GB2571070A

GB2571070A - An apparatus for joining and extending pipework or pipes

Info

Publication number: GB2571070A
Application number: GB1802002.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David George Hanney Richard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-07
Filing date: 2018-02-07
Publication date: 2019-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-07
Also published as: GB201802002D0; GB2571070B

Abstract

An apparatus 100 for joining or extending pipework or pipes comprises a pipe body 1, and extensible pipe section 2. The pipe body comprises a central portion 12 flanked by at least two open end portions 13. The pipe body and the extensible pipe section are retractably positioned to form a continuous pipe channel. A first end (11, fig. 9B) of the extensible pipe section is housed within the pipe body and the extensible pipe section extends through the open end portion of the pipe body. The extensible pipe section is arranged to move from a first retracted position, where the first end is located within the pipe body, to a second extended position, where the first end is proximate the open end portion. First attachment means is arranged to attach the extensible pipe section to the pipe body in any position between the first retracted position and the second extended position. Second attachment means (10, fig 9B) is arranged to attach an open end portion of the pipe body or a second end of the pipe member to an external pipe. The first and/or second attachment means can be solder.

Description

Field of Invention

An apparatus for joining or extending pipework, and more particularly an apparatus that may be used as a replacement pipework section for damaged or structurally unsound pipes or an apparatus that may be used to extend off existing pipework or pipes.

Background of the invention

Pipework and pipes find many uses for transporting fluids and gases, such as water, sewage and natural gas. Over their lifetime sections of pipework can become damaged or structurally unsound due to a variety of reasons, for example, wear, accidental damage, a build-up of pressure or environmental conditions.

It can prove more cost and time effective to replace a smaller section of the damaged or structurally unsound pipe rather than replace the whole pipe. Also, a simpler repair may help make safe the area surrounding the pipework in a timelier manner. Additionally, it is desirable that the repair have a lifetime similar to that of the original pipework.

Typically, repairing a damaged section of pipework involves an undesirable process, such as removing and replacing the entire section of the damaged pipe or bending the existing pipework, which has the potential to damage it further.

Extending or branching off existing pipework can also involve undesirable processes such as bending and cutting existing pipework, and removing entire lengths of pipe to fit the desired adapter or branch point.

The object of the apparatus presented herein is to alleviate some of the problems described above.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes comprising a pipe body, at least one extensible pipe section, at least one first attachment means and at least two second attachment means; the pipe body comprising a central portion flanked by at least two open end portions; the extensible pipe section comprising a pipe member, wherein the pipe body and the extensible pipe section are retractably positioned to form a continuous pipe channel, wherein a first end of the extensible pipe section is housed within the pipe body and the extensible pipe section extends through the open end portion of the pipe body, extensible pipe section being arranged to move from a first retracted position, where the first end is located within the pipe body, to a second extended position, where the first end of the extensible section is proximate the open end portion, wherein the or each first attachment means is arranged to attach the extensible pipe section to the pipe body in any position between the first retracted position and the second extended position, and wherein each second attachment means is arranged to attach an open end portion of the pipe body ora second end of the pipe member to an external pipe.

In this way, there is provided an apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes where the apparatus is extensible and where the apparatus may be permanently attached and fixed to the external existing pipework. Advantageously, the apparatus does not require the user to bend the existing pipework. Additionally, the installation and use of the apparatus is quick and simple.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises two extensible pipe sections, two first attachment means and two second attachment means, wherein the extensible pipe sections are arranged within the pipe body to coaxially align and extend away from one another.

Preferably, the third open end portion has a solid end.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a third extensible pipe section that extends from the pipe body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the other two pipe sections.

Preferably, any one or more of the first attachment means and second attachment means is selected from at least one of the range; press fit, end feed fittings, push fit, clamp fit, friction fit, interference fit, adhesive, settable material, resettable material, fasteners, hose clamp.

Preferably, the attachment means are fixed attachments.

Preferably, the fixed attachments are permanent attachments.

Preferably, the attachment means is a settable and resettable material and is solder.

Preferably, each open end portion comprises an opening.

Preferably, the open end portion comprises a recess which defines a volume, wherein the recess is arranged proximate to the opening of the open end portion, and wherein the recess is arranged in an orientation outward of the central axis of the pipe body.

Preferably, the extensible pipe section comprises a recess which defines a volume arranged proximate a second end of the extensible pipe section, and wherein the recess is arranged in an orientation outward of the central axis of the pipe body.

Preferably, wherein any one or more of the first attachment means and second attachment means is a settable and resettable material and is solder, and wherein the solder is arranged in a continuous ring or loop housed within the recess and the solder is of complementary shape to the volume of the recess in which it is housed.

Preferably, the application of heat to the apparatus forms the attachment between an external pipe and the open end portion of the pipe body or heat provides the attachment between an external pipe and the second end of the pipe member.

Preferably, the pipe member has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pipe body.

Preferably, the first end of the extensible pipe section is flanged.

Preferably, the flanged end of the extensible pipe has an outer diameter larger than at least a section of the open end portion of the pipe body.

Preferably, the open end portion comprises a contact fit for housing the flanged end when the extensible pipe section is in the second position; wherein the contact fit is selected from the range; contact fit, bump fit, push fit, friction fit, interference fit, press fit, friction fit.

Preferably, the flanged end of the extensible section is arranged such that it is confined with the pipe body.

Preferably, the pipe body and the extensible sections comprise a substantially circular cross-section.

Preferably, the pipe body and the extensible sections are substantially tubular.

Preferably, the open end portion of the pipe body or the pipe member of the extensible pipe section of the apparatus that is being attached to the external pipework has an internal diameter that complements the outside diameter external pipework.

Preferably, the internal diameter is designed to fit external pipework with an outside diameter in the range from 5 mm to 300 mm.

Preferably, the internal diameter of the second end of the pipe member or the open end portion of the pipe body is adapted to fit standard sized external pipework, where the standard sized external pipework has an outside diameter selected from around the range of the following; 6 mm, 8 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 12.7 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 15.875 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, 19.05 mm, 22 mm, 22.225 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 28.575 mm, 34.925 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 41.275 mm, 42 mm, 53.975 mm, 54 mm, 64 mm, 66.675 mm, 66.7 mm, 67 mm, 70 mm, 76.1 mm, 76.2 mm, 79.375 mm, 80 mm, 88.9 mm, 108 mm, 108.1 mm, 133 mm, 133.4 mm, 159 mm, 159.4 mm, 219 mm, 267 mm.

Preferably, the apparatus substantially comprises at least one material selected from the range; copper, iron, steel, brass, lead, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Preferably, in the first retracted position the first end is proximate to the midpoint of the pipe body.

Preferably, in the first retracted position the first end is proximate to an open end portion of the pipe body.

In accordance with a second aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus as described above.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing the joining apparatus as described above.

Brief Description of Figures

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1a and 1b show isometric views of a first embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention, in a first retracted position and a second extended position, respectively;

Figures 2a and 2b show second isometric views of a first embodiment of the apparatus for joining pipework in accordance with the present invention, in a first retracted position and a second extended position, respectively;

Figures 3a and 3b show isometric views of a second embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention, in a first retracted position and a second extended position, respectively;

Figures 4a and 4b show second isometric views of a second embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention, in a first retracted position and a second extended position, respectively;

Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention; and

Figures 9 show sectional views of a first embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings there are depicted two embodiments of the apparatus 100, 200 for joining or extending pipework or pipes.

Referring to Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 9a and 9b of the drawings there is depicted an embodiment of the apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes 100. The apparatus 100 comprises a pipe body 1 and two substantially similar extensible pipe sections 2.

The body 1 of the apparatus 100 comprises a central portion 12 and two open end portions 13. The central portion 12 of the apparatus resembles a pipe: a tubular cylinder with a substantially circular cross-section, open ends, substantially parallel walls which substantially are perpendicular to the open ends and a channel running along the cylinder’s longitudinal axis. The two open end portions 13 of the pipe body 1 also resemble a pipe and are located at either end of the central portion 12. The open end portions 13 comprise a generally cylindrical tubular shape comprising two open ends and a channel that extends between the open ends. Thus, the pipe body 1 comprises a channel with a substantially circular cross-section along its length.

The pipe body 1 comprises a volume defined by a recess 14 in the outer surface of the parallel walls of the pipe body 1 at approximately the mid-point of the longitudinal axis of the central portion 12. The recess 14 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe body 1 and central portion 12 and is constant in size and shape as extends around the circumference of the central portion 12. The recess 14 protrudes into the channel of the central portion 12 (and pipe body 1) such that a diameter of the channel proximal to the recess 14 is reduced. The reduction in a diameter of the channel is approximately less than 5%. The pipe body 1 comprises a plane of symmetry along the recess 14.

At the two peripheral ends of the cylindrical central portion 12 are the two open end portions 13. The open end portions 13 are separated from the central portion 12 by peripheral recess 15 each, which is similarly shaped, sized and orientated to the midpoint recess 14. The outer edge of the recess 15 transitions from the central portion 12 to the open end portions 13. The generally cylindrical open end portions 13 have a diameter which is approximately 5% smaller than the diameter of the central portion 12. Additionally, the open end portions 13 further comprise a contact fit 5, which is adjacent to the peripheral recess 15. The open end portions 13 walls contract at an oblique angle to form the contact fit 5. The contact fit 5 narrows the channel of the open end portions 13 greater than the peripheral recess 15 and the channel of the open end portions 13 maintains this narrower channel to the terminus of the open end portions 13.

The open end portions 13 further comprise an outwardly protruding recess, which is located approximately at the midpoint of the open end portion 13 and towards the outer edge of the open end portion 13 relative to the central portion 12. The outwardly protruding recess 16 comprises a volume with a cross-section substantially like a section of a circle and the volume and recess 16 houses a ring of solder 10. The ring of solder 10 comprises a continuous loop of solder and a cross-section resembling a section of a circle. The ring of solder 10 is accommodated in the outwardly protruding recess 16 around its full circumference as it extends around the open end portion 13, but the ring of solder 10 does not substantially protrude into the channel of the pipe body 1. The ring of solder 10 is an attachment means that is settable and resettable through the application of heat.

The outwardly protruding recess 16 is flanked by the walls of the open end portion 13 that are substantially parallel to the walls of the central portion 12. The open end portion 13 comprises an aperture 17 at its end, i.e. in the base of its cylindrical shape, which is substantially circular.

The pipe body 1 of the apparatus 100 houses two extensible pipe sections 2. The extensible pipe sections 2 comprise a substantially cylindrical and tubular pipe member 18. The outer edge of the extensible pipe section 2 has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the channel of the open end portions 13. As such, the extensible pipe section 2 is complementary in size, can fit inside and be flush with the internal surfaces of the walls of the open end portion 13. The extensible pipe sections 2 comprise a substantially circular cross-section that is generally constant in diameter along its length and as such defines a channel. Each of the extensible pipe sections 2 is approximately 50% the length of the pipe body 1.

In the apparatus 100, the extensible pipe sections 2 are located within the pipe body 1. The inner end of the extensible pipe section 2 closest to the central portion 12 is splayed outwardly in an oblique cone-like manner to form a flanged end 11. This flanged end 11 of the extensible pipe section 2 has a circumference and diameter larger than the circumference and diameter of the open end portion 13 of the pipe body 1. The extensible pipe section 2 is prevented from being pulled out the pipe body 1 and is confined to being housed within the pipe body 1.

The flanged end 11 has a circumference and diameter that are smaller than the central portion 12 of the pipe body 1 and therefore the flanged ends 11 can be translated along a one-dimensional axis within the central portion 12 of the pipe body 1.

The contact fits 5 and flanged splayed ends 11 are located the inner of the pipe body 1 and outer of the extensible pipe sections 2, respectively. As such, they confine at least a portion of the extensible pipe sections 2 within the pipe body 1. In other words, the extensible pipe sections 2 cannot be pulled apart from the pipe body 1. In use, the contact fits 5 hold the flanged end 11 of the extensible pipe sections 2 in place before their positions are fixed by the rings of solder 10.

Proximal to the (other) outer end of the extensible pipe section 2 and proximal to an end of the pipe member 18 is a recess 19. The recess 19 extends around the entire circumference of the pipe member 18 and is orientated substantially parallel to the longitudinal of the section 2. The recess 19 comprises a cross-section which substantially resembles a section of a circle and houses a second ring of solder 20 whose shape is complementary to the shape of the recess 19. The rings of solder 20 similar in shape to the other pair of solder rings 10, but comprise a smaller diameter of ring. The ring of solder 20 does not substantially protrude into the channel of the extensible pipe section 2. This recess 19 projects outwardly and increases the outer diameter of the extensible pipe section 2. The increased diameter of the recess 19 inhibits insertion of the extensible pipe sections 2 into the pipe body 1 of the apparatus past the recess 19 abutting the pipe body 1. The ring of solder 20 is an attachment means that is settable and resettable through the application of heat.

Each of the extensible pipe sections 2 can be moved from a first retracted position (as is, for example, shown in Figure 1a) to a second extended position. In the first retracted position outer recess 19 of the extensible pipe section 2 is proximal to the outer edge of the open end portions 13 and the flanged end 11 of the extensible pipe section 2 is proximal to the central recess 14 of the central portion 12. This means that in the first retracted position a majority of the extensible section is housed internally within said pipe body. The extensible pipe sections extend and retract in a telescopic manner.

In the second extended position (as is, for example, shown in Figure 1b), the flanged end 11 of the extensible pipe section 2 is located at the proximal to the contact fit 5 and the open end portion 13 of the pipe body 1. This means that in the second extended position the majority of the extensible pipe section is located outside of the pipe body.

Thus, the extensible pipe sections 2 are coaxially aligned and extendable, such that they can occupy a first retracted position (Figures 1a, 2a, 5a, 6a and 9a), where a substantial majority of the length of the pipe section 2 is housed in the pipe body 1, to a second extended position where the substantial majority of the length of the pipe section 2 is outside of the pipe body 1 (Figures 1b, 2b, 5b, 6b and 9b).

The end apertures 3 of the extensible pipe section 2 are arranged to join to external pipework and pipes (not shown), and in the first position the apertures 3 are spatially closer, and in a second position where the ends 3 are spatially further apart. The pipe sections 2 face and extend in opposing directions so as to make an elongate length in the second position that is shorter in the first position.

The pipe body 1 and the pipe sections 2 comprise copper and in particular extruded copper. The extensible pipe sections 2 comprise an internal diameter of 8 mm or a diameter size and shape of other standard pipework.

In its collapsed, or retracted, first position the apparatus 100 is approximately 55 mm long. Then the device 100 is extended into its second position it is approximately 80mm long. This extension provides a sufficient surface area of overlap between the extensible pipe sections 2 and the existing pipework to enable the apparatus 100 to join the existing pipework and for the apparatus to be attached the to the existing pipework.

In this way the device of the present invention provides an extendable copper pipe fitting that will allow a gas engineer to replace a section of pipe without bending the existing lengths of pipe which may cause damage to the system. The four pre-set rings of solder 10 are located inside apparatus: one in each extensible pipe section 2 and two in the main pipe body 1. The extensible pipe sections 2 may be defined as extendable arms that can be pulled out from a main pipe body 1 of the apparatus 100, so as to cover the existing pipework. The sections 2 comprise internal rings of solder 20 so that once they have been placed over the existing pipework the extensible pipe sections 2 are heated to form an attachment between them. The attachment is formed by the solder and is an airtight and watertight seal between the existing pipework and the apparatus 100. The solder rings 20 allow the apparatus 100 to be fitted securely onto the pipe by simply applying heat to reflow the solder.

Additionally, the pipe body 1 comprises internal rings of solder 10 within their open end portions 13. The open end portions 13 overlap with the extensible pipe sections 2 and an airtight seal and permanent attachment can be formed between the open end portions 13 and the extensible pipe sections 2 by heating and reflowing the solder of the solder rings 10.

In this way the device of the present invention allows a gas engineer to replace a section of a pipe without bending the existing lengths of pipe and potentially causing damage to the system.

The fitting significantly reduces the time it takes to repair gas piping. It also reduces the number of faults in the pipe that arise when bending the pipe to accommodate standard fittings.

In particular, with reference to Figures 3b, 4b, 7b and 8b a second embodiment of the apparatus 200 for joining pipework is shown. The apparatus 200 comprises two coaxially aligned extensible pipe sections 2. These sections 2 face in opposing directions and extend away from one another from two different open end portions 13. The apparatus 200 further comprises a third extensible pipe section 2 which is located on the pipe body 1 and is orientated such that the extensible pipe section 2 extends in a direction perpendicular to the two other extensible sections 2. In other words this makes a T-piece pipe body 1.

The main difference between the apparatus 200 and the previous embodiment is that the apparatus 200 comprises a pipe body that comprises a T-shaped (or T-piece) central portion 12. The arms of the T-piece resemble the first embodiment and the central T-piece stem is extra. The T-piece comprises an extra length of pipe body 1 and a third open end portion 13. From the third open end portion 13 an extensible pipe section 2 is attached similarly as described above. The apparatus 200 further comprises settable and resettable first 10 and second 20 attachment means as a way of fixing and attaching the pipe body 1 to the extensible pipe sections 12 and attaching the extensible pipe sections 12 to the external piping, respectively.

In use the user will, cut out and remove the damaged portion of the existing external pipework, fit an extensible pipe section (or an open end portion 13 of the pipe body 1) over the existing external pipe, extend the extensible pipe sections to join and link the two ‘free’ ends of the pipework via the channel of the apparatus and, finally, apply heat to the external surface of the apparatus. The application of heat should reset and reflow the rings of solder, such that they form, on cooling, permanent attachments between the apparatus and external pipework. Specifically, the permanent attachments will be formed between the extensible pipe sections 2 and the open end portions 13, and between the external pipework and the extensible pipe section 2, or between the external pipework and the open end portions 13

The device thereby removes need for users to bend pipes in order to repair breaks as the installation procedure is very simple. Once the user has cut the damaged pipework, they simply inserts the new device onto the pipework and extends the arm sections so as to link both sides of the broken pipework, and secures in place by heating the solder ring inserts.

The invention may be further understood with the following paragraphs.

The pictured embodiment of the invention provides a device for joining pipes, in particular copper pipework.

With reference to the figures there are generally shown two embodiments of a device 100, 200 for joining pipes comprising a body 1 and at least two ends 3, which ends 3 are arranged to join to external pipework (not shown), and which body 1 is arranged to move from a first position where the ends 3 are closer together, to a second position where the ends 3 are further apart.

In particular with reference to figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 the embodiment 100 shown comprises two coaxially extensible internal sections 2, extending from a unitary body 1 forming an outer sleeve. These sections 2 face and extend in opposing directions so as to make an elongate length in the second position that is shorter in the first position.

The body 1 and the sections 2 are formed of copper cylinder, the sections being 8mm in internal diameter or other standard pipework sizing.

In this way the device of the present invention provides an extendable copper pipe fitting that will allow a gas engineer to replace a section of pipe without bending the existing lengths of pipe which may cause damage to the system. The extendable sections 2 may be defined as extendable arms that can be pulled out from a main body 1 of the device 100, so as to be sealed over the existing pipework.

In its collapsed first state or position (as shown in Figure 2a) the device 100 is approximately 55mm long. This is due to the fact that the extendable pipe sections must be housed within the outer sleeve when collapsed.

When the device 100 is extended into the second position it is approximately 80mm long. This extension provides a large surface area of overlap between the ends 2 fitting and allowing attachment to existing pipework.

In particular reference to figures 3, 4, 7 and 8 the embodiment 200 shown comprises two coaxially extendable internal sections 2. These face in opposing directions from outer sleeves, and have an orthogonal third section therebetween, so as to make an elongate length in the second position that is shorter in the first position, with a T junction body 1 extending centrally.

The ends 3 in both pictured embodiments include internal solder rings 10 so that once the ends are on place on the pipework the end simply needs to be heated to fix in place. The sections 2 also have internal rings of solder at their intersection with the body 1.

In this way the device of the present invention allows a gas engineer to replace a section of a pipe without bending the existing lengths of pipe and potentially causing damage to the system and solder the pipe to the device or viceversa.

In the first pictured embodiment the device 100 is made from extruded copper, and comprises two extendable arm sections 2, one main body 1 and four solder ring inserts 10. In its collapsed first position, the device is approximately 55 mm long, and 80 mm when fully extended in the second position for both sections 2. Four pre-set solder rings 10 are located inside both the arm sections and the main body.

The rings allow the extendable copper fitting to be securely sealed onto the pipe by simply applying heat to reflow the solder. As mean of safety, bump fits 5 and flanged ends 11 are located onto the inner of the body 1 and outer of the sections 2 respectively to prevent the inner sections at full extended length from moving before they are fixed in place and hold the internal sections 2 in place before they are fixed with the solder rings 10. The circumferentially extending bump fits on the inner of the body interact with external flanges at the ends of the sections wherein as shown in Figure 9, wherein both have rounded sectional profiles.

The embodiments comprise the following:

Solder ring 10

Main fitting body 1

Flanged end 11 on arm sections 2

Extendable arm section 2

Inner solder ring 10 and outer solder ring 10

Bump fit 5 - if the fitting is being used in the vertical position, this will hold it in the extended arrangement while the solder is heated

The second pictured embodiment of the device is a T-Shaped fitting to fit an even wider range of pipework configurations, wherein the main central body has a T shape, from which three extendable arm sections 2 locate. The embodiment can be extended vertically in the left and right directions, and longitudinally downwards or upwards depending on the way it requires to be installed. Inner and outer rings facilitate permanent fixing.

In use the user will:

Cut the damaged portion of the pipework

Fit the device onto one side of the pipework

After extending the arm sections to ensure the two ends of the pipework are linked together, solder the rings to secure the device permanently.

The device thereby removes need for users to bend pipes in order to repair breaks as the installation procedure is very simple. Once the user has cut the damaged pipework, s/he simply inserts the new device onto the pipework and extends the arm sections so as to link both sides of the broken pipework, and secures in place by heating the solder ring inserts.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction 15 and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for joining or extending pipework or pipes comprising a pipe body, at least one extensible pipe section, at least one first attachment means and at least two second attachment means;

the pipe body comprising a central portion flanked by at least two open end portions;

the extensible pipe section comprising a pipe member, wherein the pipe body and the extensible pipe section are retractably positioned to form a continuous pipe channel, wherein a first end of the extensible pipe section is housed within the pipe body and the extensible pipe section extends through the open end portion of the pipe body, the extensible pipe section being arranged to move from a first retracted position, where the first end is located within the pipe body, to a second extended position, where the first end of the extensible section is proximate the open end portion, wherein the or each first attachment means is arranged to attach the extensible pipe section to the pipe body in any position between the first retracted position and the second extended position, and wherein each second attachment means is arranged to attach an open end portion of the pipe body or a second end of the pipe member to an external pipe.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises two extensible pipe sections, two first attachment means and two second attachment means, wherein the extensible pipe sections are arranged within the pipe body to coaxially align and extend away from one another.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pipe body comprises a third open end portion and a third second attachment means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the third open end portion has a solid end.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a third extensible pipe section that extends from the third open end portion and pipe body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the other two pipe sections.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claims, wherein any one or more of the first attachment means and second attachment means is selected from at least one of the range; press fit, end feed fittings, push fit, clamp fit, friction fit, interference fit, adhesive, settable material, resettable material, fasteners, hose clamp.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment means are fixed attachments.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the fixed attachments are permanent attachments.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein any one or more of the first attachment means and second attachment means is a settable and resettable material and is solder.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each open end portion comprises an opening.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the open end portion comprises a recess which defines a volume, wherein the recess is arranged proximate to the opening of the open end portion, and wherein the recess is arranged in an orientation outward of the central axis of the pipe body.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the extensible pipe section comprises a recess which defines a volume arranged proximate a second end of the extensible pipe section, and wherein the recess is arranged in an orientation outward of the central axis of the pipe body.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein any one or more of the first attachment means and second attachment means is a settable and resettable material and is solder, and wherein the solder is arranged in a continuous ring or loop housed within the recess of claim 11 and/or 12 and the solder is of complementary shape to the volume of the recess in which it is housed.

14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the application of heat to the apparatus forms the attachment between an external pipe and the open end portion of the pipe body or heat provides the attachment between an external pipe and the second end of the pipe member.

15. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe member has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pipe body.

16. The apparatus any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the extensible pipe section is flanged.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the flanged end of the extensible pipe has an outer diameter larger than at least a section of the open end portion of the pipe body.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the open end portion comprises a contact fit for housing the flanged end when the extensible pipe section is in the second position; wherein the contact fit is selected from the range; contact fit, bump fit, push fit, friction fit, interference fit, press fit, friction fit.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 16, 17 or 18, wherein the flanged end of the extensible section is arranged such that it is confined with the pipe body.

20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe body and the extensible sections comprise a substantially circular cross-section.

21. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe body and the extensible sections are substantially tubular.

22. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the open end portion of the pipe body or the pipe member of the extensible pipe section of the apparatus that is being attached to the external pipework has an internal diameter that complements the outside diameter external pipework.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the internal diameter is designed to fit external pipework with an outside diameter in the range from 5 mm to 300 mm.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the internal diameter of the second end of the pipe member or the open end portion of the pipe body is adapted to fit standard sized external pipework, where the standard sized external pipework has an outside diameter selected from the range; 6 mm, 8 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 12.7 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 15.875 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, 19.05 mm, 22 mm, 22.225 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 28.575 mm, 34.925 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 41.275 mm, 42 mm, 53.975 mm, 54 mm, 64 mm, 66.675 mm, 66.7 mm, 67 mm, 70 mm, 76.1 mm, 76.2 mm, 79.375 mm, 80 mm, 88.9 mm, 108 mm, 108.1 mm, 133 mm, 133.4 mm, 159 mm, 159.4 mm, 219 mm, 267 mm.

25. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus substantially comprises at least one material selected from the range; copper, iron, steel, brass, lead, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

26. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein in the first retracted position the first end is proximate to the midpoint of the pipe body.

27. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein in the first retracted position the first end is proximate to an open end portion of the pipe body.

28. A method of manufacture of the apparatus according to claims 1 to 27.

29. Apparatus to manufacture the apparatus of claims 1 to 27.