GB2503429A

GB2503429A - Pipe draining apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2503429A
Application number: GB201211236A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Kirk Tanner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-25
Filing date: 2012-06-25
Publication date: 2014-01-01
Also published as: GB201211236D0

Abstract

A pipe draining and leak collection apparatus for the safe and controlled drainage of liquid F from vertically oriented pipework A,B, C, D, E includes a removable envelope or shroud member G bearing a re-sealable lateral join H. There may be a spilt seal I around the pipe. There may be a spigot J for attaching a flexible tube to carry away the liquid. The shroud may be formed from a flexible material and conical in shape.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an improved pipe draining and leak collection apparatus for the safe and controlled drainage of liquid from plumbing such as small diameter vertically oriented domestic pipe work. The apparatus includes a removable envelope or shroud member adapted to encompass the vertical pipe in proximity to the leaking liquid to catch the spill and enable convenient drainage away.

An alternate application of the invention provides for installation of the device to a leaking vertical pipe in a situation where a repair is not immediately possible whereby the leakage could be safely drained away into a container until a permanent repair can be carried out.

For example, in some types of hot water heating systems, radiators are fitted around the house which get hot when the water warms up.

This is often a closed system and at low pressure. It is often found that the vertical pipes which feed the radiator leak at the coupling under the valve which is fixed to the radiator. It is impossible to disconnect the coupling unless the whole system is drained. If the device was fitted, the leak could continue until a permanent repair could be made.

The device thus provides a service aid for the plumbing and small bore pipe work industries, as well as for do it yourself enthusiasts.

The invention will be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description with reference given to the annexed drawings wherein FIG I is a view of a typical vertical pipe work assembly FIG 2 is a view of a pipe draining apparatus of this invention having been installed on a vertical pipe work assembly to capture water draining from a coupling FIG 3 is a view of the pipe draining apparatus as removed from a pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG 1 is a view of a typical vertical pipe work assembly wherein two separate pipes A and B are joined by a connector assembly including coupling C, coupling nuts D and F and internal sealing rings (not visible). Pipes A and B contain water at static pressure.

Disconnection of either coupling nut D or F would result in the water content of the pipe work above this point to be released until it was fully drained. Such an uncontrolled draining of the water is undesirable in a typical indoor environment.

FIG 2 is a view of a pipe draining apparatus of this invention having been installed on a vertical pipe work assembly. Here, coupling nut F has been loosened, and water F is escaping from pipe A and coupling C. Envelope or shroud G, which has a re-sealable join H, has been fitted around pipe B. Seal I helps to prevent leakage from the shroud enclosure. As the shroud C collects the leaking water, spigot J allows an external flexible tube to be attached to enable drainage into a conveniently sited container or drain. Once all of the contents of pipe A and coupling C have been released and drained away, the shroud C can be removed and further repair work carried out without spillage.

Fig 3 is a view of the pipe draining apparatus C as removed from a pipe. The shroud can be opened down one side for the full length of the device so that it can be fitted around a pipe and re-joined vis a re-sealable joining mechanism. Shroud to pipe seal may consist of a split "0" ring gasket or other seal.

Shroud C is preferably constructed of polypropylene or other suitable impermeable, flexible material ( eg, silicone or neoprene).

The shroud is preferably conical in shape when assembled, but could be other shapes with at least the bottom portion being conical to facilitate drainage.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed as invention is: 1. A pipe draining and leak collection apparatus for the safe and controlled drainage of liquid from a vertically oriented pipe work comprising of a removable envelope or shroud member adapted to encompass the vertical pipe in proximity to the leaking liquid to catch the spill and enable convenient drainage away.
2. The pipe draining and leak collection apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shroud member comprises of a conical envelope bearing a re-sealable lateral joint.
3. The pipe draining and leak collection apparatus of claim 2 wherein said conical envelope comprises of an impermeable, flexible material.
4. The pipe draining and leak collection apparatus of claim 2 wherein said re-sealable lateral joint comprises of a zipper, adhesive, hook and eye or other fastening method.
5. The pipe draining and leak collection apparatus of claim 2 wherein said shroud member includes a spigot that allows an external flexible tube to be attached to enable drainage into a conveniently sited container or drain.
6. The pipe draining and leak collection apparatus of claim 2 wherein said shroud member includes a pipe seal to prevent leakage.