AU2017101338A4

AU2017101338A4 - Rigid Thread Extender

Info

Publication number: AU2017101338A4
Application number: AU2017101338A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Geoffrey David SNELLGROVE
Original assignee: Innovault Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Innovault Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-10
Filing date: 2017-10-04
Publication date: 2017-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-04-08

Abstract

A rigid thread extender (2) is provided for use in plumbing installations. The 5 extender has an elongate rigid conduit (6) defining a fluid path between its first and second ends (8 and 10). The first end (8) has an annular seal (14) and an internally threaded collar (16) for seal connection to an externally threaded outlet (4) which may be within a wall cavity and difficult to access. The externally threaded second end (10) is then in sealed fluid connection with the externally 10 thread outlet (4), and positioned to be more accessible for connection to other plumbing components. 90) LL-

Description

THREAD EXTENDER DEVICE

Field of the Invention

In its broadest sense, the present invention applies to plumbing situations requiring an extension to an existing fluid (liquid or gas) coupling for more convenient connection to another component comprising or comprised of a fluid conduit. The invention has particular relevance to water and gas plumbing systems, however it will be appreciated that the invention may also be used in other applications such as engines or machinery.

Background of the Invention

Plumbing systems employed in household buildings (but also in other buildings) are largely concealed within wall cavities, beneath the flooring and possibly within the concrete foundations. Only the tapware, spouts and shower rosettes are visible to the occupants. In many modern bathrooms, even the toilet cisterns are concealed.

Similarly the plumbing that distributes gas throughout a house or building (eg for heating, hot water, cooking and barbeques etc.) is concealed apart from the exposed outlets. A fluid connection between pipes within the walls and taps external to the wall often involves a coupling device in the form of a short flexible hose with threaded end couplings. This hose connects to the tapware at one end and a control valve at the other. The control valve typically connects to a male or female thread extending from the pipe protruding from the wall cavity.

Copper water pipes within the wall cavity will usually have a male threaded end for engaging the complementary female thread on the control valve. Due to its weight and role, the control valve needs to be supported by the thread on which it is installed. Here the coupling (i.e. flexibile hose) can connect to the control valve then onto tapware beneath a basin or sink.

In some situations the taps are exposed above the basin for manual actuation. Increasingly however the taps are concealed beneath the basin and both hot and cold water taps feed directly to a mixing tap on top of the basin. Mixing taps have a combined spout and a lever actuated mixing valve. Mixing taps are now prevalent in most modern bathrooms and kitchens.

The flexible hose couplings from the hot and cold water control valve within the wall to the tap valve outside the wall provide a high degree of tolerance in the relative positioning of the water pipe outlets and the tapware inlets. Any misalignment between the water pipes and the tapware is simply accommodated by movement in the flexible hose. However to attach the control valve to the threaded outlet on the pipe requires a relatively large hole in the plaster board. This hole in the plaster board (or wall tiles) needs to allow enough access into the wall cavity to screw the control valve onto the threaded pipe outlet.

The threaded outlet from the pipe is usually a male thread (i.e. externally threaded). To ensure a water tight connection, the male thread is wrapped in ‘plumbers tape’ which is a type of traditionally white (it now comes in many colours) teflon tape that fills the gaps between mutually engaging pipe threads to stop leaks. Various liquid sealants can also be used. Applying plumbers tape and sealant, then manually attaching a conventional thread extension requires the hole in the plaster board to be much larger than the cross sectional size of the conventional thread extension device itself. This large hole in the plaster board, or plaster board and tiles, is aesthetically unappealing and needs to be concealed within a cabinet or in some other way. It can also cause vermin issues and fireproofing issues alike. Similar problems and issues apply to gas supply pipes and fittings.

Summary of the Invention

In one broad aspect, the present invention provides a rigid thread extender device for sealed fluid connection to an externally threaded coupling, such as that on a control valve or threaded conduit, the thread extender device comprising: an elongate conduit (preferably having a straight longitudinal axis) of a rigid material, the elongate conduit defining a fluid path between a first end and second end; an annular seal adjacent at the first end; and an internally threaded collar at the first end for threaded engagement with the externally threaded coupling; wherein the internally threaded collar surrounds the annular seal such that threaded engagement with the externally threaded coupling forms a sealed fluid connection between the second end and the externally threaded coupling.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a thread extender device for sealed fluid connection to an externally threaded coupling of a first conduit, the thread extender device comprising: a rigid, elongate conduit of a rigid material, the elongate conduit defining a preferably axially-straight, fluid path between a first and a second end of the conduit; an annular seal member adjacent the first end; an internally threaded collar received at the first end and mounted for rotation relative to the elongate conduit, the collar adapted for threaded engagement with the externally threaded coupling of the first conduit; wherein the internally threaded collar surrounds the annular seal such that threaded engagement between the collar and the externally threaded coupling forms a sealed fluid connection between the second end and the externally threaded coupling; and a fixed female or male threaded connector integrally secured or formed at the second end, the fixed thread connector threaded for connection to a second conduit having a complimentary counter-thread.

The invention is based on the recognition that many plumbing installations in large residential buildings or built-to-plan housing are identical and replicated a multitude of times. These hot, cold and gas piping systems are placed under pressure for testing and “temporary test caps” are installed over the male (external) threads at plumbing end points. This test cap often pokes through to the exterior of the wall but when taken off the male thread is actually well behind the external surface and therefore connection is difficult.

For example, in large apartment blocks the plumbing and wall structures will be identical for a great many of the apartments. If the test cap cannot be seen, the position of the pipe outlets within a wall cavity will be known. The rigid thread extender device of the present invention allows relatively small holes to be drilled through the plasterboard, cabinet and/or tiles so that the internally threaded collar is placed on to the male thread of the water pipe while holding the second end outside the wall cavity. If the collar is in the form of a hex-nut that rotates relative to the conduit, a tube spanner or similar can be inserted into the hole together with the rigid thread extender and rotated into threaded engagement. Providing a discrete seal member at the first end avoids the need to access the threaded male end of the water pipe to apply plumbers tape/sealant. Furthermore, the second end of the rigid conduit is self supporting and can be used to mount components such as taps or valves (which themselves include a fluid conduit) on the exterior of the plaster board/cabinet.

Preferably, the internally threaded collar has an exterior surface configured, eg such as a hex-nut, for engagement with a tool, eg spanner or wrench, for imparting torque to the collar for threaded engagement with the externally threaded coupling. The internally threaded collar is suitably mounted for rotation relative to the elongate conduit.

Advantageously, when the fluid is a liquid, the annular seal member is made of resilient material, for compressive engagement with the externally threaded coupling. When the fluid is a gas, the annular seal would advantageously comprise a brass dome with a central passage for compressive engagement with the externally threaded coupling to form a gas-tight seal.

Preferably, the exterior surface of the internally threaded collar is the widest part of the rigid thread extender device such that the annular drive tool can engage the exterior surface by passing over the length of the rigid elongate conduit past and from the direction of the second end connector end.

Advantageously, the elongated conduit is formed from one of the following materials: brass, copper, steel or stainless steel

Preferably, the externally threaded coupling (to which the extender device is to be secured) is mounted within the cavity of an internal wall and the elongate conduit is dimensioned such that its second end is external to the wall cavity.

Preferably, the elongate conduit, the internally threaded collar and the first end has a structural rigidity allowing the second end to be self supported for connection to another plumbing component.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig 1 is a partial sectional view of a wall cavity and water supply outlet connected to a rigid thread extender device in accordance with the invention, extending through a hole in the plasterboard/cabinet;

Fig 2 is a longitudinal section view of a first form of the rigid thread extender device;

Fig 3 is a longitudinal section view of a second form of a rigid thread extender device according to the invention;

Fig 4 is a longitudinal section view of a third form of the rigid thread extender device;

Fig 5 is a longitudinal section view of a fourth form of the rigid thread extender device;

Fig 6A is an enlarged view of Insert D shown in Fig 5;

Fig 6B is an enlarged view of Insert B shown in Fig 3;

Fig 7A is an enlarged view of insert c shown in Fig 4; and,

Fig 7B is an enlarged view of insert a shown in Fig 2.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Fig 1, the outlet for a water pipe 4 is mounted in the wall cavity of an internal wall. Typically, the wall has a masonry, or steel/wooden stud frame 34 concealed behind sheets of plaster board 36. Between the two is the wall cavity in which the electrical and plumbing conduits are mounted. The water pipe outlets 4 are secured to the masonry or stud frame 34 through a base plate 42. Water pipes from the mains are soldered, brazed or crimped to an inlet 40 for the externally threaded portion 44 extends orthogonally towards the plaster board 36.

The rigid thread extender device 2 is inserted through a relatively small hole 38 in the plaster board 36 which is aligned with the externally threaded coupling. The collar 16 has a complimentary internal thread and a tube spanner or similar drive tool is inserted through the hole 38 in the plaster board 36 to engage the exterior surface 18 of the collar 16. Threading the collar 16 on to the externally threaded coupling for compresses the seal 14 between the end of the outlet 4 and the first end 8 of the rigid thread extender 2. This establishes a sealed fluid connection between the threaded coupling 4 and the second end 10 of the rigid conduit 6 via flow path 12. Additional plumbing components (not shown) can be mounted to the second end 10 as the structural rigidity of the connection between the threaded outlet 4 and the first end 8 makes the second end 10 self supporting and positioned external to the wall cavity.

Fig 2 shows a form of the rigid thread extender device 2 for connecting to a gas outlet (not shown). An internally threaded collar 16 is mounted to the first end 8 for rotation relative to the rigid conduit 6. The first end also has a brass dome 22 providing the annular seal with the central passage 24 providing fluid communication with the flow path 12 to the second end 10. The soft brass provides a gas-tight seal against the external thread of the gas outlet.

The second end 10 of the conduit 6 is provided with an internal thread 32 (see Fig 7B) for self supported connection to another component such as a hot water system, heater or the like. As shown in Fig 3, the second end 10 is an externally threaded coupling for connection to additional components.

The third form of the rigid thread extender 2 shown in Fig 4 is suitable for non-corrosive liquids such as water or hydraulic fluids.

The fourth version of the rigid thread extender 2 shown in Fig 5 has the same configuration at its first end 8. This arrangement is best shown in the enlarged partial section view of Fig 6A. At the first end 8 of the rigid conduit 6, the internal diameter narrows to the central passage 24. An outwardly extending flange 5 is spaced from the end of the rigid conduit 6 to provide a groove for retaining the internally threaded collar 16 via the hole in the plate 3. The annular seal 14 is rubber or other polymer for compressive engagement with the externally threaded coupling 4 (see Fig 1). A boss 7 at the end of the central passage 24 retains the annular seal 14 against the side of the flange 5. The annular seal 14 has a frusto-conical sealing face 9 for oblique engagement with the end of the externally threaded coupling 4 in order to provide a better seal.

As best shown in Fig 5, the width of the external surface 18 of the internally threaded collar 16 is shown as X. The second widest part of the rigid thread extender 2 is the exterior internally threaded coupling at the second end 10 (shown as distance Y). By configuring the rigid thread extender 2 such that X exceeds Y, a tube or barrel spanner (or the like) can always be slipped over the rigid thread extender from the second end to engage the external surface 18 of the collar 16. Conveniently, the rotating collar 16 is in a form of a hex-nut however it will be appreciated that other forms of drive faces may be used.

The invention has been described with reference to its application to plumbing of water or gas. However skilled workers will readily appreciate that the invention is more broadly applicable to any situation where a threaded connection point needs to be extended to a more accessible location. The threaded coupling may be in an area that is difficult to access due to space restrictions or a hostile or dangerous environment (such as amongst very hot or moving components in machinery). While the figures show embodiments of a thread extender with a straight longitudinal axis, other forms will use bent or curved conduits. Furthermore, the second end need not be a single outlet but may branch into multiple outlets.

The invention has been described herein by way of example only. Skilled workers in this field will readily recognise many variations and modifications which do not part from the spirit and scope of the broad inventive concept.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A thread extender device for sealed fluid connection to an externally threaded coupling of a first conduit, the thread extender device comprising: a rigid, elongate conduit of a rigid material, the elongate conduit defining a fluid path between a first and a second end of the conduit; an annular seal member adjacent the first end; an internally threaded collar received at the first end and mounted for rotation relative to the elongate conduit, the collar adapted for threaded engagement with the externally threaded coupling of the first conduit; wherein the internally threaded collar surrounds the annular seal such that threaded engagement between the collar and the externally threaded coupling forms a sealed fluid connection between the second end and the externally threaded coupling; and a fixed female or male threaded connector integrally secured or formed at the second end, the fixed thread connector threaded for connection to a second conduit having a complimentary counter-thread.
2. A thread extender device according to claim 1, wherein the internally threaded collar has an exterior surface configured for engagement with a tool for imparting torque to the collar, such as that of a nut or hex-nut, and securing the threaded engagement between the externally threaded coupling and the extender device.
3. A thread extender device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongate conduit has near its first end a radially outwardly extending flange, wherein the internally threaded collar comprises a terminal plate with a through hole for passage of terminal section of the elongate conduit, the flange disposed to provide a groove for retaining the collar at the elongate conduit.
4. A thread extender device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the fluid is a liquid, the annular seal is an elastically resilient seal ring for compressive engagement with the externally threaded coupling, or wherein when the fluid is a gas, the annular seal comprises a brass dome with a central passage for compressive engagement with the externally threaded coupling to form a gas-tight seal.
5. A thread extender device according to claim 4, wherein the first end of the elongate conduit comprises a boss devised for retaining the annular seal ring against a distal side of the flange, the annular seal preferably having a frusto-conical outer sealing face for oblique engagement within a terminal end of the externally threaded coupling of the first conduit.
6. A thread extender device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the exterior surface of the internally threaded collar is the widest part of the rigid thread extender device such that an annular drive tool can engage the exterior surface by passing over the length of the elongate conduit from the direction of the second end.