Improvements in and relating to pipe junctions
The present invention relates to a device and a method for forming a junction in a pipe. It particularly relates to a means of forming such a junction without the need to remove a section of pipe.
In prior art pipe systems, it is commonly required to provide a branch from an existing pipe. Such a branch pipe requires the fitting of a T-piece or tee fitting. A prior art compression-type T-piece 10 is shown in Figure 1 . The T-piece 10 has three pipe connections 12, 14, 16. The connections in this example are compression-type fittings, but could equally be solderable connections, grooved, screw connectors or any other form of connector suitable for attachment to a pipe. The example T-piece shown in Figure 1 is intended for use in domestic settings, but the same principles apply in much larger pipes, such as those used to convey oil or water over long distances.
The T-piece, so called as it resembles the letter T, has two connectors 12, 14 arranged in a linear arrangement, and a third connector 16 disposed at 90° to the line formed between connectors 12 and 14. To install the T-piece to an existing pipe. It is necessary to drain any fluid from the pipe and then cut a section out from the pipe, the section to be removed being a little longer than the length of the T-piece to be inserted. The T-piece is then placed in the gap in the pipe and is coupled to the two exposed pipe ends. The coupling means which is used depends on the type of T-piece used. In domestic water systems, compression fittings or soldered joints may be used. In industrial systems, the pipe diameters are typically much larger and grooved pipe ends and associated couplings may be used.
One the T-piece is fitted, the branch pipe can be connected to connector 16 and onward to a new device, appliance or pipe network, as required. Regardless of which type of T-piece is used in any particular pipe system, prior art T-piece connections and fittings require the removal of a section of pipe, which is time consuming, prone to errors and inconvenient. Embodiments of the present invention aim to address at least some of the problems set out above.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe junction, comprising a branching part comprising a tubular conduit to convey fluid from an aperture in the pipe, and a bracing part, wherein the bracing part and the branching part each comprise an outer part and a pair of inner parts, the inner and outer parts being rotatable relative to each other, wherein in a first configuration, the bracing and branching parts are separate and positionable to surround the pipe, and in a second configuration, they are locked together, wherein the locking together is achieved by relative rotation of the respective inner and outer parts such that the inner parts of the bracing part at least partially engage with the outer part of the branching part, and the inner parts of the branching part at least partially engage with the outer part of the bracing part.
Preferably, the pipe junction further comprises a gasket, positioned to surround the aperture and between an inner surface of the branching part and an outer surface of the pipe. Preferably the inner parts are retained in a channel within the outer parts.
Preferably the inner parts comprise a tab, extending therefrom and arranged to permit the inner parts to be rotated relative to the outer parts. Preferably the pipe junction is formed from a plastics material or a metal.
Preferably the tubular conduit is provided with a grooved end for use with grooved pipe fittings. Preferably the pipe junction further comprises a wedge arranged to be accommodated in a complementary recess in the pipe junction. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing the pipe junction according to the first aspect comprising the steps of: creating an aperture in a pipe; securing a gasket in place between the aperture and a branching part; compressing the gasket by means of a spring toggle inserted into the aperture via a tubular conduit in the branching part; and coupling a bracing part to the branching part by rotating the inner parts of the respective bracing and branching parts, so as to cause them to engage at least partially with the respective outer parts of the branching and bracing parts. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a prior art T-piece using compression fittings; Figure 2 shows a T-piece according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 3A and 3B show a butterfly clip or spring toggle, used to temporarily secure the T-piece in position on the pipe;
Figure 4 shows an intermediate step in the assembly of the final T-piece; Figure 5 shows the T-piece of Figure 2 attached to a pipe; Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the slidably rotatable member in situ; and
Figure 7 shows wedges for use with embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a T piece 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Unlike prior art T pieces which require the pipe to which the T piece is connected to be cut twice so that a short section of pie can be removed, the embodiment shown in Figure 2 does not require a section of pipe to be removed. As such, fitting of a T piece according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed far more quickly, safely reliably and with fewer opportunities for error or accident. The only intrusive or destructive act which is required during the fitting of the T-piece 100 is a single drilling operation to permit access to the interior of the pipe. In some instances, rather than drilling, a torch or other cutting device may be used, particularly on larger diameter pipes.
The T-piece 100 of Figure 2 comprises two main components 1 10, 120, which will be referred to herein as a branching part 120 and a bracing part 1 10. The branching part comprises a projecting tubular conduit 130, from which fluid in the pipe which is to be branched from, flows.
In order to fit the T-piece in position, it is necessary to examine the features of the bracing part 1 10 and branching part 120 in more detail.
The bracing part comprises an outer part 1 1 1 and an inner part 1 12. The branching part comprises an outer part 121 and an inner part 1 12. The inner parts are identical and are hereafter referred to as slidably rotatable members 1 12.
Each of the branching and bracing parts is provided with a pair of channels 1 16 (see Figure 6) situated towards an outside edge of the respective part. Each channel is configured to receive and retain the slidably rotatable member 1 12. The member 1 12 is inserted into the channel and slidably rotated about an arc such that once fully inserted, the ends of the member are substantially aligned with the ends of the channel housing it. Once in this configuration, each of the components 1 10, 120 are substantially semicircular in profile, to fit around one half of a pipe 200. The member 1 12 is free to rotate about an arc formed by the channel, but is retained therein unless it is rotated so far that it leaves the channel. This configuration is a full 180° from the configuration where the member is retained and its ends align with the ends of the channel housing it.
Figure 6 shows an end view of the parts of components 1 10, 120 at the point where they abut. The channel 1 16, formed in outer parts 1 1 1 , 121 in the example shown in Figure 6 is T-shaped and the member 1 12 is shaped correspondingly, to be securely retained in the channel. Other configurations are of course possible and the skilled person will readily appreciate how to configure both the member and the channel to achieve the desired rotation and retention. Extending from each member 1 10 is a tab 1 14. The tab 1 14 is positioned so that it extends out beyond the respective outside edge of the component 1 10, 120. The purpose of the tab is to allow the member 1 12 to be rotated within the channel in which it resides, once both components 1 10, 120 are located around the pipe to be branched.
The members 1 12 are vital in securing the branching and bracing parts together and this operation will be described in detail later.
In order to fit the T piece, it is necessary to pierce the pipe 200 so that the fluid therein can exit and travel down tubular conduit 130, in the usual way for a T-piece. In most circumstances, it is necessary to drain the system of which pipe 200 forms a part. To pierce the pipe, a drilling or torching operation is performed to form an aperture in the pipe of an approximately defined diameter. The aperture should be orientated to align with the direction that the branching pipe. If drilling, it is important that the drill does not penetrate the other side of the pipe, so some form of depth gauge may be required.
Having formed a hole in the pipe, the next step is to position a gasket around the hole. The gasket 140 is a simple rubber washer, taking the form of a rubber annulus of material, with the central hole therein dimensioned to match the hole formed and the outer diameter dimensioned to be retained within the branching part 120. A suitably shaped recess may be provided within the inner surface of the branching part 120 which contacts the pipe. A material other than rubber, selected depending on the fluid being conveyed in the pipe 200, may be provided if required.
In order to ensure a fluid-proof seal, the branching part 120 is temporarily fitted to the pipe 200, over the gasket 140, and the gasket 140 is forcibly compressed. This is achieved by use of a so-called butterfly clip or spring toggle 300, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Spring toggles similar to this are known and used to fix items to cavity or stud walls. The spring toggle 300 comprises a rod, which comprises a threaded section 310. Attached to an end of the rod are a pair of wings 320, which are spring biased inwardly towards the rod. The spring toggle 300 is used to compress the gasket 140 so as to form a secure seal between the branching part 120 and the exterior of the pipe 200. Once the branching part 120 is located over the gasket 140 so that the tubular conduit 130 aligns with the hole formed in the pipe, the spring toggle 300, inside a short length of pipe 340 is introduced into the tubular conduit 130. In this configuration, the wings are biased against the rod . Once the spring toggle 300 has been introduced, the short length of pipe 340 is advanced further into the hole to cause the wings to spread outwards and so align them in a position whereby they can brace the interior of the pipe. The short length of pipe 340 is then withdrawn and a nut 330 is attached to the threaded section 310. As the nut is tightened, the gasket is forcibly compressed and so forms a fluid-proof seal. Figure 4 shows the spring toggle 300 in position, securing the branching part 120.
The spring toggle is only in position temporarily to allow the gasket to be compressed and so to form a good seal. While it is in position and the branching part 120 is secured in place, the bracing part 1 10 is attached.
The branching part 120 and the bracing part 1 10 are separable and are arranged to be placed around the pipe 200, so that they fit closely to the pipe and abut one another once they are placed in situ around the pipe. This can be seen in Figure 5, which shows the two components 1 10, 120 in situ around the pipe 200.
Once the bracing part 1 10 is brought into abutment, as shown in Figure 5, the tabs 1 14 on each side of the arrangement are rotated through an angle of 90°. This causes the member 1 12 of the bracing part 1 10 to slide out of its channel at one end thereof and simultaneously enter the channel of the branching part 120. Of course, while this is happening, a complementary movement is happening whereby the member 1 12 of the branching part 120 slides out of its channel and simultaneously enters the channel of the bracing part 1 10. This process is repeated at each side of the arrangement to securely fasten the branching and bracing parts.
The mutual interlocking occurring thereby causes the bracing part 1 10 and branching part 120 to couple tightly together. This is shown in Figure 5. The tabs 1 14 are visible at the top and bottom surfaces of the pipe and have been rotated through 90° from their positions shown in Figure 2. This is the fully engaged position, and the bracing and branching parts are now securely locked. The next step is to remove the spring toggle 300, since it is no longer required. To do his, the nut 330 is loosened. This causes the wings 320 to return to their inwardly biased positions, thereby allowing the spring clip to be removed easily from tubular conduit 130.
Once this has been done, the tubular conduit 130 can be connected to the new pipework by whichever means is appropriate. The fluid can be reintroduced to the pipes and the T-piece 100 will operate, in the normal way, to convey fluid along the newly branched pipe connected to conduit 130.
The example shown here is a T-piece to create one additional branch from a given pipe. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this way and other forms of junction may be envisaged with multiple branching points.
The T-piece 200 may be constructed from plastics material or metallic materials, the choice may depend on the expected pressure of the system and the diameter of the pipe to be branched.
Figure 7 shows optional devices which may be used with a T-piece of the present invention. In some situations, it is possible that the T-piece could move out of position, which could cause a leak. This is unlikely, but to provide extra security, one or more wedges may be used.
The wedges are intended to be accommodated in one or more recesses provided in an interior surface of the branching and/or bracing parts. The recesses are shaped to be substantially similar to the shape of the wedges. Once the T-piece is assembled, one or more wedges can be forcibly inserted into one or more recesses to secure the T-piece in position. Wedge 400 has a plurality of longitudinal ridges along its lower surface. These, in use, will contact the exterior surface of pipe 200 and will prevent the T-piece from rotating about the pipe. Wedge 410 has a plurality of lateral ridges along its lower surface. These, in use, will contact the exterior surface of pipe 200 and will prevent the T-piece from migrating along the pipe.
The wedges 400, 410 are each provided with a removal slot to allow them to be removed simply with a screwdriver. The wedges 400, 410 may be constructed from a material similar or identical to the material used to construct the T-piece. In some domestic installations, a plastics material may be suitable, but for larger pipes, the wedges are formed from steel or another suitable metal.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
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.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). 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.