GB2357330A

GB2357330A - Fitting for operating valves of underground pipes

Info

Publication number: GB2357330A
Application number: GB0012220A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Buhla; Markus Swoboda
Original assignee: Kettler GmbH; Heinz Kettler GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Kettler GmbH; Heinz Kettler GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1999-12-17
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2001-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-19
Also published as: EP1111141A3; ATE345423T1; PL193997B1; PL344179A1; GB0012220D0; DE19961412C2; CZ20004668A3; EP1111141A2; DE19961412A1; GB2357330B; CZ298903B6; EP1111141B1; DE50013747D1; DK1111141T3

Abstract

The fitting comprises a wrench bar 4 having a cap accessible from above ground, a tube 5 surrounding the bar and a releasable coupling 3 for engaging a valve spindle. The bar may be extended by extensions, interconnection being via square sockets/releasable adaptors. Tube 5 may comprise telescopic sections 5a-d. Release of the coupling may be facilitated by a bolt having a head located in a blind bore in the sleeve and a threaded portion located in a threaded bore in the sleeve, the bolt extending through the wrench bar. Alternatively, release is facilitated by a pair of spring biassed pins or wedges. The pins may be located in a tube insertable into the wrench bar. The upper end of the bar may be coupled to a common unit (32, figure 11) which is connected to but free to rotate relative to the tube 5.

Description

2357330 Fitting for use with underground pipes The invention relates to a

fitting for underground pipes.

Fresh water pipes, drainage pipes and the like are conventionally laid in road foundations and with new installations connections to consumers are produced in part only on completion of the building activities. Fittings are provided at regular intervals to enable portions of the respective water pipes to be shut off or opened and to produce the connection to consumers. Quick action coupling sleeves are known for simplifying the plugging of a wrench bar accessible from the ground onto a spindle of a pipe slider valve or some other device buried in the ground. A fitting of this type is known, for example, from DE-PS 44 38 205. In this construction, the wrench bar and coupling sleeve are connected to one another by a pin which is forceably driven into holes.

The pin is oversized so it can be driven into the hole with very high force and can then be released again if necessary under very high force and only in the unfitted state. A further drawback is that the wrench bar can only be equipped with a specific coupling sleeve and accordingly can only be associated with the same spindle. Therefore, a specific fitting with specific components has to be used in each case for the multiplicity of different connections. This applies, in particular, if the wrench bar and sleeve are designed in one piece.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fitting which can be fitted flexibly and can be combined with a wide variety of connections or pipe sliders.

According to the invention there is provided a fitting for use with underground pipes which comprises a wrench bar 2 terminating at its upper end at a street accessible cap, a tube surrounding the wrench bar and a coupling sleeve at the lower end of the wrench bar for engaging a spindle of a pipe slider valve associated with an underground pipe, wherein the wrench bar is connected to the coupling sleeve for release in situ.

Wrench bars or rods can therefore be combined easily with various coupling sleeves, and it is merely necessary to seek the appropriate sleeve for the respective spindle, regardless of whether it is a VAS or KOS sleeve and to connect it to the wrench bar. As it was formerly necessary to drive the pins out of the holes by hammering, which could be carried out only with great effort, if at all, the solution according to the invention is very easy to achieve. A type of wrench bar or a connection, for example a standardised bolt size can be combined with different coupling sleeves, so coupling sleeves of different shapes and sizes are the only component which have to be kept for adaptation to the pipe slider. This applies, in particular, if a telescopic or otherwise extendable wrench bar is used which is designed to be adapted to a wide variety of conditions. The wrench bar can be extended by a wrench bar extension, the wrench bar extension being connected to the coupling sleeve. The connections between the components, i.e., the wrench bar, the wrench bar extension and the coupling sleeve are therefore almost standardised. A fitting constructed in accordance with the invention can therefore be used completely flexibly both in the length via corresponding wrench bar extensions or by the telescopic nature of the wrench bar and with respect to the dimensions of the connecting components, and can be employed in individual components corresponding to a modular system.

3 A suitable releasable connection can be achieved if the wrench bar or the wrench bar extension and the coupling sleeve are connected to one another by a latching device. This is also a connection which can be associated with different coupling sleeves in a flexibly handled manner as necessary. Coupling sleeves adapted to various spindles can be combined with one another or replaced without great effort, particularly since only one type of latching device has to be used. A latching device can also be released easily and without using a complicated tool in that a force opposed to the action of the latching means is exerted on it.

Two pins which are connected by a spring and are arranged and designed to latch automatically into the holes on opposite end faces of the coupling sleeve and wrench bar can act as the latching device. Such a latching device is particularly easy to handle and can be operated during assembly without using tools. During disassembly, it is merely necessary to press the opposing pins together against the force of the spring so the wrench bar can be pulled out of the coupling sleeve. The pins can be mounted in a casing which is designed to correspond to the wrench bar and is inserted into it. This casing allows the displacement of the pins in their axial direction and at the same time forms a socket for the spring arranged between the pins. To release the latched connection between the coupling sleeve and the wrench bar, the pins are squeezed axially against the force of the spring, for example by means of a tong-like tool, the pins maintaining their position in the compactly designed casing owing to the arrangement of the casing.

The pins are expediently arranged longitudinally displaceably in the casing which can be inserted into the wrench bar. This casing can be inserted into the wrench bar from below so the 4 pins latch in the holes in the wrench bar. After fitting of the coupling sleeve or the wrench bar extension, the pins can also latch in relation to these components. For this purpose, the casing preferably also comprises, at the ends receiving the pins, holes which serve to receive the heads of the pins.

The pins, in turn, are mounted longitudinally displaceably relative to one another via the spring which is also held by the casing.

It is also desirable that the pins have flanges which rest on the interior of the casing under the force of the spring.

These flanges then allow the pins to latch in the holes in the wrench bar.

To assist assembly and disassembly of the fitting, the pins are rounded or bevelled at the end remote from the flanges. On the one hand, this simplifies latching of the pins in the holes associated with the wrench bar and, on the other hand, the pins can be pressed out of the wall of the coupling sleeve more easily if they are pressed toward one another with the tong-like tool, until the latch is released.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the latching device is formed from at least one fixing element associated with the coupling sleeve and one latching wedge engaging in a hole in the wrench bar. The fixing element and the latching wedge are connected by a spring. Preferably there are two such elements each connected through a spring to a respective latching wedge. Whereas the pins are associated with the wrench bar in the previously described embodiment and latch in the holes in the coupling sleeve, the latching wedges are associated with the coupling sleeve in this embodiment and latch in holes in the wrench bar.

The f ixing element can be f ixed in relation to the coupling sleeve by an interference fit. on the interior, the latching element is connected to the spring which, in turn, at its other side, is connected to the latching wedge so the latching wedge engages in the hole in the wrench bar.

In an alternative to the formation of a latch connection, the wrench bar or wrench bar extension and coupling sleeve are connected to one another by a mandrel which can be introduced into the holes in the wrench bar or wrench bar extension and coupling sleeve. The mandrel is designed to fit the holes in the wrench bar and/or coupling sleeve and serves to prevent these two components from being pulled out. The holes in wrench bar and coupling sleeve are superimposed once fitted, and the mandrel which does not have to taper to a point, is then inserted in this position and can be released again correspondingly easily. As the mandrel does not have to be driven in and disassembled with high force, like the larger pin used in the prior art, the connection between coupling sleeve and the wrench bar can be disassembled without great effort, if necessary even when fitted, particularly for example if the mandrel is provided with a screw thread.

In a preferred embodiment of this type, the coupling sleeve and the wrench bar or wrench bar extension each has a respective hole for receiving a bolt which has a corresponding screw thread in the region of the coupling sleeve and/or the wrench bar or the wrench bar extension. This therefore allows standardisation of the components used for the fitting as a single type of bolt can be used for different types and sizes of fitting. The expenditure for assembly and disassembly of the connection between the wrench bar and the coupling sleeve is particularly low in connection with such bolts. The screw 6 thread for receiving the bolt can be formed both in wrench bar and coupling sleeve or in just one of these components.

To prevent the bolt from projecting from the coupling sleeve, a blind hole for receiving the head of the bolt can be provided in the coupling sleeve. This blind hole can also extend into the region of the wrench bar.

To allow particularly good adaptation of the fitting, the wrench bar and the wrench bar extension are connected by an adapter. The wrench bar can therefore be lengthened and shortened to any dimensions and can therefore be adapted optimally. A fitting which has already been used for a long time can also be extended, for example if the road surface is raised. The adapter is designed to correspond to the wrench bar or its extension on both sides, regardless of whether the wrench bar, in turn, is solid or hollow in design.

The connections between the adapter and the wrench bar or its extension can accordingly be produced via holes and mandrels or latching devices such as latching pins or wedges. For this purpose, the adapters have corresponding holes which are optionally equipped with screw threads. Considerable advantages are therefore achieved for transportation and assembly of a fitting because each fitting can be put together individually on site. This applies both to the length of the wrench bar and to the coupling sleeve to be used.

To enable a particularly good connection to be produced between the wrench bar or the wrench bar extension and the adapter, it is proposed that the adapter is designed as a wrench socket which is designed to correspond to the wrench bar and/or wrench bar extension and into which the wrench bar and/or the wrench bar extension can be inserted. The adapter 7 is inserted, for example, into a wrench tube section until the holes provided both in the adapter and in the wrench tube section overlap so fastening means, for example, a bolt, can be inserted. The wrench bar socket can also be designed as an internal component which is surrounded by the wrench bar or its extension.

The components are accordingly designed in such a way that the adapter and the wrench bar or wrench bar extension are connected to one another releasably, preferably by latching.

It has already been indicated that, similarly to bolts, latching devices can also be formed correspondingly in the wrench bar or its extension and the adapter.

For releasing the latched connections, it is proposed that the fitting is equipped or associated with a releasing device in the form of a tong-like tool with arms, each arm being associated internally with a stub axle arranged and designed to correspond to the holes in the coupling sleeve/the wrench bar/the wrench bar extension and/or adapter. This tong-like tool allows particularly easy release of the latch connections between individual components in that the pins are pressed in their axial direction against the force of the spring connecting the pins. owing to the design and arrangement of the stub axles on the interiors of the arms, the released component, for example the coupling sleeve, advantageously remains fixed between them. This is due to the fact that the pins are initially pressed out of the coupling sleeve, for example on release of the wrench bar/coupling sleeve connection and, so to speak, adopt the position of the pins as the stub axles are inserted into the holes in the coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve can therefore be removed very easily and without the risk of falling down. Similarly, the tong-like releasing device or tool can also be used for assembling the individual components in that the stub axles are initially inserted into the holes in the coupling sleeve and the coupling sleeve is then pushed over the wrench bar or its extension until the pins latch in the holes in the coupling sleeve.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the tube surrounding the wrench bar is composed of a plurality of telescopically arranged individual tube sections equipped with extension preventing means. In addition to the good possibilities for packaging and transportation owing to very small components, particularly good length adaptation of the fitting is possible because the wrench bar and the tube are variable in length and all parts to be attached can be releasable in design. Therefore, each fitting can be put together on site. Extension preventing means guarantee optimum telescopic action of the tube.

A further advantage is achieved if a bell surrounding the connecting region of coupling sleeve and the wrench bar is designed to be releasably connected to the lower individual tube section. The bell can also be connected to the lower individual tube section by latching, by a plug-in connection secured by latching or by a screwed connection. This also serves to provide a flexibly adaptable fitting in which the bell only needs to be combined with the other components of the fitting on site.

The same applies to the individual tube sections and the wrench bar extension, which can also be latched with one another, plugged into one another or screwed together, depending on the application. The components, i.e., the individual tube section and the bell, which are plugged into one another, can also be secured by additional latching.

9 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sliding disc rotatable with the wrench bar and a square protector on the top of the wrench bar form a common unit. This unit is preferably produced from plastics material and can manage without additional reinforcement of the square protector. This unit can be additionally connected to the wrench bar by a pin.

The unit latches in relation to a rim of a cap on the tube and is therefore relatively solid in design. This component simultaneously offers a good sealing action.

A good connection between the tube and the tube cap is achieved if the rim cap fixed to the tube is equipped with flexibly arranged and/or designed latching projections and the sliding disc is equipped with barbs corresponding to the latching projections in shape and position. The tube and rim cap are best produced from a relatively flexible and soft plastics material and the latch projections are arranged and/or designed to be correspondingly resilient. The relatively solid component formed by the square protector and the sliding disc with the barb then latches in relation to these latching projections. The fitting is therefore very readily accessible on rotation of the wrench bar because the parting face existing between the sliding disc and a sealing disc and the associated frictional resistance is relatively small. The frictional contact between the barbs and the latching projections, if any, is also very small so the wrench bar can be actuated very easily.

The invention is characterised, in particular, in that a fitting is created which allows flexible adaptation to almost all conditions in the form of a modular system. The fitting is made up of a multiplicity of interconnected individual parts and can be put together individually with respect to all dimensions. Connections are releasable in design so subsequent extension is also possible as the wrench bar can be varied as desired in its length via wrench bar extensions. Individual components can also be exchanged without difficulty. Wrench sockets are provided between the individual components and are designed to correspond to them and latch with them. The coupling sleeve is similarly connected releasably to the wrench bar or the wrench bar extension at the end of the fitting facing the spindle of the pipe slider. A high degree of standardisation of the components used in conjunction with fittings is achieved with the invention. The fitting no longer needs to be supplied complete from the factory, but can be put together for the respective application directly on site by combining the appropriate components with one another. At the same time, however, it is also possible to supply complete sets of fittings. Fittings which are particularly versatile can be created in conjunction with a tube assembled from individual tubes and a screw-on bell adapter, owing to the possibility to extend the wrench bar and the releasable connection between wrench bar and coupling sleeve. The fact that the sliding disc which rotates with the wrench bar and the square protector form a common unit is particularly advantageous.

The invention may be understood more readily and further details and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description and the accompanying drawings which show preferred embodiments of the invention with the necessary details and individual parts.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a partial longitudinal section through a fitting constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 shows a wrench bar extension, Figure 3 shows a wrench bar extension with four coupling sleeves of different sizes, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a coupling sleeve of the fitting, Figure 5 is a section through the coupling sleeve connected to the wrench bar, Figure 6 is a section through the fitting in the lower region, Figure 7 is a section through a coupling sleeve and wrench bar equipped with latching pins, Figure 8 is a simplified view of a casing with the pins, Figure 9 shows a release device or tool, Figure 10 is a section through another coupling sleeve equipped with latch elements and Figure 11 shows the connection between a sliding disc and a rim cap of the fitting in a partially cut away view.

Figure 1 depicts a fitting 1 constructed in accordance with the invention and composed of a coupling sleeve 3 at the lower end of a wrench bar 4 associated with the spindle of the pipe slider (not shown) used to control a valve in an underground pipe. The wrench bar 4 and the coupling sleeve 3 are releasably connected to one another. The wrench bar 4 is surrounded by a tube 5 optimally adjustable in length as it is 12 assembled from the individual tube sections 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.

The lowest tube section 5d is also releasably connected to a bell 24 surrounding the connecting region of the coupling sleeve 3 and spindle. This releasable connection is a plug-in connection between the lower tube section 5d and the bell 24 which is secured by a safety latching means 18. The fitting 1 can therefore be assembled according to a modular system both at the factory and on site individually for the application.

Subsequent adaptation of the components is also possible.

Figure 2 shows one possible combination of the fitting according to the invention. A wrench bar extension 41 is shown here, which is connected to an adapter 6 designed as a wrench socket 17 for receiving the wrench bar 4 via a latching means.

The pins 12a used for the connection to the adapter 6 as well as the pins 12b used for the connection to the coupling sleeve 3 (not shown) can be seen.

In addition to the length adjustment, the wrench bar 4 or its extension 4' can be equipped with different types of coupling sleeve 3, as shown in Figure 3. Four different coupling sleeves 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are shown here, which can each be used in combination with the same wrench bar extension 4' and the same fastening means. The coupling sleeves are advantageously VAS coupling sleeves 3a and KOS coupling sleeves 3b, 3c, 3d.

Figure 4 shows a screwed connection between the wrench bar 4 and the coupling sleeve 3 with a hexagon headed socket bolt 19 being used as a mandrel 2.

The sectional view in Figure 5 also relates to the connection between the wrench bar 4 and coupling sleeve 3 and shows the bolt 19 which connects the wrench bar 4 and the coupling sleeve 3 and illustrates the releasable connection between the 13 wrench bar 4 and the coupling sleeve 3. A hole 8 is shown in the wrench bar 4 and a hole 20 in the coupling sleeve 3. These holes 8 are both provided with a screw thread. The bolt head 11 is mounted in the blind hole 9 in the coupling sleeve 3.

Release of this bolt 19 and therefore of the connection between the coupling sleeve 3 and the wrench bar 4 is therefore particularly simple, the space required for the associated movements also being extremely small.

Figure 6 shows the design of a coupling sleeve connection in the form of a latching device 10. The device 10 is composed of pins 12 connected to one another by a spring 13. The pins 12, as well as the spring 13, are arranged in a casing 26 which is associated with the lower region of the wrench bar 4, so the pins 12 latch into the coupling sleeve 3 or into holes provided therein. A screw-threaded connection between the bell 7 and the lower tube section 5d is also shown.

Figure 7 is a detailed view of the latch connection between the coupling sleeve 3 and the wrench bar 4. The casing 26 which receives the two pins 12 with the spring 13 arranged therebetween is associated with the wrench bar 4, which could also be a wrench bar extension 41. The pins 12 latch in holes 27 in the coupling sleeve 3 so a releasable connection is produced. The ends 16 of the pins 12 are rounded. The accessibility of the latching device 10, in other words the assembly and disassembly of the latching device 10 are therefore simplified. The pins 12 comprise flanges 15 which rest on the interior 14 of the wrench bar 4 or its extension 41 so they cannot be pressed through the holes 25 in the wrench bar 4 or its extension 41 by the force of the spring 13.

14 Figure 8 is a highly simplified view of the casing 26 which is inserted into the wrench bar 4 or its extension 4' at its lower end. The pins 12 project out of the holes in the casing 26 and latch in the holes 8 in the wrench bar 4 or its extension 4'. The casing 26 is designed to correspond to the internal cross-section of the wrench bar 4 or its extension 41 so it can be inserted into it from its lower end until the pins 12 latch in the holes 8.

Figure 9 shows a release device or tool 36 for effecting the latch connections between individual components of the fitting. The release device 36 has two arms 37 which are designed to move toward one another at their ends 39. A release device 36 of this type is expediently produced from plastics material to guarantee this flexibility. At the ends 39 of the release device 36 there are arranged stub axles 38 which can be inserted into the holes in the connecting components of the fitting so the latch pins located therein are pressed out of these holes in the direction of their longitudinal axis so the latch connection is released.

Advantageously the coupling sleeve 3 remains in the position clamped by the release device 36, for example on release of a wrench bar/coupling socket connection, so these components can be separated from one another or assembled extremely easily.

Figure 10 shows a latching connection with the reverse orientation. In this design, there are holding elements 21 associated with the coupling sleeve 3, more specifically by an interference fit, and latching wedges 22 connected to the holding elements 21 by springs 23 latch in the lower region of the wrench bar 4 or its extension 4' and engages in holes 25.

This latching takes place, unlike the latching described with reference to Figure 6 in the reverse orientation, as soon as the hole 25 and the hole 20 overlap, and can be released again just as simply, for example using a tong-like tool 36, as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 shows the connection between the upper region of the tube 5 and a common unit 32 which fits onto the upper end of the wrench bar 4 for imparting rotation thereto. The unit 32 is formed by a square protector 30 and a sliding disc 31. The unit 32 is solid in design and latches with barbs 35 in relation to latching projections 34 of the rim of a cap 33.

The latching projections 34 have a correspondingly small and flexible arrangement or configuration. The unit 32 is very easy to actuate, even though the square protector 30 has no reinforcement because there is only a small parting face between the sliding disc 31 and the rim cap 33 and, therefore, friction is slight. The same applies to the latching projections 34 and barbs 35 which rarely or never rest against one another.

1 16

Claims

1. A fitting (1) for use with underground pipes which comprises a wrench bar (4) terminating at its upper end at a street accessible cap (30, 32), a tube (5) surrounding the wrench bar (4) and a coupling sleeve (3) at the lower end of the wrench bar (4) for engaging a spindle of a pipe slider valve associated with an underground pipe, wherein the wrench bar (4) is releasably connected to the coupling sleeve (3).

2. A fitting according to claim 1, wherein the wrench bar incorporates at least one releasable wrench bar extension (41).

3. A fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a latching device (10) serves to connect the wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41) to the coupling sleeve (3).

4. A fitting according to claim 3, wherein the latching device (10) is composed of two pins (12) connected by a spring (13) which are arranged and designed to latch automatically into holes (8, 27) on opposite sides of opposed end faces of the coupling sleeve (3) and the wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41).

5. A fitting according to claim 4, wherein the pins (12) are arranged longitudinally displaceably in a casing (26) which is insertable into the wrench bar (4) or its extension (41).

6. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein the pins (12) have flanges (15) which rest on the interior of the casing (26) or the wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41) under the force of the spring (13).

17

7. A fitting according to claim 6, wherein the pins (12) are rounded or bevelled at the ends remote from the flanges (15).

8. A fitting according to ciaim 1 or 2, wherein the wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41) and the coupling sleeve (3) are connected to one another by a mandrel (2) which can be introduced into holes (8, 20) in the wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (4') and coupling sleeve (3).

9. A fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling sleeve (3) and the wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41) have a respective hole (8, 20) for receiving a bolt (19) which has a corresponding thread in the region of coupling sleeve and/or wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41).

10. A fitting according to claim 9, wherein a blind hole (9) for receiving a head (11) of the bolt (19) is provided in the coupling sleeve (3).

11. A fitting according to claim 3, wherein the latching device (10) is formed from at least one fixing element (21) associated with the coupling sleeve (3) and at least one latching wedge (22) engaging in a hole (20) in the wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (4'), the fixing element (21) and latching wedge (22) being connected by a spring (23).

12. A fitting according to claim 11, wherein the fixing element (21) is connected to the coupling sleeve (3) by an interference fit.

13. A fitting according to claim 2 or according to any one or more of claims 3 to 12 when appended to claim 2, wherein the wrench bar (4) and the wrench bar extension (41) are connected by an adapter (6).

18

14. A fitting according to claim 13, wherein the adapter (6) defines a socket (17) corresponding to the wrench bar (4) and/or wrench bar extension (41) and into which the wrench bar (4) and/or the wrench bar extension (4') can be inserted.

15. A fitting according to claim 13, wherein the adapter (6) and wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41) are releasably connected to one another.

16. A fitting according to claim 15, wherein the adapter (6) and wrench bar (4) or wrench bar extension (41) are connected to one another by a releasable latch.

17. A fitting according to any one of claims 4 to 12 or claims 13, 14, 15 or 16 when appended to any one of claims 4 to 12 and further comprising a separable releasing device (36) with two arms (37) which can be moved toward one another at their ends (39), each arm (37) being associated internally with a stub axle (38) arranged and designed to correspond to the holes (20, 9, 8) in the coupling sleeve (3) the wrench bar (4) and/or the wrench bar extension W).

18. A fitting according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (5) surrounding the wrench bar (4) is composed of a plurality of telescopically arranged individual tube sections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and co-operative extension preventing means.

19. A fitting according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a bell (24) surrounds the region of coupling sleeve (3) engageable with the spindle and the bell is releasably connected to the lower end of the tube or the lowest individual tube section (5d).

19

20. A fitting according to claim 19, wherein the bell (24) is connected to the tube or tube section (5d) by a latch, a plug in connection secured by latching or by a screwed connection.

21. A fitting according to any one or more of the preceding claims and further comprising a slidable disc (31) rotatable with the wrench bar (4) and a wrench protector (30) which forms a common unit (32) with the disc (31) and fits over the wrench bar from above.

22. A fitting according to claim 21, wherein a rim cap (33) is fixed to the tube (5) and is equipped with flexibly arranged and/or designed latching projections (34) and the slidable disc (31) is equipped with barbs (35) corresponding to the latching projections (34) in shape and position.

23. A fitting for use with underground pipes substantially as described with reference to, and as illustrated in, any one or more of the Figures of the accompanying drawings.