Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)

&

THE PATENTS RULE, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10, Rule 13]

CONNECTION ASSEMBLY

THE SUPREME INDUSTRIES LTD., A COMPANY INCORPORATED UNDER THE INDIAN COMPANIES ACT, 1913, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 4TH FLOOR, “ANTARIKSHA SIGNATURES”, BEHIND NYATI BULILDING, RADHA CHOWK, NEAR RADHA HOTEL 105/1/1/4, BANER, PUNE- 411045, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED
 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a piping system, in particular the present invention relates to a connection assembly used in the piping system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A piping system is a network of pipes, connection assembly and other components that can be combined to form a conduit for a fluid (liquid or gas) flow. The piping system is used to convey fluid from one location to another in residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural facilities. The connection assembly is often used to connect one or more components in the piping system. The connection assembly has an end connected to other component of the piping system through a variety of possible connection types. For example, a threaded connection can be used at one or more portions of the connection assembly. The threaded connection of the connection assembly and an external pipe with male threads are attached and sealed together to transport the fluid from one location to another. Conventionally, Teflon tape (T) as shown in red colour in figure 1 is utilized as a sealing material in these pipes (50) and the connection assemblies (1000). The Teflon tape (T) is wrapped around the threaded portion of the pipe (50) before rotatably connecting the pipe (50) with the conventional connection assemblies (1000). However, most of the time the sealing is ineffective and inconsistent as it largely depends on the skill and judgment of the installer. Moreover, the Teflon tape (T) is not suitable/compatible for every type of connections or all types of fluids including but not limited to corrosive chemicals, high temperature fluids, high pressures fluids and the like.
In some cases, insufficient wrapping of Teflon tape (T) around the threaded portion of the pipe (50), results in poor sealing with the connection assemblies (1000). Moreover, it leads to leakage from the connection assemblies (1000) over the time if the Teflon tape (T) is inadequately wrapped around the threaded portion of the pipe (50). Conversely, excessive use of Teflon tape (T) can induce internal stresses within the connection assembly (1000) body, possibly causing cracks or structural damage thereof. Further, over the course of time, the Teflon tape (T) can shred off and get caught in pipelines and filters. Such issues compromise the durability of the connection assemblies (1000) that lead to increase in maintenance and replacement costs.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a connection assembly that provides leak proof sealing and overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the connection assembly in detail, it is to be understood that the connection assembly is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the connection assembly.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connection assembly to facilitate leak proof sealing when an external pipe is rotatably fitted in the connection assembly.
In an aspect, the present invention provides a connection assembly. The connection assembly comprises a cylindrical body section having at least two open ends facilitating passage of a fluid through a hollow interior thereof and a sleeve configured to be positioned on at least one end of the cylindrical body section. The sleeve having an inner surface and a stepped surface defined therein. The stepped surface having an annular cavity configured to receive an annular seal therein. The seal having a groove formed between a lower wall and an upper wall thereof. The connection assembly further comprises an insert that is positioned on the inner surface of the sleeve. The insert having a projection defined at an end thereof and the insert is configured to be positioned within the groove. Further, the insert is configured to receive a front end of an external pipe such that the external pipe rotatably fits over the insert thereby pressing and compressing the lower wall of the seal against the front end of the pipe to facilitate leak proof sealing.
In an embodiment, the stepped surface is formed at an end of the sleeve and connected to the cylindrical body section.
In an embodiment, the stepped surface is perpendicular to the inner surface of the sleeve.
In an embodiment, the upper wall is a flat surface and the lower wall is an outwardly projected curved surface in proximity to the insert.
In an embodiment, the seal has a compression ratio in a range of 25% to 30%.
In an embodiment, the lower wall of the seal has a ratio of radius of curvature to a length in a range of 0.35 to 0.375.
In an embodiment, the lower wall has an angle of curvature in a range of 15 ° to 20 °.
In an embodiment, the lower wall has the length higher than the length of the upper surface.
In an embodiment, the groove has a width that is higher than a depth thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure.
Figure 1 illustrates a conventional connection assembly in which a) depicts front view and b) depicts sectional view, in accordance with the prior art;
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a connection assembly having a sleeve configured on one end of the cylindrical body section, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a connection assembly having a sleeve configured on two end of the cylindrical body section, in accordance with the present invention
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a connection assembly in assembled configuration, in accordance with the present invention
Figure 5 and Figure 6 show exploded views of a connection assembly, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a connection assembly, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 8 shows a connection assembly as a valve in assembled condition in exemplary embodiment, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 9 shows assembled views of an annular seal, an insert and an external pipe in which a) depicts a front view and b) depicts a sectional view, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 10 shows the disengaged position of an annular seal and an insert, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 11 shows the disengaged position of an annular seal, an insert and an external pipe, in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 12 shows an annular seal in which a) depicts a front view and b) depicts a sectional view, in accordance with the present invention.
Throughout the drawing, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention as defined by the description. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only.
It is to be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In general aspect, the present invention relates to a connection assembly (100) used in the piping system. The connection assembly (100) is used to connect one or more components in a piping system or sometimes the connection assembly (100) is connected to a single component in the piping system. Such connection assembly (100) may include, but are not limited to, valve, coupling, adapter, tap, plug, sprinkler head, nozzle, hose, flexible tubing, and the like. In an embodiment, the connection assembly (100) is a valve assembly. The valve assembly is a ball valve, check valve, gate valve or foot valve. In an embodiment, the connection assembly (100) is made from plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), Nylon or any other polymer. These connection assemblies provide leak proof and efficient fluid flow across various applications including but not limited to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural facilities.
According to an aspect, a connection assembly (100) is provided in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to Figures 2-11, a connection assembly (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In figures 2-11, the connection assembly (100) is illustrated, wherein the connection assembly (100) uses a handle (60) for the movement of at least one moving element (70) of the connection assembly (100) to allow the fluid to flow or block the flow of the fluid. The moving elements (70) of the connection assembly (100) can be a ball in a ball valve, a disc in a check valve and the like. The fluid is either a liquid, or a gas or a combination of both. In an embodiment, the fluid is water. In an embodiment, the fluid is at least a liquid, or a gas used in residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural facilities.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connection assembly (100) comprises a cylindrical body section (10), a sleeve (20), an annular seal (30), seat (80) and an insert (40). The cylindrical body section (10) has at least two open ends (12, 14) that facilitate passage of a fluid through a hollow interior of the cylindrical body section (10). The sleeve (20) is configured to be positioned on at least one end of the cylindrical body section (10). The sleeve (20) has an inner surface (22) and a stepped surface (24) defined therein. The stepped surface (24) having an annular cavity (26) configured to receive the annular seal (30) therein. The seal (30) has a groove (36) formed between a lower wall (32) and an upper wall (34) thereof. The insert (40) is positioned on the inner surface (22) of the sleeve (20). The insert (40) having a projection (42) defined at an end thereof. The insert (40) is configured to be positioned within the groove (36). The insert (40) is configured to receive a front end of an external pipe (50) such that the external pipe (50) rotatably fits over the insert (40) thereby pressing and compressing the lower wall (32) of the seal (30) against the front end of the pipe (50) to facilitate leak proof sealing.
In an embodiment, the cylindrical body section (10) of the connection assembly (100) has at least two open ends (12, 14). Particularly, the cylindrical body section (10) has two open ends namely a first end (12) and a second end (14). The first end (12) and the second end (14) facilitate passage of a fluid through a hollow interior of the cylindrical body section (10). In a middle portion of the cylindrical body section (10), the moving element (70) is positioned that allows the flow of fluid or restricts the flow of fluid by rotating the handle (60) which is positioned on the top end of the moving element (70). The cylindrical body section (10) can be made from metal, plastic, or metal with a ceramic. In an embodiment, the cylindrical body section (10) is made from materials such as brass, stainless steel and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
In an embodiment, the sleeve (20) is configured to be positioned on at least one end of the cylindrical body section (10). In an embodiment, the sleeve (20) is positioned on the second end (14) of the cylindrical body section (10) as depicted in figure 2. In another embodiment, the sleeve (20) is positioned on the first end (12) and the second end (14) of the cylindrical body section (10) as depicted in figure 3. The sleeve (20) has an inner surface (22) and a stepped surface (24). The stepped surface (24) is formed at one end of the sleeve (20) and connected to the cylindrical body section (10). The stepped surface (24) having an annular cavity (26) configured to receive the annular seal (30) in the annular cavity (26). Further, the stepped surface (24) is perpendicular to the inner surface (22) of the sleeve (20).
Referring to Figure 12, the annular seal (30) of the present connection assembly (100) is depicted in an embodiment of the present invention. The annular seal (30) fits into the annular cavity (26) of the sleeve (20) as depicted in figure 6. The seal (30) has a lower wall (32) and an upper wall (34). The upper wall (34) is a flat surface and the lower wall (32) is an outwardly projected curved surface in proximity to the insert (40). The outwardly projected curved surface of the lower wall (32) ensures point contacts between the external pipe (50) and the seal (30) thereby providing effective and leak proof sealing. In an embodiment, the seal (30) is made from an elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the seal (30) is made from rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and silicon. In an embodiment, the lower wall (32) of the seal (30) has a length higher than the upper wall (34). In an embodiment, the lower wall (32) of the seal (30) has a ratio of radius of curvature to a length in a range of 0.35 to 0.375. The lower wall (32) has an angle of curvature in a range of 15° to 20 °.
As shown in figure 12b, the groove (36) (marked in dotted circle) is formed between the lower wall (32) and the upper wall (34) of the seal (30). The insert (40) has a projection (42) defined at one end thereof. The insert (40) is fitted in the seal such that the end of the insert is positioned within the groove (36). The groove (36) has a width (W) and a depth (D). In an embodiment, the width (W) of the groove (36) is higher than a depth (D) of the groove (36). In an embodiment, the seal (30) has a thickness in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm. It is understood here that the thickness of the seal (30) can be varied as per the intended application of the connection assembly (100). In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the seal is 3 mm. Further, the performance and reliability of the connection assembly (100) will alter if the hardness of seal (30) is not maintained optimally. In addition, the hardness of seal (30) plays an important role, as soft seal does not provide reliability and long life thereof. Also, hard seals provide good reliability and long life but sealing performance deteriorates. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardness of the seal (30) is kept at 70 Shore A.
In an embodiment, during the installation of the connection assembly with the external pipe (50) having male threads at the front face thereof, the external pipe (50) is rotatably tightened inside the insert (40) (depicted in exploded view of figure 11) such that the front face of pipe touches and compresses with the lower wall (32) of the seal (30). The compression of the lower wall (32) of the seal (30) ensures the leakproof sealing between the external pipe (50) and the connecting assembly (100). In an embodiment, the pipe (50) and insert (40) are made from plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). In another embodiment, the pipe (50) and insert (40) are made from a materials such as polymer, brass and other metals.
In the present invention, there is no need for additional wrapping of Teflon tape round the threaded portion (52) of the external pipe (50) as sealing is made integrated along with the connection assembly (100) thereby providing stable sealing joint. That means, the connection assembly (100) of the present invention provides 100% leakproof joint between the assembly (100) and the external pipe (50) leading to improvement in sealing. Further, the requirement of a skilled person/installer is not essential for assembling the connection assembly (100) with the external pipes (50). So, the connection assembly (100) of the present invention is easy for installation that reduces installation cost. Further, the connection assembly (100) of the present invention has relatively increased durability.
In an embodiment, as shown in figures 2-3 and figure 5, a seat (80) is placed inside sleeve (20) from the inner surface (22) of the sleeve (20). In an embodiment, the seat (80) is placed on the inner surface (20) of each sleeve (20). Thereafter, a moving element (70) is then positioned inside the hollow interior of the cylindrical body section (10) such that the seat (80) is sandwiched between the sleeve (20) and the moving element (70).
In an embodiment, the connection assembly (100) of the present invention is manufactured through the over molding process. The assembly of the ball valve is performed in two stages. In a first sub assembly, the sleeve (20), the annular seal (30), the insert (40), the seat (80) and the moving element (70) are assembled to form the first sub assembly. This first sub assembly is then placed in mold, so that over molding of cylindrical body (10) can be done on subassembly. This makes complete connection assembly (100) integrated one. In another embodiment, the connection assembly (100) of the present invention can be manufactured through additive manufacturing, casting method and the like. It is understood here that other suitable manufacturing processes can be used here in other alternative embodiments of the present invention.
In an embodiment, the connection assembly (100) is a multi-way ball valve i.e. the ball valve comprises two open ends. In an embodiment, the connection assembly (100) is a multi-piece ball valve, i.e. the ball valve comprises a main cylindrical body (10), at least two connecting end, for example, a two-piece ball valve or a three-piece ball valve.
Figures 5-8 show a schematic view of a two-way and two-piece ball valve (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ball valve (100) uses a rotating ball (70) with a hole (72) that allows the fluid to flow or blocks the flow of the fluid, when the ball (70) is rotated using a handle (60). The ball valve (100) comprises a cylindrical body section (10) having two open ends (12, 14) facilitating passage of a fluid through a hollow interior thereof. The ball valve (100) further comprises a pair of sleeves (20) that are configured to be positioned on a first end (12) and second end (14) of the cylindrical body section (10). Each sleeve (20) has an inner surface (22) and a stepped surface (24) defined therein. The stepped surface (24) of each sleeve (20) has an annular cavity (26). A pair of an annular seal (30) are configured in the annular cavity (26). Each seal (30) having a groove (36) formed between a lower wall (32) and an upper wall (34) thereof. The ball valve (100) further comprises a pair of inserts (40) that are positioned on the inner surface (22) of the sleeve (20). Each of the inserts (40) have a projection (42) defined at an end thereof. Each of the inserts (40) is configured to be positioned within the groove (36). Each of the inserts (40) is configured to receive a front end of an external pipe (50). The external pipe (50) rotatably fits over the insert (40) such that the front end of the pipe (50) presses and compresses the lower wall (32) of the seal (30). Due to compression of the seal (30), leak proof sealing is achieved. The lower wall (32) of the seal (30) is an outwardly projected curved surface towards the insert (40). The outwardly projected curved surface of the lower wall (32) ensures point contacts between external pipe (50) and seal (30) thereby providing effective and leak proof sealing.
The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the system is for the purpose of understanding and nowhere limits the invention. The abovementioned parts nowhere limit the invention and are provided for understanding of the invention.
Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.

, Claims:
1. A connection assembly (100) comprising:
a cylindrical body section (10) having at least two open ends (12, 14) facilitating passage of a fluid through a hollow interior thereof;
a sleeve (20) configured to be positioned on at least one end of the cylindrical body section (10), the sleeve (20) having an inner surface (22) and a stepped surface (24) defined therein, the stepped surface (24) having an annular cavity (26) configured to receive an annular seal (30) therein, the seal (30) having a groove (36) formed between a lower wall (32) and an upper wall (34) thereof; and
an insert (40) positioned on the inner surface (22) of the sleeve (20), the insert (40) having a projection (42) defined at an end thereof, the insert (40) configured to be positioned within the groove (36), wherein
the insert (40) receives a front end of an external pipe (50) such that the external pipe (50) rotatably fits over the insert (40) thereby pressing and compressing the lower wall (32) of the seal (30) against the front end of the pipe (50) to facilitate leak proof sealing.
2. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stepped surface (24) is formed at an end of the sleeve (20) and connected to the cylindrical body section (10).
3. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stepped surface (24) is perpendicular to the inner surface (22) of the sleeve (20).
4. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper wall (34) is a flat surface and the lower wall (32) is an outwardly projected curved surface in proximity to the insert (40).
5. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the seal (30) has a compression ratio in a range of 25% to 30%.

6. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower wall (32) of the seal (30) has a ratio of radius of curvature to a length in a range of 0.35 to 0.375.
7. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower wall (32) has an angle of curvature in a range of 15 ° to 20 °.
8. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower wall (32) has the length higher than the length of the upper surface (34).
9. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the groove (36) has a width (W) that is higher than a depth (D) thereof.
10. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seal (30) is made from a material selected from rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and silicon.
11. The connection assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert (40) is made from a material selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) and brass.