EP1238167B1 - Lead-through device for a pipeline in a building element e.g. a wall and a procedure for such a lead-through - Google Patents

Lead-through device for a pipeline in a building element e.g. a wall and a procedure for such a lead-through Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1238167B1
EP1238167B1 EP00987910A EP00987910A EP1238167B1 EP 1238167 B1 EP1238167 B1 EP 1238167B1 EP 00987910 A EP00987910 A EP 00987910A EP 00987910 A EP00987910 A EP 00987910A EP 1238167 B1 EP1238167 B1 EP 1238167B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pipe
lead
rail
grooved head
channel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00987910A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1238167A1 (en
Inventor
Tom Christensen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1238167A1 publication Critical patent/EP1238167A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1238167B1 publication Critical patent/EP1238167B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03CDOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/021Devices for positioning or connecting of water supply lines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates in general to a lead-through device for water pipes, and more specifically to a lead-through device for so called PEX pipes according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the invention further relates to a mounting device for such a lead-through device.
  • PEX pipes are pipes manufactured in a relatively stiff plastic material.
  • the PEX pipe is further surrounded by a corrugated plastic tube functioning as a leakage indicator, in such a way that if the PEX pipe was to leak somewhere, the water will flow within the corrugated plastic tube and in the end, when the tube is filled, flow out of a leakage opening a the point where the PEX pipe is connected to the incoming conduit.
  • the PEX pipes are delivered in fixed lengths, whereby no joints are needed.
  • a PEX pipe shall be guided through for example a wall, inside which the pipe is drawn, to a faucet or another water outlet in the building, the pipe has to be bent, in order to follow the above mentioned norms.
  • the angle for this amounts in most cases to 90°, and due to the limited space between wall panels, usually 40 - 70 mm, the bending radius is mostly small.
  • connection to this is that such stiff pipes cannot be bent 90° with such a small radius for walls with the above mentioned inner dimensions without being buckled, i e being exposed to a major decrease in diameter in the bending direction.
  • a lead-through device has therefore been approved in the form of a connection block where a PEX pipe is received in one end, and another connection pipe is received in the other end of the connection block. Even if the Swedish authorities responsible have approved this connection block, it is still a substantial leakage risk, because it means after all arranging a joint inside the wall.
  • connection or lead-through devices comprise thus either a joint, or the pipe is bent with an angle substantially below 90°.
  • a lead-through device is shown in US 5 079 883 comprising a cabinet with a sealing arrangement, in which the pipe is jointed and led through the wall.
  • CH 648 371 A5 shows another lead-through device whereby its other end is led through the wall. None of these devices thus fulfils the present demands on a joint-free lead-through of the pipe.
  • a lead-through device for PEX pipes comprising a housing intended to be arranged in a building element, whereby the housing has a first and a second opening, where the first opening is intended to receive a pipe conduit running within the building element, and where the second opening is intended to lead the pipe conduit through the building element, and a channel running between the openings.
  • the lead-through device is characterised in that the channel for receiving the pipe conduit at the opening has a form permitting support of the pipe in all radial directions, in that this end of the channel is bent with an angle less than 90°, in that the channel at the other opening in a part arranged inwards in relation to the bending direction has a form permitting support of the pipe in all radial directions, and in that a part directed from the bending direction widens to a space receiving a wedge means, which wedge means is designed such that it, together with the channel, forms a path for the pipe which supports the pipe in all radial directions, whereby the path formed by the channel and the wedge means provides a bending of the pipe 90° when the wedge means is inserted in the space in the channel without the risk of buckling the pipe.
  • a mounting system for lead-through devices for pipe conduits comprising a mounting rail with a uniform cross-section along the length of the rail, which is partly open towards a grooved head of the lead-through device, whereby the mounting rail is arranged in or on a building element, the grooved head being fixedly attached on one side of the housing of the lead-through device, whereby the grooved head has such a form that it, when directed in a first direction, in a slidable manner can be brought in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail, and when it is directed in a second direction, forms a shape co-operating engagement with the mounting rail on order to fixedly lock the groove notch in the desired position in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail.
  • a method for a 90° bent lead-through of a PEX pipe or the like comprises the steps of inserting the pipe in a first channel part with a shape and dimension adapted to the pipe, which part is bent with an angle less than 90°, insertion of the pipe in a second channel part, the inner half thereof in the bending direction is adapted to the shape and dimension of the pipe and exhibiting a final bending angle of 90°, and insertion of a wedge means in a space in the part of the channel arranged outwards in relation to the bending direction, which wedge means is designed such that it together with the first and second part of the channel forms a path for the pipe, which is bent 90°, and at the same time supports the pipe in all radial directions.
  • a lead-through device according to the present invention. It comprises a housing 10, which has a first opening 12 and a second opening 14. The openings 12 and 14 are mutually connected with a channel 16 running through the housing.
  • a grooved head 34 and a mounting rail 40 are shown on the upper side of the housing, as shown in figures 1 and 2 , which will be discussed closer below.
  • the opening 12 is intended to receive a pipe conduit 20 which is arranged in the wall, and it is further provided with a conical part 12a with a larger diameter intended to receive the corrugated plastic tube 22 surrounding the PEX pipe 20.
  • the conical part 12a can in one embodiment display a corrugation corresponding to that of the corrugated plastic tube. With or without the corrugation of the conical part 12a, the corrugated plastic tube 22, when it is pushed into the conical part 12a, to be locked in position in the conical part 12a, with a good sealing due to the engagement of the corresponding shapes, or squeezing effect.
  • the conical shape means that the same housing may be used for corrugated outer tubes 22 with different diameters.
  • the lead-through device is arranged such that the PEX pipe is led through the opening 12 vertically from below, but it is also conceivable to arrange the lead-through for a reception of horizontally running pipes, whereby the opening 12 is directed horizontally.
  • the conical part 12a is provided with a coating of suitable material, preferably rubber, or a material with rubber-type characteristics, i e high friction coefficient and relatively low hardness.
  • the opening 14 which is directed towards the room or the like into which the water pipe is to be fed, displays an arrangement 14a intended for receiving a wedge 15, which is also shown in figure 3 .
  • the wedge 15 is in turn intended to be fastened with a screw 15a (see fig. 2 ) above the pipe 20 in order to bend it to a 90° angle, and to hold the pipe fixedly in this position.
  • the wedge 15 has a shape that like the shape of the channel 16 is adapted to the form and diameter of the pipe 20 so that the wedge, when it bends the pipe downwards, aids in preventing the pipe from being buckled, above all in that it supports the pipe sideways, i e transverse to the bending direction.
  • the channel 16 running through the housing 10 from the first opening 12 to the second opening 14 is intended to guide the pipe 20 in an angle that is somewhat less than 90°, and at the same time function as a support for the pipe 20.
  • the lower part of the channel 16 adjacent the first end 12 has a shape, which is adapted to the diameter of the pipe 20 so that the pipe is supported in all radial directions.
  • the pipe 20 is thus forced by the shape of the channel to bend to the angle, that the channel 16 displays.
  • the pipe 20 is guided only by the inner part of the channel as seen in the bending direction.
  • the outer part of the channel 16 displays a widening, which is clearly shown in figures 1 and 3 .
  • This widening is intended for receiving the wedge 15 in a second bending step, and leads to that the pipe 20 in the first step, i e before the wedge 15 is inserted in the channel, exits the channel 16 through the opening 14, with an angle which in relation to the general extension of the pipe is less than 90°.
  • the entire pipe is supported by the pipe path formed by the channel and the wedge in all radial directions, whereby it is prevented that the pipe is "buckled", i e is subjected to a substantial decrease of the diameter in the bending direction, or in other words a substantial increase of the diameter transverse to the bending direction.
  • the method is as follows.
  • the outer corrugated plastic tube 22 is cut to such a length that it may be inserted and attached in the conical part 12a of the opening 12.
  • the PEX pipe is forced through the channel 16 in through the opening 12 and out through the opening 14.
  • the pipe will display an angle in relation to its original direction, which is somewhat less than 90°, for example around 80°.
  • the shape-adapted wedge 15 is inserted in the opening 14 above the pipe 20 and is screwed in place such that when the wedge has been inserted in its position, the angle of the pipe in relation to its original direction substantially equal to 90°.
  • the pipe has been bent 90° without being buckled, at the same time as the pipe is held fixedly secure by the wedge 15 inserted in the opening 14.
  • the present invention also discloses a mounting system for detachable and slidable fixation of the lead-through device, which now will be described with reference to the drawings 1, 2 4a-d and 5.
  • the mounting system comprises a mounting rail 40 shown in a plan view from above in figure 5 , which is intended to be arranged within a building element, such as a wall V, which is shown schematically in figure 5 , and which then preferably is attached to the cross-bars of the wall.
  • the embodiment of the rail shown in the figures has a C-shaped cross-section, which is shown in the cross-sections of figures 1 and 2 , and it is attached with the help of screws or other suitable attachment elements, which are arranged in the first of the screw holes intended for this.
  • the mounting rail will then to expand, for example horizontally in the wall, whereby the adjustment in horizontal direction is substantially facilitated.
  • a number of holes 42 are also shown along the longitudinal centre line C of the rail 40, which are arranged with a constant, predetermined distance along the said centre line C.
  • the other part of the mounting system consists of a grooved head 34 fixedly attached on suitable place on the housing 10 with a base part 35.
  • the embodiment of the grooved head shown in detail in the drawings 4a-d has a basically rectangular form, with a width which is narrower than the width of the mounting rail, and with a length which is somewhat smaller than, or equal to the width of the rail.
  • two of the diagonally opposite corners 36a and 36b display a rounded form. It may be sufficient with one rounded corner, but preferably two of the corners are rounded.
  • the grooved head 34 displays at least one, in the embodiment shown two, pins 37 and 38, where the first 37 in the figure is longer than the other and further centred on the grooved head 34 in its longitudinal direction, but somewhat displaced in the transversal direction of the grooved head.
  • the pin 37 will thereby run just beside the centre line C of the mounting rail 40 when the grooved head is moved in the rail 40 with its long side against the long side 41 of the rail.
  • the other pin 38 is arranged with a distance a from the first pin 37 in the transversal direction of the head 34, which is the same as the distance a between the holes 42 of the mounting rail 40, or a multiple thereof.
  • a thought line passing between the both pins 37 and 38 forms an angle with the long side of the head, which is substantially 90° and divides the grooved head in the middle in the longitudinal direction.
  • one of the pins preferably the longer pin, is spring loaded so that it can slide on the under side of the rail when the grooved head is moved to the desired position.
  • the other pin is in this embodiment, as seen in the drawings, somewhat shorter than the first pin. In another embodiment, both pins are spring loaded.
  • both pins have the same length.
  • the device may easily be moved by pressing the pins down into the holes, whereby the device can be turned back to a position where the long sides of the grooved head are along the long sides of the rail.
  • the device may yet be loosened by lifting the upper part 43 of the rail with a suitable tool, after which the lead-through device is turned back.
  • the grooved head 34 is fixedly attached to the housing 10 with the help of a base part 35, which mainly has the same shape as the grooved head, but with shorter short sides.
  • the grooved head 34 will thereby display two protruding parts 34a and 34b, which in a locking position will rest against the flanges 40a of the rail 40.
  • the extension of the base part in relation to the grooved head 34 is illustrated by broken lines in figure 4d .
  • the base part displays the same rounded corner shape as the grooved head 34.
  • the mounting rail 40 is fixedly screwed onto the cross-bars of the wall at the height where one wishes to place the lead-through device.
  • the grooved head 34 of the lead-through device is moved into the C-formed rail 40 in a first position with the long sides against the long sides 41 of the rail and is moved to a suitable position horizontally, where the opening 14 of the housing will be opposite the hole in the wall where the pipe then shall be led through. In this position the grooved head 34 is finely adjusted until the lead-through device has reached the desired position.
  • the grooved head 34 is turned, and thereby the whole lead-through device, in the plane of the grooved head, to a second position, so that it after completed 90° turn will lie in a position where its short sides are in contact with the long sides 41 of the rail 40.
  • the shape of the above mentioned rounded corners 36a and 36b are thereby adapted such that the head can be turned in this way inside the rail 40, whereby a locking action is achieved, because the length of the grooved head 34 is such that the head in this position forms an engagement with co-operating form or a sqeezing engagement with the rail 40.
  • the extending parts 34a and 34b of the grooved head 34 when the grooved head is turned, will rest stably on the flanges 40a of the rail (see fig. 1 and 2 ) which together with the shape co-operating locking and the engagement of the pins provides a stable fixation of the lead-through device.
  • the holes 42 are arranged in the centre of the upper side 43 of the rail, for the purpose of the invention it is sufficient that these are arranged parallel to the long sides 41 of the rail, and with a predetermined mutual distance a, whereby the pin of the grooved head, either it is one or more, is arranged such, that the pin or the pins form engagement with one or more holes in the rail when the grooved head is turned to a locking position in the rail 40.
  • the grooved head 34 is arranged on the upper side of the housing 10, but this may naturally also be arranged on any suitable side of the housing, depending on the outer circumstances for the mounting of the lead-through device. Neither is the C-shaped cross-section a necessity for the mounting device according to the invention to work. Other forms fulfilling the same function can of course be used, together with an adapted grooved head 34 for such shapes, or a corresponding device.
  • the grooved head can also in one embodiment be provided with protruding parts on the long side such that the head 34, when it is moved along the rail 40, is supported on the flanges 40a of the rail, which facilitates the mounting further.
  • the drawback with such an arrangement is that the grooved head then has to be moved into the rail from the end of the rail, which is not the case in the embodiment shown in the drawings, where the grooved head can be moved into the opening of the rail 40, between the flanges, and turned fixed, on any place along the rail 40.
  • the lead-through device can of course in a embodiment not shown be provided with through-going holes for conventional attachment to a wall or against a cross-bar or the like, even if the large advantages that the mounting device offers then are lost.
  • the lead-through device according to the invention and the mounting system in a number of materials. It may however be advantageous to use different types of plastic material for the housing and the grooved head. Partly they are insensitive to corrosion and partly they are often cheaper on most aspects, for example manufacturing, than metallic materials.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
  • Electric Cable Installation (AREA)
  • Shaping Of Tube Ends By Bending Or Straightening (AREA)
  • Forms Removed On Construction Sites Or Auxiliary Members Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lead-through device for PEX pipe conduit, which comprises a housing (10) with a first (12) and a second opening (14), where the first opening is intended to receive a pipe conduit (20) running in the building element, and the second opening is intended to lead the conduit through the element, and a channel (16) running between the openings. The channel (16) has a shape at the first opening that admits support of the pipe in all radial directions, and is further bent with an angle which is below 90 DEG . At the second opening (14), in a part that is positioned inwards in relation to the bending direction, the channel has a shape adapted to the shape and dimensions of the pipe and provides support of the pipe in all radial directions for a bending angle of 90 DEG , and widens in a part directed from the bending direction to a space intended for receiving a wedge (15). The invention also discloses a method for inserting such a pipe.

Description

    TECHNICAL AREA
  • The present invention relates in general to a lead-through device for water pipes, and more specifically to a lead-through device for so called PEX pipes according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention further relates to a mounting device for such a lead-through device.
  • STATE OF THE ART
  • In the building area, and in particular in the heating, ventilation and sanitation area, it is since long a known problem to install water pipes, for example during production of new buildings. The problem is related to the norms that the authorities have issued regarding installation of pipes, stating that no joints are to be present within walls and other building elements, due to the risk of large damages following such an arrangement, and the large work involved in order to remedy the damages as well as the leaking conduit.
  • Nowadays so called PEX pipes are used, which are pipes manufactured in a relatively stiff plastic material. The PEX pipe is further surrounded by a corrugated plastic tube functioning as a leakage indicator, in such a way that if the PEX pipe was to leak somewhere, the water will flow within the corrugated plastic tube and in the end, when the tube is filled, flow out of a leakage opening a the point where the PEX pipe is connected to the incoming conduit. The PEX pipes are delivered in fixed lengths, whereby no joints are needed. When a PEX pipe shall be guided through for example a wall, inside which the pipe is drawn, to a faucet or another water outlet in the building, the pipe has to be bent, in order to follow the above mentioned norms. The angle for this amounts in most cases to 90°, and due to the limited space between wall panels, usually 40 - 70 mm, the bending radius is mostly small.
  • A large problem in connection to this is that such stiff pipes cannot be bent 90° with such a small radius for walls with the above mentioned inner dimensions without being buckled, i e being exposed to a major decrease in diameter in the bending direction. From the authorities a lead-through device has therefore been approved in the form of a connection block where a PEX pipe is received in one end, and another connection pipe is received in the other end of the connection block. Even if the Swedish authorities responsible have approved this connection block, it is still a substantial leakage risk, because it means after all arranging a joint inside the wall.
  • The known connection or lead-through devices comprise thus either a joint, or the pipe is bent with an angle substantially below 90°. For example a lead-through device is shown in US 5 079 883 comprising a cabinet with a sealing arrangement, in which the pipe is jointed and led through the wall. CH 648 371 A5 shows another lead-through device whereby its other end is led through the wall. None of these devices thus fulfils the present demands on a joint-free lead-through of the pipe.
  • Another way of bending the pipe for a lead-through in a wall consists in heating the pipe to a plastical temperature, but this is seldom feasible due to shortage of space.
  • Further problems with the arrangement of pipe lead-through consists in the difficulties in positioning the pipe accurately in relation to the wall as well as to fixedly hold the pipe and the lead-through in position in a stable manner for the mounting of for example a shower faucet or the like.
  • THE AIM OF THE INVENTION
  • There is thus a pronounced need for a lead-through device for a pipe which avoids jointing of the pipe in the wall, but at the same time does not give rise to buckling of the pipe when it is bent in a 90° angle with a relatively small bending radius. Such a lead-through device is characterised according to the present invention by the features stated in patent claim 1.
  • Further there is a pronounced need for a mounting device for easy and secure detachable and movable fixation of the lead-through device, which further permits that the pipe may be held fixedly in relation to the surrounding structures. Such a mounting device is characterised according to the present invention by the features stated in patent claim 1.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a lead-through device for PEX pipes is disclosed, comprising a housing intended to be arranged in a building element, whereby the housing has a first and a second opening, where the first opening is intended to receive a pipe conduit running within the building element, and where the second opening is intended to lead the pipe conduit through the building element, and a channel running between the openings. The lead-through device according to the invention is characterised in that the channel for receiving the pipe conduit at the opening has a form permitting support of the pipe in all radial directions, in that this end of the channel is bent with an angle less than 90°, in that the channel at the other opening in a part arranged inwards in relation to the bending direction has a form permitting support of the pipe in all radial directions, and in that a part directed from the bending direction widens to a space receiving a wedge means, which wedge means is designed such that it, together with the channel, forms a path for the pipe which supports the pipe in all radial directions, whereby the path formed by the channel and the wedge means provides a bending of the pipe 90° when the wedge means is inserted in the space in the channel without the risk of buckling the pipe.
  • In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a mounting system for lead-through devices for pipe conduits is disclosed. The mounting system is characterised in that it comprises a mounting rail with a uniform cross-section along the length of the rail, which is partly open towards a grooved head of the lead-through device, whereby the mounting rail is arranged in or on a building element, the grooved head being fixedly attached on one side of the housing of the lead-through device, whereby the grooved head has such a form that it, when directed in a first direction, in a slidable manner can be brought in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail, and when it is directed in a second direction, forms a shape co-operating engagement with the mounting rail on order to fixedly lock the groove notch in the desired position in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail.
  • According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for a 90° bent lead-through of a PEX pipe or the like. The method is characterised in that it comprises the steps of inserting the pipe in a first channel part with a shape and dimension adapted to the pipe, which part is bent with an angle less than 90°, insertion of the pipe in a second channel part, the inner half thereof in the bending direction is adapted to the shape and dimension of the pipe and exhibiting a final bending angle of 90°, and insertion of a wedge means in a space in the part of the channel arranged outwards in relation to the bending direction, which wedge means is designed such that it together with the first and second part of the channel forms a path for the pipe, which is bent 90°, and at the same time supports the pipe in all radial directions.
  • SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which
    • figure 1 is a view in cross-section of an embodiment of a lead-through device according to the present invention in a first stage of the mounting,
    • figure 2 is a view corresponding to figure 1, in a second stage of the mounting,
    • figure 3 is a simplified perspective view of the device according to the invention before the mounting of a wedge means,
    • figure 4a is a first side view of a grooved head included in a mounting system according to the present invention,
    • figure 4b is a second side view of the grooved head of figure 4a,
    • figure 4c is a perspective view from beneath of the grooved head of figure 4a,
    • figure 4d is a front view from above of the grooved head of figure 4a, and
    • figure 5 is a simplified front view showing a mounting rail according to the present invention, as well as the lead-through device according to the invention.
    DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • With reference to the figures 1 and 2, are shown a lead-through device according to the present invention. It comprises a housing 10, which has a first opening 12 and a second opening 14. The openings 12 and 14 are mutually connected with a channel 16 running through the housing. On the upper side of the housing, as shown in figures 1 and 2, is a grooved head 34 and a mounting rail 40, which will be discussed closer below.
  • The opening 12 is intended to receive a pipe conduit 20 which is arranged in the wall, and it is further provided with a conical part 12a with a larger diameter intended to receive the corrugated plastic tube 22 surrounding the PEX pipe 20. The conical part 12a can in one embodiment display a corrugation corresponding to that of the corrugated plastic tube. With or without the corrugation of the conical part 12a, the corrugated plastic tube 22, when it is pushed into the conical part 12a, to be locked in position in the conical part 12a, with a good sealing due to the engagement of the corresponding shapes, or squeezing effect. The conical shape means that the same housing may be used for corrugated outer tubes 22 with different diameters. Usually the lead-through device is arranged such that the PEX pipe is led through the opening 12 vertically from below, but it is also conceivable to arrange the lead-through for a reception of horizontally running pipes, whereby the opening 12 is directed horizontally.
  • In one embodiment of the lead-through means according to the invention, the conical part 12a is provided with a coating of suitable material, preferably rubber, or a material with rubber-type characteristics, i e high friction coefficient and relatively low hardness. By this an improved engagement of the co-operating shapes between the outer tube 22 and the conical part 12a is obtained, which, on the one hand produces an improved fixation of the outer pipe, and on the other hand provides a better seal between the outer pipe 22 and the conical part 12a. This locking, with or without additional coating or corrugation of the conical part, may of course be added with further devices, for example an outer O-ring seal attached to the outer pipe 22, for an even better engagement with the conical part or the like arrangement with corresponding or better effect on locking and sealing.
  • The opening 14 which is directed towards the room or the like into which the water pipe is to be fed, displays an arrangement 14a intended for receiving a wedge 15, which is also shown in figure 3. The wedge 15 is in turn intended to be fastened with a screw 15a (see fig. 2) above the pipe 20 in order to bend it to a 90° angle, and to hold the pipe fixedly in this position. The wedge 15 has a shape that like the shape of the channel 16 is adapted to the form and diameter of the pipe 20 so that the wedge, when it bends the pipe downwards, aids in preventing the pipe from being buckled, above all in that it supports the pipe sideways, i e transverse to the bending direction. Even if a screw is shown in figure 3, of course other types of fastening arrangements may be used, for example click-lock means, in order to ascertain that the wedge 15 is held in a position where it presses the pipe downwards to a 90° angle and holds it there.
  • The channel 16 running through the housing 10 from the first opening 12 to the second opening 14 is intended to guide the pipe 20 in an angle that is somewhat less than 90°, and at the same time function as a support for the pipe 20. The lower part of the channel 16 adjacent the first end 12 has a shape, which is adapted to the diameter of the pipe 20 so that the pipe is supported in all radial directions. The pipe 20 is thus forced by the shape of the channel to bend to the angle, that the channel 16 displays. In the upper part of the channel 16 adjacent the other end 14, the pipe 20 is guided only by the inner part of the channel as seen in the bending direction. The outer part of the channel 16 displays a widening, which is clearly shown in figures 1 and 3. This widening is intended for receiving the wedge 15 in a second bending step, and leads to that the pipe 20 in the first step, i e before the wedge 15 is inserted in the channel, exits the channel 16 through the opening 14, with an angle which in relation to the general extension of the pipe is less than 90°. After the second bending step, where also a part of the pipe furthest in the opening 14 is bent by the insertion of the wedge means 15 in order to obtain a 90° bend, the entire pipe is supported by the pipe path formed by the channel and the wedge in all radial directions, whereby it is prevented that the pipe is "buckled", i e is subjected to a substantial decrease of the diameter in the bending direction, or in other words a substantial increase of the diameter transverse to the bending direction.
  • When a pipe is to be led into a room through a wall with the help of the lead-through device according to the invention, the method is as follows. The outer corrugated plastic tube 22 is cut to such a length that it may be inserted and attached in the conical part 12a of the opening 12. Then the PEX pipe is forced through the channel 16 in through the opening 12 and out through the opening 14. When the pipe is forced through this path, it will display an angle in relation to its original direction, which is somewhat less than 90°, for example around 80°. Then the shape-adapted wedge 15 is inserted in the opening 14 above the pipe 20 and is screwed in place such that when the wedge has been inserted in its position, the angle of the pipe in relation to its original direction substantially equal to 90°. Thereby the pipe has been bent 90° without being buckled, at the same time as the pipe is held fixedly secure by the wedge 15 inserted in the opening 14.
  • In case of a damage on the pipe it is very simple to replace the pipe. The wedge is simply detached, a new pipe is fastened to one end of the old pipe, and a new, sound pipe is pulled through. In this way it is possible to replace pipes without having to enter the wall or even to loosen the outer pipe.
  • In the figures a conventional pipe fitting 11 is shown for lead-through in the wall or the like where the pipe is to be led through. This is however known to the man skilled in the art and does not affect the present invention.
  • With a mounting according to above it may however be difficult to hold the whole arrangement in the right position horizontally, and to attach it for example inside a wall. Bending stress on the pipe in directions deviating from the bending direction can bring the whole arrangement to be twisted sideways, and there is a risk for damages on walls and the like. In order to hold the pipe fixed and a lead-through device and to provide a stable support for the mounting of for example faucets and the like, the present invention discloses a mounting device for this, which now will be described.
  • The present invention also discloses a mounting system for detachable and slidable fixation of the lead-through device, which now will be described with reference to the drawings 1, 2 4a-d and 5. The mounting system comprises a mounting rail 40 shown in a plan view from above in figure 5, which is intended to be arranged within a building element, such as a wall V, which is shown schematically in figure 5, and which then preferably is attached to the cross-bars of the wall. The embodiment of the rail shown in the figures has a C-shaped cross-section, which is shown in the cross-sections of figures 1 and 2, and it is attached with the help of screws or other suitable attachment elements, which are arranged in the first of the screw holes intended for this. The mounting rail will then to expand, for example horizontally in the wall, whereby the adjustment in horizontal direction is substantially facilitated. Along the longitudinal centre line C of the rail 40 are also shown a number of holes 42, which are arranged with a constant, predetermined distance along the said centre line C.
  • The other part of the mounting system consists of a grooved head 34 fixedly attached on suitable place on the housing 10 with a base part 35. The embodiment of the grooved head shown in detail in the drawings 4a-d has a basically rectangular form, with a width which is narrower than the width of the mounting rail, and with a length which is somewhat smaller than, or equal to the width of the rail. In the embodiment shown two of the diagonally opposite corners 36a and 36b display a rounded form. It may be sufficient with one rounded corner, but preferably two of the corners are rounded. Further the grooved head 34 displays at least one, in the embodiment shown two, pins 37 and 38, where the first 37 in the figure is longer than the other and further centred on the grooved head 34 in its longitudinal direction, but somewhat displaced in the transversal direction of the grooved head. The pin 37 will thereby run just beside the centre line C of the mounting rail 40 when the grooved head is moved in the rail 40 with its long side against the long side 41 of the rail. The other pin 38 is arranged with a distance a from the first pin 37 in the transversal direction of the head 34, which is the same as the distance a between the holes 42 of the mounting rail 40, or a multiple thereof. A thought line passing between the both pins 37 and 38 forms an angle with the long side of the head, which is substantially 90° and divides the grooved head in the middle in the longitudinal direction.
  • In one embodiment one of the pins, preferably the longer pin, is spring loaded so that it can slide on the under side of the rail when the grooved head is moved to the desired position. The other pin is in this embodiment, as seen in the drawings, somewhat shorter than the first pin. In another embodiment, both pins are spring loaded.
  • In a further embodiment of the invention both pins have the same length. In this embodiment one may use the flexibility of the material that the rail 40 is manufactured from in order to admit the head to be turned with the pins abutting the rail.
  • In the case with spring loaded pins, the device may easily be moved by pressing the pins down into the holes, whereby the device can be turned back to a position where the long sides of the grooved head are along the long sides of the rail. In those cases where spring loaded pins cannot be used, the device may yet be loosened by lifting the upper part 43 of the rail with a suitable tool, after which the lead-through device is turned back.
  • The grooved head 34 is fixedly attached to the housing 10 with the help of a base part 35, which mainly has the same shape as the grooved head, but with shorter short sides. The grooved head 34 will thereby display two protruding parts 34a and 34b, which in a locking position will rest against the flanges 40a of the rail 40. The extension of the base part in relation to the grooved head 34 is illustrated by broken lines in figure 4d. The base part displays the same rounded corner shape as the grooved head 34.
  • When the lead-through device is to be mounted, the mounting rail 40 is fixedly screwed onto the cross-bars of the wall at the height where one wishes to place the lead-through device. The grooved head 34 of the lead-through device is moved into the C-formed rail 40 in a first position with the long sides against the long sides 41 of the rail and is moved to a suitable position horizontally, where the opening 14 of the housing will be opposite the hole in the wall where the pipe then shall be led through. In this position the grooved head 34 is finely adjusted until the lead-through device has reached the desired position. After this the grooved head 34 is turned, and thereby the whole lead-through device, in the plane of the grooved head, to a second position, so that it after completed 90° turn will lie in a position where its short sides are in contact with the long sides 41 of the rail 40. The shape of the above mentioned rounded corners 36a and 36b are thereby adapted such that the head can be turned in this way inside the rail 40, whereby a locking action is achieved, because the length of the grooved head 34 is such that the head in this position forms an engagement with co-operating form or a sqeezing engagement with the rail 40. When the head 34 has been turned around inside the rail, both of the pins 37 and 38 will be brought in line with the holes 42 arranged along the centre line of the rail 40. Because the distance a between the pins 37 and 38 are equal to the distance between the holes, bot pins 37 and 38 will protrude through the holes 42 of the rail 40 and form a locking engagement therein. Thus, the grooved head 34 is fixated and with it the housing 10, in the desired position along the longitudinal direction of the rail 40 and a pipe can now be lead through the channel 16 of the housing 10, and out through the wall, because the second hole 14 in the housing has been adjusted so that it will be placed opposite the actual hole through which the pipe is to be fed through.
  • Due to that the long sides of the base part 35 are shorter than the long sides of the grooved head 34, the extending parts 34a and 34b of the grooved head 34, when the grooved head is turned, will rest stably on the flanges 40a of the rail (see fig. 1 and 2) which together with the shape co-operating locking and the engagement of the pins provides a stable fixation of the lead-through device.
  • It is naturally not necessary that the holes 42 are arranged in the centre of the upper side 43 of the rail, for the purpose of the invention it is sufficient that these are arranged parallel to the long sides 41 of the rail, and with a predetermined mutual distance a, whereby the pin of the grooved head, either it is one or more, is arranged such, that the pin or the pins form engagement with one or more holes in the rail when the grooved head is turned to a locking position in the rail 40.
  • In the embodiment shown, the grooved head 34 is arranged on the upper side of the housing 10, but this may naturally also be arranged on any suitable side of the housing, depending on the outer circumstances for the mounting of the lead-through device. Neither is the C-shaped cross-section a necessity for the mounting device according to the invention to work. Other forms fulfilling the same function can of course be used, together with an adapted grooved head 34 for such shapes, or a corresponding device.
  • The grooved head can also in one embodiment be provided with protruding parts on the long side such that the head 34, when it is moved along the rail 40, is supported on the flanges 40a of the rail, which facilitates the mounting further. The drawback with such an arrangement is that the grooved head then has to be moved into the rail from the end of the rail, which is not the case in the embodiment shown in the drawings, where the grooved head can be moved into the opening of the rail 40, between the flanges, and turned fixed, on any place along the rail 40.
  • The lead-through device can of course in a embodiment not shown be provided with through-going holes for conventional attachment to a wall or against a cross-bar or the like, even if the large advantages that the mounting device offers then are lost.
  • It is possible to manufacture the lead-through device according to the invention and the mounting system in a number of materials. It may however be advantageous to use different types of plastic material for the housing and the grooved head. Partly they are insensitive to corrosion and partly they are often cheaper on most aspects, for example manufacturing, than metallic materials.
  • Thereby has the initially stated aims been obtained, to provide a lead-through device for lead-through of PEX pipes with a 90° bend without buckling, and to provide a mounting device for a lead-through device with which a lead-through device in a simple way can be positioned and fixated in the correct position. In the above description, specific embodiments of the invention has been shown with reference to the accompanying drawings for an illustrative purpose. The invention is of course not limited to water pipes or PEX-pipes but may also be used for other types of pipe conduits where similar problems are present. The man skilled in the art may of course alter and modify these embodiments in a number of different ways, without departing from the present invention as defined by the features of the patent claims.

Claims (13)

  1. Lead-through device for PEX pipe conduit or the like, comprising a housing (10) intended to be arranged in building elements, whereby the housing has a first (12) and a second (14) opening, where the first opening (12) is intended to receive a pipe conduit (20) running in the building element, and the second opening (14) is intended to lead the pipe conduit (20) through the building element, and a channel (16) running between the openings, the channel (16) for receiving the pipe conduit (20) at the first opening (12) being adapted to the dimensions and shape of the pipe to admit support of the pipe in all radial directions, characterised in that this end of the channel (16) is bent with an angle which is below 90°, that the channel (16) at the second opening (14) in a part that is positioned inwards in relation to the bending direction has a shape that is adapted to the shape and dimensions of the pipe and provides support of the pipe in all radial directions for a bending angle of 90°, and in a part directed from the bending direction widens to a space receiving a wedge means (15), which wedge means is shaped such that it together with the channel (16) forms a path for the pipe (20) which supports the pipe in all radial directions, whereby the path formed by the channel (16) together with the wedge means (15) provides a bending of the pipe (20) 90° when the wedge means is inserted into the space of the channel (16) without the risk of buckling the pipe (20).
  2. Lead-through device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first opening (12) has an outer part (12a) with a conical shape, whereby this conical part (12a) receives an outer pipe (22), inside which the pipe conduit (20) is arranged, whereby the conical shape of the outer part (12a) admits an easy locking of the outer pipe (22) through engagement due to co-operating shapes.
  3. Lead-through device according to claim 2, characterised in that the conical part (12a) is coated with a material with rubber-like properties in order to assist in good sealing and fixation of the outer pipe (22).
  4. Lead-through device according to clami 2 or 3, characterised in that the outer pipe (22) is provided with an O-ring seal on the part that is to be inserted into the conical part (12a) before insertion in this.
  5. Lead-through device according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises:
    a mounting rail (40) with a uniform cross-section along the length of the rail, which is partly open against a grooved head (34) of the lead-through device, whereby the mounting rail (40) is arranged in or on a building element,
    the grooved head (34) being fixedly attached to one side of the housing (10) of the lead-through device with a base part (35), whereby the grooved head (34) has such a shape that it, when it is directed in a first direction, in sliding manner can be brought in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail (40), and when it is directed in a second direction forms an engagement based on co-operation of forms with the mounting rail (40) in order to lock the grooved head (34) in the desired position in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail (40), whereby the short ends (34a, 34b) of the grooved head (34) protrude from the grooved head in that position, and rest against parts of the rail.
  6. Lead-through device according to claim 5, characterised in that the cross-section of the mounting rail (40) is generally C-shaped, whereby the flanges (40a) of the C form support for the protruding short ends (34a, 34b) on the grooved head (34) when it is brought to a locking engagement with the rail in the second position.
  7. Lead-through device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the grooved head (34) has the form of a rectangle with at least one rounded corner (36a, 36b), whereby the head (34), when the long sides of the rectangle lie against the long sides (41) of the rail (40), in a sliding manner can be brought in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail (40), and whereby the short sides of the grooved head (34), when the housing of the lead-through device is turned about 90°in the plane of the grooved head (34), will lie against the long sides (41) of the mounting rail (40)and brought to a locking engagement by an engagement base on co-operation of shapes between the head (34) and the rail (40), whereby the shape of the rounded corner (36a, 36b), of which there is at least one, is adapted such that such a 90° turn from the first free position to the second position, in which the grooved head (34) forms a locking engagement with the rail (40), is obtained.
  8. Lead-through device according to claim 7, characterised in that two diametrically opposite corners (36a, 36b) on the grooved head (34) are rounded in order to facilitate turning of the grooved head (34).
  9. Lead-through device according to any of the claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the mounting rail (40) is provided with holes (42) arranged parallel to the long sides (41) of the mounting rail (40), whereby the holes display a predetermined mutual distance (a) and that the grooved head displays at least one pin (37), which, when the head (34) is turned, forms engagement with one of the holes (42) in the rail.
  10. Lead-through device according to claim 9, characterised in that the grooved head displays a second pin (38), whereby the pins (37, 38) display the same mutual distance (a) as the holes (42) of the rail (40) or a multiple thereof, and whereby the pins are positioned on a line, which, when the grooved head has been turned to a locking position in the rail (40) forms an angle substantially 90° with the long sides of the head, and where the mutual distance between the pins (37, 38) is equal with the predetermined distance (a), or a multiple thereof.
  11. Lead-through device according to claim 9, characterised in that at least one of the pins (37, 38) is somewhat longer than the other and further is spring-loaded in an upwards direction against the closed upper side (43) of the mounting rail (40).
  12. Lead-through device according to any of the claims 5 to 11, characterised in that the grooved head (34) along its long sides displays protruding parts admitting the grooved head (34) to rest with these against the flanges (40a) of the rail (40) when the grooved head (34) is in the first position in which it is placed in the rail with its long sides against the long sides (41) of the rail (40) and can be brought in the longitudinal direction of the rail (40).
  13. Method for a 90° bent lead-through of PEX pipes or the like, characterised in that it comprises the steps of
    - inserting the pipe in a first channel part adapted to the form and dimension of the pipe, which part is bent with an angle below 90°
    - inserting the pipe in a second channel part, the inner part of which, in the bending direction, is adapted to the form and dimension of the pipe and displays a final bending angle of 90°, and
    - inserting a wedge means in a space in the part of the channel which is arranged outwards in relation to the bending direction, which wedge means is arranged such that it together with the first and the second part of the channel forms a path for the pipe that is bent 90°, and at the same time supports the pipe in all radial directions.
EP00987910A 1999-12-17 2000-12-15 Lead-through device for a pipeline in a building element e.g. a wall and a procedure for such a lead-through Expired - Lifetime EP1238167B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9904701 1999-12-17
SE9904701A SE9904701L (en) 1999-12-17 1999-12-17 Transmission device for PEX piping or the like and method for such penetration
PCT/SE2000/002543 WO2001048326A1 (en) 1999-12-17 2000-12-15 Lead-through device for a pipeline in a building element e.g. a wall and a procedure for such a lead-through

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1238167A1 EP1238167A1 (en) 2002-09-11
EP1238167B1 true EP1238167B1 (en) 2010-03-31

Family

ID=20418235

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00987910A Expired - Lifetime EP1238167B1 (en) 1999-12-17 2000-12-15 Lead-through device for a pipeline in a building element e.g. a wall and a procedure for such a lead-through

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1238167B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE462842T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2417801A (en)
DE (1) DE60044097D1 (en)
DK (1) DK1238167T3 (en)
NO (1) NO20022861L (en)
SE (1) SE9904701L (en)
WO (1) WO2001048326A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1762661A1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-14 John Petersen Terminal box for water installation and an expansion member therefore
SE532290C2 (en) 2007-07-03 2009-12-01 Villeroy & Boch Gustavsberg Ab Piping system for water pipes
ITBS20090190A1 (en) * 2009-10-22 2011-04-23 Tiemme Raccorderie S P A CASE FOR FITTING
GB2499215B (en) 2012-02-08 2014-12-10 Dyson Technology Ltd A fixture for a sink
CN114199256A (en) * 2021-12-14 2022-03-18 杭州中芯微电子有限公司 Auxiliary equipment for installation line laying of UWB indoor positioning base station

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH648371A5 (en) * 1982-01-29 1985-03-15 Fischer Ag Georg CONNECTING DEVICE FOR FITTINGS.
FR2609522B1 (en) * 1987-01-12 1989-03-24 Legris Sa HOUSING FOR THE PASSAGE OF PRESSURE FLUIDS IN MASONRY
JPH01219224A (en) * 1988-02-25 1989-09-01 Mirai Ind Co Ltd Joint
JP2587977B2 (en) * 1988-03-01 1997-03-05 未来工業株式会社 Fluid pipe piping method, fluid pipe terminal fixing device and terminal fixing joint used therefor
JP3065895B2 (en) * 1994-11-21 2000-07-17 日立金属株式会社 Box for sheath pipe piping

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE514914C2 (en) 2001-05-14
NO20022861D0 (en) 2002-06-14
AU2417801A (en) 2001-07-09
DE60044097D1 (en) 2010-05-12
SE9904701L (en) 2001-05-14
WO2001048326A1 (en) 2001-07-05
SE9904701D0 (en) 1999-12-17
DK1238167T3 (en) 2010-07-19
ATE462842T1 (en) 2010-04-15
NO20022861L (en) 2002-08-08
EP1238167A1 (en) 2002-09-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11447943B2 (en) Pipe connector
US5060892A (en) Plumbing hanger bracket assembly
US20050278841A1 (en) Flexible flange apparatus for connecting conduits and methods for connecting same
CA2097040C (en) Clip-on pipe hanging clamp
US5833179A (en) Pipe bracket
EP1238167B1 (en) Lead-through device for a pipeline in a building element e.g. a wall and a procedure for such a lead-through
US20060085907A1 (en) Flexible bathtub waste pipe assembly for bathtubs and the like
AU2008267738A1 (en) Cable duct and branch
JP4369913B2 (en) Wall through structure of wall through pipe and wall through tool of wall through pipe
US20110277232A1 (en) Multi-use one piece plumbing device and method thereof
JP4278754B2 (en) Wall through structure of wall through pipe and wall through tool of wall through pipe
US7793988B1 (en) Connector for electrical wire-carrying conduits
KR100779702B1 (en) Pipe Coupling Apparatus capable of adjusting the length
JP5209372B2 (en) Pipe fitting
US20050145756A1 (en) Device for supporting or routing lines in passages
JP4940459B2 (en) Fixing method and fixing device for cable receiver
JPS63241267A (en) Box used for passing compressed fluid through stone construction structure
KR200493362Y1 (en) supporter for fold prevention of a hose for faucet
EP0961376A1 (en) A coupling having eccentric sections, in particular for boxes for electric material
JP4279278B2 (en) Wall through structure of wall through pipe and wall through tool of wall through pipe
EP2837746B1 (en) Arrangement for installing a termination box in a wall structure
EP1338838B1 (en) Clamp for tubular piping
EP4187730A1 (en) Insert for an installation box
KR930004992Y1 (en) Flexible joint apparatus for sprinkler tube
JP2002266390A (en) Installation method for water supply socket to existing house

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020626

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: LEAD-THROUGH DEVICE FOR A PIPELINE IN A BUILDING ELEMENT E.G. A WALL AND A PROCEDURE FOR SUCH A LEAD-THROUGH

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60044097

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100512

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20100331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100712

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100802

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20110104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20110210

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101231

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101215

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111215

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20121227

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20121214

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20121220

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20130123

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20121219

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60044097

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20131231

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20131215

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100331

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60044097

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140701

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20140829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140701

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131215

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131231