GB2508290A - Capping tool for sealing a heating element such as a radiator during removal - Google Patents

Capping tool for sealing a heating element such as a radiator during removal Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2508290A
GB2508290A GB1318292.8A GB201318292A GB2508290A GB 2508290 A GB2508290 A GB 2508290A GB 201318292 A GB201318292 A GB 201318292A GB 2508290 A GB2508290 A GB 2508290A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
tool
head portion
capping
tool according
capping tool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1318292.8A
Other versions
GB2508290B (en
GB201318292D0 (en
Inventor
Michael Philip Joy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB201318292A priority Critical patent/GB2508290B/en
Publication of GB201318292D0 publication Critical patent/GB201318292D0/en
Publication of GB2508290A publication Critical patent/GB2508290A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2508290B publication Critical patent/GB2508290B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/0002—Means for connecting central heating radiators to circulation pipes
    • F24D19/0078—Plugs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
    • B25B13/48—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes
    • B25B13/50—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes for operating on work of special profile, e.g. pipes
    • B25B13/5008—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes for operating on work of special profile, e.g. pipes for operating on pipes or cylindrical objects
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses
    • F16L55/11—Plugs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses
    • F16L55/115—Caps
    • F16L55/1152—Caps fixed by screwing or by means of a screw-threaded ring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/0002—Means for connecting central heating radiators to circulation pipes
    • F24D19/0075—Valves for isolating the radiator from the system

Abstract

A capping tool 10 for sealing an element from a heating system, the tool comprising a head portion 12 and a handle portion 14, wherein the head portion is provided with a screw-threaded section 16. Further embodiments of the tool include the head portion comprising an external thread and being connected to the handle via a ratchet mechanism. The handle portion can also comprise of a wrench at the opposite end to that of the head portion. The wrench may be an adjustable wrench. The head portion may be provided with an o-ring seal and the tool may comprise of steel or brass. A method of removing a heating element, such as a radiator is also claimed which allows the heating element to be disconnected from the fluid supply and then the capping tool is attached, sealing the element so it can be removed without spillages.

Description

A Tool
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a tool for capping an element from a heating system, especially for removal of that element.
Background to the Invention
Elements of central heating systems, such as radiators and towel rails, may need to be removed from a wall whilst decorating or whilst the element is serviced or replaced.
However, when the element is disconnected from the system, it is often either filled with water or contains residual water that may leak on the floor. Any such leaked water presents a health and safety risk and may also cause visual damage to the floor, especially where carpet is used. Additionally, there may be black carbon sludge within the element that may leak out when the element is removed.
The removal of radiators from heating systems usually requires the radiator to be disconnected from the system by unscrewing both of the nuts between the valve and the radiator and waiting for the water to drain from the radiator. The radiator is then usually lifted from the wall by two people and any residual water therein may drain onto the floor.
Furthermore, when elements are currently removed from systems, it is common for the fluid contained within the element to be hot and for those removing them to receive bums from touching the hot fluid or the element itself.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a capping tool for sealing an element from a heating system, the tool comprising a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the head portion is provided with a screw-threaded section. By providing a head portion that is provided with a threaded section and a handle, the device can be quickly iiOsitioned and the nut on the element from the heating system attached to the threaded portion easily.
This caps the heating element and reduces the risk of any water or sludge within the device from escaping.
The use of a capping tool in accordance with the present invention reduces the risk of leaks from the element and also allows for a person to single-handedly remove the element by sealing it before lifting. Therefore, one does not need to ensure that the element is kept substantially horizontal because, when capped, tilting the element will not result in the escape of fluid from within the element.
Preferably, the head portion comprises an external screw-threaded section. The use of an external threaded section allows the device to be used with many existing heating elements, including many radiators and towel rails.
Advantageously, the head portion is positioned at one end of the handle portion and the other end of the handle portion is provided with a wrench. An arrangement with a wrench, or spanner, section at the opposite end to the head portion allows a single tool to be used for both loosening the nut and capping the element. Additionally, or alternatively, wrench sections of various sizes and/or shapes may be provided along the handle to allow the tool to be used for various different sizes and shapes of heating element.
It is preferably that the wrench is an adjustable wrench. This allows the device to be used for various applications, including on different sized connecting nuts.
It is advantageous that the head portion is connected to the handle portion via a ratchet mechanism. A ratchet mechanism allows for increased speed in connecting the tool to the heating element by allowing the nut to be held in place and the tool rotated to tighten it therein using the ratchet mechanism.
In a preferable embodiment, the head portion is provided with an 0-ring seal. This enhances the seal between the tool and the element of the heating system and reduces the risk of leaks when the tool is attached.
Advantageously, the diameter of the threaded section is between 8mm and 60mm.
Whilst hardened plastics materials and other metals and metal alloys may be used in the construction of the tool, it is preferably that the tool comprises brass or steel, and more preferably, Duplex brass or stainless steel. Such materials allow for one-piece casting to create a tool with an integral head and handle. Alternatively, parts of the device may be made separately and assembled into a final product, which may be particularly advantageous where a ratchet mechanism is used.
The invention extends to a method of using the tool to remove an element of a heating system.
The invention fUrther extends to a kit comprising a plurality of tools. The tools may be produced and sold in pairs to provide a kit for removing an element.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram showing a tool in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed Description of Exemplarsr Embodiments
Figure 1 shows a capping tool 10 for sealing a radiator. The tool 10 comprises a head portion 12 and a handle portion 14, wherein the head portion 12 is provided with a male, or external, screw-threaded section 16. The handle 14 is formed integrally with the threaded head portion 12 during a casting process. The head portion 12 comprises a circular cross-section and is between 10mm and 15mm long. The threaded section 16 comprises a 12.7mm (1/2 inch) diameter.
The head portion 12 is provided with a collar 18 at the base of the threaded section 16, which may be provided with an elastomeric toroidal seal in the form of an 0-ring (not sho).
The joint between the head portion 12 and the handle 14 is provided with a pinched section 20 to allow for easy application of the tool.
To use the tool, one places down a dust sheet and/or container beneath the connection to the element, for example a radiator, to be removed. The radiator is then isolated from the rest of the heating system by positioning the flow and return valves into a closed position.
The air tap can then be operated to check that the radiator is properly isolated by opening it to get an initial drip that fades away.
The union connection, or nut, at the face of the valve to the radiator rail tail piece is disconnected, at the same time ensuring that a container is in place to catch any water that drips from the system whilst opening the union connection.
The tool 10 is then positioned between the union nut and the radiator and the union nut is connected to the head portion 12 of the tool 10 using the threaded portion 16. The process is then repeated on the opposite side of the radiator. The air trap is then closed and the radiator is now a water tight unit that can be spun in any orientation and removed from the system without the risk of spilling any water or sludge.
The handle 14 of the tool 10 may be positioned parallel with the element to be removed and can act as a handle for lifting the element. Preferably, the handle 14 is aligned substantially vertically and substantially parallel with the element, although it may be desirable to position it substantially perpendicularly with the element or at any other angle. Additionally, with the vertically orientated handles 14 of the tools 10, the risk of inadvertently knocking the tools 10 is reduced.
The head may comprise any suitable diameter of thread for connection to a nut. For example, the diameter may be between, 8mm and 205mm, although larger or smaller sizes may be appropriate for particular tasks, for example, between 2mm and 300mm.
The overall length of the tool may be between 80mm and 200mm and provided the tool allows for good grip and torque levels, it can be any size.
The handle may be tubular, planar andlor of an ergonomic construction. Additionally, it may be provided with a grip section, such as a rubber grip, to allow easier and more comfortable use of the tool.
The inside of the threaded section of the head portion may be hollow or solid depending on the application.
Additionally, or alternatively, an 0-ring may be provided at the end of the threaded portion that is received within the nut. This provides further resistance against leaks.
It is anticipated that it might be desirable to provide a female, or internal, screw-thread to the tool for some applications. In such applications a connection nut may be provided separately to connection it to the pipework or valve, or alternatively, the nut may be connected to the tool. Additionally, it may be desirable to further cap the valves or pipes of the rest of the heating system. This may be done using female threaded tools or female caps, dependant on the size of the valves to ensure no leakage from the radiator valves.
The use of further tools in this situation allows for simple application and just one set of male and female tools, thereby reducing the risk of a user forgetting to have an appropriate tool to hand when removing the element.
It may be desirable for a conduit to be provided through the head portion and the handle to allow for fluid flow from the element being removed. This may assist in draining the element by providing a better angle for the fluid to exit. In such circumstances the outlet of such a conduit may be provided with a sealing member or cap.
Whilst there might be a few drops of water that escape when fining the tool, it reduces the need for a complete drain down of the element and those drips can be caught in a shallow container where there isn't much clearance between the connection to the element and the floor.

Claims (11)

  1. Claims 1. A capping tool for sealing an element from a heating system, the tool comprising a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the head portion is provided with a screw-threaded section.
  2. 2. A capping tool according to claim 1, wherein the head portion comprises an external screw-threaded section.
  3. 3. A capping tool according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the head portion is positioned at one end of the handle portion and the other end of the handle portion is provided with a wrench.
  4. 4. A capping tool according to claim 3, wherein the wrench is an adjustable wrench.
  5. 5. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the head portion is connected to the handle portion via a ratchet mechanism.
  6. 6. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the head portion is provided with an 0-ring seal.
  7. 7. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of the threaded section is between 8mm and 60mm.
  8. 8. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool comprises brass or steel.
  9. 9. A capping tool substantially as described herein with reference to and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the text and/or figures.
  10. 10. A method of removing an element from a heating system comprising the steps of: disconnecting at least one nut to release the element from the supply of fluid into the element; connecting a tool according to any preceding claim to the element; and removing the element from the system.
  11. 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein a second tool is attached to the outlet of the element.BAmendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A capping tool for sealing an element from a heating system, the tool comprising a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the head portion is provided with a screw-threaded section and wherein the handle portion is integral with the head portion.2. A capping tool according to claim 1, wherein the head portion comprises an external screw-threaded section.3.. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the head portion is provided with an 0-ring seal.4. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of the threaded section is between 8mm and 60mm.5. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool comprises brass or steel.6. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the capping tool is and radiator capping tool.7. A capping tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is substantially perpendicular to the head portion. fl.sI* 25 8. A method of removing an element from a heating system comprising the steps of: disconnecting at least one nut to release the element from the supply of fluid intà the element; connecting a tool according to any preceding claim to the element; and removing the element from the system.S9. A method according to claim 8, wherein a second tool is attached to an outlet of the element.
GB201318292A 2013-10-16 2013-10-16 A heating element capping tool Active GB2508290B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201318292A GB2508290B (en) 2013-10-16 2013-10-16 A heating element capping tool

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201318292A GB2508290B (en) 2013-10-16 2013-10-16 A heating element capping tool

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201318292D0 GB201318292D0 (en) 2013-11-27
GB2508290A true GB2508290A (en) 2014-05-28
GB2508290B GB2508290B (en) 2014-10-29

Family

ID=49680120

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB201318292A Active GB2508290B (en) 2013-10-16 2013-10-16 A heating element capping tool

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2508290B (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US506531A (en) * 1893-10-10 Method of screwing sockets upon pipes
GB501548A (en) * 1937-09-03 1939-03-01 Granville Bradshaw Improvements in or relating to screws
US3929152A (en) * 1974-07-10 1975-12-30 Gerald A Graham Fire hydrant cap and actuating tool therefor
GB2154696A (en) * 1984-02-27 1985-09-11 Brian George Greenleaf Threaded radiator valve plug
US20050072951A1 (en) * 2003-10-02 2005-04-07 Alfredo Alvarez Drain plug assembly

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US506531A (en) * 1893-10-10 Method of screwing sockets upon pipes
GB501548A (en) * 1937-09-03 1939-03-01 Granville Bradshaw Improvements in or relating to screws
US3929152A (en) * 1974-07-10 1975-12-30 Gerald A Graham Fire hydrant cap and actuating tool therefor
GB2154696A (en) * 1984-02-27 1985-09-11 Brian George Greenleaf Threaded radiator valve plug
US20050072951A1 (en) * 2003-10-02 2005-04-07 Alfredo Alvarez Drain plug assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2508290B (en) 2014-10-29
GB201318292D0 (en) 2013-11-27

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