Pipe spacing tool

Abstract

A pipe spacing tool 10 comprising a body 12 with least one pair of cut outs 14 spaced apart a pre-determined distance to represent a desired spacing for installing pipework. The body may be planar, fo

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a pipe spacing tool. BACKGROUND The field of the present disclosure generally relates to tools and methods used in the installation of pipes for various applications. These applications can range from plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to oil and gas pipelines, and other industrial applications. The installation of pipes, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, is a critical task that requires precision and consistency. The spacing between pipes is particularly important as it can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of the system. Incorrect spacing can lead to pipe leaks, system inefficiencies, and even catastrophic failures in extreme cases. Traditional pipe installation has relied heavily on manual methods for determining pipe spacing. These methods typically involve the use of measuring tapes and manual calculations. While these methods can be effective, they are also time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to human error. Moreover, such methods often require a high level of skill and experience to execute accurately. In addition to these challenges, traditional methods for pipe spacing also lack a visual reference for pipe placement. This absence of a visual guide can make it difficult for installers to maintain consistent spacing, particularly over long distances or in complex installations. It can also make it challenging to verify the accuracy of the spacing after installation. Furthermore, traditional methods for pipe spacing do not provide a means for maintaining a predetermined distance between pipes. This lack of predetermined spacing can lead to inconsistencies in pipe placement, which can in turn affect the performance and safety of the system. Improvements are desired to overcome shortcomings of existing implementations. SUMMARY In general terms, the present disclosure is directed to a tool used for spacing pipes, which consists of a body with cut-outs that are spaced apart at a specific distance to enable accurate and consistent spacing of pipework. Advantageously, the invention solves the problem of manual measurements and calculations for pipe placement during installation, by providing a tool with predetermined spacing represented by cut outs. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe spacing tool. The pipe spacing tool comprises a body that defines at least one pair of cut outs that are spaced apart a pre-determined distance to represent a desired spacing for pipework. Optionally, the body is substantially planar and comprises a handle portion defined by a cut-out through the body portion. Optionally, the at least one pair of cut outs comprises more than one pair of cut outs. Optionally, the pipe spacing tool has a first pair of cut outs spaced apart by [insert] centres and a second pair of cut outs spaced apart by [insert] centres. Optionally, the body of the pipe spacing tool is thicker around its perimeter and around the at least one pair of cut-outs and handle portion cut-out. Optionally the pipe spacing tool further comprises a level indicator. Optionally, each of the pair of cut outs is configured to receive blanks when not in use. Optionally, the body is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, composite materials, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the pipe spacing tool further comprises measurement markings adjacent to the at least one pair of cut outs to indicate spacing dimensions. Optionally, the level indicator is embedded into the body and provides visual cues for both horizontal and vertical alignments. Optionally, the body is colour-coded to differentiate between various pre-determined distances. Optionally, the pipe spacing tool further comprises a locking mechanism for securing the tool in a fixed position on a pipe during measurement or alignment. Optionally, the body includes an adjustable slider mechanism for varying the spacing between cut outs. Optionally, the adjustable slider mechanism includes a locking feature to secure the desired spacing distance. Optionally, the pipe spacing tool further comprises a digital readout display to provide a real-time measurement of the spacing between pipes. Optionally, the body of the pipe spacing tool is foldable or collapsible for easy storage and transport. Optionally, the pipe spacing tool further comprises a built-in flashlight or illumination source for working in low light conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects will now be described in relation to the figures in which: Figure 1 illustratively shows a pipe spacing tool according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 illustratively shows a pipe spacing tool (10) according to the present disclosure. The pipe spacing tool (10) comprises a body (12) defining at least one pair of cut outs (14a) spaced apart a pre-determined distance to represent a desired spacing for pipework. In some embodiments the body (12) of the pipe spacing tool (10) is substantially planar and comprises a handle portion (16) defined by a cut-out through the body portion (12). In some embodiments the pipe spacing tool (10) comprises more than one pair of cut outs (14a, 14b). In some embodiments the pipe spacing tool (10) has a first pair of cut outs (14a) spaced apart by [insert] centres and a second pair of cut outs (14b) spaced apart by [insert] centres. In some embodiments the body (12) of the pipe spacing tool is thicker around its perimeter and around the at least one pair of cut outs (14a, 14b) and handle portion (16) cut out. Advantageously, the pipe spacing tool (10) serves as a practical and efficient solution for ensuring consistent spacing between pipes during installation. This consistency is achieved through the use of pre-determined distances between the cut outs (14a, 14b) in the tool's body (12). These cut outs (14a, 14b) are manufactured to exact dimensions, ensuring that each pipe is placed at the correct distance from its neighbour. This precision reduces the risk of misalignment, which can lead to operational issues such as leaks, pressure drops, or even system failure. The tool's body (12) is substantially planar. The planar body (12) ensures that the tool lies flat against a surface, providing a stable and reliable reference point for pipe spacing. The tool's body (12) also includes a handle portion (16), which is defined by a cut-out through the body portion. This handle (16) is designed to fit comfortably in the user's hand, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The handle's (16) location, centrally positioned on the tool's body (12), ensures that the tool (10) is balanced and easy to control, further enhancing its manoeuvrability. The pipe spacing tool (10) includes more than one pair of cutouts (14a, 14b), a feature that greatly increases its versatility. Each pair of cut outs (14a, 14b) is spaced at a different distance, allowing the tool (10) to accommodate different pipe sizes and installation requirements. For example, one pair of cut outs (14a) may be designed for standard residential pipe spacing, while another pair may be designed for industrial pipe spacing (14b). Alternatively, one pair of cut-outs (14a) may be spaced apart by a first distance and another pair of cut-outs (14b) may be spaced apart by a second distance. This versatility means that a single tool (10) can be used for several jobs, reducing the need for multiple, specialized tools, and thereby saving cost and storage space. The tool's (10) durability and longevity are enhanced by the increased thickness around its perimeter and around the cutouts and handle portion cut out. This increased thickness provides additional strength and rigidity, ensuring that the tool can withstand the rigors of repeated use in various environments. The pipe spacing tool (10) may further comprise a level indicator (not shown). The level indicator is configured to indicate when the pipe spacing tool (10) is level. Advantageously, the inclusion of a level indicator in the pipe spacing tool (10) significantly enhances its functionality and user-friendliness. The level indicator, based on the principle of a liquid-filled tube with an air bubble, provides a visual cue to the user when the tool (10) is perfectly horizontal. This ensures that the pipes are not only spaced correctly, but also aligned properly in terms of level, which may be crucial for certain types of pipework systems. In some embodiments the pipe spacing tool (10) is configured such that each of the pair of cut outs is able to receive blanks (not shown) when not in use. Advantageously, the ability to receive blanks in the cut-outs (14a, 14b) when not in use ensures that the correct pair of cut-outs is used for a particular job. In some embodiments the body (12) is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, composite materials, and combinations thereof. Advantageously, the choice of construction materials for the body (12) of the pipe spacing tool (10) allows for a balance between durability, weight, and cost. Metals provide strength and durability, while plastics and composite materials can offer weight savings and cost-effectiveness. The ability to use combinations of these materials allows for the tool (10) to be tailored to specific use cases and environments, enhancing its versatility and utility. In some embodiments the pipe spacing tool (10) further comprises a locking mechanism (not shown) for securing the tool (10) in a fixed position on a pipe during measurement or alignment. Advantageously, the inclusion of a locking mechanism in the pipe spacing tool (10) enhances its functionality and ease of use. The locking mechanism, which can be based on a variety of principles such as friction, interlocking parts, or magnetic attraction, allows the tool (10) to be securely attached to a pipe during measurement or alignment. This frees up the user's hands for other tasks and ensures that the tool (10) remains in the correct position, providing accurate and consistent results. The locking mechanism can be designed to be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing for quick and efficient operation. In some embodiments the body (12) of the pipe spacing tool (10) includes an adjustable slider mechanism (not shown) for varying the spacing between cut outs. Advantageously, the inclusion of an adjustable slider mechanism in the body of the pipe spacing tool (10) significantly increases its versatility. The slider mechanism allows the spacing between the cut outs (14a, 14b) to be easily adjusted. This enables the tool (10) to accommodate a wide range of pipe sizes and spacing requirements, making it suitable for a variety of applications. The slider mechanism can be designed to provide smooth and precise adjustment, ensuring accurate and consistent results. In some embodiments the adjustable slider mechanism includes a locking feature (not shown) to secure the desired spacing distance. Advantageously, the inclusion of a locking feature in the adjustable slider mechanism enhances the tool's (10) functionality and user-friendliness. The locking feature, which can be based on a variety of principles allows the desired spacing distance to be securely maintained once set. This ensures that the spacing between the pipes remains consistent during installation, reducing the risk of misalignment and subsequent operational issues. The locking feature can be designed to be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing for quick and efficient operation. In some embodiments the pipe spacing tool (10) further comprises a digital readout display (not shown) to provide a real-time measurement of the spacing between pipes. Advantageously, the inclusion of a digital readout display in the pipe spacing tool (10) significantly enhances its functionality and user-friendliness. The digital display, which can be based on a variety of principles such as a liquid crystal display (LCE), a lightemitting diode (LED) display, or an electronic paper display, provides a clear and precise readout of the spacing between the pipes. This allows the user to easily monitor and adjust the spacing as needed, ensuring accurate and consistent results. The digital display can be designed to be easily readable in a variety of lighting conditions, enhancing the tool's (10) usability. In some embodiments the body (12) of the pipe spacing tool (10) is foldable or collapsible for easy storage and transport. Advantageously, the ability of the body (12) of the pipe spacing tool (10) to be folded or collapsed enhances its portability and convenience. The foldable or collapsible design, which can be based on a variety of principles such as a hinge mechanism, a telescoping mechanism, or a flexible material, allows the tool (10) to be compactly stored and transported when not in use. This makes the tool (10) more practical for use in a variety of locations and situations and reduces the risk of damage during transport. The foldable or collapsible design can be designed to be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing for quick and efficient operation. In some embodiments the pipe spacing tool (10) further comprises a built-in flashlight or illumination source (not shown) for working in low light conditions. Advantageously, the inclusion of a built-in flashlight or illumination source in the pipe spacing tool (10) significantly enhances its usability in a variety of working conditions. The illumination source, which can be based on a variety of principles such as a LED, an incandescent bulb, or a fluorescent lamp, provides sufficient light to allow the user to accurately position and align the pipes even in low light conditions. This ensures that the tool (10) can be used effectively at any time of day or night, and in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. The illumination source can be designed to provide a suitable balance between brightness, power consumption, and longevity, enhancing the tool's (10) practicality and efficiency. It will be understood that the term substantially planar as used herein may refer to a surface or structure that is largely flat or level, such as the body of the tool (10) in this invention, which may be made from materials like metal or plastic and is designed to maintain a consistent, flat orientation for accurate pipe spacing. It will be understood that the term level indicator as used herein may refer to a device or component, possibly made of materials such as plastic, metal, or glass, integrated into the tool (10) to ensure the accurate alignment and levelness of the pipes during the spacing process. It will be understood that the term blanks as used herein may refer to the specific cut-outs (14a, 14b) or openings in the body (12) of the tool (10) that are designed to accommodate and space the pipes accurately and consistently. It will be understood that the term visual cues as used herein may refer to markings, indicators, or other visual elements on the tool (10) that guide the user in accurately aligning and spacing the pipes. It will be understood that the term colour coded as used herein may refer to the use of different colours to distinguish between various elements or sections of the tool, such as the cut-outs (14a, 14b), to facilitate easy identification and usage. It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above-described examples without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pipe spacing tool comprising: a body defining at least one pair of cut outs spaced apart a pre-determined distance to represent a desired spacing for pipework.

2. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 1, wherein the body is substantially planar and comprises a handle portion defined by a cut-out through the body portion.

3. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one pair of cut outs comprises more than one pair of cut outs.

4. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 3, wherein a first pair of cut outs is spaced apart by [insert] centres and a second pair of cut outs is spaced apart by [insert] centres.

5. A pipe spacing tool according to any claim 2, wherein the body is thicker around its perimeter and around the at least one pair of cut outs and handle portion cut out.

6. A pipe spacing tool according to any preceding claim, further comprising a level indicator.

7. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 3, wherein each of the pair of cut outs is configured to receive blanks when not in use.

8. A pipe spacing tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: metal, plastic, composite materials, and combinations thereof.

9. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 2, wherein the handle portion includes an ergonomic design to facilitate comfortable gripping during use.

10. A pipe spacing tool according to any preceding claim, further comprising measurement markings adjacent to or within the at least one pair of cut outs to indicate spacing dimensions.

11. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 6, wherein the level indicator is embedded into the body and provides visual cues for both horizontal and vertical alignments.12.A pipe spacing tool according to claim 7, wherein the blanks are colour-coded to differentiate between various pre-determined distances.

13. A pipe spacing tool according to any preceding claim, further comprising a locking mechanism for securing the tool in a fixed position on a pipe during measurement or alignment.

14. A pipe spacing tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the body includes an adjustable slider mechanism for varying the spacing between cut outs.

15. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 14, wherein the adjustable slider mechanism includes a locking feature to secure the desired spacing distance.

16. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising a digital readout display to provide a real-time measurement of the spacing between pipes.

17. A pipe spacing tool according to claim 1, wherein the body is foldable or collapsible for easy storage and transport.

18. A pipe spacing tool according to any preceding claim, further comprising a built-in flashlight or illumination source for working in low light conditions.

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