NZ599950B - Improvements in and relating to pipe fittings - Google Patents

Abstract

599950 A pipe fitting (1) is disclosed including a body (2) having a threaded end (3) and a retaining portion (4, 9. A compression fitting (7) is configured to engage with the threaded end (3) of the body. A tubular seal (6) is configured to fit around the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end and a compression end washer (8) is configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the tubular seal. The tubular seal (6) is formed from a deformable material which bulges when subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal. The retaining portion (4, 9) is configured to bias the first end of the seal (12b) towards the body (2) when subject to compression. he threaded end and a compression end washer (8) is configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the tubular seal. The tubular seal (6) is formed from a deformable material which bulges when subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal. The retaining portion (4, 9) is configured to bias the first end of the seal (12b) towards the body (2) when subject to compression.

Description

James & Wells ref: 44868 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO PIPE FITTINGS We, Loadrite New Zealand Limited, a New Zealand company of P O Box 19849, Woolston, Christchurch 8241, New Zealand, hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: James & Wells ref: 44868 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO PIPE FITTINGS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to improvements in pipe fittings. The present invention is particularly applicable in applications whereby a tap or branch fitting is required to be fitted to a main pipe line or tank.

BACKGROUND ART In both residential and commercial fluid supply networks it is common practice to supply a number of branches from a single main pipeline. Typically a junction or branch is fitted to the main pipeline at the time the network is installed. This requires considerable fore-planning to allow sufficient branches to be added for future scalability. More often than not installation of a branch or junction in a main pipeline involves cutting the main pipeline and installing a pre- formed junction or branch fitting.

If the network happens to be an underground installation, which is often the case for wastewater, gas and water mains supply, any modification of the network requires that a portion of the network is dug up and a new branch or junction added. Cutting the pipeline and fitting a pre-formed junction or branch fitting is an onerous process and can result in compromising network reliability. Furthermore the portion of the network being worked on needs to be taken out of service for the period that a new branch or junction connection is being fitted. This period of no service is inconvenient to users who are supplied by the out of service network. Therefore the speed and efficacy of connecting a new branch connection is important.

There are a number of devices which have been devised for installing branches or junctions in existing underground fluid networks. These typically involve a process whereby a portion of the pipeline is uncovered and an access port is cut or drilled into the pipeline. A new branch or junction is then connected to the access port. One common method of connecting a branch to to an access port is to fit a jacket having a branch over the access port and around the pipeline.

By clamping the jacket around the pipeline a strong seal is formed and fluid is able to flow from the pipeline into the branch.

One problem with these types of fittings is that the pipeline needs to be exposed on all sides to allow the jacket to be fitted around it. This is time consuming and requires substantial work by a James & Wells ref: 44868 person installing the fitting. Furthermore the outer surface of the pipeline must be clean to prevent contamination of the fluid and to allow a good seal to be formed.

One further component of a fluid supply system that is typically difficult to add a tap or branch to is a reservoir tank. The difficulty in tapping from tanks is that typically access is only possible, or at least convenient, from outside of the tank. It would therefore be useful to have a pipe fitting that could be quickly and easily attached to both pipelines and also tanks.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

James & Wells ref: 44868 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pipe fitting configured to locate within an aperture in a wall of a pipe or container. The pipe fitting includes a body having a threaded end and a retaining portion, a compression fitting configured to engage with the threaded end of the body, and a tubular seal configured to fit around at least a portion of the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end. In use, an aperture slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular seal is formed in the pipe or container wall. The retaining portion and at least a portion of the tubular seal are positioned through, or within, the aperture. An installer then holds the body stationary whilst tightening the compression fitting. As the compression fitting is tightened the tubular seal experiences a longitudinal compression which results in the seal bulging outwards, thereby sealing the aperture.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe fitting which includes:  a body having a threaded end and a retaining portion;  a compression fitting configured to engage with the threaded end of the body,  a tubular seal having a first end and a second end, the tubular seal configured to fit around at least a portion of the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end, and  a compression end washer configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the second end of the tubular seal, wherein the tubular seal is formed from a deformable material which bulges when subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal, and wherein the retaining portion is configured to abut against the first end of the tubular seal and bias the first end of the tubular seal towards the body when the tubular seal is subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal.

Preferably the pipe fitting is configured to be attached to form a tap from, or into, a main pipeline. However the fitting may also be used to provide a tap into a tank or other enclosure.

In preferred embodiments the body is a substantially elongate tube. Typically the body will have a circular cross section. However, in some instances a square, oval or any other cross section may be preferable, therefore reference to a circular cross sectional shape only throughout this specification should not be seen as limiting.

James & Wells ref: 44868 For clarity of description this specification refers only to a body having a threaded end. It will be appreciated however that some embodiments may include portions of the fitting which extend beyond the threaded end. For example the body may include a barbed or ribbed portion onto which a hose or the like can be forcefully pressed. In such embodiments the threaded section of the body may not be located at an end, rather it will simply form a part of the body.

Reference to a threaded end should therefore not be seen as a limitation on the structure of the present invention The retaining portion is configured so that the tubular seal can slide onto the body yet will be retained on the body when a force is applied substantially along the length of the tubular seal.

This may be achieved by bonding or clamping a portion of the tubular seal about the body so that it is maintained in position. Alternatively the body may include one or more raised or recessed features into or onto which a portion of the seal can seat. In some embodiments the feature or features for retaining the seal may include a recess or notch into which an end of the tubular seal may be seated. The recess or notch will typically be configured such that, as a longitudinal force is applied to the tubular seal, the end seated into, or engaged with, the recess or notch will become more firmly seated/engaged.

The components configured to engage with the ends of the tubular seal are configured to prevent an end of the tubular seal from spreading radially when the tubular seal is subjected to longitudinally compressive forces.

In preferred embodiments the retaining portion includes a flange located at or near an end of the body. Alternative retaining portions may be considered, a non exclusive list includes, protrusions, recesses, clamping devices, adhesives or the like. For the purposes of clarity and ease of understanding the retaining portion will be referred to henceforth as a flange. However, this terminology should not be interpreted as excluding other known methods of retaining.

In some embodiments the retaining portion includes a retaining end washer configured to interface between the flange and the tubular seal.

The retaining end washer includes a first face configured to abut the flange and a second face configured to abut the first end of the tubular seal and bias the first end of the tubular seal towards the body.

In some embodiments the second face which is configured to interface with the tubular seal may be integrally formed with the retaining end portion, thereby eliminating the requirement for a retaining end washer.

Preferably the second face forms a recess, or part thereof, into which a portion of the seal can be engaged.

James & Wells ref: 44868 In preferred embodiments the compression fitting includes a threaded component configured to engage with the threaded end of the body.

In preferred embodiments the threaded component includes a gripping portion on an outer surface thereof.

In preferred embodiments the compression fitting includes a compression end washer configured to interface between the threaded component and a surface on the tubular seal.

Preferably the compression end washer includes a first face configured to abut a surface of the threaded component and a second face configured to abut a surface on the tubular seal. In preferred embodiments the gripping portion of the threaded component and the compression end washer (if a gripping portion is included thereon) is configured to be gripped by a range of standard tools, examples of which include, but should not be limited to:  plumber’s wrenches;  tongue and groove pliers;  pump pliers, and  the human hand.

In preferred embodiments both the threaded component and the compression end washer include gripping portions. In such embodiments a first tool may be used to hold the compression end washer stationary whilst a second tool is used to turn the threaded component. In this manner a longitudinal compression can be applied to the tubular seal with substantially no rotation of the tubular seal or body.

Preferably the components that interface with the ends of the tubular seal include a recess configured to receive an end of the tubular seal. Depending on the exact configuration of the pipe fitting, the components that interface with the ends of the tubular seal may include one or more of:  the threaded component;  the compression end washer;  the flange at or near an end of the body;  the second face of a retaining end washer, and/or  a portion of the body.

In preferred embodiments the compression end washer includes a recess configured to engage with the first end of the tubular seal.

James & Wells ref: 44868 Preferably the recess is inwardly tapered. It will be appreciated that longitudinal force applied to a tubular seal which is located in an inwardly tapered recess, and in the direction of the recess, will result in the end of the tubular seal being forced further into the recess and therefore more firmly retained therein.

In preferred embodiments the compression end washer includes a low friction surface configured to abut a surface of the threaded component.

Preferably the low friction surface is a raised contact surface which prevents the compression end washer and threaded portion from binding together.

In some embodiments it may be the threaded component, or both the compression end washer and threaded component, that include a low friction surface.

In preferred embodiments the tubular seal includes an elongate tubular body portion configured to be inserted through an aperture.

Typically the tubular seal will have a circular cross section. However in some instances a square, oval or any other cross section may be preferable, therefore the cross sectional shape of the tubular seal should not be seen as being limiting.

In some embodiments the tubular seal may include a flanged end configured to at least partially abut against a wall (such as, without limitation, a wall of a main pipeline or reservoir tank). The inclusion of a flanged end allows an installer of the pipe fitting to more easily insert the pipe fitting into an aperture formed in the wall. Correct insertion depth is achieved by inserting the tubular body of the seal into an aperture up to the point whereby the flange abuts against the wall of the pipe or container to which a branch connection is to be added. If no flange was provided the tubular seal would need to be located so as to be substantially centrally located within the aperture in order to guarantee robust sealing.

Preferably the ends of the seal include a beveled edge or surface which corresponds to the aperture or inward taper of the recess provided in the components of the pipe fitting that interface with the ends of the tubular seal.

By including a beveled edge on the ends of the seal and an inwardly tapered recess on the components of the pipe fitting that interface with the ends of the tubular seal, the ends of the seal become heavily biased inwards upon application of longitudinal compression of the tubular seal. The inward bias enhances the bulging effect by concentrating deformation of the tubular seal to the central part thereof.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a pipe fitting, the kit including:  at least one body having a threaded end and a retaining portion; James & Wells ref: 44868  at least one compression fitting configured to engage with the threaded end of the body,  at least one tubular seal having a first end and a second end, the tubular seal configured to surround at least a portion of the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end, and  at least one compression end washer configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the second end of the tubular seal, wherein the tubular seal is formed from a deformable material which bulges when subjected to lengthwise compression, and wherein the retaining portion is configured to abut against the first end of the tubular seal and bias the first end of the tubular seal towards the body when the tubular seal is subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal.

Preferably the kit includes a number of tubular seals of varying lengths so as to allow use of the fitting with different depth apertures.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for attaching a pipe fitting to a wall, the pipe fitting including a body having a threaded end and a retaining portion, a compression fitting configured to engage with the threaded end of the body, and a tubular seal having a first end and a second end, the tubular seal made from a deformable material and configured to fit around at least a portion of the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end, and at least one compression end washer configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the second end of the tubular seal, the method including the steps of: a) (optionally) forming an aperture in the wall if a suitable aperture does not already exist; b) inserting the retaining end of the body and at least a portion of the tubular seal through the aperture in the wall; and c) compressing the tubular seal along its length by way of tightening the compression fitting against the at least one compression end washer, wherein tightening of the compression fitting results in the tubular seal being subjected to a lengthwise compression between the at least one compression end washer and the retaining portion resulting in the tubular seal bulging outward and attaching the pipe fitting thereto, and wherein the retaining portion abuts against the first end of the tubular seal, biasing the first end of the tubular seal towards the body.

In some embodiments the optional step of forming an aperture in the wall involves forming an aperture will be slightly larger than an external dimension (e.g. its external diameter) of the tubular seal when it is not under any longitudinal pressure.

James & Wells ref: 44868 Attachment of the pipe fitting to the wall through longitudinal compression of the tubular seal may occur as a result of one or more, or a combination, of:  pinching of the wall adjacent the aperture between a seal flange and the bulged portion of the seal;  radial pressure exerted by the bulging portion on the bounding sides of the aperture;  pinching of the wall adjacent the aperture between bulged portions of the tubular seal.

The present invention provides a number of advantages, including, but not being limited to:  Providing a pipe fitting which can be quickly and easily attached to the wall of a pipe, container or the like.

 Providing a fast, robust and user friendly pipe fitting for making a tap or branch connection in a pipe.

 Providing a low contamination pipe fitting, as installation does not result in any contact of the fluid with the outer surface of the pipe or container and does not require the use of solvents or glue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a pipe fitting in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side profile of the pipe fitting shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the pipe fitting shown in figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows cross sectional views of a tubular seal and compression washers shown in figures 1 to 3, and Figure 5 shows an, in use, side profile of the pipe fitting shown in figures 1 to 3 attached to a wall.

James & Wells ref: 44868 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a pipe fitting 1 which includes a body in the form of a substantially elongate tube 2. The tube 2 includes a threaded end 3 and a retaining portion in the form of flange 4. A compression fitting 5 comprising a threaded component in the form of nut 7 configured to engage with the threaded end 3, and compression end washer 8 configured to interface between nut 7 and tubular seal 6. The pipe fitting 1 also includes a retaining end washer 9 configured to interface between the flange 4 and tubular seal 6.

Nut 7 and compression end washer 8 both include gripping portions in the form of a series of projections 14 spaced around their periphery. The projections 14 may be gripped by hand, or by a number of commonly used tools. It will also be appreciated that any number of grip configurations could be used without departing from the scope of the invention, for example knurling, splines or the like.

Tubular seal 6 is configured to fit around at least a portion of the body 2 between the retaining portion 4 and the threaded end 3. Tubular seal 6 is formed from a deformable material which bulges when subjected to compression substantially along the length of the seal (substantially along the axis designated A – A’). The tubular seal includes a flange 21 at one end thereof which is configured to abut an outer surface of a wall to which the pipe fitting is to be attached (as shown in Figure 5). Retaining end washer 9 is configured to interface between flange 4 and tubular seal 6. Retaining end washer 9 has a first face 14 configured to abut flange 4, and an aperture having a beveled second face 15 configured to abut a corresponding beveled surface 12b on the tubular seal 6.

Compression end washer 8 is configured to interface between threaded component 7 and tubular seal 6, and has a low friction surface 16 configured to abut a surface 17 of the threaded component 7. This allows the threaded component 7 to be rotated without a corresponding rotation being frictionally transferred to compression end washer 8. Compression end washer 8 also has an aperture which has a beveled surface 13 configured to abut corresponding beveled surface 12b on the tubular seal 6.

With reference to figure 4 there are shown cross-sectional views of compression end washer 8 and retaining end washer 9 which include recesses (designated 10, 11 respectively) configured to interface with beveled ends 12a, 12b of tubular seal 6. In figure 4, recesses 10, 11 have beveled inner sides 13, 15 which correspond with the beveled ends 12a, 12b of seal 6. The beveled inner sides 13, 15 of recesses 10, 11 and corresponding beveled ends 12a, 12b of tubular seal 6 bias the seal ends 12a, 12b inwards upon longitudinal compression of tubular seal 6, thereby enhancing the seal formed during longitudinal compression.

With reference to Figure 5 there is shown a pipe fitting 1 attached to and sealing an aperture (not shown) in wall 20. The pipe fitting 1 includes, in order of assembly, body 2, retaining end James & Wells ref: 44868 washer 9, tubular seal 6, compression end washer 8 and threaded component 7. A portion of body 2, retaining end washer 9 and a portion of the tubular seal have been inserted through the aperture and threaded component 7 has been screwed onto the threaded end 3 of body 2.

Typically the tubular seal will be inserted until flange 21 abuts the outer surface 22 of wall 20.

Threading threaded component 7 onto threaded end 3 results in longitudinal pressure being applied along the length of tubular seal 6 by retaining end washer 9 and compression end washer 8 which are squeezed between the retaining portion 4 of the body 2 and the threaded component 7. Beveled surfaces 12a and 12b of tubular seal 6, shown in Figure 4, are forced into apertures 10, 11 in each of the compression end washer 8, and retaining end washer 9 during longitudinal compression. This prevents the tubular seal 6 ends from splaying during compression and enhances the sealing effect. As further compressive force is applied by tightening threaded component 7 the tubular seal 6 bulges outwards resulting in both sealing of the aperture and retention of the pipe fitting 1 within the aperture.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

James & Wells ref: 44868 WHAT I

Claims (22)

CLAIM 1. IS:

1. A pipe fitting including:  a body having a threaded end and a retaining portion;  a compression fitting configured to engage with the threaded end of the body,  a tubular seal having a first end and a second end, the tubular seal configured to fit around at least a portion of the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end, and  a compression end washer configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the second end of the tubular seal, wherein the tubular seal is formed from a deformable material which bulges when subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal, and wherein the retaining portion is configured to abut against the first end of the tubular seal and bias the first end of the tubular seal towards the body when the tubular seal is subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal.

2. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body is a substantially elongate tube.

3. A pipe fitting as claimed in either one of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the retaining portion is a flange located at or near an end of the body.

4. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 3 wherein the flange includes a recess configured to engage with the first end of the tubular seal.

5. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the retaining portion includes a retaining end washer configured to interface between the flange and the tubular seal.

6. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 5 wherein the retaining end washer includes a first face configured to abut the flange and a second face configured to abut the first end of the tubular seal and bias the first end of the tubular seal towards the body.

7. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second face includes a recess configured to engage with a portion of the tubular seal.

8. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of claims 4 or 7 wherein the recess is configured to prevent the first end of the tubular seal from spreading radially when the tubular seal is subjected to said compression along the length of the tubular seal. James & Wells ref: 44868

9. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the compression fitting includes a threaded component configured to engage with the threaded end of the body.

10. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 9 wherein the threaded component includes a gripping portion on an outer surface thereof.

11. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the compression end washer includes a gripping portion on an outer surface thereof.

12. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the compression end washer includes a recess configured to engage with a portion of the tubular seal.

13. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 12 wherein the wherein the recess is configured to prevent the ends of the tubular seal from spreading radially when subjected to said compressive forces.

14. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the compression end washer includes a low friction surface configured to abut a surface of the threaded component.

15. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 14 wherein the low friction surface is a raised contact surface.

16. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tubular seal includes an elongate tubular body portion configured to be inserted through an aperture.

17. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tubular seal includes a flanged end configured to at least partially abut against a wall.

18. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ends of the tubular seal are configured to engage with a complementary recess.

19. A pipe fitting as claimed in claim 18 wherein engagement of the ends of the tubular seal with the complementary recess acts to bias the ends of the tubular seal radially inward when subjected to said compressive forces.

20. A pipe fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein compression substantially along the length of the tube results in the tubular seal bulging in at least a portion of the body of the tubular seal.

21. A kit of parts for a pipe fitting, the kit including:  at least one body having a threaded end and a retaining portion; James & Wells ref: 44868  at least one compression fitting configured to engage with the threaded end of the body,  at least one tubular seal having a first end and a second end, the tubular seal configured to surround at least a portion of the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end, and  at least one compression end washer configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the second end of the tubular seal, wherein the tubular seal is formed from a deformable material which bulges when subjected to lengthwise compression, and wherein the retaining portion is configured to abut against the first end of the tubular seal and bias the first end of the tubular seal towards the body when the tubular seal is subjected to compression along the length of the tubular seal.

22. A method for attaching a pipe fitting to a wall which includes an aperture configured to accept the pipe fitting, the pipe fitting including a body having a threaded end and a retaining portion, a compression fitting configured to engage with the threaded end of the body, and a tubular seal having a first end and a second end, the tubular seal made from a deformable material and configured to fit around at least a portion of the body between the retaining portion and the threaded end, and at least one compression end washer configured to interface between the compression fitting and a surface on the second end of the tubular seal, the method including the steps of: a) inserting the retaining end of the body and at least a portion of the tubular seal through the aperture in the wall; and b) compressing the tubular seal along its length by way of tightening the compression fitting against the at least one compression end washer, wherein tightening of the compression fitting results in the tubular seal being subjected to a lengthwise compression between the at least one compression end washer and the retaining portion resulting in the tubular seal bulging outward and attaching the pipe fitting thereto, and wherein the retaining portion abuts against the first end of the tubular seal, biasing the first end of the tubular seal towards the body. James & Wells ref: 44868 Loadrite New Zealand Limited by their authorised agents JAMES & WELLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 14 14 21 14 2