to allow movement of
the
enclosure between an open position and closed position. When the enclosure is
in
the closed position one or more of the lateral side portions define a first
opening
extending through the enclosure and one or more of the circumferal portions
define a
second opening extending through at least a portion of the enclosure. The
first
opening is configured to receive an elongated member, such as a first pipe
member,
and the second opening is configured to receive another elongated member, such
as
a second pipe member.
In another aspect, the present invention provides another enclosure for a pipe
portion. The enclosure includes a first member having a circumferal portion
surrounding at least a portion of an axis of the enclosure. The first member
also
includes a first and second lateral portion extending from sides of the
circumferal
portion, wherein the circumferal portion and the first and second lateral
portion form a
portion of a cavity of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second
member
having a circumferal portion surrounding at least a portion of an axis of the
enclosure.
The second member also includes a first and second lateral portion extending
from
sides of the circumferal portion, wherein the circumferal portion and the
first and
second lateral portion form a portion of a cavity of the enclosure. The
enclosure
further includes a third member having a circumferal portion surrounding at
least a
portion of an axis of the enclosure. The third member also includes a first
and second
lateral portion extending from sides of the circumferal portion, wherein the
circumferal
portion and the first and second lateral portion form a portion of a cavity of
the
enclosure. The enclosure further includes a fourth member having a circumferal
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portion surrounding at least a portion of an axis of the enclosure The fourth
member
also includes a first and second lateral portion extending from sides of the
circumferal
portion, wherein the circumferal portion and the first and second lateral
portion form a
portion of a cavity of the enclosure. A first hinge member is provided for
connecting
the first and second member thereby providing rotational movement of the first
member with respect to the second member. A second hinge member is provided
for
connecting the second and third member thereby providing rotational movement
of
the second member with respect to the third member. A third hinge member is
provided for connecting the third and fourth member thereby providing
rotational
movement of the third member with respect to the fourth member. The first,
second,
third and fourth members are moveable to form an enclosure which is capable of
movement between an open position and a closed position, wherein the enclosure
defines at least one opening for allowing a member to extend from within
and/or
through the enclosure.
It should be appreciated that the above referenced aspects and examples are
non-limiting as other exists with the present invention as shown and described
herein. Still further, it should be appreciated that the above referenced
aspects and
examples of the invention may be combined to form other unique configurations,
as
demonstrated in the drawings, or otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an enclosure of the
present invention enclosing a junction between two pipe members.
Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an enclosure of
the present invention in an open position.
Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 in a
partial open position.
Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 in a
closed position.
Fig. 5 illustrates a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2
in
an open position.
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Fig. 6 illustrates a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2
in a
closed position.
Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of an enclosure of the present invention during
forming of the same.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention provides enclosures and methods of forming the same
1o for protecting underground conduits and fixtures extending therefrom from
damages
resulting from attempted utility repairs, material corrosion, shifting earth
or otherwise.
In one aspect, this protection is in the form of an enclosure having a
plurality of
members adapted to enclose one or more conduits (such as pipe portions) and
attached fixture (such as a valve). The enclosure is adapted to move from an
open
position to a closed position. Preferably, the plurality of members are
hingedly
attached to guide the enclosure between the open and closed position.
The enclosure provides a barrier between the surrounding environment (e.g.,
earth, moisture, ultraviolet rays or otherwise) and one or more pipe portions
and
fixture. Preferably, the enclosure provides a cavity between the enclosed pipe
portions and fixture and the surrounding environment. Accordingly, in one
aspect of
the present invention, a protective agent may fill all of a portion of the
cavity. This
protective agent may include an anti-corrosion agent to provide corrosion
protection
to the pipe portions and fixture located therein.
In application, the enclosure may be used with most conduit systems which
may or may not have features or branches extending therefrom. However, an
advantageous application is in the in the utility supply sector (e.g., gas,
water,
telephone, electricity, cable television or otherwise). A still more
advantageous
application may be in the delivery of natural gas to homes, businesses and the
like
using a network of underground natural gas pipes, wherein a fixture or
otherwise is
used to connect the homes, businesses to a main gas supply network.
In any of the above applications, or otherwise, the present invention is
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particularly useful in conjunction with keyholes or typical holes used for
accessing
underground pipe portions and fixtures. As previously discussed, keyhole
forming
comprises the accessing of underground components for modification, repair or
otherwise. This includes forming a substantially vertical hole, typically
formed in a
ground surface, for accessing the desired pipe portion. For example, a
circular hole
may be created having a diameter less than about one half meter with
substantially
vertical walls. Similarly, square or rectangular holes may also be formed
having
substantially vertical walls. It should be appreciated that the hole may be
sized to
minimize disturbance to the surrounding area. This minimized size often makes
it
difficult for a person to enter the keyhole to access these pipe portions
without the
use of tools. As such, the enclosure of the present invention is adapted to be
placed
into the above-mentioned keyholes and manipulated to enclose one or more pipe
portions and fixtures attached thereto.
Lowering and placement of the enclosure about the pipe portion and fixture
may be achieved with the assistance of keyhole tools. By example, these tools
may
include clasping components, manipulating components or otherwise, which are
suitable for raising, lowering, and manipulating components of the enclosure
to
depths of six or more feet.
Optionally, before, during or after enclosure of a pipe portion and fixture,
any
resulting cavity located between pipe portions fixture and the enclosure may
be filled
with a protective agent to provide corrosion protection to the enclosed
components.
Alternatively, or in conjunction therewith, a protective wrap or material may
be placed
on the pipe portion and/or fixture.
While the following description recites pipe portions and fixtures attached
thereto, it should be appreciated that the enclosure of the present invention
may be
used with other types of elongated conduits and attached features as discussed
herein. By example, other fixtures may include valves, joints, fittings,
connectors,
metering devices, combinations thereof or otherwise.
As enclosures of the present invention are configured to enclose one or more
members it is contemplated that the enclosure moves between an open and closed
position for receiving and enclosing such members. In one preferred
configuration,
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the enclosure is capable of flexibly moving between an open position and a
closed
position. This flexible movement may include elastic deformation for allowing
the
enclosure to reside in a first relaxed state (e.g. open or closed position)
and reside in
a second stressed state (e.g. the other of said open or closed position). This
flexible
movement may alternatively include plastic deformation for allowing the
enclosure to
reside in a first relaxed state and a second relaxed state were no external
force is
require to maintain the enclosure in the position. Still further, the flexible
movement
may include a combination of elastic and plastic deformation. However, in one
preferred configuration, the enclosure resides in a relaxed state while in a
closed
position such that upon release of the enclosure from an open position or
otherwise
the enclosure surrounds and substantially encloses the components therein
(e.g.
pipes, valves, etc.) without the additional of external forces.
The enclosure includes a first opening extending through at least a portion of
the enclosure for receiving an elongated member, such as a pipe portion. In
one
preferred configuration, the first opening extends entirely through the
enclosure for
allowing the elongated member to extend uninterruptedly through the enclosure,
while still providing protection to the enclosed portion of the elongated
member.
Optionally, the enclosure may be further configured with a second opening
extending
through at least a portion of the enclosure. In one configuration, the second
opening
extends through one side of the enclosure for allowing a second elongated
member
to extend from the first elongated member. This is particularly advantageous
with
joining pipe members wherein the pipe member extending through the second
opening is fluidly connected to the pipe member extending through the first
member,
such as through a fixture (e.g. valve or otherwise).
One particular advantageous feature of the present invention is the ability to
form the enclosure of the present invention into or from a unitary structure.
More
specifically, the enclosure of the present invention may be formed from a
single
member and more particularly a single sheet of formed material. In this
configuration
a sheet of preferred material may be formed, cut and shaped to a preferred
configuration. After forming, the enclosure is formed of a unitary integrally
formed
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structure configured to flexibly move between an open and closed position for
receiving a pipe portion.
Referring to the drawings, one configuration of the enclosure 10 of the
present
invention is shown. The enclosure generally includes one or more and
preferably a
plurality of members 12 configured to form the enclosure of the present
invention.
The one or more members are configured to elastically deform, plastically
deform or
both, to allow the enclosure to move between an open position and a closed
position.
The enclosure includes a circumferal surface 14 generally formed about an axis
(e.g.
the peripheral portion) and lateral surfaces 16 located adjacent to the
circumferal
1o surface 14. The combination of the circumferal surface and lateral surface
are
configured to substantially form the enclosure of the present invention.
In the configurations shown, the enclosure is configured to enclose a portion
of
a first pipe portion 18 (such as a main pipe) and optionally a portion of a
second pipe
portion 20 (such as a branch extending from the main pipe). The first and
second
pipe portions may be joined through a fixture, such as a valve 21.
Accordingly, it is
contemplated that the lateral side portions 16 may form a first opening 22 for
receiving the first pipe portion 20 and the circumferal portion may include a
second
opening 24 for receiving the second pipe portion.
In a preferred configuration, the one or more of the members are flexible
attached or formed to allow for opening and closing of the enclosure.
Preferably, the
one or more members are hingedly attached, via a hinge 26, to allow for
flexible
movement. In the specific configuration shown, the members flexibly attached
through a living hinge.
In any of the configurations discussed herein, it is contemplated that the one
or more members 12 forming the enclosure may include an outer circumferal
portion
28 which acts to surround a first pipe portion 18, particularly an axis of the
pipe
portion. When the enclosure is in a closed position it is contemplated that
one or
more of the members may overlap to provide increased rigidity to the
enclosure,
improved enclosure, or otherwise. It is also contemplated that each of the one
or
more members 12 may include one or more lateral side portions 30 extending
from
the outer circumferal portions. The lateral side portions of the one or more
members
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act to form the lateral surface 16 of the enclosure. In this configuration,
the
combination of the outer circumferal portions and lateral side portions act to
form the
enclosure for the one or more pipe portions and fixtures located within the
enclosure.
The circumferal portions 28 extend about the enclosure to form the circumferal
surface 14 of the enclosure. The circumferal portions may be square and/or
rectangular in shape, though other configurations are available. In the
configurations
shown, the circumferal portions include a flat surface. However, it is also
contemplated that other surface configurations are available such as arcuate
surfaces or combinations of flat and arcuate surfaces or otherwise. In view of
the
1o foregoing, it is contemplated that the circumferal surface of the enclosure
may be
formed of a plurality of flat surfaces, combinations of flat and arcuate
surfaces, or a
continuous arcuate surface such to form a circular surface, elliptical
surface, or
otherwise.
It is contemplated that the enclosure may include one or more circumferal
portions to form the circumferal surfaces of the enclosure. For example, it is
contemplate that the enclosure may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more
circumferal
portions. It is also contemplated that one or more of the circumferal portions
may be
in an overlapping relationship. However, in one preferred configuration, the
number
of circumferal portions is equal to the number of members.
As previously mentioned, it is contemplated that the circumferal surface may
include one or more openings 24 for receiving a pipe portion. The openings may
be
formed through one or both sides of the enclosure depending upon whether the
pipe
portion is to extend through the entire enclosure. In extending through one
side of the
enclosure, it is contemplated that the opening may be formed in one or more
circumferal portions. For example, in configurations where circumferal
portions are in
an overlapping relationship, it is contemplated that the opening may be formed
through and by the overlapping circumferal portions. In a specific example,
referring
to Fig. 1, the opening is formed through overlapping circumferal portions.
Each of the
overlapping circumferal portions is formed with a groove 32 or the like for
allowing a
pipe portion to move through the groove and into the opening. Preferably, the
grooved portion of the overlapping circumferal portions extends in opposite
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directions. In this configuration, the opposing circumferal portions are
brought
together until the pipe portion resides in the opening formed by the
overlapping
circumferal portions. As should be appreciated, the overlapping circumferal
portions
each form a portion of the opening. Accordingly, the final shape of the
opening may
not be formed until the overlapping circumferal portions are fully brought
together.
Optionally, the enclosure may include an attachment or retaining feature for
maintaining the enclosure in a closed position. It is also contemplated that
the
enclosure may include an attachment or retaining feature for maintaining the
pipe
portion within a formed opening or maintaining the shape of the opening. These
1o configurations may be particularly advantageous in assisting in limiting
the amount of
anti-corrosion fluids from exiting the enclosure. By forming first and second
openings
having a similar diameter to that of the pipe portions extending therethrough
the
amount of fluid escaping the enclosure may be reduced.
Examples of suitable attachment or retaining features include snap fits, hook
and latch configuration, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, friction fit, or
otherwise. In
one preferred configuration, Referring to Fig. 1, the attachment feature 34
comprises
a snap fitting adapted to engage a pipe portion located within the opening. In
this
configuration, the attachment feature is located on one of a pair of
overlapping
circumferal portions and extend inwardly from groove portion 32 formed in the
circumferal portion. The attachment feature includes one or more fingers 36
for
engaging the pipe portion. Preferably, the one or more fingers form an opening
smaller than a pipe portion residing within the opening but are elastically
deformable
to allow one direction passage of the pipe portion. The one or more fingers
are
orientated towards the opening to only allow for entry of the pipe portion
into the
opening. It should be appreciated that the attachment feature may be located
on both
of the overlapping circumeral portions.
The enclosure further includes lateral side portions 30 which preferably
extend
from the circumferal portions. The lateral side portions may extend from one
or both
sides of the circumferal portions. However, in one preferred configuration,
the lateral
side portions extend from both sides of one or more (or even all) of the
circumferal
portions. In any configuration, preferably the combination of lateral side
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CA 02588543 2007-05-11
extending from the circumferal portions of the enclosure form a suitable
lateral
surface of the enclosure for enclosing the one or more pipe portions.
One or more of the lateral side portions may be abutingly joined or in an
overlapping relationship. Such an overlapping relationship may be particularly
useful
in improving the structural integrity of the enclosure, preventing corrosion
agents from
exiting the enclosure, combination thereof or otherwise.
The number of lateral side portions for each side of the enclosure may include
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more lateral portions. However, in one preferred
configuration
the number of lateral side portions for each side of the enclosure is equal to
the
1o number of circumferal surfaces of the enclosure. For example, with an
enclosure that
is box like in shape it is contemplated that there exists four lateral side
portions per
side of the enclosure that may join to form the lateral surface of the
enclosure.
The lateral side portions may include any of the surface shapes of the
circumferal portions including flat, arcuate, contoured, combinations thereof
or
otherwise. The lateral sides may form a continuous surface with the
circumferal
portion, such as a continuous arcuate surface, or it may be distinct, such as
a flat
surface extending in a non-parallel direction (e.g. about 90 or otherwise)
with
respect to the surface of the circumferal portion.
As with the circumferal portion, it is contemplated that the lateral side
portions
may include or form an opening extending through one or both sides of the
enclosure. The opening may be formed by one or more, plurality, or even all of
the
lateral side portions. It is contemplated that when more than one lateral side
portions
forms the opening that the opening may not be in its final form (or fully
developed)
until the enclosure is in the closed position.
The shape of the openings formed in the circumferal portion and lateral side
portions may comprise any suitable shape for the elongated member extending
therethrough including geometric or non-geometric shapes. For example,
suitable
opening shapes include circular, oval or elliptical, square, rectangular,
triangular or
otherwise. Preferably, the shape of the opening corresponds to the exterior
shape of
the elongated member extending therethrough. With applications directed
towards
enclosing one or more pipe portions, it is contemplated that the shapes of the
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openings may be circular. Also, it is contemplated that the diameter of the
openings
may be substantially similar to the diameter of the elongated member extending
therethrough. It is contemplated that the diameter of the first opening is
larger than
the second opening since the first opening may be configured for receiving a
main
pipe portion and the second opening may be configured for receiving a branch
thereof. It is contemplated that the diameter of the first or second opening
may be
any common pipe diameter used in the natural gas industry. In one non-limiting
specific example, it is contemplated that the diameter of the first opening is
about
2.25 inches and the diameter of the second opening is about 1 inch.
Optionally, the circumferal side portions and/or lateral side portions forming
the first and second openings, or otherwise, may further define a sealing lip
about the
opening for engaging the enclosure with the elongated member extending
therethrough (e.g. pipe portion or otherwise). Optionally, the lip may extend
away (or
inwardly) from the circumferal or lateral surface to increase the contact
surface with
the elongated member for improving sealing therebetween. The enclosure (e.g.
sealing lip or otherwise) may include a sealing material (such as a gasket,
sealant,
adhesive or otherwise) for improving the seal between the enclosure and the
elongated member extending therethrough.
As previously mentioned, the members 12 including the circumferal portions
2o and lateral side portions are attached to each other. Preferably, one or
more (or even
all) of the members are flexibly attached to each other, which may include
plastic or
elastic deformation to cause movement of the members with respect to each
other. It
is contemplated that the enclosure may be configured to reside in a first
position in a
relaxed state and flexibly move to a second position through the one or more
flexible
hinge portions. In such a configuration, it may be desirable for the enclosure
to reside
in a closed position when the enclosure is in the relaxed state and flexibly
move to an
open position and tensioned second state. Accordingly, upon release of from
the
second open state the portions or members of the enclosure returns to a closed
position to form an enclosure suitable for enveloping or enclosing one or more
pipe
portions and fixtures attached thereto.
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As previously mentioned, any two of the members of the enclosure may be
flexibly attached for allowing the enclosure to move between an open position
and a
closed position. In one preferred configuration, movement through the hinge
configuration provides for repetitive movement between the open position and
the
closed position without substantial deformation or destruction of the
integrity of the
enclosure. In another preferred configuration, the hinge configuration allows
the
enclosure to elastically deform to an open position and return to a closed
position
without substantial plastic deformation of the enclosure.
Such flexible attachment may be through any suitable hinge configuration for
allowing the enclosure to move between an open and closed position. Suitable
hinges includes living hinges, frictionless hinges, piano-type hinges, pin or
pinless
hinges, butt hinges, barrel hinge, concealed hinges, blum hinges, gate hinges,
continuous hinges, piano hinges, spring hinges, hager hinges, weld on hinge,
concealed hinge, strap hinge, pivot hinges, amerock hinges, flat hinges, slip
hinges
or otherwise. However, in one preferred configuration, the hinge comprises a
living
hinge integrally formed with members and other components of the enclosure.
Such living hinge configurations are suitable for allowing repetitive movement
between the open and closed position with little to no appreciable plastic
deformation
of the hinge portion. However, it is also contemplated that plastic
deformation may
2o also be provided by the living hinge such that upon movement to either or
both of the
open or closed position the enclosure remains in that position.
Similarly, it is contemplated that attachment of the circumferal portions to
the
lateral side portions may also be through any of the configurations discussed
above
with respect to the attachment of the members 12. However, in one preferred
configuration, the attachment of the circumferal portions and lateral side
portions are
flexibly attached through a living hinge.
The enclosure may be further configured with one or more fluid openings 38
for receiving fluid, particularly an anti-corrosion agent 39, within the
enclosure. The
one or more fluid openings may be located or formed on a circumferal portion,
lateral
side portion or both. However, in one preferred configuration, the one or more
fluid
opening are formed on a top circumferal portion of the enclosure. This allows
material
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to be pumped or otherwise placed into the enclosure after installation of the
enclosure onto a pipe portion or otherwise. This is particularly advantageous
when
the enclosure is used on pipe portions located within a hole, such as a
keyhole or
typical hole.
Optionally, the enclosure includes a suitable fluid connector 40 associated
with
the fluid openings for receiving corrosion preventing material within the
system. It is
contemplated that the connector is configured to matingly link (via threaded
attachment, snap fit or otherwise) with a suitable delivery means for the
introduction
of material into the enclosure. As previously mentioned, preferably the
material
1o comprises characteristics which assist in preventing corrosion of a pipe
portion and
fixture.
Suitable materials that may be used to coat and protect the pipe portions and
fixture include hydrophobic materials. Preferably, the material is adapted to
displace
water from a pipe portion and/or form a substantial seal between the pipe
portion and
the surrounding environment. A preferred material has a material viscosity
such that
is adheres to pipe portion and fixture but is still flowable to allow the
material to fill the
cavity, wherein the cavity having the material is substantially free of voids.
However,
the material may be pourable material at a first temperature and be
substantially
solidified at a lower second temp. By example, the material may comprise or
otherwise include wax.
Another suitable material includes petroleum or a petroleum byproduct,
optionally; the petroleum product includes a wax. Suitable generic petroleum
products include oils, grease or other lubrication type products. More
specific
examples of suitable material include petroleum, wax-based product sold by
Trenton
Corporation of Ann Arbor, Michigan under the trade names Graycoat, Temcoat and
Fill Coat No. 6. However, one preferred agent is petroleum, wax-based product
sold
by Trenton Corporation of Ann Arbor, Michigan under the trade name Wax-Tape
Primer. The Wax-Tape Primer advantageously adheres to pipe portions and
fixtures
but still remains pourable or is otherwise capable of filling the cavity
leaving little to no
voids or air pockets.
Other examples of a suitable materials and delivery methods thereof which
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may be used in conjunction with the present invention can be found in commonly
owned U.S. Patent No. 4,469,469 herein incorporated by reference.
The strength and rigidity of the enclosure may vary depending on the
surrounding conditions. However, preferably the enclosure is configured to
resist
forces encountered in during underground utility applications (e.g., pressure
due to
applied layers of dirt placed there upon, jarring force due to excavating
machines or
hydro-forming tools, internal pressures originating from an enclosed pipe,
erosion or
movement of surrounding dirt or rock or otherwise). Accordingly, the enclosure
may
be rigid or semi-rigid to provide such benefits or otherwise. In a preferred
embodiment, the enclosure is rigid but flexible and can resist the above-
mentioned
forces without failure or substantial deformation such that the integrity of
the pipe
portions and fixture are substantially not compromised.
Suitable materials contemplated for the present enclosure includes metals,
plastics, rubber or otherwise. Preferred material includes materials that are
substantially resistance to sparks, corrosion, combinations thereof or
otherwise.
Other preferred material includes a rigid material, which is both spark and
corrosion
resistant. Optionally, the material of the enclosure may include reinforcing
material,
such as glass fibers or otherwise.
In one preferred configuration, the enclosure is formed of a transparent or
semi-transparent material which allows the contents to be viewed, particularly
during
filing of the enclosure with anti-corrosion agents. However, optionally, all
or part of
the enclosure may be configured with a marking or identification insignia
(such as a
color or otherwise), which assists in identification or discovery of the
enclosure within
a keyhole or otherwise. Marking or identification insignia may be formed with
the
components of the enclosure or maybe subsequently attached thereto.
Accordingly,
this would provide a means for distinguishing the enclosure from the
surrounding
environment. Furthermore, this will help prevent damage to the enclosure, pipe
portions and valve located therein during excavating. Preferably the color of
the
enclosure is distinguishable from the surrounding environment. Preferred
colors of
the present enclosure include bright or florescent colors. Examples of such
colors
include: yellow, green, blue, orange, red, white, black, combinations thereof
or
CA 02588543 2007-05-11
otherwise.
Also, it is contemplated that one or more additional layers may be applied to
the enclosure to enhance the performance of the enclosure. Such additional
layers
may include spark resistance materials, anticorrosion materials, adhesives,
reinforcing materials, pigmentation or otherwise. It should be appreciated
that the
additional layer may include or comprise an identifying color as described
herein.
The enclosure may be manufactured using common forming techniques such
as molding, casting, stamping or otherwise. One preferred method of
manufacturing
includes molding (such as extrusion, blow molding, rotational molding,
injection
molding, or otherwise) of the enclosure. The enclosure may be formed using
suitable
forming techniques for forming the members of the enclosure and may be
dependent
upon the material forming the enclosure.
In one preferred configuration, as shown in Fig. 9, the enclosure may be
integrally formed from a single material to form a unitary structure. For
example, the
enclosure may be formed from a single sheet of plastic material. The single
sheet of
material may be formed and/or shaped to form the enclosure. For example, the
sheet
may be segmented into the members forming the enclosure wherein each member is
attached to each other through the material. Each member includes an outer
circumferal portion and lateral side portions extending therefrom. In a
preferred
configuration, the lateral side portions are plastically deformed to become
generally
perpendicular to the circumferal portion. Also, each of the attached outer
circumferal
portions are also plastically deformed with respect to each other to become
generally
perpendicular, or otherwise, to an adjacent circumferal portion. Accordingly,
in one
configuration it is contemplated that each of the outer circumferal portion
reside
approximately perpendicular to an adjacent outer circumferal portion and each
of the
lateral side portion reside generally parallel with respect to each other. As
should be
appreciated, in applications with four or more members a box enclosure may be
formed.
The enclosure may be formed of any suitable shape for enclosing one more
pipe portions. In one preferred configuration, the enclosure forms a box
enclosure
having four outer circufural sides and two lateral sides. However, it should
be
16
CA 02588543 2007-05-11
appreciated that more or less outer circumferal sides may be formed including
3, 4, 5,
6, or more sides.
The outer circumferal sides and lateral sides may be formed of substantially
flat. However, it is further contemplated that one or more of the outer
circuferal sides
and/or lateral sides may be arcuate in shape. Also, the outer circuferal sides
or lateral
sides of the enclosure may include one or more contours for improving rigidity
to the
enclosure or other advantageous feature. Such contours may include ribs,
grooves,
lips or otherwise.
The enclosure forms a cavity having suitable volume for receiving the first
and
1o second pipe portions and fixture attached thereto. In one preferred
configuration, the
shape and volume of the enclosure is suitable for also receiving a valve for
connecting the first and second pipe portions. It is contemplated that the
volume of
the cavity is between about 1000 to 5000 cm3, or between about 2000 to 3000
cm3,
or between about 2500 to 3000 cm3, or even about 2750 cm3. It should be
appreciated that larger or smaller volumes are available.
The material thickness of the enclosure may be consistent throughout the
enclosure or may vary. In one configuration the thickness of the member is
substantially consistent throughout the enclosure. In this configuration,
preferably the
thickness of the enclosure is suitable for maintaining a generally rigid
structure while
still allowing flexibility between the members. In one preferred
configuration, the
flexibility between the members is such that the enclosure can be flexibly
opened to
receive a pipe portion without appreciable plastic deformation of the
enclosure,
particularly the hinge portions of the enclosure, as described herein.
Examples of suitable thickness of the material forming the enclosure are in
the
range of about 0.25 mm to 7.5 mm, or in the range of about 0.50 mm to 5 mm, or
in
the range of about 0.75 mm to 3 mm, or in the range of about 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.
In
one configuration the thickness of the enclosure is about 1.5 mm.
Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures
depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other
dimensions or geometries are possible. Plural structural components can be
provided by a single integrated structure. Alternatively, a single integrated
structure
17
CA 02588543 2007-05-11
might be divided into separate plural components. In addition, while a feature
of the
present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the
illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other
features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be
appreciated
from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the
operation
thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed. A
person of ordinary skill in the art would realize however, that certain
modifications
would come within the teachings of this invention. Therefore, the following
claims
lo should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the invention.
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