GB2505928A

GB2505928A - Deformable receptacle for collecting and retaining fluid from fluid ducts

Info

Publication number: GB2505928A
Application number: GB1216490.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ishar Singh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-14
Filing date: 2012-09-14
Publication date: 2014-03-19
Also published as: GB201216490D0

Abstract

A deformable receptacle 10 for collecting and retaining liquid from a duct 100 such as a leaking pipe comprises a base 11 and a side wall 12 which extends from the base and terminates at an open edge 13 of the receptacle. The receptacle further comprises at least one but preferably two resealable openings 15 formed in the side wall. Each opening preferably extends downwards from the open edge of the receptacle and may be opened and resealed by a fastener 16 such as a zip. A drain 17 may also be provided at the base of the receptacle. The openings allow the side wall of the receptacle to be closed around the leaking portion 101 of the pipe to collect the liquid that leaks from it, and the flexible nature of the bucket permits it to be shaped to accommodate any surrounding features.

Description

DefomthieReccj The present invention relates to a deformable receptacle arid particularly, but not exdusively, to a deformable receptacle io.r collecting and retaining fluid froni fluid ducts.

It is well known that fluid ducting arrangements, such as domestic heating systems and S water systems occasionally fail with the result that the fluid within the systems can unexpectedly pass out from a duct or a coupling device associated within the system, resulting in the passage of fluid over the neighbouring decor and furnishings. This often results in significant damage to a property.

Accordingly, when a leaking pipe for example, is first discovered it is common for a person to attempt to contain the fluid which escapes from the pipe by positioning a container, such as a tray or bucket at the underside of the pipe. However, it can be difficult to suitably locate a bucket in confined areas and once the bucket has filled, it is necessary to replace the bucket with a further container so that the further container can collect the leaking fluid while the bucket is emptied. Moreover, in situations whereby the fluid escapes from the pipe under pressure, then the fluid will typically spray from the leak.

In view of the foregoing, it can be difficult to suitably contain the leaking fluid to minimise potential damage to a property while awaiting the arrival of a suitable technician, and also to contain any further fluid which my otherwise escape from the pipe while attending to the repair of the duct.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a deformnable receptacle for collecting and retaining fluid from fluid ducts, the receptacle comprising a base and a side wall which extends from the base, and which terminates at an open periphery of the receptacle, the base and side wall cooperating to define an inner space for receiving a fluid, the receptacle further compdsing a resealabie opening disposed in the side wall.

Advantageously, the reseslable opening permits the side waU of the d&orrnahle receptacle to be closed around a fluid duct to coUect any tlthd whftth escapes therefwm, whereas the deforinable nature of the receptacle permits the receptacle to be shaped to accommodate any surrouncflna fixtures.

Preferably, the resealable opening extends from the open periphery of the side wafl to a position along the side wafi which is intermediate the base and the open periphery. The resealable opening is conveniently opened and resealed by a fastener device. In this respect. the fastener is arranged to close the opening of the side wall around a fluid duct, such as a central heating pipe, so that any fluid wtucn passes from the duct can collect within the receptacle. The fastener is preferably operated from within the inner space of the receptacle.

In an embothment, the receptacle may comprise at least two resealabie openings formed within the side wall, It is envisaged that the at least two openings will enable a fluid duct to pass into and out from the inner space of the receptacle through the side wall, so that the portion of the duct to be repaired or maintained for example, extends within the receptacle.

This ensures that any fluid which falls from the duct is caught within the receptacle and does not damage the surrounding decor. Preferably, the at least two resealahge openings comprise a separate fastener device.

In a further embodiment, the or each fastener comprises a ap fasiener and the or each fastener is arranged to create the respective opening in the side wall by moving the fastener in a direction which is toward the open periphery of the side wall and reseal the respective opening in the side wall by moving the fastener in a direction which is away from the open periphery of the side wall.

Preferably, the at least two resealable openings are angularly separated aroL.nd the receptacle.

The receptacle conveniently furTher comprises a drain disposed proximate the base of the receptacle for draining away any fluid collected within the receptacle. Preferab!y, the drain comprises a valve for selectively opening and dosing the drain.

Beneficially. the receptacle further comprises attachment means, such as a plurality of eyelets disposed within the side wall proximate the open periphery, so that the receptacle may he supported in a suitable onentation relative to the duct. The receptacle may further compnse one or more straps for supporting the receptacle.

An ernbothment of Uie present invention will now be dercribed by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: it) Figure 1 is a perspective view of a deforniable receptacle according to an embodiment ol the present invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the deformable receptacle illustrated in figure I, during use, Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a deformable receptacle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention for collecting a fluid from a fluid ducting arrangement, such as water from a central heating system (not shown) within a building, This may compnse water from a duct 100, such as a pipe, or a coupling, such as a radiator valve (not shown). In either situation, the receptacle 10 is arranged to catch any fluid which would otherwise fail onto the surrounding fixtures and fittings and which may otherwise damage the neighbouring decor.

The receptade 10 comprises a flexible base 11 and a flexible side wall 12 which extends around a periphery of the base 11. The side wall 12 further extends away from the base 11 and terminates at an open periphery 13. of the receptacle to define an inner space 14 for receiving the fluid. The base 11 and side wails 12 are formed of a deformable, waterproof material so that the side wall 12 and base 11 can be suitably shaped to conform with the environment of the defective portion 101 of a duct 100. The delormable nature of the side wafi 12 also enables the side waH 12 to shroud the portion 101 of the duct 100 in the event that the fluid passes from the portion 101 under pressure, and also enables the receptacle to be suitable folded for convenient storage.

The receptacle 10 further comprises a resealable opening 15 disposed within the side wall 12, and a fastener device 1$ which is operable by a user to vary the extent of the opening 15 in the side wall 12. The opening 15 extends from a position within the side wall 12 which is intermediate the base 11 and the open periphery 1$ of the receptacle 10, namely the uppermost portion of the side wall 12, out through the open periphery 1$ of the side wall 12.

In an embodiment, the fastener 1$ comprises a zip fastener which is actuated from within the receptacle 10, namely at the inner space 14 side of the side wall 12. The zip 16 is arranged to create the opening 15 in the side wall by passing the zip 16 in a direction which is toward the open periphery 13 arid to close the opening 15 by passing the zip 16 in a direction which is away from the open periphery 13, toward the base 11 This enables a user to position the duct 100 within the side wall 12 and then close the opening 15 in the side wafl 12 around the duct 100. However, the skilled person will recognse that other fastener devices 16 may also be used without detracting from the principle, which is to close the side wall 12 around a fluid duct 100, so that the fluid duct 100 extends through the skis wall 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 10 comprises two resealable openings 15 disposed within the side wall 12, which are angularly separated around the receptacle 10.

Each opening 15 comprises a respective fastener 16 for selectively opening and reseaflng, namely dosing the opening 15 in the side wall 12. This arrangement enables a defective portion 101 of an elongate duct 101 for example, to be contained within the receptacle 10, so that a user can operate on the portion 101 safe in the knowledge that any fluid which escapes the duct 100 will he safely collected within the receptacle 10.

The receptacle 10 further compnses a drain 17 disposed in the side wall 12 proximate the base Ii of the recethacle 10, to permit any fluid collected therein to be drained from the receptacle 10. In this respect, the drain 11 may further comprise a valve 18 to selectively enabje the passage of fluid from the receptacle 10 and a standard coupling 19for a garden hose pipe 102, for example, so that a hose pipe 102 may be readily coupled to the draIn 17 for draining fluid from the receptacle IC) outside of a building (not shown)r for example, s The receptacle 10 further comprises a plurality of eyelets 20 dIsposed around the side wall 12 prnxtmate the open perIphery 13 thereof, for receiving one or more etraØs 21. such as elasticated straps. The straps 21 and eyelets 20 enable the receptacle 10 to be suitably supported aacent the defective pottion 101 of the duct 100, In a suitable, orientation relative to the portion 101 of'the duct 100.

In use, when it is Intended to replace or repair a portion 101 o a fluid ducting arrangement, or when a. user identifies a leak in a water pipe for example, then the receptacle 10 Ia first unfOlded and the openings 15 in the side waft 12 are created by moving the separate fasteners 18. such as the zips, towaS the open periphery 13 of the side wall 12. The portions 12a, 12b of the aide waIl 12 either side of the respective openlhg 15 are then placed around the duct 100, either side. of the leaking portion 101 and each fntener 18 Is operated to close the respective openIng 15 arid thus the side wall 12 eIther side of the leaking portion 101, so that the leaking portIon 101 becomes positioned within the inner space 14 of the receptacle 10, as Illustrated In fIgure 2 of the drawings. In this manner, the skis wall 12 effectively forms a seal around the duct 100 eIther side QI the leaking portIon 101 so that any fluid which falls from the leaking potion 101 is collected within the receptacle 10 and Is thus prevented frm' falling onto the surroundIng furnIshings, icr example. In the event that the fluid escapes from the leaking portIon 101 under pressum, then owing to the deformable nature of the side wall 12, a region of the side wall 12 proximate the open periphery 13 may be folded over the portIon 101 to shroud the portion 101 and thus contain The fluid awn the receptacle 10.

One or more straps 21 may then be secured to the receptacle 10 using the eyelets 20 and the receptacle 10 may be supported by securing the straps 21 to a suitable anchor points 103 to maintain the orientation of the receptacle 10. Once the receptacle 10 ras been secured, the user may then secure a hose pipe 102 for example. to the drain 17 and the S valve 18 may opened so that the fluid coliected within the receptade 10 can be passed out from the receptacle 10 to a suitable outlet, such as a soak away (not shown) located outside of the buDding (not shown). The receptacle 10 thus enables a user to suitably contain any leaks from, a ducting arrangement and redirect the leaked fluid out from the budding, thereby preventing any damage to the interior decor, The receptacle 10 further enables a technician LU to repair the detective portion 101 while the receptacle it is positioned around the defective portion 101 and thus seves to collect any further fluid which may otherwise escape.

From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the deformable receptacle provides for a simple yet effective containment of' fluid which escapes from a fluid ducting arrangement.

Claims

Cl&ims 1. A deformabie receptacle for collecting and retaming fluid from fluid ducts, the receptacle comprising a base and a side wall which extends train the base, and which terminates at an open periphery of the receptacle, the base and side wall S cooperating to define an inner space for receiving a fluid, the receptacle further comprising a resealable opening disposed in the side wall.
2. A deformable receptacle accordng to claim 1, wherein the resealable opening extends from the open periphery of the side wall to a position along the side wall which is intermediate the base and the open periphery.
3. A deformable receptacle according to claim 1 or 2 compnsing at least two resealable openings formed within the side wall.
4. A deformabe receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each resealable opening is opened and resealed by a separate fastener device.
5. A deformahie receptacle according to claim 4, wherein the or each fastener is operated train within the inner space of the receptacle.
6. A deformabie receptacle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the or each fastener comprises a zip fastener.
1. A defornable receptacle according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the or each thstener is arranged to create the respective opening in the side wall by moving the fastener in a direction which is toward the open pedphery of the side wall and reseal the respective opening in the side wall by moving the fastener in a direction which is away from the open periphery of the side wall.
8. A deformable receptacle according to claim 3, wherein the at least two resealable openings are angularly spaced around the receptacle.
9. A deformable receptacle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a drain disposed proximate the base of the receptacle for draining away any fluid collected within the receptacle,
10. A deformaNe receptacle according to claim 9. wherein the drain comprises a valve lbr selectively opening and dosing the drain.
11, A deformable receptacle according to any preceding claim, further wmprsing attachment means, so that the recepteole may be suppqrted ut a suitable orientation relative to the duct..
12. Adeformable receptacleaccording to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more straps for supporting the receptacle.