DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to the field of blow moulding of pipes, and more specifically to blow moulded pipes with the reduced tendency to collapse under load or force, particularly at and around ends thereof. A method for blow moulding the pipe is also disclosed.
DEFINITIONS
[002] Rib(s) – herein include protrusions, or grooves, or both configured on the circumferential wall of the pipe at and around the ends thereof or at any other portion of the pipe where the clamps are to be fixed. The word “ribs” herein may include solid wires that may be formed along with the pipes or may be secured thereto after manufacturing the pipe on an outer and/or inner surface thereof. The word “ribs” may also include hollow wavy patterns or indents or grooves or the like formed on or configured on the pipe wall.
[003] At and around – The phrase at and around herein includes a portion of the pipe which is at and around a specific location on the pipe, for example end of the pipe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[004] A vehicle forms an inseparable part of our life and are employed for transportation of people and cargo. Attempts are being made to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicles. For example, some metal components of the vehicle are replaced with light-weight material components, wherein the light-weight material can be a plastic. More specifically, various pipes, or tubes, or conduits employed for conveying fluids such as air, fuel, oil, etc., have been replaced by plastic pipes, or tubes, or conduits (referred to as pipe(s) hereinafter) thereby reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and hence improving fuel efficiency thereof.
[005] A typical pipe comprises a hollow tubular body made of plastic material and may have one or more open ends. The pipe may be made by any technique, for example, blow moulding. The one or more open ends of the pipe may be connected to sources and sinks of fluids to be conveyed therethrough. For example, a plastic pipe may be connected between an air filter system and air intake manifold of a vehicle. The ends of the plastic pipe are received in and connected to respective connectors at the air filter system and the air intake manifold and are further secured thereto using a clamp each.
[006] To avoid collapsing or breaking of the plastic pipe ends due to tightening force of the clamps, a metal ring, which serves as a reinforcement, is fitted at and around the one or more ends of the pipe. More specifically, the metal ring is securely fitted into the ends of the pipe. The metal ring provides enough strength to the ends of the pipe so that the ends can withstand the load or force exerted thereon due to tightening of the clamps.
[007] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart (100) depicting steps involved in the conventional method for manufacturing a plastic pipe with a metal ring reinforcement fitted at and around ends thereof. Typically, the method of fitting the metal ring at and around the ends of the pipe includes the following steps:
[008] Step 1: The pipe comprising the one or more open ends is manufactured by regular blow moulding process employing a blow mouldable plastic material and a suitable mould (102).
[009] Step 2: The blow moulded pipe so obtained in the step 1 is then allowed to cool for a time of about 24 hours (104).
[0010] Step 3: The cooled pipe is now processed further wherein the balloon is cut (106).
[0011] Step 4: The pipe so obtained in the step 3 is then bored at ends thereof creating a space for the placement of the metal ring therein (108).
[0012] Step 5: The ends of the pipe are heated to a predetermined temperature to soften the portion of the pipe at and around the end(s) thereof (110).
[0013] Step 6: A metal ring having suitable dimensions is pressed fitted into the heated softened ends and the pipe is then allowed to cool (112).
[0014] However, the above-mentioned method of fitting the metal ring is observed to have several disadvantages.
[0015] One disadvantage of the conventional method is that an additional step of boring the pipe ends is required.
[0016] Another disadvantage of the conventional method is that there is bulging of the pipe due to fitment of the metal ring. The word “bulging” herein includes deformation of the pipe or ends thereof, which may result in change in diameter and/or ovality of the pipe.
[0017] Still another disadvantage of the conventional method is that the pipe may crack rending it unusable.
[0018] Yet another disadvantage of the conventional method is that the cost of manufacturing the pipe with the metal rings fitted at and around ends thereof increases due to the additional time-consuming steps of boring, and pipe heating.
[0019] Another disadvantage of the conventional method is that the powder coating on the metal ring peels off during the fitment process.
[0020] Another disadvantage of the conventional method is that the during the step of boring plastic burr is generated which needs to be cleaned off.
[0021] Another disadvantage of the conventional method is that the metal ring may protrude outside the pipe or may be loosely fitted. It is necessary to have skilled operators to prevent the problems of protrusion and loose-fitting of the metal ring.
[0022] Further, for the pipes with the metal rings fitted therein, manufactured using the conventional method a high rejection rate is observed due to the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages. This results in loss of productivity, time, and money.
[0023] Therefore, there is an urgent need for providing a suitable alternative to the conventional method of manufacturing the pipe with the metal ring fitted thereto. There is also a need for eliminating the metal ring fitment and provide a pie with reinforced ends which can withstand load or force of clamping.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein, are as follows.
[0025] An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plastic pipe with ends thereof reinforced without employing metal rings.
[0027] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an end reinforced plastic pipe such that the ends do not collapse upon clamping.
[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an end reinforced pipe that overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional method.
[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing the end reinforced pipe that eliminates at least one of the steps of boring the ends of the pipe, end heating, bulging of the pipe, cracking of the pipe, peeling of the metal ring coating, plastic burr generation, protrusion of the metal ring, loose fitting of the metal ring, etc.
[0030] Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY
[0031] In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, blow moulded pipes with the reduced tendency to collapse under load or force, particularly at and around ends thereof are disclosed. Further, a method for blow moulding the pipes is also disclosed.
[0032] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the blow moulded pipe comprises a body having an open end which being connectable to a utility, wherein a reinforcing pattern is formed at an around the open end, the reinforcement being formed integrally with the body and the provision of the reinforcing pattern increases the collapsing force at and around the open end in the range of 1 MPa to 50 MPa.
[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for blow moulding a plastic pipe is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a plastic parison at a temperature in the range of 150 ?C to 320 ? into a mould being maintained at a temperature in the range of 20 ?C to 35 ?C, disposing an insert within the mould, the insert having a profile corresponding to a reinforcement pattern to be formed at an around the ends of the blow moulded pipe, injecting a pressurized fluid at a pressure in the range of 1 bar to 10 bar in the plastic parison thereby inflating the plastic parison, wherein the plastic parison conforms to the shape of the mould and the insert disposed therein, removing the formed plastic moulded pipe comprising the balloons from the mould after a time period in the range of 1 second to 300 seconds, cooling the formed plastic moulded pipe comprising the balloons for a time period in the range of 1 hour to 24 hours, and cutting the balloons to obtain the plastic moulded pipe with the reinforcement pattern formed at and around the ends thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
[0034] The present invention will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart of the conventional method for manufacturing a plastic pipe with a metal ring reinforcement fitted at and around ends thereof.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a plastic pipe with a first reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a plastic pipe with a second reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a plastic pipe with a third reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a plastic pipe with a fourth reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a mould insert made by RPT printing employed in manufacturing the plastic pipe with the rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a mould with the mould insert of FIG. 6 placed therein for manufacturing the plastic pipe with the rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a plastic pipe with the balloon intact and with the first rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof by employing a method of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates a plastic pipe with the balloon removed and with the first rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof by employing a method of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a plastic pipe with a fifth reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a plastic pipe with rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] All technical terms and scientific expressions used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise specified.
[0047] As used in the present specification and the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0048] The term "comprising” as used in the present specification will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable things, for instance one or more additional feature(s), part(s), component(s), process step(s), sub-step(s), and /or constituent(s) as applicable.
[0049] Further, the terms “about” and “approximately" used in combination with ranges of sizes of parts, particles, compositions of mixtures, and/or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges.
[0050] The presently disclosed invention relates to blow moulded pipes with reduced the tendency to collapse under load or force, particularly at and around ends thereof. Further, the present invention also provides a method for blow moulding the pipes with the reduced tendency to collapse under load or force.
[0051] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a pipe made of plastic material is disclosed, wherein the pipe comprises a tubular body. The tubular body may be defined by and between an operative first open end and an operative second open end. The pipe as described herein, for example, may be employed for conveying a fluid such as oil, fuel, and air therethrough in a vehicle engine. At and around the operative first and second open ends a plurality of ribs or grooves, or corrugations are configured. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the ribs or grooves or corrugations may be formed during the blow moulding of the pipe. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the ribs or grooves or corrugations may be formed after the blow moulding of the pipe.
[0052] As used herein, the words ribs, or grooves, or corrugations are used interchangeably and are commonly referred to as “ribs” for sake of simplicity and brevity.
[0053] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the ribs may be integral with the pipe body. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the ribs may be separately formed on the pipe body. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the ribs may be formed integrally and separately on the pipe body.
[0054] The number of ribs may be varied depending on the portion of the pipe at and around the pipe end to be reinforced. The portion or the dimension of the pipe portion to be reinforced may depend on the clamp size which is to be fitted at and around the pipe end. The shape and dimension of the ribs may be altered depending on the strength of the pipe end to be achieved.
[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a plastic pipe with a first reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the plastic pipe or the blow moulded pipe (200) comprising a body (202). The body (202) may include an open end (202e1) which being connectable to a utility, which may be an intake end of the engine or an air intake end of an air filter system. The body (202) may have more than one open ends. For example, the body may have two or more open ends, which may be reinforced by using the reinforcing rib patterns or rib patterns disclosed herein.
[0056] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcing pattern (202p) may be formed at an around the open end (202e1). The reinforcing pattern (202p) may be formed integrally with the body (202) and may be formed directly during the step of blow moulding of the plastic pipe or the blow moulded pipe (200). Though, the present invention is described herein with reference to plastic as the material of make, it is evident that any other material may be used to make the pipe, which may be used for blow moulding. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the incorporation of the reinforcing pattern (202p) is observed to increase the collapsing force at and around the open end (202e1) in the range of 1 MPa to 50 MPa.
[0057] In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprises corrugations (202c). In one embodiment, the number of corrugations (202c) is in the range of 1 to 100. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each of the corrugations (202c) comprising a crest (202c1) and a trough (202c2) adjacent to the crest (202c1), a width of the crest (202c1) and the trough (202c2) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, a height of the crest (202c1) and the trough (202c2) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, a separation between the crest (202c1) and the trough (202c2) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm. In accordance with one embodiment, a ratio of the width to the height of the corrugation is in the range of 0.05 to 10, and the corrugations being formed by blow moulding process.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a plastic pipe with a second reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprises a central rib (202r) formed in spaced apart configuration from the open end (202e1), and lugs (202l) extending away from the central rib (202r) in one of a first direction, or a second direction or both first and second directions, wherein the central rib (202r) and the lugs (202l) being depressions each being formed on the body (202) by blow moulding process.
[0059] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprises the central rib having a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and a height in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, the lugs (202l) being formed on either side of central rib (202r), the number lugs (202l) are in the range of 10 to 500, the each of the lugs (202l) having a length in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, a depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, the lugs (202l) being formed at an angle ?, which being in the range of 0? to 30?, and the lugs (202l) being formed either symmetrically or unsymmetrically or partially symmetrically or partially unsymmetrically about the central rib (202r).
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a plastic pipe with a third reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is to be noted that the FIG. 4 is a special case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein the angle ? is 0.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a plastic pipe with a fourth reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprises lugs (202l) formed at and around the open end (202e1), wherein the lugs (202l) being formed parallel to each other and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blow moulded pipe (200). In one embodiment, the separation between the lugs (202l) is same. In another embodiment, the separation between the lugs is different. In yet another embodiment, the separation between the lugs may be same and different both at the same time. In accordance with one embodiment, the each of the lugs (202l) may have a length in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, a depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and the number lugs (202l) are in the range of 10 to 500. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the lugs (202l) are depressions each being formed on the body (202) by blow moulding process.
[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates a plastic pipe with a fifth reinforcing rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the reinforcing rib pattern includes a central rib (202r) formed in spaced apart configuration from the open end (202e1), a first side rib (202r1) formed on one side of the central rib (202r), a second side rib (202r2) formed on another side of the central rib (202r), a set of horizontal ribs (202h) formed and disposed perpendicular to the central rib (202r), the first side rib (202r1), and the second side rib (202r2), wherein the horizontal ribs (202h) being spaced apart from one another, wherein corrugations (202c) are formed between the central rib, and the first rib, and the central rib and the second rib. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprises each of the first side rib, the second side rib, and the central rib independently having a height in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, the number corrugations (202c) are in the range of 10 to 500, and the corrugations (202c) having a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, a depth in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and a spacing between two consecutive corrugations being in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.
[0063] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the blow moulded pipe (200) having a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 300 mm, a wall thickness in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and an ovality of less than 10 mm.
[0064] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the reinforcing pattern (202p) having a width in the range of 5 mm to 100 mm, preferably in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, and a wall thickness in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.
[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a plastic pipe with rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0066] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the method (100) for blow moulding the plastic pipe (200) comprises the following steps:
[0067] In step one, a plastic parison at a temperature in the range of 150 ?C to 320 ? is received into a mould (202m). The mould may be maintained at a temperature in the range of 20 ?C to 35 ?C (102).
[0068] In step two, an insert (202i) is disposed within the mould (202m), the insert (202i) is having a profile corresponding to a reinforcement pattern to be formed at an around the ends of the blow moulded pipe (200) (104).
[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates a mould insert made by RPT printing employed in manufacturing the plastic pipe with the rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof, and FIG. 7 illustrates a mould with the mould insert of FIG. 6 placed therein for manufacturing the plastic pipe with the rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0070] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the mould insert may be integral with the mould. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the mould insert may be non-integral with the mould. In yet another embodiment, the mould may include multiple inserts or reinforcing patterns, which may be either integrally or non-integrally coupled or formed with the mould. In still another embodiment, in case of multiple inserts, at least one of the insert is integral and at least another insert may be non-integral with the mould.
[0071] In step three, a pressurized fluid is injected at a pressure in the range of 1 bar to 10 bar in the plastic parison through a blow pin coupled to the plastic parison thereby inflating the plastic parison, wherein the plastic parison conforms to the shape of the mould and the insert disposed therein (106).
[0072] In step four, the formed plastic moulded pipe comprising the balloons (200b) is removed from the mould after a time period in the range of 1 second to 300 seconds (108).
[0073] In step five, the formed plastic moulded pipe comprising the balloons is allowed to cool for a time period in the range of 1 hour to 24 hours (110). FIG. 8 illustrates a plastic pipe with the balloon intact and with the first rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof by employing a method of the present invention.
[0074] In step six, the balloons are cut or removed to obtain the plastic moulded pipe with the reinforcement pattern formed at and around the ends thereof (112). FIG. 9 illustrates a plastic pipe with the balloon removed and with the first rib pattern configured at and around an end thereof by employing a method of the present invention.
[0075] It is observed that the pipe with the reinforcement rib configured at and around the open end of the pipe where the clamp must be fixed, has enhanced strength and the problem of collapsing, when a clamp is fixed thereto, is reduced and/or eliminated.
[0076] Further, as described herein above in the background section, the use of the metal ring is eliminated. Along with the elimination of the metal ring, the problems associated with the fixing of the metal ring and the steps for fixing the metal ring are also eliminated. More specifically, the steps 4, 5, and 6 (see background of the present invention) are avoided and hence the problems and disadvantages are also avoided.
[0077] It is further observed that not only the above-mentioned steps are eliminated, but a cost reduction of about 15 to 20 % is realized by employing the method of the present invention.
[0078] It is also observed that there is improvement in the dimension of the pipe ends, especially, the ovality of the pipe/pipe ends. Employing the conventional method, it was found that the pipe/pipe ends have larger ovality whereas employing the method of the present invention, and the pipe/pipe ends manufactured have relatively less ovality and is within the desired limits. For example, the improvement in ovality in case of the present invention is found in the range of 20 % to 60 % as compared with the conventional method.
[0079] Further, the data and details relating to the strength achieved by the various rib patterns is in progress and would be incorporated into the complete specification.
[0080] Though the present invention is being described with reference to only reinforcement patterns described herein above, but it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to these patterns and any other rib patterns which a person skilled in the art may contemplate is also well within the ambit of the present invention. Further, a combination of the reinforcement patterns is also possible and is well within the ambit of the present invention.
[0081] The present invention though described with reference to a pipe with two open ends, the present invention may be applied for a pipe with multiple open ends such as a branched pipe which may have more than two open ends. Further, it is not necessary that the ends of the pipe may not be open as such. The ends may be blinded or closed. The present invention is equally applicable to such pipes also. Further, the present invention is applicable even to the tubular body of the pipe, and not only to the ends thereof. If there is a requirement of fixing a clamp or the like device to any other part or portion of the pipe, the ribs can be configured at and around such portion or part of the pipe without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0082] Thus, the present invention has both technical advance and economical significance with respect to the known prior art.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0083] The present invention provides several technical advances and advantages which include:
- a method which obviates the steps of boring, pipe heating, and ring fitment.
- a method which does not require skilled operators.
- a method by which the amount of rejection is minimized or reduced considerably.
- a method by which the cost of manufacturing is reduced by 10 % to 20 %.
- a method which enhances productivity, reduces production/process time and effort.
- a blow moulded pipe with reinforcement in form of ribs or grooves or corrugations which eliminates the need for ring fitment and associated drawback which include bulging of the pipe, cracking of the pipe, metal ring coating peel off issue, metal ring protrusion and metal ring loosening.
- a blow moulded pipe with the reinforcement rib(s), which has reduced ovality as compared to the blow moulded pipe manufactured by the conventional method.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A blow moulded pipe (200) characterized by having a body (202), the body (202) having an open end (202e1) which being connectable to a utility, wherein a reinforcing pattern (202p):
- is formed at an around the open end (202e1);
- is formed integrally with the body (202); and
- increases the collapsing force at and around the open end (202e1) in the range of 1 MPa to 50 MPa.
2. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprising corrugations (202c), wherein the number of corrugations (202c) is in the range of 1 to 100, and wherein each corrugation (202c) having:
- a crest (202c1) and a trough (202c2) adjacent to the crest (202c1);
- a width of the crest (202c1) and the trough (202c2) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm;
- a height of the crest (202c1) and the trough (202c2) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm;
- a separation between the crest (202c1) and the trough (202c2) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm;
wherein a ratio of the width to the height of the corrugation is in the range of 0.05 to 10; and
wherein the corrugations being formed by blow moulding process.
3. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprising:
- a central rib (202r) formed in spaced apart configuration from the open end (202e1); and
- lugs (202l) extending away from the central rib (202r) in one of a first direction, or a second direction or both first and second directions;
wherein the central rib (202r) and the lugs (202l) being depressions each being formed on the body (202) by blow moulding process.
4. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprising:
- the central rib having a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and a height in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm,
- the lugs (202l) being formed on either side of central rib (202r);
- the number lugs (202l) are in the range of 10 to 500;
- the each of the lugs (202l) having a length in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, a depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm;
- the lugs (202l) being formed at an angle ?, which being in the range of 0? to 30?; and
- the lugs (202l) being formed either symmetrically or unsymmetrically or partially symmetrically or partially unsymmetrically about the central rib (202r).
5. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprising:
- lugs (202l) formed at and around the open end (202e1), wherein the lugs (202l) being formed parallel to each other and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blow moulded pipe (200);
- the separation between the lugs (202l) is same or different;
- the each of the lugs (202l) having a length in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, a depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm;
- the number lugs (202l) are in the range of 10 to 500;
wherein the lugs (202l) being depressions each being formed on the body (202) by blow moulding process.
6. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprising:
- a sleeve (202s) having a body (2020sb) a first open end (202e1), and a second open end (202e2);
- a first set of apertures (202sa1) configured at and around the first open end (202e1), and a second set of apertures (202sa2) ) configured at and around the first open end (202e1), wherein the first and the second set of apertures being spaced apart from each other by a distance in the range 1 mm to 10 mm; and
- a set of tabs (202t) extending from an outer surface of blow moulded pipe (200), the set of tabs (202t) being configured to be received within one of the first set of apertures (202sa1) or the second set of apertures (202sa2).
7. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
- a central rib (202r) formed in spaced apart configuration from the open end (202e1); and
- a first side rib (202r1) formed on one side of the central rib (202r);
- a second side rib (202r2) formed on another side of the central rib (202r);
- a set of horizontal ribs (202h) formed and disposed perpendicular to the central rib (202r), the first side rib (202r1), and the second side rib (202r2), wherein the horizontal ribs (202h) being spaced apart from one another;
wherein corrugations (202c) are formed between the central rib, and the first rib, and the central rib and the second rib.
8. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the reinforcing pattern (202p) comprising:
- each of the first side rib, the second side rib, and the central rib independently having a height in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm;
- the number corrugations (202c) are in the range of 10 to 500; and
- the corrugations (202c) having a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, a depth in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and a spacing between two consecutive corrugations being in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.
9. The blow moulded pipe (200) as claimed in claim 1,
- wherein the blow moulded pipe (200) having a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 300 mm, a wall thickness in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and an ovality of less than 10 mm; and
- wherein the reinforcing pattern (202p) having a width in the range of 5 mm to 100 mm, preferably in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, and a wall thickness in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.
10. A method (100) for blow moulding a plastic pipe (200), the method (100) characterized by having the following steps:
- receiving a plastic parison at a temperature in the range of 150 ?C to 320 ? into a mould (202m) being maintained at a temperature in the range of 20 ?C to 35 ?C (102);
- disposing an insert (202i) within the mould (202m), the insert (202i) having a profile corresponding to a reinforcement pattern to be formed at an around the ends of the blow moulded pipe (200) (104);
- injecting a pressurized fluid at a pressure in the range of 1 bar to 10 bar in the plastic parison thereby inflating the plastic parison, wherein the plastic parison conforms to the shape of the mould and the insert disposed therein (106);
- removing the formed plastic moulded pipe comprising the balloons (200b) from the mould after a time period in the range of 1 second to 300 seconds (108);
- cooling the formed plastic moulded pipe comprising the balloons for a time period in the range of 1 hour to 24 hours (110); and
- cutting the balloons to obtain the plastic moulded pipe with the reinforcement pattern formed at and around the ends thereof (112).
Dated this October 6, 2021
For the Applicant,

Deepak Pradeep Thakur
Applicant’s Patent Agent
IN/PA – 3687
To,
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office, At Mumbai