AU2021101921B4

AU2021101921B4 - A Water Pipe Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2021101921B4
Application number: AU2021101921A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen James Orr; Barry John Van Rooy
Original assignee: Orr Connect Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Orr Connect Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-14
Filing date: 2021-04-14
Publication date: 2023-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-14
Also published as: AU2021101921A4

Abstract

A water pipe assembly for high pressure fluid flow, the assembly comprising at least one seal and a water pipe. The water pipe including an elongate body comprising a continuous side wall defining a channel extending from a first end of the elongate body to a second end of the elongate body, and at least one circular recess for receiving the at least one seal located towards the first end of the elongate body, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the elongate body is adapted to be received within an adjacent mixer tap.

Description

A water pipe assembly

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to high pressure pipe connections for use in

plumbing. More specifically, the present invention relates to high pressure tubular

connections for use in the connection of mains water to a mixer water tap.

BACKGROUND

[002] Every household includes multiple taps that require connectors which extend

from a mains water supply to each tap. Commonly, flexible braided hoses are used

to connect a mains water supply extending from a wall to each water tap.

[003] Flexible braided hoses, typically, consist of an internal rubber tube surrounded

by a continuous braided stainless steel outer wall. In typically use, the internal rubber

tube expands when pressurised and the braided layers of stainless steel are designed

to prevent the rubber tube from over expanding.

[004] In 2016, flexible braided hoses accounted for 22% of water damage claims in

Australian households. One problem with flexible braided hoses is that when the

braided stainless steel outer wall fails, the rubber inner core over expands causing the

rubber inner tube to burst. In such circumstances, large amounts of water damage

may occur to surrounds structures, such as walls, floors, cabinets, furniture, etc.

[005] Furthermore, hot water lines are pressurised because of the hot water cylinder

heating up continuously throughout the day which builds high pressure in the cylinder

to the hot water line to all the mixer taps connections. Typically, flexible braided hoses

are rated up to a working pressure of 500kPa. At present, however, the working

pressure of hot water cylinders is between 600kPa to 1100kPa before reaching their

working temperature. This is too high for known flexible braided hoses.

[006] In view of the above, it would be advantageous have a device that addresses

one or more of the above problems or provide a useful commercial choice.

[007] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a water pipe assembly for high

pressure fluid flow, the assembly comprising:

at least one seal; and,

a water pipe including:

an elongate body comprising:

a continuous side wall defining a channel extending from a first end of

the elongate body to a second end of the elongate body; and,

at least one circular recess for receiving the at least one seal located

towards the first end of the elongate body;

wherein at least a portion of the first end of the elongate body is adapted to be

received within an adjacent mixer tap, and

wherein at least a portion of the water pipe is made from an annealed copper tube.

[009] In some embodiments, the elongate body is of a predetermined length.

[010] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the water pipe is bendable and/or

malleable.

[011] In some embodiments, the water pipe is integrally formed.

[012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the pipe or tube is adapted to be

received within an adjacent water mixer tap.

[013] In some embodiments, the first end is for connecting to a mixer tap and a

second end for connecting to an adjacent water pipe. In some embodiments, the first

end is adapted to be received within the mixer tap.

[014] In some embodiments, the water pipe includes at least one threaded portion.

wherein the threaded portion extends along the length of an outer surface of the

elongate body. In some embodiments, the threaded portion is located at or towards

the first end of the elongate body. In some embodiments, the threaded portion is

adapted to engage with a corresponding threaded portion located on an adjacent

water mixer tap.

[015] In some embodiments, the water pipe includes at least one recess for receiving

a seal. In some embodiments, the first end of the water pipe includes at least two

recesses, each recess for receiving a seal. In some embodiments, each recess is

located towards the first end of the elongate body. In some embodiments, each recess

is separated by at least one continuous wall extending outwardly from the continuous

side wall. In some embodiments, each recess is in the form of a circular recess or

channel which extends around the circumference of the elongate body. In some

embodiments, each circular recess or channel is in the form of a continuous circular

recess or channel.

[016] In some embodiments, the water pipe further includes at least one hex collar.

In some embodiments, the hex collar is located towards the first end of the elongate

body.

[017] In some embodiments, the water pipe includes a seat for locating a portion of

an adjacent mixer tap relative to the water pipe. In some embodiments, the at least

one seat is at least partially defined by the at least one hex collar.

[018] In some embodiments, the pipe or tube is in the form of a mixer water connector

for connecting a water mixer tap to a water pipe spaced away from the mixer water

connector.

[019] In some embodiments, the water pipe is formed from two portions, a primary

body portion and a secondary body portion.

[020] In some embodiments, the primary body portion is made from an annealed

copper tube.

[021] In some embodiments, the primary body portion is of a predetermined length.

[022] In some embodiments, the primary body portion is bendable or malleable.

[023] In some embodiments, the primary body portion is elongate and includes a first

end for connecting to a secondary body portion and a second end for connecting to a

water pipe.

[024] In some embodiments, the primary body portion and the secondary body

portion are joined together. In some embodiments, the primary body portion and the

secondary body portion are soldered together.

[025] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion is substantially elongate.

[026] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion has a first end and a second

end. In some embodiments, the first end is the first end of the elongate body of the

water pipe. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the secondary

body is adapted to be received within a water mixer tap.

[027] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion defines a channel. In some

embodiments, the channel extends from the first end to the second end of the

secondary body. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel of the

secondary member is sized to receive an end of the primary body portion. In some embodiments, the end of the primary body portion forms the first end of the elongate body.

[028] In some embodiments, the channel of the secondary body at least partially

forms the channel defined by the elongate body of the water pipe.

[029] In some embodiments, the channel of the secondary body includes a first

channel portion and a second channel portion. In some embodiments, the secondary

body portion includes a step or shoulder.

[030] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion includes the hex collar. In

some embodiments, the hex collar is located at or towards the second end of the

secondary body portion.

[031] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion includes the threaded

portion. In some embodiments, the threaded portion is located at or towards the first

end of the secondary body portion.

[032] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion includes the at least one

recess for receiving a seal. In some embodiments, the at least one recess is located

towards the first end of the secondary body portion. In some embodiments, the at least

one recess is located along the elongate length of the secondary body, in between the

threaded portion and the hex collar.

[033] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion includes that at least one

seat for locating for locating a portion of an adjacent mixer tap relative to the pipe or

tube.

[034] In some embodiments, the secondary body portion is in the form of an adaptor

head for connecting to a water mixer tap.

[035] In another aspect, the present invention provides a water pipe comprising:

an elongate body, the elongate body comprising: a continuous side wall defining a channel extending from a first end of the elongate body to a second end of the elongate body; and, at least one circular recess for receiving at least one seal located towards the first end of the elongate body; wherein at least a portion of the first end of the elongate body is adapted to be received within an adjacent mixer tap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[036] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information

for those skilled in the art to perform the invention.

[037] The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the

preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

[038] The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as

follows:

[039] Figure 1 is a side view of the water pipe assembly, in the form of a water mixer

connector assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present

invention.

[040] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the water pipe that forms part of the water pipe

assembly shown in Figures 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the

present invention.

[041] Figure 3 shows side, top and end views of the secondary body portion that

forms part of the water pipe shown in Figure 2 in accordance with a preferred

embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[042] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a water pipe assembly, in the form of mixer water

connector assembly 100, is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of

the present invention. Assembly 100 includes a water pipe, in the form of a mixer tap

connector 101, and a pair of seals 102 mounted to connector 101.

[043] Pipe 101 includes an elongate body 105. Elongate body 105 comprises a

continuous side wall defining a channel extending from first end 106 to a second end

107. Elongate body 105 further comprises at least one circular recess, in the form of

a pair of recesses 110, each for receiving one of seals 102 located towards first end

106. At least a portion of first end 106 of the elongate body 105 is adapted to be

received within a mixer tap.

[044] In the preferred embodiment shown, pipe 101 comprises two body portions, a

primary body portion, in the form of a copper tube 103, and a secondary potion, in the

form of an adapter head 104. Tube 103 is substantially elongate and includes a first

end 120 for connecting to adapter head 104 and a second end, in the form of end 107,

for connecting to an adjacent water pipe. The second end may be connected to an

adjacent pipe using any known fastening means in the art, for example, welding,

flaring, using a nylon olive or like. Tube 103 has a predetermined length shown.

However, a skilled person would understand that tube 103 may have any

predetermined length suitable for spanning a gap between a mixer tap and an adjacent

water pipe.

[045] In the preferred embodiment shown, tube 103 is made from an annealed copper

material. Advantageously, the primary body portion may be bent or manipulated into

a preferred shape during use.

[046] As mentioned above end 120 connects to adapter head 104. Adapter head 104

is substantially elongate and includes a first end, in the form of first end 106 for being at least partially received within an adjacent mixer tap, and a second end 124 for being fixed to end 120 of pipe 103.

[047] As best shown in Figure 3, channel 125 extends from first end 106 to second

end 124. Channel 125 comprises two portions, an enlarged end portion 130 sized to

receive end 120 of tube 103 and continuation portion 132. In the preferred

embodiment shown, end 120 of tube 103 is received within channel 125 until end 120

abuts internal, inwardly extending shoulder 134 which prevents tube 103 from

extending further within adapter head 104. Tube 103 is then fixed relative to adapter

head 104 to form integrally formed elongate body 105.

[048] In the preferred embodiment shown, tube 103 and adapter head 104 are

soldered together. A skilled person however would understand that, in other

embodiment, tube 103 and adapter head 104 may be joined together using any

suitable joining means known in the art.

[049] Adapter head 104 further includes a coupling formation in the form of threaded

portion 108, for coupling pipe 101 to a corresponding formation located on the adjacent

water mixer tap; a pair of recesses 110, each for receiving seals 102 (best shown in

Figure 1); and a hex collar 112 which at least partially forms abutment shoulder 114.

[050] In the preferred embodiment shown, threaded portion 108 is located at end 106.

[051] Threaded portion 1078 is an external thread which extends around an outer

surface of adapter head 104 and is adapted to engage with a corresponding threaded

portion located on an adjacent water mixer tap.

[052] Recesses 110 are located along the elongate length of adapter head 103

between hex collar 112 and thread formation 108. Each recess 110 is in the form of

a continuous circular recess. Each recess 110 is separated from one another by a continuous wall. Seals 102 are locatable within recesses 110 and are adapted to abut an internal surface of the mixer water tap to form a waterproof seal.

[053] In the preferred embodiment shown, hex collar 112 is located at end 124 of

adapter head 104. Hex collar 112 extends along a portion of the length of adapter

head 104 from end 124 towards end 106. Hex collar 112 at least partially forms an

abutment shoulder for abutting a portion of the mixer tap to which assembly 100 is to

be attached.

[054] In use, end 106 is inserted into a portion of an adjacent mixer tap. Thread

formation is fastened to a corresponding thread formation found on the adjacent mixer

tap. Furthermore, opposite end 107 is welded, or otherwise fastened, to an adjacent

water pipe.

[055] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[056] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown

or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting

the invention into effect.

[057] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

[058] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[059] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown

the invention into effect.

[060] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the art.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A water pipe assembly for high pressure fluid flow, the assembly comprising:

at least one seal; and,

a water pipe including:

an elongate body comprising:

a continuous side wall defining a channel extending from a first end of the

elongate body to a second end of the elongate body; and,

at least one circular recess for receiving the at least one seal located

towards the first end of the elongate body;

wherein at least a portion of the first end of the elongate body is adapted to be

received within an adjacent mixer tap,

wherein at least a portion of the water pipe is made from an annealed copper tube,

wherein the water pipe is integrally formed, and wherein at least a portion of the water

pipe is bendable and/or malleable.

2. The water pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein the water pipe is formed

from two portions, a primary body portion and a secondary body portion, and

wherein the water pipe further includes at least one threaded portion, wherein the

water pipe further includes at least one hex collar and wherein the hex collar is

located at or towards a second end of the secondary body portion.

3. The water pipe assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the primary body portion is

made from an annealed copper tube.

4. The water pipe assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

water pipe includes a pair of recesses each for receiving a seal and/or wherein the water pipe includes a seat for locating a portion of the adjacent mixer tap relative to the water pipe.

5. The water pipe assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 or 3, or claim 4 when

dependent on claim 2, wherein the primary body portion is elongate and includes a

first end for connecting to the secondary body portion and a second end for

connecting to an adjacent water pipe.

106 120 1/3

105 124 102

103 104 101 100

FIGURE 1

101 103

105 2/3

124

110

106 120

112

108

104 FIGURE 2

112 110 108

126 106

134 114 3/3

112 108

130 132

126 124

130 125 132

FIGURE 3