GB2610248A

GB2610248A - Plumbing assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2610248A
Application number: GB2117078.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Beever Andrew; David Bristow Adrian; James Charles Pearson Adam; Charles Colgate Simon; James Rowland Christopher; Benjamin Hall Joe; James William Reaney Matthew
Original assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Current assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-21
Filing date: 2019-05-21
Publication date: 2023-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-21
Also published as: GB202117078D0; GB2610248B

Abstract

A tubular member comprising a free end for receiving within a socket of a plumbing fitting and comprising a formation 22 at the free end for driving against a formation of the socket to provide tactile or audible feedback, the tubular member formation being axially re-entrant and comprising a plurality of peaks 26 and troughs 28 encircled by a boundary wall 24. The tubular member is received in a plumbing fitting comprising a body comprising a socket for receiving the free end, the socket having a base with a socket formation comprising a plurality of axial projections 34 and a conical face 32, which is driven against by the tubular member formation to produce tactile or audible feedback when the free end is in a desired location in the socket in use, where the socket formation is encircled by a portion of the base which receives the boundary wall. The axial projections may be integrally formed in the base or be separate elements located in the socket.

Description

Plumbing Assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plumbing assembly. 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A common type of plumbing fitting takes the form of a body having a socket for receiving the free end of a pipe, e.g. to enable a push joint to be formed between the socket and the pipe. However, an effective seal can usually only be made if the pipe is positioned correctly within the socket.

It can be difficult for a user to determine when the pipe is correctly fitted within the socket.

If the pipe is not inserted far enough into the socket, the pipe may not be fully supported by the socket, and a proper seal between the pipe and the socket may not be formed. If the user continues applying force to the pipe after the correct position has been reached, damage may be caused to the pipe and to the socket.

It is known to provide an arrangement whereby feedback is provided to the user when the pipe is correctly fitted within the socket. An example is known from EP2206942, wherein a feedback component is used at the free end of a pipe, for cooperation with a feedback component located within the socket. In this arrangement, the feedback component defines a frusto-conical end, tapering from a first diameter at the free end of the pipe to a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, axially outboard relative to the free end of the pipe (such that the base of the cone crosses the pipe, in use). The conical end includes a plurality of axial projections, which are intended to cooperate with complementary formations provided within the socket. However, the projecting nature of the conical end and its axial projections means that it is readily susceptible to damage through mishandling, which can result in a loss of feedback capability.

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, one or more problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a plumbing assembly comprising: a plumbing fitting having a body with a socket for receiving a free end of a tubular member; and a tubular member having a free end configured to be received within the socket; wherein the assembly is configured for producing tactile or audible feedback when the free end of the tubular member is received in a desired location within the socket; and wherein the socket comprises a first formation intended to be driven against upon desired insertion of the free end of the tubular member into the socket; the plumbing assembly further comprising a second formation provided at the free end of the tubular member, wherein the second formation is configured to co-operate with the first formation upon desired insertion of the free end of the tubular member into the socket (e.g. via driving or rotating the second formation against the first formation); wherein the second formation defines an axially re-entrant configuration associated with the free end of the tubular member.

The use of a re-entrant configuration for the second formation is advantageous, in that it reduces the risk of damage to the second formation through mishandling, i.e. in direct contrast to the axially projecting configuration that is known from EP2206942.

In exemplary embodiments, a boundary wall encircles the second formation.

The provision of a boundary wall provides additional protection for the second formation, further reducing the risk of damage through mishandling.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation is located radially and axially inward of said boundary wall.

Advantageously, such a configuration means that no part of the second formation extends beyond the boundary wall in either a radial or an axial direction. The second formation is thus further protected by the boundary wall, and the likelihood of damage to the second formation is further reduced.

In exemplary embodiments, an external surface of the boundary wall defines a tapered leading edge, extending from a first diameter to a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, so as to diverge in a direction of axially inboard of the tubular member.

Such a configuration aids insertion and location of the second formation within the socket.

In exemplary embodiments, the second diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the tubular member.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation defines a virtual cone, wherein the apex of the virtual cone is located axially inward with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

Such a configuration reduces the risk of damage to the second formation through mishandling.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation includes surfaces which coincide with a virtual cone, wherein the apex of the virtual cone is located axially inward with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation is configured such that the base of the virtual cone is axially outboard of the second formation.

In exemplary embodiments, the virtual cone is defined by axially projecting surfaces of the second formation.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation takes the form of a plurality of peaks and troughs.

In exemplary embodiments, the axially projecting surfaces which define the virtual cone are defined by the acme of said peaks.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation takes of the form of a circumferential array of peaks and troughs.

Such a configuration ensures that feedback is produced after only a small degree of rotation of the second formation in relation to the first formation.

In exemplary embodiments, each peak and trough defines a profile which extends axially and radially inwardly at an angle.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation is part of an insert or attachment, configured to be is fitted at the free end of the tubular member.

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment has a body and a head, wherein the body is configured to fit in the free end of the tubular member, and wherein the head extends from the free end; and wherein the second formation is provided on the head.

In exemplary embodiments, a shoulder is formed between the body and the head of the attachment, wherein the shoulder is configured for abutment on an axial end surface at the free end of the tubular member.

In exemplary embodiments, the first formation is an integral part of the socket.

In exemplary embodiments, the first formation is formed from one or more separate components intended to be fitted within the socket.

In exemplary embodiments, the first formation includes a plurality of axial projections configured for interaction with the second formation, in order to produce audible or tactile feedback.

In exemplary embodiments, the first and/or second formations are of plastics material.

In exemplary embodiments, the second formation is integral with the free end of the tubular member.

In exemplary embodiments, the tubular member is a pipe.

In exemplary embodiments, the tubular member is a spigot having a free end configured to be received within the socket, and wherein an opposite end of the spigot includes a further socket, configured for receiving the free end of a tubular member of different outer diameter.

The shoulder may define a radially outer region, and said radially outer region may comprise an annular chamfer.

The body may comprise an engagement feature configured to engage a radially inner surface of the tubular member.

The engagement feature may be provided as an enlarged diameter region of the body.

The enlarged region may comprise one or more splines.

The splines may be arranged circumferentially around the surface of the body. The splines may protrude radially from the outer surface of the body.

The splines may be substantially trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, or semi-circular in cross section.

The attachment may include a grip feature positioned within the pipe, in use.

The attachment may include a first axial end defined by an axial end of the head, and a second axial end. The grip feature may be provided proximate the second axial end of the attachment.

The elongate length of the attachment may be such that the grip feature is positioned outside of the socket.

The grip feature may be provided as an annular recess.

The annular recess may be spaced apart from the second axial end of the attachment.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a plumbing assembly comprising: a plumbing fitting having a body with a socket for receiving a free end of a tubular member; a tubular member having a free end configured to be received within the socket; and an insert or attachment, configured to be fitted at the free end of the tubular member, wherein the attachment has a body and a head, wherein the body is configured to fit in the free end of the tubular member, and wherein the head extends from the free end.

A shoulder may be formed between the body and the head of the attachment, wherein the shoulder is configured for abutment on an axial end surface at the free end of the tubular member.

The engagement feature may be provided as an enlarged diameter region of the body. The enlarged region may comprise one or more splines.

The splines may be arranged circumferentially around the surface of the body.

The splines may protrude radially from the outer surface of the body.

The attachment may include a grip feature positioned within the pipe, in use.

The attachment may include a first axial end defined by the axial end of the head, and a second axial end. The grip feature may be provided proximate the second axial end of the attachment.

The grip feature may be provided as an annular recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a plumbing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an attachment for a tubular member according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a side view of the attachment of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through the attachment of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through a body of a plumbing fitting according to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4; Figure 6 is a partial, perspective cross-sectional view of the body of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a top view of the body of Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of a plumbing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention having a pipe inserted therein; Figure 9 is a side view of the plumbing assembly of Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a side view of an attachment for a tubular member according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 shows a plumbing assembly generally indicated at 10. The assembly 10 has a plumbing fitting having a body 12, which defines a socket 14 for receiving a free end 18 of a tubular member 16 in the form of a pipe. As will be described in more detail below, the assembly 10 is configured to produce tactile and/or audible feedback when the free end 18 of the pipe 16 is received in a desired location within the socket 14.

An example of a desired location of the pipe 16 within the socket 14 is shown in Figure 1, wherein the free end 18 of the pipe 16 is received within the socket 14 and encircled by an internal surface 19 of the socket 14. When the pipe 16 is in this position, it is properly supported within the socket 14. In exemplary embodiments, such desired location of the free end 18 of the pipe 16 ensures that an effective seal may be formed between the socket 14 and the pipe 16 (e.g. via an 0-ring located within the socket, by sealing cooperation between the internal surface 19 of the socket 14 and an external surface of the pipe along a suitable length of the pipe, or by some other form of conventional sealing arrangement).

The socket 14 is provided with a first formation 20, which is intended to be driven against upon the desired insertion of the free end 18 of the pipe 16 into the socket 14. A second formation 22 is provided at the free end 18 of the pipe 16. The second formation 22 is configured to be driven against the first formation 20 upon the desired insertion of the free end 18 of the pipe 16 into the socket 14, in order to produce tactile and/or audible feedback.

In this embodiment, the second formation 22 is part of an insert or attachment 36, configured to be is fitted at the free end 18 of the pipe 16, whereas the first formation 20 is an integral part of the socket 14. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the first formation 20 may be formed from one or more separate components intended to be fitted within the socket 14.

In this embodiment, the attachment 36 has a body 38 and a head 40. The body 38 is configured to fit in the free end 18 of the pipe 16 (for example, in an interference fit), whereas the head 40 extends from the free end 18. In exemplary embodiments, the head 40 is configured with an outer diameter that aligns with the outer diameter of the pipe 16, once the body of the attachment 36 is received within the free end 18 of the pipe 18. That is, the head 40 has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the pipe 16. The attachment 36 can thus be readily fitted into a socket 14 configured to receive the diameter of pipe 16. The second formation 22 is provided on the head 40.

An exemplary configuration of the second formation 22 will now be described with respect to Figures 2 to 4. Whilst these Figures show the second formation 22 provided on the head of an attachment 36 of the kind referred to above, it will be understood that the second formation may be formed directly at the free end of a pipe or other tubular member intended to be received within the socket (e.g. as an integral moulding, or via a machining operation, at the free end of the pipe).

In this embodiment, the second formation 22 defines a virtual cone X indicated by dotted lines in Figure 4. Put another way, the second formation 22 includes surfaces which coincide with a virtual cone X. The apex Y of the virtual cone X is located axially inward of the second formation 22, i.e. with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member, in a direction axially inboard of the free end thereof, in the direction of arrow A in Figure 4. Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments, the base of the cone X is axially outboard of the second formation 22. In this embodiment, the apex Y is located within the attachment 36, at a location axially inboard of the second formation 22, such that the apex Y will be located within the body 38 of the attachment 36 and (thereby) within the free end of a pipe 14, in normal use. As such, the base of the cone will be axially outboard of the free end 18 of the pipe 16, in normal use.

In this embodiment, the virtual cone X is defined by axially projecting surfaces of the second formation 22. In this embodiment, the second formation 22 takes the form of a plurality of peaks 26 and troughs 28. In this embodiment, the axially projecting surfaces which define the virtual cone X are defined by the acme of said peaks 26, as can be seen clearly from Figure 4.

It can be seen that the second formation 22 defines an axially re-entrant configuration associated with the free end 18 of the pipe 16. This re-entrant configuration is advantageous, in that it reduces the risk of damage to the second formation through mishandling, i.e. in direct contrast to the axially projecting configuration that is known from EP2206942.

In use, the second formation 22 is intended to be driven and rotated against the first formation 20 within the socket, in order produce tactile or audible feedback when the free end 18 of the pipe 16 is received at a desired location within the socket 14. As such, the first formation must include one or more complementary constructional features capable of producing such tactile or audible feedback, when the second formation is driven and rotated against the first formation 20.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the second formation 22 takes the form of a circular array of peaks 26 and troughs 28. The peaks and troughs are arranged circumferentially, which ensures that feedback is produced after only a small degree of rotation of the second formation 22 in relation to the first formation 20. This is particularly the case where there is at least one peak per 90 degree arc of the array, and is improved where there is more than one peak per 90 degree arc, for example.

Each peak 26 and trough 28 defines a profile which extends axially and radially inwardly at an angle.

A boundary wall 24 is provided around the second formation 22. Advantageously, the second formation 22 is located radially and axially inward of the boundary wall 24. No part of the second formation 22 extends beyond the boundary wall 24 in either a radial or an axial direction. The second formation 22 is thus further protected by the boundary wall 24, and the likelihood of damage to the second formation 22 is reduced.

An external surface 30 of the boundary wall 24 defines a taper, extending from a first diameter to a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, so as to diverge from the axial end of the attachment 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered external surface 30 provides a leading edge at the head 40 of the attachment 36, which aids insertion into the socket 14. Of course, a similar configuration of boundary wall 24 and leading edge 30 may be provided in those embodiments where the second formation 22 is provided as an integral part at the end of a pipe 16 or other tubular member. In exemplary embodiments, the second diameter is configured to match the outer diameter of the tubular member into which the attachment 36 is to be fitted (or on which the second formation 22 is formed).

A shoulder 42 is formed between the body 38 and the head 40 of the attachment 36. The shoulder 42 is configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body, for abutment on the axial end surface at the free end of a tubular member. In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered surface 30 does not terminate at the shoulder 42. Instead, the tapered surface 30 terminates at a plane surface 44 intended to be parallel with the longitudinal axis of the attachment 36.

Figure 5 shows an example of a body 12 of a plumbing fitting for use with the second formation 22 of the invention. As stated above, the body 12 defines the socket 14, which provides the first formation 20. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first formation 20 includes a plurality of axial projections 34, having a conical face 32 configured for interaction with the second formation, in order to produce audible or tactile feedback. In this embodiment, there are four projections 34 spaced regularly in a virtual ring at the base of the socket 14. The projections 34 are integrally formed in the base of the socket 14, but may be provided by one or more separate elements intended to be located in the socket 14.

In this embodiment, the first and second formations are of plastics material.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the tubular member is a spigot having a free end configured to be received within the socket, and the second formation is provided on the free end of the spigot or on an attachment configured to be received in the free end of the spigot (e.g. an attachment of the kind shown in Figures 1 to 4). An opposite end of the spigot will commonly include a further socket, which is configured for receiving the free end of a tubular member of different outer diameter to the outer diameter at the free end of the spigots. Such spigots are generally used as an adapter for increasing or decreasing the diameter of tubular member used with the plumbing system in which the plumbing fitting is included.

Figures 8 to 10 show a further embodiment of a plumbing assembly, wherein features substantially the same as those of the previous embodiments are given corresponding reference numbers with the additional prefix "1", and only differences are discussed.

In this embodiment, the attachment 136 has a body 138 and a head 140. A shoulder 142 is formed between the body 138 and the head 140 of the attachment 136. The shoulder 142 is configured to extend in a direction radially outward from the outer surface of the body 138, in order to provide a surface for abutment on an axial end surface at the free end of a tubular member.

In this embodiment, the shoulder 142 defines a first shoulder portion 146 extending from the outer surface of the body 138, and a second shoulder portion 148 extending from the first shoulder portion 146.

The first shoulder portion 146 is configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the body 138. The second shoulder portion 148 defines a taper or chamfer, extending from a first diameter to a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, so as to diverge in a direction towards an axial end of the head 140. The tapered shoulder portion 148 terminates at the plane surface 144. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the radially outer surface of the head 140 is defined by the tapered shoulder portion 148, the plane surface 144, and the tapered surface 130.

The tapered second shoulder portion 148 provides a tapered trailing edge of the head 140 of the attachment 36. This arrangement has been found to reduce the likelihood of the shoulder 142 catching on components of the plumbing fitting 112 as the pipe 116 is withdrawn from the fitting, upon release. Put another way, the configuration of the second shoulder portion 148 has been found to aid removal of the attachment 136 from the plumbing fitting 112.

In this embodiment, the attachment 136 includes first and second axial ends 150, 152. As discussed above, the first axial end 150 is defined by the axial end of the head 140. The second axial end 152 is defined by an axial end of the body 138, said opposing end opposing the first axial end 150.

The attachment 136 is provided with a grip feature 154 that is positioned with the pipe, in use. As is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the elongate length of the attachment 136 is increased over that of the first embodiment such that the second axial end 152 terminates at a position outside of the socket 114. Put another way, the second axial end 152 of the attachment 136 extends beyond the cap 111.

In instances where, during removal of the pipe 116 from the fitting 112, the attachment 136 remains within the fitting 112 (as illustrated in Figure 9), the attachment 136 must be removed separately. Provision of a grip feature 154 enables an operator to more easily remove the attachment 136.

The grip feature 154 is provided proximate to the second axial end 152 of the attachment 136. In this embodiment, the grip feature 154 is positioned outside of the socket 114. This arrangement provides an easily accessible feature to aid removal of the attachment 136.

In this embodiment, the grip feature 154 is provided as an annular recess in the body 138.

The annular recess 154 is spaced apart from the second axial end 152 of the body 138. This arrangement provides an abutment surface 156 against which a force can be applied to remove the attachment 136 from the plumbing fitting 112.

As is illustrated in Figures 8 and 10, the attachment 136 is provided with an engagement feature 158 for engaging the inner surface of the pipe 116, when inserted therein.

In this embodiment, the engagement feature 158 is provided in the form of a region of the body 138 having an enlarged diameter. This arrangement has been found to better retain the attachment 136 within the pipe 116. The provision of the engagement feature 158 additionally helps to prevent rotation of the attachment 136 within the pipe 116, which better enables the second formation 122 to be driven against the first formation 120, in order to produce tactile and/or audible feedback.

The size of the enlarged engagement feature 158 is configured such that distortion of the pipe 116 caused by the engagement feature 158, when the attachment 136 is fully inserted into the pipe 116, is not detrimental to the seal formed by the sealing area.

As previously discussed, the attachment 136 has a body 138 and a head 140. A shoulder 142 is formed between the body 138 and the head 140 of the attachment 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement feature 158 is provided on the body 138 proximate the shoulder 142. The engagement feature 158 extends from the shoulder 142 along a portion of the longitudinal length of the body 138.

In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement feature 154 is provided in the form of a series of splines 160 on the outer surface of the body 138. The splines are arranged to extend along the body 138 along an axis parallel to the elongate axis of the body 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the splines extend over approximately a quarter of the elongate length of the body 138. In alternative arrangements, the splines 160 may be arranged to extend the half, three quarters, or the entire elongate length of the body 138, or any other suitable length.

The splines 160 are arranged circumferentially around the body 138 of the attachment 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the splines 160 are arranged to protrude radially from the outer surface of the body 138.

As mentioned above, the splines 160 are arranged to extend along the elongate axis of the attachment 136, and include a tapered spline region 162, which tapers outwards (i.e. away from the outer surface of the body 138), in a direction towards the head 140. The splines 160 further include a planar spline region 164 extending between the tapered region 162 and the head 140.

In the illustrated embodiment, the splines 160 are substantially trapezoidal in cross section. However, it will be appreciated that the splines 160 may be define a cross section that is rectangular, triangular, semi-circular, or any other suitable shape.

The invention is described in relation to tubular members in the form of pipes or spigots, which conventionally have a circular cross-section. However, the invention is also applicable to tubular members of non-circular cross-section.

The additional features of the embodiment of Figures 8 to 10 (i.e. the tapered shoulder, the engagement feature, and the grip feature) have been described in combination with the features 120, 122. It will be appreciated, that in alternative embodiments, these features may be provided in an assembly not including the features 120, 122.

Claims

Claims 1. A plumbing fitting for receiving a free end of a tubular member, the plumbing fitting comprising a body comprising a socket for receiving the free end of the tubular 5 member, wherein the socket comprises a base having a first formation intended to be driven against upon desired insertion of the free end of the tubular member into the socket in use; wherein the first formation comprises a conical face configured for interaction with an axially re-entrant second formation provided at the free end of the tubular member to produce tactile or audible feedback when the free end of the tubular member is received in a desired location within the socket in use.
2. The plumbing fitting of claim 1, wherein the first formation comprises a plurality of axial projections configured for interaction with a plurality of peaks and troughs of said second formation in order to produce tactile or audible feedback, wherein each axial projection of the first formation comprises a conical face configured to coincide with an angled trough of said second formation.
3. The plumbing fitting of claim 2, wherein the plurality of axial projections comprise four projections spaced regularly in a ring at the base of the socket, wherein the ring at the base of the socket comprises a conical face configured to coincide with an angled peak of said second formation.
4. The plumbing fitting of claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of axial projections are integrally formed in a base of the socket.
5. The plumbing fitting of claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of axial projections are provided by one or more separate elements intended to be located in the socket.
6. The plumbing fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the or each conical face extends from a radially outer edge to a radially inner edge, wherein a height of the or each conical face increases from the radially outer edge to the radially inner edge.
7. The plumbing fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the first formation is of plastics material.