AU2011200615A1 - A tank outlet fitting and seal arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to an outlet fitting assembly for fitment in a walled receiving member having an opening therein, the assembly comprising an outlet fitting and an annular seal of resilient material, the outlet fitting comprising a generally tubular body with a bore therethrough; 5 the seal comprising a generally annular body having a bore therethrough; the seal being locatable within the opening of the walled receiving member, and one or both of the fitting and seal being sized and/or shaped so that the located seal captures the fitting when this is inserted into the bore in the seal, thereby forming a fluid seal between the fitting and the walled receiving member. -10a -- --- 22a 22c 22b j 20a 10b6 Fig1 F1g2 10b -22 142 10 16 20fO Fig

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: MBP Australia Pty Ltd Actual Inventors: Craig Schilg Jeffrey Stephen Boyd Address for Service: C/- MADDERNS, GPO Box 2752, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Invention title: A TANK OUTLET FITTING AND SEAL ARRANGEMENT The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improved tank outlet fitting assembly, although its application need not be limited to use with tanks. PRIORITY 5 This patent application claims priority from: Australian Provisional Patent Application 2010900604, titled "A TANK OUTLET FITTING AND SEAL ARRANGEMENT", and filed on 15 February 2010. The entire content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND 0 "Bulkhead type" tank outlets generally have a fixed flange which is arranged to clamp against the inside surface of the tank by means of a clamping nut which threadably engages an externally threaded spigot portion on the fitting which extends through a hole in the tank wall. This type of fitting is installed from the inside of the tank which means that a person is required to access the tank interior or the fitting is fitted remotely to avoid the need to get into the tank. The flange may not be .5 fixed and in some arrangements the flange function is provided by a nut of suitable size internally and externally which is threaded on to the outlet fitting having suitable threads thereon. Such an arrangement provides for a greater variation of tank wall thicknesses allowing the internally located flange/nut to be adjustable. A problem encountered with tank outlet fittings is their inability to effectively seal the hole in the tank 20 wall and thereby inhibit leakage of fluid from the tank. Tank outlet fittings currently available generally use a flat washer of approximately 3mm to 6mm thickness or an 0-ring style seal of various configurations for sealing purposes. Typically, only one such seal/washer is installed on the inside or outside surface of the tank. The seal is intended to create a liquid tight seal either on the inside surface of the tank. In the case of moulded plastic tanks, the inside surface of the tank is an uncontrolled 25 surface in the moulding process. When creating a liquid tight seal on the outside surface of the tank, the smooth surface of the facing flange surface or the nut used to tighten the fitting to the tank wall is relied upon because these surfaces are generally smooth. In each case the sealing washer is compressed between respective surfaces, one smooth and the other typically rough. Consequently over time there is a potential for leakage. 2 It is an object of the invention therefore to provide a tank outlet fitting which creates an improved seal with the tank, or which at the least, is a useful alternative to known arrangements, such as those discussed above. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following 5 description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, although this need not be the only or indeed the broadest form of this, the invention may be said to reside in an outlet fitting assembly for fitment in a walled receiving member having an .0 opening therein, the assembly comprising an outlet fitting and an annular seal of resilient material, the outlet fitting comprising a generally tubular body with a bore therethrough, the seal comprising a generally annular body having a bore therethrough, the seal being locatable within the opening of the walled receiving member, and one or both of the fitting and seal being sized and/or shaped so that the located seal captures the fitting when this is L5 inserted into the bore in the seal, thereby forming a fluid seal between the fitting and the walled receiving member. In one form, the generally tubular body of the outlet fitting comprises an outlet end, an inlet end, and a head portion at or toward the inlet end, !0 the generally annular body of the seal comprises an outlet end, and an inlet end, so that in use, the located seal captures the fitting when the fitting is inserted into the bore through the seal to such an extent that the head portion of the fitting extends beyond the inlet end of the seal, and the captured fitting causes at least a portion of the seal to be compressed between the fitting and the wall 25 of the receiving member so as to form a fluid seal between these. In one form, the generally tubular body of the outlet fitting has a diameter that increases toward an inlet end thereof. 30 In one form, the bore in the seal has a diameter that decreases toward the inlet end thereof. In one form, the bore in the seal is divided into two or more stages that are inwardly tapered to differing extents. In one form, stages closer to the inlet end are more severely tapered. 3 In a further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in an outlet fitting assembly for fitment in a walled receiving member having an opening therein, the assembly comprising an outlet fitting and an annular seal of resilient material, the outlet fitting comprising a generally tubular body defining an exterior peripheral surface, 5 the seal comprising a generally annular body having an outlet end, an inlet end and a bore therethrough that defines an interior peripheral surface, wherein the exterior and interior peripheral surfaces are axially and opposingly tapered to such an extent that, when the seal is inserted into the opening in the receiving member and the body of the fitting is inserted therethrough, the material from which such seal is made is forced to deform 0 around the periphery of the opening, thereby securing the seal in the opening and effecting the seal therebetween. In one form, the walled receiving member is a tank. .5 In one form, the seal material is elastomeric. In one form, the fitting may be any one of or indeed a part of any of a threaded or conjoined valve, an end connector, a tank joiner or adapter. .0 In one form, the seal comprises an annular flange at or toward the outlet end thereof. In one form, in an alternative, the seal comprises an annular flange at or toward the inlet end thereof. In one form, the inlet end of the fitting is sized and/or shaped for ease of insertion within the seal. 25 In one form, in an alternative, the fitting comprises an annular flange at or toward the outlet end thereof. In one form, the head and/or body of the fitting are adapted to resist removal of the fitting from the 30 seal. In one form, the head and/or body of the fitting are so adapted to resist removal thereof by the inclusion of features into or about which the seal will be deformed. In one form, these features are recesses in and/or annular projections of the body of the outlet fitting. In one form, the feature is an annular barb. 4 In one form, an outer edge of the inlet end of the fitting is rounded. In one form, the bore of the seal is tapered or otherwise shaped so as to allow radial expansion of the seal in order to form a fluid seal between the internal circumference of a hole in the tank wall and an outer perimeter of the seal. 5 In a further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a method of installing the above described tank outlet fitting assembly in a tank wall through hole, the method comprising the steps of inserting the seal into the tank wall through hole from the outside of the tank, and then inserting the outlet fitting into the bore of the seal from the outside of the tank until a fluid seal is formed between all of these. o In one form, the method comprises the step of inserting the fitting until the ends of the seal are captured between the flange and the head of the fitting. In yet a further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a tank outlet fitting assembly for fitment in a tank wall through hole, the assembly comprising a outlet fitting having a generally spigot shaped portion and a generally annular seal of elastomeric material that is locatable within said hole in the 5 tank wall from the outside of the tank, and receivable over the spigot shaped portion of the fitting until a fluid seal is formed between all of these. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to more fully explain the present invention, a preferred embodiment thereof is described hereunder in some further detail with reference to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings .0 wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded side view of an exemplary tank outlet fitting assembly, illustrating a seal and an outlet fitting thereof; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the fitting and seal illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken through both a hole in a tank wall, and a seal of an 25 assembled outlet fitting assembly; Figure 4 is an exploded side view of the assembly in Figure 1, with a conjoined valve; Figure 5 is an exploded side view of an assembly with a double ended fitting; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a seal according to a further exemplary embodiment, this seal being inserted in a corrugated tank wall, and the viewpoint being from an outside of the tank; 5 Figure 7 is a view of a cross-section through the tank wall illustrated in Figure 6, illustrating the seal from a side viewpoint; Figure 8 is a view of a cross-section through the seal illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 9 is an end view of the seal illustrated in Figure 6; 5 Figure 10 is a side view of a tank fitting according to a further exemplary embodiment; and Figure I I is a cross-sectional view through the tank fitting of Figure 10. In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 0 Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown an outlet fitting 2 and a seal 4 therefore, where these may be assembled in a tank wall 100 through hole 102 so as to form an outlet fitting assembly I (see Figure 3 for fitting assembly 1). In this exemplary embodiment, the tank is formed of plastics material by a roto-moulding process, but the invention need not be limited to tanks of this type. .5 The seal 4 may be made of any resilient material commonly used for the intended purpose. Normally, such a material is semi-elastic, semi-plastic rubber like composition possessing a certain degree of rigidity, but which is also compressible, stretchable and pliable. The seal 4 comprises a generally tubular body 20 having an inlet end 20a, an outlet end 20b and a bore 22 passing lengthwise therethrough. 20 In use, tank wall 100 is provided or equipped (as required) with a through hole 102 of such a diameter as to snugly receive the seal 4. The outlet 20b end of the seal 4 incorporates an outwardly extending radial lip (or flange) 24, which, diametrically speaking, is too large for this to be inserted into hole 102. This flange 24 will prevent the seal 4 from being forced all of the way through the opening 102 in the tank wall 100 when being 25 installed and once installed. The body 20 of the seal 4 is generally cylindrical, but may be slightly tapered in order to assist positioning of the seal 4 in the hole 102. 6 The tank outlet fitting 2 may be made of brass (but many other material's may be used) and comprises a generally tubular body 10 having an inlet end IOa and an outlet end 1Ob, and a bore 12 passing lengthwise therethrough, through which fluid may pass when the fitting 2 is in use. The fitting 2 illustrated incorporates an internal thread extending part way along the bore 12 from the 5 outlet end lOb. However, optionally, the bore 12 may be any of threaded along its full length, completely threadless, or the exterior of the fitting may be threaded instead of or as well as the bore 12. Toward the outlet end 1Ob of the body 10 there may be an outwardly extending radial flange 14 having a largest radial dimension that is larger than both the bore 22 through the seal 4 and the hole .0 102 in the tank wall 100. As a result, the flange 14 will, to some extent, prevent the tank outlet fitting 2 from being forced all of the way through the bore 22 in the seal 4 and opening 102 in the tank wall 100 when being installed and once installed. In this exemplary embodiment, the flange 14 is integrally formed with the fitting 2, but it may, alternatively, be impermanently fixed to the end of the fitting 2 or formed as part of a threaded or .5 conjoined control valve or end adaptor. The inlet end IOa of the body 10 incorporates a generally barb shaped head portion 16 which commences by stepping outwardly from the diameter of the body 10 to a diameter greater than the nominal diameter of the body 10 (thereby forming a shoulder), before tapering down toward the inlet end 1Oa of the fitting 2 to a lesser diameter than that of the nominal diameter of the body 10. !0 It will be outlined below how it is that this tapering assists assembly of the outlet fitting assembly 1. Optionally (though not illustrated in the Figures) the inlet end 1Oa of the fitting 2 may be rounded with a "bull-nose" (for instance) radius in order to assist insertion of the fitting into bore 22 of the seal 4. Doing so may mean that the tapered head portion 16 can be shorter than is illustrated in the figures appended hereto. 25 In between the flange 14 and head portion 16, the body 10 has a generally smooth finish and a diameter which tapers outwardly slightly to that that the diameter toward the head 16 is slightly greater that the diameter near the flange 14. The diameter of the bore 22 through the seal 4 is divided into three distinct stages between the outlet end 20b and inlet end 20a, these being 22a (at the outlet end), 22c (at the inlet end) and 22b 30 (intermediate 22a and 22c), where two of these stages 22a and 22c are inwardly tapered so as to reduce the diameter of the bore in a direction toward its inlet end 20a. 7 Referring now to Figure 2, the diameter DI of the bore 22 at the outlet end 20b of the seal 2 approximates the diameter of the body 10 of the fitting 2. The first tapered section 22a then reduces the diameter at D2 to one that is less than Dl, but, in this embodiment, greater than the smallest diameter of head 16 at end I Oa. 5 The other tapered section 22c then further reduces the diameter D3 at the inlet (i.e. at end 20a) to one that is less than the smallest diameter of head 16 at end 1Oa. It follows then that the initial bore 22 diameter Dl which is encountered by the head 16 of the fitting 2 is slightly in excess of the diameter of the head at end 1Oa so as to facilitate insertion. Moreover, the diameter D3 of the bore 22 at the inlet end 20a is sized so as to be at least a firm push 0 fit (i.e. a tight sliding fit requiring a firm push for insertion) around both the head 16 and the body 10 of the fitting 2. The tank wall 100 through hole 102 is generally drilled on site and as such the resulting edge is not of the accuracy and fineness which can be obtained from a sophisticated machining operation. That the seal 4 of the present invention is forced by insertion of the fitting 2 therein to form a fluid seal against 5 such an imperfect edge is one of the advantages of the present invention. Once the hole 102 has been drilled, the seal 4 is inserted inlet end 20a first into the hole 102 in the tank wall 100 from the outside of the tank. The seal 4 should, in preference, continue to be forced through the hole 102 until the flange 24 abuts against the outer surface of the tank wall 100 (see Figure 3). 20 The outlet fitting 2 is then inserted inlet end 10a first into the outlet end 20b of the bore 22 through the seal 4 from the outside of the tank. The outlet fitting 2 is at least a firm push fit within portions 22b and 22c of bore 22, so the barb shaped tapering of the head 16 assists this insertion. The outlet fitting 2 should continue to be forced through the bore 22 until the head 16 of this is free of the bore 22 at the inlet end IOa, in this way, the ends 20a and 20b of the seal 4 are captured between the flange 14 and 25 the head 16 of the fitting 2. When assembled in this way, the bore 22 of seal 4 is forced to conform to the outer shape of fitting 2 and the seal 4 is radially compressed between the fitting 2 and the tank wall 100 causing some elongation of the seal 4 inside of hole 102 and the displacement of seal material through the inside (inlet) end of hole 102. The result is an effective fluid seal. 8 Any attempt to remove the outlet fitting assembly I from the outside of the tank 100 will be resisted, as this will cause the inlet end 20a of the seal to be captured by the shoulder at the back of the head 16 of the outlet fitting 2. Moreover, any such attempt to remove the seal 4 from the hole 102 will be restricted by the radial 5 expansion of the tubular body 20 of the seal 4 caused by the introduction of the fitting 2 to the internal taper D3 expanding the tubular body 20 to a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole 102 at the inside of the tank wall 100. The resilience of the seal compound resists compression of the rear of the tubular body section 20 of the seal 4, resisting the removal of the seal 4 while the outlet fitting 2 is assembled within the seal 4 into the hole 102 in the tank wall 100. 0 It should be understood that a range of fittings 2 and seals 4 of a variety of diameters and configurations may be made to accommodate the variety of possible tank wall opening sizes and wall thicknesses, and nothing herein should be construed as a size limitation. For example and optionally, multiple (two or more) barb shaped portions similar to head portion 16 can be employed along the length of the body 10 of the outlet fitting 2 to aid retention of this within .5 the seal 4 and adapt the fitting for thicker walled tanks. With reference to Figure 4, it can be seen that a portion having the shape of outlet fitting 2 may form part of a valve assembly 200. With reference to Figure 5, it can be seen that portions having the shape of outlet fitting 2 may form opposing ends of a double ended connector 300, such as would be employed for joining two tanks. !0 Referring now to Figures 6 through 9, where there is illustrated a seal 400 for an outlet fitting assembly 1, that differs from the seal 4 discussed above in as much as seal 400 is adapted for insertion in an opening in a wall 500 of corrugated material (such as any one of a galvanised iron, ferrous alloy, mild steel, copper, aluminum or fiberglass). Just like seal 4, seal 400 comprises a generally tubular body 20 having an inlet end 20a, an outlet end 25 20b and a bore 22 passing lengthwise therethrough. Just as was the case with seal 4, the diameter of the bore 22 through the seal 400 is divided into three distinct stages between the outlet end 20b and inlet end 20a, these being 22a (at the outlet end), 22c (at the inlet end) and 22b (intermediate 22a and 22c). It will be clear to a suitably skilled addressee therefore, that seal 400 is adapted to accept an outlet fitting having at least an engaging portion that is 30 functionally identical to that of outlet fitting 2 discussed above. 9 The body 20 of seal 400 is divided into two main portions 200 and 300, these being delineated by an annular groove 250 into which wall material 500 defining the perimeter of the wall opening will be accepted when the seal 400 is inserted into the wall opening. The seal portion 200 on the inlet end 20a side of groove 250 has a diameter slightly larger than that of the wall opening, so that this portion 200 5 can be forced through the opening, and then assist to retain seal 400 in the opening until the outlet fitting 2 is inserted into the bore 22 of the seal 400. The portion 300 on the outlet end 20b side of groove 250 is of a greater diameter than that of portion 200, so as to resist its insertion through the wall opening. In use, the seal 400 behaves just as seal 4 does when the outlet fitting 2 is inserted therein, in as much 0 as the seal 400 is deformed, causing this to form a fluid seal in the wall opening, and firmly resist any attempt to remove the seal 400 from the wall opening whilst the outlet fitting 2 is located therein. Referring now to Figures 10 and 1I where there is illustrated a fitting 500 for an outlet fitting assembly 1, that differs from the fitting 2 discussed above in as much as in between the flange 14 and head portion 16, the body 10 has a generally smooth finish and a diameter which tapers outwardly .5 slightly in two distinct stages 502, 504 separated by a transition portion 506 which steps down the diameter. A first stage 502 extends from the flange 14 to the transition portion 506, and the second stage 504 extends from the transition portion 506 to the head portion 16. The diameter of the first stage 502 tapers outward, so that toward the transition portion 506 its .0 diameter is slightly greater that its diameter near the flange 14. The transition portion 506 reduces the diameter, and the diameter of the second stage 506 again tapers outward, so that toward the head portion 16 its diameter is slightly greater that its diameter near the transition portion 506. The above described staged tapering assists retention of the fitting 500 in the seal 4 and assists sealing of the fitting 500 and seal 4 in the tank wall 100. 25 Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an 30 acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 10 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the 5 invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications in its scope. 11

Claims (25)

1. An outlet fitting assembly for fitment in a walled receiving member having an opening therein, the assembly comprising an outlet fitting and an annular seal of resilient material, the outlet fitting comprising a generally tubular body with a bore therethrough, 5 the seal comprising a generally annular body having a bore therethrough, the seal being locatable within the opening of the walled receiving member, and one or both of the fitting and seal being sized and/or shaped so that the located seal captures the fitting when at least the body of this is inserted into the bore in the seal, thereby forming a fluid seal between the fitting and the walled receiving member. 0

2. The outlet fitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the body of the outlet fitting comprises an outlet end, an inlet end, and a head portion at or toward the inlet end, the generally annular body of the seal comprises an outlet end, and an inlet end, so that in use, .5 the located seal captures the fitting when the fitting is inserted into the bore through the seal to such an extent that the head portion of the fitting extends beyond the inlet end of the seal, and the captured fitting causes at least a portion of the seal to be compressed between the fitting and the wall of the receiving member so as to form a fluid seal between these. .0

3. The outlet fitting assembly as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the generally tubular body of the outlet fitting has a diameter that increases toward an inlet end thereof.

4. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bore in the seal has a diameter that decreases toward the inlet end thereof. 25

5. The outlet fitting assembly as in claim 4, wherein the bore in the seal is divided into two or more stages that are inwardly tapered to differing extents.

6. The outlet fitting assembly as in claim 5, wherein stages closer to the inlet end are more 30 severely inwardly tapered.

7. An outlet fitting assembly for fitment in a walled receiving member having an opening therein, the assembly comprising an outlet fitting and an annular seal of resilient material, the outlet fitting comprising a generally tubular body defining an exterior peripheral surface, 35 the seal comprising a generally annular body having an outlet end, an inlet end and a bore therethrough that defines an interior peripheral surface, wherein the exterior and interior peripheral 12 surfaces are axially and opposingly tapered to such an extent that, when the seal is inserted into the opening in the receiving member and the body of the fitting is inserted therethrough, the material from which such seal is made is forced to deform around the periphery of the opening, thereby securing the seal in the opening and effecting the seal therebetween. 5

8. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head and/or body of the fitting are adapted to resist removal of the fitting from the seal.

9. The outlet fitting assembly as in claim 8, wherein the head and/or body of the fitting are so adapted by the inclusion of features into or about which the seal will be deformed. o

10. The outlet fitting assembly as in either of claims 8 or 9, wherein these features are recesses in and/or annular projections of the body of the outlet fitting.

11. The outlet fitting assembly as in either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the or each feature is an annular barb.

12. The outlet fitting assembly as in either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the or each feature is an .5 annular step.

13. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of claims 2 through 7, wherein an outer edge of the inlet end of the fitting is rounded.

14. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the walled receiving member is a tank. !0

15. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal material is elastomeric.

16. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting may be 25 any one of or indeed a part of any of a threaded or conjoined valve, an end connector, a tank joiner or adapter.

17. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal comprises an annular flange at or toward the outlet end thereof. 30

18. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal comprises an annular flange at or toward the inlet end thereof. 13

19. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet end of the fitting is sized and/or shaped for ease of insertion within the seal.

20. The outlet fitting assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting 5 comprises an annular flange at or toward the outlet end thereof.

21. A method of installing the outlet fitting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims in a tank wall through hole, the method comprising the steps of inserting the seal into the tank wall through hole from the outside of the tank, and then inserting the outlet fitting into the bore of the 0 seal from the outside of the tank until a fluid seal is formed between all of these.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the method comprises the further step of inserting the fitting until the ends of the seal are captured between the flange and the head of the fitting.

23. A tank outlet fitting assembly for fitment in a tank wall through hole, the assembly comprising an outlet fitting having a generally spigot shaped portion and a generally annular seal of 5 elastomeric material that is locatable within said hole in the tank wall from the outside of the tank, and receivable over the spigot shaped portion of the fitting when this is inserted from the outside of the tank until a fluid seal is formed between all of these.

24. A tank outlet fitting assembly being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 0

25. A method of installing the outlet fitting assembly being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 14