Pipe nipple

Abstract

A pipe nipple has a bore configuration at one end thereof for receiving a tool therein to rotate the nipple about its longitudinal axis. The exterior of the nipple has surface formations as a stop against which a hose can be inserted over the nipple.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present regular application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/410,745, filed Sep. 13, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to pipe nipples, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to pipe nipples used as transition pieces between hoses and other system components in automobile cooling systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Pipe nipples are commonly used as transition pieces in fluid systems of all types. In a basic form thereof, a pipe nipple is a short piece of pipe with each of the ends adapted for connection to other components or other pipes within the fluid system.

[0004] It is known to use pipe nipples in automobile cooling systems as a transition piece between cooling system components such as, for example, a water pump, and a hose conducting coolant to or from the pump. One end of the nipple has external threads thereon for threaded engagement with a threaded port on the pump, and the other end of the pipe nipple is adapted to receive thereon a prepared end of the hose. A ring clamp is used to secure the hose on the nipple. A portion of the nipple between the threads and the opposite end of the nipple is provided for engagement by a tool used to turn the nipple threads into the threads of the pump threaded port. The portion of the nipple engaged by the tool may be round or may have flattened faces, depending on the type of tool to be used for rotating the nipple. Known nipples of this type have been manufactured by machining processes.

[0005] Known automotive cooling system nipples have disadvantages and inadequacies. Manufacturing a cooling system nipple by screw machining or other similar cutting equipment inherently leaves grooves on all surfaces that are touched by the machine tool. Such grooves on the interior surface of the pipe nipple bore are problematic to some degree. A rough surface along which the coolant flows increases the friction co-efficient in the pipe nipple, which then tends to inhibit the flow of coolant through the nipple. Moreover, a rough surface promotes the accumulation of corrosive products, which not only may adversely affect the strength of the connector, but also further inhibit flow through the pipe nipple.

[0006] On relatively short nipples, as commonly found in automotive cooling systems, the external surface provided for driving or rotating the nipple is small. Thus, it is difficult to engage the nipple with the proper drive tool, and positioning the tool off the drive surface can damage the threads on one end of the nipple or damage the mating surface for the hose on the other end of the nipple. If driven with a common wrench, it is necessary to rotate the nipple a short distance, disengage, reposition and re-engage the wrench to rotate the nipple a further distance, continuing repetitively until the nipple is properly seated in the water pump. This procedure can be time consuming. Further, the more times that the tool is disengaged from and re-engaged with the pipe nipple increases the possibility that the tool will be improperly positioned causing the aforementioned damage or not properly seating to drive the nipple.

[0007] To effectively seat the hose on the nipple in a fluid tight connection, the end of the hose is stretched somewhat to slide over the nipple. When the hose is applied over the nipple end, it is difficult to verify the length of the nipple portion within the hose. If an insufficient length of the nipple is in the hose, the ring clamp applied there around may not function effectively. Further, with the hose end stretched, as the hose ages and becomes more brittle, cracks in the cut end of the hose on the nipple can propagate inwardly, eventually causing leakage and failure.

[0008] What is needed in the art is a pipe nipple formed by processes not using cutting tools on fluid contacting surfaces with a new, more effective drive configuration for the nipple.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a pipe nipple particularly suited for automotive cooling systems which is formed by cold forming processes, has an elongated internal drive configuration, and can be provided with a positive stop for the end of a hose applied thereon.

[0010] In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a pipe nipple for an automobile cooling system, with steps of cold-forming a tubular body having first and second ends and a bore there through from the first end to the second end; threading a portion of the body from the first end inwardly toward the second end; forming an outwardly extending flange at the second end; and shaping the bore from the second end inwardly toward the first end to receive a tool therein for rotating the nipple about a longitudinal axis of the nipple.

[0011] In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a nipple with a tubular body having an outer surface, first and second ends and a longitudinal bore there through. The first end has threads thereon, and the second end has an outwardly extending flange and is configured to receive a hose thereon. The bore is configured at the second end for receiving a tool therein for axially rotating the nipple.

[0012] In a further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a pipe nipple for an automobile cooling system. The nipple has a tubular body having an outer surface, a first end having threads adapted for engagement with threads of a cooling system component, a second end adapted to be received in a cooling system hose, and a longitudinal bore extending there through. The second end has an outwardly extending flange and is configured for a hose to slide over the flange. The bore is configured at the second end for receiving a tool therein for axially rotating the nipple.

[0013] An advantage of the present invention is providing a pipe nipple particularly suited for automotive cooling systems, in which the fluid contacting surfaces are not touched by cutting tools thereby eliminating even micro-scratches on the surfaces.

[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is providing a pipe nipple having a large contact area for engagement by a tool or tools to rotate the nipple.

[0015] Still another advantage of the present invention is providing a stop on the exterior of the pipe nipple for verifying that an end of the hose applied over the end of the nipple has been applied sufficiently far onto the nipple.

[0016] A further advantage of the present invention is providing a pipe nipple configured to allow the end of the hose to relax, reducing crack propagation inwardly from the end of the hose.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a pipe nipple in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is an end view of the pipe nipple shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is an elevational view similar to that of FIG. 1, but illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 4 is an end view of the pipe nipple shown in FIG. 3.

[0022] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, numeral 10 designates a pipe nipple in accordance with the present invention. Nipple 10 is particularly suited for use as a nipple in an automotive cooling system, to serve as a transition between, for example, a hose of the cooling system and a water pump in the cooling system. However, it should be understood that pipe nipples in accordance with the present invention can be used for other purposes within automotive cooling system and for other fluid systems of other types.

[0024] Nipple 10 is an elongated, generally annular body 12 having an exterior surface 14 and an axial bore 16 defined by an interior surface 18. Nipple 10 is formed of steel or other metals by known cold forming processes such as, for example, eyelet forming or metal drawing. Using punches, dies and the like without machining or cutting to form the elongated structure of body 12 eliminates contact by cutting tools on interior surface 18. Thereby, scratches are not formed on interior surface 18, and corrosive components do not accumulate thereon. Further, fluid flows smoothly and efficiently along interior surface 18 with reduced drag from the reduced presence of surface irregularities.

[0025] Body 12 has a first end 20 and a second end 22. A portion of exterior surface 14 from first end 20 inwardly toward second end 22 is provided with a pipe thread 24. Pipe thread 24 is of a pitch and depth to engage female threads in a fluid system component to which nipple 10 is to be attached. For example, pipe threads 24 can be provided to engage a threaded port of a water pump (not shown).

[0026] Second end 22 is adapted to receive thereon a hose (not shown) of an automotive cooling system. Second end 22 is provided with a radially extending circumferential flange 26 slightly inwardly from an outer edge 28 of second end 22. A ramp surface 30 is provided between outer edge 28 and flange 26. The diameter of nipple 10 at outer edge 28 is provided to readily receive and align a hose (not shown) to be inserted thereon. However, the diameter of flange 26 is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the hose (not shown), causing the house to stretch as it is slid over flange 26. Exterior surface 14 is provided of a diameter to snuggly engage the hose.

[0027] For rotating nipple 10 about its longitudinal axis, to drive the nipple relative to the threaded member to which nipple 10 is connected, a drive configuration 40 is provided in bore 16 from second end 22 inwardly toward first end 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, nipple 10 is provided with six corner points 42 by which a hexagonal drive tool can be inserted into bore 16 for rotating nipple 10. As compared with prior known nipples, drive configuration 40 can be of significantly longer length. Further, with an end drive configuration 40 ratcheting tools or other powered rotary tools are more easily used for rotating nipple 10.

[0028] Exterior surface 14 is provided with one or more surface formations 44, such as a plurality of outwardly extending wings 46, which provide both a visual and physical indication when a hose (not shown) has been sufficiently applied over nipple 10. With a hose (not shown) applied with its end against wings 46, a ring clamp or hose clamp (not shown) can encircle the hose between wings 46 and flange 26 to properly seal the hose against the nipple in a fluid tight connection.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a nipple 50 also in accordance with the present invention. Nipple 50 is similar to nipple 10, as evidenced by the similar numerals indicating similar parts and features between nipples 10 and 50. However, nipple 50 includes a different surface formation 44. A circumferential ring 52 is provided instead of wings 46. Ring 52 serves a similar purpose as wings 46, providing a stop against which the end of a hose (not shown) can be abutted. A circumferential depression 54 is provided in exterior surface 14 immediately adjacent ring 52, at least on the side of ring 52 facing the hose (not shown) to be applied thereon. Depression 54 allows the end of the hose (not shown) to relax, thereby reducing the propensity for cracks to propagate inwardly in the hose from the outer end thereof.

[0030] Surface formations 44, such as wings 46 and ring 52, can be formed by metal pinching or other similar processes well known to those skilled in the metal forming arts.

[0031] In using either nipple 10 or nipple 50, thread 24 is aligned with the mating threads of the component to which nipple 10 or 50 is to be attached. To tighten the nipple in the component, the appropriate tool is inserted into drive configuration 40, and is rotated to tighten the nipple. By driving nipples 10 and 50 from the ends thereof, ratcheting tools and the like are used more easily than with conventional nipples driven from the exterior surface 14 thereof. The tool is easily seated properly in drive configuration 40, and the danger of damaging threads 24 or of the area of exterior surface 14 on which a hose will be seated is reduced substantially.

[0032] To attach a hose to second end 22, the hose is slid over ramp surface 30 and flange 26. When the end of the hose approaches the surface formation 44, such as wings 46 or ring 52, the installer is assured that a sufficient length of the hose is present on the nipple to be properly sealed thereon by an appropriate clamp. With nipple 50, the outer edge of the hose is positioned in depression 54, thereby relieving the strain of the hose stretched over body 12. Crack origination and propagation inwardly from the end of the hose is reduced.

[0033] The present invention provides an improved automotive cooling system pipe nipple which is more easily driven for engagement with other cooling system components and which eliminates scratches on fluid contacting surfaces which can form corrosion sites and inhibit fluid flow there along. Further, the invention provides both a physical and visual indication when a hose has been applied over the nipple a length sufficient for proper engagement by a clamp ring used to secure the hose on the nipple. In one embodiment of the invention the end of a hose applied on the nipple is allowed to relax to reduce crack formation and crack propagation.

[0034] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0035] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a pipe nipple for an automobile cooling system, comprising:

cold-forming a tubular body having first and second ends and a bore there through from said first end to said second end, including:

threading a portion of said body from said first end inwardly toward said second end;

forming an outwardly extending flange at said second end; and

shaping said bore from said second end inwardly toward said first end to receive a tool therein for rotating said nipple about a longitudinal axis of the nipple.

2. The method of claim 1, said shaping step including forming corners in said bore for receiving a hex tool therein.

3. The method of claim 1, including forming an outwardly extending formation on said nipple between and spaced from said first and second ends.

4. The method of claim 3, including forming a plurality of outwardly extending wings as said formation.

5. The method of claim 3, including forming a circumferential ring as said formation.

6. The method of claim 5, including forming a circumferential depression adjacent said ring.

7. A nipple comprising:

a tubular body having an outer surface, first and second ends and a longitudinal bore there through;

said first end having threads thereon;

said second end having an outwardly extending flange and being configured to receive a hose thereon; and

said bore configured at said second end for receiving a tool therein for axially rotating said nipple.

8. The nipple of claim 7, said bore being configured at said second end for receiving a hex tool therein.

9. The nipple of claim 7, said outer surface of said nipple having at least one outwardly extending formation between said threads and said flange functioning as a stop for a hose inserted on said nipple.

10. The nipple of claim 9, said at least one formation including a plurality of spaced wings.

11. The nipple of claim 9, said at least one formation including a circumferential ring about said nipple.

12. The nipple of claim 11, including a circumferential depression adjacent said circumferential ring on a side of said ring toward said second end.

13. The nipple of claim 7, made by cold forming.

14. A pipe nipple for an automobile cooling system, said nipple comprising:

a tubular body having an outer surface, a first end having threads adapted for engagement with threads of a cooling system component, a second end adapted to be received in a cooling system hose, and an axial bore extending there through;

said second end having an outwardly extending flange and being configured for a hose to slide over said flange; and

said bore configured at said second end for receiving a tool therein for rotating said nipple about the axis thereof.

15. The nipple of claim 14, said bore being configured at said second end for receiving a hex tool therein.

16. The nipple of claim 14, said outer surface of said nipple having at least one outwardly extending formation between said threads and said flange functioning as a stop for a hose inserted on said nipple.

17. The nipple of claim 16, said at least one formation including a plurality of spaced wings.

18. The nipple of claim 16, said at least one formation including a circumferential ring about said nipple.

19. The nipple of claim 18, including a circumferential depression adjacent said circumferential ring on a side of said ring toward said second end.

20. The nipple of claim 14, made by cold forming.