GB2483913A - Pipe attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

A pipe attachment comprises a flexible waterproof membrane (1) and a hinged, spring operated engagement element (2). The pipe attachment can be secured to a leaking domestic plumbing pipe (3) accommodating both a leak source and any imperfections or distortions within close proximity (4). The attachment is preferably used as an emergency temporary repair before a more permanent repair can be made. The pipe attachment can be re-used several times, instantly and directly onto wet surfaces, high or low pressure leaks, discharging either hot or cold water, without having to isolate or shut down the supply and without the use of tools.

Description

Pipe Attachment This invention relates to a pipe attachment. The attachment can be used to stop leaks from domestic plumbing pipes where an abnormal deformity or raised imperfection is S present within close proximity to the leak.

The attachment can be applied instantly without having to shut down or isolate the water supply and without the use of tools. The attachment will remain in place until a permanent repair can be made.

Plumbing pipes, fittings, joints and valves in domestic dwellings which are in constant use occasionally fail and leak. Water damage caused by these failures can be severe and very costly to both the homeowner and insurance providers. Mains supply can be turned off via an internal or external stopcock. However, many homeowners do not know the locations of such stopcocks and once they are located, they can seize or not function correctly. Furthermore, if the stopcock is located and works correctly, only the mains supply would be isolated, and many homes could still have a cold water storage cistern, hot water cylinder and central heating system full of water, potentially supplying the faulty pipe, joint, fitting or valve.

There are existing solutions for containing leaks from pipes that have small imperfections or very minor deformities. However, leaks from pipes that are severely deformed prove a major problem to contain effectively.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe attachment comprising a flexible waterproof membrane and one or more engagement elements, wherein the waterproof membrane is flexible enough to accommodate any imperfections or distortions when tightly stretched around a leaking pipe, and secured in place with the one or more engagement elements, with the membrane providing a seal against water leakage.

Embodiments of the invention are defined in dependent claims appended hereto.

In embodiments in which the invention, once attached to a pipe, exposes a second sealing face being the outer side wall of the membrane, protruding independently S from the engagement element which can be used to stop leaks from joints, fittings or valves.

In such embodiments the invention is attached directly and externally onto a pipe, where the side facing sealing element can be pushed tightly against the pipe entry point of a leaking joint, fitting or valve, and secured in place by the one or more engagement elements. This arrangement forces the side of the flexible, waterproof membrane to mould tightly against the joint, fitting or valve, creating a seal and stopping the leak.

However, the primary intended use of the jipe attachment as claimed is to stop leaks from lengths of pipe that have deformities in close proximity to the leak source.

This is achieved by attaching the invention directly and externally onto a leaking pipe, with the engagement element stretching the membrane tightly over the affected area, covering both the source of the leak and any deformities, stopping the leak immediately, with the engagement element accommodating the deformed pipe, performing a clamp like function, securing the membrane in place.

The invention can be re-used several times in succession, instantly and directly onto wet surfaces, high or low pressure leaks, discharging either hot or cold water, without having to isolate or shut down the supply and without the use of tools.

The invention will stop the leak, ceasing any further damage to possessions and property whilst allowing the use of all domestic water systems and water fed appliances until a permanent repair can be made.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Shows a side aspect method of application, directly and externally onto the leak source.

Figure 2 Shows a front aspect, before and after application.

Figure 3 Shows a rear aspect, before and after application.

Figure 1 shows the method of application in sequence: A. The pipe attachment comprising a flexible waterproof membrane (1) and a hinged, spring operated engagement element (2).

B. The attachment is applied directly and externally onto a burst pipe (3).

C. The membrane is stretched tightly over the leak and any deformities.

D. The engagement element secures the membrane in place whilst effectively accommodating any protruding deformities or distortions from the pipe (4).

Figure 2 shows the front aspect of the invention before and after application, the flexible waterproof membrane (1) and the hinged, spring operated engagement element (2), secured to a pipe (3) with the deformity accommodated within the engagement element (4).

Figure 3 shows the rear aspect of the invention before and after application. The flexible waterproof membrane (1) and the hinged, spring operated engagement element (2), secured to a pipe (3) with the deformity accommodated within the engagement element (4).

Claims (7)

1. Claims 1. A pipe attachment comprising a flexible waterproof membrane and one or more engagement elements whereby the membrane is applied to a pipe to S contain leaking water and secured in place with one or more engagement elements.
2. 2. A pipe attachment according to Claim 1, wherein the membrane is flexible enough to effectively accommodate any imperfections or deformities when stretched around a pipe and secured in place with the one or more engagement elements.
3. 3. A pipe attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement element is constructed in a way that upon application it effectively is accommodates any imperfections or deformities of the pipe, whilst tightly securing the membrane in place.
4. 4. A pipe attachment according to any preceding claim, whereby the membrane is secured to the pipe either internally or externally of the one or more engagement elements.
5. 5. A pipe attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the membrane protrudes from the side of the engagement element allowing it to be secured to, and create a seal against the pipe entry point of a leaking joint or fitting.
6. 6. A pipe attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more engagement elements are spring operated.
7. 7. A pipe attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more engagement elements are releasable.