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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A pipe splitter comprising:
an elongated frame having a first end and a second end;
said elongate frame further including a first side and a second side;
a first roller and a second roller rotatably positioned proximate said
first end and said second end of said elongated frame, respectively, to
rotatably support said elongated frame along a first longitudinal path of
a pipe to be split when positioned into the bore of the pipe to be split;
a first coupling means securably positioned at said first end of said
elongated frame to enable said elongated frame to be pulled along a
longitudinal dimension of the pipe;
a cutting wheel positioned between said first end and said second end of
said elongated frame such that said first and second rollers supportingly
engage an internal surface of the pipe to be split and said cutting wheel
cuttably engages the thickness of the pipe wall along a second
longitudinal path of the pipe to be split thereby splitting the pipe along
said second longitudinal path thereof which is opposite said first
longitudinal path traveled by said first and second rollers within the
bore of the pipe to be split; and
said cutting wheel having a circular dimension being greater than the bore
of the pipe and said first and said second rollers are positioned on said
elongated frame such that said cutting wheel engages the pipe to be split
and forms a single longitudinal split along the second longitudinal path
of the pipe.
2. The pipe splitter of claim 1 further including a second coupling means
positioned at said second end of said elongated frame to engage with a
coupling of a replacement pipe such that said replacement pipe follows
said elongated frame being pulled along said longitudinal dimension of the
pipe.
3. The pipe splitter of claim 1 wherein each said first end and said second
end of said elongate frame further includes a first aperture and a second
aperture formed therein, respectively, to receive said first and said
second rollers, respectively.
4. The pipe splitter of claim 1 wherein said cutting wheel is rotatably
positioned in a third aperture formed in said elongate frame.
5. The pipe splitter of claim 1 wherein said first roller, said second
roller and said cutting wheel are positioned in the same plane.
6. The pipe splitter of claim 1 further including a first side wheel and a
second side wheel positioned at said first side and said second side of
said elongated frame, respectively, such that said first and said second
side wheels engage the internal surface of the pipe to be split in a plane
perpendicular to a plane of said first and said second rollers to prevent
the inward collapsing of the pipe to be split thereby enhancing in use the
cutting engagement of a pipe coupling without collapsing the pipe coupling
during the passage of said cutting wheel through the thickness of the pipe
to be split.
7. The pipe splitter of claim 6 wherein each said first and said second
side wheels are each positioned on the elongate frame between said first
roller and said cutting wheel proximate said first end of said elongate
frame.
8. The pipe splitter comprising:
an elongated frame having a first end and a second end;
said elongate frame further including a first side and a second side;
a first roller and a second roller rotatably positioned proximate said
first end and said second end of said elongated frame, respectively, to
rotatably support said elongated frame along a first longitudinal path of
a pipe to be split when positioned into the bore of the pipe to be split;
a first coupling means securably positioned at said first end of said
elongated frame to enable said elongated frame to be pulled along a
longitudinal dimension of the pipe;
a cutting wheel positioned between said first end and said second end of
said elongated frame such that said first and second rollers supportingly
engage an internal surface of the pipe to be split and said cutting wheel
cuttably engages the thickness of the pipe wall along a second
longitudinal path of the pipe to be split thereby splitting the pipe along
said second longitudinal path thereof which is opposite said first
longitudinal path traveled by said first and second rollers within the
bore of the pipe to be split; and
each said roller including an arced rim such that said arced rim of each
said roller coincides with an arc of the inner periphery of the interior
lengthwise cylindrical cavity of the pipe to be split.
9. The pipe splitter of claim 6 wherein each said side wheel includes an
arced rim such that use the arced rim of each said side wheel coincides
with an arc of the inner periphery of the interior lengthwise cylindrical
cavity of the pipe to be split.
10. The pipe splitter of claim 3 wherein each side of said elongated frame
further includes a first opening and a second opening formed therein and
extending through said first side of said elongate frame and said second
side of said elongate frame; and
a first axle and a second axle being supportably received by said first and
said second opening in said elongate frame, respectively, for rotatably
supporting said first and said second roller wheels received in said first
and said second apertures, respectively.
11. The pipe splitter of claim 10 wherein each said first and said second
roller wheels further include a first and a second axle bore for receiving
said first axle and said second axle, respectively.
12. The pipe splitter of claim 11 further including a means for preventing
axle rotation of said first and said second axles relative to said
elongated frame wheels thereby enabling said first and said second roller
wheels to rotate relative to said first and said second axles.
13. The pipe splitter of claim 4 wherein each side of said elongated frame
further includes a third opening formed therein and extending through said
first side of said elongate frame and said second side of said elongate
frame; and
a third axle being supportably received by said third opening in said
elongate frame for rotatably supporting said elongated frame wheel
received in said third aperture.
14. The pipe splitter of claim 13 wherein said cutting wheel further
includes an axle bore for receiving said third axle.
15. The pipe splitter of claim 14 further including a means for preventing
the axle rotation of said third axle relative to said elongated frame
thereby enabling said cutting wheel to rotate relative to said third axle.
16. The pipe splitter of claim 6 wherein said elongate frame further
includes a fourth and a fifth opening formed therein and extending through
said elongate frame; and
a fourth and a fifth axle being supportably received by said fourth and
said fifth opening in said elongate frame, respectively, for rotatably
supporting said first side wheel and said second side wheel.
17. The pipe splitter of claim 16 wherein said first side wheel and said
second side wheel further include an axle bore for receiving said fourth
and said fifth axle; and
a means for preventing axle rotation of said fourth and said fifth axles
relative to said elongated frame thereby enabling said first and said
second side wheels to rotate relative to said fourth and said fifth axles.
18. A pipe splitter comprising:
an elongated frame having a first end and a second end;
said elongate frame further including a first side and a second side;
a first aperture and a second aperture formed in said elongate frame
proximate said first and said second ends of said elongate frame,
respectively;
a first roller and a second roller rotatably positioned in said first and
said second apertures, respectively, to rotatably support said elongated
frame when positioned into the bore of the pipe to be split and being
moved along a first longitudinal path of the pipe to be split;
a first coupling means securably positioned at said first end of said
elongated frame to enable said elongated frame to be pulled along a
longitudinal dimension of the pipe;
a second coupling means positioned at said second end of said elongated
frame to enable a coupling of a replacement pipe such that said
replacement pipe follows said elongated frame being pulled along said
longitudinal dimension of the pipe;
a third aperture formed in said elongate frame between said first aperture
and said second aperture of said elongate frame;
a cutting wheel rotatably positioned in said third aperture such that said
first and second rollers supportingly engage the internal surface of the
pipe to be split and said cutting wheel cuttably engages the thickness of
the pipe wall along a second longitudinal path of the pipe to be split
thereby splitting the pipe along said second longitudinal path thereof
which is opposite said first longitudinal path traveled by said first and
second rollers within the bore of the pipe to be split;
said cutting wheel having a circular dimension greater than the bore of the
pipe and said first and said second rollers are dimensioned and positioned
on said elongated frame such that said cutting wheel engages the pipe to
be split and forms a single longitudinal split along the second
longitudinal path of the pipe;
each said side of said elongated frame further including a first opening
and a second opening formed therein and extending through said first side
of said elongate frame and said second side of said elongate frame;
a first axle and a second axle being supportably received by said first and
said second opening in said elongate frame, respectively, for rotatably
supporting said first and said second roller wheels received in said first
and said second apertures, respectively;
each said first and said second roller wheels further include a first and a
second axle bore for receiving said first axle and said second axle,
respectively;
each said side of said elongated frame further includes a third opening
formed therein and extending through said first side of said elongate
frame and said second side of said elongate frame;
a third axle being supportably received by said third opening in said
elongate frame for rotatably supporting said cutting wheel received in
said third aperture;
said cutting wheel further includes an axle bore for receiving said third
axle;
a first side wheel and a second side wheel positioned at said first side
and said second side of said elongated frame, respectively, such that said
first and said second side wheels engage the internal surface of the pipe
to be split in a plane perpendicular to a plane of said first and said
second rollers to prevent the inward collapsing of the pipe to be split
thereby enhancing in use the cutting engagement of a pipe coupling without
collapsing the pipe coupling during the passage of said cutting wheel
through the thickness of the pipe to be split;
said elongate frame further includes a fourth and a fifth opening formed
therein and extending through said elongate frame;
a fourth and a fifth axle being supportably received by said fourth and
said fifth opening in said elongate frame, respectively, for rotatably
supporting said first side wheel and said second side wheel;
said first side wheel and said second side wheel further include an axle
bore for receiving said fourth and said fifth axle; and
a means for preventing axle rotation of said first, second, third, fourth
and fifth axles relative to said elongated frame thereby enabling said
first roller, said second roller, said cutting wheel and said first and
said second side wheels to rotate relative to said first axle, said second
axle, said third axle, said fourth axle and said fifth axle, respectively.
19. The pipe splitter of claim 18 wherein said first roller, said second
roller and said cutting wheel are positioned in the same plane.
20. The pipe splitter of claim 18 wherein each said first and said second
side wheels are each positioned on the elongate frame between said first
roller and said cutting wheel proximate said first end of said elongate
frame. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a pipe splitting device and more specifically to
a device which splits a buried pipe along a longitudinal path of the pipe
to be split while simultaneously positioning a replacement pipe therefor.
2. Description of Related Art
In an effort to replace buried pipe which has lost its use because of age
or size, it becomes necessary to unearth the old pipe and replace it
install new piping within the old pipe or break-up the old pipe and
replace it with a new pipe. Installing new piping within the old pipe
means that the bore of the replacement pipe is less than the old pipe
through which the new piping is threaded. Recently, a method and apparatus
for replacing buried pipe with the same or larger dimension and the
existing pipe has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,019. The apparatus
employes a mandrel with a plurality of hard metal boring buttons such as
tungsten carbide to score the internal surface of the existing pipe. The
buttons are positioned on a pipe expansion section which causes the
existing pipe to break apart when forced through the existing pipe. A
replacement pipe is simultaneously positioned during the passage of the
mandrel through the existing pipe. The mandrel is pushed through the
existing pipe with a jacking machine having a thrust force of about
160,000 to 300,000 lbs. A winch may add an additional pulling force of
about 5,000 lbs.
A self-propelled apparatus is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,914 for
replacing gas mains. This device is hydraulically operated, slides within
the existing pipe, grips the internal surface of the existing pipe and
utilizes a vibratory means to breakup the existing pipe. The device tows a
replacement pipe.
The prior art fails to teach a pipe splitting device which is pulled
through an existing pipe with a single cutter wheel for splitting the
existing pipe along a longitudinal path of the existing pipe while
simultaneously replacing the existing pipe with a new replacement pipe.
An object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device with an
elongate frame which may be used in splitting different diameter pipes
along a longitudinal path of the pipe to be split.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device with
an elongate frame which accepts a different sized cutting wheel and
different sized rollers and different sized side wheels to enable the
cutting of different size bores by interchanging a different sized cutting
wheel, rollers and side rollers.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device with
an elongate frame which does not provide a wearing surface thereon thereby
lessening the frequency of replacement of the elongate frame.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device which
is maneuverable around bends in the existing pipe.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device which
enables the replacement pipe to be larger than the existing pipe it
replaces.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device which
forms a single longitudinal cut along a longitudinal path of the pipe to
be split.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device which
may be moved longitudinally within a length of pipe to effect slitting of
the pipe from within the bore of the pipe.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device which
may be orientated within the pipe to be split such that the lower portion
of the pipe to be split is cut by the cutting wheel thereby enabling an
expander to spread the pipe cut to provide a cap over the newly positioned
replacement pipe simultaneously positioned during the splitting process.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pipe splitting device which
requires less pipe splitting force than conventional internal pipe
splitting devices.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the
present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely
illustrative of some of the more pertinent features and applications of
the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying
the disclosed invention is a different manner or modifying the invention
within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a
fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the
summary of the invention and the detailed description describing the
preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by
the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is defined by the appended claims with a specific embodiment
shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the
invention, the invention may be incorporated into a pipe splitting
apparatus comprising an elongated frame having a first end and a second
end. A first roller and a second roller are rotatably positioned proximate
the first end and the second end of the elongated frame, respectively, to
rotatably support the elongated frame along a first longitudinal path of a
pipe to be split when positioned into the bore of the pipe to be split. A
first coupling means is securably positioned at the first end of the
elongated frame to enable the elongated frame to be pulled along a
longitudinal dimension of the pipe by an installer device. A cutting wheel
is positioned between the first end and the second end of the elongated
frame such that the first and second rollers supportingly engage an
internal surface of the pipe to be split and the cutting wheel cuttably
engages the thickness of the pipe wall along a second longitudinal path of
the pipe to be split thereby splitting the pipe along the second
longitudinal path thereof which is opposite the first longitudinal path
traveled by the first and second rollers.
The pipe splitter may further include a second coupling means positioned at
the second end of the elongated frame to enable the coupling of a
replacement pipe or of a connector fitting securing a replacement pipe
such that the replacement pipe follows the elongated frame being pulled
along the longitudinal dimension of the pipe being split. Connector
fittings for the installation of underground plastic pipes by pulling the
fitting which is secured to the plastic pipe are known. U.S. Pat. No.
4,318,639 which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth
herein, and issued to William O. Schosek, one of the applicants herein
teaches such a connector fitting. The second coupling may further include
a spreader attached to it to open up the pipe split by the cutting wheel
followed by the connector fitting. Generally, the spreader and/or
connector fitting is at least about 1.5 to 2 feet behind the elongated
frame. In the event the spreader and/or connector fitting is too close to
the elongated frame, the amount of power to pull the devices along the
longitudinal axis of the pipe to be split greatly increases. Such
spreaders are known in the underground pipe installing art where they are
used for spreading the ground to provide an opening for installation of an
underground pipe or cable between two specific spaced apart points.
In use, the device does not rotate, or only to a slight extent if at all,
within the bore of the pipe to be split. Thus, the device may be
positioned or orientated within the pipe to be split such that the lower
portion, i.e. that part of the pipe furthest away from the surface of the
ground, of the pipe to be split is cut by the cutting wheel. Cutting the
lower portion of the pipe to be split enables an expander to spread the
pipe cut to provide a cap over the newly positioned replacement pipe
simultaneously positioned during the splitting process.
Preferably, the cutting wheel has a circular dimension greater than the
bore of the pipe to be split. The first and the second rollers are
preferably positioned on the elongated frame and dimensioned such that the
rotating cutting wheel engages and splits the pipe along a longitudinal
path of the pipe while the first and second rollers rotatably engage the
inner surface of the pipe along a longitudinal path directly opposite the
path of cutting wheel. This configuration enables the cutting wheel to
form a single longitudinal split along a longitudinal path of the pipe and
spaces the cutting wheel apart from the pipe being split at a point
directly opposite of the cutting engagement of the pipe being split by the
cutting wheel. The cutting wheel cuts through thickness of the pipe as the
elongate frame is being pulled through the pipe to form a longitudinal
split along the pipe.
Preferably, a first and a second aperture is formed in the elongate frame
proximate the first end and the second end of the elongate frame,
respectively. The first and second apertures receive the first and the
second rollers, respectively, which are rotatably positioned therein. With
like preference, the cutting wheel is received in a third aperture formed
in the elongate frame between the first and the second aperture. The
cutting wheel is rotatably positioned in the third aperture.
The first roller and the second roller are preferably positioned in the
same common plane in which the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame
lies. Most preferably, the first roller, the second roller and the cutting
wheel are positioned in the same common plane in which the longitudinal
axis of the elongate frame lies. The longitudinal axis of the elongate
frame is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
Preferably, the first roller, the second roller and the cutting wheel are
equally spaced from the first side and second side of the elongate frame
within the elongate frame and in the same common plane.
Preferably, the elongated frame includes a first side and a second side
with a first side wheel and a second side wheel positioned at the first
side and the second side of the elongated frame, respectively. The first
and second side wheels enable the cutting of the pipe including a pipe
coupling where the thickness of the piping is about twice as great as the
thickness of the pipe alone, without collapsing or elongating the pipe
being cut or the pipe coupling being cut. That is, the first and second
side wheels prevent the pipe from deforming thereby ensuring a cutting
engagement of the pipe by the cutting wheel. Preferably, each of the first
and the second side wheels are each positioned proximate the first end of
the elongate frame, before the position of the cutting wheel and most
preferably at the portion of the elongate frame between the cutting wheel
and the first roller.
Preferably, each first and second roller has an arced rim such that in use
the arced rim coincides with an arc of the inner periphery, i.e., concave
portion, of the interior lengthwise cylindrical cavity of the pipe being
split.
Each of the first and second side wheels preferably include an arced rim
such that the arced rim coincides with an arc of the inner periphery of
the interior lengthwise cylindrical cavity of the pipe being split.
The elongate frame further includes on each side a first opening and a
second opening formed in the elongate frame perpendicular to the common
plane in which the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame lies. The first
and second openings extend through the first side of the elongate frame
and the second side of the elongate frame. The first and second openings
are positioned proximate the first end and the second end of the elongated
frame, respectively, to enable a first axle and a second axle to be
securably and supportably received by the first and the second opening in
the elongate frame for rotatably supporting the first and the second
roller wheels, respectively. Preferably, each of the first and the second
roller wheels further include a first and a second axle bore,
respectively, for receiving the first axle and the second axle. This
permits the roller wheels to rotate relative to the axle by providing a
means for preventing the axle rotation of the first and the second axles
relative to the elongated frame.
Preferably, the elongate frame further includes a third opening formed
therein and positioned between the first end and the second end of the
elongate frame. The third opening extends through the first side of the
elongate frame and the second side of the elongate frame, as the first and
second openings. A third axle is securably and supportably received by the
third opening in the elongate frame for rotatably supporting the cutting
wheel. Preferably, the cutting wheel further includes an axle bore for
receiving the third axle. The first, second and third axles are
perpendicular to the longitudinal plane that the elongate frame lies. A
means for preventing the axle rotation of the third axle relative to the
elongated frame enables the cutting wheel to rotate relative to the third
axle.
Preferably, a fourth and a fifth opening is formed in the elongate frame in
a plane which is parallel to the longitudinal axis that the elongate frame
lies. The fourth and fifth opening securely and supportingly receive a
fourth and a fifth axle, respectively. The first side wheel and the second
side wheel further include an axle bore for receiving therein the fourth
and the fifth axle, respectively. A means for preventing in use the axle
rotation of the fourth and the fifth axles relative to the elongated frame
enables the side wheels to rotate relative to the fourth and the fifth
axles.
However, other modifications could be used to provide a stationary axle to
permit rotation about the axle by the cutting wheel or rollers. For
example, the elongate frame could include replaceable studs as fixed and
non rotatable axles. The purpose of the fixed or stationary axle is to
inhibit rotational ware of the openings formed in the elongate frame.
Thus, by providing a fixed axle, the axle receives the rotational ware
upon rotation of the wheel or roller positioned thereon rather than the
elongate frame.
In a further embodiment the pipe splitter comprises an elongated frame
having a first end and a second end. A first and a second aperture is
formed in the elongate frame proximate the first end and the second end of
the elongate frame, respectively. A first roller and a second roller is
rotatably positioned in the first and second apertures, respectively, to
rotatably support the elongated frame when positioned into the bore of the
pipe to be split and being moved along a first longitudinal path of the
pipe to be split. A first coupling means is securably positioned at the
first end of the elongated frame to enable the elongated frame to be
pulled within the pipe along a longitudinal axis thereof. A third aperture
is formed in the elongate frame between the first aperture and the second
aperture formed in the elongated frame.
A cutting wheel is rotatably positioned in the third aperture such that the
first and second rollers supportingly engage the internal surface of the
pipe to be split and the cutting wheel cuttably engages the thickness of
the pipe wall along a second longitudinal path of the pipe to be split
thereby splitting the pipe along the second longitudinal path thereof
which is opposite the first longitudinal path traveled by the first and
second rollers within the bore of the pipe to be split. The cutting wheel
has a circular dimension greater than the bore of the pipe and the first
and the second rollers are dimensioned and positioned on the elongated
frame such that the cutting wheel engages the pipe to be split and forms a
single longitudinal split along the second longitudinal path of the pipe.
The elongate frame includes a first side and a second side with each side
of the elongated frame having a first opening and a second opening formed
therein perpendicular to the common plane in which the longitudinal axis
of the elongate frame lies. Each of the first and second openings extend
through the first side of the elongate frame and the second side of the
elongate frame. The first and the second opening are positioned proximate
the first and the second end of the elongated frame, respectively. A first
axle and a second axle is securably and supportably received by the first
and the second opening in the elongate frame for rotatably supporting in
use the first and the second rollers, respectively. The first and the
second rollers include a first and a second axle bore, respectively, for
receiving the first axle and the second axle therethrough, respectively. A
means for preventing in use axle rotation of the first and the second
axles relative to the enables the second rollers to rotate relative to the
first and the second axles. The elongate frame further includes a third
opening formed therein perpendicular to the common plane in which the
longitudinal axis of the elongate frame lies and positioned between the
first end and the second end of the elongate frame. The third opening
extends through the first side of the elongate frame and the second side
of the elongate frame. A third axle being supportably received in the
third opening in the elongate frame for rotatably supporting the cutting
wheel. The cutting wheel further includes an axle bore for receiving the
third axle. A means for preventing the axle rotation of the third axle
relative to the elongated frame enables the cutting wheel to rotate
relative to the third axle. The elongated frame further including a first
side and a second side. A first side wheel and a second side wheel is
positioned at the first side and the second side of the elongate frame,
respectively, proximate the first end of the elongated frame to enhance
the cutting of the pipe without collapsing or elongating the pipe. The
elongate frame further includes a fourth and a fifth opening for receiving
a fourth and a fifth axle. The first side wheel and the second side wheel
further include an axle bore for receiving the fourth and the fifth axle,
respectively. A means for preventing in use the axle rotation of the
fourth and the fifth axles relative to the elongated frame enables the
side wheels, to rotate relative to the fourth and the fifth axles such
that the side wheels, the rollers and the cutting wheel rotates relative
to the elongate thereby confining ware of the pipe splitter to the side
wheels, the rollers and the cutting wheel and their respective axles.
Most preferably, the first roller, the second roller and the cutting wheel
are positioned in the same common plane in which the longitudinal axis of
the elongate frame lies. The longitudinal axis of the elongate frame is
generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The elongate
frame of the invention is capable of being pulled through piping having a
bend of about 20.degree. when the length of the frame is about 24 inches.
The pulling power for cutting through a four inch black iron pipe and
coupling (about one-half inch thickness of iron) is about 24,000 lbs.
The first and second coupling means include a threaded (internal or
external) shaft securely attached to the elongate frame to permit threaded
engagement with the device pulling the elongate frame along the pipe to be
split or with the connector fitting.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important
features of the present invention in order that the detailed description
of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present
contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features
of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of
the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures
for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should
also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent
constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as
set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,
reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a right side view of a pipe splitting apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1 further illustrating the apparatus within
the bore of the pipe to be split;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a left side view of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a rear view of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 9 is a side view of the elongate frame absent the cutting wheel and
rollers.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
FIG. 1 is a side view of the pipe splitter apparatus 10 comprising an
elongate frame 20 having a first end 21 and a second end 22. The first end
21 includes a first coupling means 28. Whereas the second end 22 includes
a second coupling means 30. In use, a pipe spreader 18 spreads open the
pipe cut by the cutting wheel 75 and a replacement pipe puller 18A secures
the replacement pipe 14 to elongate frame 20. The pipe spreader 18 is
optional and is used where it is desired to further split apart the pipe
first split by cutting wheel 75. The replacement pipe puller 18A is
secured to second coupling means 30 or as illustrated at FIG. 1 is secured
to a pipe spreader 18 which is secured to the second coupling means 30. An
installer device (not shown) is secured to the first coupling means 28.
Upon activation of the installer device, the pipe splitter 10 is pulled in
the direction of arrow 25 within the bore 13 of the pipe to be split 12.
The first coupling means 28 and a second coupling means 30 include those
coupling structures such as the external threads 29 positioned about shaft
29A or internal threads 31 formed in a hollow shaft 31A. First roller 40
is rotatably positioned proximate the first end 21 of the elongate frame
20. Second roller 58 is rotatably positioned proximate the second end 22
of the elongate frame 20. The cutting wheel 75 is rotatably positioned
between the first roller 40 and second roller 58 of the elongate frame 20.
Preferably, the first and second rollers 40, 58 and the cutting wheel 75
are positioned in the same common plane in which the longitudinal axis of
the elongate frame lies. This positions the first longitudinal path of
travel 14A of the first and the second rollers directly opposite the
second longitudinal path of travel 15A of the cutting wheel 75. The first
roller 40 is rotatably positioned on first axle 42. The first axle 42 is
securably positioned at the first side 23 of the elongate frame 20 by a
cotter pin 54. The second roller 58 is rotatably positioned on a second
axle 60. The second axle 60 is secured to the elongate frame 20 at the
first side 23 of the elongate frame 20 by cotter pin 71. The cutting wheel
75 is rotatably positioned on a third axle 79. The third axle 79 is
secured to the elongate frame 20 at the first side 23 of the elongate
frame 20 by cotter pin 80.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the splitter 10 of FIG. 1 absent the puller or
installer device attachment means 25A secured to the first coupling means
28 and the spreader 18 and replacement pipe coupling 18A secured to the
second coupling means 30. FIG. 2 includes an illustration of the pipe to
be split 12 in dashed lines. In use the apparatus of the invention 10 is
positioned within the bore 13 of the pipe to be split 12. The cutting
wheel 75, first roller 40 and second roller 58 lie in a plane
perpendicular to the plane of the paper illustrating FIG. 2. The first
roller 40 is rotatably positioned within aperture 50 formed in the
elongate body 20. The second roller 58 is rotatably positioned within the
second aperture 70. The cutting wheel 75 is rotatably positioned in the
third aperture 87. The first aperture 50 is positioned proximate the first
end 21 of elongate body 20. The first roller 40 is received within first
aperture 50 of the elongate frame 20 to enable rotation of first roller 40
within first aperture 50. The second aperture 70 is positioned proximate
the second end 22 of elongate body 20. The second roller 58 is received
within the second aperture 70 of the elongate frame 20 to enable rotation
of second roller 58 within the second aperture 70. The third aperture 70
is positioned between the first aperture 50 and the second aperture 70
formed in the elongate frame 20. The cutting wheel 75 is received within
the third aperture 87 of the elongate frame 20 to enable rotation of the
cutting wheel 75 within the third aperture 87. The side wheels 90, 106
prevent the pipe to be split 12 from deforming as the elongate frame 20 is
pulled along the longitudinal axis of the pipe to be split 12 by pulling
means (not shown) known in the art. Other structures may be used to
prevent the pipe from deforming. For example, bosses 101 extending
laterally from the first and second sides of the elongate frame engage the
interior surface of the pipe as it is deformed inwardly during the passage
of the elongate frame to prevent deformation to the extent that the
cutting wheel does not fully cuttably engage the pipe. However, since such
bosses 101 frictionally engage the interior surface of 12 thereby
consuming energy used to pull the device, they are less preferred. In
general, as the thickness of the pipe to be split 12 increases such as at
a coupling or the like, the tendency for the pipe to deform by elongation
in the plane of the cutting wheel 75 is inhibited by side wheels 90, 106.
Thus, inhibiting the deformation of the pipe 12 by side wheels 90,106
enables the cutting wheel 75 to cut through the coupling. That is, the
side wheels 90,106 prevent the pipe to be split 12 from deforming to the
extent that the cutting wheel 75 fails to cuttably engage the third
portion 15 (FIG. 7) of the pipe to be split 12 as the third portion 15 is
deformed and out of reach of the cutting edge 78 of the cutting wheel 75
thereby preventing the cutting through of the pipe to be split 12 by the
cutting wheel 75.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along 3--3 of FIG. 2, absent first axle
42, second axle 60 and third axle 79. Cutting wheel 75 is spaced apart 81
from the lower portion 14 of the pipe to be split 12. The first roller 40
and second roller 58 rotatably engage the lower portion 14 of the pipe to
be split 12 and ensure the spaced apart relationship between the cutting
wheel 75 and the lower portion 14 of the pipe to be split 12. The first
roller 40 further includes a first axle bore 48 formed in the center of
first roller 40. The first axle bore 48 receives the first axle 42 to
enable rotation of the first roller 40 relative to the axle 42. In a like
manner, second roller 58 includes a second axle bore 66 and cutting wheel
75 further includes a third axle bore 86 formed in their respective
centers to enable rotation about their respective axles.
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the apparatus illustrated at FIG. 1. The
means for inhibiting the rotation 44 of the first axle 42 comprises a
flattened 46 axle head 45 of first axle 42. The flattened 46 axle head 42
cooperates with boss 52 to inhibit rotation of the first axle 42 relative
to the rotation of the first roller 40. The means for inhibiting the
rotation 62 of the second axle 60 comprises a flattened 65 axle head 64 of
the second axle 60. The flattened 65 axle head 64 cooperates with axle
head boss 68 to inhibit the rotation of the second axle 60 relative to the
second roller 58. The means for inhibiting rotation 76 of the third axle
79 comprises a flattened 84 axle head 82 of the third axle 79. The
flattened 84 axle head 82 cooperates with axle head boss 88 to inhibit the
rotation of the third axle 79 relative to the cutting wheel 75. The
inhibition of rotation of the first, second and third axles ensures that
the first roller, second roller and cutting wheel rotate about the fixed
axles 42,60 and 79 which remain in a fixed and non rotating position. The
rotation of the cutting wheel and rollers about the fixed axles 42,60 and
79 causes rotational wear of the axles while preventing any rotational
wear relative to the first axle opening 32, second axle opening 33 and
third axle opening 34 of the elongate frame 20. As the first, second and
third axles are intended to be removable from elongate frame 20, the axles
may be replaced when they are worn and/or the rollers and wheel may be
interchanged with different sized rollers and cutting wheel to enable a
single sized elongate frame to cut pipes having different sized bores or
to enable the replacement of an axle, a cutting wheel or roller, if worn.
Preferably, the first and second rollers 48,58 and the cutting wheel 75
freely rotate about axles 42,60 and 79, respectively.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus at FIG. 1. The first end 21 of the
elongate frame 20 includes the first coupling means 28. The first roller
40 is rotatably positioned within elongate frame 20 proximate first end
21. The arc 53 of first roller 40 is intended to coincide with the arc 12A
of the pipe to be split 12. The cutting edge 78 of cutting wheel 75 is
formed by tapering the peripheral dimension of cutting wheel 75 to form a
narrow tapered edge 78.
FIG. 6 is a rear view of the apparatus illustrated at FIG. 1. The second
coupling means 30 is positioned at the second end 22 of elongate frame 20.
In a like manner as first roller 40, the arc 72 of the second roller 58
engages the arc 12A of the bore 13 of the pipe to be split 12.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 2. The cutting
wheel 75 is spaced apart 81 from the lower portion 14 of the pipe to be
split 12 to enable rotation of the cutting wheel 75 without engaging the
lower portion 14 of the pipe being split 12. The first roller 40 and
second roller 58 rotatably support in use the elongated frame 20 along a
first longitudinal path of travel 14A of the pipe to be split 12 when
positioned into the bore 13 of the pipe to be split. The cutting wheel 75
cuttably engages the thickness of the pipe wall 11 along a second
longitudinal path of travel 15A of the pipe to be split thereby splitting
the pipe along the second longitudinal path 15A thereof which is opposite
the first longitudinal path of said first and second rollers. Preferably,
the first longitudinal path of travel 14A of the first 40 and second 58
rollers is directly opposite the second longitudinal path of travel 15A of
the cutting wheel 75. The second roller 58 with arc 53 engages the arc 12A
of bore 13 of the pipe to be split 12. In a like manner the first side
wheel 90 and second side wheel 106 having arc 102 and 117 respectively,
engage the arc 12A of bore 13 of the pipe to be split 12. The first side
23 of elongate frame 20 includes the first side wheel 90 positioned
between the first roller 40 and cutting wheel 75 as illustrated at FIG. 2.
The elongate frame 20 includes a fourth axle opening 35 and a fifth axle
opening 36 formed therein for receiving a fourth axle 92 and fifth axle
107, respectively, to enable the rotation of the first side wheel 90 about
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