Plastic pipe construction

Abstract

A transmission system for handling materials moving underground comprising a plastic pipe having metallic material of relatively high electrical or electronic conductivity and sensitivity secured to the pipe body. When the pipe is installed in the ground, the metallic material will be automatically buried in association with the pipe body. Detecting means suitable for sensing the presence of the conductive material can then be employed for locating the pipe whereby digging operations or other activities can be engaged in without the danger of damaging the pipe.

That which is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a construction comprising a transmission system for the movement of materials under ground including plastic pipe having a resinous plastic body for carrying said materials, said pipe being buried in the ground whereby the location of the pipe cannot be determined by visual inspection, the improvement comprising metallic material of relatively high electrical conductivity secured to the pipe body, said electrically conductive material being secured along substantially the entire length of said body whereby the electrically conductive material will be automatically buried in association with the pipe body as the pipe is placed in the ground, and whereby detecting means suitable for sensing the presence of the electrically conductive material can be employed for locating the pipe from above ground. .[.2. A construction according to claim 1 wherein said system is a natural gas transmission system having a plurality of lengths of said pipe included therein, and wherein said electrically conductive material comprises a continuous length of metal extending along the entire length of each section of pipe, and wherein the adjacent ends of the metal of connected sections are joined together..]. .[.3. A construction according to claim 2, in which the length of said metal member exceeds the length of said pipe body by approximately three inches of excess length per foot of pipe..]. .[.4. A construction according to claim 1 wherein said electrically conductive material comprises a wire-like member extending in spiral fashion around said pipe body whereby excess material will be available for connecting the conductive material of adjacent sections of pipe..]. .[.5. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrically conductive material is associated with the exterior of said pipe body and includes an exposed outer surface, and wherein printed material is applied to said exposed outer surface for purposes of identifying the pipe..]. .[.6. A construction according to claim 1, in which said electrically conductive material comprises a metal member secured on and extending along substantially the entire length of said pipe body, said metal member being attached to the outside of said pipe body by means of an adhesive strip..]. .[.7. A construction according to claim 1, in which said electrically conductive material comprises a metal member adhesively secured to and extending along substantially the entire length of said plastic pipe body..]. .[.8. A construction according to claim 1, in which said electrically conductive material comprises a metal member secured on and extending along substantially the entire length of said plastic pipe body,   said metal member being attached to the outside of said plastic pipe body by a strip adhesively secured to said body,   said strip having printing applied thereto for identification purposes..]. .[.9. A construction according to claim 1, in which said electrically conductive material comprises a metal wire secured on and extending along substantially the entire length of said plastic pipe body..].