NZ565256A - Improved pipe diversion device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A pipe diversion device (1), particularly for use in a downpipe, to temporarily divert the flow in a pipe is disclosed. The device has a first section (3) with an internally tapered region (7) that acts as a socket for an exposed end of a first pipe, and a second section (4) with an externally tapered region (11) to be inserted into the exposed end of a second pipe. The first and second sections are connected by a compressible section (6), which may be a concertina or bellows, configured to allow the length of the pipe diverter to be changed. This allows the second section of the diverter to be disengaged from the second pipe and flow through the first pipe diverted.

Description

• 565256 *10056137417* New Zealand Patent Appn No. 565256 Filed: 22nd January 2008 Patents Form No. 5 Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVED PIPE DIVERSION DEVICE AND METHOD We, Imperial Products Limited of 211 Spur Road, R.D. 3, Silverdale, Auckland, New Zealand, a New Zealand company, 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: 1 (to be followed by 1a) 565256 TITLE: IMPROVED PIPE DIVERSION DEVICE AND METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION: The present invention is a pipe diversion device used to temporarily divert the flow in a pipe and a method for using it. Though described with particular reference to a downpipe the device can be used for temporarily diverting the flow in any pipe. As used herein the term "pipe" is intended to include ducts or enclosed conduits with cross sections other than essentially circular.

BACKGROUND: When a roof is cleaned or chemically treated, the debris, spent chemicals and water used are collected by the guttering and passed into the storm water system. This is contaminates the storm water and drainage system. Some authorities measure the contamination level of water in the storm water system and issue fines or impose other penalties on anyone caught putting contaminated water into the storm water system.

One way of preventing the contaminated liquid from getting into the storm water 20 system involves cutting the downpipe, and levering the upper section out of line of the lower section. This allows the contaminated fluid to be collected in a container or fall onto the surrounding ground. After the roof has been cleaned or chemically treated the downpipe sections are realigned and repaired. Unless the cut is carefully made, the levering across and repair carried out carefully it can leave an unsightly, leaking, 25 mechanically unsound and/or unsafe downpipe remaining.

One device that avoids the need for cutting and repairing the downpipe each time is a permanently installed leaf and debris diverter. This diverter includes an angled section of mesh interposed into the flow from the roof. Any solid material is caught by the 30 mesh and diverted to fall on the ground or into a storage container. This device allows liquid to flow straight through so it cannot prevent roof treatment chemicals or similar from flowing into the storm water system.

An alternative approach involves the permanent installation of a device into the 35 downpipe. One such device includes a moveable section of downpipe that can be moved between a first and second position. In the first position the moveable section 1a 565256 of the device acts as part of the wall of the downpipe and in the second position the device forms a channel which diverts the liquid flowing in the downpipe away from the storm water collection point. The moveable section needs to provide a good seal with inside wall of the downpipe otherwise a certain amount of the liquid will still get into the 5 storm water system. Given the downpipe and moveable section are constructed of plastic, maintaining the quality of this seal over time is difficult.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to provide a pipe diversion device. In addition the invention aims to overcome one or more of the deficiencies highlighted above or provide the consumer with a useful and/or economical choice.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a pipe diverter configured to releasably connect a first pipe to a second pipe, wherein said pipe diverter includes a first section configured to connect to an exposed end of the first pipe, a compressible section and a second section configured to connect to an exposed end of the second pipe; the compressible 20 section being between the first section and second section; the compressible section is configured to allow the length of the pipe diverter to be changed, allowing the second section to be disengaged from the second pipe and the flow through the first pipe diverted.

The connections formed between the sections and the pipe ends may be releasable, permanent or semi -permanent. In a highly preferred form the first section includes an internally tapered primary section that acts as a socket for the first pipe, and the second section includes an externally tapered secondary section configured to be inserted into the exposed end of the second pipe.

Preferably the cross section of the pipe diverter is essentially circular.

In a further preferred form the primary and/or secondary section include a groove configured to retain an adhesive, sealant or similar compound. In a highly preferred 35 form the adhesive is chosen so that it is strong enough to maintain the connection and seal between the primary section and the exposed end of the first pipe but upon the 2 565256 application of a greater force the adhesive lets go, without damage to the pipe or pipe diverter, allowing the removal of the pipe diverter. In an alternative preferred form the first groove assist in forming a permanent connection between the pipe diverter and the first pipe.

Preferably the compressible section is a concertina or bellows shaped section. In a highly preferred form, in use, the compressible section is dimensioned to provide sufficient force to seal the primary section and secondary section against the exposed ends of their respective pipes.

Preferably the uncompressed length of the compressible section is about 180mm and the compressed length is about 100mm. Preferably, in this configuration, the second section or secondary section is about 60mm in length.

Preferably the first section includes more than one dimple, each dimple creating a protrusion on an inner surface of the first section that is configured to deform when the exposed end of the first pipe is inserted into the primary section and further increase the clamping force retaining the pipe diverter on the first pipe.

Preferably the first section includes more than one expansion aperture, each expansion aperture is a hole through the wall of the first section that is configured to deform when the exposed end of the first pipe is inserted into the primary section and further improve the seal between the first pipe and the pipe diverter.

In a further preferred form, to improve the seal between, and/or more securely connect the respective sections and pipes, additional connection devices such as jubilee clips or similar are used.

Preferably the first and second pipe are sections of a downpipe.

The present invention includes a method for installing and using the pipe diverter with a downpipe which includes the following steps: for installation: A. Remove a section of the downpipe creating a spaced apart first and second pipe; 3 565256 Engage a primary section of the pipe diverter with a first pipe; Compress a compressible section of the pipe diverter until an end of a secondary section of the pipe diverter clears an exposed end of the second pipe; Insert the secondary section of the pipe diverter into the exposed end of the second pipe; Allow the compressible section to re-expand to form seals between the respective sections and pipe; To divert the flow through the downpipe: F. Compress the pipe diverter until the end of the secondary section clears the exposed end of the second pipe; G. Move the end of the secondary section out of line with the second pipe so that the fluid flowing through the pipe is diverted; H. Allow the pipe diverter to expand; To re-establish the flow through the pipe: I. Compress the compressible section until the end of the secondary section can be inserted into the exposed end of the second pipe; J. Move the end of the secondary section into line with the exposed end of the 20 second pipe; K. Insert the secondary section into the exposed end of the second pipe and allow the compressible section to expand sealing the joint between the secondary section and the second pipe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS By way of example only a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the pipe diverter; Figure 2 is a pictorial view of the pipe diverter installed in a downpipe in the normal flow position; Figure 3 is a pictorial view of the pipe diverter installed in a downpipe in the diverted flow position.

B.

C. 4 565256 Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the first section of the pipe diverter attached to the downpipe showing the dimples.

Referring to Figure 1 a pipe diverter (1) including a first end (2), a first section (3), a 5 second section (4), a second end (5) and a compressible section (6) is shown. The pipe diverter (1) is a duct with the first section (3) connected to the compressible section (6) which is in turn connected to the second section (4). The distal end of the first section (3) is the first end (2), and the distal end of the second section (4) is the second end (5). As used herein a "duct" is an enclosed conduit for fluids that can have 10 any cross-sectional shape, and references to pipe are intended to include ducts.

The compressible section (6) is a concertina like section that allows the overall length of the pipe diverter (1) to be changed. is The first section (3) includes an internally tapered primary section (7) which further includes more than one concentrically aligned expansion apertures (8). Each expansion aperture (8) is a hole through the wall (9) of the first section (3). The expansion apertures (8) are dimensioned such that in use they allow the internal dimensions of the primary section (7) to change.

The second section (4) includes an externally tapered secondary section (11) extending from the second end (5).

Referring to Figure 2 the pipe diverter (1) is shown in use installed in a downpipe (20) 25 in the normal position. In this configuration and position the primary section (7) is releasably attached to a first part (21) of the downpipe (20). The primary section (7) is releasably engaged with the outside surface (22) of the first part (21) to act as a socket for the first part (21) of the downpipe (20). The secondary section (11) is inserted into a second part (23) of the downpipe (20) sealing against an edge (24) of the exposed 30 end (25) of the second part (23) of the downpipe (20). In this configuration the water flows from the roof through the first part (21) of the drainpipe, through the pipe diverter (1) through the second part (23) and into the storm water system.

Referring to Figure 3 the downpipe diverter (1) is shown in use, in the flow diversion 35 position. This position allows the flow from the roof (not shown) to be diverted away from the storm water system (not shown). In this position the secondary section (11) 565256 is disengaged from the second part (23) of the downpipe (20). In this position the water from the roof, with the chemicals and debris, exits from the second end (5) of the pipe diverter to be collected or disposed of.

One preferred method of installing and using the pipe diverter (1) involves cutting, or otherwise removing, a section of an existing downpipe (20). The first section (3) is then pushed over the first part (21) of the downpipe (20), this deforms or opens the expansion apertures (8). When the first section (3) has been pushed into the desired position over the first part (21) the deformation of the expansion apertures (8), and the 10 internal taper of the primary section (7), cause the first section (3) and outside surface (22) to form a tight seal. The compressible section (6) is then compressed until the second end (5) can be inserted into the open end (26) of the second part (23) of the downpipe (2). The compressible section (6) is then allowed to expand forcing the secondary section (11) into the open end (26) of the second part (23) of the downpipe 15 (20), the pressure exerted being sufficient to seal the secondary section (11) against the edge (24).

The pipe diverter (1) is made of a resilient chemical resistant material, preferably a polymer or combination of polymers with or without additives that results in the pipe 20 diverter having the desired UV resistance, oxidation resistance, chemical and abrasion resistance, flexibility, dimensional stability and mechanical strength. It is intended that the pipe diverter (1) will be injection or blow moulded though it could be manufactured by any suitable means.

The wall thickness and/or material(s) used for each part of the pipe diverter (1) are selected to provide the desired properties for that part. For example the primary and secondary sections (7,11) may be thinner or include a softer polymer on the surface to form a better seal with their respective parts of the downpipe. In addition there may be wires or other components (not shown) embedded in the walls of the pipe diverter (1) 30 to give it the required resilience or dimensional stability.

In a further embodiment the surface of the primary section (7) includes a first groove (30). In use the first groove (30) is filled with glue that can be used to permanently or semi-permanently attach the pipe diverter (1) to the first part (21). In one configuration 35 the glue used is sufficiently strong to prevent the pipe diverter (1) from being removed in normal use, but by the application of sufficient force the seal is broken and the pipe 6 565256 diverter (1) can be separated from the first part (21) of the downpipe (20). Alternatively the first groove (30) can be dimensioned to retain an o-ring (not shown) which seals the join between the pipe diverter and the second part (23) of the downpipe (20).

In a further embodiment the surface of the secondary section (11) includes a second groove (32). In use the second groove (32) is filled with glue that can be used to permanently or semi-permanently attach the pipe diverter (1) to the second part (23). In one configuration the glue used is sufficiently strong to prevent the pipe diverter (1) 10 from being removed in normal use, but by the application of sufficient force the seal is broken and the pipe diverter (1) can be separated from the second part (23) of the downpipe (20). Alternatively the second groove (32) can be dimensioned to retain an o-ring (not shown) which seals the join between the pipe diverter (1) and the second part (23) of the downpipe (20).

Referring to Figure 4 a second embodiment of the pipe diverter (1) is shown, in this embodiment the or each of the expansion apertures (8) includes, or is, a dimple (40). Each dimple (40) creates a protrusion (41) on the inner surface (42) of the primary section (7). The or each dimple (40) is dimensioned such that it deforms when the 20 pipe diverter (1) is installed onto the first part (21) of the downpipe (20), thus providing additional clamping force to retain the pipe diverter (1) on the downpipe (20). The dimples (40), when viewed in cross section, are essentially smoothed right angle triangles (before compression). The or each dimple (40) includes a base (43) coincident with an outer surface (44) of the primary section (7) of the downpipe diverter 25 (1), and a hypotenuse (45) connected to the base (43) closest to the first end (2). The dimple (40), though described and shown as triangular in cross-section, can also be hemispherical, elliptical or any other suitable shape in cross section. When in use the or each dimple (40) can also allow the internal dimensions of the primary section (7) to change.

In a further embodiment (not shown) jubilee clips or similar pipe/duct clamps may be used to more rigidly, releasably attach the pipe diverter (1) to the downpipe (20).

In a further embodiment the primary section (7) is permanently attached to the first 35 part (21) so that the pipe diverter (1) does not disengage from the first part (21) of the downpipe (20) during use. 7 565256 In a further embodiment (not shown) the compressible section (6) is not a concertina like section, but is telescopically compressible, alternatively any other moulded/formed feature that allows the section to compress can be used.

In one particular configuration the uncompressed length of the compressible section (6) is about 180mm and the compressed length is about 100mm. In this configuration the second section or secondary section is about 60mm in length.

Please note that although described with particular reference to a downpipe the invention can be used to divert the flow in a pipe/duct that is not a downpipe.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification is not an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the 15 field. 565256

Claims (12)

1. A pipe diverter configured to releasably connect a first pipe to a second 5 pipe, wherein said pipe diverter includes a first section configured to connect to an exposed end of the first pipe, a compressible section and a second section configured to connect to an exposed end of the second pipe; the compressible section being between the first section and second section; the compressible section is configured to allow the length of the pipe diverter to be changed, allowing 10 the second section to be disengaged from the second pipe and the flow through the first pipe diverted, wherein the first section includes an internally tapered primary section that acts as a socket for the first pipe, and the second section includes an externally tapered secondary section configured to be inserted into the exposed end of the second pipe. 15

2. The pipe diverter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the compressible section is a concertina or bellows shaped section.

3. The pipe diverter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, in use, the 20 compressible section is dimensioned to provide sufficient force to seal the primary section and secondary section against the exposed ends of their respective pipes.

4. The pipe diverter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the uncompressed length of the compressible section is about 180mm and the 25 compressed length is about 100mm.

5. The pipe diverter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first section includes more than one dimple, each dimple creating a protrusion on an inner surface of the first section that is configured to deform when the 30 exposed end of the first pipe is inserted into the primary section.

6. The pipe diverter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first section includes more than one expansion aperture, each expansion aperture is a hole through a wall of the first section that is configured to deform when the 35 exposed end of the first pipe is inserted into the primary section. 9 565256

7. The pipe diverter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cross section of the pipe diverter is essentially circular.

8. The pipe diverter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the primary and/or secondary section includes a groove configured to retain an adhesive, sealant or similar compound.

9. The pipe diverter as claimed in claim 8 wherein the adhesive is chosen such that it is strong enough to maintain the connection and seal between the primary section and the exposed end of the first pipe in use, but upon the application of a greater force the adhesive releases, without damage to the first pipe or pipe diverter, allowing the removal of the pipe diverter.

10. The pipe diverter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims such that it includes additional clamping means configured to retain the pipe diverter on the pipe.

11. The pipe diverter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second pipes are sections of a downpipe.

12. A method for installing and using the pipe diverter, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, with a downpipe which includes the following steps: for installation: A. Remove a section of the downpipe creating a spaced apart first and second pipe; B. Engage a primary section of the pipe diverter with a first pipe; C. Compress a compressible section of the pipe diverter until an end of a secondary section of the pipe diverter clears an exposed end of the second pipe; D. Insert the secondary section of the pipe diverter into the exposed end of the second pipe; E. Allow the compressible section to re-expand to form seals between the respective sections and pipe; 10 565256 to divert the flow through the downpipe: F. Compress the pipe diverter until the end of the secondary section clears the exposed end of the second pipe; s G. Move the end of the secondary section out of line with the second pipe so that the fluid flowing through the pipe is diverted; H. Allow the pipe diverter to expand; and to re-establish the flow through the pipe: 10 I. Compress the compressible section until the end of the secondary section can be inserted into the exposed end of the second pipe; J. Move the end of the secondary section into line with the exposed end of the second pipe; 15 K. Insert the secondary section into the exposed end of the second pipe and allow the compressible section to expand sealing the joint between the secondary section and the second pipe.