GB2525685A

GB2525685A - Connector

Info

Publication number: GB2525685A
Application number: GB1409573.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bryan Lynch; Stewart Norris; Malcolm Gibson; Colin Naden; Gary Scott; Neil Harrison
Original assignee: Floplast Ltd
Current assignee: Floplast Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2014-05-29
Publication date: 2015-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-29
Also published as: GB201409573D0; GB2525685B

Abstract

Described is a pipe connector 1 which comprises a body 2 and at least one nut 3 for insertion of a pipe therein. A screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut 3, the or each nut 3 comprises a securing means for securing the or each nut 3 into engagement with the body 2 when the or each nut 3 is tightened against the body 2. The pipe connector 1 may further comprise a plurality of formations for engagement with a plurality of formations on the body to secure the or each nut 3 into engagement with the body 2 when the or each nut 3 is tightened against the body 2.

Description

CONNECTOR

The present invention relates to connectors for pipes, in particular to "push fit" pipe connectors for use in a domestic setting.

Various "push fit" pipe connectors are known in the art and generally include a connector comprising a hollow bore for the passage of water and a screw thread provided at each end of the connector for connection to a nut. In one example, the end of a pipe is inserted into the nut with the end of the pipe positioned through a sleeve, also known as a collet, provided in the collar of the nut. The end of the pipe is then inserted into the hollow bore of the body and the nut is tightened. In another example, the connector is provided to a user with the nut already tightened against the body and the pipe is simply inserted into the sleeve within the nut for connection to the body. In order to maintain the integrity of the pipe, the end of the pipe is usually provided with a rigid cylindrical insert. The sleeve grips the outer surface of the pipe and prevents movement of the pipe away from the body, thus securing the pipe to the body.

Another pipe can be connected to the other end of the body in a similar way to join two pipes together. Alternatively, the other end of the body can be provided with a tap connector for connection of a pipe to a tap, or be provided with a blank for providing a stop end. Generally, the "push-fit" connectors confer the advantage that a user can install pipe work without using tools because connection can be made by hand.

In some examples, the pipe connectors are straight, whilst in other examples the pipe connectors are bent, for example at a right angle. It is also known for such pipe connectors to be shaped for connecting more than two pipe ends together, for example in a "T" or "Y" shape for connecting three pipes together.

The "push fit" nature of these known connectors means that they are often used by the "do-it-yourself" enthusiast. Accordingly, they must be straightforward to use and not prone to faulty installation; otherwise leaks will occur. Many installations of such "do-it-yourself" pipes and connectors are visible to the home

I

owner however, known pipe connectors are generally bulky and unsightly, these being characteristics resulting from the need to provide a secure connection. In addition, when visible, the pipe connectors may be accessible to an occupant, which can cause problems if a pipe connector is accidentally loosened.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising (i) a body, and (ii) at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a plurality of formations for engagement with a plurality of formations on the body to secure the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body.

Preferably, the formations on the body are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the body and there are more formations on the or each nut than on the body.

Alternatively, the formations on the or each nut are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the or each nut and there are more formations on the body than on the or each nut.

It has surprisingly been found that the particular arrangement of formations of the present invention is particularly effective at sufficiently securing the or each nut in engagement with the body, whilst at the same time allowing the or each nut to be unscrewed by using an appropriate amount of force, for example by hand. The arrangement of the present invention provides a particularly useful balance between an effective "locking arrangement" to prevent accidental loosening and the ability to override the locking arrangement when the need to dismantle the pipe connector arises. This is especially important in a domestic setting where the connector will be accessible to household occupants.

Preferably, the formations on the body are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the body.

Preferably, the formations on the or each nut are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the or each nut.

Preferably, the difference between (i) the number of formations provided on the body for each nut and (ii) the number of formations provided on the or each nut is at a ratio of between about 10:1 and about 25:1, preferably between about 12:1 and about 24:1, preferably between about 14:1 and about 22:1, preferably between about 16:1 and about 20:1, preferably between about 17:1 and about 19:1, most preferably about 18:1.

Preferably, the difference between (i) the number of formations provided on the or each nut and (H) the number of formations provided on the body for each nut is at a ratio of between about 10:1 and about 25:1, preferably between about 12:1 and about 24:1, preferably between about 14:1 and about 22:1, preferably between about 16:1 and about 20:1, preferably between about 17:1 and about 19:1, most preferably about 18:1.

Preferably, when the or each nut comprises more formations than the body, the or each nut comprises between about 50 and about 100 formations, preferably between about 60 and about 90 formations, preferably between about 65 and about 80 formations, preferably between about 70 and about 75 formations, most preferably about 72 formations.

Preferably, when the body comprises more formations than the or each nut, the body comprises between about 50 and about 100 formations per nut, preferably between about 60 and about 90 formations, preferably between about 65 and about 80 formations, preferably between about 70 and about 75 formations, most preferably about 72 formations per nut.

Preferably, when the or each nut comprises more formations than the body, the body comprises between about 2 and about 10 formations per nut, preferably between about 2 and about 8 formations, preferably between about 2 and about 6 formations, most preferably about 4 formations per nut.

Preferably, when the body comprises more formations than the or each nut, the nut comprises between about 2 and about 10 formations, preferably between about 2 and about 8 formations, preferably between about 2 and about 6 formations, most preferably about 4 formations.

Preferably, when the or each nut comprises more formations than the body, the or each nut comprises a continuous arrangement of formations along the circumference of a body engaging surface of the or each nut.

Preferably, when the body comprises more formations than the or each nut, the body comprises a continuous arrangement of formations along the circumference of a nut engaging surface of the body.

Preferably, the formations are shaped to permit tightening of the or each nut against the body and to resist loosening of the or each nut away from the body when the formations on the or each nut are in engagement with the formations on the body.

Preferably, the formations comprise teeth, for example stepped teeth or angled lands.

Preferably, the formations are of a uniform size on the body and of a different uniform size on the or each nut. This has been found by the present inventors to assist with providing a particularly useful balance between an effective "locking arrangement" to prevent accidental loosening and the ability to override the locking arrangement when the need to release connection to a pipe is desired.

Preferably, the formations are of substantially the same uniform height, preferably the same uniform height on the body and on the or each nut.

Preferably, the formations are of a uniform length on the body and of a different uniform length on the or each nut.

Preferably, when there are more formations on the or each nut than on the body, the formations on the body are of a shorter length than the formations on the or each nut.

Preferably, when there are more formations on the body than on the or each nut, the formations on the or each nut are of a shorter length than the formations on the body.

Preferably, the formations are of a uniform width on the body and of a different uniform width on the or each nut. By providing formations of a different width between the body and the or each nut, this means that the formations of smaller width will engage with the formations of greater width along a substantial or full width of the formations of smaller width. Again, this particular arrangement assists with providing a particularly useful balance between an effective "locking arrangement" to prevent accidental loosening and the ability to override the locking arrangement when the need to release connection to a pipe is desired.

Preferably, the formations of smaller width are about half the width of the formations of greater width.

Preferably, the formations on the body are provided on a flange for engagement with the formations on the or each nut when the or each nut is tightened to abut against the flange.

Preferably, the formations on the body are provided in diametrically opposed pairs.

Preferably, at least one pair of diametrically opposed formations is provided on the body for each nut. Preferably, two or more pairs of diametrically opposed formations are provided on the body for each nut. Most preferably, two pairs of diametrically opposed formations are provided on the body for each nut.

Preferably, the body comprises four formations for engagement with formations on the or each nut.

Preferably, the or each nut comprises a continuous arrangement of formations along the circumference of a body engaging surface of the or each nut.

Preferably, the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the skirt flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.

Preferably, the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the collar flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.

As such, in a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameters at the skirt and the collar flare out to respective increased diameters with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.

Preferably, the diameter of the skirt is greater than the diameter of the collar.

The shape of the or each nut has been found to be particularly effective in provided a functional pipe connector. In this respect, the flared skirt allows the formations to be supported by a sufficiently thick and thus structurally sound body engaging surface of the or each nut, whilst at the same time allowing a middle portion of the or each nut to be provided with a reduced diameter with a thinner wall. This not only provides a more aesthetically pleasing connector but also reduces the amount of material required to manufacture the connector and so reduces its weight. Thus, the present invention is more environmentally friendly and less costly to manufacture and transport.

In addition to the above, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention comprising a flared collar will provide similar advantages with the collar being provided in a sufficiently thick and thus structurally sound configuration around a pipe, with the concomitant reduction in materials.

The advantages highlighted above will of course be most pronounced in embodiments comprising both a flared skirt and collar.

Preferably, the connector is substantially straight. Alternatively, the connector is curved or bent, for example at a right-angle.

Preferably, the connector is T-or Y-shaped.

Preferably, the connector comprises a tap connector and/or a stop end.

Preferably, the connector comprises at least one sleeve for receiving the end of a pipe, the or each sleeve comprising a grip for gripping the outer surface of a pipe inserted therein. Preferably, the or each sleeve is a collet.

Preferably, the grip comprises a plurality of protrusions for engagement with the outer surface of a pipe.

Preferably, the protrusions are metal blades.

Preferably, the or each sleeve is provided within the or each nut, for example within the collar of the or each nut.

Preferably, the connector comprises at least one sealing ring for positioning around a pipe and providing a seal between the body and the pipe.

Preferably, the connector comprises a plurality of nuts and a plurality of screw threads provided on the body, each nut for positioning around a different pipe inserted into the body and each screw thread provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread of one of said nuts.

Preferably, the connector comprises two nuts.

Preferably, the connector comprises three nuts.

Preferably, the connector comprises a nut at one or more of its ends, for example at each of its ends.

Preferably, the or each nut comprises a grip on its inner surface.

Preferably, the or each nut comprises a collar with a grip provided on the inner surface of the collar.

Preferably, the grip comprises one or more protrusions.

Preferably, the one or more protrusions are provided in diametrically opposed pairs.

Preferably, the protrusions comprise one or more ribs.

It will be appreciated that the grip is provided on a non-screw thread inner surface of the or each nut.

The provision of a grip on the inner surface of the or each nut has been found to be particularly effective during automated assembly of a connector according to the present invention. In this respect, it has surprisingly been found that a robot is able to securely hold a nut having such a grip much more effectively than holding the outer surface of a nut.

Preferably, the body comprises a hollow bore.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising (i) a body, and (ii) at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a securing means for securing the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the or each nut comprises a grip on its inner surface.

Preferably, the grip comprises one or more protrusions.

Preferably, the protrusions comprise one or more ribs.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising (i) a body, and (H) at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a securing means for securing the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein (i) the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the skirt flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt, and/or (ii) the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the collar flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.

Preferably, the area of increased diameter of the skirt at least partially houses the securing means.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described above are applicable to all aspects of the present invention described above, as appropriate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which Figure 1A shows a side view of a connector according to the present invention; Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in Figure 1A; Figure 1C shows an end view of the connector shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a nut of the present invention; Figures 26 and 2C show skirt end (26) and collar end (2C) views of the nut shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2D shows an enlarged view of the stepped teeth provided in the skirt of the nut shown in Figure 2A together with a schematic view of the nut to show the internal screw thread; Figure 3A shows a side view of a body of the present invention; Figure 36 shows an end of view of a body of the present invention; Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view through the line A-A of the body shown in Figure 3A; and Figure 3D shows an enlarged view of the stepped teeth provided on the flange of the body.

The present invention relates to pipe connectors, in particular to pipe connectors for use in a domestic or office environment.

Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 2O%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

With reference to Figures 1A and 1C there is shown a pipe connector 1 comprising a body 2 and two nuts 3 provided at each opposing end of the body 2. Each nut 3 abuts a flange 4. Each nut 3 has a sleeve, or collet, S for insertion of a plastic pipe (not shown) therethrough. A spacer 6 is provided for each nut 3 to space the end of the sleeve a desired distance from the collar 7 of the nut 3.

This arrangement helps to secure a pipe (not shown) within the pipe connector 1. When a pipe is to be removed from the pipe connector, the spacer 6 is removed and the sleeve S is pushed towards the body 2. This reduces the grip on the pipe by the sleeve and allows the pipe to be removed from the connector.

An 0' ring, or sealing ring (not shown) is provided for each nut to provide a seal between the body and the pipe. Also provided is a retaining ring (not shown) which is placed between the 0' ring and the sleeve 5.

Each nut 3 comprises a collar 7 and a skirt 10. The diameter of the nut 3 at the skirt 10 and the collar 7 flares out to respective increased diameters with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt 10. The diameter at the skirt is greater than at the collar.

With reference to Figure 1B, the body 2 and the nuts 3 comprise engaging screw-threaded surfaces 8, 9 to enable each nut 3 to be tightened against the flanges 4 of the body 2, such that the skirt 10 of the nut 3 abuts the respective flange 4.

The measurements provided in Figures 1A and lB relate to preferred sizes in mm for a pipe connector configured to receive a pipe of 22mm diameter. That is, the pipe connector has a length of 76.3mm in an engaged position, with the connector body 2 secured to two nuts 3; and a diameter of 41.5mm at its widest point.

With reference to Figure 2A, there is shown a perspective view of a nut 3 of the present invention without a sleeve 5 or a spacer 6. The nut 3 comprises a plurality of stepped teeth 11 for engagement with a plurality of stepped teeth 12 (as shown in Figure 3A to 3D) on the body 2. In use, the teeth 11 secure each nut 3 into engagement with the body 2 when the nut 3 is tightened against the body 2. In the example shown, the nut 3 comprises 72 stepped teeth 11 provided in a continuous ring around the circumference of a body-engaging surface 13 of the skirt 10.

Also visible in Figure 2A is one of a plurality of ribs 14 provided on the inner surface of the collar 7 of the nut 3. The ribs 14 are also shown in Figures 2B and 2C. In addition, Figure 2B shows the arrangement of stepped teeth 11 along the circumference of the body engaging surface 13 of the skirt 10.

Figure 2D shows an enlarged view of the teeth 11 around the inner rim of the nut 3. In the example shown, each tooth has a triangular cross-section with a height y of 0.6mm and a length z of 1.2mm. With reference to Figure 2B, the width x of each tooth is 1.5mm.

Figure 3A shows a side view of a body 2 without nuts secured thereto. The body 2 comprises flanges 4 each for engagement with a nut 3. Each flange 4 is provided with two pairs of diametrically opposed stepped teeth 12 for engagement with the stepped teeth 11 on the nuts 3 (as shown in Figures 2A and 2B).

With reference to Figure 3D, each tooth on the body has a height y of 0.6mm and length z of 1.0 mm. With reference to Figure 3A, the width x of each tooth on the body is 2.5mm.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising (i) a body, and (ii) at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a plurality of formations for engagement with a plurality of formations on the body to secure the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body.
2. A pipe connector according to claim 1, wherein the formations on the body are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the body and there are more formations on the or each nut than on the body, or wherein the formations on the or each nut are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the or each nut and there are more formations on the body than on the or each nut.
3. A pipe connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the formations on the body are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the body.
4. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations on the or each nut are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the or each nut.
5. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the difference between (i) the number of formations provided on the or each nut and (ii) the number of formations provided on the body for each nut is at a ratio of between about 10:1 and about 25:1, preferably between about 12:1 and about 24:1, preferably between about 14:1 and about 22:1, preferably between about 16:1 and about 20:1, preferably between about 17:1 and about 19:1, most preferably about 18:1.
6. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises between about 50 and about 100 formations and the body comprises between about 2 and about 10 formations per nut.
7. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises a continuous arrangement of formations along the circumference of a body engaging surface of the or each nut.
8. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations are shaped to permit tightening of the or each nut against the body and to resist loosening of the or each nut away from the body when the formations on the or each nut are in engagement with the formations on the body.
9. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations are of a uniform size on the body and of a different uniform size on the or each nut.
10. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein there are more formations on the or each nut than on the body and the formations on the body are of a shorter length than the formations on the or each nut.
11. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations are of a uniform width on the body and of a different uniform width on the or each nut.
12. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations on the body are provided in diametrically opposed pairs.
13. A pipe connector according to claim 12, wherein the body comprises four formations for engagement with formations on the or each nut.
14. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the skirt flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.
15. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the collar flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.
16. A pipe connector according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the diameter of the skirt is greater than the diameter of the collar.
17. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises a grip on its inner surface.
18. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises a collar with a grip provided on the inner surface of the collar.
19. A pipe connector according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the grip comprises one or more protrusions.
20. A pipe connector according to claim 19, wherein the one or more protrusions are provided in diametrically opposed pairs.
21. A pipe connector according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the one or more protrusions comprise one or more ribs.
22. A pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising (i) a body, and (ii) at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a securing means for securing the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the or each nut comprises a grip on its inner surface.
23. A pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising (i) a body, and (ii) at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a securing means for securing the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein (i) the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the skirt flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt, and/or (ii) the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the collar flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.
24. A pipe connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been filM as follows:CLAIMS1. A pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising a body, and at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a plurality of formations for engagement with a plurality of formations on the body to secure the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body wherein the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the skirt and/or the collar flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the collar and the skirt.LI") 2. A pipe connector according to claim 1, whereIn the formations on the body are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the body and there are CO more formations on the or each nut than on the body, or wherein the formations on the or each nut are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the or each nut and there are more formations on the body than on the or each nut.3. A pipe connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the formations on the body are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the body.4. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations on the or each nut are equally spaced apart along the circumference of the or each nut.5. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the difference between the number of formations provIded on the or each nut and the number of formatIons provIded on the body for each nut Is at a ratio of between about 10:1 and about 25:1.6. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises between about 50 and about 100 formations and the body comprises between about 2 and about 10 formations per nut.7. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises a continuous arrangement of formations along the circumference of a body engaging surface of the or each nut.8. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations are shaped to permit tightening of the or each nut against the body and to resist loosening of the or each nut away from the body when the formations on the or each nut are in engagement with the formations on the body.LI") 9. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations are of a uniform size on the body and of a different uniform size on (0 the or each nut.10. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein there are more formations on the or each nut than on the body and the formations on the body are of a shorter length than the formations on the or each nut.11. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations are of a unifOrm width on the body and of a different uniform width on the or each nut.12. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the formations on the body are provided in diametrically opposed pairs.13. A pipe connector according to claim 12, wherein the body comprises four formations for engagement with formations on the or each nut.14. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of the skirt is greater than the diameter of the collar.15. A pipe connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each nut comprises a grip on its inner surface.16. A pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising a body, and at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a plurality of formations for engagement with a plurality of formations on the body to secure the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the or each nut comprises a collar with a grip provided on the inner surface of the collar.LI") 17. A pipe connector according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the grip comprises one or more protrusions. (018. A pipe connector according to claim 17, wherein the one or more protrusions are provided in diametricaiiy opposed pairs.19. A pipe connector according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the one or more protrusions comprise one or more ribs.20. A pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising a body, and at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread Is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a securing means for securing the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the or each nut comprises a coliar with a grip provided on the inner surface of the coiiar.21. A pipe connector, the pipe connector comprising a body, and at least one nut for insertion of a pipe therein, wherein a screw thread is provided on the body for engagement with a screw thread on the or each nut, the or each nut comprising a securing means for securing the or each nut into engagement with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the or each nut comprises a collar for insertion of a pipe therein, and a skirt for engaging with the body when the or each nut is tightened against the body, wherein the diameter of the or each nut at the skirt and/or the coiiar flares out to an increased diameter with reference to an area of lesser diameter between the coilar and the skirt.22. A pipe connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures. LI) (0 Co