GB2517413A

GB2517413A - Manifold and water distribution system

Info

Publication number: GB2517413A
Application number: GB1313600.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Robert Beever; David Raynor
Original assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Current assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-30
Filing date: 2013-07-30
Publication date: 2015-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-30
Also published as: GB2559061B; GB2559061A; GB2517413B; GB201313600D0; GB201805060D0

Abstract

A distribution manifold 10 for domestic water and heating systems comprises a first inlet port 12, at least one first outlet port 16 and a first distribution line 20. The manifold 10 also comprises a second inlet port 14, at least one second outlet port 18 and a second distribution line 22. The first distribution line 20 and second distribution line 22 define separate flowpaths through the manifold 10 and the second distribution line 22 lies between all of the outlet ports 16, 18, and the first distribution line 20. Later embodiments relate to a modular manifold assembly (102, 112, 114 figures 4, 5 & 6) and a manifold pivotable from an operation position to an installation/servicing position (figures 2 & 3).

Description

MANIFOLD AND WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a manifold. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an in-wall manifold, especially for water distribution.

Background to the Invention

Traditionally, plumbing for domestic water and heating systems have been installed with joints connecting a main ring pipe to pipes branching off to the points of water use, e.g. sink, or toilet. Recently with the increased use of plastic piping which is flexible, there has been a move towards manifold plumbing or point-to-point plumbing systems.

Point-to-point plumbing systems utilise a manifold as a central point to distribute water to points of water use. The hot water pipe and cold water pipe to, for example, a sink are both individually and directly connected to the relevant manifold outlet port. There can be one manifold per area of use, such as in a bathroom or in a kitchen. They can also be used as a heating supply manifold either with radiators or with under-floor heating. The manifold is fed by a single cold and/or hot water pipe which is/are connected to the corresponding inlet(s) of the manifold which then distributes water to the outlets of the manifold. The manifold outlets can be individually isolated if the supply to the points of use needs to be cut off without interrupting supply to other outlet ports.

Benefits of a manifold system are that it removes the need for joints in inaccessible places and it makes it possible to have no joints in the pipe runs. Joints aie needed only at the manifold and at the point of use, which are both easy to access and visible.

The occurrence of installation error is reduced and the need for remedial work to correct and make good consequential damage caused by those errors is also reduced.

There is also a reduction in potential leaks and maintenance costs. No additional isolators are needed directly below each point of use and central or individual control, rather than the whole system, is enabled where required. This minimises drain down time and system recovering issues in re-commissioning.

However, with this arrangement there may not be a location within the area e.g. bathroom or kitchen to house the manifold or an additional cabinet or large space in the wall would need to be created in order to install the system. Also in order to fit the manifolds into a space between the walls a reduced number of outlet ports would have to be used. The manifolds in current use have all the hot or all the cold outlets located together which makes it less clear which combinations of pipes go to the same points of use.

The present invention has therefore been devised with the foregoing in mind. The invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the

prior art, or provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a manifold for water distribution comprising a first inlet port, at least one first outlet port and a first distribution line therebetween, a second inlet port, at least one second outlet port and a second distribution line therebetween, wherein the first and second distribution lines define separate flowpaths through the manifold, and wherein the second distribution line lies between all of the outlet ports and the first distribution line.

The at least one first outlet pod may be provided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the first outlet port.

The at least one second outlet pod may be provided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the second outlet port.

The distribution lines may be orientated substantially parallel to each other.

The outlet pods may be orientated substantially perpendicularly to the distribution lines.

The manifold may comprise a plurality of first and second outlet ports connected to the respective first and second distribution lines.

Each first outlet port may be positioned between a pair of second outlet ports. Thus it will be understood that the first and second outlet ports alternate along the length of the manifold.

The manifold may comprise one more first outlet port than the number of second outlet ports. This may be useful where, for example, an additional cold water feed is required for a toilet etc. The manifold may be of unitary construction.

The manifold may be of modular construction.

The invention also resides in a first modular component of the manifold of the first aspect of the invention, said first modular component having a single first outlet port, a single second outlet port, a portion of the first and second distribution lines, each having open first and second ends, each first end being configured to be received by a corresponding second end of a first additional component of the manifold, each second end being configured to receive a corresponding first end of a second additional component of the manifold. One or both of said additional components may be the same as or different to said modular component.

The first additional component may be an inlet component, said inlet component having a pair of first (inlet) ends and a pair of second (outlet) ends, each second (outlet) end configured to receive the corresponding first end of the distribution line of the modular component.

The second additional component may be a second modular component, said second modular component having a single first outlet port, a portion of the first and second distribution lines, the first distribution line having open first and second ends and the second distribution line having a closed first end, each first end being configured to be received by the open second ends of the first modular component. The closed first end is provided solely to assist with mounting the second modular component to the first modular component and could be omitted. It will equally be understood that any second modular components present must all be downstream of the first modular components since there is no flowpath through the second distribution line of the second modular components.

It is to be understood that the manifold may be formed by a single inlet component and any number or combination of first modular components or second modular components.

The at least one first or second outlet port of the modular component may be provided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the corresponding outlet port.

The fiist outlet port of the second modular component when present may be piovided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the outlet port.

Accoiding to a second aspect of the piesent invention there is provided a watel distribution system comprising a manifold according to the first aspect of the invention, a first elbow connector having a first end connected to the first inlet port and a second free end for leceiving a water supply.

The water distribution system may further comprise a second elbow connector having a first end connected to the second inlet port and a second free end for a receiving a water supply.

The first elbow connector and second elbow connector when present may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the distribution line to which it is connected.

The water distribution system may further comprise a fixing bracket on which the elbow connectors are releasably mounted.

The fixing bracket may be provided with a hinge such that the manifold is pivotable from an operational position to an installation/servicing position.

The water distribution system may further comprise a mounting box to house the manifold.

The manifold may be provided with at least one mounting tab to fix the manifold to the mounting box.

Generally, the fixing bracket is secured to the mounting box.

The distribution lines of the manifold may be connected to the elbow connectors by push-fit connections.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a water distribution system comprising a manifold, said manifold comprising a first inlet port, at least one first outlet port and a first distribution line therebetween, a second inlet port, at least one second outlet pod and a second distribution line therebetween, wherein the first and second distribution lines define separate flowpaths through the manifold, and wherein a mounting hinge is provided for the manifold such that the manifold is pivotable from an operational position to an installation/servicing position.

Brief Description of the invention

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front elevation view of a manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front elevation view of a water distribution system with the manifold of Figure 1, elbow connectors, a mounting box and a fixing bracket; Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of the elbow connectors and hinge is shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows an elevation view of a first modular component of a manifold in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an elevation view of a second modular component of a manifold in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows an elevation view of an inlet component of a manifold in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the embodiments of the invention

With reference to Figure 1, there is provided a manifold 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The manifold 10 comprises a first inlet port 12 representing an upstream end of the manifold, a first outlet port 16 and a first distribution line 20 therebetween. The manifold 10 also comprises a second inlet port 14, a second outlet pod 18 and a second distribution line 22 therebetween. The first distribution line 20 and second distribution line 22 define separate flowpaths through the manifold 10. The first and second distribution lines 20, 22 are not fluidly connected together.

The manifold 10 additionally comprises a plurality of first and second outlet ports 16! 18 (in this case three) connected to the corresponding distribution lines 20, 22. In the present embodiment, the manifold 10 further comprises an additional first outlet port 17 connected to the first distribution line 20.

The distribution lines 20, 22 are linear and are orientated substantially parallel to each other. The distribution lines 20, 22 extend in a first direction and lie in a first plane while the inlet ports 12, 14 are orientated parallel to each other and lie in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane. A section of the distribution lines 20, 22 extends between the inlet ports 12, 14 and the section of the distribution lines 20, 22 which are orientated in the first direction. The outlet ports 16, 18 are orientated substantially perpendicularly to the distribution lines 20, 22. The second distribution line 22 lies between all of the outlet ports 16. 18 and the first distribution line 20. The first outlet ports 16 extend from the first distribution line 20 over the second distribution line 22 and are materially, though not fluidly, connected to the outside of the second distribution line 22. Each of the plurality of first outlet ports 16 is positioned between one second outlet port 18 and another second outlet port 18. The outlet ports 16, 18 extend to the same distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the distribution lines 20, 22 and the last sections of the outlet ports 16, 18, closest to the exit point, all lie in the first plane.

In the piesent embodiment, both the first and second outlet pods 16 are provided with shut off valves 24 to stop the flow of water through the respective first outlet pods 16, 18. The distribution lines 20, 22 are capped at their ends remote from the upstream end of the manifold to stop the flow of water. There are two mutually spaced cross pieces 38 which are located between the distiibution lines 20, 22, extend between the distribution lines 20, 22 and which are materially, though not fluidly, connected to the outside of the distribution lines 20, 22. Each cross piece 38 is drilled through and in use serves as a mounting point for the manifold.

The manifold 10 of this embodiment is conveniently formed from a one piece brass casting. In other embodiments the manifold may be copper, stainless steel, carbon steel or plastics. Depending on the material the manifold may be cast, hot stamped or injection moulded.

With reference to Figure 2, there is provided a water distribution system 1 comprising the manifold 10 discussed with refeience to Figuie 1, a fiist elbow connector 28, a second elbow connectol 30, a mounting box 36, a fixing bracket 32 and a hinge 34.

The elbow connectors 28, 30 are received on the fixing bracket 32. The first elbow connector 28 has a first end connected to the first inlet port 12 and a second free end for receiving a water supply (not shown). The second elbow connector 30 has a first end connected to the second inlet port 14 and a second free end foi receiving a watel supply. Each second free end is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the distribution line 20, 22 to which it is connected. The elbow connectors 28, 30 are connected to the inlet ports 12, 14 by push-fit connections. In other embodiments compression or press-fit connections may be used.

The mounting box 36 is provided to house the manifold 10. The mounting box 36 is generally cuboid with the two largest rectangular faces (rear and front faces) open. A biace 36a is situated centrally between the two side faces at the rear of the mounting box 36 and extends between the top and bottom faces. A mounting bar 36b extends horizontally from the side face of the mounting box 36 that is remote from the hinge 34 parallel to the distribution lines to a distance that enables it to line up with the cross pieces 38 which are cast / moulded into the manifold 10. The mounting bar 36b is fixed to the brace 36a. The manifold 10 is screwed to the mounting bar 36b through the cross pieces 38. It will be understood that alternative methods of securing the manifold may be employed (not shown). For example, the manifold may be provided with lugs or may simply be clipped into place. The top and bottom faces of the mounting box 36 also have circular holes which are sized to correspond to the relevant sizes of supply pipes and consumer pipes (not shown in drawings). These are located according to the specific locations of the outlet ports 16, 18 and the orientation of the second ends of the elbow connectors 28, 30.

The mounting box 36, in use, is fixed between the studs 37 in a stud partition wall and the two opposing side faces of the mounting box 36 lie flush against the studs 37 and are fixed to the studs 37. The mounting box 36 is formed from wood/plood. In alternative embodiments the mounting box may be formed from galvanised pressed steel, moulded in thin wall plastics or formed from another suitable material, as would be understood by the skilled person. The manifold 10 and elbow connectors 28, 30 are sized to fit within the mounting box 36 which is itself sized to correspond to the linear spacing and thickness of a standard UK stud partition wall. It will of course be understood that the dimensions of the mounting box can be varied to suit any specific application.

With reference to figure 3, the fixing bracket 32, a hinge 34 and elbow connectors are shown absent the manifold for clarity. The hinge arrangement allows the manifold 10 to be pivoted from an operational position to an installation/servicing position. The hinge 34 connects to the side wall of the mounting box 36. The fixing bracket 32 is constructed of a substantially flat rectangular section 40 which has two circular holes for receiving the first end of the elbow connectors 28, 30. A cross member 42 extends between the flat section and a second substantially flat rectangular section 44 by a distance large enough to house the elbow connectors 28, 30 and/or allow the elbow connectors 28, 30 to be fitted. The second flat section 44 is fixed to the hinge 34. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a second hinge is provided between the first flat section 40 and the cross member 42 to provide additional flexibility in mounting the manifold.

The installation and use of the manifold 10 and the water distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The mounting box 36 is fitted in the recess of a stud partition wall and between the studs 37 as mentioned above. The hinge 34 is fitted to the inside of a side wall of the mounting box 36 and the fixing bracket 32 is then fitted to the hinge 34 via the second flat section 44. The elbow connectors 28, 30 are inserted into the holes of the first flat section 40. While the hinge 34 is in position such that the first ends of the elbow connectors 28, 30 protrude from the recess of the wall, the first inlet port 12 is connected to the first end of the first elbow connector 28 and the second inlet port 14 is connected to the first end of the second elbow connector 30. This is accomplished by the use of push fit connections. The manifold is then in its installation/servicing position. The assembly of the manifold 10, the fixing bracket 32 and the elbow connectors 28, 30 is then moved fully into the recess by closing the hinge 34 and the manifold 10 is then in its operational position. The hinged mounting of the manifold 10 and the elbow connectors 28, 30 reduces the width required within the mounting box 36 because the distance needed to make the connection between the elbow connectors 28, 30 and the manifold 10 within the mounting box 36 is not required. The manifold 10 is then fixed to the mounting box 36 by fixing the mounting tabs 38 to the additional section of the mounting box 36.

To use the water distribution system 1 and the manifold 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the manifold 10 is in its operational position and is fixed to the mounting box 36.

Supply pipes (not shown), one supplying hot water and one supplying cold water, are inserted through the relevant holes in the mounting box 36 and connected to the second ends of the elbow connectors 28, 30. Conventionally, the cold supply pipe is connected to the first elbow connector 28 and the hot supply pipe is connected to the second elbow connector 30. The system can then be pressure tested to ensure the supply has been correctly installed. Conveniently, the elbow connectors 28, 30 can be rotated so the second ends of the elbow connectors 28, 30 either face the inside of the top face or the inside of the bottom face of the mounting box 36 depending on whether the supply pipe needs to enter the mounting box from the outside of the top or the outside of the bottom face of the mounting box 36.

A plurality of consumer pipes (not shown) are then connected to the relevant outlet ports 16, 18. The consumer pipes that are connected to the consumers, such as a sink or toilet, which require cold water are connected to the first outlet ports 16 and the consumers which require hot water are connected to the second outlet ports 18. Each outlet port 16, 18 can be individually isolated from the hot or cold water supply by closing the shut off valve 24 provided for each outlet port 16, 18. This in turn isolates the consumer from the water supply but does not affect the supply to the other consumers and the main supply feeding the manifold 10 does not need to be turned off. This also means that each outlet port 16, 18 does not always need to be connected to a consumer pipe.

The manifold 10 can be mounted upside down (i.e. with the outlet ports 16, 18 facing the inside of the top face of the mounting box 36) if the consumer pipes must exit the mounting box 36 through the top face of the mounting box 36. The consumer pipes supplying the same consumer (e.g. the hot and cold water supplies for a sink) are connected to the corresponding outlet ports 16, 18 directly adjacent to each other so that connecting the pipes is intuitive. The additional first outlet port 17 may be used for supplying a consumer that does not require a hot water supply, such as a toilet. In this embodiment the additional outlet port 17 does not have a shut off valve. In alternative embodiments it may be provided with a shut off valve.

Components of a modular design of a manifold are shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The manifold comprises a plurality of first modular components 102 (Figure 4), a plurality of second modular components 112 (Figure 5) and an inlet component 114 (Figure 6).

The first modular component comprises a single first outlet port 116, a single second outlet port 118, a portion of the first distribution line 120 and a portion of the second distribution line 122, each having open first 120a, 122a and second 120b, 122b ends.

The first and second outlet ports 116, 118 of the modular component 102 are provided with a shut off valve 124 to stop the flow of water through the outlet port (only valve housing 124 shown).

The inlet component 114 has a first inlet 126 and a second inlet 128 for connection with the elbow connectors. The outlet end 129of the inlet component 114 is a push fit with the open first ends 120a, 122a of the first modular component 102 such that two separate flow paths are defined between the two inlets 126, 128 of the inlet component and the respective portions of the distribution lines 120, 122 of the first modular component 102.

The second modular component 112 comprises a single first outlet port 116, a single inlet 132, a blind connecting port 130 and a single open downstream end 134. The inlet and blind connecting port 132,130 of the second modular component 112 are configured to be a push fit with the open second ends 120b, 122b of the first modular component respectively. The blind connecting port 130 is configured the same as the inlet 132 save for it being blanked off. The purpose of this is to prevent flow from the second distribution line into the single outlet port serving the first distribution line while assisting with the connection of the second modular component with the first modular component or another second modular component.

It is to be understood that any number of the first modular component 102 and/or second modular components 112 may be connected, but any second modular components must be downstream of the first modular components. In any configuration, the most downstream component (either the first or second modular component will have its second ends 12Db, 122b or open downstream end 134 capped such that two separate flowpaths are defined from the inlets 126, 128, through each respective distribution line and out of the respective outlet ports 116, 118.

In alternative embodiments (not shown) the first outlet port 116 of the second modular component 112 may be provided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the first outlet port 116.

The components of a modular design of the manifold allow the number of outlet ports 116, 118 to be determined depending on the situation required. Therefore, the manifold can be configured such that there is only the number of outlet ports 116, 118 for the number of consumer pipes required by the consumers. The detachable, configurable nature of the manifold allows the manifold to be modified depending on ongoing requirements. The manifold can be constructed off-site or by the end user to suit requirements. The components may be connected using grab rings or a collet arrangement.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the above embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, whilst the above discussion has been concerned with domestic water systems supplied to e.g. sinks and toilets, the invention is equally applicable to heating systems supplying e.g. radiators / underiloor heating or indeed to supply fluid to a number of different consumers.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A manifold for water distribution comprising: a first inlet port, at least one first outlet port and a first distribution line therebetween, a second inlet port, at least one second outlet port and a second distribution line therebetween, wherein the first and second distribution lines define separate flowpaths through the manifold, and wherein the second distribution line lies between all of the outlet ports and the first distribution line.
2. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first outlet port is provided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the first outlet port.
3. The manifold according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one second outlet port is provided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the second outlet port.
4. The manifold according to any preceding claim, wherein the distribution lines are orientated substantially parallel to each other.
5. The manifold according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet ports are orientated substantially perpendicularly to the distribution lines.
6. The manifold according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of first and second outlet ports are connected to the respective first and second distribution lines.
7. The manifold according to claim 6, wherein each first outlet port is positioned between a pair of second outlet ports.
8. The manifold according to any preceding claim, wherein one more first outlet port is provided than the number of second outlet ports.
9. The manifold according to any preceding claim which is of unitary construction.
10. The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is of modular construction.
11. A modular manifold assembly comprising a first modular component having: a single first outlet port, a single second outlet port, a portion of first and second distribution lines, each having open first and second ends, each first end being configured to be received by a corresponding second end of a first additional component of the manifold, each second end being configured to receive a corresponding first end of a second additional component of the manifold.
12. The modular manifold assembly according to claim 11, comprising a first additional component which is an inlet component, said inlet component having a pair of first (inlet) ends and a pair of second (outlet) ends, each second (outlet) end configured to receive the corresponding first end of the distribution line of the first modular component.
13. The modular manifold assembly according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a second additional component which is a second modular component, said second modular component having a single first outlet port, a portion of the first and second distribution lines, the first distribution line having open first and second ends and the second distribution line having a blind connecting port, the open first end and blind connecting port being configured to be received by the open second ends of the first modular component.
14. The modular manifold assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the first and/or second outlet ports are provided with a shut off valve to stop the flow of water through the outlet ports.
15. A water distribution system comprising: a manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a first elbow connector having a first end connected to the first inlet port and a second free end for receiving a water supply.
16. The water distribution system according to claim 15 additionally complising a second elbow connector having a first end connected to the second inlet port and a second free end for a receiving a water supply.
17. The water distiibution system accoiding to claim 15 01 16, wheicin the first and/or second elbow connector is iotatable about the longitudinal axis of the distribution line to which it is connected.
18. The water distribution system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further complising a fixing bracket on which the elbow connectois are releasably mounted.
19. The water distribution system according to claim 18, wherein the fixing bracket is provided with a hinge such that the manifold is pivotable from an opeiational position to an installation/servicing position.
20. The watei distribution system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, furthei comprising a mounting box to house the manifold.
21. The water distribution system according to claim 20, wherein the manifold is provided with at least one mounting tab to fix the manifold to the mounting box.
22. The water distribution system of according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the distribution lines of the manifold are connected to the elbow connectors by push-fit connections.
23. A water distribution system comprising a manifold, said manifold comprising: a first inlet port, at least one first outlet port and a first distribution line therebetween, a second inlet poit, at least one second outlet port and a second distribution line therebetween, wherein the first and second distribution lines define separate flowpaths through the manifold, and wherein a hinge is provided such that the manifold is pivotable from an operational position to an installation/servicing position.