APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR JOINING EXTENDED LENGTHS OF CONDUIT
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for joining extended lengths of conduit. The apparatus and method provide a means for decreasing the time required to assemble extended lengths of conduit. The apparatus for use with the corresponding method comprises an apparatus head, an extender joining body and a conduit interface.
1 . An apparatus for joining lengths of conduit, said apparatus comprising:
a cylindrical apparatus head with a torque application interface;
an extender joining body;
wherein the underside of said extender joining body comprises one or more means for attachment;
an abutting plate; and,
a cylindrical conduit interface comprising a threaded interior surface;
wherein said abutting plate contacts the axial end of said cylindrical conduit interface; and,
wherein said cylindrical apparatus head, said extender joining body, said abutting plate, and said cylindrical conduit interface are disposed in the stated order along a common longitudinal axis and are fixed relative to each other.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus head comprises a tapered alignment head.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for attachment comprises screwing, snapping, using a spline interface, locking plug or other means permitting a secured attachment between the extender joining body the abutting plate and cylindrical conduit interface.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said conduit interface comprising a threaded interior surface further comprises threading along the entire length of the interior of said conduit interface up to said abutting plate.
5 . An apparatus for joining lengths of conduit, said apparatus comprising:
a cylindrical apparatus head with a torque application interface;
an extender joining body;
wherein the underside of said extender joining body comprises one or more means for attachment;
an abutting plate; and,
the cylindrical conduit interface comprising a threaded interior surface for interfacing with conduit having a diameter selected from the group consisting of ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm, or 155 mm;
wherein said abutting plate contacts the axial end of said cylindrical conduit interface; and,
wherein said cylindrical apparatus head, said extender joining body, said abutting plate, and said cylindrical conduit interface are disposed in the stated order along a common longitudinal axis and are fixed relative to each other.
6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said apparatus head comprises a tapered alignment head.
7 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said means for attachment comprises screwing, snapping, using a spline interface, locking plug or other means permitting a secured attachment between the extender joining body the abutting plate and cylindrical conduit interface.