GB2619019A

GB2619019A - A pipe repair device

Info

Publication number: GB2619019A
Application number: GB2207488.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Antonio Aguzzoli Marcos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-05-23
Filing date: 2022-05-23
Publication date: 2023-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2042-05-23
Also published as: GB2619019B; GB202207488D0

Abstract

A pipe repair device comprising a body 2 and a plurality of connectors 1, wherein the connectors are elongated to extend from the body, wherein the connectors comprise a first part 11 of a locking means at their ends distal the body and the body comprises a second part 12 of the locking means, so as to enable the connectors to be extended around a pipe such that the locking means is enabled to lock the body against the pipe. Aspects include: the body comprises a plurality of lines of weakness between connectors; the body comprises clamps for the second part of the locking means; wherein the first part of the locking means comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced catches; wherein the locking means comprises a release button; wherein the locking means comprises an overcentre lock; wherein a resilient sealing patch is on an inner face for pressure against a leak on the pipe; the second part of the locking means comprises a resilient catch, and lateral serrations of the connector engage with the catch so as to hold the connector in the hole in a manner similar to a cable tie.

Description

A PIPE REPAIR DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pipe repair device, in particular for repairing leaks in pipes carrying fluid, for example pressurised water.

Background

Many people in many locations are increasingly prone to undertake maintenance and repairs.

However, water and pipe issues can be problematic for repair purposes, as many people do not have the necessary skillsets or tools for repairs and maintenance.

In particular where a pipe springs a leak it can be hugely expensive to resolve, as whilst water leaks damage can easily occur whilst a skilled repairer becomes available.

Prior Art

GB 2 508 800 (SHEARD) discloses a pipe attachment comprising a pipe-receiving portion, a resiliently deformable material, and one or more means for securement to a pipe. The pipe attachment can be used to stop leaks from pipes that are damaged, that are deformed, and/or that have foreign matter in close proximity to the leak source. The pipe attachment can be applied directly and instantly, without having to prepare the pipe work, and without having to shut down or isolate the supply GB 2 505 519 (SHEARD) discloses a device for repairing a leak in a pipe comprises a repair patch or pipe-receiving portion and a pair of arms for changing the shape of the pipe-receiving portion. The device also comprises a resiliently deformable material, and/or one or more flexible waterproof membranes.

JP 2000 035 183 (ENOMOTO et al) discloses a repairing member for plastic tube is arranged at a position for covering a damaged part of a plastic tube, and one more repairing member, and a heater so that the periphery of the plastic tube and the plastic cover materials are fused.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 5 devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a pipe repair device comprising a body and a plurality of connectors, wherein the connectors are elongated to extend from the body, wherein the connectors comprise a first part of a locking means at their ends distal the body and the body comprises a second part of the locking means, so as to enable the connectors to be extended around a pipe such that the locking means is enabled to lock the body against the pipe.

In this way the device may be passed around a pipe and the connectors locked into the body, wherein the locking means may thereby pull the body against a leak in a pipe such that the inner face of the body, and consequently prevent escape of fldui from the pipe through the leak.

In some embodiments the body comprises a plurality of lines of weakness between connectors. In this way the device may be adapted for the pipe in question.

In some embodiments the body comprises clamps for the second part of the locking 25 means. Such clamps may be envisaged to provide robust easily operated locking of the connectors and device in general. It may be envisaged that clamps may be reversible, so as to allow for reuse of the device.

In some embodiments the connectors comprise a raised and lowered surface 30 comprising the first part of the locking means. This raised and lowered surface may provide a ratchet surface for example so as to increase friction, and/or prevent return after locking.

In some embodiments the first part of the locking means comprises a plurality of 35 longitudinally spaced catches. These may be spaced according to standardised pipe diameters.

In some embodiments the catches comprise a female part and a male part, for example holes and hooks, which may be envisaged to increase effectiveness of any locking means.

In some embodiments the device is comprised substantially of inelastic material, so as to ensure that any locking means is final.

In some embodiments the connectors are plastic, to enable greater flexibility, as well 10 as enabling easy adjustments.

In some embodiments the connectors are metal or alloy to provide greater strength and robustness.

In some embodiments the locking means comprises a resiliently deformable locking means. In this way it may be envisaged that the locking means may be inclined to tighten under leakage pressure from the pipe for example.

In some embodiments the locking means comprises a release button, so as to allow 20 for easy removal and/or reuse.

In some embodiments the locking means comprises an overcentre lock, so as to ensure advantageously that during locking the locking means applies tension.

In some embodiments the device comprises a resilient sealing patch on an inner face for pressure against a leak on the pipe. This patch may be displaceable, single-use, integrated or applied in use.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example 30 only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention, in a closed position; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to 5 the present invention, in use; and Figure 4 shows a plan view of the second embodiment of the device shown in Figure 10 3.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown two embodiments 99, 199 of a pipe repair device both generally comprising a body 2, 22 and a plurality of connectors 1, 21, wherein the connectors are elongated to extend from the body, wherein the connectors comprise a first part 11, 31 of a locking means at their ends distal the body and the body comprises a second part 12, 32 of the locking means, so as to enable the connectors to be extended around a pipe 1000 such that the locking means is enabled to lock the body against the pipe.

With particular reference to the first pictured embodiment the embodiment 99 comprises a body 2 that is separated in line with the connectors, by a plurality of lines of weakness 13 or living hinges.

The embodiment is formed entirely in a plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or similar.

The connectors 1 comprise elongated tabs, with pointed ends.

These tabs have a longitudinally extending section comprised of lateral ratchet serrations so as to form the first part of the locking means 11 on one face of the tab. The connectors are flexible and inelastic, so as to be passed around the pipe 1000_ The serrations provide a first part of the locking means, whereby the raised and lowered surface provided by the serrations allows gripping by the second pad 12 of the locking means.

The second part of the locking means comprises a resilient catch, wherein the catch comprises a hole through which the connector passes, and a resilient tab within the hole, and such resilient tab engages onto the lateral serrations of the connector, so as to hold the connector in the hole, in a manner similar to a known cable tie.

In this way pressure to pull the connector from the hole will further engage the resilient tab against the serrations and thereby increase the effectiveness of the locking means. In order to release the connector from the hole it may be envisaged that the connector may be pulled upwards to release the serrations from the resilient tab, and/or the tab may be pushed so as to act as a release button.

In order to decrease the length of the body and number of connectors so as to accommodate shorter lengths of pipe, a user simply cuts along the lines of weakness 13 at the appropriate point.

An inner face of the body comprises a laterally extending silicone band 14, which in use is envisaged to be placed over any leak so as to form a resilient seal.

The outer face of the body comprises diagonal bracing, so as to provide strength to the body in event of twisting.

With particular reference to the second pictured embodiment the embodiment 199 comprises a press-stamped mild or stainless steel body 22 and connectors 21.

The connectors comprise elongated tabs with rounded ends distal the body.

The connectors further include spaced apart holes 31, with hooks orthogonally extending from the connector at the edge of the hole.

Such orthogonally extending hooks and the holes provide the first locking means for 35 this embodiment.

The second locking means is provided by small clamps 32, which are located on the edge of the body distal the connectors.

The clamps are over-centre clamps, which when the connector is passed through are 5 then locked, so as to pull the body against the pipe.

In this way the connectors are passed around the pipe, passed through the clamp, and the clamp locked, with the hook at the edge of the hole being locked against by the clamp. The over-centre clamps provide high tension when locked.

A silicone strip 34 is rebated into the body on an inner face, opposed to the outer face containing the clamps. The silicone strip may be envisaged to be cut to size and replaced after each use.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A pipe repair device comprising a body and a plurality of connectors, wherein the connectors are elongated to extend from the body, wherein the connectors comprise a first part of a locking means at their ends distal the body and the body comprises a second part of the locking means, so as to enable the connectors to be extended around a pipe such that the locking means is enabled to lock the body against the pipe.
2. A pipe repair device according to claim 1 wherein the body comprises a plurality of lines of weakness between connectors.
3. A pipe repair device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body comprises clamps for the second part of the locking means.
4. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim wherein the connectors comprise a raised and lowered surface comprising the first part of the locking means.
5. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim wherein the first part of the locking means comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced catches.
6. A pipe repair device according to claim 5 wherein the catches comprise a female part and a male part.
7. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim comprised substantially of inelastic material.
8. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim wherein the connectors are plastic.
9. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim wherein the connectors are metal or alloy.
10. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim comprising a resiliently deformable locking means.
11. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises a release button.
12. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises an overcentre lock.
13. A pipe repair device according to any preceding claim comprises a resilient sealing patch on an inner face for pressure against a leak on the pipe.