Apparatus for heating plastic pipes

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for heating thermoplastic pipe in the field, including a container for receiving the pipe and a conduit communicating with the container for routing hot exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine into the container to heat the pipe for bending. Interchangeable templates to facilitate the bending of large and small schedule pipe. A diffuser is provided in the container to disperse the hot gases evenly around the pipe to promote uniform bending of same. Apparatus is insulated enabling faster bending and the ability to handle the apparatus during use.

1 . An apparatus for heating plastic pipe comprised of; 
 a. An inner housing having at least one first opening and a second opening therein for receiving pipe to be heated.    b. An outer housing having at least one first opening and a second opening therein for receiving pipe to be heated.    c. A layer of insulation between the two housings, creating an oven effect and allowing the retention of heat, while allowing the outside of the box to be handled immediately after, and during use.    d. A conduit having a first end communicating with the second opening in the container and a second end adapted to be attached to the source of hot exhaust gases to route said gases into the container to heat the pipe whereby it may be bent.    e. Interchangeable multi-sized templates on both to be inserted between inner and outer housings of apparatus, maximizing heat retention, while still allowing the apparatus adequate ventilation and constant circulation of gases.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  including a permanently attached diffuser that; 
 a. is mounted to the inner housing adjacent the second opening in the container to disperse hot exhaust gases.    b. Has perforations symmetrically spaced on the top and bottom of the diffuser to circulate the heat evenly, creating a uniform bend.    c. Extends the entire length of the inner housing.    
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as claimed in  2  wherein the diffuser has at least one opening therein adjacent the pipe to distribute extract gases to heat the pipe uses a source of hot exhaust gases from a motor vehicle, allowing small and large schedule pipe to be bent.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as claimed in  3  has interchangeable parts, but no moving parts.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus allows various scheduled pipe to be bent, without having to allow the complete apparatus to reach a lower temperature.  
   
   
       6 . Templates as claimed in  1  allow multiple bends to be made more rapidly.  
   
   
       7 . All parts can be stored inside of the apparatus.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus is made out of lightweight aluminum for durability and ease of handling.