GB2539456A

GB2539456A - A pipe for connection with a pipe fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2539456A
Application number: GB1510598.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adlerslade Roy
Original assignee: WOODFORD HEATING & ENERGY Ltd
Current assignee: WOODFORD HEATING & ENERGY Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-16
Filing date: 2015-06-16
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Also published as: GB201510598D0

Abstract

A pipe 50, for connection with a pipe fitting 12, has an integrally formed circumferential ridge 52 extending radially outwardly. The ridge 52 is used to provide a fluid tight seal with the pipe fitting 12. The pipe fitting 12 can have a corresponding shape to the ridge 52, and the ridge 52 can be formed by deforming part of the pipe 50. The pipe is secured to the fitting 12 by way of a threaded nut 18. The thickness of the wall of the pipe 50 can be substantially constant across the ridge 52. The ridge 52 can have a leading inclined and a trailing inclined edge, and be positioned adjacent an end of the pipe 50. The ridge 52 can have the ability to deform when compressed across its width, in a uniform fashion, with the midpoint of the ridge 52 bowing.

Description

A pipe for connection with a pipe fitting The present invention relates to a pipe for connection with a pipe fitting, whereby said pipe is arranged to convey a fluid. In particular, the present invention relates to a pipe that is configured to provide a simple and improved fluid connection with a pipe fitting 5 and a method for forming such a pipe.

A pipe fitting, joint or coupler, may be used to provide a fluid connection (or "joint") between two pipes, or between a pipe and an apparatus. An example of a pipe fitting is a compression fitting, which comprises a main body arranged to receive an end of a pipe, and a threaded compression (or "coupling") nut that is screwed onto the main body to secure the pipe to it. The compression nut has a hole through which the pipe passes. A compression ring (often referred to as an "olive" or "ferule") is provided over the end of the pipe, located between the main body and the compression nut.

As the compression nut is tightened, the compression ring is compressed between the compression nut and the main body such that its edges are clamped tightly around the pipe. Furthermore, a portion of the compression ring that extends between its edges is caused to bow outwardly, such that it fills the space between the main body and the compression nut to create a substantially fluid tight seal.

The quality of the joint provided by a compression fitting is determined by the compression ring, which can be damaged, insufficiently tightened or disturbed, causing the seal to fail. A failed seal allows fluid to pass between the compression ring and the pipe, which leads to leaking joints that require repairing or replacing.

The present invention aims to offer a pipe for connection with a pipe fitting that provides a more simple yet improved fluid connection.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe having at least one integrally formed circumferential ridge extending radially outwardly of the pipe, whereby to provide a substantially fluid tight seal with a pipe fitting.

Advantageously, the integrally formed circumferential ridge replaces the compression ring required by existing pipe fittings, thereby eliminating the possibility of the compression ring being disturbed from the pipe or otherwise damaged to allow fluid to pass between the compression ring and pipe. Thus, the present invention provides a pipe that greatly improves the integrity of fluid connections while additionally simplifying the process of making such fluid connections by effectively providing a pipe with a 'preformed' compression ring.

The thickness of a wall of the pipe may be substantially constant across the ridge. The thickness of the pipe wall may be between about 0.5 to 3mm, preferably between about 5 0.5 to 2mm, and more preferably about 1mm. The ridge may be provided by a deformed portion of pipe wall.

The at least one ridge may be provided adjacent an end of the pipe. The at least one ridge may have an inclined edge, and preferably a leading incline edge and a trailing incline edge. The (or each) inclined edge may have an angle of incline of between about 145 degrees and about 165 degrees, preferably about 150 degrees and about 160 degrees, and more preferably of about 155 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

The leading incline edge of the ridge may be shaped to conform to a formation on a pipe fitting, and/or the trailing incline edge of the ridge may be shaped to conform to a formation on a threaded nut of a pipe fitting.

The at least one ridge may have a maximum height of between 5-20%, preferably between 8-17%, and more preferably between 10-15%, of the diameter of the pipe.

The ridge may have the ability to deform when compressed across its width, preferably wherein the ridge is configured to deform in a uniform fashion, more preferably wherein the midpoint of the ridge is configured to bow, preferably outwardly.

The at least one ridge may have a width that is less than half the diameter of the pipe.

A ridge may be provided adjacent each end of the pipe, preferably wherein at least two compression nuts are slideably mounted on the pipe between the ridges, preferably orientated such that their threaded portions are facing outwardly.

Preferably, the circumferential ridge is shaped and dimensioned so as substantially to fill a gap between a main body and a nut of an assembled pipe fitting when the pipe is secured therein, whereby to provide a substantially fluid tight seal across the ridge.

The pipe may be formed from copper, brass, steel or lead, for example. A malleable material is preferred for the pipe to allow the ridge to be formed. A plastic pipe may also be provided, for use with a plastic pipe fitting.

The pipe may have an outer diameter of between around 5mm and around 35mm, preferably between around 8mm and around 30mm, and more preferably between around 10mm and around 28mm. In a preferred example, the pipe may have an outer diameter of about 10mm, about 15mm, about 22mm or about 28mm.

In a preferred example, the pipe may be around 70mm in length, although other lengths of pipe are of course possible.

The pipe may be used to provide a fluid connection to a plumbing fixture, such as a pipe fitting.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a plumbing fixture fluidly 10 connected to a pipe as described above.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts, comprising: a pipe as described above; and a pipe fitting arranged to receive an end of the pipe such that the ridge is seated on an opening of the pipe fitting having a corresponding shape, whereby a substantially fluid tight connection can be achieved between the pipe fitting and the pipe.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a pipe for providing a fluid connection to a pipe fitting, comprising the steps of: providing a pipe for conveying a fluid; and deforming part of the pipe to form at least one integral circumferential ridge.

The integral circumferential ridge may be formed on a metal pipe by using one or more swaging processes. For example, the integral circumferential ridge may be formed by: increasing the outer diameter of the pipe at a first position to form a first (trailing) inclined edge; and then reducing the outer diameter of the pipe back to substantially the original outer diameter of the pipe at a second position to form a second (leading) inclined edge, wherein the second position is spaced from the first position.

On a plastic pipe, a ridge may be formed (for example) by preheating the pipe at a precise area where the ridge is to be located and then using gripping dies to compress the heated area longitudinally. A mandrel is, ideally, inserted into the pipe prior to compression to ensure that the heated area of pipe bulges outwardly as the pipe is compressed, to form the desired ridge.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system wherein a fluid connection is provided between a pipe and a pipe fitting, the system comprising: a pipe as described above; and a pipe fitting having an aperture configured to have a corresponding shape for the ridge to seat onto; wherein said end of the pipe is received into the aperture of the pipe fitting such that the ridge is seated on the aperture, and wherein said end of the pipe is secured within the aperture, preferably by way of a threaded nut arranged to hold the ridge against the aperture, such that a substantially fluid tight seal is provided between the pipe and the pipe fitting.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a fluid connection between a pipe and a pipe fitting, comprising: providing a pipe as described above; arranging the circumferential ridge to be adjacent an end of the pipe that is to be received by the pipe fitting; providing a pipe fitting having an aperture configured to have a corresponding shape for the ridge to seat onto; fitting said end of the pipe into said aperture such that the ridge is seated on the aperture; and securing the pipe within the aperture, preferably by way of a threaded nut arranged to hold the ridge against the aperture, such that a substantially fluid tight seal is provided between the pipe and the pipe fitting.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a pipe substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a pipe fitting and a pipe substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the term "adjacent" preferably connotes both "immediately next to" and also "next to but spaced apart from", such that a ridge may be provided towards an end of the pipe, but not necessarily at the absolute extremity of the pipe, for example.

As used herein, the term "integrally formed" preferably connotes formed as a single complete article. A single complete article may exhibit a feature created by (de)forming part of the article.

As used herein, the term "ridge" preferably connotes a feature that extends outwardly (of a pipe), preferably in a radial direction relative to the pipe.

As used herein, the term "pipe" preferably connotes pipe, tube and any other suitable fluid conduit, preferably for use in plumbing applications.

As used herein, the term "swaging" preferably connotes a metal-forming technique in which a metal (e.g. copper) pipe is plastically deformed using a cold-working process, such as pressing and/or hammering, or by forcing the metal through a die.

As used herein, the term "chamfered" preferably connotes to cut away (a right-angled edge or corner) to make a symmetrical sloping edge.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a standard pipe secured to a pipe (compression) fitting requiring a compression ring; Figure 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a pipe according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a pipe according to the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a pipe according to the present invention secured to a pipe fitting.

An example of a compression fitting 10 for coupling a pipe is shown in Figure 1. The compression fitting 10 comprises a main body 12 providing a fluid conduit and an externally threaded aperture 14 into which a pipe 20 is received, ideally with a minimal gap being present around the pipe 20. The aperture 14 has a chamfered opening (or "formation") 14a shaped to correspond with an inclined edge of a compression ring 16.

The compression ring 16 is arranged to fit closely over the pipe 20. The compression ring 16 has a chamfered "leading" inclined edge 16a that is arranged to seat closely against the correspondingly shaped opening 14a. The compression ring 16, preferably, also has a chamfered "trailing" inclined edge 16b.

A compression nut 18 is arranged to secure the pipe 20 to the main body 14. The compression nut 18, ideally, has a chamfered internal surface 18a arranged to correspond with the trailing inclined edge 16b of the compression ring 16. The compression nut 18 is also provided with an opening 18b for the pipe 20 to pass through. The compression nut 18 is arranged to screw onto the aperture 14 of the main body 12 and in doing so to urge the compression ring 16 against the opening 14a of the aperture 14 of the main body 12.

As the compression nut 18 is tightened the compression ring 16 is compressed onto the pipe 20. The edges 16a, 16b of the compression ring 16 are clamped tightly onto the pipe 20 and a substantially fluid tight is thus created between the pipe fitting 10 and the pipe 20.

A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 2. A pipe 30 having an outer diameter of 15mm is shown having an integrally formed circumferential ridge 32 located adjacent (but slightly spaced apart from) an end 34 of the pipe 30 that is to be fluidly connected to a pipe fitting, such as the pipe fitting 10 illustrated in Figure 1,

for example.

A portion 36 of pipe 30 extends forward of the circumferential ridge 32 to the end 34 of the pipe 30. This "forward" portion 36 of pipe 30 is arranged to be received by a pipe fitting (not shown) and therefore has a length configured to ensure that the ridge 32 can seat properly on a correspondingly shaped aperture of a pipe fitting (similar to that described with reference to Figure 1, for example).

The circumferential ridge 32 comprises three sections, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 2: a leading edge 32a that inclines away from the pipe 30; a middle portion 32b, at which the ridge 32 is at its maximum diameter, and which, in this example, is generally parallel with the pipe 30; and a trailing inclined edge 32c that "declines" back towards pipe 30, ideally to the original diameter of the pipe 30. Here, the ridge 32 is about 7mm in width. The midpoint (or "peak") of the ridge 32 is about 9mm from the end 34 of the pipe 30. This configuration of pipe 30 and ridge 32 has been found to be suitable for many pipe fittings, though the configuration may of course be adapted to suit a particular pipe fitting or plumbing fixture, as required.

The leading edge 32a of the circumferential ridge 32 is inclined at about 155 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pipe 30. The trailing edge 32c has a similar angle of incline, to though these angles may differ according to a particular configuration of pipe fitting to which a fluid connection is to be made.

The pipe 30 shown has an outer diameter of about 15mm and a length of about 70mm, though the outer diameter and length of a pipe 30 can of course vary independently depending on the intended use or application of that pipe 30.

The pipe 30 preferably has a wall thickness of at least 1mm, though thinner walled pipes may be used. The wall thickness of the pipe 30 is substantially constant across the ridge 32. The ridge 32 extends radially outwardly of the pipe 30. The outer diameter of the ridge 32 is greater than the outer diameter of the pipe 30. In the example shown, the ridge 32 has a maximum outer diameter of about 17.2mm, though the outer diameter of the ridge is ideally configured to match a particular fitting, depending on the application.

A second exemplary embodiment of a pipe 40 having an integrally formed circumferential ridge 42 is illustrated in Figure 3. The pipe 40 in this example is similar in structure to the pipe 30 of Figure 2, though it has a 22mm outer diameter and the shape and dimensions of the ridge are different accordingly.

The pipe 40 shown in Figure 3 has an outer diameter of about 22mm and an inner diameter of about 20mm. Thus, the pipe 40 has a wall thickness of about 1mm. The circumferential ridge 42 has a maximum diameter of about 24.4mm. The wall thickness is substantially constant across the ridge 42, which has a leading edge 42a, a middle portion 42b and a trailing edge 42c. The width of the ridge 42 is about 8mm and the midpoint (or "peak") of ridge 42 is about 11mm from an adjacent end 44 of the pipe 40.

An example of a pipe fitting 100 (similar to the pipe fitting 10 of Figure 1) coupled with a pipe 50 having an integrally formed circumferential ridge 52, according to the invention, is shown in Figure 4. A forward end 54 of the pipe 50 adjacent the ridge 52 is received by an aperture 14 of the main body 12 of the pipe fitting 100.

The aperture 14 that receives the pipe 50 has a peripheral opening 14a of a shape (e.g. bevelled) configured to correspond to an inclined leading edge 52a of the ridge 52 to allow the ridge 52 to seat onto the opening 14a.

The threaded compression nut 18 secures the pipe 50 to the pipe fitting 100. As the compression nut is tightened it urges the leading edge 52a of the ridge 52 against the opening 14a, thereby forming a substantially fluid tight seal between the aperture 14 and the pipe 50. Similarly, the internal surface 18a of the compression nut 18 creates a substantially fluid tight seal between the ridge 52 and the compression nut 18.

The circumferential ridge 52 is preferably configured to have the ability to deform when compressed across its width, for example when a compressive force is applied to the leading edge 52a and/or trailing edge 52b of the ridge 52. The ridge 52 is preferably configured to deform (for example, bow) in a uniform fashion across a middle portion 52c, so as to fill at least some of the space between the aperture 14 and the compression nut 18, thereby to provide an optimal fluid tight seal.

The circumferential ridge may be formed using a swaging process on a pipe (e.g. a copper pipe) of substantially uniform diameter. Initially, the pipe is plastically deformed at a first point along the pipe to enlarge its outer diameter to a desired maximum outer diameter (of the intended ridge). At a second point along the pipe, which is spaced from the first point, the outer diameter of the pipe may then be reduced again, preferably back to the original diameter of the pipe. The spacing between the first and second points along the pipe may be configured according to the desired incline/decline and/or width of the desired ridge.

The swaging processes involved may include pressing and/or hammering, or forcing the pipe through a die. In an example of a suitable swaging process that can be used on a copper pipe, the pipe is placed in a vice-like arrangement where it is held in order that multiple reduction and expansion operations may be carried out at the pipe end by means of a multi-stage hydraulic press. The pipe is, ideally, held upright to avoid collapse by means of an internal collapsible mandrel. Care should be taken to ensure desired radii are achieved at several locations around the pipe wall according to requirements.

The pipe may be pre-cut to a desired length, for example if it is a replacement part of a machine, or similar. The swaging process above can be used to form an integrally formed circumferential ridge at each (e.g. opposing) end of a pipe in order to allow substantially fluid tight seals to be formed between the pipe and pipe fittings at either end of the pipe. This arrangement requires the pipe to be cut to the desired length before the formation of the ridges, and is advantageous in situations where pipes of standard lengths are used. In such an arrangement, compression nuts would need to be provided on the pipe before forming the ridges, such that the compression nuts may slide along the pipe between the ridges at either end of the pipe. The compression nuts should be so orientated on the pipe (e.g. with their threaded portions facing outwardly) such that they may be secured to a pipe fitting at both ends of the pipe, as described above.

Alternatively, the circumferential ridge may be formed adjacent only one end of a pipe of a given standard industry length, allowing the pipe to be cut to any shorter length. Alternatively, more than one circumferential ridge may be provided along a length of pipe, which may then cut to a required length while ensuring that a ridge is provided adjacent an end to be fluidly connected to a pipe fitting.

The pipe itself can be manufactured from copper, brass, steel, lead, plastic, for example, or any other suitable material known in the art, though copper or brass is the preferred material due to their ability to be soldered easily.

A pipe having an integrally formed circumferential ridge provides an advantage over a standard pipe in combination with a separate compression ring due to the ridge being integral to the pipe itself, such that a separate compression ring is not required. As it is integral to the pipe, the ridge cannot be separated from the pipe, for example by tightening the compression nut to a fitting incorrectly or otherwise become damaged or disturbed from the pipe. The likelihood of a leak arising between a pipe fitting and the pipe due to separation of a compression nut from the pipe is thus avoided.

A further advantage is provided in that because the compression ring required by the prior art pipe fittings is now essentially pre-formed of the pipe itself, the process of making a fluid connection between a pipe and a pipe fitting is greatly simplified, not least because there is no chance of dropping or otherwise misplacing the compression ring during assembly.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the thickness of the pipe wall is substantially uniform throughout the whole length of the pipe 20, 30, including the circumferential ridge 32, 42.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer diameter of the pipe end 34, 44 is substantially equal with the outer diameter along the rest of the pipe 30, 40. However, the outer diameters of these two sections of the pipe do not in general need to be equal, and can be different.

While the ridge 32, 42 shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises three sections, it may alternatively be formed of single curved section protruding from the pipe, or any shape that can seat on a correspondingly shaped aperture to form a substantially fluid tight seal.

It will be appreciated that pipes of other dimensions (e.g. lengths and diameters) are of course possible, in addition to the two exemplary embodiments described herein with reference to Figures 2 and 3. For example, the dimensions of a pipe and its ridge, and/or (if necessary) the position of the ridge from the end of the pipe, may be adjusted according to particular requirements, while still providing a pipe according to the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A pipe for connection with a pipe fitting, the pipe having at least one integrally formed circumferential ridge extending radially outwardly of the pipe, whereby to provide a substantially fluid tight seal with a pipe fitting.
2. A pipe according to Claim 1, wherein the thickness of a wall of the pipe is substantially constant across the ridge.
3. A pipe according to Claim 2, wherein the thickness of the pipe wall is between about 0.5 to 3mm, preferably wherein the thickness of the pipe wall is between about 0.5 to 2mm, and more preferably wherein the thickness of the pipe wall is about 1mm.
4. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the ridge is provided by a deformed portion of pipe wall.
5. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one ridge is provided adjacent an end of the pipe.
6. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one ridge has an inclined edge, preferably wherein the at least one ridge has both a leading incline edge and a trailing incline edge.
7. A pipe according to Claim 6, wherein the or each inclined edge of the at least one ridge has an angle of incline of between about 145 degrees and about 165 degrees, preferably about 150 degrees and about 160 degrees, and more preferably of about 155 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
8. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the leading incline edge of the ridge is shaped to conform to a formation on a pipe fitting, and/or wherein the trailing incline edge of the ridge is shaped to conform to a formation on a threaded nut of a pipe fitting.
9. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one ridge has a maximum height of between 5-20%, preferably between 8-17%, and more preferably between 10-15%, of the diameter of the pipe.
10. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the ridge has the ability to deform when compressed across its width, preferably wherein the ridge is configured to deform in a uniform fashion, and preferably wherein the midpoint of the ridge is configured to bow.
11. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one ridge has a width that is less than half the diameter of the pipe.
12. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein a ridge is provided adjacent each end of the pipe.
13. A pipe according to Claim 12, further comprising two compression nuts slideably mounted on the pipe between the ridges.
14. A pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe has an outer diameter of between around 5mm to around 35mm, preferably between around 8mm to around 30mm, and more preferably between around 10mm and around 28mm.
15. A plumbing fixture fluidly connected to a pipe according to any preceding claim.
16. A kit of parts, comprising: a pipe according to any of Claims 1 to 14; and a pipe fitting arranged to receive an end of the pipe such that the ridge is seated on an opening of the pipe fitting having a corresponding shape, whereby a substantially fluid tight connection can be achieved between the pipe fitting and the pipe.
17. A method of forming a pipe for connection with a pipe fitting, comprising the steps of: providing a pipe for conveying a fluid; and deforming part of the pipe to form at least one integral circumferential ridge.
18 A method according to Claim 17, further comprising forming an integral circumferential ridge by: increasing the outer diameter of the pipe at a first position to form a first incline edge of a ridge; and reducing the outer diameter of the pipe back to substantially the original outer diameter of the pipe at a second position to form a second incline edge of a ridge, wherein the second position is spaced from the first position.
19. A system wherein a fluid connection is provided between a pipe and a pipe fitting, comprising: a pipe according to any preceding claim; and a pipe fitting having an aperture configured to have a corresponding shape for seating against the ridge; wherein said end of the pipe is received into the aperture of the pipe fitting such that the ridge is seated on the aperture, and wherein said end of the pipe is secured within the aperture, preferably by way of a threaded nut arranged to hold the ridge against the aperture, such that a substantially fluid tight seal is provided between the pipe and the pipe fitting.
A method of forming a fluid connection between a pipe and a pipe fitting, comprising: providing a pipe according to any preceding claim; arranging the circumferential ridge to be adjacent an end of the pipe that is to be received by the pipe fitting; providing a pipe fitting having an aperture configured to have a corresponding shape for the ridge to seat onto; fitting said end of the pipe into said aperture such that the ridge is seated on the aperture; and securing the pipe within the aperture, preferably by way of a threaded nut arranged to hold the ridge against the aperture, such that a substantially fluid tight seal is provided between the pipe and the pipe fitting.
21. A pipe substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. A method of forming a fluid connection between a pipe and a pipe fitting as substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. A system comprising a pipe fitting and a pipe as substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.