GB2468412A

GB2468412A - Pipe identification systems

Info

Publication number: GB2468412A
Application number: GB1003654A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Andrew Wrenn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-05
Filing date: 2010-03-05
Publication date: 2010-09-08
Also published as: GB0903775D0; GB201003654D0

Abstract

A pipe identification system comprises a plurality of pipe identifiers that are visually distinguishable. Each pipe identifier comprises a plastic component that can be fitted around a pipe, and the plastic components have end formations so shaped that, when a plastic component is fitted around a pipe, the end formations interengage to hold the plastic component on the pipe.

Description

PIPE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to pipe identification systems.

There are numerous instances in which a plurality of pipes are installed in a particular location and there is a requirement to provide a simple and effective way of identifying the pipes, for example, so as to distinguish between gas supply pipes and ventilation pipes or to distinguish between hot water pipes and cold water pipes.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved pipe identification system.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a pipe identification system comprising a plurality of pipe identifiers that are visually distinguishable, each pipe identifier comprising a plastic component that can be fitted around a pipe, the plastic components having end formations so shaped that, when a plastic component is fitted around a pipe, the end formations interengage to hold the plastic component on the pipe.

The plastic components may comprise a first plurality of components of one colour or other identifiable format for fitment to hot water pipes and a second plurality of components of another colour or identifiable format for fitment to cold water pipes.

The plastic components may alternatively or additionally comprise a first plurality of components of one colour or other identifiable format for fitment to gas pipes and a second plurality of components of another colour or identifiable format for pipes through which other fluids are delivered.

The end formations are preferably so shaped that, when fitted around a pipe, separation thereof can be effected using a suitable instrument if, for any reason, it is desired to remove a pipe identifier from a pipe to which it had been fitted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a sectional view of a pipe identifier in its open condition, Figure 2 is a plan view of the pipe identifier, Figure 3 is a side view of the pipe identifier, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pipe identifier.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The pipe identifier 10 shown in the drawings is formed as a plastics extrusion which is then cut to the required length. The plastics material is a thermoplastic material having the required strength and resilience characteristics and may be, for example, polypropylene or a polyester resin. Fillers and colorants are included in the plastics material such that, for example, pipe identifiers to be fitted to hot water pipes are coloured red, whereas pipe identifiers to be fitted to cold water pipes are coloured blue. The pipe identifier may be embossed, engraved or otherwise marked to provide a written indication of its nature. Thus, by way of example, the pipe identifier shown in the drawings carries the letters "RET" to indicate that the pipe to which it is fitted is a return pipe. Other possible indications include "HOT", "COLD", "GAS" and "FLOW".

As shown in the drawinga, the pipe identifier 10 has a cross-section of generally circular configuration when in its closed condition, the two end formations 11 and 12 being so shaped that, when the pipe identifier 10 is moved from its open configuration shown in Figure I into its closed position, the two end formations 11 and 12 so interengage that they will be held in their closed condition. As shown, end formation 11 includes a projection that engages within a recess forming part of end formation 12. It is to be noted that end formation 12 is so shaped that, when the pipe identifier 10 is in its closed condition, the tip of a screwdriver blade can be inserted in the gap between the two end formations 11 and 12 and pressure applied to the end formations 11 and 12 to effect separation thereof.

The pipe identifier 10 has a reduced thickness 14 that provides a hinge axis about which the two parts of the pipe identifier 10 can be pivoted relative to one another when fitting the pipe identifier on a pipe or when removing it from a pipe.

As shown in the drawings, the pipe identifier 10 is formed with a plurality of internal longitudinally extending ribs 15. This rib arrangement ensures that the main body portion of the pipe identifier is held clear of the outer surface of the pipe on which it is fitted.

This reduces the amount of heat transferred to or from the pipe identifier 10 when it is fitted to a hot or cold pipe. It also compensates for any irregularities in the surface of the pipe to which it is to be fitted.

Water pipes, gas pipes and other flow and return pipes come in a number of standard sizes and a plumber or the like wishing to identify an array of pipes will have pipe identifiers of different sizes.

Claims

Caims:- 1. A pipe identification system comprising a plurality of pipe identifiers that are visually distinguishable, each pipe identifier comprising a plastic component that can be fitted around a pipe, the plastic components having end formations so shaped that, when a plastic component is fitted around a pipe, the end formations interengage to hold the plastic component on the pipe.
2. A pipe identification system as claimed in Claim 1, in which the plastic components comprise a first plurality of components of one colour or other identifiable format for fitment to hot water pipes and a second plurality of components of another colour or identifiable format for fitment to cold water pipes.
3. A pipe identification system as claimed in Claim 1, in which the plastic components comprise a first plurality of components of one colour or other identifiable format for fitment to gas pipes and a second plurality of components of another colour or identifiable format for pipes through which other fluids are delivered.
4. A pipe identification system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the end formations are so shaped that, when fitted around a pipe, separation thereof can be effected using a suitable instrument if, for any reason, it is desired to remove a pipe identifier from a pipe to which it had been fitted.
5. A pipe identification system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.