AU2020203151A1 - Pipe joint - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a pipe joint (10) for joining two lengths of pipe. The pipe joint comprises an outer pipe joint body (12) with an open end (16) and a connection part (34) at the other end and a cylindrical outer pipe member (30)fixed to the connection end. The pipe joint (10) also has an inner pipe member slidingly (14) received within the pipe joint body (12) for axial movement between a withdrawn position and an extended position. The inner pipe member comprises an extension end (22) that extends through the open end (18) of the pipe joint body (14) and an opposed stop end (20), wherein the axial movement of the stop end (20) is limited to movement within the cylindrical outer pipe member (30). Figure 1 1/6 22 14 10 62 60 64 50 66 12 55 60a 52 62a A 3 0 0 T 47"4 24. 35 20 42. 26 Figure 1

Description

1/6

22 14

62 60 64 50 66 12 55 60a 52 62a A 3

0 0 T 47"4 24. 35 20 42. 26

Figure 1

PIPE JOINT TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a pipe joint for joining two pipes together. This disclosure also extends to a pipe assembly including the pipe fitting. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing a pipe joint.

[0002] This disclosure relates particularly but not exclusively to a pipe joint for use in a pipe assembly for conveying a fluid. In a particular exemplary application, the pipe joint may be used as to repair a section of pipe that forms part of a plumbing system for draining waste water from a building. It will therefore be convenient to hereinafter describe the disclosure with reference to this example application. However, at the same time it must be recognized that the disclosure is capable of broader application. For example the pipe joint could be used on all suitable types of pipes or conduits. It is not limited to pipe systems for on waste or drainage pipes of domestic plumbing assemblies. Further it is not limited to use on plumbing pipes forming part of a plumbing assembly. For example, the pipe joint may be used in part of a conduit system for electrical and communications systems.

DEFINITION

[0003] In the present specification and claims the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

[0004] In the present specification and claims, the term "pipe" shall be understood to have a broad meaning and is not limited for use as a conveyance of fluid. The term "pipe" also includes conduit such as that used for electrical and communications systems.

BACKGROUND

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

[0006] Underground pipes such as drainage pipes and underground conduits such as electrical conduits may be subject to numerous stresses during their lifetime as a result of ground conditions such as heaving clays in which the ground is prone to heaving and other movements, the pipe may be buried beneath a heavy traffic area, freezing and thawing of the ground and other ground movement such as caused by earth tremors and the like.

[0007] Soils are classified according to their potential to change volume and shift. Clay based soils change volume and shift depending upon the changes of moisture content. Such soils are known as "reactive soils". Soils are graded on their degree of reactivity from zero through to extremely reactive.

[0008] When a building is constructed and associated underground pipe systems are laid the soil classification is taken into consideration and appropriate measure are taken. Drainage layouts are designed with soil movement in mid. There is also a range of expansion, swivel and combination joints that can be installed so as to allow for soil movement.

[0009] For example, expansion joints are used to allow for soil movement in reactive clays, where a vertical section of pipe connects two horizontal pipes.

[0010] In the absence of such design, or in spite of, the stresses on the pipes may still lead to cracking and breakage of the pipes. This may result in the leakage of liquid, e.g. fluid egress from the pipe and/or the entry of external matter, e.g. unwanted infiltration from the outside into the pipe. Consequently, when such a breakage is detected the damaged pipes need to be repaired.

[0011] Conventionally the broken section of pipe is cut out and a coupling known as slip coupling us used to connect the ends of the cut pipes. The coupling is known as a slip coupling as it slips over the respective ends of the pipes. The slip coupling may then be fixed to the pipe ends by known methods such as solvent welding.

[0012] Other slip couplings have rubber ring seals that provide a seal against the pipe ends such that solvent welding is not required. This allows easier installation and also accommodates movement of the pipe ends relative to the slip coupling as a result of further soil movement.

[0013] In some cases, the pipe damage is such that the repair requires the use of a bridging length of with two slip couplings at each end.

[0014] More recently, expandable pipe joints have become available for joining sections of damaged pipe. These joints have an outer pipe and an inner pipe telescopically mounted therein such that they are slidingly adjustable so as to accommodate different bridging lengths. The outer pipe of such expandable joints generally has an inner seal at the open end though which the inner pipe passes for sealing against the inner pipe. The degree of travel of the inner pipe is restricted by a stop on the inner pipe behind the open end and a stop on the inner surface of the outer pipe at the other end.

[0015] In order to accommodate different lengths travel of expandability, a set of stock range of expansion joints is provided having predetermined lengths of travel and inner and outer pipe lengths.

[0016] It would be advantageous if an alternative contrivance could be devised for coupling conduits, in particular drainage pipes, in flow communication with each other.

SUMMARY

[0017] The present disclosure is therefore directed to a pipe joint which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0018] In an embodiment, there is disclosed a pipe joint for joining two lengths of pipe comprising; an outer pipe joint body with an open end and a connection part at the other end and a cylindrical outer pipe member fixed to the connection end, an inner pipe member slidingly received within the pipe joint body for axial movement between a withdrawn position and an extended position, the inner pipe member comprises an extension end that extends through the open end of the pipe joint body and an opposite stop end, wherein the axial movement of the stop end is limited to movement within the cylindrical outer pipe member.

[0019] The outer pipe joint body may have a tubular part that defines the open end of the pipe joint body and through which the inner pipe member passes through between the closed position and the expanded position.

[0020] The connection end of the outer pipe joint body may comprise a socket coupling.

[0021] The socket coupling may have an inner diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the tubular part.

[0022] The stop end of the inner pipe member may have an annular stop member fixed thereto.

[0023] The annular stop member may have a cylindrical body with a base flange.

[0024] The cylindrical body of the stop member may have an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the inner pipe member such that the cylindrical body may be received within an end of the inner pipe member.

[0025] The base flange suitably has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the inner pipe member such that the flange provides a stop surface that in use operatively engages an internal interference surface of the inner pipe member for limiting travel of the inner pipe member in the extension direction.

[0026] The connection end of the inner pipe member may be configured to provide the internal interference surface.

[0027] The internal interference surface of the inner pipe member may be located adjacent the cylindrical outer member.

[0028] The outer cylindrical member may have an opposed end configured for coupling to a socket member for joining to a pipe.

[0029] An internal surface part of the socket member may have an inner diameter that is less than the outer dimeter of the flange of the stop member so as to limit movement of stop member in the extension direction.

[0030] The flange of the stop member may have a depending peripheral wall with an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. The outer wall surface may be substantially parallel to the central axis of the stop member and the inner wall surface of the flange is at an angle to the outer wall so as to present an inward taper in the direction of fluid flow. may also resist solids being caught thereon and blocking the water flow.

[0031] The inner pipe member may have at least one annular seal retainer formation for receiving a seal for sealing against the inner pipe member.

[0032] The inner pipe member may comprise a tubular part that defines the outer end and the at least one annular seal retainer formation is located in the tubular part of the pipe joint member.

[0033] The tubular part may include two spaced apart seal retainer formations. One annular seal retainer formation may be located towards or adjacent the open end of the first tubular part and the other annular seal retainer formation may be located towards the other end of the tubular part and suitably at the end thereof.

[0034] The or each annular seal retainer formation may house a seal for sealing against the outer surface of the inner pipe member.

[0035] The pipe joint parts are suitably formed from a moulded thermoplastics material suitable for use in plumbing applications such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and Polyethyelene.

[0036] The pipe joint may include a socket joint fitted to the cylindrical outer pipe member for mounting to a first length of pipe.

[0037] The pipe joint may be fixed to the end of a second length of pipe by means of the free end of the inner pipe member by conventional means such as a conventional pipe coupling.

[0038] The stop member is suitably an annular stop member. The stop member may be fixed to the inner pipe member rather than being integrally formed therewith. This has practical and working advantages in that any pipe of suitable diameter may be used for the inner pipe by being simply cut to size. This may allow for simplification (and cost reduction) during manufacture. It also allows for easy customisation of extension length in response to customer orders. Still further, such an arrangement may allow for assembly in the field. Further still, the stop member and outer pipe joint body may be sold separately as or part of a kit for assembly in the field.

[0039] Also disclosed herein is a kit of parts comprising an outer pipe joint body and a stop member.

[0040] As discussed above, the flange extends around the base of the cylindrical body. The outer diameter of the flange is suitably greater than the outer diameter of the of the inner pipe member such that the flange provides an abutment surface for stopping/limiting travel of the inner pipe member, as discussed below.

[0041] In one aspect, the flange has a depending peripheral wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer wall surface is substantially parallel to the central axis of the stop member (and pipe joint body). This provides an outer wall part that can be fixed to the inner surface of the outer wall part so as to fix the stop member in place within the pipe joint body by conventional means such as adhesive or solvent welding.

[0042] The inner wall surface of the flange suitably presents a convex surface or tapered surface so as to facilitate a smooth fluid flow and avoid turbulence within the stop member. When used in applications such as stormwater or drainage the shape of the inner wall may also resist solids being caught thereon and blocking the water flow.

[0043] In one aspect, the or each annular seal retainer formation is configured that a sealing surface of a seal received therein in use is flush with the inner surface of the first tubular part and the outer surface of the inner pipe member is adjacent the inner surface of the tubular part.

[0044] Provision of two seals (or more) may be advantageous in particular in drain waste vent (DWV) applications. Should one seal become compromised as a result of the pressure exerted by a reactive soil, the other seal may prevent escape of noxious gasses. Further the provision of more than one seal may reduce the risk of root ingress into the assembly.

[0045] The inner pipe member slides within the pipe joint member between a closed or withdrawn position in which the inner end of the inner pipe member abuts the stop member and an extended position. Suitably, the extension end of the inner pipe member extends a distance from the open end of the pipe joint member in the closed position as is known in the art. This provides for ease of installation. Generally, the length of the exposed part of the inner tubular member matches that of a joint coupling. For example, for use with a 100mm diameter pipe, the extension distance may be about 50mm or more.

[0046] The distance between the inner end of the inner pipe member when in the closed position and the inner end of the inner pipe member in the extended position is referred to as the distance or degree of travel.

[0047] Suitably, the pipe joint member is configured such that the tubular part overlaps the inner pipe member through the full degree of travel. In the aspect where the outer surface of the inner tube member and the inner surface of the pipe joint coupling member are in contact or very close thereto may have at least one advantage over known devices. For example, if the pipe joint coupling member is damaged or cracked, there is still a fluid seal by means of the inner pipe being in place. This may be compared to conventional expansion joints, which when the inner tube is extended, there is at least some part of the joint that has a single layer. This necessitates the outer sleeve to be made of a more robust structure, such as thicker side walls and/or reinforcement.

[0048] The degree of travel suitably corresponds to the distance between the stop surface of the stop member (that is that part of the stop member that stops travel of the inner pipe member in the closed position) and the upper end of the cylindrical outer pipe member or the junction between the tubular part of the inner pipe member and the coupling part.. In the aspect in which an annular seal is located at the junction of the tubular part and the coupling part, the distance of travel will stop short of the seal.

[0049] The desired degree of travel of an expansion generally depends on the purpose of the joint, i.e. whether the joint is to be used as a repair joint or as part of a pipe installation. For joint repair the distance of travel is determined by the length of pipe that needs to be repaired. For a pipe installation, the degree of travel is generally determined by the measured reactivity of the soil with larger degrees of travel being used for more reactive soils.

[0050] Expansion joints are thus provided in a range of fixed sizes with fixed degrees of travel and expanded lengths. These known expansion joints also have a stop for preventing overextension of the inner member and the two parts separating. For example, a stop member may be located on the inner surface of the outer member towards or at the open end and another stop member mounted at the inner end of the inner member that in use will be stopped by the stop member on the outer member. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement requires a spacing between the inner surface of the outer member and the outer surface of the inner member. Such an arrangement, however, also adds to additional manufacturing components and assembly steps. It also prevents removal and replacement of a damaged inner member.

[0051] Suitably, the disclosed pipe joint does not have an internal stop for stopping extension of the inner pipe member. In the aspect where the location of the inner end of the inner pipe member in the desired extended position is at the point where the end outer pipe member joins the tubular part, the length of the tubular member can accommodate overextension without the two parts becoming separated and thus flowing fluid to leak therefrom.

[0052] The degree of travel of the disclosed pipe joint may be varied by constructing the pipe joint with the inner pipe member and the outer pipe member having different lengths.

[0053] In order to customise a pipe joint to a desired length of pipe having diameters according to the inner pipe members and outer pipe members are cut to length. For example, in order to increase the degree of travel from a stock pipe joint having a travel of 100mm to a customised 150 mm, the length of both inner and outer pipes would both be cut to be 50mm longer than the stock parts.

[0054] The pipe joint with the customised pipe members may then be easily assembled on site by the tradesperson by adhering the stop member to the outer pipe member, fixing the tubular part to the outer pipe member, joining the socket and inserting the inner pipe into the pipe joint body.

[0055] Exemplary lengths are shown in the following Table 1

Table 1

outer Stop Outer pipe Inner pipe Degree of Closed Expanded Intermediate pipe Flange length/mm length/mm travel length/mm Length/mm joint length/ Length/mm body mm /mm length /mm

200 10 110 320 100 330 430 380

200 10 150 370 150 380 530 455

200 10 210 420 200 430 630 530

200 10 410 820 400 830 1230 1030

[0056] It may be appreciated that as neither the inner or outer pipe members have an internal stop members formed integrally therewith that allows for such simple customization. According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of assembly of a pipe joint as disclosed herein comprising; providing in any order; a pipe joint member as disclosed herein having a tubular part of a first inner diameter and a socket coupling part of a second inner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter; a first pipe having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the tubular part; a second pipe having a diameter suitable for being coupled to the inner surface of the socket coupling part and an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first length of pipe; an annular stop member having a maximum outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the outer pipe member and greater than the inner diameter of the inner pipe member; and cutting, in any order; a first predetermined length of pipe from the first pipe to provide an inner pipe member for the pipe joint; a second predetermined length of pipe from the second pipe to provide an outer pipe member for the pipe joint; fixing the stop member to one end of the inner pipe member such that the inner pipe member has a free end and a stop end; fixing one end of the outer pipe member to the tubular part; and inserting the free end of the inner pipe member through the other end of the outer pipe member.

[0057] Also disclosed herein is a pipe joint member for a pipe joint as disclosed herein, the pipe joint member comprising a pipe joint member as disclosed herein having a tubular part of a first inner diameter and a socket coupling part of a second inner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter.

[0058] Also disclosed herein is a pipe assembly comprising a pipe joint as disclosed herein joining together two pipes.

[0059] Also disclosed herein is a method of repairing a pipe, comprising cutting out a length of damaged pipe so provide a first end and a second end of cut pipe, joining the stop end of the pipe joint as disclosed herein to a first end of the cut pipe, moving the inner pipe member to an expanded position so as to meet the second end of cut pipe and joining the end of the inner pipe member to the second end of cut pipe.

[0060] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0063] Figure 1 is a cross section of a pipe joint in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 1A is a detail of Figure 1;

[0065] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe joint as shown in Figure 1;

[0066] Figure 3 is a cross section of the pipe joint as shown in Figure 1 in a partially extended position;

[0067] Figure 4 is a cross section of the pipe joint as shown in Figure 1 in a fully extended position; and

[0068] Figure 5 a cross section of a pipe joint as shown in Figure 1 having a different length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0070] Reference throughout this specification to'one embodiment' or'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0071] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[0072] Figure 1 shows a cross section of an extendible pipe joint 10 for connecting two lengths of pipe. The pipe joint 10 broadly has an outer substantially cylindrical outer pipe joint body 12 and an inner pipe member 14 telescopically mounted within the pipe joint body 12.

[0073] The pipe joint body 12 has two sections downstream tubular section 50 (in the normal direction of fluid flow (shown in the arrow of Figure 1A) and an upstream connection end 34 Tubular section 50 defines an outlet end 16 that allows the inner pipe member 14 to pass therethrough.

[0074] The inner pipe member 14 has an extension end 22 that extends through the open end 16 of the tubular section 50 of the inner pipe body 12 and an opposite limiting end 24 that is fixed to a stop member 20 as described below.

[0075] The inner pipe member 14 can move in an extension direction (arrow E) and a closing direction (arrow C) through a travel distance TD that will be discussed further below.

[0076] The diameter of the inner pipe member 14 is the same diameter as the pipes that are to be joined by the pipe joint.

[0077] A cylindrical outer pipe member 30 is fixed at one end 36 to the connection end 34 of the inner pipe member body 12. In use the opposite end 35 of cylindrical outer pipe member 30 to is fixed to socket 26 that This allows the pipe joint 10 to be coupled to a first length of pipe.

[0078] The pipe joint 10 is fixed to the end of a second length of pipe by means of the extension end 22 of the inner pipe member 14 by conventional means such as a conventional pipe coupling.

[0079] The connection end 34 of the pipe body 12 is in the form of a socket part 52 for fixing to one end 36 of the cylindrical outer pipe member 30.

[0080] The socket part 52 has a blind end wall 55 or diameter expansion The inner diameter of the socket part 54 is greater than the outer diameter of the outer pipe member such that the end 36 of the outer pipe member 30 may be received within, abuts the blind wall 55 and fixed to the socket part 52.

[0081] The width of the wall of cylindrical outer pipe member 30 is less than the width of blind wall 55 such that a section 57 of the wall extends beyond the cylindrical outer pipe member 30 so as to form an interference surface. This will be explained in more detail in relation to Figure 1A below.

[0082] Turning now to the arrangement of the stop member 20; stop member 20 has a substantially cylindrical body 40. The outer diameter of the cylindrical body 40 of the stop member 20 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner pipe member 14 such that the cylindrical body 40 may be received within and fixed to the limiting end 24 of the inner pipe member 14 as shown in Figure 1A. The outer surface of the stop member body 40 is suitably fixed to the inner wall of the inner pipe member 14 by an adhesive or glue.

[0083] The stop member 20 has a flange 42 extending around the base of the cylindrical body 40 that receives the terminal end of the inner pipe member 14. The outer diameter of the flange 42 is greater than the outer diameter of the of the inner pipe member 14. This means that the join between the flange 52 and end 24 of inner pipe member 14 is not flush and there is an extending stop surface 45 of the stop member 20.

[0084] Turning now to Figure 1A, if may be seen that he outer diameter of the inner pipe member 14 is less than that of the inner diameter of the cylindrical outer pipe member so as to provide a n annular gap G. The gap G is between about 1mm to about 5mm, suitably about 3mm.

[0085] The stop surface 45 of the flange 42 extends into annular gap G. The interference surface 57 of the top wall 55 of the connection socket part 34, also extends into the gap G.

[0086] When the inner pipe member 14 is extended the stop surface 45 of the flange 42 will contact interference surface 57 so as to stop the inner pipe member 14 from extending any further. The parts in their respective stop positions are shown in Figure 3.

[0087] Turning now to further features of the stop member 20. The flange 42 of the stop member 20 has a peripheral wall that has an outer surface 44 that is parallel to the central axis of the stop member 20 (and cylindrical to outer pipe member 30) and an inner surface 46 that is inclined at an angle of about 4 5 ° relative to outer surface 42 The outer diameter of surface 44 is the same or close to the inner diameter of the cylindrical outer pipe 30 such that there is little or essentially no gap therebetween.

[0088] The inner wall 46 of the flange 42 and body 40 presents a convex or inwardly directed surface in the direction of fluid flow (shown by the arrow) so as to facilitate a smooth fluid flow and avoid turbulence within the stop member 20. When used in applications such as stormwater or drainage the shape of the flange may also resist solids being caught thereon.

[0089] The pipe joint member 12 has two seal retainer formations 60, 60a for receiving an annular elastomeric seal such as a rubber seal 62, 62a for sealing against the inner pipe 14. It may be seen that the sealing surface of each seal 62 is substantially flush with the outer surface 64 of the tubular part 50 and is in sealing contact with the outer surface of the inner pipe member 14.

[0090] One seal 60a is towards the open end 16 of the tubular part 50 of the pipe joint member 12. The other seal 60 is located immediately above and adjacent the connecting part of the inner pipe joint and the end of the down stream end of the outer cylindrical pipe member 30.

[0091] Providing two seals that are spaced apart may provide additional support to the inner member 14 as it moves between the closed and extended positions.

[0092] Another advantage of having more than one seal is that if operation of one seal is compromised as a result of excess pressure, the remaining seal may still prevent odours from escaping when the pipe joint is part of a drain waste vent (DWV) system.

[0093] It may also be seen that the outer surface 66 of the inner pipe member 14 and the inner surface 64 of the tubular part 50 member are in contact or very close thereto. This provides for reinforcement of the two parts in use and especially underground. For example, if the pipe joint member 12 is damaged or cracked, there is still a fluid seal by means of the inner pipe member 14. This may be compared to conventional expansion joints, which when the inner tube is extended, there is at least some part of the joint that has a single layer of material. This necessitates the outer sleeve to be made of a more robust structure, such as thicker side walls and/or reinforcement.

[0094] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the respective parts of the pipe joint 10.

[0095] Figures 3 and 4 show the pipe joint 10 with the inner pipe member at half and almost full recommended degree of travel respectively. It may be seen that the end 18 of the inner pipe member 14 is below the seal 60 and that there is a double wall thickness over the length of the pipe joint member 12.

[0096] The degree of travel will generally depend on the purpose of the joint, i.e. whether the joint is to be used as a repair joint or as part of a pipe installation. For joint repair the distance of travel is determined by the length of pipe that needs to be repaired. For a pipe installation, the degree of travel is generally determined by the measured reactivity of the soil with larger degrees of travel being used for more reactive soils.

[0097] The degree of travel may be varied by constructing the pipe joint with the inner pipe and outer pipe of different lengths. Figure 5 shows another pipe joint in which the distance of travel 2D is twice that of the pipe joint shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0098] The pipe joint may also be provided in kit form so as to allow a used to customise the degree of travel. This may be advantageous as a user such as a plumber does not need to carry expandable joints of different lengths. The pipe joint may be customised to be able to bridge pipe ends that are separated by larger distances that may be accommodated by convention expandable or extendable pipe joints or couplings.

[0099] The inner pipe member has the same diameter as the pipe to be joined. Tradespeople will generally have lengths of pipe to hand.

[00100] In order to customise a pipe point to a desired length of pipe having diameters according to the inner pipe members and outer pipe members are cut to length. In order to increase the degree of travel from a stock pipe joint having a travel of 100mm to a customised 150 mm, the length of both inner and outer pipes would both be cut to be 50mm longer than the stock parts.

[00101] The pipe joint with the customised pipe members may then be easily assembled on site by the tradesperson by adhering the stop member to the outer pipe member, fixing the jacket to the outer pipe member, joining the socket and inserting the inner pipe into the pipe joint body.

[00102] It may be appreciated that neither the inner or outer pipe members have an internal stop members formed integrally therewith that allows for such simple customization. Still further, the simplicity of the joint can optimize manufacture.

[00103] It will be appreciated that various changes may be made to the inventions as described and claimed herein without parting from the spirt and scope thereof.

Claims (21)

1. A pipe joint for joining two lengths of pipe comprising;

an outer pipe joint body with an open end and a connection part at the other end and a cylindrical outer pipe member fixed to the connection end;

an inner pipe member slidingly received within the pipe joint body for axial movement between a withdrawn position and an extended position, the inner pipe member comprises an extension end that extends through the open end of the pipe joint body and an opposed stop end, wherein the axial movement of the stop end is limited to movement within the cylindrical outer pipe member.

2. The outer pipe joint member of claim 1, wherein the outer pipe joint body has a tubular part having an inner diameter that defines the open end of the pipe joint body and through which the inner pipe member passes through between the closed position and the extended position.

3. The pipe joint of claim 2, wherein the connection end of the outer pipe joint body comprises a socket coupling that has an inner diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the tubular part.

4. The pipe joint of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stop end of the inner pipe member has an annular stop member fixed thereto.

5. The pipe joint of claim 4, wherein the annular stop member has a cylindrical body with a base flange.

6. The pipe joint of claim 5, wherein the cylindrical body of the stop member has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the inner pipe member such that the cylindrical body may be received within an end of the inner pipe member.

7. The pipe joint of claim 6, wherein the base flange has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the inner pipe member such that the flange provides a stop surface that in use operatively engages an internal interference surface of the inner pipe member for limiting travel of the inner pipe member in the extension direction.

8. The pipe joint of claim 7 wherein the connection end of the inner pipe member is configured to provide the internal interference surface.

9. The pipe joint of claim 8, wherein the internal interference surface of the inner pipe is located adjacent the with the cylindrical outer member.

10. The pipe joint of any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the outer cylindrical member has an opposed end configured for coupling to a socket member for joining to a pipe.

11. The pipe joint of claim 10, wherein an internal surface part of the socket member has an inner diameter that is less than the outer dimeter of the flange of the stop member so as to limit movement of stop member in the extension direction.

12. The pipe joint of any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the flange of the stop member has a depending peripheral wall with an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface, the outer wall surface is substantially parallel to the central axis of the stop member and the inner wall surface of the flange is at an angle to the outer wall so as to present an inward taper in the direction of fluid flow. may also resist solids being caught thereon and blocking the water flow.

13. The pipe joint member of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inner pipe member has at least one annular seal retainer formation for receiving a seal for sealing against the inner pipe member.

14. The pipe joint member of claim 13, wherein the inner pipe member comprises a tubular part that defines the outer end and the at least one annular seal retainer formation is located in the tubular part of the pipe joint member.

15. The pipe joint of claim 13, wherein the tubular part includes two spaced apart seal retainer formations, one annular seal retainer formation is located towards or adjacent the open end of the first tubular part and the other annular seal retainer formation may be located towards the other end of the tubular part and suitably at the end thereof.

16. The pipe joint of claim 15, wherein the or each annular seal retainer formation houses a seal for sealing against the outer surface of the inner pipe member.

17. A method of assembly of a pipe joint comprising;

providing in any order; a pipe joint member as disclosed herein having a tubular part of a first inner diameter and a socket coupling part of a second inner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter; a first pipe having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the tubular part; a second pipe having a diameter suitable for being coupled to the inner surface of the socket coupling part and an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first length of pipe; an annular stop member having a maximum outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the outer pipe member and greater than the inner diameter of the inner pipe member; and cutting, in any order; a first predetermined length of pipe from the first pipe to provide an inner pipe member for the pipe joint; a second predetermined length of pipe from the second pipe to provide an outer pipe member for the pipe joint; fixing the stop member to one end of the inner pipe member such that the inner pipe member has a free end and a stop end; fixing one end of the outer pipe member to the tubular part; and inserting the free end of the inner pipe member through the other end of the outer pipe member.

18. A pipe joint member for a pipe joint of any one of claims 1 to 16, the pipe joint member comprising a tubular part of a first inner diameter and a socket coupling part of a second inner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter.

19. A pipe assembly comprising a pipe joint of any one of claims 1 to 16 joining together two pipes.

20. A method of repairing a pipe, comprising cutting out alength of damaged pipe so provide a first cut end and a second cut end of cut pipe, providing the pipe joint of any one of claims 1 to 16, joining a pipe socket to the connection end of the inner pipe member, joining the first cut pipe end to the socket and the second cut pipe end of the inner pipe member to the second end of the cut pipe.

21. A method of installing an underground pipe system in reactive soil comprising providing at least one pipe joint of any one of claims 1 to 16, providing a plurality of pipes, excavating a trench, joining a pipe socket to the connection end of the inner pipe member, joining an end of a first pipe end to the socket and joining an end of a second pipe tof the inner pipe member.