System and method of releasably connecting pipe sections

Abstract

A pipe fitting system, including a first pipe section with at least one male end, a second pipe section with at least one female end, and a connecting means for releasably connecting the pipe sections together such that the male end is at least partially received within the female end. The connecting means comprising releasably engageable first and second connectors associated with the first and second pipe sections respectively, wherein the first connector comprises at least one outwardly extending protrusion and wherein the second connector comprises corresponding recesses adapted to releasable receive the or each protrusion of the first connector. The pipe fitting system is suitable for applications such as end of line connections, repair/replacement of fixed existing pipes, and in enabling temporary removal of pipes for maintenance or access purposes.

Claims

1. A pipe fitting system, including: a first hollow pipe section having at least one male end with a first connector, the first connector having two or more protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface of the male end of the first pipe section; a second hollow pipe section having at least one female end with a second connector, the second connector having two or more generally L-shaped receiving formations associated with an inner surface of the female end of the second pipe section, the L-shaped receiving formations having a first arm segment extending axially from an opening at a free end face of the female end of the second pipe section, and a second arm segment extending transversely from a distal end of the first arm segment to a closed end, the L-shaped receiving formations being formed so as to have no impact on the profile of the outer surface of the second connector of the female end of the second pipe section, whereby the second connector has a smooth, cylindrical outer surface profile, the receiving formations being adapted to releasably receive and engage a respective protrusion of the first connector; a positive locking member arranged within the second arm segment of each receiving formation, each positive locking member extending from a substantially central region of a floor of the associated second arm segment and being spaced from the closed end such that the associated protrusion of the first connector can be captively retained between the closed end of the second arm segment and the positive locking member to releasably restrain the first and second pipe sections against rotational displacement away from an engaged position, wherein the positive locking member includes a locking ramp having a first ramp wall facing generally towards the open end of the recess, and a second ramp wall facing generally towards the closed end of the recess, and wherein the second ramp wall has a steeper gradient relative to that of the first ramp wall such that the first ramp wall provides less resistance during connection of the first and second pipe sections relative to the resistance provided by the second ramp wall during disconnection of the first and second pipe sections; a primary seal seated within a first seal retaining formation formed within the female end of the second pipe section, the primary seal being resiliently compressible and adapted to sealingly engage a free end face of the male end of the first pipe section; and a secondary seal seated within a second seal retaining formation formed within the female end of the second pipe section, the secondary seal being resiliently compressible and adapted to sealingly engage an outer side face of the male end of the first pipe section, wherein the free end face and the outer side face are substantially orthogonal to one another; wherein, the first connector and the second connector form a connecting means for releasably connecting the male end of the first pipe section and the female end of the second pipe section together such that, when the first pipe section and the second pipe section are connected together, the male end of the first pipe section is at least partially received within the female end of the second pipe section.

2. A pipe fitting system according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe section is a straight pipe fitting or an angled pipe fitting, and the second pipe section is a straight pipe fitting or an angled pipe fitting.

3. A pipe fitting system according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is spaced back from the free end face of the male end of the first pipe section to provide a continuous abutment edge.

4. A pipe fitting system according to claim 1, wherein each protrusion has generally flat side faces which extend in a circumferential direction around the outer surface of the male end of the first pipe section.

5. A pipe fitting system according to claim 4, wherein the flat side edges are angled with respect to each other.

6. A pipe fitting system according to claim 5, wherein the flat side edge closest to the free end face of the male end is substantially parallel to the free end face and the flat edge furthest from the free end face extends at an angle relative to the free end face.

7. A pipe fitting system according to claim 6, in which each receiving formation is a generally L-shaped recess, and wherein side edges of the second arm segment are angled with respect to each other.

8. A pipe fitting system according to claim 7, wherein the side edge of the second arm segment furthest from a free end of the second pipe section is substantially parallel to the free end, and the side edge closest to the free end is angled relative to the free end, thereby enabling sliding engagement with the angled face of the protrusion when the first and second pipe sections are rotated relative to one another.

9. A pipe fitting system according to claim 7, wherein the angled side edge of each second arm segment is configured to act on the respective protrusion of the first connector such that, upon relative rotation between the first and second pipe sections, the first and second pipe sections are positively driven towards one another in an axial direction.

10. A pipe fitting system according to claim 1, wherein the locking ramp is configured such that, upon rotational movement between first and second pipe sections towards the engaged position, the protrusion abuts the first ramp wall, whereby further rotation causes the male end carrying the protrusion to resiliently deform enabling the protrusion to slide along the first ramp wall, and past the locking ramp into the engaged position.

11. A pipe fitting system according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe section includes a gripping formation for facilitating grasping of the first pipe section during connection and disconnection with the second pipe section, thereby enabling a greater turning force to be applied to the first pipe body.

12. A pipe fitting system according to claim 11, wherein the gripping formation is configured as a continuous band extending circumferentially about the first pipe section, and having a plurality of gripping elements.

13. A pipe fitting system according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe section comprises a body having a first open end and a second open end; and a first pipe member having an inner end and an outer end defining the male end on which the first connector is formed; wherein, the inner end of the first pipe member is telescopically received within the first open end of the body and adapted for sliding movement between a retracted position and an extended position.

14. A pipe fitting system according to claim 13, wherein a second pipe member is telescopically received within the second open end of the body and adapted for sliding movement between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein a male outer end of the second pipe member has a first connector with two or more outwardly extending protrusions for releasably connecting the second pipe member to a female end of a downstream or upstream pipe section in which two or more generally L-shaped receiving formations are formed on its inner surface.

15. A pipe fitting system according to claim 13, wherein a sealing mechanism is arranged between the first open end of the body and the inner end of the first pipe member.

16. A pipe fitting system according to claim 15, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to provide a seal between an inner surface of the first open end of the body and an outer surface of the inner end of the first pipe member, the seal mechanism being adapted to maintain a seal when the first pipe member is at or between the extended and retracted positions.

17. A pipe fitting system according to claim 13, wherein the body is a T-shaped pipe section having a main body section in which the first and second open ends are formed, and a leg extending transversely from the main body and in which a third opening is formed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a pipe fitting system according to the invention in a disconnected configuration;

(3) FIG. 2 the pipe fitting system of FIG. 1 in a connected configuration;

(4) FIG. 3 shows an end view of a male end of a first pipe section with a first connector;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a section view of a female end of a second pipe section with a second connector;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section view of the pipe fitting system of FIG. 1 in the disconnected configuration;

(7) FIG. 6 a longitudinal section view of the pipe fitting system of FIG. 1 in the connected configuration;

(8) FIGS. 7A to 7E the relative positions between the first connector and the second connector during various sequential stages when connecting the first and second pipe sections together;

(9) FIGS. 8A and 8B show enlarged plan views of a stud of the first connector and a recess of the second connector;

(10) FIGS. 9A to 9K show various embodiments of pipe sections employing the first and/or second connectors;

(11) FIGS. 10A to 10F show various embodiments of angled pipe sections employing the first and/or second connectors;

(12) FIGS. 11A to 11D shows pairs of male and female connectors having two, three, four and eight protrusions and recesses, respectively;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a sectional side view of an embodiment of a pipe fitting assembly according to the invention;

(14) FIG. 13 shows side view of another embodiment of a pipe fitting system according to the invention in a disconnected configuration;

(15) FIG. 14 shows a section view of another embodiment of a pipe fitting assembly according to the invention;

(16) FIG. 15 shows a section view of the telescopic portion of the pipe fitting assembly of FIG. 14;

(17) FIGS. 16A and 16B shows sectional views of a sealing mechanism of the second pipe section;

(18) FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mechanical lever engaging a gripping formation of the first pipe section;

(19) FIG. 18 shows an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a pipe connection according to the present invention;

(20) FIGS. 19A to 19C show top, side and cross sectional views of another embodiment of a pipe fitting system;

(21) FIGS. 20A to 20C show top, side and cross sectional views of another embodiment of a pipe fitting system with an O-ring; and

(22) FIGS. 21A and FIG. 21B show the pipe connection in use, where FIG. 21A shows the pipe sections in a retained position and FIG. 21B shows the pipe connection in a separated position to provide access to the water tank.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(23) Referring to the drawings, the invention provides a pipe fitting system 1 having a first pipe section 2 and a second pipe section 3. A connecting means having a first connector 4 associated with the first pipe section 2 and a second connector 5 associated with the second pipe section 3 is provided for releasably connecting the first and second pipe sections (2, 3) together.

(24) For the sake of clarity of description, the following description of the illustrated embodiments of the pipe fitting system 1 will be made with reference to the first pipe section 2 having a male end 6 with an outer surface 7 on which the first connector 4 is located. The description will also refer to the second pipe section 3 having a female end 8 with an inner surface 9 on which the second connector 5 is located. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this exemplary arrangement which is provided by way of example only.

(25) Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the first pipe section 2 is in the form of a moulded straight pipe fitting having a hollow cylindrical body 10 defining a passage through which fluid such as, for example, water can flow. Again, for clarity of description, the embodiments described herein will be made with reference to water pipe applications. However, it is to be appreciated that the pipe fitting system is not limited to fluid flow applications, but could be advantageously used in a range of other applications including with, for example, pipes through which data and energy is transferred.

(26) The first connector 4 is integrally formed with the body of the first pipe section as a one-piece unit. The second pipe section 3 is in the form a moulded straight pipe fitting having a hollow cylindrical body defining a passage through which fluid such as, for example, water can flow. The second connector 5 is integrally formed with the body of the second pipe section as a one-piece unit.

(27) The first and second pipe sections (2, 3) are preferably formed from a substantially rigid thermoplastic material such as, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC).

(28) As is most clearly seen in FIG. 6, the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 are configured such that, when the first pipe section 2 and the second pipe section 3 are connected together, via the connecting means, the male end 6 of the first pipe section 2 is partially received within the female end 8 of the second pipe section 3 to form a pipeline. In this arrangement the first and second pipe sections (2, 3) are connected together in mating end-to-end relation.

(29) In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the first connector is in the form of four spaced apart protrusions in the form of studs 11 extending radially from the outer surface 7 of the male end 6 of the first pipe section 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the studs 11 are circumferentially arranged and evenly spaced about the outer surface 7 of the male end 6.

(30) It will be appreciated that the number of studs used to form the first connector is not limited to four, but rather the number of studs can be selected to suit the particular application in which the pipe fitting system is to be employed. For example, the number of protrusions may be selected depending on the size and/or shape of the pipe fitting sections, or to provide desired structural characteristics to the joint connection between the first and second pipe section. It has been found that a greater number of protrusions can provide advantages in terms of enhanced reliability of sealing and structural stability at the connection between two pipe sections.

(31) As is best seen in FIGS. 1 and 8, each stud 11 protrusion has a generally obround cross-sectional profile, having rounded ends 12 and a generally flat side faces 13. The flat side edges 13 are advantageously configured to extend at an angle with respect to each other. With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the flat side edge 13a furthest from the free edge of the male end 6 is substantially parallel to the free edge, and the flat edge 13b closest to the free edge is angled relative to the free edge. As is described in further detail below, the angled flat edge 13b facilitates driving the first and second pipe sections towards each other upon relative rotational motion, when connecting the two pipe sections together.

(32) As is most clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the studs 11 of the first connector 4 are spaced back from the free edge of the male end 6 to provide a continuous uninterrupted edge/face that can abut a portion of the female end, when the two pipe sections are connected.

(33) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the second connector 5 includes four receiving formations in the form of generally L-shaped recesses 14 arranged on the inner surface 9 of the female end 8 of the second pipe section 3. Each recess 14 is adapted to releasably receive a corresponding stud 11 of the first connector 4. As such, the studs 11 and recesses 14 advantageously form four discrete pairs of studs and recesses.

(34) Referring to FIG. 5, each recess 14 is an open-ended recess having a first arm segment 15 extending from an opening 16 at a free end face of the female end 8 of the second pipe section 3. A second arm segment 17 extends transversely from a distal end of the first arm segment 15 to a closed end 18.

(35) Referring to FIG. 8B, the free open end 16 of the first arm segment 15 enables the respective stud 11 to be received within the recess 14, upon relative axial movement between the first and second pipe sections (2, 3) towards one another. The extent of axial movement is limited by an innermost side wall 19 of the second arm segment 17 which extends transversely to the first arm segment 15.

(36) The second arm segment 17 extends a predetermined distance in a generally circumferential direction along the inner surface 9 of the female end 8 of the second pipe section 3, thereby facilitating relative rotational movement between the first and second pipe sections when the stud 11 is received within the second arm segment 17 of the recess 14. The closed end 18 of the second arm segment 17 limits the extent of rotational movement between the first and second pipe sections (2, 3), and defines an engaged position where the two pipe sections are releasably connected together.

(37) As is most clearly shown in FIG. 8B, the closed end 18 of the second arm segment 17 of the recess 14 is configured to be of complementary shape to that of the respective end 12 of the stud 11.

(38) Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the second arm segment 17 has side edges 20 which are angled with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the side edge 20a of the second arm segment 17 furthest from the free end of the second pipe section 3 is substantially parallel to the free end. The side edge 20b closest to the free edge is angled relative to the free edge and side edge 20a. The angled side edge 20b of the second arm segment 17 is advantageously angled so as to complement the angled side edge 13b of the stud 11. Advantageously, the angled side edge 20b is not parallel to the angled side edge 13b such that upon insertion towards the engaged position, the forward or innermost end of side 13b engages or mates with the angled side edge 20b, whilst the rear end of side 13b is spaced from edge 20b. This relative angle configuration provides advantages in terms of reducing the degree of friction between the two edges (13b, 20b) when they are engaged and sliding relative to each other. It also provides advantages in terms of favourable wear characteristics of the stud which improve the working life of the stud 11.

(39) The complementary angled faces of the stud 11 and recess 14 enable substantially face-to-face sliding engagement between side edges (13b, 20b) during relative rotation of the first and second pipe sections when connecting the section together. Due to the orientation of the angled side edges (13b, 20b) and the sliding engagement therebetween, the side edges (13b, 20b) act on one another such that, upon relative rotation between the first and second pipe sections (2, 3), the first and second pipe sections are positively driven towards another in an axial direction. It will be appreciated that the positive driving action advantageously facilitates in achieving a sealing engagement between the free end face of the male end 6 of the first pipe section 2 and an inner seat 21 formed within an interior of the female end 8 of the second pipe section 3.

(40) Referring to FIGS. 1,5, 6 and 7, each recess 14 has a positive locking member in the form of a locking ramp 22 for restraining the first and second pipe sections (2, 3) against rotational displacement away from the engaged position. The locking ramp 22 is arranged within the second arm segment 17 of the recess 14 so as to be spaced from the closed end 18 such that the respective stud 11 can be captively retained between the closed end 18 of the second arm segment 17 and the locking ramp 22 (i.e. in the engaged position). The spacing between the positive locking member and the closed end may be such that there may be some degree of rotational play when the stud is in the engaged position.

(41) As most clearly seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the locking ramp 22 has a first ramp wall 23 facing generally towards the open end 16 of the recess 14, and a second ramp wall 24 facing generally towards the closed end 18 of the recess 14.

(42) The locking ramp has a curved or rounded peak 25 where the first and second locking ramps (23, 24) meet to facilitate ease of passage of the stud 11 past the peak 25 of the locking ramp 22, during the final stages of movement to the engaged position.

(43) The first ramp wall 23 has a different profile to that of the second ramp wall 24 in order to provide different shaped obstructions with corresponding different levels of resistance to movement of the protrusion past the locking ramp 22.

(44) The first ramp wall advantageously provides less resistance during connection of the first and second pipe sections, relative to the resistance provided when disconnecting the pipe sections. It will be appreciated that this difference in resistance levels is advantageous as a lower resistance when connecting pipes aids a user when installing the pipe sections in situ. A higher resistance is beneficial for the reverse procedure is it acts to inhibit undesirable inadvertent disconnection of the pipe sections.

(45) The first ramp wall 23 extends from a floor 26 of the recess 14 to the peak 25 of the locking ramp 22 at a generally constant gradient or slope, before the curving into the peak. The second ramp wall 24 may have a steeper gradient to that of the first ramp wall. The second ramp wall 24 has a first portion 27 extending from, and generally orthogonally to, the floor 26 of the recess 14, and a second angled (bevelled, chamfered) or curved portion 28 extending into the peak 25. The chamfered or curved portion 28 acts in combination with the respective side of the rounded peak 25 of the locking ramp 22 to provide mating surfaces which enable the stud and ramp to move relative to each other when disconnecting the pipe sections.

(46) FIGS. 7A to 7E show details of the relative positions and interactions between the stud 11 and locking ramp 22 during various sequential stages which occur when connecting the first and second pipe sections (2, 3) together. The locking ramp 22 is configured such that, upon rotational movement between first and second pipe sections (2, 3) towards the engaged position, the stud 11 abuts the first ramp wall 23, whereby further rotation causes the male end 6 carrying the stud 11 to resiliency deform (see FIGS. 7C and 7D) enabling the stud to slide along the first ramp wall 23, past the peak 25 into the engaged position. Once the stud 11 has passed the locking ramp 22 the male end 6 springs back to its original configuration such that the stud 11 is securely locked in behind the locking ramp 22.

(47) It will be appreciated that the stud 11 and locking ramp 22 act in combination to provide a snap-locking mechanism for securely retaining the first and second pipe sections together. The snap-locking mechanism advantageously provides a tactile and/or audible signal to the user as the stud 11 engages and then moves past the locking ramp 22, indicating when the first and second pipe sections are secured in the engaged position, and when the pipe sections are released from the engaged position. For example, a user may feel the stud freely drop into the engaged position as it moves past the locking ramp. An audible click may also be detected at this time, signalling to the user that the stud is in the engaged position.

(48) The inner surface 9 of the female end 8 of the second pipe section 3 has a stepped profile which defines the seat 21 (FIG. 16A) for limiting inward axial movement of the male end 6 of the first pipe section 2 into the female end 8.

(49) Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the female end 8 of the second pipe section 2 houses a sealing means for providing a seal between the first and second pipe sections (2, 3), when the pipe sections are in the engaged position.

(50) The sealing means includes a primary seal in the form of a compressible annular washer 29 arranged over the seat 21 within the female end 8 of the second pipe section 2. When the first and second pipe sections are connected together in the engaged position, the free end face of the male end 6 of the first pipe section 2 abuts against the washer 29 (rather than directly against the seat 21) in sealing engagement.

(51) The female end 8 includes a seal retaining formation in the form of a circumferential groove 30 in which the washer 29 is seated. The groove 30 is complementary in shape to at least a portion of the washer. The washer 29 may advantageously have a stepped crosssection profile (e.g. L-shaped) forming a shoulder and flange (not shown) which facilitates locating and/or retaining the washer within the groove 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the washer 29 has a rounded inner surface 29a. Advantageously, the surface 29a is convexly curved to facilitate the male end retention against the washer after the stud 11 has passed the locking ramp 22. In some instances, the temporary deformation of the male end, which occurs as it passes the locking ramp, may cause the male end to partially pass into the central opening of the washer whilst bearing against the inner surface 29a. As the male end elastically returns to its undeformed shaped, the rounding of the inner surface 29a enables the male end to slide back out of the washer opening such that the washer is not dislodged and the male end can seal against the front face of the washer.

(52) Again referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the sealing means also includes a secondary seal in the form of a compressible o-ring 31. The o-ring 31 may be arranged within the female end of the second pipe section and adapted to sealingly engage an outer side face of the male end of the first pipe section. The o-ring 31 is spaced from the washer 29 such that it is closer to the free end of the female end 8 of the second pipe section than the washer 29. The female end 8 has a second seal retaining formation in the form of a circumferential notch in which the o-ring is located.

(53) The studs 11 are spaced back from the free edge of the male end to provide a continuous/uninterrupted edge/face that can abut the seat 21 or washer 29 within the female end 8, when in the engaged position.

(54) The first pipe section 2 includes a gripping formation in the form of a continuous raised rib grip 32 extending circumferentially about the first pipe section 2. It will be appreciated that the raised rib grip 32 facilitates grasping of the first pipe section 2 during connection and disconnection with the second pipe section 3. The grip 32 enables a greater lever or turning force to be applied to the first pipe body 2.

(55) The gripping formation is configured such that it can be used as a handgrip and/or as lever point for a mechanical lever. It is envisaged that the grip 32 (FIG. 1) may be used as a handgrip when connecting the first and second pipe sections together, and as an anchor point when disconnecting the first and second pipe sections.

(56) The raised rib grip 32 has a plurality of gripping elements in the form of axially extending notches 33 arranged in spaced relation about the rib 32. As best seen in FIG. 3, the grip 32 has eight gripping notches arranged symmetrically about the rib 32. The notches 33 are offset with respect to the studs 11 on the male end 6 of the first pipe section 2. It has been found that by offsetting the notches 33 with respect to the studs 11 there is less stiffening of the male end 6 of the first pipe section 2, thereby allowing the male end to resiliently deform to a sufficient extent which enables the studs to pass the respective locking ramp 22 during connection and disconnection of the first and second pipe sections (2, 3).

(57) FIG. 17 shows an example embodiment of a mechanical lever 34 which may be used to engage the notches 33 of the rib 32. The mechanical lever 34 has an elongate lever arm 35 with an engaging formation in the form of an engaging head 36 at its distal end for engaging at least a portion of the gripping formation. The engaging head 36 has a semicircular shaped base plate 37 which is sized and shaped to complement at least a portion of the circumferential rib 32. The base plate 37 carries five outwardly extending prongs 38 for engaging respective notches 33 in the rib

(58) It will be appreciated that the gripping formation will provide significant advantages to a wide range of embodiments, but will be particularly advantageous in those embodiments incorporating a positive locking member (e.g. locking ramp), where the positive locking member resists the free passage of the studs to and from the engaged position.

(59) FIGS. 9A to 9K show various pipe sections which could be employed as the first and second pipe sections. One end of these pipe sections has either a first connector with studs or a second connector with recesses as described herein. The other end of these sections may also be configured to have a male end with a first connector (studs), or a female end with a second connector (recesses) as described herein (see FIGS. 9C, 9F, 9I). In other forms, the other end of the first pipe section may be configured as a slip-on fitting (male or female) which can, for example, be glued to another fitting or pipe. FIGS. 9J and 9K show examples of closed end caps with a second connector (recesses) and a first connector (studs), respectively.

(60) FIGS. 10A to 10F shows various angled pipe sections (e.g. elbows) which could be employed as the first and second pipe sections. Again, the other end of these pipe sections may have a first or second connector as described herein, or may be configured as a slip-on fitting (male or female) which can, for example, be glued to another fitting or pipe.

(61) FIGS. 11A to 11D shows pairs of connecting means with a male end of a first connector and a female end with a second connector in which two, three, four and eight protrusions and recesses are formed on the pipe sections, respectively. Again, it will be appreciated that the first and second connectors are not limited to these configurations which have been provided by way of example only.

(62) It has also been found that advantages arise in connection with angular fittings where an increased number of protrusions (e.g. three or more) are arranged at the male end of the first pipe section. The increased number of protrusions provides advantages in terms of enabling a corresponding increase in the number of discrete angular increments in which the angular pipe section can be connected to the second pipe section.

(63) Referring to FIG. 12, the invention provides a pipe fitting assembly 40 which can be advantageously installed in a fixed pipeline to facilitate clean and efficient repair of broken pipes, to provide a means of inspection along the pipeline, and/or to enable temporary removal of pipes for maintenance, access or other purposes. The pipe fitting assembly 40 is not limited to use in repair or other retrofit applications but rather can be installed with new pipelines. The pipe fitting assembly, as with pipe fittings with first or second connectors as described herein, may be used in temporary pipeline applications at, for example, worksites.

(64) In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the pipe fitting assembly 40 is configured as a removable assembly with a T-shaped body 41 having a first open end 42 and a second open end 43.

(65) A first pipe member 44 having an inner end 45 and an outer end 46 is telescopically received within the first open end 42 of the body 41. The first pipe member 44 is adapted for sliding movement between a retracted position as shown in FIG. 12, and an extended position. The outer end 46 has a first connecting means for releasably connecting the first pipe member 44 to an upstream pipe section 50.

(66) A second pipe member 47 has an inner end 48 and an outer end 49. The inner end 48 of the second pipe member 47 is telescopically received within the second open end 43 of the body 41. The second pipe member 47 is adapted for sliding movement between a retracted position as shown in FIG. 12, and an extended position. The outer end 49 has a first connecting means for releasably connecting the second pipe member 47 to a downstream pipe section 51.

(67) The outer ends (46, 49) of the first and second pipe members (44, 47) are configured as male ends 6 such that the first connector is in the form of four spaced apart circumferentially arranged studs 11, as described herein.

(68) The upstream and downstream pipe sections (50, 51) are configured to have at least one female end 8 to complement the male outer ends of the first and second pipe members (44, 47). The female end 8 of the upstream and downstream pipe sections have a second connector in the form of a plurality of recesses 14 for releasably engaging with the studs 11 of the respective first and second pipe members (44, 47) in the manner described herein.

(69) The opposite end of the upstream and downstream pipe sections may be formed as a male or female end. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the opposite end of the upstream and downstream pipe sections is formed as a slip-on female fitting which can be glued to an existing male fitting or pipe. It will be appreciated that the telescopic arrangement of the first and second pipe members enables the length between the outer ends (46, 49) of the first and second pipe members (44, 47) to be readily adjustable. This adjustability makes it possible to readily install and remove the pipe fitting assembly 40 to and from a pipeline for a range of purposes including cleaning, repair, replacement, inspection of the surrounding pipes or other maintenance and access purposes. The adjustability also makes the pipe fitting assembly 40 readily adapted for use as a pipe joiner which is particularly advantageous when repair of an existing fixed pipe is required. The section of broken pipe can be cut out and removed and replaced with the pipe fitting assembly 40. It will thus be appreciated that the pipe fitting assembly 40 itself may be removable or it may render the adjoining pipe removable while the assembly 40 is secured in place.

(70) A sealing mechanism is arranged within the body 41 and configured to provide a seal between an inner surface of the first open end 42 of the body 41 and an outer surface of the inner end 45 of the first pipe member 44. The seal is configured to maintain the seal when the first pipe member is at or between the extended and retracted positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal has two sealing members arranged in spaced apart side-by-side relation. Each sealing member is in the form of an o-ring 52. The inner surface of the first open end has two retaining formations in the form of a circumferential grooves in which sealing members are seated.

(71) A sealing mechanism is also arranged within the body 41 and configured to provide a seal between an inner surface of the second open end 43 of the body 41 and an outer surface of the inner end 48 of the second pipe member 47. The seal is configured to maintain the seal when the first pipe member is at or between the extended and retracted positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal has two sealing members arranged in spaced apart side-by-side relation. Each sealing member is in the form of an o-ring 52. The inner surface of the first open end has two retaining formations in the form of circumferential grooves in which sealing members are seated.

(72) The first and second pipe members (44, 47) have a gripping formation 32 adapted to facilitate grasping of the first pipe section during connection and disconnection with the second pipe section, thereby enabling a greater lever or turning force to be applied to the first pipe body. The gripping formation of the first and/or second pipe members may be configured as a handgrip and/or adapted to provide a lever point for a mechanical lever as described herein.

(73) The T-shaped body 41 has a leg 53 in which a third opening 54 is formed. The third opening 54 is arranged intermediate the first and second open ends. The third opening 54 advantageously provides an inspection portal for facilitating visual inspection into the main body of the pipe fitting assembly 40 and surrounding pipes.

(74) A cap 55 for covering the third opening 54 is threadingly engagable with an external thread of the leg. A gasket 56 is arranged to seat between an inner surface of the cap and the leg of the body to facilitate sealing engagement therebetween. It will be appreciated that the cap 55 can be readily removed when it is desired to inspect the pipeline. Advantageously, the first open end of the body and the first pipe member (and similarly the second open end of the body and the second pipe member) are preferably configured such that the inner end of the pipe members are clear of (i.e. do not overlap) the leg of the body when the pipe members are in the extended position, such that they do not obstruct a view path of the main body from the inspection portal.

(75) The right hand side of FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment in which cover/cap 55 and the third leg 53 may instead have respective first and second connectors (4, 5) for releasably attaching the cap/cover 55 to the leg 53 of the body 41 to seal the opening 54. For example, the third leg may be configured to have a female second connector as described herein, and the cap/cover has a male first connector as described herein to enable releasable connection between the cap and third leg. In this form, the cap/cover 55 may act as a plug.

(76) The left hand side of FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment in which a branch line 57 may be releasably connected to the third leg 53 either directly or indirectly via a fitting as described herein, rather than a cap/cover/plug. Again, respective first and second connectors (4, 5) as described herein may be used to enable the branch line 57 to be releasably connected to the third leg 53.

(77) Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, another embodiment of the pipe fitting system 100 is shown in exploded form. A first pipe section 200 includes a protrusion 210 from the outside surface 220, the protrusion 210 forming part of a locking means 800. A second pipe section 300 includes a recess 310 in the inside surface 320, the recess 310 forming another part of the locking means 800. The end 230 of the first pipe section 200 forms a male connecting portion that fits inside the female connecting portion 330 of the second pipe section 300.

(78) Referring to FIG. 19A to 19C, the embodiment of FIG. 18 is shown in an assembled or retained position. It can be seen that the protrusion 210 is inside the recess 310. The wall 350 of the recess 310 abuts the protrusion 210, thereby preventing the pipe sections 200, 300 from being separated simply by providing a tension force along the central axis 600.

(79) In this embodiment, the protrusion 210 is set back from the edge 240 of the male connecting portion 230. This provides a continuous edge 240 that abuts the taper 340 of the female connecting portion 330 when in the retained position. The locking mechanism 800 in addition to retaining the pipe sections 200, 300 together provides a force that allows this edge 240 and taper 340 to create a watertight seal.

(80) To separate the pipe sections 200, 300 they must first be rotated relative to one another so that the protrusion 210 moves along the axis 610 of the lateral portion of the recess 310. The pipe sections 200, 300 can then be separated by pulling the pipes apart in a longitudinal direction 600.

(81) In the embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19, the recess 310 is an L-shaped channel, however other suitable shapes should also be considered to be part of the present invention. For example, the channel could have an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the portion of the channel 310 currently aligned with the axis 600 is at an angle to the axis 600. This would then require the male portion 200 to be rotated in a direction opposite to the locking direction as it is first inserted into the female portion 300. Similarly, the section of the channel 310 aligned with the axis 610 could be angled to provide a more secure lock, preventing accidental disconnection.

(82) As previously described, while the embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19 is shown with two sets of locking means 800, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any suitable number may be used. A greater number of locking means 800 may be advantageous for providing a stronger connection. Alternatively, a single locking means 800 may be sufficient if located at the top of the pipe sections so that gravity retains the bottom portion in place without the need of a locking means 800.

(83) The pipe bend 400 is typically used to improve the flow of water from the stormwater piping system to a water tank, such as the in the setup illustrated in FIG. 21A. The join 450 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B is a standard pipe join. Such a join would typically be glued to retain the sections of pipe to one another and to prevent leaking.

(84) Referring to FIGS. 20A to 20C, an alternative embodiment of the pipe fitting system is shown. In this embodiment, the system includes an O-ring 360 to aid in sealing the connection. The taper 340 shown in FIG. 19B is now formed as a step defining a seat in front of the edge 240, with the O-ring 360 sitting between the step and the edge 240 of the male sealing portion. The dimensions of various other parts, including the recess 310 and the protrusion 210, have now changed compared to those shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C. It should be understood that the particular dimensions are not critical to the invention, with either dimensions or any other sizes being suitable to either the taper or O-ring sealing versions of the invention. Various other sealing methods may also be used in place of the O-ring, such as different forms of washers and gaskets. However, as described herein, the dimensions should be such that a degree of resilient deformation can occur at the pipe ends during connection and disconnection of the pipe sections (see the sequence shown in FIG. 7). For example, the wall thickness of the pipe sections should not be so thick that its prevents the pipe sections from being able to resiliency deform in this manner.

(85) Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, a pipe fitting system 100 is shown in use with a water tank 500. FIG. 21A shows the system 100 in the retained position. FIG. 21B shows a section of the pipe (200, 400) placed on the ground after it has been disconnected from portion 300 to allow unrestricted access to the opening 510 of the water tank 500.

(86) It will be appreciated that the invention in its various aspects and preferred embodiments provides a number of advantages. In its preferred embodiments, the present invention advantageously provides a robust pipe fitting system and assembly that allows reliable, fast, clean and repeated connection and disconnection of pipe sections, as and when required.

(87) Preferred embodiments of the pipe fitting system advantageously facilitate end of line connections to provide unrestricted access to a work area requiring regular routine maintenance; for example, a drain or a strainer over an inlet to a water tank. Embodiments of the pipe fitting system and assembly can also advantageously facilitate clean and efficient repair or replacement of fixed existing pipes, including not only end of line sections but intermediate pipe sections. Temporary removal of pipes for maintenance or access purposes is also advantageously facilitated by embodiments of the pipe fitting system and assembly.

(88) Embodiments of the pipe fitting system provide the ability to remove sections of storm water pipe for access to the water tank and then to be able to replace the pipe work back to its working status without having to cut and glue sections. The pipe work is left in its usable state and readily available for disconnection if and when required.

(89) The connecting means of the pipe fitting system may also find use in a wide range of applications, not involving water tanks. For example, other stormwater systems may benefit from using a similar connection to provide access to other types of drains or gutters. The connection may also be used with other types of pipes, such as water pipes other than stormwater, exhaust chimneys, other types of ducting and any other type of pipe where fast and repeated disconnection of a section is desired.

(90) In these and other respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

(91) Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. It should also be understood that the various aspects and embodiments of the invention as described can be implemented either independently, or in conjunction with all viable permutations and combinations of other aspects and embodiments. All such permutations and combinations should be regarded as having been herein disclosed.