Fusion welding fittings with weld bead cover
AssigneeHeateflex Corporation
InventorsHector J. Castaneda, Jorge Ramirez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fitting for use in fusion welding mating thermoplastic components includes a weld bead chamber to capture and conceal a bead formed as a result of the fusion weld. The weld bead chamber integrates the bead into the fitting so that the joined parts have a finished look without mechanical polishing or grinding of the completed piece. A stop ledge included in the weld bead chamber prevents over insertion of a pipe or other component into the fitting. A view window in the fitting permits inspection of the finished bead.
Claims20
A fitting for use in the fusion welding of mating thermoplastic components, comprising:
- a body defining a passageway therethrough and configured for interference fit reception around a mating thermoplastic component;
- and
- a weld bead chamber disposed about a portion of the body to receive excess thermoplastic material resulting from a fusion weld joining the body to the mating thermoplastic component, wherein the weld bead chamber comprises a protrusion around an outer perimeter of the body, the protrusion having a recess oriented toward an end of the body.
A fitting for use in the fusion welding of mating thermoplastic components, comprising:
- a body defining a passageway therethrough and configured for interference fit reception around a mating thermoplastic component;
- a weld bead chamber disposed about a portion of the body to receive excess thermoplastic material resulting from a fusion weld joining the body to the mating thermoplastic component, wherein the weld bead chamber comprises a protrusion around an outer perimeter of the body, the protrusion having a recess oriented toward an end of the body;
- a stop ledge within the weld bead chamber for preventing over insertion of the fitting;
- and
- a window for viewing excess thermoplastic material after the body is fusion welded to the mating thermoplastic component.
A method for fusion welding a fitting to a mating thermoplastic component, comprising the steps of:
- providing the fitting configured for interference fit reception around the mating thermoplastic component;
- heating mating surfaces of the fitting and the mating thermoplastic component to a temperature above the melt point of each;
- engaging the heated fitting and the mating thermoplastic component;
- capturing excess thermoplastic material removed from either the fitting or the mating thermoplastic component in a weld bead chamber comprising a protrusion around an outer perimeter of the fitting, the protrusion having a recess oriented toward an end of the fitting;
- and
- cooling the fitting and the mating thermoplastic component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.