Piping system

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tubing containment systems exist in the art to contain fluids if the tubing leaks. One existing tubing containment system is disclosed in U.S. patent 6,315,003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. While well-suited for its intended purpose, the system may be improved.

SUMMARY

Ar embodiment of the invention is a piping system including a fluid impermeable sleeve having a plurality of longitudinal, spaced ribs formed on an interior surface of the sleeve. A fluid carrying tubing is positioned internal to the sleeve. A coupling has a first end and a second end, the first end having interior threads engaging an outer surface of the sleeve. The coupling has a vent opening in fluid communication with the interior of the sleeve.

Statement in accordance with Paragraph 1 of Commissioner's Circular 23 (P):

Inasmuch as the invention is defined in the appended claims, it will be apparent that the portions of the present specification, which fall outside the scope of the claims, do not relate directly to the claimed invention. This Notice is not meant to disclaim any legitimate rights to which the Patentee is legally entitled, especially any rights in accordance with Section 49 of the Israel Patent Law.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of an exemplary tubing containment system.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of exemplary tubing.

FIG. 4 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of another exemplary tubing containment system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of a tubing containment system 10. The tubing containment system includes tubing 12 (FIG. 3) which may be contained in a jacket 14. The tubing 12, and jacket 14, are contained within a sleeve 16. The sleeve 16 may be made from a fluid impermeable material such as polyethylene or other suitable polymers that allow fluids (e.g., gas, liquid, etc.) to flow to ends of the sleeve 16 for venting. FIG. 2 is a cross section of sleeve 16 showing the inner diameter of sleeve 16 having a number ribs 20 separated by spaces. In one embodiment, the fluid transported by tubing 12 is natural gas. The ribs are longitudinal and run the length of sleeve 16. Ribs 20 in FIG, 2 are triangular in crosssection, but it is understood that other geometries may be used. In the event that tubing 12 leaks, fluids travel along spaces between ribs 20 for venting through couplings 18.

At each end of sleeve 16 is a coupling 18 having a first end 22 that covers the exterior surface of sleeve 16. A seal 24 (e.g., an o־ring) may be located at first end 22 to prevent fluid from exiting coupling 18 at first end 22. Coupling 18 includes a shoulder 26 that serves as a stop to limit the insertion depth of sleeve 16 into coupling 18. Shoulder 26 terminates prior to contacting jacket 14 to provide a passage to vent opening 28.

The interior surface of coupling 18 is preferably threaded. The threads engage the outer surface of sleeve 16 to secure coupling 18 to sleeve 16. Coupling 18 maybe made from polyethylene or other polymer. In one embodiment, coupling 18 is made from a harder polymer (i.e., higher durometer) than sleeve 16 to facilitate threading coupling 18 on sleeve 16. Alternatively, coupling 18 may be metal depending on application.

One or more vent openings 28 are provided in coupling 18 located toward a second end 30 of coupling 18. Second end 30 has an inner diameter slightly larger than jacket 14 and a seal 32 (e.g., an o-ring) provides a fluid seal between second end 30 and jacket 14.

The vent openings 28 allow fluid leaked from tubing 12 to escape in a controlled manner through vent opening 28. A hose or other conduit may be connected to vent opening 28 to divert leaked fluid. A sensor may also be in fluid communication with vent opening 28 to provide automatic detection of leaks in tubing 12. The jacket 14 of tubing 12 may be perforated or otherwise compromised to facilitate migration of leaked fluid to vent opening 28.

The sleeve 16 may be extruded over tubing 12 (whether or not jacket 14 is present) using a die to form ribs 20 on the interior surface of the sleeve 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the tubing is annular, corrugated tubing, but may be a variety of types of tubing including helically wound tubing. In one embodiment, the tubing 12 is corrugated stainless steel tubing. The jacket 14 may be conductive to dissipate electrical charge.

FIG. 4 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of an alternate tubing containment system 40. Tubing containment system 40 includes tubing 12, jacket 14 (optional) and sleeve 16 similar to those described above with reference to FIGs. 1-3. A fitting 42 is secured to one end of the tubing 12. The fitting 42 may be any known fitting such as those disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,799,989,6,079,749,6,276,728 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, with the inclusion of a threaded extension 44 at the end of the fitting that engages the tubing 12.

The threaded extension 44 is made of metal (e.g., brass) and engages the inner surface of a transition coupling 46. The transition coupling 46 is preferably made from fluid impermeable material such as polyethylene or other suitable polymers that contain fluids (e.g., gas, liquid, etc,). The inner diameter of the transition coupling 46 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve 16 causing a friction fit between the transition coupling 46 and the sleeve 16. The threaded extension 44 engages the inner surface of the transition coupling 46 to secure the fitting 42 to the transition coupling 46. A seal 48 (e.g., o-ring) and a seal 50 (e.g., o-ring) provide a fluid-tight

I connection between the transition coupling 46 and the fitting 42 and the sleeve 16, respectively. A vent opening 52 (optionally threaded) provides for egress of fluid and/or monitoring of leaking fluid by automated detection apparatus.

The tubing containment system 40 operates in a manner similar to tubing system 10. If a leak occurs in tubing 12, the fluid is conveyed along the space !0 between tubing 12 and sleeve 16. The fluid is contained in transition coupling 46 and expelled through vent opening 52.

The transition coupling 46 covers the tubing 12 up to fitting 42 and overlaps fitting 42 to eliminate any exposed tubing 12. The transition coupling 46 and the fitting 42 are preferably reusable.

The tubing containment systems may be used in a number of applications including direct underground burial, above ground outdoor use, indoor use at elevated pressure fot safety and other secondary containment and sensing systems for petrochemical lines.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.

What is claimed is:

PATENT COOPERATION TREATY

PCT

INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY REPORT ON PATENTABILITY (Chapter I of the Patent Cooperation Treaty) (PCT Rule 44to)

<td> Applicant’s or agent’s file reference OME-0018-PCT</td><td> FOR FURTHER ACTION</td><td> See item 4 below</td>

<td> International application No. PCT/US2004/008943</td><td> International filing date (day/monili/year) 24 March 2004 (24.03.2004)</td><td> Priority date (day/moni/1/vear) 26 March 2003 (26.03.2003) ]</td>

<td colspan="3"> International Patent Classification (IPC) or national classification and IPC ⁷ F16L 55/00,25/00 _______</td>

<td colspan="3"> Applicant OMEGA FLEX, INC.</td>

<td colspan="2"> 1. This international preliminary report on patentability (Chapter!) is issued by the International Bureau on behalf of the International Searching Authority under Rule 44 bis. 1(a). 2. This REPORT consists of a total of 6 sheets, including this cover sheet. In the attached sheets, any reference to the written opinion of the International Searching Authority should be read as a reference to the international preliminary report on patentability (Chapter I) instead.</td>

<td colspan="2"> 3. This report contains indications relating to the following items:</td>

<td> Box No. I</td><td> Basis of the report</td>

<td> 0 Box No. Π</td><td> Priority</td>

<td> | | Box No. ΙΠ</td><td> Non-establishment of opinion with regard to novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability</td>

<td> [ [ Box No. IV</td><td> Lack of unity of invention</td>

<td> Box No. V</td><td> Reasoned statement under Article 35(2) with regard to novelty, inventive step or industrial applicability; citations and explanations supporting such statement</td>

<td> | [ Box No. VI</td><td> Certain documents cited</td>

<td> Q Box No. VH</td><td> Certain defects in the international application</td>

<td> | | Box No. vol</td><td> Certain observations on the international application</td>

<td colspan="2"> 4. The International Bureau will communicate this report to designated Offices in accordance with Rules 44i׳ir.3(c) and 93bis. 1 but</td>

<td colspan="2"> not, except where the applicant makes an express request under Article 23(2), before the expiration of 30 months from the priority</td>

<td> date (Rule 44bis .2).</td><td></td>

<td></td><td> Date of issuance of this report 01 October 2005 (01.10.2005)</td>

<td> The International Bureau of WIPO. 34, chemin des Colombettes 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland Facsimile No. +41 22 740 14 35</td><td> Authorized officer Nora Lindner Telephone No. +41 22 338 89 65</td>

Form PCT/IB/373 (January 2004)

PATENT COOPERATION TREATY

From, the

INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY

To:

DAVID A. FOX

CANTOR COLBURN LLP 55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, CT 06002

WRITTEN OPINION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY

<td colspan="2"></td><td> Date of mailing (dhv/monZ/i/year)</td><td> 13 MAY 2003</td>

<td colspan="2"> Applicant's or agent’ s file reference OME-0018-PCT</td><td colspan="2"> FOR FURTHER ACTION See paragraph 2 below</td>

<td> International application No. PCT/US04/08943</td><td colspan="2"> International filing date (day/month/year) 24 March2004 (24.03.2004)</td><td> Priority date (day/month/year) 26March 2003 (26.03.2003)</td>

<td> International Patent Classification (IPC)</td><td colspan="2"> or both national classification and IPC</td><td></td>

IPC(7): F16L 55/00,25/00 and US CL: 285/13,14,40,93,123.3,123.12,903,924 Applicant

OMEGA FLEX, INC

<td colspan="4"> 1. This opinion contains indications relating to the following items:</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> Box No. I</td><td> Basis of the opinion</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> Box No. Π</td><td> Priority</td>

<td colspan="2"> u</td><td> Box No. Ill</td><td> Nnn-establishment of opinion with regard to novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability</td>

<td colspan="2"> □</td><td> Box No. IV</td><td> Lack of unity of invention</td>

<td></td><td> X</td><td> Box No. V</td><td> Reasoned statement under Rule 43½. 1 (a)(i) with regard to novelty, inventive step or industrial</td>

<td colspan="2"></td><td></td><td> applicability; citations and explanations supporting such statement</td>

<td colspan="2"> □</td><td> , Box No. VI</td><td> Certain documents cited</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> Box No. VII</td><td> Certain defects in the international application</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> Box No. Vin</td><td> Certain observations on the international application</td>

FURTHER ACTION

If a demand for international preliminary examination is made, this opinion will be considered to be a written opinion of the International Preliminary Examining Authority (ΊΡΕΑ) except that this does not apply where the applicant chooses an Authority other than this one to be the IPEA and the chosen IPEA has notified the International Bureau under Rule 66. Ibis (b) that written opinions of this International Searching Authority will not be so considered.

If this opinion is, as provided above, considered to be a written opinion of the IPEA, the applicant is invited to submit to the IPEA a written reply together, where appropriate, with amendments, before the expiration of 3 months from the date of moiling of Form PCT/ISA/220 or before the expiration of 22 months from the priority date, whichever expires later.

For further options, see Form PCT/ISA/220.

3. For further details, see notes to Form PCT/ISA/220,

Name and mailing address of the ISA/ US Mail Stop PCT, Attn: ISA/US Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, Virginia 223131450־

Facsimile No. (703) 305-3230_______________

Form PCT/ISA/237 (cover sheet) (January 2004)

<img file="IL170702A_D0001.tif" />

_____ International application No.

WRITTEN opinion of the

MTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY PCT/US04/08943

Basis of this opinion ' rd to the language, this opinion has been established on the basis of the international application in the language in which d, unless otherwise indicated under this item.

s opinion has been established on the basis of a translation from the original language into the following language-----, ich is the language of a translation furnished for the purposes of international search (under Rules 12.3 and 23.1(b)).

aid to any nucleotide and/or amino add sequence disclosed in the international application and necessary to the ivention, this opinion has been established on the basis of:

!e of material ] a sequence listing ] table(s) related to the sequence listing mat of material ] in written format j in computer readable form

1e of filing/famishing ] contained in international application as filed.

] filed together with the international application in computer readable form.

] furnished subsequently to this Authority for the purposes of search.

addition, in the case that more than one version or copy of a sequence listing and/or table relating thereto has been ai OT furnished, the required statements that the information in the subsequent or additional copies is identical to that in : application as filed or does not go beyond the application as filed, as appropriate, were famished.

comments:

A/237(B0xN0.1) (January 2004)

WRITTEN OPINION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY

International application No.

PCT/US04/0S943

Supplemental Box

In case the space in any of the preceding boxes is not sufficient.

V. 2. Citations and Explanations:

Claims 1, 5,14 and 15 lack novelty under PCT Article 33(2) as being anticipated by US patent 3506039, Marriott.

In regards to claim 1, Marriott discloses a piping system comprising:

a fluid impermeable sleeve (26, 51) having a plurality of longitudinal, spaced ribs (31, 53) formed on an interior surface of the sleeve;

fluid carrying tubing (28, 52) positioned internal to the sleeve;

a coupling (35) having a first end and a second end, the first end having interior threads engaging an outer surface of the sleeve;

the coupling having a vent opening (41) in fluid communication with the interior of the sleeve.

In regards to claim 5, Marroitt discloses the coupling having a higher durometer than the sleeve (implied).

In regards to claim 14, Marroitt discloses the ribs having a triangular cross section.

In regards to claim 15, Marroitt discloses a hose (42) connected to the vent opening.

Claims 1-5, 8, 9,12,13 and 16 lack novelty under PCT Article 33(2) as being anticipated by US patent 5713607, Webb.

In regards to claim 1, Webb discloses a piping system comprising:

a fluid impermeable sleeve having a plurality of longitudinal, spaced ribs (Si) formed on an interior surface of the sleeve;

fluid carrying tubing (Pi) positioned internal to the sleeve;

a coupling (C, N) having a first end and a second end, the first end having interior threads engaging an outer surface of the sleeve;

the coupling having a vent opening (62) in fluid communication with the interior of the sleeve.

In regards to claim 2, Webb discloses the sleeve being a polymer.

In regards to claim 3, Webb discloses the coupling being a polymer.

In regards to claim 4, Webb discloses the second end having a shoulder to form a stop against the sleeve (radial shoulder).

In regards to claim 5, Webb discloses the coupling having a higher durometer than the sleeve.

In regards to claim 8, Webb discloses a fitting (F) secured to the tubing and the coupling.

In regards to claim 9, Webb discloses the fitting having a threaded extension and engages an interior surface of the coupling at the second end.

In regards to claim 12, Webb discloses the tubing have a jacket.

In regards to claim 13, Webb discloses the jacket being perforated.

In regards to claim 16, Webb discloses a sensor momtoiing fluid from the vent opening.

claims 2 and 3 lack an inventive step under PCT Article 33(3) as being obvious over Marroitt.

In regards to claims 2 and 3, Marroitt discloses the claimed invention except for the sleeve being a polymer and the coupling bring a polymer. It would have been obvious to one having ordinaiy skill in the art at the time the invention was made to fabricate the sleeve with a polymer and the coupling with a polymer.

Form PCT/ISA/237 (Supplemental Box) (January 2004)

International application No.

WRITTEN OPINION OF THE PCT/US04/08943

INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY

Supplemental Box

In case the space in any of the preceding boxes is not sufficient.

Claims 10 and 14 lack an inventive step under PCT Article 33(3) as being obvious over Webb.

In regards to claim 10, Webb discloses the claimed invention except for the fitting being made of metal. Il would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to fabricate the fitting of metal. In regards to claim 14, Webb discloses the claimed invention except for the ribs having a triangular cross section. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time die invention was made to fabricate the ribs with, a triangular cross section.

claims 6 and 9 lack an inventive step under PCT Article 33(3) as being obvious over Webb in view of US patent 5456502, Sharp.

In regards to claims 6 and 9, Webb discloses the claimed invention except for an o-ring on an interior of the sleeve proximate the first end. Sharp teaches an o-ring (50) on an interior of the sleeve proximate the first end to seal the inner pipeline (col. 8, lines 23-27). As Sharp relates to fittings for use on pipeline systems for conveying liquids, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time, the invention was made to provide an o-ring on an interior of the sleeve proximate the first end to seal the inner pipeline, as taught by Sharp.

Claim 7 lacks an inventive step under PCT Article 33(3) as being obvious over Webb in view of US patent 6173995, Mau.

In regards to claim 7, Webb discloses the claimed invention except for the tubing being corrugated stainless steel tubing. Mau teaches a tubing being corrugated stainless steel tubing to accommodate a wide variety of corrosive or aggressive fluids (coL 3, lines 32-41). As Mau relates to fittings for semi-flexible pipes, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to provide a corrugated stainless steel tubing to accommodate a wide variety of corrosive or aggressive fluids, as taught by Mau.

Form PCT/ISA/237 (Supplemental Box) (January 2004)