GB2521825A

GB2521825A - Fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2521825A
Application number: GB1321332.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Boyes
Original assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Current assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-03
Filing date: 2013-12-03
Publication date: 2015-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-03
Also published as: GB2521825B; GB201321332D0

Abstract

A push-fit type pipe connector 1 having first and second parts 2, 3 connected together to provide a hollow body within which is received a grip ring 5. The hollow body can have an internal surface 40 that is tapered from a wider internal region to a narrower open end through which a pipe 7 is to be inserted. The first part 2 can include axial arms extending axially toward the narrower open end from the wider region. Each of the arms includes a lug and the second part 3 can include apertures within which the lugs are received. The grip ring 5 is arranged to receive a pipe 7 and to cooperate with the tapered internal surface 40 to inhibit removal of the pipe 7 through the open end of the body 4. A removal force exerted, in use, on the pipe 7 causes the grip ring 5 to force the arms apart and urge the lugs into engagement with the apertures, thereby reinforcing the connection between the first and second parts 2, 3.

Description

Frfli NC This invention relates generally to fillings and more particularly to push-fit type fillings such as push-fit type fittings for pipes.

One example of a push-fit type pipe fitting is described in W02013056273, which discloses a pipe connector including a tubular filling body with a ridge, an 0-ring, a spacer, a grip ring, an assembly insert, a stopper and a nut. In use, a pipe is inserted into the fitting until it is against the stopper, at which point it is sealed by the 0-ring and held io against withdrawal by the grip ring.

In an effort to simplify such push-fit type fittings, connectors have been developed that include an 0-ring for sealing and a collapsible grip ring with a tapered outer surface that cooperates with an internal surface of the connector body that is tapered from a wider, e.g. internal, region to a narrower open end of the fitting through which the pipe is to be inserted. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that plastics moulding processes for such a fitting require either a collapsible core or machining of the internal surface. Such features can add to cost as well as present manufacturing difficulties.

One non-exclusive object of the invention is to provide a pipe connector that overcomes, or at least mitigates the aforementioned issues. A further non-exclusive object of the invention is to provide an improved push-fit connector that is simpler to manufacture and/or easier to use.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a connector for receiving a pipe, e.g. a pipe connector, the connector comprising first and second body parts connected together by respective first and second connecting means to provide a hollow body within which is received a grip or grab ring, the grip or grab ring being arranged to receive a pipe and to cooperate with an internal surface of the hollow body for inhibiting removal of the pipe through the open end, wherein a removal force exerted, in use, on a pipe received by the grip or grab ring causes the first connecting means to be forced against, or into engagement with, the second connecting means, thereby reinforcing the connection between the first and second parts.

Thus, the invention provides a pipe connector that can be moulded easily in two parts that are assembled subsequently and that remain connected together securely in use.

The first part preferably comprises at least a portion that is internal to and/or received within at least a portion of the second part, for example such that the grip or grab ring is arranged to cooperate and/or abut and/or urge and/or force at least a portion of the first part against the second part. The first and second connection means may comprise engaging or fastening features. The connection means or engaging or fastening features preferably comprise snap fit features.

In preferred embodiments, the connection means or engaging or fastening features of one of the parts comprises a projection or lug on one of the parts that cooperates with or engages an aperture or depression or recess in another of the parts. For example, the first part may comprise one or more arms, e.g. axial arms, one or more of which may comprise an enlarged portion, e.g. end portion or head or lug that may include a lead-in taper, while the second part may comprise one or more, e.g. a corresponding one or more, apertures, depressions or recesses, e.g. with or within which the engaging or fastening features or enlarged portion or end portion or lug or head or arms of the first part may engage or cooperate or be received. The grip or grab ring is preferably arranged to cooperate and/or abut and/or urge and/or force the lugs or arms apart, for example expanding the arms or splaying the arms apart, e.g. to force or urge the engaging or fastening features into engagement, e.g. thereby reinforcing the connection between the first and second parts.

Preferably, the first and second part each define a portion, e.g. a contiguous portion, of the internal surface and/or provide the intemal surface when connected together. The internal surface may comprise a tapered surface, e.g. which may be tapered from a wider internal region to a narrower open end, for example through which a pipe is to be inserted. The grip or grab ring is preferably arranged to cooperate with the internal surface portion, e.g. the tapered internal surface portion, of the first part to force the luga or arms apart, for example expanding the arms or splaying the arms apart, e.g. to force or urge the engaging or fastening features or lugs into engagement, e.g. thereby reinforcing the connection between the first and second parts.

By configuring each of the first part and the second part to include only a portion of the internal tapered surface, it is possible to design each of them to be moulded, e.g. injection moulded, without the need for collapsible cores or subsequent machining of the internal surface. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this is due to the fact that one of the components may be moulded with a core that is tapered from a wider base to a narrower tip, which makes removal of the component from its mould straightforward, while the other component may be moulded with a core that is tapered in the other direction but with only a moderately enlarged portion so as to enable ejection of the component while still above its glass transition temperature without damage to the part.

Preferably, the first part may comprise a hollow and/or tubular member and/or includes the wider internal region of the body. The body, e.g. the first part of the body, may comprise a step or seat, for example an annular step or seat, e.g. wherein the wider region narrows or steps to a narrower or reduced diameter portion, for example to define the step or seat. The connector may include an 0-ring that may abut, in use, the step or seat, for example when a pipe is inserted into or received within the hollow body, e.g. through the open end. The one or more arms of the first part preferably extend axially toward the narrower open end, e.g. from the wider region. Thus, the first part may be configured to enable post-moulding election of the component while still above its glass transition temperature without damage at least in part by virtue of the arms, which are able to splay apart.

The grip or grab ring preferably may be collapsible and/or may include a tapered outer surface, for example that cooperates with the internal surface of the body. The grip or grab ring may comprise a resilient or elastic or plastics material and/or may be split to enable it to collapse. In some embodiments, the split may be axial, while in other embodiments the split is diagonal with respect to the axial direction. In yet other embodiments, the split may be diagonal in a first direction through a portion of the ring and diagonal in a second direction for a further portion of the ring, for example to provide a V-shaped or W-shaped split. Such a split configuration may be advantageous to ensure alignment of the grip or grab ring is maintained, e.g. to prevent skewing thereof as it is made to collapse along the tapered internal surface. In yet further embodiments, the split may be stepped or any other similar or suitable configuration.

A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a connector as described above. The kit preferably comprises two or more of the first part, the second part and the grip ring. The kit may further comprise an 0-ring and/or a pipe.

Another aspect of the invention provides a pipe incorporating a connector as described above, for example formed integrally therewith. A yet further aspect of the invention provides Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention in a first orientation; Figure 2 is a similar view to that of Figure 1 illustrating the connector portion in a different orientation; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector of Figures 1 and 2 within which a pipe has been inserted; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Figures 1 to 3 shown with the pipe omitted; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first, internal body part of the connector of Figures ito 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body part of Figures; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the second, external body part of the connector of Figures Ito 4; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the body part of Figure 7.

Referring to Figures I to 4, there is shown a pipe connector I including a first, internal body part 2 and a second, external body part 3 connected together to provide a hollow body 4 within which is received a grip or grab ring 5 and an 0-ring 6. The grip ring 5 receives a pipe 7 and cooperates with an internal surface 40 of the body 4 for inhibiting removal of the pipe through an open end 41 of the body 4.

As shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the first body part 2 is in the form of a substantially hollow tubular element with first, second and third regions 20, 21. 22. The first region 20 is cylindrical with substantially the same internal and external dimensions as the pipe 7. The second region 21 is formed integrally with the first region 20 and joined thereto by a step 21a against which the pipe 7 abuts when it is inserted fully into the connector 1. The third region 22 is formed integrally with the second region 21 and joined thereto by a step 22a against which the 0-ring 6 abuts as the pipe 7 is inserted into the connector 1 in use.

The third region 22 has tapered internal and external surfaces 23, 24 and four axial arms spaced equally about the periphery of the first body part 2. Each arm 25 includes an enlarged head 26 at its free end that includes an outwardly projecting lug 27 with a lead-in taper 28. The internal surfaces of the arms 25 provide contiguous extensions or continuations of the tapered internal surface 23 and the external surfaces of the arms 25 are substantially straight or cylindrical, thereby protruding from the tapered external surface 24 of the first body part 2.

As shown more clearly in Figures 7 and 8, the second body part 3 is in the form of a substantially hollow tubular element with a straight or cylindrical external surface, a tapered internal surface 30 and an internally projecting lip 31 at the narrow end of the tapered internal surface. The second body partS also includes four depressions 32 in the internal tapered surface 30, each with a substantially straight or cylindrical base terminating with a rectangular aperture 33 at its deepest end, and four straight or cylindrical regions 34 at the wider end of the second body part 3 circumferentially between the depressions 32, but axially spaced therefrom. The apertures 33 are skewed by virtue of the cores used to form them in the moulding process, the reasons for which will be appreciated by the skilled person.

The grip ring 5 in this embodiment is collapsible with a substantially cylindrical internal surface having barbs 50 and a smooth tapered outer surface 51 that cooperates with the internal surface 40 of the body 4. The grip ring 5 is formed of a resilient plastics material and is split (not shown) to enable it to collapse. In some embodiments, the split is axial, while in other embodiments the split is diagonal with respect to the axial direction. In yet other embodirnents, the split may be diagonal in a first direction through a portion of the grip ring 5 and diagonal in a second direction for a further portion of the ring, for example to provide a V-shaped or W-shaped split to ensure alignment of the grip ring 5 is maintained to prevent skewing as it is made to collapse along the tapered internal surface. In yet further embodiments, the split may be stepped or any other similar or suitable configuration.

In order to assemble the connector 1, the 0-ring 6 and grip ring 5 are inserted into the first part 6 and the first part 2 is then inserted into the wider end of the second part 3 with the lugs 27 aligned between the straight or cylindrical regions 34. The first part 2 is then inserted into the second part 3 such that the lead-in tapers 28 of the lugs 27 contact the tapered internal surface 30 of the second part 3 between the straight or cylindrical regions 34. The first part 2 is then forced axially into the second part 3 such that the arms 25 are biased resiliently inwardly as the lugs 27 run along the tapered surface 30 until they enter the depressions 32 until the lugs 27 align with the apertures 33, at which point the lugs 27 snap into the apertures 33 to provide a snap fit connection between the first and second parts 2, 3. The arms 25 are then contiguous with the tapered internal surface 30 to define a substantially uninterrupted tapered surface 30.

In use, the pipe 7 is inserted into the end 41 of the body 4, into the grip ring 5 until it contacts the barbs 50 and forces the grip ring 5 against the 0-ring 6 and forces it against the step 22a enabling the pipe 7 to be forced into the grip ring 5. When a removal force is exerted on the pipe 7, the pipe 7, 0-ring 6 and grip ring 5 are pulled axially along the connector 1, whereby the external tapered surface 50 of the grip ring 5 cooperates with the tapered internal surface 40 of the body 4 to cause the grip ring 5 to collapse against the pipe 7, thereby preventing removal of the pipe 7. Simultaneously, the external tapered surface 50 of the grip ring 5 splays the arms 25 apart to force them against the depressions 32 and to urge the lugs 27 into the apertures 33, thereby reinforcing the connection between the first and second parts 2, 3.

The parts 2, 3 in accordance with aspects of the present invention will be formed of a plastics material of a suitable weight and grade for the tasks and functions to be performed.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pipe connector comprising first and second body parts connected together by respective first and second connecting means to provide a hollow body within which is received a grip ring, the grip ring being arranged to receive a pipe and to cooperate with an internal surface of the hollow body for inhibiting removal of the pipe through the open end, wherein a removal force exerted, in use, on a pipe received by the grip ring causes the first connecting means to be forced against or into engagement with the second connecting means, thereby reinforcing the io connection between the first and second parts.
2. Pipe connector according to claim 1, wherein the first part is received in part within the second part, wherein the grip ring is arranged to force a portion of the first part against the second part, thereby causing the first connecting means to be forced against or into engagement with the second connecting means.
3. Pipe connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connection means comprises a projection on one of the parts that engages an aperture or recess in another of the parts.
4. Pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part comprises two or more axial arms each of which comprises a lug and the second part comprises a corresponding two or more apertures or recesses within which the lugs of the first part are received.
5. Pipe connector according to claim 4, wherein the grip ring is arranged to force the arms apart and urge the lugs into engagement with the apertures, thereby reinforcing the connection between the first and second parts.
6. Pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the internal surface is tapered from a wider internal region to a narrower open end through which a pipe is to be inserted.
7. Pipe connector according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the one or more arms of the first part extend axially toward the narrower open end from the wider region.
8. Pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second parts each define a contiguous portion of the internal surface.
9. Pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the grip ring comprises a resilient plastics ring that is split to enable it to collapse.
10. Pipe connector according to any preceding claim further comprising an 0-ring, wherein the body comprises an annular step or seat against which 0-ring abuts, in use, when a pipe is inserted into the body.
11. A kit of parts for assembly into a pipe connector according to any preceding claim, the kit comprising the first body part and the second body part.
12. Kit of parts according to claim 11 further comprising the grip ring.
13. Kit of parts according to claim 11 or claim 12 further comprising an 0-ring.
14. A pipe connector body part for use as the first body part in a pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the body part comprising a hollow member with an internal surface that is tapered from a wider region to a narrower end and two or more axial arms each of which comprises a lug, wherein the one or more arms of the first part extend axially toward the narrower open end from the wider region.
15. A pipe connector body part for use as the second body part in a pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the body part comprising a hollow member with an internal tapered surface with two or more axial depressions therein each incorporating an aperture or recess for receiving, in use, a respective lug of the first part.
16. A pipe connector substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
17. A kit of parts for assembly into a pipe connector substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
18. A pipe connector body part substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.