TECHNICAL FIELD

[1 ] The present invention relates to a facing tool assembly for facing a pipe.

BACKGROUND

[2] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[3] High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, pipe is a heavy-duty pipe made from thermoplastic. It is generally used underground for high pressure pipelines such as water mains, gas mains, sewer mains and the like.

[4] It is important to couple (often through thermocoupling) HDPE pipe together, or to fit HDPE pipe with a flange, properly to ensure safety. This is achieved by a process called “facing”. Facing is creating a land on the end of a pipe to create a flat surface on the pipe-end. Correct surfacing makes pipes easier to align.

[5] It is often useful to have the pipe face as near to flat, or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pipe, as possible.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[6] In an aspect, the invention provides a facing tool assembly comprising: a facing tool including a body having a first end coaxial with a second end, the first end connectable to a rotary power tool, and the second end connectable to a clamp assembly, and a cutting tool for cutting a pipe face, the cutting tool connected to the body between the first end and the second end.

[7] Preferably, the second end is adapted to complementarily fit to the clamp assembly.

[8] Preferably, in use, the body and cutting tool rotate in unison, or together, to allow the cutting tool to cut a face of a pipe. [9] Preferably, the first end includes a fitting for engagement with a rotary power tool. More preferably, the fitting includes a hex drive for engagement with the rotary power tool and/or connectable to the rotary power tool.

[10] Preferably, the cutting tool includes an arm that is substantially transverse to an axis extending between the first end and the second end. Preferably, a cutting element is located at an end of the arm distal to the body.

[11] Preferably, the facing tool assembly further comprises a clamp assembly. Preferably, the clamp assembly comprises an internal pipe clamp for engaging with an interior surface of a pipe and a connector adapted to connect to the second end of the body. Preferably, the second end of the body and the connector of the clamp assembly have complementary connecting formations or a complementary connecting arrangement. Preferably, the connector comprises a receptacle formed within the clamp assembly, wherein the second end of the body of the facing tool is received within the receptacle to connect the facing tool to the clamp assembly. Alternatively, the second end of the body of the facing tool comprises a receptacle and the connector of the clamp comprises a shaft received within the receptacle of the facing tool. Preferably, when connected, the body of the facing tool and the clamp assembly are coaxial. Preferably, in use, the body of the facing tool, the clamp assembly and the pipe are coaxial. Preferably, an axis of the pipe extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the pipe. Preferably, an axis of the clamp assembly extends from a first end to a second end of the clamp assembly.

[12] Preferably, the facing tool assembly comprises a complementary connecting arrangement, wherein the second end of the body of the facing tool and the connector of the clamp are complementary.

[13] Preferably, the cutting element includes a stepped portion that, in use, creates a stepped profile in the face of the pipe.

[14] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of facing a pipe, the method including: providing a facing tool including a body having a first end coaxial with a second end and a cutting tool for cutting a pipe face connected to the body between the first end and the second end; connecting a clamp assembly to an internal surface of a pipe; connecting the second end of the body of the facing tool to a connector of the clamp assembly, wherein the connector is coaxial with the body; and connecting the first end of the facing tool to a rotary power tool.

[15] Preferably, the method includes activating the rotary power tool, whereby the rotary power tool causes the facing tool to rotate about an axis extending between the first end and the second end of the body of the facing tool, wherein the body is coaxial with the pipe and the clamp assembly, and whereby a cutting tool of the facing tool cuts a face of the pipe as the body rotates.

[16] Preferably, the method includes facing a face of a second pipe and aligning the pipe and the second pipe end to end such that the pipe and the second pipe are abutting and coupling the pipe to the second pipe.

[17] Preferably, the cutting tool includes a cutting element having a stepped portion such that the facing tool cuts the face of the pipe and forms a stepped profile in the face of the pipe.

[18] Preferably, the method includes the cutting tool cutting a face of a second pipe to form a stepped profile in the face of the second pipe and the method further includes aligning the pipe and the second pipe end to end such that the pipe and the second pipe abut and coupling the pipe to the second pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[19] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a facing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the facing tool and a clamp assembly;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the facing tool and the clamp assembly coaxially located with a pipe;

Figure 4 illustrates the clamp assembly engages the internal surface of a pipe;

Figure 5 illustrates the tensioning of the clamp assembly within the pipe; Figure 6 illustrates a polygonal wrench for use with the clamp assembly;

Figure 7 illustrates the facing tool connected to a rotary power tool;

Figure 8 illustrates the facing tool being connected to the clamp assembly;

Figures 9 to 11 illustrate the facing tool assembly in use creating a perpendicular face on the pipe;

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the perpendicular face of the pipe relative to the centre line of the pipe after the facing tool assembly has been used;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a facing tool according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate views of the facing tool of Figure 14 and a clamp assembly;

Figures 17 to 23 illustrate views of the facing tool and the clamp assembly coaxially located with a pipe, including views of the pipe coupling cuff.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[20] Figures 1 to 13 illustrate a facing tool assembly 10 for cleaning a pipe face.

[21 ] The facing tool assembly 10 includes a facing tool 100 having a body 102 with a first end 104 coaxial with a second end 106 along axis A-A extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106.

[22] The facing tool 100 also includes a cutting tool 108 for cutting a pipe face. The cutting tool 108 is connected to the body 102 between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The cutting tool 108 includes an arm 110 that is substantially transverse (see axis C-C) to the axis A-A extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106.

[23] A cutting element 112 is located at an end 114 of the arm 110 distal to the body 102.

[24] The cutting tool 108 may be integrally formed with the body 102 or removably connected thereto. The first end 104 and the second end 106 may also be integrally formed or separable. [25] The first end 104 of the body 102 includes a fitting 116 for engagement with a rotary power tool, such as a power drill. The fitting 116 illustrated is a hex (imperial) drive but could be another suitable drive member having a different shape.

[26] The second end 106 of the body 102 is connectable to a clamp assembly (to be described below).

[27] In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 106 includes an elongate cylindrical shaft 118 formed from steel, or other suitable material, and the length of the shaft may vary.

[28] Alternatively, the second end may take the form of a receptacle connectable to the clamp assembly.

[29] As will be made clear below, the second end is complementarily arranged relative to the clamp assembly to allow the second end to connect to the clamp assembly.

[30] Turning to Figure 3, a further embodiment of the facing tool assembly 10 includes a clamp assembly in the form of an internal pipe clamp 120 for engaging with an interior surface of a pipe. The internal pipe clamp 120 is a spider clamp.

[31] The internal pipe clamp 120 includes a connector adapted to connect to the second end 106 of the body 102 of the facing tool 100.

[32] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 122 includes a receptacle 124 formed in a shaft 126 of the internal pipe clamp 120.

[33] In conjunction with the second end 106 of the facing tool 100, the connector 122 forms a complementary connecting arrangement. The second end 106 of the body 102 of the facing tool 100 and the connector 122 of the internal pipe clamp 120 are complementary in the sense that one is received within the other.

[34] As can be seen, the connector 122 is adapted to connect to the second end 106 of the body 102 of the facing tool 100 such that the internal pipe clamp 120 and the body 102 are coaxial along axis B-B. It will be appreciated that axis B-B is the same as axis A-A which now extends through both the internal pipe clamp 120 and the facing tool 100.

[35] When the facing tool 100 and the internal pipe clamp 120 are connected, an external surface of the shaft 118 of the second end 106 fits within, or abuts, an internal surface of the receptacle 124 of the connector 122 but does not engage the internal surface and thus when a rotational force is applied to the facing tool 100, the connector 122 will remain substantially stationary while the facing tool 100 is able to rotate and cut a face of a pipe.

[36] The connection between the facing tool 100 and the internal pipe clamp 120 facilitates the facing tool 100 remaining centred, and coaxial with, the internal pipe clamp 120 by limiting lateral movement relative to the shared axis (e.g. the coaxis) but allows the disconnection of the facing tool 100 from the internal pipe clamp 120 through longitudinal movement along the shared axis (e.g. the coaxis).

[37] Alternatively, the second end of the shaft of the facing tool comprises a receptacle and the connector of the clamp comprises a shaft received within the receptacle of the facing tool.

[38] As noted above, in some embodiments, the second end may take the form of a receptacle connectable to the clamp assembly. In such embodiments, the connector of the clamp assembly may comprise a shaft received within the receptable of the facing tool. Alternatively, the connector of the clamp assembly, taking the form of a receptacle, receives an adaptor that engages with the receptacle of the connector such that the adaptor and the receptacle are coupled together. The adaptor may also include a shaft that extends from the connector and is received within the receptacle of the facing tool to allow the facing tool to connect to the clamp assembly.

[39] In addition to the above, when the facing tool 100 and internal pipe clamp 120 are connected, the arm 110 and the cutting element 112 (or a longitudinal axis thereof) are maintained perpendicularly relative to the axis B-B.

[40] In use, the internal pipe clamp 120 is located within a pipe 130 and connected to an internal surface 132 of the pipe 130 (see Figures 3 and 4). As can be seen, legs 128 of the internal pipe clamp 120 extend radially from the shaft 126 of the internal pipe clamp 120 to engage with the internal surface 132 of the pipe 130. The force exerted against the internal surface 132 of the pipe 130 can be adjusted through the use of a polygonal wrench 134 (see Figures 5 and 6) that is complementarily shaped to engage with the walls of the opening to the receptacle 124 of the connector 122.

[41] The first end 104 of the body 102 of the facing tool 100 is connected to a rotary power tool 140 (see Figure 7) and the second end 106 of the body 102 of the facing tool 100 is connected to the connector 122 of the internal pipe clamp 130 (see Figure 8) such that the shaft 118 of the second end 106 of the body 102 is received within the receptacle 124 of the connector 122 of the internal pipe clamp 120 and the connector 122 is coaxial with the body 102. It will be appreciated that these two steps can be done in any order.

[42] Once the facing tool 100 and the internal pipe clamp 120 are connected, and the internal pipe clamp 120 is located within the pipe 130, the body 102 of the facing tool 100, the internal pipe clamp 120 and the pipe 130 are coaxial along axis D-D (see Figures 3 and 9). It will be appreciated that the body, the clamp assembly and the pipe are coaxial in that they share a common central axis (or that each of their central axes are aligned), wherein an axis of the pipe extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the pipe and an axis of the clamp assembly extends from a first end to a second end of the clamp assembly. It will also be appreciated that axis D-D is the same as axes A-A and B-B which now extend through the centre of each of the pipe 130, the internal pipe clamp 120 and the facing tool 100.

[43] Turing to Figures 10 to 13, the rotary tool 140 is then activated, whereby the rotary power tool 140 causes the facing tool 100, including both the body 102 and the cutting tool 108, to rotate about the axis A-A extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the body 102 of the facing tool 100, wherein the body 102 is coaxial with the pipe 130 and the internal pipe clamp 120 (as set out above), and whereby a cutting tool 108 of the facing tool 100 cuts a face 136 of the pipe 130 as the body 102 rotates. Once the face 136 of the pipe 130 has been cut, the face 136 will go from uneven (see Figure 10) to substantially flat and perpendicular to a central axis of the pipe 130 (see Figures 11 through 13).

[44] Advantageously, the facing tool assembly is able to clean and straighten the face of the pipe quickly and easily to minimise gaps between two pipes that are connected end to end.

[45] In Figures 14 and 15, a second embodiment is illustrated. The figures show a facing tool assembly 20 for cleaning a pipe face.

[46] The facing tool assembly 20 includes a facing tool 200 having a body 202 with a first end 204 coaxial with a second end 206 along axis A-A extending between the first end 204 and the second end 206.

[47] The facing tool 200 also includes a cutting tool 208 for cutting a pipe face. The cutting tool 208 is connected to the body 202 between the first end 204 and the second end 206. The cutting tool 208 includes an arm 210 that is substantially transverse (see axis C-C) to the axis A-A extending between the first end 204 and the second end 206.

[48] A cutting element 212 is located at an end 214 of the arm 210 distal to the body 202.

[49] The cutting element 212 includes a stepped portion 213. The stepped portion 213 is defined by a first cutting edge 213a that is aligned with the edge of the arm 210 and a second cutting edge 213b that projects beyond the edge of the arm 210. The first cutting edge 213a and the second cutting edge 213b are connected by a perpendicular edge 213c that is perpendicular to both the first cutting edge 213a and the second cutting edge 213b. That is, first cutting edge 213a is offset from the second cutting edge 213b.

[50] In some embodiments, the first cutting edge 213a is spaced a first distance from the arm 210 and second cutting edge 213b is spaced a second distance from the arm 210, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[51] In use, the stepped configuration 213 creates a stepped face 237 on the first pipe portion 230 (see Figures 17 to 23). The stepped face 237 includes a first face parallel to a second face, wherein the first and second faces are connected by a third face perpendicular to and extending between both the first and second faces. That is, the first face is offset or spaced apart from the second face.

[52] Two pipe portions (first pipe portion 230 and second pipe portion 231 ) are then aligned end to end with the projecting portions of the stepped face 237 of each respective pipe portions abutting. This forms a channel 234 that extends about the circumference of the end-to-end pipe portions that is inversely shaped to a projection

236 of a pipe coupling cuff 235. In use, an end of one of the pipe portions (the first pipe portion 230) is inserted into a first end of the pipe coupling cuff 235 until the stepped face 237 of the end of the pipe portion abuts the projection 236 with the pipe coupling cuff 235. Next, an end of the other of the pipe portions (second pipe portion 231 ) is inserted into a second end of the pipe coupling cuff 235 until the stepped face

237 of the end of the pipe abuts the projection 236 with the pipe coupling cuff 235 and the first of the two pipe portions. This creates a seamless join between the two pipe portions.

[53] The cutting tool 208 may be integrally formed with the body 202 or removably connected thereto. The first end 204 and the second end 206 may also be integrally formed or separable. [54] The first end 204 of the body 202 includes a fitting 216 for engagement with a rotary power tool, such as a power drill. The fitting 216 illustrated is a hex (imperial) drive but could be another suitable drive member having a different shape.

[55] The second end 206 of the body 202 is connectable to a clamp assembly (to be described below).

[56] In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 206 includes an elongate cylindrical shaft 218 formed from steel, or other suitable material, and the length of the shaft may vary.

[57] Alternatively, the second end may take the form of a receptacle connectable to the clamp assembly.

[58] As will be made clear below, the second end is complementarily arranged relative to the clamp assembly to allow the second end to connect to the clamp assembly.

[59] Turning to Figures 15 and 16, a further embodiment of the facing tool assembly 20 includes a clamp assembly in the form of an internal pipe clamp 220 for engaging with an interior surface of a pipe. The internal pipe clamp 220 is a spider clamp, similar to the spider clamp described above.

[60] The internal pipe clamp 220 includes a connector adapted to connect to the second end 206 of the body 202 of the facing tool 200.

[61] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 222 includes a receptacle formed in a shaft 226 of the internal pipe clamp 220.

[62] In conjunction with the second end 206 of the facing tool 200, the connector 222 forms a complementary connecting arrangement. The second end 206 of the body 202 of the facing tool 200 and the connector 222 of the internal pipe clamp 220 are complementary in the sense that one is received within the other.

[63] As can be seen, the connector 222 is adapted to connect to the second end 206 of the body 202 of the facing tool 200 such that the internal pipe clamp 220 and the body 202 are coaxial along axis B-B. It will be appreciated that axis B-B is the same as axis A-A which now extends through both the internal pipe clamp 220 and the facing tool 200.

[64] When the facing tool 200 and the internal pipe clamp 220 are connected, an external surface of the shaft 218 of the second end 206 fits within, or abuts, an internal surface of the receptacle of the connector 222 but does not engage the internal surface and thus when a rotational force is applied to the facing tool 200, the connector 222 will remain substantially stationary while the facing tool 200 is able to rotate.

[65] The connection between the facing tool 200 and the internal pipe clamp 220 facilitates the facing tool 200 remaining centred, and coaxial with, the internal pipe clamp 220 by limiting lateral movement relative to the shared axis (e.g. the coaxis) but allows the disconnection of the facing tool 100 from the internal pipe clamp 220 through longitudinal movement along the shared axis (e.g. the coaxis).

[66] Alternatively, the second end of the shaft of the facing tool comprises a receptacle and the connector of the clamp comprises a shaft received within the receptacle of the facing tool.

[67] As noted above, in some embodiments, the second end may take the form of a receptacle connectable to the clamp assembly. In such embodiments, the connector of the clamp assembly may comprise a shaft received within the receptable of the facing tool. Alternatively, the connector of the clamp assembly, taking the form of a receptacle, receives an adaptor that engages with the receptacle of the connector such that the adaptor and the receptacle are coupled together. The adaptor may also include a shaft that extends from the connector and is received within the receptacle of the facing tool to allow the facing tool to connect to the clamp assembly.

[68] In addition to the above, when the facing tool 200 and internal pipe clamp 220 are connected, the arm 210 and the cutting element 212 (or a longitudinal axis thereof) are maintained perpendicularly relative to the axis B-B.

[69] In use, the internal pipe clamp 220 is located within a pipe 230 and connected to an internal surface 232 of the pipe 230 (see Figures 17 to 20). As can be seen, legs 228 of the internal pipe clamp 220 extend radially from the shaft 226 of the internal pipe clamp 220 to engage with the internal surface 232 of the pipe 230. The force exerted against the internal surface 232 of the pipe 230 can be adjusted through the use of a polygonal wrench that is complementarily shaped to engage with the walls of the opening to the receptacle of the connector 222.

[70] The first end 204 of the body 202 of the facing tool 200 is connected to a rotary power tool and the second end 206 of the body 202 of the facing tool 200 is connected to the connector 222 of the internal pipe clamp 230 such that the shaft 218 of the second end 206 of the body 202 is received within the receptacle of the connector 222 of the internal pipe clamp 220 and the connector 222 is coaxial with the body 202. It will be appreciated that these two steps can be done in any order.

[71] Once the facing tool 200 and the internal pipe clamp 220 are connected, and the internal pipe clamp 220 is located within the pipe 230, the body 202 of the facing tool 200, the internal pipe clamp 220 and the pipe 230 are coaxial along axis D-D. It will be appreciated that the body, the clamp assembly and the pipe are coaxial in that they share a common central axis (or that each of their central axes are aligned), wherein an axis of the pipe extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the pipe and an axis of the clamp assembly extends from a first end to a second end of the clamp assembly. It will also be appreciated that axis D-D is the same as axes A-A and B-B which now extend through the centre of each of the pipe 230, the internal pipe clamp 220 and the facing tool 200.

[72] When the rotary tool is then activated, the rotary power tool causes the facing tool 200, including both the body 202 and the cutting tool 208, to rotate about the axis A-A extending between the first end 204 and the second end 206 of the body 202 of the facing tool 200. The body 202 is coaxial with the pipe 230 and the internal pipe clamp 220 (as set out above) such that the cutting tool 208 of the facing tool 200 cuts a face of the pipe 230 as the body 102 rotates. Once the face of the pipe 230 has been cut, the face 236 will go from uneven to having a stepped face 237.

[73] The coaxial alignment of the facing tool and the clamp assembly while located in the pipe ensures the facing tool is accurately guided to uniformly cut the face of the pipe.

[74] Embodiments of the facing tool assembly can provide a pipe face that is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the pipe with deviance from perpendicularity as low as 1 mm.

[75] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[76] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. [77] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.