GB2523078A - Multi-purpose box/workstation for plumbing and similar applications - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-purpose box/workstation for plumbing and similar applications comprising of a workstation/box combination that has removable legs and wheels, and areas that facilitate the attachment of additional items such as pipe bending machines. In other embodiments, the box will preferably cater for pipe cutting, unrolling coiled pipes, act as a fluid reservoir and facilitate pressure filling and testing operation.

Description

Multi-Durpose box/workstation for Diumbing and similar apDlications This invention relates to a box/workstation that can be used by Plumbers, Heating Engineers, Gas Engineers and similar trades within the Building ServIces Engineering industry. The box/workstation, being of lightweight, strong and durable material is able to carry out several functions, some of which may rely upon items usually only found In workshops or on larger construction sites. The use of the box/workstation will allow many tasks which are carried out by operatives in these industries to work safer and more efficiently.

One of the primary functions of the box/workstation is its ability to secure a portable hand scissor type pipe bending machine. Generally these machines are used with small bore copper tube, such as 15mm and 22mm sizes. Whilst the bending of 15mm is relatively easy, the bending of 22mm tube requires additional strength and technique. The box/workstation has the facility to fix the bending machine securely into place and it can now be used as a free standing version. This will allow improved safety (to user and property), greater accuracy and fatigue levels to be improved.

The box/workstation has legs which can elevate It to a suitable working height. The legs, which are easily fined and placed strategically for maximum stability, may be stored within the box/workstation when not in use.

Transportation wheels are attached to one end of the box/workstation to enable it to be moved easily and one of the legs may be used as a handle assembly.

Due to the sectional shape of the legs, one of them may be fitted with a spirit level type device which will be useful when carrying out levelling activities.

A further pair of legs is fitted with attachable end sections which convert them into lifting aids for Items such as long radiators and enable safe manual handling for such items.

At either end of the box/workstation1 removable pipe supports are fined which enable pipes to be securely held while cutting or threading operations are carried out. One of the supports is designed to allow a blade to go between the two longitudinal halves of the support to assist with the square cutting of the pipe. Large size pipes, such as 100mm andl5Omm, as well as flues for heating boilers may be accommodated in the supports.

A standard type engineers vice may also be clamped to the box/workstation to facilitate filing, cutting and similar processes to be carried out.

A further function of the box/workstation is to accommodate a wheel which is attached to it. The wheel is used for the unrolling of coils of plastic pipe or similar. Many plumbing installations comprise of installing plastic pipe which is supplied in coils from the manufacturer, including water services and under floor heating pipe. This task can prove troublesome due to the unravelling method and the possibility of kinks and twists in the pipe material. By mounting the coil of pipe to the wheel, then onto the workstation, the coil may be withdrawn in a more controlled manner. The wheel itself is collapsible, which allows for neat storage within the box when not in use and also enables the coil of pipe to be fitted to the wheel with ease. The wheel could also be used for garden type hose when required.

As the box is manufactured in such a way that it is watertight, it may be useful for component cleaning or general cleaning purposes, such as drain/pipe unbiocking equipment which becomes dirty during use.

The lid, when clamped securely with the fitted latches, allows the box/workstation to become a fully sealed container. When used in conjunction with a suitable pump or circulator and fittings, valves and hoses, the unit could perform the function of a flushing type machine used for the cleansing of heating systems and similar processes. A transparent viewing window in the lid would enable the contents to be seen throughout the process and enable decisions such as change of flow direction to be made as required.

With the necessary fittings connected, such as manual pump, pressure gauge, air to water device and one way valves, the workstation may also be utilised as a reservoir for water used in the hydraulic pressure testing and filling of plumbing and heating installations.

Drawings The invention is further described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: * Figure 1 is an external view of the workstation box in the closed position.

* Figure 2 Isa view of the workstation box equipped for transportation with the handle in situ.

* Figure 3 is a side elevation drawing of the workstation box in its elevated position.

* Figure 4 is a view of the workstation box which shows the pipe supports in position.

* Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the workstation box with the pipe coil wheel securely attached externally.

* Figure 6 is a further side elevation view showing the workstation box complete with valve and hose assemblies.

* Figure 7 is a view of the workstation box legs being utilised for manual handing operations.

* Figure 8 is a view of the workstation box with pressure gauge and inflation pump.

Referring to Figure 1, at 1, Is the main workstation box assembly. This may be manufactured from a metallic material and suitably protected from the effects of corrosion, however this need not be the case as an alternative suitable, non-metallic material could be considered.

At 2 are the transportation wheels. Provided to enable the workstation box to be moved easily, the transportation wheels may be removable, whIch would enable some of the external attachments to be fitted. At 3 are one of the channels provided, onto which the external attachments can be quickly and easily located. At 4 is one of the securing latches, of which there are several. The latches enable the workstation box lid to be securely attached, which may be of particular relevance when fluids are in or passing through the Invention. At is the removable lid/cover. The lid /cover enable the contents of the box to be contained within. At 6 is the viewing window, which permits the contents of the workstation box to be observed, which may be of relevance when fluid Is within the box and the fluid is being monitored. At 7 is a carry handle which permits the workstation box to be lifted with ease.

Referring to Figure 2, 8 indicates one of the legs which is utilised as a transportation handle.

Referring to Figure 3, the box / workstation is shown open in the elevated position. At 9 is the support tube into which the portable bending machine is inserted. At 10 is the locking I securing mechanism which prevents the bending machine from moving during use. At 11 is the portable bending machine. At 12 is the engineering type vice. At 13 is the stabilising leg complete with built in level.

Referring to figure 4, at 14 and 15 are the legs in situ. At 16 and 17 are the pipe supports which secure pipe during cutting, threading and similar processes.

Referring to figure 5, at 18 is the collapsible wheel onto which coils of pipe material are fitted. At 3 is the attachment channel to which the collapsible wheel is secured when in use.

Referring to figure 6, the box! workstation is shown prepared for flushing / system cleansing operations. At 3 is the attachment channel onto which external items required may be fitted to the unit. At 14 and 15 are the legs. 19 indicate a drain down valve for removing fluid from the box / workstation. At 20 are flow hoses to the system being cleansed. At 21 are the return hoses from the system being cleansed. At 22 is an automatic air valve which releases air from the sealed contained when necessary. At 23 are the on I off isolation vakes which permit or close through flow. At 24 is a dump hose which discharges fouled water to a waste outlet. At 25 is an inlet water port, which allows clean water to enter the box I workstation. At 26 are the return hoses from the system with fouled water for discharge. At 27 is the pump or circulator.

Referring to figure 7, at 28 are the box / workstation legs, plus attachments, used for lifting and manual handling operations.

Referring to figure 8, at 1 is the main box / workstation unit. At 30 Is the Inflation pump and pressure gauge used when pressure testing/filling. At 31 is the inlet hose to the box reservoir used when pressure testing / filling. At 32 Is the outlet hose from the box reservoir which will be connected to the system being pressurised

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS1. A multi-purpose portable workstation box which enables a variety of tasks, within the Building Services industry, to be carried out.
2. 2. A multi-purpose workstation box, according to claim 1, which is lightweight, strong and durable.
3. 3. A multi-purpose workstation box, according to claim 1, which can accommodate a portable bending machine, thereby enabling the portable bending machine to be used as If it is a free standing model.
4. 4. A multi-purpose workstation box, in accordance with claim 1, whIch has legs fitted to the base when in use and stored within the boxwhen not required.
5. 5. A multi-purpose workstation box, according to claim 4, has legs which enable the box to be raised to a suitable working height.
6. 6. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to claim 4, has legs, one of which may be used a handle when the box is being transported.
7. 7. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to claim 6, has wheels fitted to enable the easy movement of the box.
8. 8. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to claim 4, has a leg which incorporates a spirit level device.
9. 9. A multi-purpose workstation box which in accordance with claim 4, has a pair of legs which when used with an additional section have the ability to be used as a means of handling objects which may be awkward, such as long radiators or sheet materials.
10. 10. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to cialmi has clamp supports at either end which can securely accommodate various sized pipe and similar materials, which enables cutting, threading and similar tasks to be carried out without the clamped object being able to move or rotate.
11. 11. A multi-purpose workstation box which in accordance to claim 10, has a clamp support which comprises an opening or groove which allows a saw blade to pass through, thus enabling the material to be cut squarely.
12. 12. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to claim 1, permits the attachment of a standard engineer's vice or similar, to assist with filing, cutting and other such tasks.
13. 13. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to claim 1, has the facility to secure a pipe coIl unravelling wheel to the outside of the box, which may be collapsible, enabling it to be stored within the box when not being used.
14. 14. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to claim 1, isa watertight unit which may contain water and/or fluid for cleansing, flushing, pressure filling and pressure testing.
15. 15. A multi-purpose workstation box which in accordance to claim 14, has a means of externally attaching a circulator and the necessary valves, fittings and pipe work to enable the cleansing, flushing and pressure filling of systems and components.
16. 16. A multi-purpose workstation box which according to claim 14, which when used with the reiatlve valves, fittings and hose attachments, has the ability to be utlilsed for the hydraulic pressure testing of installations.