GB2610194A

GB2610194A - Sleeve for pipe

Info

Publication number: GB2610194A
Application number: GB2112134.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Embleton Matthew
Original assignee: Exadrain Ltd
Current assignee: Exadrain Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-24
Filing date: 2021-08-24
Publication date: 2023-03-01
Also published as: GB202112134D0

Abstract

A sleeve for protecting a pipe passing through a wall, the sleeve comprising: a body 200 having two open ends for receiving a pipe; wherein at least one of the open ends comprises a flange 300 for alignment with an edge of a wall. Aspects include the flange is shaped as a substantially right-angled parallelogram, preferably a square; the body is substantially cylindrical. The sleeve is configured to create a void / clearance around the pipe for movement of the pipe and/or to allow for insulation / lagging material. The sleeve is suited to protecting a drainage pipe passing through a substructure wall. The sleeve may have a cover (Fig 5, 400) which engages with the flange 300 to cover at least a part of the body 200 open end. The cover outer diameter is greater than the diameter of the opening in the body 200, such that the cover acts to “reduce” the size of the opening in the body when engaged with the flange 300, thereby providing a seal between the pipe and the flange and enclosing the sleeve 100 opening and the body inner surface at one end.

Description

SLEEVE FOR PIPE

The present invention relates to a sleeve for protecting a pipe, and in particular to a sleeve for protecting a pipe passing through a wall. The invention extends to a corresponding structure comprising the sleeve and a wall.

In a structure (e.g. a residential building), pipes often need pass through walls (e.g. substructure masonry). It is important to protect the pipes from damage to avoid an interruption in the services provided by the pipes (e.g. drainage, gas, water, electrical, etc.) and to comply with construction regulations. National House Building Council (NHBC) regulations in the UK dictate that drainage pipes passing through substructure walls should be provided with a 50mm clearance all around the pipe to accommodate possible movement of the pipe (e.g. due to movement of the pipe or wall by settlement).

Current methods of protecting pipes passing through walls usually involve cutting a plastic duct to the length of an opening in the wall, placing the pipe through the duct (such that the duct provides the necessary clearance around the pipe), and stuffing the area between the duct and the wall with open cell insulation (e.g. rock wool -which the inventors have found is ill-suited for use in the ground) in order to fill the gap. A duct installed in this way may not be well aligned with the wall. There may also be gaps between the duct and the wall, which may allow material or vermin to enter the building and may allow the duct to be easily damaged in use. In addition, relying on an installer to manually cut and install the duct may result in inconsistent quality and/or durability of each installed duct due to human error, and may further result in a long installation time. Moreover, the inventors have found that upon backfilling (e.g. covering the duct with previously excavated soil), rock wool (or similar) insulation often becomes wet and sinks, causing the pipe and/or the protecting duct to move.

The present disclosure seeks to at least partially alleviate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a sleeve for protecting a pipe passing through a wall, the sleeve comprising: a body having two open ends for receiving a pipe; wherein at least one of the open ends comprises a flange (arranged at or in line with the end of the body) for alignment with an edge of a wall. The sleeve is preferably configured to create a void/clearance around the pipe for movement of the pipe and/or to allow for insulation/lagging material, more preferably wherein the void/clearance is at least 50 mm around the length of the pipe. The flange extends beyond the body and provides a surface that may be used for improved alignment of the sleeve with an edge of a wall. Preferably, the wall abuts the flange (in use), more preferably where the wall abuts an inner surface of the flange / a surface of the flange facing towards the body. Further, by extending beyond the body, the flange may protect the body from friction against the wall during installation or in use, and thereby may reduce wear of the body and protect a pipe in the body from damage, and/or may provide a reliable and secure duct through the wall.

Preferably, a face, specifically the outer edge of the face, of the flange is shaped as a (substantially) right-angled parallelogram, more preferably a square. This may allow improved alignment of the flange with the wall and more resilient attachment of the flange to the wall.

Preferably, the body is (substantially) cylindrical. This may allow an even spacing to be provided around the pipe. This may also allow the size of the void in the body to be reduced, which may reduce the possibility for material or vermin to enter the body and/or may allow the area of the gap/hole in the wall to be reduced, which may improve the strength of the wall and/or the connection of the wall to the sleeve, as well as reducing the size and material costs of the sleeve.

Preferably, the ratio between the shortest side length of the flange face and the outer diameter of the body is between 1.1 and 1.5, more preferably between 1.25 and 1.35, yet more preferably approximately 1.3.

Preferably, the ratio between the outer diameter of the flange and the outer diameter of the body is between 1.6 and 2, more preferably between 1.8 and 1.9, yet more preferably approximately 1.84.

Preferably, each of the open ends comprises a flange for alignment with an edge of a wall. This may allow flanges to engage with the wall at both outer edges of the wall. Providing a flange at each end may further assist when regulations require the sleeve to provide a surface around the pipe (e.g. while using a rocker, that is, a short length of pipe (which may include flexible joints) intended to allow for flex in the system).

Preferably, the flanges are identical.

Preferably, the flange is arranged (substantially) perpendicularly to (the longitudinal axis of) the body. That is, the flange extends from the body (substantially) perpendicular to the length of the body. This may provide improved support of the body by the flange (e.g. as it reduces angular movement) and/or may enable improved positioning of the sleeve in the wall (e.g. by allowing improved alignment of the flange with a wall surface).

Preferably, a wall/face/plate of the flange is (substantially) flat. The wall preferably has a width of at least 5mm.

Preferably, the sleeve further comprises at least one cover configured to engage with the at least one flange.

Preferably, the at least one cover is configured to cover at least part of an open end.

Preferably, the flange and the cover each comprise one or more respective apertures for receiving one or more engagement features, more preferably wherein the one or more 25 engagement features are one or more pop sockets.

Preferably, the cover is configured to provide a seal between the pipe and the flange. The cover and the flange may thus provide a sealed "solid" face around the pipe, which may be particularly beneficial when protecting a drainage pipe including 'rockers' (such that the opening in the body may be of reduced size). The cover may also assist in cases when regulations require the sleeve to provide a solid surface around the pipe.

Preferably, the cover comprises a protrusion configured to engage with the inner surface of the body.

Preferably, the outer diameter of the cover is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange.

Optionally, the outer diameter of the cover is greater than the outer diameter of the body, preferably wherein the ratio between the outer diameter of the cover and the outer diameter of the body is between 1.1 and 1.3, more preferably between 1.15 and 1.2, yet more preferably approximately 1.74.

Preferably, the face of the cover has a (substantially) circular shape.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a sloped or curved/curving portion connecting an outer surface of the body and a face of the flange. This may improve strength.

Preferably, the flange (or one of the flanges) and at least a part of the body are manufactured as a single component.

Preferably, the sleeve is manufactured using injection moulding.

Preferably, the sleeve is made from recycled material, preferably from a recycled plastic, more preferably from recycled Copolymer Polypropylene.

Preferably, the flange is for abutting an edge of a wall, preferably wherein an inner surface of the flange (that is, a surface facing inwardly to the sleeve) is for abutting an edge of a wall.

The sleeve preferably creates a space for movement of the pipe and/or a 50mm clearance around the pipe. Allowing movement of the pipe may reduce damage to the pipe and reduce the chances of an interruption in the services provided by the pipe.

Preferably, the pipe is a drainage pipe. Such drainage pipes are generally solid and thus are less resistant to movement of the pipe/building than flexible pipes.

Preferably, the body is (substantially) cylindrical.

Preferably, the two or more flanges are (substantially) identical.

Preferably, the cover is arranged parallel to the flange.

Preferably, the flange is configured to support the sleeve.

Preferably, the flange comprises an opening aligned with the open end of the body.

The body may be configured to provide a clearance around the pipe. Optionally, the clearance is at least 50mm, preferably between 50 and 100mm, more preferably between 50 and 60mm. Optionally, the body is configured to provide (substantially) the same clearance around the pipe in all radial directions (all directions orthogonal to the surface of the pipe). This may reduce the amount of material needed for the body.

Preferably, the body may comprise a coupler part, a part attached to the/a flange for engagement with the coupler part, and optionally a further part attached to a further flange for engagement with the coupler part.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a sleeve as described herein, the method comprising: manufacturing a first part comprising a flange and a proximate section of the body; manufacturing a second part comprising a further section of the body; and optionally manufacturing a third part comprising a further flange and a yet further proximate section of the body; preferably wherein the length of the sleeve is adjustable by varying the length of the second part.

Preferably, the second part comprises a male or female feature configured to engage with a female or male feature of the first, and/or optionally third, part thereby to connect these parts.

Preferably, the internal side wall of the second part comprises a cut-away portion configured to engage with a respective cut-away portion in the external side wall of the first, and/or optionally third, part.

Preferably, once engaged, the first, second, and optionally third, parts present a continuous internal and external surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a structure comprising a wall and a sleeve as described herein arranged in the wall.

Preferably, the structure comprises a support member (e.g. a lintel); wherein the sleeve is arranged directly below the support member.

Preferably, the length of the sleeve and/or the body is substantially the same as the width of the wall. This may allow easier arrangement of the sleeve within the wall and provide a substantially continuous surface comprising the wall surface and the flange Preferably, a face (preferably an inner face) of the flange is arranged (substantially) parallel to the surface of the wall.

Optionally, the sleeve is arranged in an opening in the wall.

Optionally, the flange and/or body is pointed to the wall.

Optionally, the wall is a substructure wall/brickwork, preferably a substructure external wall.

Optionally, the structure further comprises a pipe arranged in the sleeve.

In general terms, the present disclosure provides a sleeve for protecting a pipe passing through a wall that may work particularly well for protecting a pipe at an exit and entry for drainage from/to a building. The sleeve may provide protection for the pipe while allowing for movement of the pipe. The sleeve is particularly, though not exclusively, well suited to protecting a drainage pipe passing through a substructure wall. The dimensions of the sleeve may be adapted to suit a variety of wall dimensions. The sleeve of the present disclosure may allow for compliance with all NHBC regulations or may even allow for the minimum requirements of the regulations to be exceeded. Further, the sleeve may allow the process of installing the pipe work to be simplified and/or sped up. In addition, the sleeve construction may extend the lifetime of the pipe protected by the sleeve as well as the sleeve itself, in particular the lifetime following backfilling.

The invention extends to methods, system and apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures Features, integers, or characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

As used herein (in the context of a pipe and sleeve), the term "clearance" preferably connotes the shortest distance between an outer surface of the pipe and an inner surface of the sleeve body. Preferably, this distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface of the pipe.

As used herein, the term "seal" preferably connotes water (and optionally gas) tightness 25 between two surfaces.

As used herein, the term "flange" preferably connotes a substantially flat component projecting from an object; more preferably a projecting flat rim, collar, plate or rib on an object. Generally such a flange may be used to fix the object to a further object or to make the object stronger.

The invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sleeve for a pipe; Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a yet further perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a front view of the sleeve of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sleeve for a pipe, including a cover; Figure 6 shows a further perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a front view of the sleeve of Figure 5; Figure 8a shows a perspective view of the cover of Figure 5; Figure 8b shows a perspective view of a fixture part; and Figure 8c shows a perspective view of a coupler.

Figures 1 to 4 show a sleeve 100 for protecting a pipe passing through a wall according to an embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 100 comprises: a body 200 and at least one flange 300 at an end of the body. In use, the sleeve 100 sits in an opening in a wall (preferably, a substructure wall) and a pipe (not shown) passes through the sleeve 100.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the body 200 is hollow and has two open ends so that it can receive the pipe. In use, the body cross-section, as defined by the body inner surface 208, is greater than the cross-section of the pipe, and the body 200 therefore provides a clearance around the pipe (e.g. of at least 50mm to comply with the NHBC regulations).

The body 200 may thus accommodate movement of the pipe (within the wall) and protect the pipe from damage. Preferably, the body inner cross-section (and optionally outer cross-section) shape is the same (e.g. circular, or oval with the same relative dimensions) as that of the pipe so that the same clearance may be provided all around the pipe, thereby reducing the body 200 size required to provide a minimum clearance all around the pipe (and so reducing material costs). For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the body inner cross-section (and optionally outer cross-section) shape may be circular, and the body 200 overall shape cylindrical.

The flange 300 is arranged at an end of the body 200. The flange 300 comprises: an inner side wall 304, and outer side wall 302, a plate 308 (having the outer side wall 302), and optionally one or more apertures 306 in the plate 308. The flange plate 308 is arranged at an angle to the body outer surface, and the outer side wall 302 extends beyond the body outer surface (example dimensions are described in further detail below). Thus, the flange 300 presents a plate 308 that may be used for alignment with the wall in which the sleeve 100 sits. This enables much easier alignment of the sleeve 100 with the wall than for the prior art ducts that do not comprise such a flange, and which require alignment of the thin-walled duct with the wall which may be significantly less accurate (given the much smaller aligned surface and the absence of a reference, alignment surface on the plate 308). Further, prior art ducts are often used with mortar (generally on the exterior of the duct) to fix them in the opening in the wall, and often do not have a long lifetime once backfilled.

The use of the flange 300 in the present invention may improve the lifetime of the sleeve 100 and/or pipe and provide savings in costs and labour.

To accommodate typical wall dimensions -i.e. a flat wall with a perpendicular opening (an approximately 90 degree angle at the edges of the wall opening) -the plate 308 is flat and arranged perpendicularly to the body 200.

Further, by extending beyond the body outer surface, the flange 300 may protect the body 200 from friction against the wall during installation or in use, and thereby reduce wear of the body 200 and protect the pipe in the body from damage. Preferably, only the flange 300 (and not the body 200) comes in contact with and/or engages with the wall, which may reduce wear of the body 200 and therefore reduce the possibility of damage to the pipe in the body 200.

The flange 300 outer diameter extends beyond the outer diameter of the body 200 only to a given extent. A larger flange 300 extending significantly beyond the body 200 would result in requiring a larger opening in the wall which is disadvantageous for several reasons (e.g. structural and economic). In turn, a smaller flange 300 extending only marginally beyond the body 200 would offer little, if any, protection to the body 200 (e.g. from wear as a result of friction against the wall). There is therefore a trade-off that needs to be balanced by selecting an appropriate outer diameter for the flange 300. To achieve this balance, the ratio between the outer diameter of the flange (i.e. the greatest span across the face of the flange, that is, from one corner to an opposing corner) and the outer diameter of the body may be between 1.6 and 2, preferably between 1.8 and 1.9, more preferably approximately 1.84. Such a ratio may provide adequate protection and/or support for the body 200 and the pipe whilst not requiring a significant increase in the size of the opening in the wall.

This trade-off may be particularly well balanced by using a square shaped flange 300 for a cylindrical body 200 (as shown in Figures 1 to 4). Given walls are usually made from modular components of rectangular cross-section (e.g. bricks), an opening in a wall would likely not have a circular shape matching that of the body 200, and using a square shaped flange 300 would not result in any substantial increase in the required size of the opening in the wall, whilst providing all the other advantages of using a flange 300. To achieve this advantageous effect, the ratio between the shortest side length of the flange and the outer diameter of the body may be between 1.1 and 1.5, preferably between 1.25 and 1.35, more preferably approximately 1.3.

More generally, using a right-angled parallelogram (e.g. square or rectangle) shaped plate 308 may allow improved attachment to the wall (e.g. via improved alignment with the wall).

This may also provide improved accuracy and speed of installation of the sleeve 100 and an improved fit, in particular in a brick wall comprising right-angled parallelogram shaped bricks. Prior art ducts are typically circular and may not fit well in a square opening in a wall, in particular once backfilled. Moreover, using a right-angled parallelogram (e.g. square, or rectangle) shaped plate 308 matching the shape of the opening in the wall reduces the amount of mortar that needs to be used to fix (i.e. point) the flange 300 to the opening in the wall (as compared to the circular prior art duct) -accordingly, in contrast to the prior art, there are no large voids of mortar that can crack over time, and the attachment of the flange 300 to the wall may be made more resilient.

In order not to cover the opening in the body 200, the flange extends from the outer surface of the body 200, and comprises an opening defined by the flange inner side wall 304 which is the same size as the opening defined by the shape of the body. Since the flange outer side wall 302 extends beyond the body 200 outer surface, the flange 300 may also provide a support for the body 200. Arranging the (face of the) flange 300 perpendicularly to (the longitudinal axis of) the body 300, may provide further improved support for the body 200.

In use, the flange 300 is preferably attached to the wall portion that defines the opening in the wall (as opposed to the wall surface in which the opening has been made). The flange 300 engages with the wall via the flange plate 308. Specifically, the wall engages with the inner surface of the plate 308, such that the flange is supported from behind (adjacent the body 200) -this may provide a solid fixing which protects the outer surface of the body 200. The plate 308 and wall may be attached via an adhesive or mortar (e.g. cement or lime mortar). Alternatively/additionally, the connection may be via pointing and/or screws inserted into the wall through the flange plate 308.

In an alternative, the flange 300 connects to the wall via the outer side wall 302, which comprises one or more flat portions (e.g. the four (thin) side walls 302 of the square shaped flange 300 shown in Figures 1 to 4) which may be engaged to the wall. The flange outer side wall 302 may thus be attached to the wall via an adhesive or mortar. In particular, if the sleeve is placed in a brick wall, the flange side wall 302 maty pointed to the surrounding wall by applying mortar (e.g. cement or lime mortar) between the wall and at least part (preferably all of) the flange outer side wall 302. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the entire flange outer side wall 302 is flat and so the flange 300 may be attached to the wall around its perimeter 302 -as a result, the flange 300 and the wall surface may form a continuous surface that encompasses the opening in the body 200, thereby securely fixing the sleeve 100 in the wall and protecting the outer surface of the body 200.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the sleeve 100 comprises two flanges 300 arranged at each end of the body 200. This may allow easier alignment with the respective edges on both sides of the wall. The flanges 300 are identical, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the body 200, which may allow even distribution of forces acting on the flanges 300. Both flanges 300 are attached to the wall and both flanges 300 provide a support for the body 200.

The sleeve 100 also comprises a sloped/curved (joining) portion 206 between the body 200 and the flange 300, thereby removing a sharp corner between the body 200 and flange 300, which may improve durability of the sleeve 100 On particular, durability to angular moment of the flange 300 with respect to the body 200).

Figures 5 to 7 show a sleeve 110 for protecting a pipe passing through a wall according to a further embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 110 is identical to the sleeve 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features.

In addition to the body 200 and one or more flanges 300, the sleeve 110 comprises a cover 400 which is engaged with the flange 300. The cover 400 is a separate component to the body 200 and flanges 300. Figure 8a shows a perspective view of the cover 400 of Figures 5 to 7. The cover 400 comprises: an inner side wall 404, and outer side wall 402, a surface 408, a protrusion 410 (shown in Figure 8a), and one or more apertures 406 in the surface 408. The cover 400 engages with the flange 300 and covers at least part of the body 200 open end. The cover 400 outer diameter, as defined by its outer side wall 402, is greater than the diameter of the opening in the body 200 (and/or than the outer diameter of the body), such that the cover acts to "reduce" the size of the opening in the body when engaged with the flange 300. The "reduced" opening, defined by the cover inner side wall 404 may, in use, enclose the pipe (not shown) in the sleeve 100, thereby providing a seal between the pipe and the flange 300 and enclosing the sleeve 100 opening and the body inner surface 208 at one end. More specifically, the "back" cover surface 408b is arranged to come in contact with the flange surface 308 thereby providing a seal between the cover 400 and flange 300, and the flange inner side wall 404 is arranged to come in contact with the pipe thereby providing a seal between the cover 400 and the pipe. The cover opening, as defined by the inner side wall 404, may be shaped to match the shape of the outer surface of the pipe, or, alternatively, the cover opening may be larger than the pipe and the seal provided by a further component (e.g. a rubber sealing ring). This may be a particularly suitable option where pipes with joins are used, so as to still allow for movement (where such movable or 'rocker' pipes are allowed by NHBC Regulations as an alternative to providing sufficient clearance). As shown in Figure 8a, the cover also comprises a protrusion 410 that engages with the inner surface 208 of the body. This may allow a more secure engagement of the cover 400 to the sleeve 100 and may provide an improved seal between the sleeve 100 and the flange 300.

The cover 400 is engaged with the flange 300 via their respective apertures 306, 406. The apertures 406 are arranged to align with apertures 306 in the flange 300. The cover 400 is therefore engaged with the flange 300 via engagement features inserted through apertures 306, 406 -e.g. via pop sockets, or screws. Alternatively, the cover 400 and flange 300 may be engaged using an adhesive disposed on surfaces 308, 408; or the cover 400 and flange 300 may comprise alternative engagement means (e.g. a snap fit mechanism).

For ease of manufacture, the cover 400 outer shape, as defined by the outer side wall 402, is of the same shape (i.e. with the same relative dimensions) as the cover opening. To reduce material costs, the cover outer shape is smaller than the flange surface 308 (but sufficiently large to provide a seal between the cover 400 and the flange 300).

Table 1 below shows example dimensions for various parts of the sleeve 100, 110 in an embodiment of the invention. The dimensions shown were particularly chosen for a sleeve for a wall having a width of 300mm. For a wall with different dimensions, one or more of the below dimensions may be adjusted -e.g. for a wall having a width of 275mm, the body length may be adjusted to 275mm.

Part Dimension Size [mm] Body 200 Outer diameter 230 Length 300 Inner diameter (opening) 220 Flange 300 Side wall thickness 5 Side length (for square 300 shape) Outer diameter 424 Curved portion 206 Curvature radius 10 Cover 400 Side wall thickness 3 Outer diameter 290 Protrusion 410 height 5 Inner diameter (opening) 120

Table

As shown in Table 1, the flange 300 and the cover 400 have thin walls such that their combined wall thickness is sufficiently small to allow easier engagement of the flange to the cover via apertures 306, 406. For example, the combined wall thickness of the flange and the cover may be less or equal than 10mm, preferably less or equal than 8 mm, more preferably approximately 8mm.

In an embodiment of the invention, the manufacturing process of the sleeve 100 is adapted to allow adapting the size (in particular, length and width (diameter)) of the sleeve 100 in accordance with its use for a specific pipework service (pipe) and specific wall dimensions (in particular, the width of the wall). Manufacturing the sleeve 100 thus comprises the steps of: manufacturing a first part comprising a flange and a proximate section of the body (a fixture part) 202, a second part comprising a further section of the body (a coupler) 204, and optionally a third part comprising a further flange and a yet further proximate section of the body (a fixture part) 202 if two flanges are used. The length of the sleeve may then be adjustable by varying the length of the second part (coupler) 204, whereas the diameter of the sleeve 100 may be adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the fixture part 202 and coupler 204. The final sleeve 100 is in this embodiment thus formed of the first part 202, the second part or coupler 204, and the third part 202.

Figures 8b and 8c show the fixture part 202 and coupler 204 respectively. The coupler 204 and fixture part 202 engage with one another via respective male/female mating features 244, 242. As shown in Figures 8b and 8c, the coupler 204 comprises a female mating feature 244 (e.g. a cut-away portion in the coupler inner side wall providing a shoulder), and the fixture part 202 comprises a male mating feature 242 (e.g. a protrusion from the fixture part inner side wall having the same height and thickness as the cut-away in the coupler inner side wall) that engages with the female feature 244 of the coupler 204.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sleeve 100, 110 is manufactured by injection moulding. To allow adapting the dimensions of the sleeve during manufacture as described above, the injection moulding process comprises using a first mould for a flange and a proximate section of the body (a fixture part) 202, and a second mould for a middle section of the body (a coupler) 204.). Once manufactured, the sleeve 100 (the body 200 and the flange(s) 300) are joined into a single component. The cover 400 is manufactured as a separate component that is attached to the sleeve only after manufacture.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sleeve 100, 110 (the body 200, the flanges 300, and optionally the cover 400) are made from plastic and/or from recycled material. For example, the sleeve 100, 110 may be made from recycled Copolymer Polypropylene.

Using recycled materials (and in particular plastics) reduces the need for extracting, refining, and processing raw materials all of which create substantial air and water pollution. Optionally, the sleeve 100, 110 may further be recyclable when no longer in use -therefore further contributing to saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The present disclosure is particularly applicable to aiding the installation of and protecting drainage pipes in external substructure walls (i.e. substructure walls one side of which is external to the building). However, the disclosure is equally suitable for use with other pipework services (pipes), such as water, gas, internet or electric, and other types of walls -e.g. superstructure and/or internal walls.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sleeve 100, 110 is incorporated in a structure comprising a wall and the sleeve 100, 110 arranged in the wall. The structure comprises a support member (e.g. a lintel), and the sleeve is arranged directly below the support member. This may allow the sleeve not to bare any weight and therefore provide improved protection for the pipe in the sleeve. The length of the sleeve and/or the body is the same as the width of the wall, and the face of the flange is arranged parallel to the surface of the wall and shaped to match the shape of the opening in the wall in which the sleeve sits. This may allow reducing the material costs and improve alignment of the sleeve with the wall. If the sleeve is arranged in an external wall, a flange 300 is arranged at the end of the body 200 on the external side of the wall, and the cover 400 (if used) is engaged to the flange 300 on the external side of the wall.

The sleeve 100, 110 may be installed in the wall via a range of methods. For example, the sleeve may be placed in a half-completed substructure wall and the remainder of the wall may be built around it (with a lintel above the sleeve). In this method of installation, only the flange 300 contacts the bricks in the wall, while the body 200 is suspended in a gap between bricks. Alternatively, the sleeve may be slotted into a gap in a wall. In a furtehr alternative, where the sleeve is formed of three parts as described, the middle or coupler (second) part 204 may be placed into a gap in a wall, and the end parts 202 (including the flanges 300) may be attached to the coupler -where the gap in the wall is smaller than the flanges 300, such that the inner wall of the flanges 300 abuts the wall.

In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve 100 comprises three or more flanges 300 extending from the body outer surface. This may provide yet improved support and protection for the body 200.

It will be understood that the invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims: 1 A sleeve for protecting a pipe passing through a wall, the sleeve comprising: a body having two open ends for receiving a pipe; wherein at least one of the open ends comprises a flange for alignment with an edge of a wall.
2. The sleeve of Claim 1, wherein a face of the flange is shaped as a substantially right-angled parallelogram, preferably a square. 10
3. The sleeve of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the body is substantially cylindrical.
4 The sleeve of Claim 3 when dependent on Claim 2, wherein the ratio between the shortest side length of the flange face and the outer diameter of the body is between 1.1 and 1.5 preferably between 1.25 and 1.35, more preferably approximately 1.3.
5. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the ratio between the outer diameter of the flange and the outer diameter of the body is between 1.6 and 2, preferably between 1.8 and 1.9, more preferably approximately 1.84.
6. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein each of the open ends comprises a flange for alignment with an edge of a wall.
7. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the flanges are identical.
8. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the flange is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the body.
9. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein a wall of the flange is substantially flat.
10. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve further comprises at least one cover configured to engage with the at least one flange.
11. The sleeve of Claim 10, wherein the at least one cover is configured to cover at least part of an open end.
12. The sleeve of Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the flange and the cover each comprise one or more respective apertures for receiving one or more engagement features, preferably wherein the one or more engagement features are one or more pop sockets.
13. The sleeve of any of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the cover is configured to provide a seal between the pipe and the flange.
14. The sleeve of any of Claims 10 to 13, wherein the cover comprises a protrusion configured to engage with the inner surface of the body.
15. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve comprises a sloped or curved portion connecting an outer surface of the body and a face of the flange.
16. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the flange at least a part of the body are manufactured as a single component.
17. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve is manufactured using injection moulding.
18. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve is made from recycled material, preferably from a recycled plastic, more preferably from recycled Copolymer Polypropylene.
19. The sleeve of any preceding claim, wherein the flange is for abutting an edge of a wall, preferably wherein an inner surface of the flange is for abutting an edge of a wall.
20.A method of manufacturing the sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 19, comprising: manufacturing a first part comprising a flange and a proximate section of the body; manufacturing a second part comprising a further section of the body; and optionally manufacturing a third pad comprising a further flange and a yet further proximate section of the body; preferably wherein the length of the sleeve is adjustable by varying the length of the second part.
21. The method of Claim 20, wherein the second part comprises a male or female feature configured to engage with a female or male feature of the first, and/or optionally third, part thereby to connect these parts.
22. A structure comprising a wall and the sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 19 arranged in the wall.
23. The structure of Claim 22, wherein the structure comprises a support member; wherein the sleeve is arranged directly below the support member.
24. The structure of Claim 22 or Claim 23, wherein the length of the sleeve and/or the body is substantially the same as the width of the wall.
25. The structure of any of Claims 22 to 24, wherein a face (preferably an inner face) of the flange is arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the wall.