GB2306200A

GB2306200A - Duct extending through wall or partition aperture

Info

Publication number: GB2306200A
Application number: GB9524873A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Davidson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-09-29
Filing date: 1995-12-05
Publication date: 1997-04-30
Also published as: GB9519840D0; GB9524873D0

Abstract

The duct, eg. to carry a pipe, cable or boiler flue, or providing the flue, comprises a sleeve 10 and outwardly extending flanges 20, 30 adapted to overlie the opposed outer surfaces of the wall or partition at the opposed ends of the sleeve. At least one of the flanges is adapted to be pushed onto an end of the sleeve and into releasable locking engagement by inner teeth 15 engaging axially spaced formations, eg. ribs 11. The flanges have apertures for seals 17. The teeth-rib coupling can be used for sleeve end caps or to provide a T-piece or elbow or in-line pipe connection using an intermediate sleeve.

Description

DUCTS This invention relates to ducts, and more particularly to a duct adapted to extend through an aperture in a wall or partition.

Ducts, or wall feed throughs, are well known, and a large variety of designs have been proposed. For example, ducts providing a passage for a pipe or cable through a wall or partition can comprise a sleeve passing through the wall and an annular cover plate surrounding the pipe or cable on each side of the wall. Conventional cover plates are often in two halves to enable them to be fitted around the pipe or cable. They are quite loose and are essentially for cosmetic purposes and do nothing to form an effective seal between the pipe and wall surfaces.

Other wall feed throughs require an external mastic coating to form a seal between the sleeve and the wall or partition, and form a seal to the pipe or cable by using heat shrinkable tubing. These latter devices have the obvious disadvantage that heating means are required to soften the mastic and to shrink the heat shrinkable tubing.

A particularly advantageous form of duct is described in International patent application No. PCT/GB95/00558, filed in the name of the present assignees, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved duct for locating pipes and/or cables in a wall, or for providing passage for a fluid, particularly air or waste gases, therethrough.

Another object of the invention is to provide a duct which can be sealed both to an elongate member such as a pipe or cable passing through a wall or petition, and to the wall surfaces adjacent to the duct.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a duct having a variable length capability.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a duct having a variable diameter and/or branching capability.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a duct capable of providing a protective cover for, for example, electronic components, circuit boards, and similar equipment.

These and other objects of the invention are fulfilled by providing a duct comprising a sleeve and outwardly extending flanges, at least one of the flanges being adapted to be mounted on the sleeve at a variable distance from the other.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a duct adapted to extend through an aperture in a wall or partition, the duct comprising a sleeve and outwardly extending flanges adapted to overlie the opposed outer surfaces of the wall or partition at the opposed ends of the sleeve, at least one of the flanges being adapted to be pushed onto an end of the sleeve and into locking engagement therewith.

Preferably the duct comprises a plurality of flanges each adapted to be pushed onto an end of the sleeve and to be received in locking engagement therewith. In another embodiment, at least one of the flanges may be formed integrally with the sleeve.

The sleeve can be a cylindrical sleeve, although other cross-sections, for example elliptical, rectangular, square or polygonal, may also be used as appropriate.

The outer surface of the sleeve may be provided with axially spaced formations which co-operate with means on the inner periphery of a flange to ensure locking engagement therewith. Alternatively, the inner surface of the sleeve may be provided with axially spaced formations which cooperate with means on the outer periphery of a flange to ensure locking engagement therewith. These formations, whether inside or outside the sleeve, can, for example, comprise circumferential ribs which may be of rectangular, or other cross-section.

The flanges are preferably of generally convex form whereby their peripheral edges can engage the wall or partition surfaces with the central parts of the flanges engaging the sleeve being outwardly spaced from the wall or partition surface. Preferably the flanges are formed from a resilient material, for example a plastics material, such that, when they are engaged with the sleeve in use, they press firmly against the wall or partition surfaces and locate the sleeve against axial movement.

The means on the flange or flanges which cooperate with the formations on the outer surface of the sleeve to form the locking engagement can, for example, comprise one or more inwardly directed circumferential projections. The locking means can, for example, be circumferential teeth, circumferential lugs, or similar discrete or continuous projections. In an alternative arrangement, the formations can be on the inner surface of the sleeve and the circumferential projections can be outwardly directed.

The locking engagement of the flange or flanges with the sleeve can be of a permanent nature, that is to say, once the flange has been pushed into position it cannot readily be displaced without, for example, damaging or breaking the circumferential projection on the flange.

Alternatively, the locking engagement can be releasable, for example by the use of circumferential projections which can be displaced by a firm axially directed pull on the flange, enabling the flange to be withdrawn from the sleeve. Where the locking engagement is releasable, the locking means on the flange or flanges is preferably formed from a resilient material, for example a plastics material, or mounted on a resilient support.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a duct comprising: a first sleeve, a second sleeve and, a sleeve connector, wherein the outer, and/or inner, surface of the first and second sleeves are each provided with axially spaced formations which cooperate with means on the inner, and/or outer, periphery of the sleeve connector to ensure locking engagement therewith whereby the first and second sleeves can be connected theretogether.

The locking engagement may be of a permanent nature, for example, as herein described. Alternatively, the locking engagement can be releasable, for example, as herein described.

The formations on the first and/or second sleeve may comprise inwardly, and/or outwardly, directed circumferential ribs, which may be of rectangular, or other suitable cross-section. A wall of the first and/or second sleeve may be of castellated shape in crosssection.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve connector may comprise three or more branches, for example, the connector may be a tee-piece, and a further sleeve per additional branch may be provided.

In the circumstances where the formations on at least one of the sleeves comprise inwardly directed axially spaced formations, the means on the sleeve which cooperate with the formations to form the locking engagement may comprise one or more outwardly directed circumferential projections, and vice versa. The means can be, for example, circumferential teeth, circumferential lugs, or similar discrete or continuous projections. The means for forming the locking engagement can be adapted to provide locking engagement of a permanent nature or a releasable locking engagement as would be understood by those skilled in the art from the information contained herein.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve connector may be adapted to connect sleeves having different diameters and/or cross-sectional areas or shapes.

In a preferred embodiment, the second or any further sleeve may be replaced by a flange as described and/or illustrated herein.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising at least one sleeve as herein described and a sleeve connector as herein described.

Preferably, the kit comprises two sleeves and the sleeve connector is adapted to cooperate with two sleeves.

The sleeve may locate a pipe or cable passing therethrough, the flanges forming a seal therearound.

Alternatively, the sleeve and flanges may form an enclosure for electronic equipment, for example, a circuit board or boards and components for a cable television or telecommunications inlet to a building. In a further embodiment, the duct can serve as a conduit for a fluid medium.

One or more of the flanges may be integral with other formations to enable the performance of an additional function, for example the central aperture of at least one flange may be closed by a mesh or grid, the entire assembly forming a substitute for an air brick or other known venting arrangement. Alternatively, the flange may be connected to, or integral with, a flue for waste gases.

The sleeve may be cut from an extended length thereof, and can, for example, be formed from an extruded plastics sleeve and cut to length as appropriate. The flanges can, for example, be formed by injection moulding and can also be circular, elliptical, square, or polygonal as appropriate.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front elevation of a first embodiment of a duct according to the invention from one side of a wall; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the duct of Figure 1 from one side of the wall; Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the duct of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a side elevation of a second embodiment of a duct according to the invention; Figure 5 shows the stages of assembly of a duct according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a cable passing across a barrier using a duct according to the invention; Figure 7(a) and (b) show respectively an exploded view and a perspective view of a flue system incorporating a duct according to the invention;; Figure 8(a) and (b) show respectively an exploded view and a perspective view of a balanced flue arrangement using a duct according to the invention; and Figure 9(a), (b) and (c) show the stages in the assembly of a wall feed through for a cable television aerial incorporating electronic components within the wall enclosure.

Figure 10 shows a cross-section of a further embodiment of a duct according to the invention.

Figure ll(a) and (b) show cross-sections of further embodiments of a duct according to the invention.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, it will be seen that a pipe P passes through a wall W.

The pipe P is located through a sleeve 10 which extends through a bore B in the wall W.

The sleeve, which is of a plastics material, is provided with axially spaced circumferential ribs 11 on its outer surface. The sleeve may be cut from an extended length thereof to suit the thickness of wall to be traversed.

Two pipe muffs 12 in the form of flanges are provided, one on each of the opposite sides of the wall W.

Each muff 12 is in the form of a domed shell 13 having an inwardly directed centrally located annular portion 14 provided with a circumferential tooth 15 on the inner surface of the annulus.

In use the muffs are located over the Pipe P and pushed onto the ends of the sleeve to cause their peripheral edges to engage the wall surfaces and the teeth 15 locking to engage spaces between adjacent ribs 11.

One or both ends of the sleeve 10 may be trimmed with a knife as necessary to lie below recesses 16 formed in the outer surfaces of the muffs 12 which receive and locate sealing washers or grommets 17.

The entire arrangement is sturdy, of neat appearance and forms an effective seal.

Although they have been shown as separate components, it will be apparent that one of the flanges may, if desired, be manufactured integrally with the sleeve.

A further embodiment of a duct according to the invention is shown in Figure 4. In this case there is shown a cavity wall W having a pipe or cable P passing therethrough. The pipe or cable is located in a sleeve 10 having ribs 11 as described hereto 4. A first muff 20 comprises a domed shell 21, formed from a resilient plastics material, and has a centrally located annular projecting portion 22 provided with a rearwardly directed circumferential tooth 23 on the inner surface thereof.

The annular portion 22 does not extend to the limit of the domed shell 13, leaving a gap to permit compression clamping when the muff is pushed onto the sleeve 10. The muff assembly is completed by a sealing washer which is located in a recess 26 in the muff 20 and forms a seal between the muff and the pipe or cable.

It will be apparent from the description that the rearwardly directed circumferential tooth 23 has a ratchet action such that the sloping surface 27 of the tooth can pass over the circumferential ribs 11, with a slight displacement, but the vertical surface 28 of the circumferential tooth prevents the muff 20 from being withdrawn from the sleeve. The locking engagement is therefore permanent.

The muff 30 is of similar construction to the muff 20, having a domed shell 31 and a projecting centrally located annular portion 32. In this case, however, the circumferential tooth 23 is replaced by a circumferential semi-circular projection 33 on the internal surface of the annular portion 32. The circumferential projection 33 engages with the circumferential ribs on the sleeve and can enter into locking engagement therewith when the muff 30 is pushed onto the end of the sleeve 10. The rounded edges of the projection 33, however, enables the muff to be withdrawn from the sleeve by a firm axillae pull if desired. The engagement of the muff 30 with the sleeve 10 is therefore a releasable locking engagement.

The assembly of the muff 30 is completed by a sealing washer 34.

The releasable locking action of the circumferential projection 33 with the circumferential ribs 11 on the sleeve 10 can be readily appreciated from the inset to Figure 4.

In use the muffs are located over the pipe and pushed onto the ends of the sleeve 10 to cause their peripheral edges to engage the wall surfaces and the tooth 23 and circumferential projection 33 lockingly to engage spaces between adjacent ribs 11.

Figure 5 shows the assembly stages of a cable passing across a barrier using a duct according to the invention. The assembled cable and duct are shown as Figure 6.

Referring first to Figure 5, the duct 40 comprises a serrated sleeve 41 and a pair of snap-on retainer flanges 42. The sleeve 41 is pushed through a wall W as shown in Figure 5(2) with a first retaining flange in place on the sleeve. The second retaining flange is then pushed onto the sleeve until it is compressed tightly against the wall W. A cutting tool 43 is then locked onto the flange 42 and the sleeve turned so that the cutting tool cuts off any sleeve excess. A cable 44 is then pushed through the sleeve, as shown in Figure 5(4) and sealing washers 45 pushed into position against the flanges 42 in order to seal the cable to the duct.

The completed cable and duct assembly is shown in Figure 6.

Referring now to Figure 7(a) and (b), there is shown a duct similar to that shown in Figures 5 and 6, used to pass a boiler flue pipe through a cavity wall. The duct 50 comprises a serrated sleeve 51 and flanges 52 providing with sealing washers 53. The duct is assembled as previously described and the boiler flue pipe 54 passed therethrough. The flue pipe is connected to the boiler by a snap on demountable flange 55. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the serrated pipe 51 of the duct could itself comprise part of the boiler flue pipe, and thus it is not essential for the flue pipe 54 to pass through the sleeve 51.

Figure 8(a) and (b) shows a similar arrangement to that of Figure 7 in which a duct 60 according to the invention is used to provide a balanced flue arrangement for a boiler. The duct 60 comprises a serrated sleeve 61 provided with a snap on retaining flange 62 and a snap on demountable flange 63. A pipe 64 for hot flue gases passes through the duct 60 leaving an annular space 65 for the entry of fresh air into the boiler 66. The snap on retaining flange 62 is provided with a balanced flue inlet/outlet 67 which is a snap fit.

In use the snap on demountable flange 63 is connected to the boiler 66 and is a snap fit on the serrated sleeve 61. The snap on retaining flange 62 is then pushed over the end of the serrated sleeve 61 and the sleeve cut to length. The telescopic primary flue 64 of the boiler extends through the sleeve 61 and out from the wall, terminating in the snap on inlet/outlet terminal 67. The latter is then pressed in towards the wall, telescoping the flue, until the terminal is a snap fit engagement with the retaining flange 62. A completed assembly is seen in Figure 8(b).

Referring now to Figure 10, an alternative embodiment of a duct according to the invention is shown.

Here, the duct comprises a sleeve connector 70 in the form of a tee-piece to enable a branched duct to be formed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that sleeve connector 70 may be adapted to provided a straight through or in-line connector, an elbow connector, a tee-piece, or indeed, a connector having additional branches to the three illustrated in Figure 10.

Here, sleeve connector 70 connects sleeve 10a to sleeve 10b. Sleeve 10a and 10b have at least one wall which is castellated in cross-section providing ribs lia on an outer surface and recesses 11b on an inner surface.

Sleeve connector 70 is provided with inwardly directed circumferential projections to engage recesses 11b on the inner surface of sleeve connector 70. It will be appreciated from the insert in Figure 10 that projections 15a can be replaced by, for example, rounded projections 15b which are preferably resilient, or resiliently mounted, so that sleeve connector 70 can be dismounted from sleeves 10a and 10b. Alternatively, or in addition, the circumferential ribs or recesses may be resilient, or resiliently mounted. A kit can be provided comprising a sleeve connector having the desired number of branches and one or more sleeves as required.

Referring now to Figure ila and llb, further examples of sleeve connector 70 are shown. In Figure lla, sleeves 10a and 10b are of different diameters and sleeve connector 70 is adapted to connect sleeves 10a and 10b theretogether. In particular, sleeve connector 70 is provided with outwardly directed projections 15b to engage recesses 11b in the castellated wall of sleeve 10a. At the opposing end of sleeve connector 70, inwardly extending projections 15c engage the recesses between outwardly directed circumferential rows lla.

Referring now to Figure llb, sleeve connector 70 is here adapted to connect sleeve 10a and 10b of comparable diameter. Here sleeve connector 70 has a variable diameter and is provided with outwardly directed projections 15b on a portion having a reduced diameter, and inwardly directed projections 15c on a portion having a larger diameter.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the information contained herein that a sleeve may be omitted and replaced with a flange according to the invention so that sleeve connector 70 provides a connection between a sleeve and a flange (not shown) without departing from the scope of the invention. These and all other alternative embodiments which can be envisaged by those skilled in the art are intended to lie within the scope of this application.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A duct adapted to extend through an aperture in a wall or partition, the duct comprising a sleeve and outwardly extending flanges adapted to overlie the opposed outer surfaces of the wall or partition at the opposed ends of the sleeve, at least one of the flanges being adapted to be pushed onto an end of the sleeve and into locking engagement therewith, said locking engagement being releasable.

2. A duct according to Claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the sleeve is provided with axially spaced formations which cooperate with means on the inner periphery of a flange to ensure locking engagement therewith.

3. A duct according to Claim 2 wherein the means on the flange which cooperate with the outer surface of the sleeve to form the locking engagement comprise one or more inwardly directed circumferential projections.

4. A duct according to Claim 1 and substantially as herein described.

5. A duct adapted to extend through a aperture in a wall or partition and substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.