Patent · US Expired

Pipe thread protector

US4429719A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
7References
4Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 5, 1982
Grant dateFeb 7, 1984
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 5, 2002

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/5199
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A pipe thread protector is provided which includes two members, one slidably constrained within the other. The interior member has a guide section which includes internal ridges adapted to engage the threads of a pipe section. When placed in one position within the outer member, this upper section is expanded to allow insertion over the end of a pipe. The resistance of the pipe section pushes the interior member further into the second member to assume a second position whereby the guide section is radially contracted. This places the ridges in sealing engagement with the threads of the pipe. Simultaneously, air is forced out from between the interior and exterior members through a valve in the base of the outer member so that a partial vacuum is formed between the inner and outer members. Surrounding air pressure secures the interior member in its second position and the pipe thread protector mounted on the pipe. When it is desired to remove the pipe thread protector, the valve is manually opened, equalizing inside and outside forces on the protector, enabling extraction of the protector from the pipe member without resistance. Alternatively, mechanical structure may be devised fo…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.