NZ227567A - Hose connectors - Google Patents

Description

NOW AMENDED NEWZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION No.: 227567 Date: 9 January 1989 Improvements in or Relating to Connectors" WE, POLYTH&RM INDUSTRIES LIMITED, a company duly incorporated under the laws of Mew Zealand of 102 Springs Road, East Tamaki, Auckland, 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: AS AMENDED NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION No.: 227567 Date: 9 January 1989 "Improvements in or Relating to Connectors" WE, POLYTHERM INDUSTRIES LIMITED, a company duly incorporated under the laws of New Zealand of 102 Springs Road, East Tamaki, Auckland, 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 Ui^fallowing statement: /ntellectual Property . - Office of NZ ' « JUN 2000 R E C Received Qclu&l OfflCF' r.f fW-V' I V NOW AMENDED 22756 This invention relates to connectors for pipes or conduits, and is intended , particularly though not necessarily solely to provide a connector for small diameter/ polybutylene pipes and the like. / It is an object of the invention to provide a connector for a pipe or cofluuit, which will at least provide the public with a useful choice. / Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention consists in a pre-assemhled connector for a pipe or conduit, comprising: / an end fitting for a pipe or conduit, said end fitting including at least one spigot; / a flange; / a threaded portion extending from said flange; / an annular spacer element retainably fitted about said spigot, said annular spacer element defining with its outer surface an angular channel having its axis of rotation parallel to or coincident with that of said/annular spacer element; and a swagable sleeve or collar, including ai/internal annular rib at or adjacent an end thereof, said sleeve or collar being supported from said annular spacer element with said annular rib engaged with said annular channel, said sleeve or collar extending beyond said annular spacer/element over said spigot to define an annular space capable of receiving in use, an end of a pipe or conduit having a suitable internal and external diameter, Whereupon said sleeve or collar may be swaged so as to at least in part hold said pipe or conduit in place by means of a reduction in the said annular space withoup-educing the internal diameter of said annular spacer element. / Preferably said annular spacer element is constructed of a resilient material. Preferably>said resilient material comprises a firm but resilient plastics material. PreferaMy said sleeve or collar is of copper or the like swagable metallic material. / Cme preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the aoJompanying Figure, which shows a cross section through a connector for a pipe or conduit according to the invention.

/ Referring now to the Figure, a connector 1 for a pipe or conduit 2 is provided, comprising a pipe or conduit end fitting or the like 3, having a bore 4 therethrough. An annular spacer element 5 is provided about the end fitting 3. In the fo \ AS AMENDED This invention relates to connectors for pipes or conduits, and is intended particularly though not necessarily solely to provide a connector for small diameter polybutylene pipes and the like.

It is an object of the invention to provide a connector for a pipe or conduit, which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention consists in a pre-assembled connector for a pipe or conduit, comprising: an end fitting for a pipe or conduit, said end fitting including at least one spigot having an annular ribbed portion extending on said spigot towards a flange; an annular spacer element retainably fitted about said spigot, between said ribbed portion and said flange and adjacent said flange, and defining with its outer surface an annular channel having its axis of rotation parallel to or coincident with that of said annular spacer element; and a swagable sleeve or collar, including an internal annular rib at or adjacent an end thereof, said sleeve or collar being supported from said annular spacer element with said annular rib engaged with said annular channel, said sleeve or collar extending beyond said annular spacer element over said spigot to define an annular space capable of receiving, in use, an end of a pipe or conduit having a suitable internal and external diameter, whereupon said sleeve or collar may be swaged so as to at least in part hold said pipe or conduit in place on said ribbed portion by means of a reduction in the said annular space without reducing the internal diameter of said annular spacer element.

Preferably said annular spacer element is constructed of a resilient material.

Preferably said resilient material comprises a firm but resilient plastics material.

Preferably said sleeve or collar is of copper or the like swagable metallic material.

One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figure, which shows a cross section through a connector for a pipe or conduit according to the invention.

Referring now to the Figure, a connector 1 for a pipe or conduit 2 is provided, comprising a pipe or conduit end fitting or the like 3, having a bore 4 therethrough. An annular spacer element 5 is provided about the end fitting 3. In the form of the invention shown, the end fitting is of the type having a relatively broad bore spigot portion 6 at one end and a relatively narrower bore spigot portion 7 at the other end, provided with annular ribs. The annular spacer element is seated against the intersection between the broader spigot portion 6 and the narrower spigot portion 7. However it is envisaged that this connector arrangement may be used with other articles in which a pipe or conduit is to be connected to a spigot.

The spacer element 5 is preferably constructed of a resilient material, most preferably a firm but resilient plastics material. Intellectual Property Office of NZ 1 5 JUN 2000 received "NOW AMENDED » -3 invention shown, the end fitting is of the type having a relatively broad bore spigot / portion 6 at one end and a relatively narrower bore spigot portion 7 at the other enid, and being ribbed or screw threaded about both spigot portions. The annular spacer element is seated against the intersection between the broader spigot portion Gf and the narrower spigot portion 7. However it is envisaged that this connector / arrangement may be used with other articles in which a pipe or conduit is to be connected to a spigot. / The spacer element 5 is preferably constructed of a resilient-material, most preferably a firm but resilient plastics material. / The spacer element 5 comprises an annular spacer popfion 9 having an internal diameter substantially corresponding to the external diameter of a spigot 6 of said end fitting or the like 3, and an annular seat 8 at least partlVformed by an external surface of the spacer portion 9. In the preferred form of the/invention as shown in the Figure, the seat 8 is substantially L-shaped in cros/section and is formed by the external surface of the spacer portion 9 and the^surface 10 of an annular flange 11 of the spacer element 5, projecting perpendicular to the spacer portion 9.

A swagable ring or collar 12, preferably of copper or the like metallic material, is seated onto the seat 8 of the space ^element 5 so that the spacer portion 9, which has an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the end fitting or insert at the point at which the connection is to be made, lies between the ring or collar 12 and the end fitting Vfor example about the narrower spigot portion 7, and an annular slot 13 is thereby defined between the spigot portion 7 and the ring or collar 12 to in use receive an end of the pipe or conduit 2.

In the preferreu form of the invention, the spacer element 5 includes recess 14 preferably annular/in or adjacent the seat 8, and the ring or collar 12 includes an internal rib 15,^preferably annular, the rib and the recess being so arranged and configured a/to interengage when the ring or collar 12 is seated on the seat 8, thus substantially inhibiting disengagement of these elements from one another. yThe use of the invention will now be described.

/ In use, the spacer element 5 is positioned tightly about the end fitting 3, so that add broader spigot portion 6 of the fitting 3 projects from the spacer element 5 and / the swagable ring or collar 12 is then seated onto the seat 8 about the spacer portion o . 22756 t AS AMENDED The spacer element 5 comprises an annular spacer portion 9 having an internal diameter substantially corresponding to the external diameter of a spigot 6 of said end fitting or the like 3, and an annular seat 8 at least partly formed by an external surface of the spacer portion 9. In the preferred form of the invention as shown in the Figure, the seat 8 is substantially L-shaped in cross section and is formed by the external surface of the spacer portion 9 and the surface 10 of an annular flange 11 of the spacer element 5, projecting perpendicular to the spacer portion 9.

A swagable ring or collar 12, preferably of copper or the like metallic material, is seated onto the seat 8 of the spacer element 5 so that the spacer portion 9, which has an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the end fitting or insert at the point at which the connection is to be made, lies between the ring or collar 12 and the end fitting 3, for example about the narrower spigot portion 7, and an annular slot 13 is thereby defined between the spigot portion 7 and the ring or collar 12 to in use receive an end of the pipe or conduit 2.

In the preferred form of the invention, the spacer element 5 includes recess 14 preferably annular, in or adjacent the seat 8, and the ring or collar 12 includes an internal rib 15, preferably annular, the rib and the recess being so arranged and configured as to interengage when the ring or collar 12 is seated on the seat 8, thus substantially inhibiting disengagement of these elements from one another.

The use of the invention will now be described.

In use, the spacer element 5 is positioned tightly about the end fitting 3, so that said broader spigot portion 6 of the fitting 3 projects from the spacer element 5 and the swagable ring or collar 12 is then seated onto the seat 8 about the spacer portion 9 of the spacer element 5 and about the end fitting 3 so that rib 15 and recess 14 if provided interengage.

Alternatively the spacer element 5 can be engaged with the collar or ring 12 and then this combination placed on the end fitting 3. The connection can be made more secure if required by crimping the ring or collar 12 at its end seated on the spacer elements. A slot 13 is thus defined between the spacer portion 9 of the spacer element 5, the inner surface of the ring or collar 12, and the outer surface of the spigot portion 7, and the end of a pipe or conduit 2 can be inserted therein when it is desired to connect this to the end fitting 3. If the wrong end of the ring or collar is accidentally seated onto the seat 8, then the projecting rib 15 may be so dimensioned as to prevent the insertion of the end of the pipe or conduit 2 of appropriate size into the defined slot 13, thus preventing an insecure connection being made.

Once the pipe or conduit has been completely inserted into the defined slot 13, the ring or collar 12 may be swaged in the conventional manner to crimp and secure the end pipe or conduit onto the ribbed end fitting or the like 3, for example about the narrow spigot portion 7. 'nte0H?cT[fP7zen" JUN 2000 B f NOW AMENDED provided interengage. Alternatively the spacer element 5 can be engaged with the / collar or ring 12 and then this combination placed on the end fitting 3. The / connection can be made more secure if required by crimping the ring or collar 1Z at its end seated on the spacer elements. A slot 13 is thus defined between the/pacer portion 9 of the spacer element 5, the inner surface of the ring or collar 12f and the outer surface of the spigot portion 7, and the end of a pipe or conduit 2/can be inserted therein when it is desired to connect this to the end fitting 3/ If the wrong end of the ring or collar is accidentally seated onto the seat 8, the/ the projecting rib 15 may be so dimensioned as to prevent the insertion of the eim of the pipe or conduit 2 of appropriate size into the defined slot 13, thus preventing an insecure connection being made. / Once the pipe or conduit has been completely inserted into the defined slot 13, the ring or collar 12 may be swaged in the conventional manner to crimp and secure the end pipe or conduit onto the ribbed or threaded end fitting or the like 3, for example about the narrow spigot portion 7. / Thus it can be seen that a simple buy secure connector fitting is provided, which has the advantage of the crimping or swagable ring being firmly engaged with the end fitting prior to the insertion of the pipe or conduit and swaging taking place. The resilient spacer element can also contribute to sealing the joint. 22756 AS AMENDED Thus it can be seen that a simple but secure connector fitting is provided, which has the advantage of the crimping or swagable ring being firmly engaged with the end fitting prior to the insertion of the pipe or conduit and swaging taking place. The resilient spacer element can also contribute to sealing the joint.

Intellectual Property Office of NZ 1 5 JUN 2000 Received NOW AMENDEP 2275 ft

Claims (6)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A pre-assembled connector for a pipe or conduit, comprising: an end fitting for a pipe or conduit, said end fitting including at least on^ spigot; a flange; a threaded portion extending from said flange; an annular spacer element retainably fitted about said spigot/Said annular spacer element defining with its outer surface an annular channel/having its axis of rotation parallel to or coincident with that of said annular spacw element; and a swagable sleeve or collar, including an internal annular rib at or adjacent an end thereof, said sleeve or collar being supported from said annular spacer element with said annular rib engaged with said annular channel, said sleeve or collar extending beyond said annular spacer element overpaid spigot to define an annular space capable of receiving in use, an end of a pipe or conduit having a suitable internal and external diameter, whereupon saijf sleeve or collar may be swaged so as to at least in part hold said pipe or conduiyin place by means of a reduction in the said annular space without reducing the internal diameter of said annular spacer element. 2. A pre-assembled connector /s claimed in Claim 1 wherein said annular spacer element is constructed of a resiljent material. 3. A pre-assembled connector as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said resilient material comprises a firm Jmit resilient plastics material. 4. A pre-assembled/connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said sleeve or collar is of copper or the like swagable metallic material. 5. A pre-asseinbled connector substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. 6. A pre-assembled connector for a pipe or conduit as claimed in any of the preceding^claims when fitted to a pipe or conduit having a suitable internal and external diameter. DATED THIS 1\^ DAY OF AGENTS FOR THE APPLICANT ASAMENDED -5- WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A pre-assembled connector for a pipe or conduit, comprising: an end fitting for a pipe or conduit, said end fitting including at least one spigot having an annular ribbed portion extending on said spigot towards a flange; an annular spacer element retainably fitted about said spigot, between said ribbed portion and said flange and adjacent said flange, and defining with its outer surface an annular channel having its axis of rotation parallel to or coincident with that of said annular spacer element; and a swagable sleeve or collar, including an internal annular rib at or adjacent an end thereof, said sleeve or collar being supported from said annular spacer element with said annular rib engaged with said annular channel, said sleeve or collar extending beyond said annular spacer element over said spigot to define an annular space capable of receiving, in use, an end of a pipe or conduit having a suitable internal and external diameter, whereupon said sleeve or collar may be swaged so as to at least in part hold said pipe or conduit in place on said ribbed portion by means of a reduction in the said annular space without reducing the internal diameter of said annular spacer element.

2. A pre-assembled connector as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said annular spacer element is constructed of a resilient material.

3. A pre-assembled connector as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said resilient material comprises a firm but resilient plastics material.

4. A pre-assembled connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said sleeve or collar is of copper or the like swagable metallic material.

5. A pre-assembled connector substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

6. A pre-assembled connector for a pipe or conduit as claimed in any of the preceding claims when fitted to a pipe or conduit having a suitable internal and external diameter. 15 JUN 2000