GB2612347A

GB2612347A - A centring cap for CSST sleeving

Info

Publication number: GB2612347A
Application number: GB2115586.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lachlan Ivett Jonathon
Original assignee: Flexigas UKC Ltd
Current assignee: Flexigas UKC Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-29
Filing date: 2021-10-29
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Also published as: GB202115586D0

Abstract

A centring cap 300 for concentrically holding corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) 102 within a sleeve 104 in gas piping installation in unventilated locations. The cap 300 is of an annular shape comprising an outer portion (302 Fig 3A) configured to engage with an outer surface of the corrugated outer surface of the sleeve 104 at an end of the sleeve 104, and an inner flange portion (304 Fig 3A) that includes a hole for slidably engaging with an outer surface of the CSST 102, such that the corrugated stainless steel tubing is concentrically located within the sleeve to enable escape of gas that may leak from the CSST through the end of the sleeve. Aspects of the invention include: the inner flange portion includes a plurality of openings 306 that allow venting of any leakage from the CSST 102 to a ventilated area where the corresponding end of the sleeve is located; a kit for installation of gas piping in an enclosed space that enables venting of any leakage from the CSST to a ventilated area; a method of installing CSST inside a sleeve.

Description

A CENTRING CAP FOR CSST SLEEVING TECHNICAL FIELD

100011 The present disclosure relates to a tubing for gas fuel lines. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cap to be used in conjunction with a sleeving often required when working with corrugated stainless steel tubing.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically

or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Around the world, corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) has become popular for use in plumbing gas fuel lines, primarily in gas pipelines provided for domestic applications. Corrugated stainless steel tubing, on account of its flexibility, is well suited for plumbing gas lines, and include a corrugated stainless-steel tubing and a yellow protective cover to protect the corrugated stainless steel tubing (hereinafter, the corrugated stainless steel tubing as well as the corrugated stainless steel tubing with the protective cover are referred to as corrugated stainless steel tubing / CSST), [0004] However, like all tubes, including rigid tube, they are susceptible to a leak on occasion. For example, a manufacturing defect or mishandling of the tube during transport or installation may result in an undetectable leak in the tube. Such undetectable leaks are usually quite safe as gas tubing is typically installed such that there is advantageous ventilation, so that any minor gas leak from the tubing gets naturally vented to the outside environment and a dangerous build-up of gas is avoided.

[0005] In many gas installation codes, or local requirements, there are specific requirements intended to ensure that gas tubing always has some level of ventilation surrounding it. For example, in the UK, when gas tubing passes through an unvented void, for example an enclosed space in which there is no ventilation to the outside environment, gas tubing must be placed inside a specifically built duct or sleeve, which at one or both ends is open to the outside environment, or to a vented area, i.e., an area that in turn is open to the outside environment.

[0006] This is usually achieved by positioning the gas tubing inside a readily available sleeve or conduit, usually made from a plastic but can also be metallic, for the part of the installation that passes through any unvented voids, as shown in FIG. 1A, where the gas tubing 102 is installed within a sleeve 104 through the length of the unvented void 106. The sleeve 104 in turn opens to a ventilated area 108. The gas tubing 102 is inserted by hand through the sleeve 104, on site, by the gas installer.

[0007] Disadvantageously, this results in a large gap or annulus 130 as shown in FIG. I B. This means the CSST 102 inside the tube will sag to one side of the sleeve 104. It is therefore said the CSST 102 is "unsupported" inside the sleeve, and in particular is not supported where it enters or exits the sleeve, i.e., instead of being supported in the centre of the sleeve, where the CSST 102 enters or exits the sleeve, it will slump to one side. In addition to the CSST 102 remaining -unsupported", which is in violation of the UK standards, it also makes for an aesthetically unappealing appearance once the gas piping is installed.

100081 There is therefore a need in the art for a solution to the above stated problems and a requirement to provide a solution that can center the CSST in the radial center of the sleeve where it enters and exits the sleeving while still providing a means for gas escape from the sleeve to the outside environment.

[0009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0010] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term -about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0011] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0012] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0013] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/tor patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes problems associated with installation of gas pipes in unventilated locations [0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pipe that meets the requirement of gas installation codes related to installation of gas pipes in unventilated locations.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a centering cap which centers a length of CSST inside a sleeve.

S

SUMMARY

[0017] Aspects of the present invention relate to gas fuel supply lines. In particular, the present invention relates to installation of a gas fuel supply line in an enclosed space that are required to meet the requirements of gas installation codes related to installation of gas pipes in unventilated locations by allowing venting of any leaked gas to a vented area. More particularly, the present invention provides centering cap (hereinafter also referred to simply as cap and the two terms used interchangeably) for centering a corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) within a sleeve that is conventionally used for venting any leakages from the CSST to ventilated area. Aspects of the present invention also relate to a kit for for installation of gas piping in an enclosed space and a method for installing CSST inside a sleeve.

100181 The proposed cap for centering cap for use with a CSST and a flexible sleeving is of an annular shape having an outer portion configured to be fitted to an end of the sleeve and an inner flange portion configured to support the CSST such that the CSST is concentrically located within the sleeve to enable escape of gas that may leak from the CS ST through the end of the sleeve.

[0019] The cap may include a plurality of openings provided on the inner flange portion to enable venting of any leakage from the CSST to a ventilated area.

[0020] The sleeve may be a corrugated tubing, and the outer portion of the cap may be of cylindrical shape having an inner surface configured to receive the corrugated tubing.

[0021] The inner surface may include a plurality of projections configured to engage with the corrugated surface of the sleeve to retain the with the sleeve. The projections may have a shape of angled teeth that engage with the corrugated surface of the sleeve when the cap is pushed over the sleeve but allow separation on application of a force.

[0022] The inner flange portion may include a concentrically located hole configured to receive the CSST, and the hole may be sized to allow sliding of the CSST relative to the cap.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cap may be made of a plastic material.

[0024] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a kit for installation of gas piping in an enclosed space that enables venting of any leakage from the CSST to a ventilated area. The kit includes a corrugated stainless steel tubing having a protective cover; a sleeve for being configured over the CSST; and at least one cap for assembly between the CSST and the sleeve for centering the CSST within the sleeve.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for installing CSST inside a sleeve. The proposed method includes the steps of; providing a CSST to carry the gas, the CSST having a protective cover over an outer surface of the CSST; and positioning a first cap over the CSST. The cap includes an outer portion and an inner flange portion. The inner flange portion includes a hole, and the cap is positioned over the CSST by inserting the CSST through the hole.

[0026] The method further includes the step of: configuring a sleeve over the CSST by inserting the CSST through a first end of the sleeve; and engaging the first cap with the first end of the sleeve by inserting the first end of the sleeve within the outer portion of the first cap.

[0027] The method may further include the step of: positioning a second cap over the CSST and engaging the second cap with a second end of the sleeve by inserting the second end of the sleeve within the outer portion of the second cap, thereby supporting the sleeve at both the ends.

[0028] engaging the outer portion of the cap with a second end of the sleeve, thereby supporting the sleeve at both the ends.

[0029] The method may further include the step of: providing a plurality of openings on the inner flange portion of at least one of the first cap and the second cap. The openings may be configured to enable venting of any leakage from the CSST to a ventilated area where the corresponding end of the sleeve is located.

[0030] The method may further include the step of: engaging a plurality of projections provided on an inner surface of the outer portion of the first cap and the second cap with a corrugated surface of the sleeve to retain the first cap and the second cap with the sleeve.

[0031] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows the conventional methodology adopted for installation of gas fuel tubing in an unventilated location.

[0034] FIG. 2 show conventional CSST inside a sleeve for installation of gas fuel tubing in an unventilated location, with the unsupported CSST slumping to one side of the sleeve.

[0035] FIGs. 3A to 3D illustrate different exemplary views of the proposed centering cap, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

100361 FIGs. 4A to 4C illustrate the centering cap of FIGs. 3A to 3D coupled between the CSST and the sleeve with the CSST correctly aligned in the center of the sleeve, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

100371 FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flow diagram for the disclosed method for installing corrugated stainless-steel tubing inside a sleeve, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present

disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0039] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0040] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0041] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a centring cap used in conjunction with CSST for installation of gas fuel supply lines, specifically for installation in unventilated locations or locations that typically require a sleeve, and a method for installing CS ST inside a sleeve using a centring cap.

[0042] Referring to FIGs. 3A to 3D where different views if the disclosed centring cap are disclosed, the cap 300 can be made of a plastic material with a cylindrical shape, and can have an outer portion 302 and an inner flange portion 304. The outer portion 302 can be a hollow cylinder having an inner surface that is configured to receive a sleeve, such as sleeve 104 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. For example, an inner diameter of the outer portion 302 can match, or can be slightly more than, the outer diameter of the sleeve 104 so that the sleeve 104 can be received within the inner hollow of the outer portion 302 of the cap 300.

[0043] The inner surface of the outer portion 302 can include a plurality of projections, such as projection 308 shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, which can engage with an outer surface of the sleeve 104 when the cap 300 is assembled to the sleeve 104 at an end of the sleeve 104 to prevent the cap 300 from being easily removed. The sleeve 104 can be a corrugated tube having corrugated outer surface and the projections 308 can be angled or tapered teeth such that, when the cap 300 is inserted over the sleeve 300, the teeth 308 allow the insertion but engage with groves of the corrugated outer surface of the sleeve 104 to prevent moving the cap 300 out from the sleeve 300 unless a force is applied for removal.

[0044] The inner flange portion 304 may extent inwards from the inner surface of the outer portion 302. The inner flange portion 304 includes a concentrically located hole 310.

Diameter D (refer to FIG. 3B) of the hole 310 can be selected such that the CSST 102 fits through the hole 310 in a sliding configuration.

[0045] In addition, the inner flange portion 304 may include a plurality of openings, such as opening 306, to allow venting of any leakage from the CSST 102 to a ventilated area, such as ventilated area 108 shown in FIG. 1A. It is to be appreciated that while the exemplary illustrations of FIGs, 3A to 4C show the openings 306 of circular shapes, any other shape for the openings 306 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIGs, 4A to 4C show different views of the cap 300 assembled with the CSST 102 and the sleeve 104. As shown therein, the cap 300 is fitted at one end of the sleeve 104 such that the outer portion 304 of the sleeve 300 engages with the outer surface of the sleeve 104, and the CSST 102 is slidably configured with the hole 310 of the inner flange portion 304 of the cap 300. Also shown therein is engagement of the projections 308 with the corrugated outer surface of the sleeve 104.

[0047] As can be appreciated, the cap 300 can be configured on the two ends of the sleeve to support the CSST 102 concentrically so that the CSST does not sag and come in contact with the inner surface of the sleeve 104.

[0048] One or more caps 300 can be a part of a kit for installation of gas piping in an enclosed space, such as the enclosed space 100 shown in FIG. 1, that enables venting of any leakage from the corrugated stainless steel tubing to the ventilated area 108. The kit can include a CSST 102 of appropriate length, which includes a protective cover 112; a sleeve 104 to be configured over the corrugated stainless steel tubing 102; and at least one cap 300 for being assembled between the corrugated stainless steel tubing 102 and the sleeve 104.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5, where an exemplary method flow diagram for a method for installing CSST inside a sleeve is disclosed. The proposed method 500 can include, at step 502, providing a CSST, such as CSST shown in FiSs. 4A to 4C, to carry the gas. The CSST 102 can have a protective cover, such as protective cover 112 shown in FIG. 2 over an outer surface of the CSST 102. The step 504 of the method 500 can be to position a first cap, such as cap 300 shown in FIGs. 3A to 3D, over the CSST 102. The cap 300 can include an outer portion, such as the outer portion 302 shown in FIGs. 3A to 3D, and an inner flange portion, such as the inner flange portion 304 shown in FIGs. 3A to 3D. The inner flange portion 304 can include a hole, such as hole 310 shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, and the cap 300 can be positioned over the CSST 102 by inserting the CSST 102 through the hole 310.

[0050] The method 500 can include a further step 506 of configuring a sleeve, such as sleeve 104 shown in FIGs. 4A to 4C, over the CSST 102 by inserting the CSST 102 through a first end of the sleeve 104, and step 508 of engaging the first cap 300 with the first end of the sleeve 102 by inserting the first end of the sleeve 300 within the outer portion 302 of the first cap 300.

[0051] The method can further include the step of: positioning a second cap 300 over the CSST 102 and engaging the second cap 300 with a second end of the sleeve 104 by inserting the second end of the sleeve 104 within the outer portion 302 of the second cap 300, thereby supporting the sleeve at both the ends.

[0052] The method may further include the step of: providing a plurality of openings, such as openings 306 shown in FTGs. 3A to 3D, on the inner flange portion 304 of at least one of the first cap and the second cap. The openings 306 may be configured to enable venting of any leakage from the CSST 102 to a ventilated area where the corresponding end of the sleeve 104 can be located [0053] The method may further include the step of engaging a plurality of projections, such as projections 308 shown in FIGs. 3C and 3D, provided on an inner surface of the outer portion 302 of the caps 300 with a corrugated surface of the sleeve 104 to retain the caps 300 with the sleeve 104.

[0054] Thus, the present disclosure provides a centering cap for concentrically holding the CSST within a sleeve during installation of gas fuel lines in unventilated locations. The cap overcomes drawbacks of the conventional arrangements of installation of gas pipes in unventilated locations.

ADVANTGES OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The present disclosure provides a solution to the problems associated with installation of gas pipes in unventilated locations.

[0056] The present disclosure provides a solution that meets the requirement of gas installation codes related to installation of gas pipes in unventilated locations.

[0057] The present disclosure provides a centering cap which centers a length of CSST inside a sleeve.

Claims

I claim: 1. A cap for use with a corrugated stainless steel tubing and a flexible sleeving, wherein the cap is of an annular shape comprising an outer portion configured to be fitted to an end of the sleeve and an inner flange portion configured to support the corrugated stainless steel tubing such that the corrugated stainless steel tubing is concentrically located within the sleeve to enable escape of gas that may leak from the corrugated stainless steel tubing through the end of the sleeve.
2. The cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap includes a plurality of openings provided on the inner flange portion to enable venting of any leakage from the corrugated stainless steel tubing to a ventilated area.
3. The cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is a corrugated tubing.
4. The cap as claimed in claim 3, wherein the outer portion of the cap is of cylindrical shape having an inner surface configured to receive the sleeve.
5. The cap as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inner surface includes a plurality of projections configured to engage with the corrugated surface of the sleeve to retain the with the sleeve.
6. The cap as claimed in claim 5, wherein the projections are of angled teeth that engage with the corrugated surface of the sleeve when the cap is pushed over the sleeve but allow separation on application of a force.
7. The cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner flange portion includes a concentrically located hole configured to receive the corrugated stainless steel tubing.
8. The cap as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hole on the inner flange portion is sized to allow sliding of the corrugated stainless steel tubing relative to the cap.
9. The cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap is made of a plastic material.
10. A kit for installation of gas piping in an enclosed space that enables venting of any leakage from the corrugated stainless steel tubing to a ventilated area, the kit comprising: a corrugated stainless steel tubing, the corrugated stainless steel tubing having a protective cover; a sleeve for being over the corrugated stainless steel tubing: and at least one cap for being configured between the corrugated stainless steel tubing and the sleeve.wherein the cap is of annular shape with an outer portion configured to be fitted to an end of the sleeve and an inner flange portion configured to support the corrugated stainless steel tubing such that the corrugated stainless steel tubing is concentrically located within the sleeve to enable escape of gas that may leak from the corrugated stainless steel tubing through the end of the sleeve.
11. The kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap includes a plurality of openings 10 provided on the inner flange portion to enable venting of any leakage from the corrugated stainless steel tubing to a ventilated area.
12. The kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is a corrugated tubing.
13. The kit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the outer portion of the cap is of cylindrical shape having an inner surface configured to receive the sleeve.
14. The kit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inner surface includes a plurality of projections configured to engage with the corrugated surface of the sleeve to retain the with the sleeve; wherein the projections are of angled teeth that engage with the corrugated surface of the sleeve when the cap is pushed over the sleeve but allow separation on application of a force.
15. The kit as claimed in claim I, wherein the inner flange portion includes a concentrically located hole configured to receive the corrugated stainless steel tubing.
16. The kit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hole on the inner flange portion is sized to allow sliding of the corrugated stainless steel tubing relative to the cap
17. A method for installing corrugated stainless steel tubing inside a sleeve, the method comprising the steps of providing a corrugated stainless steel tubing to carry the gas, the corrugated stainless steel tubing having a protective cover over an outer surface of the corrugated stainless steel tubing; positioning a first cap over the corrugated stainless steel tubing, wherein the cap comprises an outer portion and an inner flange portion, the inner flange portion including a hole, and the cap is positioned over the corrugated stainless steel tubing by inserting the corrugated stainless steel tubing through the hole; configuring a sleeve over the corrugated stainless steel tubing by inserting the corrugated stainless steel tubing through a first end of the sleeve; and engaging the first cap with the first end of the sleeve by inserting the first end of the sleeve within the outer portion of the first cap.
18. The method as claimed in claim 18, comprising positioning a second cap over the corrugated stainless steel tubing and engaging the second cap with a second end of the sleeve by inserting the second end of the sleeve within the outer portion of the second cap, thereby supporting the sleeve at both the ends.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18, comprising: providing a plurality of openings on the inner flange portion of at least one of the first cap and the second cap, wherein the openings enable venting of any leakage from the corrugated stainless steel tubing to a ventilated area where the corresponding end of the sleeve is located.
20. The method as claimed in claim 20, comprising: engaging a plurality of projections provided on an inner surface of the outer portion of the first cap and the second cap with a corrugated surface of the sleeve to retain the first cap and the second cap with the sleeve.