In the field of underground pipe and fuel delivery systems, it has become increasingly important due to environment regulations to ensure a leak-free connection between underground piping and tanks, dispensers, as well as other equipment utilized in connection with fuel storage and dispensing facilities. This has resulted in a variety of secondarily contained underground piping systems which provide for containment of any fluid which may leak from a primary pipe. A major source of leaks in piping systems is at the couplings or connections between segments of pipe or between the pipe and other components, such as pumps, manifolds, etc. In order to prevent or eliminate leakage in piping lines, it has been increasingly common to utilize continuous lengths of flexible, semi-rigid pipe which is cut to length at the job site such that the connections at either end of the pipe are located in a contained area, such as in an underground sump.

Couplings are then connected to the ends of the pipe in situ such that the pipe can be connected to the fluid storage and/or dispensing system components.

The known couplings fall into one of two categories: (1) swaged or (2) mechanically fastened with an elastomeric seal. Swaging a coupling onto a pipe end requires a hydraulic tool to either expand or compress a metal collar, thereby pinching the pipe material into intimate contact with the coupling. This typically provides an excellent permanent seal that doesn't require any maintenance. However, the tools required to perform the swaging operation must generate very high pressures, and are typically expensive, large and cumbersome. Additionally, these tools do not generally

lend themselves to working within confined spaces, such as within an underground sump.

Additionally, once the coupling is installed, it cannot be reused.

Although slightly larger in size, couplings which are mechanically fastened with an elastomeric seal typically require only modest pressure to assure a seal, and can be installed and removed with"common"low cost tools such as wrenches, pliers, etc. This allows the coupling to be easily installed within confined spaces. However, couplings of this type have not proven to be extremely reliable since the seal can degrade from contact with fuels and other corrosive chemicals being carried by the piping system. Therefore, the seals must generally be replaced on a regular maintenance schedule causing down time for the piping system and a recurring expense each time the seal is replaced.

Additionally, due to the adjustability of most clamping arrangements, the components may be over-tightened or under-tightened, which can result in premature failure of the connection.

It would be desirable to provide a new coupling design which combines the maintenance free seal of the known swaged coupling and which allows the easy installation and removal provided by the mechanical coupling.

SUMMARY Briefly stated, the present invention provides a hose construction including a tubular hose having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the hose includes a plurality of corrugations. A coupling is secured to at least one end of the tubular hose. The coupling includes an insert that is located in the one end of the tubular hose. The insert has an outer peripheral surface with at least two spaced apart annular protrusions. A segmented clamp having at least first and second clamp segments is used to connect the coupling to the hose. Each of the first and second clamp segments has a first end and a second end, with the second end of the first clamp segment being pivotably connected to the first end of second clamp segment, and the second end of the second clamp segment being configured for connection to the first end of the first clamp

segment. The at least first and second clamp segments are positioned over the outer surface of the tubular hose in a position over the insert. The first end of the first clamp segment and the second end ofthe second clamp segment include clamping locations that are adapted to receive a clamp such that the first end of the first clamp segment can be drawn into engagement with the second end of the second clamp segment to a fixed locking position so that the inner surface of the tubular hose is sealed to the outer peripheral surface of the insert.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a hose construction. The method includes: forming a tubular hose having an inner surface and an outer surface; providing a coupling having an insert located thereon, and inserting the insert into a first end of the tubular hose; providing a segmented clamp having at least first and second clamp segments, with each of the first and second clamp segments having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first clamp segment and the second end of the second clamp segment including clamping locations; pivotably connecting the second end of the first clamp segment to the first end of second clamp segment; positioning the at least first and second clamp segments over the outer surface of the tubular hose in a position over the insert, applying a clamp to the clamping locations of the first and second clamp segments, drawing the first end of the first clamp segment into engagement with the second end of the second clamp segment; and locking the first end of the first clamp segment to the second end of the second clamp segment in a fixed locking position, sealing the inner surface of said tubular hose to the outer peripheral surface of the insert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: Fig. 1A is an elevational view, shown half in cross-section, of a coupling with an insert used in conjunction with a hose construction in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1B is a top view of the coupling of Fig. 1A taken along line 1B-1B in Fig.

1A ; Fig. 1C is an enlarged cross-sectional half-view of the coupling shown in Fig. 1 A ; Fig. 1D is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the coupling insert of the coupling shown in Fig. 1A ; Fig. 2A is an elevation view of a segmented clamp used with the coupling in Fig.

1A to form the first embodiment ofthe hose construction of the present invention, shown in an unclamped position; Fig. 2B is an elevation view similar to Fig. 2A showing the segmented clamp in the closed, clamped position; Fig. 3A is a side elevational view of a clamp segment used in the segmented clamp of Fig. 2A; Fig. 3B is a top plan view of the clamp segment of Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C is a bottom plan view of the clamp segment of Fig. 3A; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional half view of the hose construction in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention with the coupling assembled with the tubular hose; Fig. 5 is an elevational view, partially in cross-section, showing the segmented clamp being installed over the pipe end in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6A is an elevation view of a second embodiment of a segmented clamp for use with a hose construction in accordance with the a second embodiment of the present invention, shown in the open, uncompressed position; Fig. 6b is an elevation view of the second embodiment of the segmented clamp in accordance with the present invention, shown in the closed, pipe compressing position; Fig. 7A is an elevational view, shown half in cross-section, of a coupling with an insert used in conjunction with a hose construction in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7B is a top view of the coupling of Fig. 7A taken along line 7B-7B in Fig.

7A; Fig. 8A is an elevational view, partially in cross-section, showing the installation of a segmented clamp in accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention on a tubular hose and coupling; Fig. 8B is a top view taken along line 8B-8B in Fig. 8A; Fig. 9 is a half cross-sectional view through the third embodiment of the hose construction in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 1 OA is an elevational view of a clamp segment of the segmented clamp used in the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 OB is a view taken along line 1 OB-1 OB in Fig. 10A ; Fig. lOC is a view taken along line lOC-lOC in Fig. 10A ; Fig. lOD is a cross-sectional view taken along line lOD-lOD in Fig. 10A ; Fig. 11A is an elevational view of a clamping tool for installation of the segmented clamp for the hose construction in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11B is a right side elevational view of the clamping tool of Fig. 11A ; Fig. 11C is a left side elevational view of the clamping tool of Fig. 11A ; and Fig. 11D is a bottom view of the clamping tool of Fig. 1 lA.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words"right,""left,""lower,"and"upper"designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words"inwardly"and"outwardly"refer to directions towards and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the removable segmented pipe coupling in accordance with the present invention, and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words noted above as well as derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, a first embodiment of a hose construction 10 with a removable segmented pipe coupling in accordance with the present invention installed on the end of a tubular hose 60 is shown. The tubular hose 60 includes an inner surface and an outer surface. In the preferred embodiment, the inner surface includes a plurality of corrugations 62, as shown in Fig. 4. However, other types of pipes or hoses having a smooth inner surface may be utilized.

The pipe coupling is secured to at least one end of the hose 60, and comprises a coupling body 11 having an insert 12, shown in detail in Figs. 1A-1D. The insert 12 is generally cylindrical and includes an outer peripheral sealing surface 16 which is adapted to be sealed to the inner surface of the pipe 60. The outer peripheral surface 16 of the insert 12 preferably includes at least two spaced apart annular protrusions 18. Preferably, each protrusion 18 has a plurality of grooves 20 located on an outer surface thereof.

These are effective in creating a tight seal between the inner surface of the tubular hose 60 and the outer surface of the insert 12 by creating multiple contact areas, depending upon the material of the hose. However, the grooves 20 can be omitted if desired. The second end of the insert 12 includes a pipe joint connection feature 22. The pipe joint connection feature 22 can be of any type, such as a screw connection, a flange, welded or a bell & spigot type joint. The particular pipe joint connection feature 22 utilized is not considered to be part of the present invention, and can be any desired type of connection.

A first embodiment of a segmented clamp 14 having at least first and second clamp segments 24 is positioned over an outer surface of the tubular hose 60 in a position over the insert 12. The segment clamp 14 is shown in detail in Figs. 2A, 2B and 5. The segmented clamp 14 may be formed from any number of clamp segments 24, shown in detail in Figs. 3A-3E. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the arc length of each segment would change, depending upon the total number of segments to be utilized. For example, if three clamp segments are used to form the segmented clamp 14, each segment 24 has an arc length of approximately 120°. The segments 24 have an inside radius R which is preferably less than the outside diameter of the pipe 60. The first end of each segment has a single lug 26 with a hole 28 defined therethrough. The second end of each segment 24 has two lugs 30 located in complementary positions to the single lug 26, with aligned holes 32 defined therethrough such that the lug 26 on the first end of one segment 24 can be inserted into the space between the lugs 30 on the second end of an adjacent segment 24, with the holes 28,32 being aligned such that a pin or fastener can be inserted therethrough.

Clamping locations formed by clamp receiving recesses 34 are preferably provided in both ends of each segment 24 and are adapted to receive a clamp such that the ends of the clamp segments 24 can be drawn together. While the preferred shape and location of the recesses 34 are shown, these can be varied to suit particular clamping arrangements, as desired, and need only be provided on both sides of one segment interface location to allow clamping.

In the first embodiment, shown in Fig. 2A, three segments 24 are utilized to form the segmented clamp 14. Pins or fasteners 36 which allow the segments to pivot are installed in the aligned holes 28,32 at two of the segment interface locations. After the segmented clamp 14 is installed over the end of a pipe 60 with the insert 12 located therein, an external C-clamp tool 70 is connected to the clamp receiving recesses 34, as shown in Figs. 2A and 5, and the clamp 14 is moved to a fixed locking position, compressing the wall of the tubular hose 60 located between the clamp 14 and the insert

12 a predetermined amount into sealing relationship with the sealing surface 16 of the insert 12. A final fastener 36 can then be installed, as shown in Fig. 2B. This fixed locking position provides for an optimum seal without over-clamping or under-clamping of the hose 60.

The grooved ribs 18 provide for improved sealing, and the relief areas 38 (shown in Fig. 3C) in the clamp segments 24 lock the clamp 14 in position on the tubular hose 60. In the clamped position, shown in Fig. 2B, the inner surfaces of the segments 24 form a generally circular opening having a diameter which is less than the outside diameter of the tubular hose 60, such that upon installation, the tubular hose 60 is radially compressed. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art from the present invention that the number of segments 24 can be varied, as desired.

For installation of the coupling 10 on the end of a hose 60, the insert 12 is inserted into the end of the hose. The insert 12 functions to prevent the hose wall from collapsing under the load of the segmented clamp 14, it provides the sealing surface 16 upon which the inner wall of the hose 60 is sealed, and it provides the interface to the component to which the hose is to be attached to in the piping system. Next, if the clamp segments 24 are not already disassembled, one pin or fastener 36 is removed and the segmented clamp 14 is installed over the end of the hose 60 and the insert 12. If the clamp segments 24 are not assembled, the second end of the first clamp segment 24 is pivotably connected to the first end of a second clamp segment 24 via a fastener or pin 36. Additional segments 24 may also be connected between the first and second clamp segments 24, depending upon the number of segments being utilized, preferably also using pivotable pin connections.

A C-clamp tool 70 is then positioned in the clamping recesses 34 on each side of the remaining segment interface to be closed. The clamp segments 24 are then drawn together using pressure from the C-clamp tool 70 compressing the pipe 60 onto the insert 12. When the holes 28,32 in the first end of the first clamp segment and the second end of the second clamp segment 24 being clamped together are aligned, the final pin or fastener 36 is inserted, locking the first end of the first clamp segment 24 to the second

end of the second clamp segment in a fixed locking position.. Based upon the dimension R of the segmented clamp 14, the outside and inside diameters of the tubular hose 60, and the outside diameter of the insert 12, the hose 60 is compressed optimally to ensure a proper seal between the hose 60 and the sealing surface 16 of the insert 12.

Referring now to Figs. 6A and 6B, a second embodiment of a hose construction utilizing a second type of segmented clamp 114 is shown. The second embodiment of the hose construction is similar to the first embodiment 10 and utilizes the same type of coupling body 11 with an insert 12, with the only change being in the segmented clamp.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the size of the coupling body 11 may be varied depending upon the type of hose used in the hose construction. Accordingly, only the segmented clamp 114 will be described in detail.

In the second embodiment, the first and second clamp segments 124,125 are provided with radially extending lugs 126,127. The remaining clamp segments 24'are similar to the clamp segments 24 described above and are pivotably connected between the first and second clamp segments 124,125. However, the arc length of each clamp segment is changed, based on the total number of segments being utilized. For five clamp segments 124,125,24', as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, each segment preferably has an arc length of about 72 °. A threaded fastener 135 extends through openings defined in the lugs 126,127 to allow the segments 124,125 to be drawn together to close the segmented clamp 110. Alignment features such as a complementary pin and recess arrangement 142 are preferably provided on the lugs 126,127, as shown. A positive stop is also provided on the lugs 126,127 such that the segmented clamp 114 is not over- tightened.

Referring now to Figs. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9 and 1 OA-1 OD, a third embodiment of a hose construction 210 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The hose construction 210 is similar to the hose construction 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, and similar elements have been identified with similar

reference numbers for the sake of clarity, For example, the clamp segment 224 of the third embodiment is similar to the clamp segment 24 of the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the insert 212 on the coupling body 211 is provided with an outer peripheral sealing surface 216 having a plurality of annular projections 218. The projections 218 have a generally flat upper surface and are in the form of a truncated saw tooth configuration to provide for sealing and to prevent the hose 260 from backing off of the insert 212 in use. Additionally, the coupling body includes an annular groove 215 spaced on an opposite side of the insert 211 from the free end.

As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the segmented clamp 214 includes two clamp segments 224, shown in detail in Figs. 1 OA-1 OD. The clamp segments have an inside radius R which is preferably less than the outside diameter of the pipe 260. The first end of each segment 224 has a single lug 226 with a hole 228 defined therethrough. The second end of each segment 224 has two lugs 230 located in complementary positions to the single lug 226, with aligned holes 232 defined therethrough such that the lug 226 on the first end of one segment 224 can be inserted into the space between the lugs 230 on the second end of an adjacent segment 224, with the holes 228,232 being aligned such that a pin or fastener 236 can be inserted therethrough. Additionally, locking tabs 225 are located on the clamp segments 224. The locking tabs 225 are complementary to the annular groove 215 on the coupling body 211, such that the locking tabs 225 are received in the annular groove 215 when the segmented clamp 214 is clamped over the end of the hose 260 over the insert 212, as shown in Figs. 8B and 9. This positively locks the segmented clamp 214 in position. The number of locking tabs 225 utilized may be varied, depending upon the particular application. Preferably, annular protrusions 227 are located on the inner surface of the clamp segments 224 for increased clamping strength to maintain the hose 260 in position on the insert 211 and to enhance the sealing of the inner surface of the hose 260 to the outer surface of the insert 212 as the hose is compressed radially inwardly during the installation process.

'J The hose construction 210 in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention is assembled in generally the same manner as the hose construction 10 in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe invention. However, only two segments are connected together. It is advantageous if neither pin 236 is installed as the segments 224 are positioned over the hose 260 in the area of the insert 212. A first pin 236 is then installed. The first end of the first clamp segment 224 is then drawn toward the second end of the second clamp segment 224 by a clamping device 270. The second pin 236 can then be installed. Preferably the two pins 236 are connected together by a lanyard 237, and the pins further include a locking feature such that they will not easily back out of the holes. The pins 236 can also be safety wired into position to prevent accidental removal.

As shown in detail in Figs. 1 lA-11D, the clamping device 270 is preferably very small and hence portable, and is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The clamping device 270 includes two opposing jaws 271,212 that are maintained in alignment with one another via four alignment pins 274. A threaded bolt 273 is used to draw the two opposing jaws 271,272 together in a simple manner using a hand tool, such as a wrench.

If more than two segments 224 are to be utilized, the arc length of each segment would be adjusted accordingly, and additional segments could be installed between the first and second segments 224.

The present hose construction provides several advantages over the prior known constructions, including the ability for the coupling to be installed on the hose end in the field utilizing simple, relatively common hand tools. Additionally, the coupling cannot be over-tightened or under-tightened, insuring a proper seal with each installation. The relatively small size of the coupling body and segmented clamp, as well as the small installation tool, allow for installation within small or confined spaces which is often desirable when working with underground piping. Additionally, while the seal created

is permanent in nature and does not need maintenance, it is also possible to remove and reuse the coupling at a future date.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed that is intended to cover modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention.