AU2010214662B2

AU2010214662B2 - Adaptor for a pipe

Info

Publication number: AU2010214662B2
Application number: AU2010214662A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Phil Thomas
Original assignee: Precast Civil Industries Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Precast Civil Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-09-18
Filing date: 2010-08-26
Publication date: 2016-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2030-08-26
Also published as: AU2010214662A1

Abstract

This invention relates to an adaptor 10 fixable to an external surface 11 of a stormwater pipe 12. The adaptor 10 includes a top side 14 with a top opening 15 5 that can accommodate and sealably engage with a vertical drainage pipe. The shape and dimension of the sides of the adaptor 10 distribute the weight of the drainage pipe over a relatively large area of the stormwater pipe surface. The base 16 has a base opening 17 and a curved outer surface 18 that can sealably engage with the external surface of 11 of the stormwater pipe. The top opening 15 is in o communication with the base opening 17. The top side 14 and the base 16 are spaced apart to form a passageway with the top opening 15 at one end and the base opening 17 at the opposed end to facilitate a continuous flow of water from the vertical drainage pipe into the stormwater pipe 12 with minimal turbulence. Figure 1

Description

ADAPTOR FOR A PIPE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to stormwater pipes and stormwater drainage systems. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application to connections of drainage pipes to a stormwater pipe where the drainage pipes carry water from roads, kerbs, gutters, footpaths, commercial and domestic areas and industrial sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A drainage pipe that carries run off water to a stormwater pipe is joined to the stormwater pipe by inserting one pipe into the other pipe. A current method of joining pipes together is to make a hole in the stormwater pipe, insert the drainage pipe, and fix their mounted position by applying wet concrete around the joining area.

This way of fixing the pipes in position suffers a number of disadvantages. Firstly, skilled workers are required to form the hole in the stormwater pipe at the correct position, to form the correct sized hole and without causing damage to the surrounding areas of the stormwater pipe. Secondly, the mounting and fixing of the drainage pipe often produces a poorly finished job as there is movement of the pipes relative to each other as the applied concrete sets. Consequently the join leaks and the leaked water washes away the backfill to form a space around the join. The pipes and join can subsequently move within the formed space and allow further leakage. Thirdly, the position of the mounted drainage pipe is intrusive and disruptive to the flow of stormwater through the stormwater pipe. Finally, this method of joining pipes is both time consuming, skill dependent and labor intensive.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adaptor for a pipe that overcomes at least in part one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in an adaptor fixable to an external surface of a first pipe having a side opening formed or a removable portion to form the side opening on one or more sides; a base with a base opening and a curved outer surface for mounting to the first pipe, the base opening is in communication with the side opening; wherein in use the side opening accommodates a second pipe and the base is sealably mounted to the first pipe to facilitate the flow of water from the second pipe to the first pipe.

The one or more sides are preferably shaped to form a circular, square or rectangular shaped adaptor. More preferably the adaptor has a square or rectangular shape.

The adaptor may have a plurality of side openings.

Each side of the adaptor may have one or more side openings.

The side with the side opening is preferably spaced apart from the base to form a passageway that enables water to flow from the second pipe into the first pipe in a continuous and substantially non-turbulent flow.

Preferably, the side opening has an opening periphery that suitably shaped to accommodate the second pipe in an angled position.

The side opening is preferably shaped to accommodate the second pipe.

The opening periphery of the side opening is preferably substantially circular or substantially oval in shape.

The side opening is preferably positioned on a top side of the adaptor.

Preferably, the size of the side opening can be changed by positioning a cover member adjacent the side opening.

The cover member is preferably a separate component having a cover aperture with a diameter smaller compared to the size of the side opening.

In one embodiment, the cover aperture can be covered with a grate.

The removable portion preferably has one or more recessed sections on the outer face of the one or more sides.

The one or more recessed sections are preferably comparatively thinner than surrounding sections of the one or more sides.

Preferably, the one or more recessed sections have a periphery that is suitably shaped to form the side opening.

More preferably, the one or more recessed sections have graduated marked areas corresponding to different diameters of pipes to enable the removal of an appropriate area of the one or more sides corresponding to the diameter of the pipe.

In one embodiment, the one or more sides define an internal space that serves as a junction point for several pipes.

In the embodiment with the internal space, the one or more sides have one or more pipe apertures or removal portions for positioning a pipe. The one or more removal portions have the same features to the above mentioned removal portion.

Preferably, large flows passing through the first pipe creates a venturi effect which draws water from the second pipe or associated pipes into the first pipe.

The adaptor is preferably made of precast concrete to enable pipes to be joined without the need to cure wet concrete at the construction site.

In an alternate embodiment, the adaptor is made of PVC.

Preferably, there is a waterproof seal between the base and external surface of the first pipe. The waterproof seal is preferably a silicone sealer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an adaptor for a pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention and shown not mounted to the pipe;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the adaptor shown in Figure 1 now shown with a second pipe accommodated in the adaptor;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of an adaptor for a pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention and shown not mounted to the pipe;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the adaptor shown in Figure 3 showing pipes to be inserted at an angled position;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of an adaptor for a pipe according to a third embodiment of the present invention and shown not mounted to the pipe; and

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the adaptor shown in Figure 5 with one pipe positioned in the adaptor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an adaptor 10 that can be fixed to an external surface 11 of a stormwater pipe 12. The adaptor 10 has sides shaped to form a square shaped adaptor. The adaptor 10 has a top side 14 with a top opening 15 and a base 16 with a base opening 17. The top opening 15 is in communication with the base opening 17. The top side 14 and the base 16 are spaced apart to form a passageway with the top opening 15 at one end and the base opening 17 at the opposed end. Both the top opening 15 and the base opening 17 are substantially circular in shape.

The base 16 of the adaptor 10 has a curved outer surface 18 for mounting to the pipe 12. The curved outer surface has a complementary shape to the external surface 11 of the stormwater pipe 12 and can form a sealed join with the external surface 11 of the stormwater pipe 12.

When in use the top opening 15 accommodates a vertical drainage pipe 20 and the base 16 is mounted to the stormwater pipe 12. The adaptor 10 is fixed to the external surface 11 of the stormwater pipe 12 either by an adhesive or a bolted bracket. The fixing of the base 16 to the adaptor 10 forms a waterproof seal with the external surface 11 of the stormwater pipe 12.

The end of the vertical drainage pipe 20 that is joined to the stormwater pipe 12 is supported by the sides of the adaptor 10. The shape and dimension of the sides of the adaptor are designed to distribute the weight from the vertical drainage pipe 20 over a relatively large surface area of the external surface of the stormwater pipe 12.

Water flowing from the vertical drainage pipe 20 flows into the stormwater pipe 12 through an aperture cut into the side of the stormwater pipe 12 adjacent the base of the adaptor 10. The passageway between the top opening 15 and the base opening 17 serves as a space that enables water to flow from the vertical drainage pipe 20 into the stormwater pipe 12 while minimizing the disruption of water flow in the stormwater pipe 12. The passageway of the adaptor therefore facilitates a continuous and substantially non-turbulent flow of water from the vertical drainage pipe 20 into the stormwater pipe 12.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown an adaptor 21 that can be fixed to an external surface 22 of a stormwater pipe 23. The adaptor 21 has sides shaped to form a rectangular shaped adaptor. The adaptor 21 has a top side 24 with a top opening 25 and a base 26 with a base opening 27. The base 26 has a curved surface 28 that is of a complementary shape to the external surface 22 of the stormwater pipe 23. The adaptor 21 is similar to the adaptor 10 described above except for the shape of the adaptor 21, top opening 25 and base opening 27. The top opening 25 and the base opening 27 are substantially oval in shaped. The oval shaped top opening 25 allows drainage pipe 30 to be positioned at an angle to the stormwater pipe 23. The top opening 25 with a substantially oval periphery opening can accommodate a drainage pipe 30 in an angled position. When in use, the top opening 25 accommodates the drainage pipe 30 and concrete is used to set the drainage pipe 30 in an angled position. The base 26 is mounted to the stormwater pipe 23 and forms a waterproof seal with the external surface 22 of the stormwater pipe 23.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown an adaptor 31 that can be fixed to an external surface 32 of a stormwater pipe 33. The adaptor 31 has sides shaped to form a square shaped adaptor with a relatively large internal space 34.

The adaptor 31 has a top side 35 with a top opening 36 and a base 37 with a base opening 38. The top side 35 and the base 37 are spaced apart to form the internal space 34 with the top opening 36 at one end and the base opening 38 at the opposed end. The adaptor 31 has opposed sides 40, 41 each of which have a pipe aperture 43, 44, respectively. The base 37 of the adaptor 31 has a curved surface 46 that has a complementary shape to the external surface 32 of the stormwater pipe 33.

When in use, the curved surfaces 46 are mounted to the stormwater pipe 33 and form a waterproof seal with the external surface 32 of the pipe 33. The internal space 34 serves as a junction point for several drainage pipes. One drainage pipe 50 is shown in Figure 6. The internal space 34 also serves as a lengthened and enlarged passageway to accommodate large flows of water while minimizing disruption of water flow in the stormwater pipe 33. When large flows of water pass through the stormwater pipe 33 a venturi effect is created which draws water from the drainage pipe 50 into the stormwater pipe 33. A cover slab 51 is used to change the size of the top opening 36 by positioning the cover slab 51 on top of the top opening 36. The cover slab 51 has a cover aperture 52 that is of a smaller diameter compared to the size of the top opening 36. The cover aperture 52 can either accommodate a vertical drainage pipe or be covered with a grate (not shown in the Figure).

The adaptors 10, 21 and 31 are made of precast concrete. Precast adaptors enable pipes to be joined without the need to cure wet concrete at the construction site. Joining pipes at the construction site is therefore simple and does not require skilled labor. As a result the described method of joining pipes is both time efficient and cost efficient.

ADVANTAGES

The preferred embodiment of the adaptor has the advantage of being a precast concrete adaptor that can be installed at the construction site without the need to prepare a junction join.

Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the adaptor is the provision of an improved seal for the joined pipes. This is because the adaptor has one or more curved surfaces on the base that are of complementary shape to the external surface of the stormwater pipe. The curved surfaces can form a waterproof seal with the external surface of the stormwater drain.

Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the adaptor is that the sides of the adaptor are shaped to distribute load from a drainage pipe over a relatively large surface area of the stormwater pipe. The distribution of load over a larger surface area increases the life of the join. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the adaptor is the passageway between the top opening and the base opening serves as a space to enable water to flow from a drainage pipe to the main stormwater drain while minimizing the disruption of water flow in the stormwater pipe. The passageway therefore serves to facilitate flow of water from the drainage pipe to the main stormwater pipe in a continuous and substantially non-turbulent flow.

VARIATIONS

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A one-piece precast concrete adaptor that is substantially square or rectangular in shape and having an integrated removable portion on one or more sides to form a side opening; a base with a base opening and a curved outer surface for mounting to a first pipe; wherein in use the formed side opening accommodates a second pipe and the base is sealably mounted to over an aperture in the first pipe to enable water to flow from the second pipe to the first pipe.

2. An adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side opening is shaped to accommodate the positioning of the second pipe at an angle or perpendicularly.

3. An adaptor as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the formed side opening is substantially circular or oval shaped to accommodate a pipe that is perpendicularly positioned or angled respectively with respect to the adaptor.

4. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable portion has one or more recessed sections on the outer face of the one or more sides.

5. An adaptor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more recessed sections are thinner than surrounding sections.

6. An adaptor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more recessed sections have a periphery that is shaped to form the side opening.

7. An adaptor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more recessed sections have graduated marked areas corresponding to different diameters of pipes to enable the removal of an appropriate area of the one or more sides corresponding to the diameter of the pipe.

8. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor has a plurality of side openings.

9. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each side of the adaptor has one or more side openings.

10. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side opening is vertically spaced from the base to form a passageway that enables water to flow from the second pipe into the first pipe in a continuous and substantially non-turbulent flow.

11. An adaptor as claimed in in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side opening is positioned on a top side of the adaptor.

12. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the size of the side opening can be changed by positioning a cover member adjacent the side opening.

13. An adaptor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cover member is a separate component having a cover aperture with a diameter smaller compared to the size of the side opening.

14. An adaptor as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cover aperture can be covered with a grate.

15. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sides define an internal space that serves as a junction point for several pipes.

16. An adaptor as claimed in in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pipe is positioned relative to the first pipe so that when large flows pass through the first pipe it creates a venturi effect which draws water from the second pipe into the first pipe.

17. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is a waterproof seal between the base and external surface of the first pipe.

18. An adaptor as claimed in claim 17, wherein the waterproof seal is a silicone sealant.