GB2485371A

GB2485371A - Plumbing tool for pipe

Info

Publication number: GB2485371A
Application number: GB1019063.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth James Fisher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-11
Filing date: 2010-11-11
Publication date: 2012-05-16
Also published as: GB201019063D0

Abstract

The plumbing tool 100 includes a pipe collapsing portion 120 arranged to act on a pipe P and to collapse the pipe within its original envelope to thereby seal off the pipe. The pipe collapsing portion may include one or more movable jaws and these may cooperate with a pipe support 110. An alternative plumbing tool includes a pipe cutter and a valve. A method of coupling a plumbing tool to a pipe includes isolating an end of the pipe, arranging the plumbing tool having a pipe cutter on the pipe, cutting the pipe with the pipe cutter, removing the cut portion and leaving the plumbing tool coupled in place on the pipe.

Description

Plumbing Tools and Related Methods

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to plumbing tools and to related methods.

Background to the Invention

There is frequently a need to carry out plumbing work on a pipe that is in use and contains pressurised fluid. For example, a pipe that is in use may need to be repaired or joined to additional plumbing elements. One way of facilitating the plumbing work is to take the pipe out of use and to drain the pipe of fluid. However, taking the pipe out of use and draining the pipe of fluid may be costly and time consuming, when considering the overall system of which the pipe forms part. Another way of facilitating the plumbing work is to temporarily isolate the pipe from the rest of the system of which it forms part by cooling the pipe sufficiently to solidify some of the fluid in the pipe, thereby producing a plug of solidified material in the pipe. The plug of solidified material prevents the passage of fluid to the area at which the plumbing work is to take place. However, providing sufficient cooling to the pipe is not always easy.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a plumbing tool comprising a pipe collapsing portion arranged to act on a pipe and to collapse the pipe within its original envelope to thereby seal off the pipe.

Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion comprises one or more moveable jaws arranged to act on the pipe. Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion comprises a plurality of moveable jaws arranged to act on the pipe from different starting positions on the pipe, preferably different starting positions around the pipe. Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion comprises a plurality of moveable jaws arranged to act on the pipe in different directions from one another. Suitably, the plumbing tool comprises a pipe support, wherein the pipe collapsing portion is arranged to cooperate with the pipe support in use. Suitably, the pipe support is arranged to support the pipe in use while the pipe collapsing portion acts on the pipe. Suitably, the pipe support is arranged to receive a section of the pipe therein while the pipe collapsing portion acts on the pipe. Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion is arranged to act on a section of the pipe supported by the pipe support. Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion is arranged to act on a section of the pipe within the pipe support. Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion is arranged to act on a section of pipe adjacent to the section of the pipe supported by the pipe support.

Suitably, the pipe support comprises a concave surface for abutting and supporting a section of pipe in use. Suitably, the pipe support is provided in at least two parts arranged to clamp around the pipe. Suitably, the pipe support comprises at least two parts each with a concave surface for abutting and supporting a section of pipe in use. Suitably, the pipe support is arranged to support a portion of, preferably a majority of an outer surface of the section of pipe received by the pipe support. Suitably, the pipe support defines a window through which a moveable jaw of the pipe collapsing portion passes to act on the pipe. Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion comprises a first moveable jaw arranged to move in a first, preferably generally radial direction as it first acts on the pipe and then move in second direction at an angle to the first direction. Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion comprises a second moveable jaw arranged to move in the first, preferably generally radial direction as it first acts on the pipe and then in a third direction at an angle to the first direction. The angle of the first direction to the second direction is suitably an acute angle. The angle of the first direction to the second direction is such that the first and second directions are non-collinear. The angle of the first direction to the third direction is suitably an acute angle. The angle of the first direction to the third direction is such that the first and third directions are non-collinear. Suitably, the first and second moveable jaws are arranged to move such that the second and third directions are generally divergent. Suitably, the first and second moveable jaws are arranged to move together in the first direction and then to separate in the second and third directions as they further act on the pipe. Suitably, the moveable jaws translate and rotate as they act on the pipe. Suitably, during rotation thereof the moveable jaws rotate away from one another about a centre of rotation proximate to a contact patch between the moveable jaws and the pipe.

Suitably, rotation of the moveable jaws is arranged to accelerate as the moveable jaws progressively act on the pipe. Suitably, rotation of the moveable jaws is substantially inhibited until the moveable jaws have translated beyond 10% of the diameter of the pipe, preferably beyond 30%, more preferably beyond 60%. Suitably, the moveable jaws compress the pipe in on itself while spreading apart as they act on the pipe.

Suitably, the pipe collapsing portion comprises, two, or preferably three or more moveable jaws arranged to support and act on the pipe. Suitably, the moveable jaws are arranged to move inward relative to envelope of the pipe, preferably radially inward toward the centre of the pipe as they act on the pipe. Suitably, the two, three or more moveable jaws each comprise a generally convex pipe-engaging extremity. Suitably, the three or more moveable jaws are of generally similar form to one another, preferably are substantially the same as one another. Suitably, the moveable jaw or jaws are arranged to collapse the pipe such that the collapsed pipe and the jaw or jaws themselves are complementary.

Suitably, the one or more moveable jaws are provided with a generally convex pipe-engaging portion.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of sealing off a pipe, the method comprising collapsing a pipe within its original envelope to seal off the pipe.

Suitably, the method comprises the step of: urging a moveable jaw against the pipe.

Suitably, the method comprises supporting at least a part of an outer surface of the pipe in a pipe support.

Suitably, the method comprises urging more than one moveable jaw into engagement with the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises urging a plurality of moveable jaws into engagement with he pipe from different starting positions on the pipe, preferably different starting positions around the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises urging a plurality of moveable jaws into engagement with the pipe in different directions from one another.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging the pipe in a pipe support and causing the pipe collapsing portion to act on the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises a first step of arranging the pipe in a pipe support and a second step of causing the pipe collapsing portion to act on the pipe. Suitably, the first and second steps are distinct from one another. Suitably, the first step is performed before the second step. Suitably, the method comprises supporting the pipe in a pipe support while the pipe collapsing portion acts on the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises causing the pipe collapsing portion to act on a section of the pipe supported by the pipe support. Suitably, the method comprises causing the pipe collapsing portion to act on a section of the pipe within the pipe support. Suitably, the method comprises causing the pipe collapsing portion to act only on a section of the pipe within the pipe support. Suitably, the method comprises causing the pipe collapsing portion to act on a section of pipe adjacent to the section of the pipe supported by the pipe support.

Suitably, the method comprises providing at least two parts of the pipe support to clamp around the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises arranging at least two parts of the pipe support each with a concave surface to abut and supporting a section of pipe. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the pipe support to support a portion of, preferably a majority of an outer surface of the section of pipe received by the pipe support. Suitably, the method comprises passing a moveable jaw of the pipe collapsing portion through a window of the support portion to act on the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises urging a first moveable jaw to move in a first, preferably generally radial, direction as it first acts on the pipe and then move in second direction at an angle to the first direction. Suitably, the method comprises urging a second moveable jaw in the first, preferably generally radial direction as it first acts on the pipe and then in a third direction at an angle to the first direction. The angle of the first direction to the second direction is suitably an acute angle. The angle of the first direction to the second direction is such that the first and second directions are non-collinear. The angle of the first direction to the third direction is suitably an acute angle. The angle of the first direction to the third direction is such that the first and third directions are non-collinear.

Suitabiy, the first and second moveabJe jaws are arranged to move such that the second and third directions are generally divergent. Suitably, the method comprises urging the moveable jaws to move together in the first direction and then to separate in the second and third directions as they act on the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises causing the moveable jaw portions to translate and rotate as they act on the pipe.

Suitably, the method comprises rotating the moveable jaws away from one another about a centre or about centres of rotation proximate to a contact patch between the moveable jaws and the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises accelerating rotation of the moveable jaws as the moveable jaws progressively act on the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises substantially inhibiting rotation of the moveable jaws until the moveable jaws have translated beyond 10% of the diameter of the pipe, preferably beyond 30%, more preferably beyond 60%. Suitably, the method comprises urging the moveable jaws to compress the pipe in on itself while spreading apart as they act on the pipe.

Suitably, the method comprises urging two, three or more moveable jaws together to simultaneously support and act on the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises urging the moveable jaws inward, preferably radially inward toward the centre of the pipe as they act on the pipe. Suitably, the method comprises urging the two three or more moveable into a position in which the collapsed pipe and the jaws themselves are complementary.

Suitably, the method is performed with the plumbing tool described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a plumbing tool comprising: pipe cutter and a valve.

Suitably, the pipe cutter and the valve are housed in a body.

Suitably, the body comprises a pipe-receiving passageway running between a first pipe-receiving opening and a second pipe-receiving opening. Suitably, the cutter is arranged in the body between the first pipe-receiving opening and the second pipe-receiving opening.

Suitably, the valve is arranged in the body between the first pipe-receiving opening and the second pipe-receiving opening.

Suitably, the pipe cutter is operable to adopt a non-cutting configuration in which it does not act on a pipe received in the body. Suitably, the pipe cutter is operable to adopt a cutting configuration in which it acts on a pipe received in the body. Suitably, in the cutting configuration the pipe cutter is arranged to act on a pipe received in the pipe-receiving passageway. Suitably, operation of the pipe cutter between the non-cutting configuration and the cutting configuration moves a cutting element, preferably a cutting wheel into position to act on a pipe received in the body. Suitably, with the pipe cutter in the cutting configuration rotation of the body around a pipe received therein causes the pipe cutter to act on and cut through the pipe received therein.

Suitably, body comprises a first seal arranged to seal the pipe-receiving passageway against a pipe received therein to prevent fluid from passing from the pipe-receiving passageway to the first opening. Suitably, the first seal is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway between the first opening and the cutter. Suitably, the body comprises a first pipe retainer arranged to mechanically fix a pipe received in the pipe-receiving passageway relative to the body proximate to the first opening.

Suitably, the body comprises a second seal arranged to seal the pipe-receiving passageway against a pipe received therein to prevent fluid from passing from the pipe-receiving passageway to the second opening. Suitably, the second seal is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway between the second opening and the valve. Suitably, the second seal is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway between the second opening and the cutter.

Suitably, the body comprises a second pipe retainer arranged to mechanically fix a pipe received in the pipe-receiving passageway relative to the body proximate to the second opening.

Suitably, the valve is operable to adopt an open configuration in which the valve allows fluid to pass there through. Suitably, the valve is operable to adopt a closed configuration in which the valve does not allow fluid to pass there through. Suitably, the valve is operable to adopt an open configuration in which the valve allows a pipe to pass there through. Suitable, the valve comprises a bore large enough to allow a pipe to pass there through. Suitably, the valve is a balI valve. Suitably, the ball of the valve comprises a bore large enough to allow a pipe to pass there through. Suitably, the valve bore, pipe cutter and one or both of the first and second seals are arranged to operate with a pipe of a predetermined outer diameter. Suitably, every one of the valve bore, pipe cutter and first and second seals are arranged to operate on a pipe of the same predetermined outer diameter.

Suitably, the plumbing tool further comprises a cap portion. Suitably, the cap portion is releasably coupleable to the body proximate to the second opening. Suitably, the cap portion is arranged to prevent fluid from escaping the tool through the second opening. Suitably, the cap portion is releasably coupleable to the body to cap the second opening. Suitably, the cap portion comprises a pipe-end receiving space. Suitably, the cap portion comprises a bleed nipple. Suitably, the cap portion comprises a pipe-retainer to retain, suitably reieasably retain a pipe-end therein on provision of a pipe-end to the pipe-end receiving space.

In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method of coupling a plumbing tool to a pipe, the method operable on a pipe supplied at an upstream end with pressurised fluid, the method comprising the steps of: a) isolating an upstream end of the pipe from the supply of pressurised fluid at an upstream isolation; b) arranging the plumbing tool on a downstream end of the pipe, the plumbing tool including a pipe cutter, such that the pipe cutter is upstream of the upstream isolation; c) cutting the pipe with the pipe cutter; and d) removing the portion of the pipe downstream of the cut through the plumbing tool to leave the plumbing tool coupled in place on the pipe.

Suitably, the plumbing tool comprises a valve, and the step d) comprises removing the portion of the pipe from the valve. Suitably, the step d) further comprises closing the valve. Suitably, the method comprises closing the valve on passage of the cut portion of the pipe there-through. Suitably, the step d) comprises removing the portion of the pipe into a cap portion.

Suitably, the step d) comprises removing the portion of the pipe into the cap portion along with fluid from the upstream end of the pipe. Suitably, the step d) comprises bleeding fluid contents of the cap portion through a bleed nipple as fluid passes from the upstream end of the pipe into the cap portion, before removal of the portion of the pipe. Suitably, the step d) comprises removing the cut portion of the pipe, the cap portion and fluid from the upstream end of the pipe.

Suitably, the method further comprises the step e) of coupling a further pipe or other plumbing component to the plumbing tool at a downstream end of the plumbing tool.

Suitably, the step a) is performed using the tool as described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention above. Suitably, the step a) is performed using the method as described in relation to the second aspect of the invention above. Suitably, the plumbing tool is as described in relation to the third aspect of the invention above.

Suitably, the step b) comprises cutting the pipe at a point downstream of the upstream isolation to form the downstream end. Suitably, the step b) comprises providing a downstream isolation and cutting the pipe between the downstream and upstream isolations. Suitably, forming the downstream isolation in the step b) is performed using the tool as described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention above. Suitably, forming the downstream isolation in the step b) is performed using the method as described in relation to the second aspect of the invention above. Suitably, the step b) comprises removing a portion of the pipe downstream of the cut end.

1 0 Brief Introduction to the Figures

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of a plumbing tool according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and a pipe; Figure 2 shows a side view of the plumbing tool and pipe of Figure 1; Figure 3A shows a plan view of the plumbing tool and pipe of Figure 1; Figure 3B shows a perspective view of a portion of the plumbing tool of Figure 1 in which the moveable jaws are visible; Figure 4A shows a front view of the plumbing tool of Figure 1 in use collapsing a pipe; Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the plumbing tool of Figure 1 in use collapsing a pipe; Figure 5 shows a front view of the plumbing tool of Figure 1 and a collapsed pipe; Figure 6 shows a close up front view of the moveable jaw of the plumbing tool of Figure 1 and a collapsed pipe; Figure 7 shows a front view of the plumbing tool of Figure 1 with an open pipe support; Figures 8-12 show a plumbing tool according to a third example embodiment of the present invention in use in a plumbing method according to an example embodiment of the present invention; Figures 13-15 show example pipe supports and moveable jaws for use in plumbing tools according to further example embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 16 shows a side sectional view of a pipe and cap portion which forms part of a plumbing tool according to a further example embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Example Em bodiments

Referring now to Figures 1-7 there is shown a plumbing tool 100 or components thereof comprising a pipe support 110 arranged to receive a pipe P and support a part of an outer surface of the pipe P. The plumbing tool 100 further comprises moveable jaws 120 arranged to act on a pipe P received in the pipe support 110 to collapse the pipe P within its original external dimensions to thereby seal off the pipe. Once the pipe has been sealed in this way it can be cut, and novel and advantageous plumbing methods become possible. Examples of such methods are described in more detail below, with reference to Figures 8-12 and 16.

As shown in the Figures, the pipe support 110 comprises separable first and second clamping portions 111,112 that are coupled to one another at a pivot 113. The first and second clamping portions 111,112 each provides a part of the pipe support 110 and each comprises an inner surface which is shaped as a section of a cylindrical surface matched to the shape and exterior dimensions of the envelope of the pipe P. To use the plumbing tool 100 the first and second clamping portions 111,112 are separated from one another by relative rotation about the pivot 113. This allows the plumbing tool 100 to be positioned on the pipe P. The first and second clamping portions 111,112 are then brought into engagement with one another around a pipe P. The pipe support 110 further comprises locking portions 114 which cooperate with the first and second clamping portions 111,112 to hold the first and second clamping portions 111,112 together, in a manner which is apparent from the Figures.

With the pipe P arranged in the pipe support 110 the majority of an outer surface of the pipe P in engagement with the plumbing tool 100 is supported by the first and second clamping portions 111,112. However, the pipe support 110 comprises a window 115 through which the moveable jaw 120 pass to act on the pipe P. As shown in Figure 3A and 4B, in this example embodiment the window 115 is provided in the first clamping portion 111.

The moveable jaws 120 are arranged to move as a user of the plumbing tool 100 operates actuation means. The actuation means includes a threaded shaft 131 mounted in a frame 132 and coupled to a first handle 133. The actuation means further comprises a second handle 134 that is removably mountable on the frame 132. The first handle 133 is mounted to slide through an opening in the threaded shaft 131. The slidable mounting of the first handle 133 and the removable mounting of the second handle 134 enable the plumbing tool 100 to be used in relatively confined spaces, or spaces where access is relatively limited.

The actuation means still further comprises a mechanical linkage between the threaded shaft 131 and the jaw portions 121,122. The mechanical linkage is arranged to convert rotation of the threaded shaft 131 relative to the frame 132 into movement of the jaw portions 121,122.

The first and second handles 133,134 are acted on by a user to generate the force used to collapse the pipe P. A rolling contact element 136 is provided at the interface of the threaded shaft 131 and the mechanical linkage to facilitate the transmission of force from the threaded shaft 131 to the mechanical linkage, as the threaded shaft 131 rotates and translates, and as the portion of the mechanical linkage in contact with the threaded shaft 131 translates.

The moveable jaws 120 are each provided with a generally convex pipe-engaging portion, and suitably are coupled to one another at a pivoting connection close to the ends thereof. Figure 6 shows the position of the pivot 123. Figure 3B shows how the moveable jaws are interlocked with one another along their length.

The first moveable jaw is arranged to move in a first, generally radial direction as it first acts on the pipe P and then move in second direction at an angle to the first direction. Similarly, the second jaw portion 122 is arranged to move in the first, generally radial direction as it first acts on the pipe P and then in a third direction at an angle to the first direction. The first and second jaw portions 121,122 are arranged to move such that the second and third directions are generally divergent. As the mechanical linkage operates and the moveable jaw portions 121,122 act on the pipe, the moveable jaw portions 121,122 move with one another in the first direction and then separate in the second and third directions. The moveable jaw portions translate and rotate as they act on the pipe, with the centre of rotation and mechanical advantage of the linkage determined by the position of the pivots and arms of the mechanical linkage. The jaw portions 121,122 of the plumbing tool 100 are arranged to collapse the pipe P to form a crimped portion C as shown in Figures 8-12.

As will be appreciated, the material used for the pipe, the pipe wall thickness and diameter will affect the force needed to collapse the pipe, but in the embodiments envisaged good results have been achieved in collapsing standard copper pipes as used in domestic water supply and heating systems. In other embodiments the pipes may have other suitable characteristics, and matched to appropriately modified plumbing tools. For example, pipes of non-circular cross section may be collapsed within their original envelope, and actuation by means other than manual application of force may be supplied. Further embodiments of the moveable jaw and support portion are also envisaged, as described in more detail below.

Referring now to Figures 8-12 there is shown a plumbing tool 200 comprising: pipe cutter 210 and a valve 220. The plumbing tool 200 is particularly useful in plumbing methods that operate on a pipe P that has comprises a crimped portion C, as shown in Figures 8-12.

The pipe cutter 210 and the valve 220 are housed in a body 201 that comprises a pipe-receiving passageway 202 running between a first pipe-receiving opening 211 and a second pipe-receiving opening 212. The pipe cutter 210 is arranged in the body 201 between the first pipe-receiving opening 211 and the second pipe-receiving opening 212. Furthermore, the valve 220 is arranged in the body 201 between the first pipe-receiving opening 211 and the second pipe-receiving opening 212. Figure 8 shows the plumbing tool 200 being arranged over the end of a pipe P. The pipe P shown in Figures 8-12 has been collapsed within its original external dimensions at the crimped portion C to seal off the pipe. Upstream of the crimp C is for example subjected to mains pressure.

The pipe cutter 210 is operable to adopt a non-cutting configuration in which it does not act on a pipe P received in the body 201. Figure 8 shows the pipe cutter 210 in a non-cutting configuration. The pipe cutter 210 is also operable to adopt a cutting configuration in which it acts on a pipe P received in the body 201. Figures 9-12 show the pipe cutter 210 in the cutting configuration. The pipe cutter 210 is operable to switch between the non-cutting configuration and the cutting configuration in response to user actuation of a switch 213 as shown in Figure 9. Actuation of the switch 213, shown as rotation of the switch 213 in Figure 9 moves the pipe cutter 210 between the non-cutting configuration and the cutting configuration by moving a cutting wheel 214 into position to act on the pipe P received in the body 201. With the pipe cutter 210 in the cutting configuration, rotation of the body 201 around the pipe P received in the body 201 causes the cutting wheel 214 of the pipe cutter 210 to act on and cut through the pipe P received in the body 201. Rotation of the body 201 around the pipe P to cut the pipe P is shown in Figure 10.

The body 201 comprises a first seal 231 arranged to seal the pipe-receiving passageway 202 against the pipe P received therein, to prevent fluid from passing from the pipe-receiving passageway 202 to the first opening 211. As shown in Figures 8-12 the first seal 231 is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway 202 between the first opening 211 and the cutter 210. This means that cutting of the pipe P using the cutter 210 does not lead to fluid from the pipe P escaping from the plumbing tool 200 through the first opening 211.

The body 201 further comprises a second seal 232 arranged to seal the pipe-receiving passageway 202 against the pipe P received therein, to prevent fluid from passing from the pipe-receiving passageway 202 to the second opening 212. The second seal 232 is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway 202 between the second opening 212 and the valve 220.

Both valve 220 and pipe cutter 210 are arranged between first and second seals 231,232.

After the cutting operation of Figure 10, the cut end of the pipe P is removed from the plumbing tool 200 via the second opening 212. in Figure 11, fluid from the cut pipe P passes into the pipe receiving passageway 202, and the second seal 232 seals the pipe-receiving passageway 202 against the cut end of the pipe P to prevent fluid from escaping from the plumbing tool 200 through the second opening 212.

In Figures 8-10 the valve 220 is arranged in an open configuration in which the valve 220 allows the pipe P to pass there through. The valve 220 comprises a partial-ball valve with a bore large enough to allow the pipe P to pass there through. As the cut end of the pipe P is drawn out of the plumbing tool 200, but before the cut end of the pipe P passes the second seal 232 the valve 220 is closed, as shown in Figure 12. Thereafter the cut end of the pipe P is discarded, as shown in Figure 13, and the second opening 212 is available for use to connect the pluming tool 200 to the rest of a plumbing system.

As described above, the plumbing tool 200 is useful in a method coupling to a pipe P, as the pipe P is effectively sealed against the escape of fluid throughout the coupling operation. The pipe P is collapsed within its original external dimensions to thereby seal off the pipe, for example using the plumbing tool 100 shown in Figures 1-7. Then the pluming tool 200 is coupled to the pipe P, beyond the collapsed portion C. The pipe cutter 210 is used to cut the pipe beyond the collapsed portion C of the pipe P. Then the cut end of the pipe P including the collapsed portion C is removed from the plumbing tool 200 by passing it though the valve 220.

As will be appreciated, the valve 220, pipe cutter 210 and both of the first and second seals 231,232 are arranged to operate with a pipe P of a predetermined, fixed diameter, such as one among a number of standard pipe diameters.

Figure 16 shows a cap portion 300 useful which may be part of the plumbing tool 200. The cap portion is releasably coupleable to the body 201 at the second opening 212, and may be useful when removing the portion of the pipe P put by the pipe cutter 210. The cut portion of the pipe P passes into a pipe-end receiving space 310 and is releasably retained therein by retainer 312. The retainer 312 is used to draw the cut portion of the pipe P from the body 201, as illustrated by the arrow in Figure 16. As the cut portion of the pipe P comes through the valve 220 a small amount of fluid is also forced from the body 201. Air in the cap portion is bled from the bleed nipple 314 and the fluid from the body 201 passes into the cap portion 300. The valve 220 is then closed, and the cap portion 300 and cut portion of pipe P removed from the body 201. In this way the pressure of fluid upstream of the crimp C is never at risk of causing a leak.

Figures 13-15 show other embodiments of pipe support 110 and moveable jaws 120. In Figure 13 a single moveabie jaw 120 is shown with a generaliy semi-cyiindrical cross section, and a pipe support 110 or complementary shape. In Figures 14 and 15 the pipe support is provided by the moveable jaws 120 themselves, which are arranged to support and act on the pipe P. The moveable jaws 120 of Figures 14 and 15 are arranged to move radially inward toward the centre of the pipe P as the act on the pipe P, and are arranged to collapse the pipe P such that the collapsed pipe P and the moveable jaws 120 themselves are of complementary shape.

1 5 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 embodiment(s). 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

Claims: 1. A plumbing tool comprising a pipe collapsing portion arranged to act on a pipe and to collapse the pipe within its original envelope to thereby seal off the pipe.
2. The plumbing tool of claim 1, wherein the pipe collapsing portion comprises one or more moveable jaws arranged to act on the pipe, and when the pipe collapsing portion comprises a plurality of moveable jaws they are the arranged to act on the pipe from different starting positions around the pipe and in different directions from one another.
3. The plumbing tool of claim I or 2, further comprising a pipe support, wherein the pipe collapsing portion is arranged to cooperate with the pipe support in use to support the pipe in use while the pipe collapsing portion acts on the pipe.
4. The plumbing tool of claim 3, wherein the pipe support is arranged to receive a section of the pipe therein while the pipe collapsing portion acts on a section of the pipe r supported by the pipe support and lying within the pipe support.LU0 20
5. The plumbing tool of claim 3 or 4, wherein the pipe support is provided in at least two parts arranged to clamp around the pipe. C)6. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the pipe support defines a window through which a moveable jaw of the pipe collapsing portion passes to act on the pipe.7. The plumbing tool of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe collapsing portion comprises a first moveable jaw arranged to move in a first, generally radial direction as it first acts on the pipe and then move in second direction at an angle to the first direction and a second moveable jaw arranged to move in the first, generally radial direction as it first acts on the pipe and then in a third direction at an angle to the first direction.8. The plumbing tool of claim 7, wherein the first and second moveable jaws are arranged to move such that the second and third directions are generally divergent.9. The plumbing tool of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first and second moveable jaws are arranged to move together in the first direction and then to separate in the second and third directions as they further act on the pipe.10. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the moveable jaws are arranged to translate and rotate as they act on the pipe.11. The plumbing tool of claim 10, wherein during rotation thereof the moveable jaws rotate away from one another about a centre of rotation proximate to a contact patch between the moveable jaws and the pipe.12. The plumbing tool of claim 10 or 11, wherein rotation of the moveable jaws is arranged to accelerate as the moveable jaws progressively act on the pipe.13. The plumbing tool of anyone of claims 7 to 12, wherein the moveable jaws compress the pipe in on itself while spreading apart as they act on the pipe.14. The plumbing tool of any one of claims I to 6, wherein the pipe collapsing portion comprises, two, three or more moveable jaws arranged to support and act on the pipe. o 2015. The plumbing tool of claim 14, wherein the moveable jaws are arranged to move inward relative to envelope of the pipe toward the centre of the pipe as they act on the pipe.16. The plumbing tool of claim 14 or 15, wherein each moveable jaw comprises a generally convex pipe-engaging extremity.17. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the moveable jaws are arranged to collapse the pipe such that the collapsed pipe and the moveable jaws themselves are complementary.18. A method of sealing off a pipe, the method comprising collapsing a pipe within its original envelope to seal off the pipe.19. The method of claim 18, comprising the step of: urging a moveable jaw against the pipe while supporting at least a part of an outer surface of the pipe in a pipe support.20. The method of claim 18, comprising urging more than one moveable jaw into engagement with the pipe from different starting positions around the pipe.21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, comprising a first step of arranging the pipe in a pipe support and a second step of causing the pipe collapsing portion to act on the pipe, wherein the first and second steps are distinct from one another.22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, performed using the plumbing tool described above in any one of claims 1 to 17..23. A plumbing tool comprising: pipe cutter and a valve.24. The plumbing tool of claim 23, wherein the pipe cutter and the valve are housed in a body, body comprising a pipe-receiving passageway running between a first pipe-receiving opening and a second pipe-receiving opening.25. The plumbing tool of claim 24, wherein the pipe cutter is arranged in the body between the first pipe-receiving opening and the second pipe-receiving opening, and wherein the valve is arranged in the body between the first pipe-receiving opening and the second pipe-receiving opening.LU0 20 26. The plumbing tool of claim 24 or 25, wherein the pipe cutter is operable to adopt a non-cutting configuration in which it does not act on a pipe received in the body, and is operable to adopt a cutting configuration in which it acts on a pipe received in the body.27. The plumbing tool of claim 26, wherein with the pipe cutter in the cutting configuration rotation of the body around a pipe received therein causes the pipe cutter to act on and cut through the pipe received therein.28. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the body comprises a first seal arranged to seal the pipe-receiving passageway against a pipe received therein to prevent fluid from passing from the pipe-receiving passageway to the first opening.29. The plumbing tool of claim 28, wherein the first seal is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway between the first opening and the cutter.30. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the body comprises a first pipe retainer arranged to mechanically fix a pipe received in the pipe-receiving passageway relative to the body proximate to the first opening.31. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein body comprises a second seal arranged to seal the pipe-receiving passageway against a pipe received therein to prevent fluid from passing from the pipe-receiving passageway to the second opening.32. The plumbing tool of claim 31, wherein the second seal is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway between the second opening and the valve.33. The plumbing tool of claim 32, wherein the second seal is arranged in the pipe-receiving passageway between the second opening and the pipe cutter.34. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the body comprises a second pipe retainer arranged to mechanically fix a pipe received in the pipe-receiving passageway relative to the body proximate to the second opening.35. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the valve is operable to adopt an open configuration in which the valve allows fluid to pass there through and is operable to adopt a closed configuration in which the valve does not allow fluid to pass there through.LU0 20 36. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 23 to 35, wherein the valve is operable to adopt an open configuration in which the valve allows a pipe to pass there through. r37. The plumbing tool of claim 36, wherein the valve comprises a ball valve and the ball of the valve comprises a bore large enough to allow a pipe to pass there through.38. The plumbing tool of any one of claims 24 to 37, wherein the plumbing tool further comprises a cap portion, releasably coupleable to the body proximate to the second opening, and arrangeable to prevent fluid from escaping the plumbing tool through the second opening.39. The plumbing tool of claim 38, wherein the cap portion comprises a bleed nipple.40. The plumbing tool of claim 38 or 39, wherein the cap portion comprises a pipe-end receiving space.41. The plumbing tool of claim 40, wherein the cap portion comprises a pipe-retainer to releasably retain a pipe-end therein on provision of a pipe-end to the pipe-end receiving space.42. A method of coupling a plumbing tool to a pipe, the method operable on a pipe supplied at an upstream end with pressurised fluid, the method comprising the steps of: a) isolating an upstream end of the pipe from the supply of pressurised fluid at an upstream isolation; b) arranging the plumbing tool on a downstream end of the pipe, the plumbing tooJ including a pipe cutter, such that the pipe cutter is upstream of the upstream isolation; c) cutting the pipe with the pipe cutter; and d) removing the portion of the pipe downstream of the cut through the plumbing tool to leave the plumbing tool coupled in place on the pipe.43. The method of claim 42, the plumbing tool comprises a valve, and the step d) comprises removing the portion of the pipe from the valve.44. The method of claim 43, wherein the step d) further comprises closing the valve.45. The method of claim 44, comprising closing the valve on passage of the cut portion of the pipe there-through. o 2046. The method of any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the step d) comprises removing the portion of the pipe into a cap portion.47. The method of claim 46, wherein the step d) comprises removing the portion of the pipe into the cap portion along with fluid from the upstream end of the pipe.48. The method of claim 47, wherein the step d) comprises bleeding fluid contents of the cap portion through a bleed nipple as fluid passes from the upstream end of the pipe into the cap portion, before removal of the portion of the pipe.49. The method of claim 47 or 48, wherein the step d) comprises removing the cut portion of the pipe, the cap portion and fluid from the upstream end of the pipe.50. The method of any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the method further comprises the step e) of coupling a further pipe or other plumbing component to the plumbing tool at a downstream end of the plumbing tool.51. The method of any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the step a) is performed using the tool as described above in any one of claims Ito 17, or is performed using the method as described above in any one of claims 18 to 22.52. The method of any one of claims 42 to 51, wherein the plumbing tool is as described in above in any one of claims 23 to 41.53. The method of any one of claims 42 to 52, wherein the step b) comprises cutting the pipe at a point downstream of the upstream isolation to form the downstream end.54. The method of any one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the step b) comprises providing a downstream isolation and cutting the pipe between the downstream and upstream isolations.55. The method of claim 54, wherein, forming the downstream isolation in the step b) is performed using the tool as described above in any one of claims I to 17 or using the method as described above in any one of claims 18 to 22. rLI) 56. The method of any one of claims 42 to 55, wherein the step b) comprises removing a 0 20 portion of the pipe downstream of the cut end. ry) 57. A plumbing tool or method substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.