GB2638673A

GB2638673A - Deformable adapter sleeve, kit comprising the same, and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2638673A
Application number: GB2402467.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ivett Jonathon
Original assignee: Flexigas UKC Ltd
Current assignee: Flexigas UKC Ltd
Priority date: 2024-02-21
Filing date: 2024-02-21
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: WO2025176973A1

Abstract

A deformable adapter sleeve 44 adapts a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing to enable connection of a length of corrugated tubing to a manifold. The corrugated tubing has at least one corrugation groove. The deformable adapter sleeve comprises a main body 46 with an axially-extending bore 48 allowing the length of corrugated tubing 40 to be received within the deformable adapter sleeve, and a protrusion 52. The protrusion extends in a radial direction for insertion into a corrugation groove such that the diameter of the bore varies axially. The main body includes a deformable material which enables further insertion of the main body into the corrugation groove or a second corrugation groove by deformation of the main body. The main body further comprises a further material distinct from the deformable material. The further material is provided as a layer radially outwardly of the deformable material. A method of adapting a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing for enabling a length of corrugated tubing to be connected to a manifold is also provided.

Description

Deformable Adapter Sleeve, Kit Comprising the Same, and Method of Use Thereof The present invention relates to an adapter sleeve for enabling a length of corrugated tubing to be connected with a standard manifold. The present invention also relates to a kit which includes the adapter sleeve. The present invention further relates to a method of using an adapter sleeve to connect corrugated tubing to a manifold by adapting a manifold connector not designed for corrugated tubing.

Underfloor heating involves providing floor tiles which can be heated by a heat-emitting system provided beneath the tiles. One example of a heat-emitting plumbing system involves an array of pipes or tubing providing a conduit for hot fluid. To improve the uniformity in the heat distribution across the area to be heated, multiple pipes may be connected in parallel loops with each other, rather than be serially connected. Circulating water to the loops typically involves connecting the loops to one or more plumbing manifolds. The pipes used in underfloor heating are non-corrugated and are typically formed of plastics, such as high-density polyethylene. A type of piping currently used in the industry is PEX piping or PEX-Aluminium-PEX tubing, or copper tubing.

Underfloor heating is just one example of many scenarios that may require connecting tubing to a manifold. Connecting tubing to a plumbing manifold requires a manifold connector, which typically includes a connector nut, an olive, and an insert. In Europe, the manifold connector may be referred to as a Eurocone connector.

However, connecting tubing to a manifold may result in fluid leakage and accidental disconnection of the tubing from the manifold, particularly if the manifold connector is ill-fitted. The engagement of the connector nut with the manifold port causes compression of the olive around the tubing to hold the non-corrugated tubing in position. However, overtightening of the olive risks damaging the tubing.

Furthermore, corrugated tubing may be beneficial over uncorrugated tubing in certain scenarios. However, a drawback of corrugated tubing is that it is incompatible with a standard manifold connector. As such, to enable the use of corrugated tubing, each manufacturer of corrugated tubing must design and manufacture a range of corrugation-specific fittings, which increases tooling requirements, manufacturing costs, and issues with sourcing non-standard parts.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a deformable adapter sleeve for adapting a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing to enable connection of a length of corrugated tubing to a manifold, the length of corrugated tubing having at least one corrugation groove, the deformable adapter sleeve comprising: a main body including an axially-extending bore for the length of corrugated tubing to be received within, and a protrusion extending at least partially in a radial direction for insertion into the or a first corrugation groove such that the diameter of the bore varies axially; wherein the main body includes a deformable material for enabling further insertion of at least part of the main body into the first corrugation groove or a second corrugation groove by deformation of the main body and the main body further comprises a further material distinct from the deformable material, the further material being provided as a layer radially outwardly of the deformable material.

A standard manifold connector is incompatible for use with corrugated tubing. Incompatibility may stem from the manifold connector being unable to engage with and hold corrugated tubing securely and/or the non-uniform diameter of the tubing due to corrugations resulting in leakages. The adapter sleeve adapts the standard manifold connector which is incompatible for use with corrugated tubing to be useable with corrugated tubing. The adapter achieves this by virtue of having or forming a protrusion which is received or receivable in a corrugation groove, to in-use hold the corrugated tubing in position and form a secure seal with the corrugated tubing. The deformable material enables the adapter sleeve to be deformed, so as to better conform to the corrugations. The further material preferably has different material properties relative to the deformable material. In particular, the further material may be more rigid than the deformable material. The further material may therefore act as a backbone.

Beneficially, the main body may further comprise a manifold-engaging extension. 5 Preferably, the manifold-engaging extension may comprise an outer first face which is frusto-conical. Beneficially, the frusto-conical first face may be dimensioned and/or shaped to match a complementary frusto-conical inner face of a manifold port for providing a seal when the frusto-conical first face is abutted against the frusto-conical inner face of the manifold port. The manifold-engaging 10 extension engages with a manifold port. The profile of the manifold-engaging extension is preferably complementary to the profile of the manifold port, such as by being complementarily dimensioned and/or shaped with a manifold port to form a fluid-tight, and more preferably a liquid-tight seal. Different dimensions and/or different shapes may otherwise result in leaks.

Furthermore, the manifold-engaging extension may have an outer second face. Preferably, the outer face may be or be substantially cylindrical. A plurality of outer faces beneficially improves the fit with the manifold port, which has corresponding, complementary inner faces. Increasing the surface area of contact between the manifold port and the adapter sleeve further inhibits or prevents leakages. Furthermore, closely matching profiles ensures that only the correct adapter sleeve is used with the correct manifold port, and in the correct orientation. This facilitates assembly. In other words, the matching profiles make it very obvious if the adapter sleeve and the manifold port are not compatible and/or in the incorrect relative orientation, preferably before any leakage happens.

Additionally, the outer second face may have an outer diameter which may be dimensioned to match with an inner diameter of a manifold port. Beneficially, the outer diameter of the outer second face and/or the inner diameter of the manifold port may be in the range of 17 millimetres to 18.5 millimetres.

Furthermore, the manifold-engaging extension may have an inner face, the inner face may be circular in cross-section in a plane transverse to an axis of the adapter sleeve. Preferably, the inner face may have an inner diameter which may be dimensioned to match with an outer diameter of the length of corrugated tubing. Advantageously, the inner diameter may be in the range of 14.5 millimetres to 16 millimetres. The main body and/or the manifold-engaging extension may match the corrugated tubing for sealing or improving the seal between the main body and the corrugated tubing.

Preferably, the adapter sleeve may have a protrusion and a further protrusion.

The further protrusion may optionally include at least one tooth element. The further protrusion may be axially spaced apart from the protrusion by a distance such that the protrusion may be receivable in a first corrugation groove of the length of corrugated tubing and the further protrusion may be receivable in a second corrugation groove of the length of corrugated tubing, simultaneously with the first protrusion. Beneficially, the protrusion or a further said protrusion may include at least one tooth element. The adapter sleeve preferably has a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other by the distance or a multiple of the distance between two adjacent corrugations, such as a distance measured from one peak to an adjacent peak. This enables the plurality of protrusions to be simultaneously engaged with respective corrugation grooves. In other words, the spacing between protrusions allows alignment or correspondence between protrusions and corrugation grooves. If a protrusion is or includes a tooth element, the tooth element may be formed of a strengthened material or at least a material which is more rigid than the deformable material. A tooth element, once deformed and received within a corrugation groove, may better secure the corrugated tubing, at least compared to a protrusion formed of a more deformable material. The interaction between the material of the tooth element and the spacing of protrusions is important as misalignment of the tooth element relative to a corrugation groove may result in damage, such as puncture, to the corrugated tubing.

Beneficially, the at least one tooth element may taper axially. Preferably, a width or perimetric extent of the tooth element may decrease along a bore axis of the adapter sleeve. The axial tapering results in a gap being provided between adjacent teeth elements to accommodate the teeth elements which move inwards and closer together when the main body is deformed by the nut and manifold port. No overlap between teeth elements is necessary.

Optionally, the deformable adapter sleeve may further include a sealing ring. The sealing ring may provide a barrier and thus a seal or improved seal, preferably with the manifold port. This may be beneficial if the profile of the main body does not exactly match the profile of the manifold port, such that no seal or an imperfect seal is created by abutment of the main body against the manifold pod in the absence of the sealing ring. Tolerance in the dimensions of the adapter sleeve during manufacture are increased, simplifying manufacture, and reducing manufacturing time and costs. The range of adapter sleeves and manifold ports which are compatible is increased.

Preferably, the main body may further comprise a strengthening support element. Optionally, the strengthening support element may be positioned axially between the manifold-engaging extension and the further protrusion. The strengthening support element may prevent or inhibit buckling, particularly radially and/or outward buckling of the main body when subjected to a compression force by the nut and manifold port.

Beneficially, the strengthening support element and the further protrusion may have a maximum axial length which may be less than a maximal length of a receiving cavity of a connection nut of the standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing. Preferably, the main body further may have a maximum outer diameter which may be less than the diameter of an internal thread of the receiving cavity of the connection nut for enabling the connection nut to be engageable with a manifold port whilst simultaneously enclosing the adapter sleeve. Preferably, the maximum axial length of the strengthening support element and the further protrusion may be at most 10 millimetres, and optionally, at least 6 millimetres. The main body is fully enclosed by the nut and manifold port when the nut and manifold port are engaged together.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for connecting a length of corrugated tubing to a manifold port, the kit comprising: the deformable adapter sleeve preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and at least one of: a length of corrugated tubing, a connection nut of a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing, an olive of a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing, a manifold insert of a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing, and a manifold. Beneficially, the length of corrugated tubing may have an outer diameter, optionally measured at a corrugation peak thereof. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the length of corrugated tubing, optionally measured at a corrugation peak, may be within the range of 14 millimetres and 16 millimetres, more preferably within the range of 14 millimetres to 15.5 millimetres. The outer diameter measured at a corrugation trough may be in the range of 10 millimetres to 12 millimetres. All or all required components to install and connect a length of corrugated tubing to a manifold may be provided.

Additionally, the kit may further comprise a secondary sleeve. Optionally, the secondary sleeve may be dimensioned so as to be seatable between the length of corrugated tubing and the adapter sleeve. The secondary sleeve may provide information, for instance about the corrugated tubing, such as particular string of symbols, numbers, letter and/or one or more colours. This may be useful to indicate the size of the corrugated tubing and/or the fluid within. Yellow may be used to indicate that the corrugated tubing 40 is for gas, blue for cold water or red for hot water. The secondary sleeve may be to prevent or inhibit corrosion of the corrugated tubing 40. The secondary sleeve may provide electrical insulation for example if the corrugated tubing is formed of a conductive material and becomes, accidentally or deliberately, a conduit for electricity. Electrical insulation reduces the risk of electrocution. In case of damage and thus leakage from the underlying corrugated tubing, the secondary sleeve may also prevent or inhibit the leakage from spreading by containing the leakage to a corrugation groove or subset of corrugation grooves.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of adapting a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing for enabling a length of corrugated tubing to be connected to a manifold, the length of corrugated tubing having at least one corrugation groove, the method comprising the steps of: a] positioning a connection nut of the standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing around the length of corrugated tubing; b] replacing an olive and an insert of the standard manifold connector, if provided, with a deformable adapter sleeve having a main body including a bore of axially-varying diameter, and being at least in part formed of a deformable material and of a further material distinct from the deformable material, the further material being provided as a layer radially outwardly of the deformable material; c] positioning the deformable adapter sleeve around the length of corrugated tubing; d] inserting the deformable adapter sleeve into a manifold port of the manifold so that the deformable adapter sleeve is positioned between the manifold and the connection nut; e] moving the connection nut relative to the manifold port so that the connection nut and the manifold enter into abutment with the adapter sleeve and exert thereupon a force sufficient to deform at least part of the main body into at least partly entering or further entering a said corrugation groove for forming or improving a first fluid-tight seal between the main body and the length of corrugated tubing, and for forming or improving a second fluid-tight seal between the main body and at least one of: the manifold port and the connection nut. The method enables a standard manifold connector incompatible with corrugated tubing, to be used with corrugated tubing. This increases the versatility of the manifold and/or the manifold connector or part thereof. If the insert and the olive of a typical manifold connector are provided, the adapter sleeve replaces two parts which simplifies assembly and increases the speed of connecting the corrugated tubing to the manifold port.

Optionally, the method may further comprise a step of cutting at least the length of corrugated tubing to a desired length. The tubing can be dimensioned to requirements.

Furthermore, the deformable adapter sleeve may include a protrusion insertable 5 into a first corrugation groove and a further protrusion, optionally in the form of at least one tooth, the further protrusion may be insertable into a second corrugation groove distinct from the first corrugation groove, and wherein in step e] the deformable adapter sleeve may be deformed such that the protrusion may enters or enter further into the first corrugation groove and/or the further protrusion may 10 enter or enter further into the second corrugation groove. A plurality of protrusions may engage the corrugated tubing simultaneously, improving the engagement of the adapter sleeve with the corrugated tubing.

Preferably, the adapter sleeve may include at least one protrusion. Optionally, a secondary sleeve may be provided around the length of corrugated tubing. The method may comprise a further step of cutting the secondary sleeve to a length such that when the deformable adapter sleeve is positioned around the length of corrugated tubing, at least one protrusion may compress the secondary sleeve around the length of corrugated tubing. The secondary sleeve is pinched by the adapter sleeve. This reduces the likelihood of the secondary sleeve being accidentally moved along the corrugated tubing.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective representation of six lengths of non-corrugated tubing connected to six manifold ports of a manifold via six manifold connectors 25 of the prior art, in an assembled condition; Figure 2 illustrates two of the six manifold ports and two of the six manifold connectors of the prior art of Figure 1, in an exploded condition; Figure 3 is a close-up axial cut-away side representation of a connector nut of a manifold connector of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a close-up cut-away axial side representation of a length of corrugated tubing and of a secondary sleeve; Figure 5 is a side representation of a first embodiment of an adapter sleeve in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective representation of the adapter sleeve of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective representation of the adapter sleeve of Figure 6 as part of a kit; in-use, after insertion of a length of corrugated tubing through a connector nut of the prior art, and before engagement of the length of corrugated tubing with the adapter sleeve and of the adapter sleeve with a manifold port; Figure 8 illustrates a close-up axial cut-away side representation of the adapter sleeve, the length of corrugated tubing, the connector nut and part of the manifold port of Figure 7, in-use, connected with each other and with the adapter sleeve in an undeformed condition; Figure 9 is the representation of Figure 8, in-use, after the application of a force 15 sufficient to deform part of the adapter sleeve from the undeformed condition into a deformed condition; Figure 10 illustrates a flow diagram of the method of using the adapter sleeve of Figure 5; Figure 11 is a side representation of a second embodiment of an adapter sleeve 20 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 12 is a perspective representation of the adapter sleeve of Figure 11; Figure 13 shows a perspective representation of the adapter sleeve of Figure 12 as part of a kit; in-use, after insertion of a length of corrugated tubing through a connector nut of the prior art, and before engagement of the length of corrugated 25 tubing with the adapter sleeve and of the adapter sleeve with a manifold port; Figure 14 illustrates a close-up axial cut-away side representation of the adapter sleeve, the length of corrugated tubing, the connector nut and part of the manifold port of Figure 13, in-use, connected with each other and with the adapter sleeve in an undeformed condition; and Figure 15 is the representation of Figure 14, in-use, after the application of a force sufficient to deform part of the adapter sleeve from the undeformed condition into a deformed condition.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown an exemplary manifold 10, lengths of non-corrugated tubing 12 connected to the manifold 10, and manifold connectors 10 14, all known from the prior art.

The manifold 10 is preferably a plumbing manifold 10. A manifold 10 has a manifold body 16, a valve 18, a temperature sensor, at least one flow indicator, a bleeder element, and a plurality of manifold ports 20, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The manifold 10 and manifold connectors 14 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 are designed for use with non-corrugated tubing, such as PEX tubing. The manifold 10 and manifold connectors 14 may even be incompatible with corrugated tubing. In Figure 1, six lengths of non-corrugated tubing 12 are connected to six manifold ports 20. However, a manifold 10 may have any number of manifold ports 20, such as one, or at least two. All or any number of manifold ports 20 of a manifold 10 may be used.

The valve 18 may be a ball valve. The flow indicator indicates whether fluid, such as a liquid, is flowing through an associated manifold port 20.

Figure 2 shows more clearly two of the manifold ports 20 and two manifold 25 connectors 14 of the prior art, in an exploded condition. In Figure 2, tubing is omitted for clarity.

An exemplary manifold port 20 is hereinafter described. Preferably, all, or at least a plurality of manifold ports 20 are similar or identical to the exemplary manifold port 20, although it may be envisioned that a manifold port may differ from a further said manifold port.

The manifold port 20 in-use enables fluid to exit and/or enter the manifold 10. Accordingly, the manifold port 20 may be referred to as a manifold input port and/or a manifold output port. The manifold port 20 may be selectably closed or closeable, such as by a closure element 22. Here, the closure element 22 includes a valve element and a user-interactable element, such as a handle.

The manifold port 20 preferably has a port wall 24 and a nut-engagement portion 26.

The port wall 24 preferably extends from the manifold body 16 and terminates at a rim 28. The port wall 24 may have a port outer surface 30 and a port inner surface 32. The port wall 24 is preferably generally tubular. The port wall 24 defines a bore or aperture. The aperture of the manifold port 20 preferably has a bore diameter in the range of 10 millimetres (mm) to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 15 mm to 20 mm, and most preferably in the range of 17 mm to 18.5 mm. The bore diameter may be fixed and/or may vary axially.

The port inner surface 32 has at least one, and more preferably a plurality of inner faces. At least one, and preferably all of the port inner faces are preferably circular in cross-section in a plane extending transversally to a central axis 34 of the 20 manifold port 20.

A notionally first port inner face 32a tapers axially, such as along the central axis 34. The tapering port inner face 32a tapers axially inwards with increasing distance from the rim 28. More preferably, the or a said first port inner face 32a is frusto-conical or cone-shaped, but this is optional. The frusto-conical shape of the or a said port inner face 32a may beneficially help accommodate manifold connectors 14 of different dimensions and/or types whilst still providing a, preferably fluid-tight, and more preferably liquid-tight, seal when the manifold connector 14 is engaged with the manifold port 20, and more preferably with the frusto-conical port inner face 32a thereof.

Optionally, a notionally second port inner face 32b is cylindrical.

The nut-engagement portion 26 in-use enables part of the manifold connector 14, more preferably a nut 14c thereof, to be engaged or connected with the manifold port 20. The nut-engagement portion 26 is preferably provided on the port outer surface 30. The nut-engagement portion 26 is preferably in the form of a screw-thread or threaded portion, but non-screw threaded alternatives may be envisioned, such as a bayonet arrangement by way of example only. Preferably the screw-thread of the nut-engagement portion 26 is a %" British Standard Pipe (BSP) thread, but any alternative screw thread dimensions may be envisioned, such as 1/2"BSP, or 1"BSP by way of examples. The thread is here a male thread but a female thread may be envisioned. A %" BSP male thread corresponds to an approximately 2.7 centimetres outer diameter including the male thread, A 1/2"BSP and a 1"BSP correspond to outer diameters of 2.1 centimetres and 3.4 centimetres, respectively, including the male thread. The thread may alternatively be measured according to the American National Standard Taper Pipe Thread (NPT) standard, instead of BSP.

A standard manifold connector 14 of the prior art typically includes a manifold insert 14a, an olive 14b, and a connector nut 14c, although the olive may be omitted.

The manifold insert 14a may be referred to as an insert 14a, for simplicity. Similarly, the connector nut 14c may be referred to as a nut 14c.

The insert 14a, olive 14b and connector nut 14c all have or form an aperture or through-bore for providing a conduit for fluid and optionally receiving tubing within.

Part of the insert 14a is insertable into the manifold port 20. The insert 14a preferably forms a fluid-tight seal with the manifold port 20. The insert 14a is also dimensioned such that part of the tubing 12 is receivable around or within the insert 14a.

The olive 14b in-use aids in securing the tubing 12 to the manifold connector 14, and more preferably to the insert 14a thereof. The olive 14b may be annular or toroidal. Preferably however, as shown, the olive 14b comprises a cut-out portion such that the olive 14b is C-shaped in transverse cross-section. The cut-out portion enables the diameter of the olive 14b to be reduced, for better engagement with tubing 12. The olive 14b and the insert 14a may cooperate to clamp therebetween non-corrugated tubing 12. The olive 14b is sometimes referred to as a split ring. Optionally, the olive 14b may also comprise internal ridges and/or a screw thread.

The nut 14c in-use maintains the insert 14a in sealing engagement with the manifold port 20. The nut 14c may also help secure the olive 14b and the tubing 12 together, such as by applying a force to the olive 14b. Said force is preferably a compressive force. The manifold connector 14 may therefore be considered a type of compression connector or compression fitting. The nut 14c preferably has a cavity 36a and a port-engagement portion 36b, as more clearly shown in the cut-away representation of Figure 3.

The cavity 36a is shaped to receive and enclose in-use part of the insert 14a, part of the tubing 12, and the olive 14b. The cavity 36a may have a nut beveled surface 38 in cross-section. The nut beveled surface 38 is preferably frusto-conical in three dimensions. The nut beveled surface 38 in-use causes the olive 14b to tighten around the tubing 12 upon tightening of the nut 14c and the manifold port 20.

The port-engagement portion 36b is complementarily engageable with the nut-engagement portion 26. The port-engagement portion 36b is preferably provided on an internal surface of the nut 14c. The port-engagement portion 36b is here preferably a screw thread or threaded portion. Preferably, the screw thread is a female thread, as the manifold port 20 has a male thread. However, the opposite arrangement may be envisioned. Furthermore, the thread of the port-engagement portion 36b is preferably dimensioned so as to be complementarily engageable with the nut-engagement portion 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the female thread is preferably %" BSP female, corresponding to an inner diameter of about 2.8 centimetres measured from the base of the female thread, and about 2.4 centimetres inner diameter measured from the crest of the female thread.

An example of a length of corrugated tubing 40 is illustrated in Figure 4. The corrugated tubing 40 is preferably formed of metal. The metal may be copper, steel such as stainless steel, brass but any other alternative metal or combination of metals may be envisioned. Non-metal may be envisioned, such as plastics. An example of a suitable type of corrugated tubing 40 is Corrugated Stainless-Steel Tubing or CSST.

Whilst being generally tubular, corrugated tubing 40 is defined by having at least one, and preferably a plurality of ridges called corrugations 40a. Each corrugation of a half of the tubing 40 has a generally sinusoidal profile in axial cross-section.

Each maximum corresponds to a "corrugation crest" or "corrugation peak" CP. Each minimum corresponds to a "corrugation trough" CT. The distance between two adjacent corrugation peaks is referred to as the "corrugation pitch". A single corrugation includes both a trough and a peak. The corrugated tubing 40 may thus have a plurality of diameters, ranging from a maximum outer diameter, measured at an external face at a corrugation peak CP, to a minimum outer diameter, measured at the external face of a corrugation trough CT. A maximum inner diameter and minimum inner diameter are measured at an internal face of a corrugation peak CP and at the internal face of a corrugation trough CT, respectively. A diameter, of the length of corrugated tubing 40 may be within the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, within the range of 10 millimetres to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 12 mm to 18 mm, in the range of 13.5 mm to 16.5 mm, and most preferably, within the range of 14 mm and 16 mm. The diameter may be an inner diameter, or an outer diameter. The diameter may optionally be measured at a corrugation trough CT or corrugation peak CP. Most preferably, the outer diameter at the corrugation peak of the corrugated tubing is between 14mm and 16mm. These measurements may be required in order for the corrugated tubing to be usable with a manifold for an underfloor heating system.

The terms "corrugation groove" or "corrugation valley" are used herein and throughout to refer to the volume between two adjacent corrugation peaks CP and bounded by an external face of the wall of the corrugated tubing 40.

The length of corrugated tubing 40 is surrounded by a secondary sleeve 42 in Figure 4 but the secondary sleeve may easily be omitted. The secondary sleeve may comprise a plastics material, an elastomer, such as rubber, a metal, a compressible material, an insulating material, or any combination thereof. More preferably, the secondary sleeve includes at least one of: rubber, polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Referring now to Figures 5, and 6, there is shown an adapter sleeve indicated generally at 44.

Optionally, the adapter sleeve 44 may be provided as part of a kit, shown in Figure 7, comprising the adapter sleeve 44, and at least one of: a length of corrugated tubing 40, a connection nut 14c of a standard manifold connector 14 designed for non-corrugated tubing, an olive 14b of a standard manifold connector 14 designed for non-corrugated tubing, a manifold insert 14a of a standard manifold connector 14 designed for non-corrugated tubing, a manifold 10, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof. For example, the kit may include the adapter sleeve 44 together with the manifold 10 and the nut 14c. Alternatively, the kit may include the adapter sleeve 44 with all pads of the manifold connector 14. The kit may alternatively include the adapter sleeve 44 with the nut 14c, by way of example.

Optionally, the kit may further comprise a secondary sleeve 42. The secondary sleeve 42 may be provided with the length of corrugated tubing 40. The secondary sleeve 42 may enclose or surround the corrugated tubing 40. Optionally, the secondary sleeve 42 may be dimensioned so as to be positioned, positionable, seated or seatable between the length of corrugated tubing 40 and the adapter sleeve 44.

The adapter sleeve 44 in-use adapts a standard manifold connector 14 as hereinbefore described designed for non-corrugated tubing 12. By adapting the standard or conventional manifold connector 14, the adapter sleeve 44 enables a length of corrugated tubing 40 to be connected to a standard manifold 10 as hereinbefore described.

The adapter sleeve 44 is preferably at least in part deformable. Thus, the adapter sleeve 44 may be referred to as a deformable adapter sleeve 44.

The adapter sleeve 44 includes a main body 46. Preferably, all parts of the adapter sleeve 44 and/or of the main body 46 thereof are preferably integrally 10 formed or non-separably connected, but non-integrally formed and separably connectable or separably connected may be alternatives.

The main body 46 preferably includes at least one material, and more preferably, a plurality of materials. The or a first said material may be deformable. The first material in-use enables insertion or further insertion of at least part of the main body 46 into a corrugation groove, optionally by deformation of the main body 46 from an undeformed condition to a deformed condition.

Optionally, the main body 46 may comprise a second material. The second material is preferably distinct from the first material. The second material may be deformable and/or non-deformable. The second material may be deformable under specific circumstances, such as at specific heat or pressure or if the second material has a predetermined maximum thickness.

Beneficially, the second material may have a greater rigidity than the first material, but this is optional. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, the first material may be a polymeric material. The polymeric material may include plastics and/or an elastomer. If plastics, the plastics is preferably flexible. An example of suitable elastomer is rubber or silicone. The first material may comprise a combination of a plastics material and an elastomer.

The second material preferably includes a material having a greater rigidity than the first material. More preferably, the second material may comprise a hard or rigid plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and/or metal. The metal may include brass, copper, or steel, such as stainless steel, any other metal, and any combination thereof, by way of examples only. The term "metal" used herein and throughout is intended to include metal alloys.

However, the main body or any part thereof, may be formed of any of: metal, plastics, wood, carbonfibre, glassfibre, glass, any other suitable material, a plurality of any of the above, and any or combination of materials.

Preferably, the second material may be formed as a layer, but a non-layer may be envisioned. The second material may be radially outwardly of the first material.

Additionally or alternatively, the second material may be radially inwardly of the first material and/or of a third material. The second material may be embedded within the first material. The first material and the second material may overlap fully or, preferably as shown, partially axially. No overlap may also be envisioned.

The main body 46 has a bore 48, a bore axis 50, at least one protrusion 52, a 15 manifold-engaging extension 54, a core portion 56, a strengthening support element 58, and an abutment flange 60, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

The bore 48 is an aperture for receiving at least part of a length of corrugated tubing 40 within. The bore 48 has a bore axis 50. The bore 48 extends along the bore axis 50. Thus, the main body 46 is hollow. The main body 46 has a body outer surface 62a and a body inner surface 62b. The body inner surface 62b defines at least in part the bore 48.

The bore 48 is preferably circular in radial cross-section and as such has a bore diameter D. The bore diameter D is indicated as a dash dotted double headed arrow in Figure 6. However, the bore diameter D may be non-constant along the axial extent of the bore 48, preferably due to the protrusion 52. As such, the bore diameter D of the main body 46 varies axially, in other words, along the bore axis 50.

The bore axis 50 may be co-linear or parallel with the central axis 34 of the manifold port 20, at least when the adapter sleeve 44 is in-use.

For clarity, any plane which contains or is parallel to the central axis 34 and/or bore axis 50 is considered to be an "axial plane". Any distance, length, direction, 5 or cross-section measured along or parallel to the central axis 34 and/or bore axis 50 may be referred to as an "axial distance, length, distance or cross-section".

Any plane extending perpendicular to the bore axis 50 is considered to be a "radial plane" or a "transverse plane". Any distance, length, direction, or cross-section in a transverse plane may be referred to as a transverse distance, length, direction, or cross-section. If the distance, direction, or length extends along a radius relative to the bore axis 50, the distance, length, or direction may be referred to as "radially", a "radial direction" or "radial extent".

For clarity, herein and throughout, any face or surface that faces at least in part towards the central axis 34 and/or bore axis 50 may be referred to as an internal surface or face, or an inner surface or face. Conversely, any face or surface that faces at least in part away from the central axis 34 and/or bore axis 50 may be referred to as an external surface or face, or an outer surface or face.

The or each protrusion 52 may be referred to as a finger, a sealing element, or a locking element. At least one said protrusion 52 may be permanently formed, regardless of whether the main body 46 is in a deformed condition or an undeformed condition. Additionally or alternatively, at least one said protrusion 52 may only be provided when the main body 46 is in a deformed condition.

The, each or at least one protrusion 52 extends at least partially in a radial direction, in other words, towards the bore axis 50, at least part of the time.

Optionally, the, each or at least one protrusion 52 may extend partly or fully axially, at least part of the time. If extending radially and axially, a protrusion 52 may extend along a direction angled relative to the bore axis 50 and/or along two directions sequentially. The or a said protrusion 52 may exist permanently. Alternatively or additionally, the or a said protrusion 52 may only exist when the main body 46 is in a deformed condition, in other words, once the main body 46 has been deformed.

The, each or at least one said protrusion 52 is receivable or insertable into a corrugation groove. The presence of the at least one protrusion 52 means that the diameter of the bore 48 varies along the bore axis 50. The protrusion 52 forms or improves a seal with the corrugated tubing 40. A further function of the or each protrusion 52 may be to prevent or inhibit displacement of the main body 46 axially along the length of corrugated tubing 40, at least in one direction. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the at least one protrusion 52 may force the main body 46 to only be translatable "in one direction", which is here distally. If the user had clicked over "too far", the user would then have to cut the corrugated tubing 40 to remove the main body 46 and try again. In other words, the or each protrusion 52 may be considered to be an axial-locking element or an axial-displacement inhibitor. The or each protrusion 52 is preferably at least partly flexible which allows the or each protrusion 52 in-use to be "clicked" over one or more corrugation peaks until the or each protrusion 52 is in a suitable corrugation groove.

Preferably, the main body 46 has a plurality of protrusions 52. If there are a plurality of protrusions 52 oriented in opposite directions, the protrusions 52 may 20 inhibit movement of the adapter sleeve 44 in both axial directions. This may occur before deformation and/or after deformation of the main body 46.

At least one said protrusion 52 includes at least one tooth element 64. The at least one tooth element 64 may be referred to as a bracket. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, there are preferably a plurality of teeth elements or brackets. The plurality of teeth elements 64 extend around a perimeter, and more preferably circumference, of the main body 46.

The, each or a said tooth element 64 may optionally be formed of at least one and more preferably a plurality of flanges 66. Here, a tooth element 64 is formed of two flanges 66, when the main body 46 is in the undeformed condition and/or 30 in the deformed condition, but any number of flanges may be envisioned. The flanges 66 here may form or substantially form an L-shape in axial cross-section, but any alternative to an L-shape may be envisioned. For example, a tooth element may be V-shaped, planar, and/or curved along the bore axis, by way of examples only.

The, each or a said tooth element 64 has a base region 68, a free region 70, side regions 72, an axial extent 74a, a perimetric extent 74b, and a thickness.

The base region 68 terminates at a base edge 68a. The base region 68, and more preferably the base edge thereof, is connected or connectable to the main body 46, and more preferably to the strengthening support element 58 thereof.

More preferably, the base region 68 is hingeably connected to the main body 46, preferably via a live hinge 75. The base regions 68 of adjacent teeth elements 64 are preferably abutting or substantially abutting each other. In other words, the teeth elements 64 are not spaced-apart around the perimeter of the main body 46, although this alternative may be envisioned.

The free region 70, also called a tip or tip region, terminates at a free edge 70a. Each side region 72 terminates at a side edge 72a.

The axial extent 74a is the distance from the base edge 68a to the free edge 70a. The axial extent 74a is generally measured in an axial direction. However, if formed of a plurality of flanges 66, the axial extent 74a of the tooth element 64 is formed by the sum of the axial extents 74a of the plurality of flanges 66, regardless of the orientation of the flanges 66. In Figure 5, only pad of the axial extent 74a is visible, indicated by the double-headed dashed arrow.

The perimetric extent 74b is measured perpendicularly to the axial extent 74a. The direction of the perimetric extent 74b is illustrated as a dashed double-25 headed arrow in Figure 5.

Preferably, the or at least one tooth element 64 may taper along one or more of: its axial extent 74a, its perimetric extent 74b, and its thickness 74c. The taper may be along all or part of the relevant extent. For example, only one flange 66 of a tooth element 64 may be tapering. As shown, at least one and preferably both flanges 66 of a tooth element 64 taper axially. Tapering, and more preferably tapering along the bore axis 50 from the base region 68 towards the tip region 70 is beneficial as the taper creates space between adjacent teeth elements 64. The space negates the need for overlapping of teeth elements 64 when the teeth elements 64 are deformed inwards in-use.

However, overlap may be an option. Furthermore, tapering, particularly axial tapering, may have no benefit if the teeth elements are spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of the main body. In this modified embodiment, tapering 10 may be omitted.

Beneficially, as previously mentioned, the adapter sleeve 44 has a plurality of protrusions 52. A, notionally first, protrusion 52 and a, notionally second, protrusion 52 are preferably axially spaced apart by a distance. The distance corresponds to the distance or multiples of the distance between two adjacent corrugation grooves, troughs, or peaks. This enables the notionally first protrusion 52 and the notionally second protrusion 52 to be simultaneously receivable or received in respective, distinct corrugation grooves. If one of the protrusions 52 is in the form of a tooth element 64, the distance may be calculated when the main body 46 is in an undeformed condition or, preferably in the deformed condition. If one of the protrusions 52 is in the form of a tooth element 64, the axial spacing of protrusions 52 may be important to avoid the tooth element 64 damaging, such as by puncturing, the length of corrugated tubing 40.

The strengthening support element 58 in-use rigidifies or strengthens the main body 46. In other words, the strengthening support element 58 may provide a support, a skeleton or backbone to the main body 46. Preferably the strengthening support element 58 is non deformable. The strengthening support element 58 may be formed of the second material. As the second material preferably has a greater rigidity relative to the first material, the strengthening support element 58 may help maintain or bias a protrusion 52 into being received in and/or engaging with a corrugation groove. In other words, the strengthening support element 58 may help to "click" the or each protrusion 52 into place in a corrugation groove.

The strengthening support element 58 may be formed as a layer. The strengthening support element 58 may optionally define the or at least part of the outer surface of the main body 46. The strengthening support element is preferably positioned axially between the manifold-engaging extension 54 and the at least one tooth element 64. The strengthening support element 58 may be associated with the core portion 56.

The strengthening support element 58 and, if provided, the second protrusion 52 10 which preferably includes at least one tooth element 64, may form a casing 76.

The casing 76 may have a maximum axial length L which is less than the maximum length of the receiving cavity 36a of the nut 14c. An upper value of the maximum axial length L of the casing 76 may be 60, 50, 40, 30 or 20 mm, more preferably is 10 mm, and most preferably is at most 9 mm. The axial length L of the casing 76 may be at least 1 mm, at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm. Most preferably, the axial length L of the casing 76 may be at least 6 mm.

Furthermore, the main body 46 may have a maximum outer diameter 77. The maximum outer diameter 77 may be less than the diameter of the receiving cavity 36a, and more preferably of the port-engagement portion 36b of the nut 14c, which is preferably an internal or female screw thread. The main body 46 having a smaller maximum outer diameter 77 enables the nut 14c to surround the main body 46 or part thereof. The maximum outer diameter 77 of the main body 46 is therefore preferably at most equivalent to 3/4" female BSP. In other words, the maximum outer diameter 77 of the main body 46 is preferably about 24 millimetres at most, and is preferably between 20mm and 23.5mm. In increasing order of preference, the maximum outer diameter 77 of the main body 46 is 20 mm, 19mm, 18mm, 17mm, 16mm, 15mm, 14mm, 13mm, 12mm, 11mm, 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, or 5mm.

If both the main body 46 has a smaller maximum outer diameter 77 and the casing 76 is shorter than the length of the cavity 36a, this enables the nut 14c to be engageable or engaged with a manifold port 20 via interaction of the nut-engagement portion 26 and the port-engagement portion 36b, whilst simultaneously enclosing the adapter sleeve 44.

The manifold-engaging extension 54 is in-use engageable with the manifold port 20. The manifold-engaging extension 54 is preferably at least in part insertable into the manifold port 20. The manifold-engaging extension 54 extends from the core portion 56. Preferably, the manifold-engaging extension 54 or at least an outer surface thereof is configured or adapted to complementarily engage with the manifold port 20. In other words, the manifold-engaging extension 54 is shaped and/or dimensioned to engage with the manifold port 20. In yet other words, the profile of the manifold-engaging extension 54 is complementary to the, preferably internal, profile of the manifold port 20. Matching profiles provides a, preferably fluid-tight seal, and/or reduces or eliminates the risk of a leakage. The manifold-engaging extension 54, and preferably the profile thereof, may cause the adapter sleeve 44 to only be usable in one orientation. The manifold-engaging extension 54 also provides a clear indication of the correct orientation.

The manifold-engaging extension 54 is preferably formed of only one material, 20 but a plurality of materials may be envisioned. Preferably, the material is the said deformable material. Thus, the deformable material is abutted or abuttable against the manifold port 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold-engaging extension 54 has an extension outer surface 78, and an extension inner surface 80. Either or both the 25 extension outer surface 78 and extension inner surface 80 may be formed or one or more faces.

In the illustrated first embodiment, the extension outer surface 78 has an outer first face 78a, and an outer second face 78b, but either may be omitted and/or additional faces may be envisioned. Additional faces may optionally be 30 incrementally numbered for clarity.

The outer first face 78a and/or the outer second face 78b is or is substantially circular in transverse cross-section.

The outer first face 78a preferably tapers along the bore axis 50. More preferably, the outer first face 78a is frusto-conical. The frusto-conical outer first face 78a is preferably dimensioned and/or shaped to match the complementary frustoconical inner face 32a of the manifold port 20. Matching profiles provides a, preferably fluid-tight, and more preferably liquid-tight, seal when the frustoconical first face 78a is abutted against the frusto-conical inner face of the manifold port 20. In other words, the outer first face 78a in axial cross-section and the bore axis 50 may form a taper angle T1. The frusto-conical inner face 32a of the manifold port 20, and the bore axis 50 and/or central axis 34 may also define a taper angle T2. Preferably, the taper angles T1,T2 may match or substantially match, as illustrated most clearly in Figure 9. The taper angle T1 of the outer first face 78a and/or the taper angle T2 of frusto-conical inner face 32b of the manifold port 20 may be in the range of 10° to 85°, more preferably in the range of 20° to 70°, more preferably in the range of 40° to 60°, and most preferably between 30° and 45°.

The outer second face 78b is distinct from the outer first face 78a. The outer second face 78b may also taper but preferably does not taper. More preferably, the outer second face 78b is or is substantially cylindrical. The extension outer surface 78 and/or the outer second face 78b thereof has an outer diameter. The outer diameter may be at most equal or substantially equal to an inner diameter of the manifold port 20, preferably of the aperture thereof. In other words, the outer diameter may be dimensioned to match with the port inner diameter of the manifold port 20, and more preferably of the cylindrical port inner face 32b thereof. The outer diameter of the extension outer surface 78 and/or the outer second face 78b thereof may be in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 15 mm to 20 mm, and most preferably is in the range of 17 mm to 18.5 mm.

The extension inner surface 80 has at least one extension inner face 80a. The extension inner face 80a is preferably circular in cross-section in a plane transverse to the bore axis 50, but non-circular may be envisioned. Optionally, at least part or all of the extension inner face 80a may be cylindrical but non-cylindrical or pad cylindrical may be considered. The extension inner face 80a may be curved or taper along the bore axis 50. The main body 46 and/or the extension inner face 80a has an extension inner diameter.

The extension inner diameter may be dimensioned to match with a diameter of the length of corrugated tubing 40. The diameter of the length of corrugated tubing 40 may be an inner diameter measured at a corrugation trough, an outer diameter measured at a corrugation peak P, or any intermediate diameter between the inner and outer diameters. The extension inner diameter may be in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 12 mm to 20 mm, in the range of 13 mm to 18 mm, in the range of 14 mm to 17 mm and is most preferably in the range of 15 mm to 16.5 mm. The extension inner diameter may be fixed and/or may vary axially.

The or at least one said protrusion 52 may extend inwardly from anywhere along the main body 46. However, as illustrated, the or at least one said protrusion 52 may extend from the extension inner face 80a. The protrusion 52 is preferably integrally formed with the main body 46. However, non-integrally formed may be possible, such that the or a said protrusion may be connected or connectable, optionally separably. More preferably, the extension inner surface 80 may transition seamlessly into the protrusion 52.

The abutment flange 60, if provided, is in-use abuttable against the rim 28 of the manifold port 20. The abutment flange 60 helps to position the adapter sleeve 44 relative to the manifold port 20. The abutment flange 60 may also provide a 25 further seal.

In-use, the user may wish to connect a length of corrugated tubing 40 to a standard manifold 10 and manifold connector 14 as hereinbefore described, the connector 14 not being designed to engage with corrugated tubing.

For instance, the user may want to install all or at least part of an underfloor heating system which includes one or more lengths of corrugated tubing 40. Corrugations increase the surface area of a length of corrugated tubing 40. In an underfloor heating system, a greater surface area may provide greater efficiency in heat transfer from the corrugated tubing 40 to the floor, at least compared to a length of uncorrugated tubing.

The user may be installing a new underfloor heating system such that no parts may be present beforehand. Alternatively, the user may be retrofitting an underfloor heating system or part thereof. As such, one or more parts may already be present and optionally installed, such as a manifold 10, a manifold connector 14, non-corrugated tubing 12, or a plurality of any of the above. The user may re-use any existing part and discard any part that is not required.

To adapt a standard manifold connector 14 from the prior art designed for non-corrugated tubing, the user starts by obtaining at least an adapter sleeve 44, and 15 optionally the kit, at Step S10.

Depending on what components are already available to the user, whether by being in situ or obtained separately, the user may, in a first scenario, obtain a kit including a manifold 10, a standard manifold connector 14 and the adapter sleeve 44. In an alternative second scenario, the kit may include an adapter sleeve 44, the manifold 10 and only a nut 14c of the manifold connector 14. In either case, the kit may optionally include at least one length of corrugated tubing 40.

If required, the length of corrugated tubing 40 may be cut to a desired length at Step S12.

If a secondary sleeve 42 is provided around the length of corrugated tubing 40, 25 the user may also cut the secondary sleeve 42. This is Step S14.

Optionally, the secondary sleeve 42 may be cut such that at least one corrugation may be revealed or extend beyond an end of the secondary sleeve 42. Preferably, the secondary sleeve 42 is cut to a length such that the secondary sleeve 42 extends to be positioned between at least one protrusion 52 and the corrugated tubing 40. Preferably, the secondary sleeve 42 is cut to a length such that the end of the secondary sleeve 42 is positioned between a pair of spaced-apart protrusions 52.

The nut 14c is positioned around the length of corrugated tubing 40 at Step S16.

If an olive 14b and/or an insert 14a are already present and/or are provided as part of the kit, the olive 14b and/or insert 14a may be discarded. The olive 14b and/or insert 14a, preferably both, as replaced with an adapter sleeve 44 at Step S18.

The adapter sleeve 44 is positioned around the length of corrugated tubing 40 at 10 Step S20.

The adapter sleeve 44 is positioned into a manifold port 20 of the manifold 10. Thus, the adapter sleeve 44 is positioned between the manifold 10 and the nut 14c along the length of corrugated tubing 40.

The nut 14c is moved relative to the manifold port 20 so that the nut 14c and the 15 manifold 10 enter into abutment with the adapter sleeve 44 at Step S22.

The nut 14c is made to engage with the manifold port 20. The nut-engagement portion 26 and the port-engagement portion 36b are engaged together, here by screwing the complementary screw-threads together, at Step S24 and as illustrated in Figure 8.

The nut 14c is made to exert upon the adapter sleeve 44, here by tightening the engagement with the manifold port 20, a force sufficient to deform at least part of the main body 46 into at least partly entering or further entering a said corrugation groove at Step S26 and as shown in Figure 9.

A first fluid-tight, and more preferably liquid-tight, seal is improved or formed between the main body 46 and the length of corrugated tubing 40. A second fluid-tight, and more preferably liquid-tight, seal is formed or improved between the main body 46 and at least one of: the manifold port 20 and the connection nut 14c.

If the adapter sleeve 44 includes a protrusion 52 in the form of at least one tooth element 64, the or each tooth element 64 is deformed so as to enter a corrugation groove. Each tooth element 64 may even become curved.

If there are a plurality of protrusions 52, each protrusion 52 preferably enters or 5 enters further into a distinct corrugation groove.

If the secondary sleeve 42 is provided around the length of corrugated tubing 40, each or at least one protrusion 52 compresses the secondary sleeve 42 radially inwards as illustrated in Figure 9. The secondary sleeve 42 is pinned, pinched, or clamped in position by the, all or a said protrusion 52, and more preferably by the teeth elements 64.

Thus, there is provided a method of adapting a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing 12 for connecting a length of corrugated tubing 40 to a manifold 10.

If several lengths of corrugated tubing are needed, the user may repeat any or all 15 of the above steps for each length of corrugated tubing 40 and/or manifold port 20.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there is shown a second embodiment of an adapter sleeve 144 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The second embodiment of the adapter sleeve 144 is similar or identical to the first embodiment of the adapter sleeve 44, having same or similar main body 146, the main body 146 having a bore 148, bore axis 150, at least one protrusion 152, manifold-engaging extension 154, core portion 156, strengthening support element 158, a protrusion 152 having at least one tooth element 164, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. Features of the second embodiment which are the same or similar have similar reference numerals with the prefix "1".

In the second embodiment, the adapter sleeve 144 further comprises a sealing element 182, though this feature may be omitted and/or a plurality of sealing elements may be provided.

The sealing element 182 in-use provides or enhances a seal between the adapter 5 sleeve 144 and at least one of: the manifold port 20, and the nut 14c. The sealing element 182 is preferably a sealing ring, annulus, or torus, but a non-ring may be envisioned.

The sealing element 182 is preferably non-separably engaged with the main body 146 but alternatives may be envisioned, such as separably engaged or engageable with the main body, or integrally formed with the main body may also be envisioned. The sealing element 182 is preferably associated with the manifold-engaging extension 154 but this is optional.

The sealing element 182 may be formed of a deformable material. The deformable material of the sealing element 182 may be different to or the same material as the deformable material of the main body 46. The material may be a polymeric material, which may include plastics and/or an elastomer. If plastics, the plastics is preferably flexible. Rubber and/or silicone are examples of suitable elastomers. The sealing element 182 may be formed of a combination of a plastics material and an elastomer.

Furthermore, the manifold-engaging extension 154 may comprise only one material, similarly to the first embodiment, although a plurality of materials may be envisioned. Optionally, the material of the manifold-engaging extension 154 may be the same as the material of the strengthening support element 158. Preferably, the manifold-engaging extension 154 may be formed of second material, rather than the first material. Thus, the manifold-engaging extension 154 may not necessarily be deformable.

Optionally, the main body 146, and more preferably the manifold-engaging extension 154, includes a sealing element connector 184. The sealing element 182 is preferably connected or connectable to, received in or on the sealing element connector 184. However, it could be envisioned that the sealing element is integrally formed with the main body. Here, the sealing element connector 184 is preferably a recess in the illustrated embodiment. The recess may be shaped and/or dimensioned to receive part of the sealing element 182 within. The sealing element 182 may be removably receivable from the sealing element connector 184. This may enable customisability and/or ease of replacement, such as in case of damage. There may be as many sealing element connectors as there are sealing elements.

No abutment flange is provided in the second embodiment, although this may be 10 an option.

The uses of the second embodiment are similar or identical to the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity.

Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily 15 be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments.

Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral cross-section, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and/or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape.

It is therefore possible to provide an adapter sleeve which enables a length of corrugated tubing to be connected to a manifold using part of a manifold connector not designed for corrugated tubing. The adapter sleeve adapts the standard manifold by replacing the olive and the insert and having at least one protrusion which can engage with a corrugation groove of the tubing to in-use hold the corrugated tubing in position.

It is also possible to provide a kit which includes the adapter sleeve and one or more parts, such as the nut of the standard connector and/or the manifold. The 5 kit provides some or all the parts necessary to provide, once assembled, a functional joint to a manifold.

It is further possible to provide a method of use of the adapter to adapt a conventional manifold connector of the prior art which is incompatible with corrugated tubing, to be usable with a length of corrugated tubing.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1. A deformable adapter sleeve for adapting a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing to enable connection of a length of corrugated tubing to a manifold, the length of corrugated tubing having at least one corrugation groove, the deformable adapter sleeve comprising: a main body including an axially-extending bore for the length of corrugated tubing to be received within, and a protrusion extending at least partially in a radial direction for insertion into the or a first corrugation groove such that the diameter of the bore varies axially; wherein the main body includes a deformable material for enabling further insertion of at least part of the main body into the first corrugation groove or a second corrugation groove by deformation of the main body and the main body further comprises a further material distinct from the deformable material, the further material being provided as a layer radially outwardly of the deformable material.
2. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a manifold-engaging extension.
3. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 2, wherein the manifold-engaging extension comprises an outer first face which is frusto-conical.
4. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 3, wherein the frusto-conical first face is dimensioned and/or shaped to match a complementary frusto-conical inner face of a manifold port for providing a seal when the frusto-conical first face is abutted against the frusto-conical inner face of the manifold port.
5. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the manifold-engaging extension has an outer second face, the outer face being or being substantially cylindrical.
6. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 5, wherein the outer second face has an outer diameter dimensioned to match with an inner diameter of a manifold port.
7. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 6, wherein the outer diameter is in the range of 17 millimetres to 18.5 millimetres.
8. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the manifold-engaging extension has an inner face, the inner face being circular in cross-section in a plane transverse to an axis of the adapter sleeve.
9. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inner face has an inner diameter dimensioned to match with a diameter of the length of corrugated tubing.
10.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 9, wherein the inner diameter is in the range of 14.5 millimetres to 16 millimetres.
11.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter sleeve has a further protrusion, axially spaced apart from the protrusion by a distance such that the protrusion is receivable in a first corrugation groove of the length of corrugated tubing and the further protrusion is receivable in a second corrugation groove of the length of corrugated tubing, simultaneously with the first protrusion.
12.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion or a further said protrusion includes at least one tooth element.
13.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one tooth element tapers axially.
14.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable adapter sleeve further includes a sealing ring.
15.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body further comprises a strengthening support element.
16. A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 15, wherein the strengthening support element is positioned axially between the manifold-engaging extension and the further protrusion.
17.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the strengthening support element and the further protrusion have a maximum axial length which is less than a maximal length of a receiving cavity of a connection nut of the standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing, and the main body further has a maximum outer diameter which is less than the diameter of an internal thread of the receiving cavity of the connection nut for enabling the connection nut to be engageable with a manifold port whilst simultaneously enclosing the adapter sleeve.
18.A deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in claim 17, wherein the maximum axial length of the strengthening support element and the further protrusion is at most 10 millimetres.
19.A kit of parts for connecting a length of corrugated tubing to a manifold port, the kit comprising: the deformable adapter sleeve as claimed in any of the preceding claims; and at least one of: a length of corrugated tubing, a connection nut of a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing, an olive of a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing, a manifold insert of a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing, and a manifold.
20.A kit of parts as claimed in claim 19, wherein the length of corrugated tubing has an outer diameter measured at a corrugation peak thereof, the outer diameter of the length of corrugated tubing being within the range of 14 millimetres and 15.5 millimetres.
21.A kit of parts as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, further comprising a secondary sleeve, and optionally, the secondary sleeve is dimensioned so as to be seatable between the length of corrugated tubing and the adapter sleeve. 15
22.A method of adapting a standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing for enabling a length of corrugated tubing to be connected to a manifold, the length of corrugated tubing having at least one corrugation groove, the method comprising the steps of: a] placing a connection nut of the standard manifold connector designed for non-corrugated tubing around the length of corrugated tubing; b] replacing an olive and an insert of the standard manifold connector, if provided, with a deformable adapter sleeve having a main body including a bore of axially-varying diameter, and being at least in part formed of a deformable material and of a further material distinct from the deformable material, the further material being provided as a layer radially outwardly of the deformable material; c] positioning the deformable adapter sleeve around the length of corrugated tubing; d] inserting the deformable adapter sleeve into a manifold port of the manifold so that the deformable adapter sleeve is positioned between the manifold and the connection nut; e] moving the connection nut relative to the manifold port so that the connection nut and the manifold enter into abutment with the adapter sleeve and exert thereupon a force sufficient to deform at least part of the main body into at least partly entering or further entering a said corrugation groove for forming or improving a first fluid-tight seal between the main body and the length of corrugated tubing, and for forming or improving a second fluid-tight seal between the main body and at least one of: the manifold port and the connection nut.
23.A method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising a step of cutting at least the length of corrugated tubing to a desired length.
24.A method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the deformable adapter sleeve includes a protrusion insertable into a first corrugation groove and a further protrusion insertable into a second corrugation groove distinct from the first corrugation groove, and wherein in step e] the deformable adapter sleeve is deformed such that the protrusion enters or enters further into the first corrugation groove and/or the further protrusion enters or enters further into the second corrugation groove.
25.A method as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein a secondary sleeve is provided around the length of corrugated tubing, the adapter sleeve includes at least one protrusion, the method comprising a further step of cutting the secondary sleeve to a length such that when the deformable adapter sleeve is positioned around the length of corrugated tubing, at least one protrusion compresses the secondary sleeve around the length of corrugated tubing.