GB2470283A

GB2470283A - Fitment for a fluid carrying apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2470283A
Application number: GB1007948A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Joseph Holden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-15
Filing date: 2010-05-12
Publication date: 2010-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-12
Also published as: GB201007948D0; GB2470283B

Abstract

A fitment 10 for a fluid carrying apparatus is described. The fitment comprises a connecting means 12 to be connected in fluid communication with the fluid carrying apparatus, and a fluid release means 14 to release fluid from the fluid carrying apparatus. The connecting means and the fluid release means define a fluid conduit 17, 22 therethrough to allow fluid to be released from the fluid carrying apparatus. The fitment may comprise a second connecting means for connection to a further fluid carrying apparatus. A countersunk sealing portion may be disposed in said second connecting means.

Description

Fitment for a Fluid Carrying Apparatus This invention relates to fitments for fluid carrying apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to such fitments for use in liquid or gas equipment.

Embodiments of the invention relate to connectors for use in fluid carrying apparatus. Other embodiments relate to vents for use in fluid carrying apparatus.

Fluid lines in domestic or commercial apparatus often require testing or venting.

In order to do this, it is often necessary to use a several adaptors to connect the testing equipment to the fluid line, or to provide the vent.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a fitment for a fluid carrying apparatus, said fitment comprising a connecting means to be connected in fluid communication with the fluid carrying apparatus, a fluid release means to release fluid from the fluid carrying apparatus, the connecting means and the fluid release means defining a fluid conduit therethrough to allow fluid to be released from the fluid carrying apparatus.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of using a fitment as described in the preceding paragraph, the method comprising connecting the connecting means directly to the fluid carrying apparatus to allow selective release of fluid therefrom.

The fluid carrying apparatus may be any apparatus suitable for carrying a fluid, for example a gas, such as natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed air, or a liquid, such as water. The fluid carrying apparatus may comprise pipes for transporting a liquid such as water. The fluid transport apparatus may comprise hot water pipes in domestic or commercial heating apparatus, such as central heating apparatus.

The fluid carrying apparatus may comprise gas transport pipes used to transport gas for example in a domestic or commercial heating apparatus, such as gas fired central heating. The fluid to be released may comprise the gas in the fluid carrying apparatus.

Alternatively, the fluid carrying apparatus may comprise water transport pipes used to transport water, for example in a domestic or commercial plumbing apparatus. The fluid to be released may comprise air, or other gas, carried in the fluid carrying apparatus with the water.

The connecting means may comprise an insertion member to cooperate with the fluid carrying apparatus. The method may comprise effecting cooperation between the insertion member and the fluid carrying apparatus. The insertion member may be configured for insertion into a connecting part of the fluid carrying apparatus. The insertion member may be elongate. The insertion member may comprise a tube. The method may comprise inserting the insertion member into the connecting part of the fluid carrying apparatus.

The insertion member may be substantially cylindrical in configuration. The insertion member may be externally unthreaded, and may be internally unthreaded. The insertion member may comprise a tube.

In one embodiment, the aforesaid connecting means may constitute a first connecting means. The fluid release means may comprise a second connecting means to connect the fitment to a further apparatus to establish fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the further apparatus. The method may comprise connecting the second connecting means to the further apparatus.

Thus, fluid communication may be established between the fluid carrying apparatus and the further apparatus. Fluid may be released by the second connection means into the further apparatus.

The insertion member may have an outer diameter of substantially 8 mm, substantially 10 mm, substantially 12 mm, substantially 15 mm, or substantially 22 mm.

The second connecting means may include a securing formation to secure the second connecting means to a further means, such as a sealing member, or to the further apparatus.

The securing formation may include a cooperating formation to cooperate with a corresponding formation on the further apparatus. The cooperating formation may comprise a thread, whereby the corresponding formation may also comprise a thread. The cooperating formation may comprise an internal thread to cooperate with a corresponding external thread on the further apparatus or the further means. The method may comprise threadably securing the securing formation to the further apparatus.

Alternatively, the securing formation may comprise a flange or a lip on the second connecting means to provide a friction engagement with the further apparatus. With this arrangement, the further apparatus may comprise a pipe, such as formed of a resilient material, which may be an elastomeric material.

In one embodiment, the internal thread on the securing formation may be 3/16 BSF (British Standard Fine). In another embodiment, the internal thread on the securing formation may be 1/8 BSP (British Standard Pipe), 1/4 BSP, 3/8 BSP, 1/2 BSP, or 3/4 BSP The further apparatus may comprise any apparatus which can be connected to the fluid carrying first apparatus. For one embodiment of the fitment, the further apparatus may comprise, for example, a pressure testing gauge for testing gas or water pressure. For another embodiment of the fitment, the further apparatus may comprise, for example, a filling loop for refilling the first water carrying apparatus, or a manometer.

In one embodiment, the fitment may include a sealing member to seal against the second connecting means, and prevent leakage of fluid.

The sealing member may comprise a bolt or a screw. The sealing member may be removable to allow the second connecting means to be connected to the further apparatus. The method may comprise removing the sealing member and thereafter connecting the second connecting means to the further apparatus.

In another embodiment, the second connecting means may comprise a nut attached to the first connecting means, for example by welding or soldering.

The securing formation may be tubular, and may have a substantially cylindrical configuration. The aforesaid securing formation may be provided on the securing portion.

The second connecting means may further include a sealing portion against which the further means can seal to prevent leakage of fluid. The sealing portion may taper inwardly, and may be of a conical or frustoconical configuration.

The further apparatus may have a corresponding sealing section to seal against the sealing portion on the second connecting means. The sealing section may correspond in size and shape to the sealing portion on the second connecting means.

The sealing section may be have a conical or frustoconical configuration. The sealing portion on the second connecting means may be countersunk. Where the sealing portion is countersunk, the sealing portion may correspond to the configuration of the sealing section.

In the above described embodiment, the second connecting means may comprise a nipple, which may be connectable to the further apparatus. The further apparatus may be in the form of, for example, a testing device, such as a pressure gauge. The nipple may be mounted on the nut.

In a further embodiment, the fluid release means comprises an end portion of the connecting means, said end -portion defining a second fluid path through the end portion to receive a sealing member. The second fluid path may be threaded to co-operate with corresponding threads on the sealing member.

The end portion may have a conical inner region of the second fluid path to co-operate with a corresponding conical portion on the sealing member. The first fluid path may be in fluid communication with the second fluid path.

The sealing member may comprise a screw or a bolt.

The fitment may include turning formations for co-operation with a tool, such as a spanner to facilitate connecting the fitment to the fluid carrying apparatus. The turning formations may comprise planar faces on the fitment.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a fitment in the form of a connector; Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the feature marked A in figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a further means that can cooperate with the feature shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side view of an alternative fitment in the form of a connector; Figure 5 is a view along the lines V -V in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a view along the lines VI -VI in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a fitment in the form of a vent; Figure 8 is a view along the lines VIII -VIII in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a side view of a sealing member for use with the fitment shown in Figure 7.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a fitment in the form of a connector, generally designated 10, for connecting a fluid carrying apparatus (not shown) to a further apparatus (not shown). The fluid carrying apparatus can be in the form of gas lines, for example for supplying gas to central heating systems. The further apparatus can be a testing device, such as a pressure gauge.

The connector 10 comprises a first connecting means 12 to be connected in fluid communication with a part of the fluid carrying apparatus, for example a T-joint.

The connector 10 also includes a fluid release means, in the form of a second connecting means 14, to be connected to the second apparatus.

The first connecting means 12 comprises an insertion member in the form of a cylindrical tube 16. The cylindrical tube 16 is inserted into one of the ends of the T-joint and can be a compression fit therein, to be secured by a nut, or may be more permanently attached thereto for example by welding or soldering.

The cylindrical tube 16 defines a first fluid path 17, and has a first open end 18.

The tube 16 also has a second end 20 opposite the first end 18. The second connecting means 14 is provided on the tube 16 at the second end 20, and defines a second fluid path 22, which communicates with the first fluid path 17.

The second end 20 is partially closed by the second connecting means 14, with only the second fluid path 22 allowing the passage of fluid from the second end 20.

The second connecting means 14 comprises a nipple 24 through which the second fluid path extends. The nipple 24 comprises a tubular part 26, and a radially ourwardly extending flange part 28, which may be used to secure the nipple 24 to a pipe by friction. The pipe may be formed of a resilient material, such as an elastomeric material. The tubular part 26 has an internal thread 27 extending along a major proportion of the length thereof. The thread 27 can cooperate with a corresponding thread on a further means, which may be a part of the second apparatus, or a sealing member 34, as described below.

The second fluid path 22 tapers outwardly at the flange part 28 to provide a sealing portion 30 defining a frustoconical space, the purpose of which is explained below.

A nut 32 is fixedly mounted, between the nipple 24 and the cylindrical tube 16.

The nut 32 has the function of allowing the connector 10 to be turned during insertion of the cylindrical tube 16 into the T-joint, or during its release therefrom.

The connector 10 also includes the sealing member 34, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 is on a larger scale than Figures 1 and 2, but the purpose of the sealing member is to be received in the nipple 34 to provide a seal and prevent leakage of gas from the first apparatus.

The sealing member 34 is in the form of a screw or bolt, and comprises a head 36 having a hexagonal configuration for turning by a spanner. The head may define a slot 38 to receive the tip of a screwdriver (not shown).

A threaded cylindrical element 40 extends from the head 36 of the sealing member 34 to be threadably received by the thread 27 of the second fluid path 22.

The sealing member further includes a countersunk sealing section 42 provided between the head 36 and the cylindrical element 40. The sealing section 42 is frustoconical in configuration and corresponds in shape and size with the sealing portion 30 on the nipple 24. Thus, it will be appreciated that, when the sealing member 34 is screwed into the nipple 24, the sealing section 42 is received in the frustoconical space defined by the sealing portion 30, sealingly engages the sealing portion 30 on the nipple 24 to prevent leakage of gas.

In order for second apparatus to be connected to the nipple 24, the furher apparatus is provided with a connecting element having a sealing section that is of the same size and shape as the sealing section 42 and with a threaded cylindrical element that is of the same size and shape as the cylindrical element 40. Thus the connecting element on the second apparatus can be secured to the nipple 24 in the same way as the sealing member 34.

The above described embodiment allows testing equipment to be fitted to a gas line to check, for example, gas pressure. When a gas supply is established in, for example, a domestic environment, standard fittings are generally used. Such fittings are generally configured to receive components having an outer diameter of 15mm or 22mm, depending on the size of the fittings.

The embodiment described above has the advantage that the cylindrical tube 16 can be have an outer diameter of 15mm or 22mm, and thereby is capable of being directly connected to the standard fittings.

In addition, the thread 27 on the above described embodiment can be 3/16 BSF size, which is the same size as provided on connecting elements provided on standard testing equipment. Thus, a direct connection between the testing equipment and the gas line can be achieved using the above described embodiment, without need for a series of adaptors between the line and the testing equipment.

An alternative connector, generally designated 110, is shown in Figures 4 to 6.

The connector 110 is for connecting a fluid carrying apparatus (not shown) to a further apparatus (not shown). The fluid carrying apparatus can be in the form of water pipes, for example in a domestic central heating system. The further apparatus can be any ancillary apparatus that is to be connected to the pipes, such as an air vent, a safety valve, an expansion bottle, a filling loop and the like.

The connector 110 comprises a first connecting means 112 to be connected in fluid communication with the first apparatus, for example at T-joint. The connector 110 also includes a second connecting means 114 to be connected to the second apparatus.

The first connecting means 112 comprises an insertion member in the form of a cylindrical tube 116. The cylindrical tube 116 is inserted into one of the ends of the T-joint and can be a compression fit therein, to be secured by a nut, or may be a push fit.

The cylindrical tube 116 defines a first fluid path 117, and has a first open end 118. The tube 116 also has a second end 120 opposite the first end 118. The second connecting means 114 is provided on the tube 116 at the second end 120, and defines a second fluid path 122, which communicates with the first fluid path 117.

The second end 120 is sealed by the second connecting means 114, with only the second fluid path 122 allowing the passage of fluid from the second end 120.

The second connecting means 114 has an outer surface 124 of a hexagonal configuration and, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, is in the form of a hexagonal nut, which can be turned by a spanner.

The second fluid path has a thread 126 formed thereon, the thread 126 being shown in a broken line in Figure 6. The thread 126 extends the length of the second fluid path 122.

The second apparatus has a connecting element that is threadably secured to the second connecting means 114 by being screwed therein.

Thus, the above described alternative connector 110 allows various apparatus to be connected to a system of water pipes, for example in a domestic central heating system. Such systems are generally formed using standard fittings, and such fittings are generally configured to receive components having an outer diameter of 15mm or 22mm, depending on the size of the fittings. The alternative connector 110 described above has the advantage that the cylindrical tube 116 can have an outer diameter of 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, or 22 mm, and thereby is capable of being directly connected to the standard fittings.

The thread 126 on the second fluid path 122 of the above described second embodiment can be 3/16 BSF, 1/4 BSP, 3/8 BSP, 1/2 BSP or 3/4 BSP size, which are the same sizes as provided on connecting elements provided on typical ancillary apparatus described above. Thus, a direct connection between the ancillary apparatus and the water pipes can be achieved using the above described second embodiment, without need for a series of adaptors between the line and the testing equipment.

Anotherembodiment of a fitment is shown in Figures 7 to 9, in which the fitment is in the form of a vent 210. The vent 210 comprises a connecting means 212 and a fluid release means 214. The connecting means 212 is configured to be connected in fluid communication with part of the fluid carrying apparatus, for example a I joint (not shown).

The connecting means 212 comprises an insertion member in the form of a cylindrical tube 216, which can be received into one of the ends of the T joint.

The cylindrical tube is a compression fit in the aforesaid end of the T joint and can be secured thereto by, for example, a nut, or by welding or soldering.

The cylindrical tube 216 defines a first fluid path 217 having an open end 218.

Fluid release means in the form of an end portion 220, defining an second fluid path 222 is provided at the opposite end of the cylindrical tube 216.

The end portion 220 includes a turning member 224. The second fluid path 222 extends through the turning member 224 to provide fluid communication between the first fluid path 217 and the region beyond the turning member 224. Thus, the vent 210 allows air in the fluid carrying apparatus to be vented to the atmosphere via the first and second fluid paths 217, 222.

A sealing member 226 is provided to seal the second fluid path 222 and prevent leakage of the fluid in the fluid carrying apparatus therethrough. The second fluid path 222 has a sealing region 228 defined by the end portion 220. The sealing region 228 may be conical or frustoconical in configuration. The sealing region 228 can co-operate with a sealing portion 230 on the end of the sealing member 226. The sealing portion 230 may be conical orfrustoconical in configuration.

When the sealing portion 230 of the sealing member 226 is received in the sealing region 228 of the second fluid path 222, the sealing portion 230 engages the end portion 220, thereby sealing the second fluid path 222 against leakage.

The second fluid path 222 also includes a threaded region 232 extending outwardly from a conical region. The sealing member 226 includes a threaded portion 234 having threads that correspond to the threads on the conical region 232 of the second fluid path 222, thereby allowing the sealing member 226 to be sealed in the second fluid path 222.

The sealing member 226 includes a head 236 defining a slot 238 to receive the end of a screwdriver for securing the sealing member in the second fluid path 222.

The cylindrical tube 216 may have a diameter of 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm or22 mm.

Thus, the embodiment described in Figures 7 to 9 provides a simple and effective device for allowing a fluid carrying apparatus, such as domestic central heating to be vented in the event of air becoming trapped therein.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the lengths of the cylindrical tubes 16, 116 can be varied to fit different fittings on the gas line or water pipes.

Claims

Claims 1. A fitment for a fluid carrying apparatus, said fitment comprising a connecting means to be connected in fluid communication with the fluid carrying apparatus, a fluid release means to release fluid from the fluid carrying apparatus, the connecting means and the fluid release means defining a fluid conduit therethrough to allow fluid to be released from the fluid carrying apparatus.
2. A fitment according to Claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises an insertion member to cooperate with the fluid carrying apparatus, the insertion member being configured for insertion into a connecting part of the fluid carrying apparatus.
3. A fitment according to Claim 2, wherein the insertion member is elongate, and is substantially cylindrical in configuration.
4. A fitment according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the insertion member comprises a tube, and is externally and internally substantially unthreaded.
5. A fitment according to any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the insertion member has an outer diameter of substantially 8 mm, substantially 10 mm, substantially 12 mm, substantially mm, or substantially 22 mm.
6. A fitment according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the aforesaid connecting means constitutes a first connecting means, and the fluid release means comprises a second connecting means to connect the fitment to a further apparatus to establish fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the further apparatus.
7. A fitment according to Claim 6, wherein the second connecting means includes a securing formation to secure the second connecting means to a further means or the further apparatus.
8. A fitment according to Claim 7, wherein the securing formation includes a cooperating formation to cooperate with a corresponding formation on the further apparatus
9. A fitment according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the securing formation comprises a thread, whereby the cooperating formation comprise a corresponding thread.
10. A fitment according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the securing formation comprises a flange or a lip on the second connecting means to provide a friction engagement with the further apparatus.
11. Afitment according to any of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the second connecting means includes a sealing member to seal against the second connecting means, and thereby prevent leakage of fluid.
12. A fitment according to Claim 11, wherein the sealing member is removable to allow the second connecting means to be connected to the further apparatus.
13. A fitment according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the sealing member comprises a bolt or a screw.
14. A fitment according to any of Claimsil to 13, wherein the second connecting means further includes a sealing portion against which the sealing member can seal to prevent leakage of fluid.
15. Afitment according to Claim 14, wherein the sealing portion tapers inwardly, and is of a conical orfrustoconical configuration.
16. A fitment according to Claim 15, wherein the sealing portion on the second connecting means is countersunk.
17. Afitment according to any of Claims 7 to 16, wherein the second connecting means comprises a nipple connectable to the further apparatus.
18. A fitment according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the fluid release means comprises an end wall of the connecting means, said end wall defining an aperture therein to receive a sealing member.
19. Afitment according to Claim 18, wherein the aperture is threaded to co-operate with corresponding threads on the sealing member.
20. A fitment according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein the end wall has a conical inner portion of the aperture to co-operate with a corresponding conical portion on the sealing member.
21. A fitment according to Claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the sealing member comprises a bolt or a screw.
22. A fitment according to any preceding Claim, including turning formations for co-operation with a tool to facilitate connecting the fitment to the fluid carrying apparatus.
23. A fitment according to Claim 22, wherein the turning formations comprise planar faces on the fitment.
24. A method of using a fitment as claimed in Claim 1, the method comprising connecting the connecting means directly to the fluid carrying apparatus to allow selective release of fluid therefrom.
25. A method according to Claim 24, wherein the connecting means comprises an insertion member to cooperate with the fluid carrying apparatus, and the method includes effecting cooperation between the insertion member and the fluid carrying apparatus.
26. A method according to Claim 25, wherein the insertion member is configured for insertion into a connecting part of the fluid carrying apparatus, and the method comprises inserting the insertion member into the connecting part of the fluid carrying apparatus.
27. A method according to Claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the aforesaid connecting means may constitute a first connecting means, the fluid release means comprises a second connecting means to connect the fitment to a further apparatus to establish fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the further apparatus, and the method comprises connecting the second connecting means to the further apparatus, whereby fluid can be released by the second connection means into the further apparatus.
28. A method according to Claim 27, wherein the securing formation may comprise a thread, whereby the cooperating formation has a corresponding thread, and the method comprises threadably securing the securing formation to the further apparatus.
29. A method according to Claim 27, wherein the securing formation comprises a flange or a lip on the second connecting means, and the method comprises pushing the second connecting means into the further apparatus to provide a friction engagement with the further apparatus.
30. A method according to Claim 27, 28 or 29, wherein the second connecting means includes a removable sealing member to seal against the second connecting means, and the method comprises removing the sealing member and thereafter connecting the second connecting means to the further apparatus.
31. A method according to Claim 30, wherein the second connecting means further includes a sealing portion against which the sealing member can seal to prevent leakage of fluid, and the method includes sealing the sealing member against the sealing portion.
32. A method according to Claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the fluid release means comprises an end wall of the connecting means, said end wall defining an aperture therein to receive a sealing member, and the method comprises removing the sealing member to allow release of the fluid.
33. A fitment substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
34. A fitment substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.
35. A method substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
36. A method substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.