A connector

Abstract

A connector 101 fluidly connects a first and second fluid conduits 102A, 102B. The connector comprises a first connector part 103A to connect the first fluid conduit, and a second connector part 103B

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector for fluidly connecting at least first and second fluid conduits, in particular to a non-straight connector that comprises a bend. The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising the connector and a fluid conduit connected to the connector, to a kit of parts comprising the connector, to a kit of parts of said apparatus and to a method of assembling said apparatus. Background of the Invention A problem with connectors that fluidly connect at least first and second fluid conduits, and that have a connecting fluid conduit that has a bend, is that the bend is subjected to a combination of Bourdon effect and hoop stress, which can lead to a common failure on the inside of the bend. This is, in particular, a problem with pressurised, tight bend radii connector. It is a problem with connectors of a variety of materials, for example metal and plastic connectors, but is of particular concern with plastic connectors, due to its lower tensile strength properties compared to steel. It is a problem in a wide range of industries, in particular the water, oil &gas industries. In order to try and address this problem, connectors have been provided in which a wall of the connecting conduit of the connector has a constant radial thickness, with a constant internal radius, around the entire circumference of the connecting conduit, sufficient to prevent a failure on the inside of the bend, due to the combination of Bourdon effect and hoop stress. However, this results in significantly increased weight and material usage, which is disadvantages in terms of environmental impact, as well as transport and storage. The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided connector for fluidly connecting at least first and second fluid conduits, the connector comprising: a first connector part for connection to a first fluid conduit; a second connector part for connection to a second fluid conduit; a connecting fluid conduit that fluidly connects the first and second connector parts, the connecting fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal path, from a first end, adjacent the first connector part, to a second end, adjacent the second connector part; the connecting fluid conduit having a bend therein; wherein the connecting fluid conduit comprises a reinforcement part having, at a respective longitudinal position, a lateral cross-sectional shape that comprises: a first part comprising a radially inner surface that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path, with a substantially constant radius from the longitudinal path, and a second part comprising a radially inner surface, wherein a radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part. The second part may reduce or prevent structural failure at the bend, for example due to Bourdon effect and hoop stress, whilst minimising material within the overall connector. The advantages of minimising material may be reduced component weight and environmental impact. Optionally the reinforcement part extends along at least part of the length of the connecting fluid conduit. Optionally at each respective longitudinal position along the reinforcement part, the reinforcement part has a lateral cross-sectional shape that comprises said first and second parts . Optionally the reinforcement part has a substantially uniform lateral cross-sectional shape along its length. Optionally the bend comprises the reinforcement part. In this respect, optionally the reinforcement part is located at the bend of the connecting fluid conduit. Optionally the second part is on an inside of the bend. In this respect, optionally the second part is located in a half of the lateral cross-sectional shape (of the reinforcement part) that is adjacent to the inside of the bend. Optionally the longitudinal path along the longitudinal extent of the bend is contained with a notional plane, with a notional chord perpendicular to said plane, said notional chord passing through the centre of a notional circle defined by the radially inner surface of the first part, and wherein the second part is located in a half of the reinforcement part that is on the side of the notional chord that is adjacent the inside of the bend. Optionally the radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is not constant (with circumferential position of the radially inner surface of the second part). Optionally the radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path varies with the circumferential position of the radially inner surface of the second part. Optionally the radially inner surface of the second part does not form an arc of a circle. Optionally at each circumferential position along the second part, the radial distance from a radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part. Optionally the second part extends circumferentially from a first circumferential end of the first part to a second circumferential end of the first part. Optionally the radially inner surface of the second part has a chord-wise length that is greater than or equal to 10% of the radius of the inner surface of the first part. In this respect, optionally the radially inner surface of the second part has a chord-wise length that is greater than or equal to 5% of the diameter of a notional circle defined by the radially inner surface of the first part. Optionally the radially inner surface of the second part has a chord-wise length that is greater than or equal to 20% of the radius of the inner surface of the first part. In this respect, optionally the radially inner surface of the second part has a chord-wise length that is greater than or equal to 10% of the diameter of a notional circle defined by the radially inner surface of the first part. This range of chord-wise lengths of the second part provides an efficient balance between material usage and increased strength to prevent structural failure at the bend. The chord-wise length is the length in the direction of a notional chord of a notional circle defined by the radially inner surface of the first part, wherein the notional chord passes from a first circumferential end of the second part to a second circumferential end of the second part. Optionally towards at least one circumferential end of the second part, the radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path increases to substantially equal the radius of the inner surface of the first part. This may reduce stress concentrations that would otherwise occur (e.g. if there was a step change in radii) and may prevent pressure loss in the connector. Optional said increase in the radial distance is such that at the at least one circumferential end of the second part and the adjacent circumferential end of the first part, the radially inner surface of the second part and the radially inner surface of the first part form a rounded corner. In this respect, optionally towards the at least one circumferential end of the second part, the radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path increases to blend with the radius of the inner surface of the first part, at said circumferential end. Optional said increase in the radial distance is a continuous increase. Optionally towards at least one circumferential end of the second part, the radial thickness of the second part decreases to substantially equal the radial thickness of the first part. In this respect, optionally towards at least one circumferential end of the second part, the radial thickness of the second part tapers to substantially equal the radial thickness of the first part. Optionally said at least one circumferential end is first and second circumferential ends of the second part. Optionally along the circumferential extent of the radially inner surface (i.e. at each circumferential position of said circumferential extent) of the second part, the second part has a greater radial thickness than the first part. Optionally each of the first and second parts has a respective radially outer surface that has a substantially constant radius, along the circumferential extent of the respective first or second part. Optionally the radially outer surfaces of the first and second parts have substantially the same radius (from the longitudinal path). Optionally at least part of the radially inner surface of the second part is substantially flat. Optionally the substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to a notional chord of a notional circle defined by the radially inner surface of the first part. Optionally the longitudinal path along the longitudinal extent of the bend is contained with a notional plane and the notional chord is substantially perpendicular to said notional plane . The flat surface may provide for ease of manufacture. Alternatively, or additionally, it may prevent pressure loss in the connector. Optionally the longitudinal path along the longitudinal extent of the bend is contained with a notional plane and wherein the radially inner surface of the second part is substantially symmetrical about said notional plane. Optionally the radially inner surface of the second part comprises a convex curve. Optionally the radially inner surface of the second part comprises at least one concave curve. In this respect, the concave curve faces into the interior of the connecting conduit. Optionally the radially inner surface of the second part comprises first and second said concave curves. The first and second concave curves may be on opposite lateral sides of the lateral cross-sectional shape. Optionally the first and second concave curves are substantially symmetrical about said notional plane. Optionally each concave curve faces into the interior of the connecting fluid conduit. Optionally the concave curve extends from the first circumferential end to the second circumferential end of radially inner surface of the second part. Optionally the radially inner surface of the second part is triangular. Optionally a vertex of the triangular shape is located on said notional plane. Optionally the reinforcement part extends along at least part of the length of the connecting conduit. Optionally the reinforcement part extends along at least part of the length of the bend. Optionally the reinforcement part extends along a section of the length of the connecting conduit. Optionally the reinforcement part extends along a section of the length of the bend. Optionally the second part is located on an inside corner section of the bend. Optionally the connecting fluid conduit is made from a flexible material. In this respect, optionally the connecting fluid conduit is made from a flexible material that may otherwise flex and / or fracture under the pressure of fluid flowing through the connector. The flexible material may, for example, be a polymer. The flexible material may, for example, be a plastic. Optionally the connecting fluid conduit is made from a single piece of material. Optionally the first and second parts (of the reinforcement part) are made from a single piece of material. Optionally the first and second parts (of the reinforcement part) are unitarily formed with each other. Optionally the first and / or second connector parts are for push-fit connection to a respective fluid conduit. Optionally the first and / or second connector parts are for connection to a respective fluid conduit that has a circular cross-sectional shape. Optionally the first and / or second connector parts are for connection to a respective pipe. Optionally the pipe is circular. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: a fluid conduit, and a connector according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein an end of the fluid conduit is connected to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector . Optionally: the fluid conduit is a first fluid conduit, and the apparatus comprises a second fluid conduit; wherein an end of the second fluid conduit is connected to the other of the first or second connector parts of the connector. Optionally the apparatus comprises: a manifold comprising a plurality of fluid conduits, and the fluid conduit, that the connector is connected to, is a fluid conduit of the manifold. Optionally: the connector is a first connector and the apparatus 5 comprises a second connector according the first aspect of the invention; wherein the fluid conduit of the manifold, that the first connector is connected to, is a first fluid conduit, 10 and wherein an end of a second fluid conduit of the manifold is connected to one of the first or second 15 connector parts of the second connector. Optionally the manifold comprises a valve that is operable between an open and closed position, to respectively allow and prevent the flow of fluid through 20 the valve. Optionally the manifold comprises a fluid meter connector, for connection to a fluid meter. 25 Optionally one of the first and second fluid conduits is connected to the valve and the other is connected to the fluid meter connector. Optionally the fluid is water. 30 Optionally the apparatus is a water meter housing. Optionally the apparatus is a boundary box. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is 35 provided a kit of parts of a connector for fluidly connecting at least first and second fluid conduits, the kit of parts comprising: a first connector part for connection to a first fluid 40 conduit; a second connector part for connection to a second fluid conduit; a connecting fluid conduit for fluidly connecting the first and second connector parts, the connecting fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal path, from a first end to a second end; the connecting fluid conduit having a bend therein; wherein the connecting fluid conduit comprises a reinforcement part having, at a respective longitudinal position, a lateral cross-sectional shape that comprises: a first part comprising a radially inner surface that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path, with a substantially constant radius from the longitudinal path, and a second part comprising a radially inner surface, wherein a radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts of an apparatus comprising: a fluid conduit, and a connector according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein an end of the fluid conduit is connectable to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector . Optionally the kit of parts comprises a a manifold comprising a plurality of fluid conduits; wherein an end of one or more of said fluid conduits is connectable to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector. Optionally the kit of parts comprises a water meter housing. Optionally the kit of parts comprises a boundary box . According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling an apparatus comprising: a fluid conduit, and a connector; the connector comprising: a first connector part for connection to a first fluid conduit; a second connector part for connection to a second fluid conduit; a connecting fluid conduit that fluidly connects the first and second connector parts, the connecting fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal path, from a first end, adjacent the first connector part, to a second end, adjacent the second connector part; the connecting fluid conduit having a bend therein; wherein the connecting fluid conduit comprises a reinforcement part having, at a respective longitudinal position, a lateral cross-sectional shape that comprises: a first part comprising a radially inner surface that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path, with a substantially constant radius from the longitudinal path, and a second part comprising a radially inner surface, wherein a radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part; wherein the method comprises: connecting an end of the fluid conduit to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector. Optionally: the fluid conduit is a first fluid conduit, and the apparatus comprises a second fluid conduit; wherein the method comprises: connecting an end of the second fluid conduit to the other of the first or second connector parts of the connector . Optionally the apparatus comprises: a manifold comprising a plurality of fluid conduits, and the fluid conduit, that the connector is connected to, is a fluid conduit of the manifold. Optionally: the connector is a first connector and the apparatus comprises a second connector according to the first aspect of the invention; wherein the fluid conduit of the manifold, that the first connector is connected to, is a first fluid conduit, and wherein the method comprises connecting an end of a second fluid conduit of the manifold to one of the first or second connector parts of the second connector. Optionally the manifold comprises a fluid meter connector, for connection to a fluid meter. Optionally the fluid is water. Optionally the apparatus comprises a water meter housing. Optionally the apparatus comprises a boundary box. The features of any of the above aspects of the invention may be combined with one or more features of any of the other aspects of the invention, in any combination. Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description. Description of the Drawings Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the description and drawings. Figure 1A is an end on view (taken along the direction V in Figure 2A) of a prior-art pipe connector; Figure IB is an end on view (taken along the direction V in Figure 2B) of a connector according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A is a view along a longitudinal cross-section of the prior-art pipe connector shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2B is a view along a longitudinal cross-section of the pipe connector according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure IB, but with a reinforcement part not shown in the cross-sectional view; Figure 3 is a cut away view of a connector part of the connector shown in Figures IB and 2B, illustrating the internal components of the connector part; Figure 4 is a view corresponding to that of Figure IB (where the connector is shown rotated 90 degrees anti-clockwise) , but where the reinforcement part is not shown (but with the chordwise extent of the reinforcement part shown); Figure 5 is a view along a longitudinal cross-section of the pipe connector according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures IB and 2B; Figure 6 is a view corresponding to that of Figure IB; Figure 7 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 6 from a view inclined slightly updwardly relative to the longitudinal path; Figures 8A to 8D are each views corresponding to that of Figure IB, but where the connector is according to second, third fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention, respectively, and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a water meter housing (referred to as a boundary box) comprising first and second connectors according to embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description Referring to Figures 1A and 2A there is shown a prior-art connector 1, in the form of a pipe fitting 1, for fluidly connecting first and second water pipes 2A, 2B (shown in dotted outline). The prior-art connector 1 comprises a first connector part 3A for connection to a first water pipe 2A and a second connector part 3B for connection to a second water pipe 2B. The first and second connector parts 3A, 3B are for mechanical connection to the respective fluid conduit 2A, 2B. The first and second connector parts 3A, 3B are also for fluid connection to the respective fluid conduit 2A, 2B. Each connector part 3A, 3B is a push-fit connector part, for receiving an end of the respective pipe 2A, 2B and gripping the end of the pipe 2A, 2B via push-fit engagement. The first connector part 3A, and the end of the first pipe 2A received by the connector part 3A, extends along a first longitudinal axis La. The second connector part 3B, and the end of the second pipe 2B received by the connector part 3B, extends along a second longitudinal axis Lb that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis La. The prior-art connector 1 further comprises a connecting fluid conduit 4 that fluidly connects the first and second connector parts 3A, 3B. In this respect, the fluid conduit 4 fluidly connects the first and second pipes 2A, 2B. The connecting fluid conduit 4 extends along a longitudinal path (Lc) , from a first end 4A, adjacent the first connector part 3A, to a second end 4B, adjacent the second connector part 3B. The connecting fluid conduit 4 has a right-angled (90°) bend 5, as it extends from its first end 4A to its second end 4B. In this respect, the right-angled bend 5 forms an elbow, with the connector 1 being an elbow connector 1. The longitudinal path Lc bends from being co-axial with the first longitudinal axis La, at the first end 4A of the connecting fluid conduit 4, to being co-axial with the second longitudinal axis Lb, at the second end 4B of the connecting fluid conduit 4. The connecting fluid conduit 4 has the general shape of a hollow bent cylinder. In this respect, the connecting conduit 4 has an outer wall 11 that is annular and centred on the longitudinal path Lc (i.e. the position of the longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position on the longitudinal path Lc) . A radially inner surface 12 of the outer wall 11 defines an internal bore 10 that has a circular cross-sectional shape centred on (and perpendicular to) the local direction of the longitudinal path Lc (i.e. the direction of the longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position on the longitudinal path Lc) . In this respect, around the entire circumference of the wall 11, the radially inner surface 12 has a substantially constant internal radius Ri (from the longitudinal path Lc) . Along the length of the connecting fluid conduit 4, the internal bore 10 has a constant diameter (the diameter being in a plane perpendicular to the local direction of the longitudinal path Lc) . At each respective longitudinal position, the wall 11 has a constant radial thickness (tn) (the radial thickness being in a plane perpendicular to the local direction of the longitudinal path Lc) around the entire circumferential extent of the wall 11, sufficient to prevent a failure on the inside 40 of the bend 5, due to a combination of Bourdon effect and hoop stress, from the pressure of the water flowing through the conduit 4. However, this leads to significantly increased weight and material usage. Referring to Figures IB, 2B, and 4 to 7, there is shown a connector 101 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The connector 101 is for fluidly connecting first and second fluid conduits 102A, 102B. In the currently described embodiment, the connector 101 is a pipe fitting 101 and the first and second fluid conduits are circular water pipes 102A, 102B (shown in dotted outline). The connector 101 comprises a first connector part 103A for connection to a first circular water pipe 102A and a second connector part 103B for connection to a second circular water pipe 102B. It will be appreciated that the first and second connector parts 103A, 103B are for mechanical connection to the respective fluid conduit 102A, 102B. It will also be appreciated that the first and second connector parts 103A, 103B are for fluid connection to the respective fluid conduit 102A, 102B. Each connector part 103A, 103B is a push-fit connector part, for receiving an end of the respective pipe 102A, 102B and gripping the end of the pipe 102A, 102B via push-fit engagement. In this respect, with reference to Figure 3, each connector part 103A, 103B comprises an O-ring seal 170 and a grip ring 171 that grips against the pipe 102A, 102B when the pipe 102A, 102B is pushed into the connector part 103A, 103B. The first connector part 103A, and the end of the first pipe 102A received by the connector part 103A, extends along a first longitudinal axis La. The second connector part 103B, and the end of the second pipe 102B received by the connector part 103B, extends along a second longitudinal axis Lb that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis La. The connector 101 further comprises a connecting fluid conduit 104 that fluidly connects the first and second connector parts 103A, 103B. In this respect, the fluid conduit 104 fluidly connects the first and second pipes 102A, 102B. The connecting fluid conduit 104 extends along a longitudinal path (Lc) , from a first end 104A, adjacent the first connector part 103A, to a second end 104B, adjacent the second connector part 103B. The connecting fluid conduit 104 has a right-angled (90°) bend 105, as it extends from its first end 104A to its second end 104B. In this respect, the right-angled bend 105 forms an elbow, with the connector 101 being an elbow connector 101. The longitudinal path Lc bends from being co-axial with the first longitudinal axis La, at the first end 104A of the conduit 104, to being co-axial with the second longitudinal axis Lb, at the second end 104B of the conduit 104. The longitudinal path Lc, along the longitudinal extent of the bend 105, is contained with a notional plane P (see Figure 6) . The notional plane P is parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes La, Lb, which each lie on the plane P. Apart from along the longitudinal extent (shown as between dashed lines XI and X2 on Figure 2B) of a reinforcement part 130 (described below), the connecting fluid conduit 104 has the general shape of a hollow bent cylinder. In this respect, apart from along the longitudinal extent of the reinforcement part 130, the conduit 104 has an outer wall 111 that is generally annular and centred on the longitudinal path Lc (i.e. the position of the longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position on the longitudinal path Lc) . Apart from along the longitudinal extent of the reinforcement part 130, a radially inner surface 112 of the outer wall 111 defines an internal bore 110 that has a circular cross-sectional shape centred on (and perpendicular to) the local direction of the longitudinal path Lc (i.e. the direction of the longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position on the longitudinal path Lc) . In order to prevent a failure on the inside 140 of the bend 105, due to a combination of Bourdon effect and hoop stress, from the pressure of the fluid flowing through the conduit 104, whilst still minimising material used, the connecting fluid conduit 104 comprises a reinforcement part 130 (see Figs. IB and 5) . The reinforcement part 130 extends length-wise along a part of the bend 105 between the dashed lines XI and X2 in Figure 2B. At each respective longitudinal position (i.e. at each position along the longitudinal path Lc) of the reinforcement part 130, the reinforcement part 130 has a lateral cross-sectional shape (i.e. a cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the local direction of the longitudinal path Lc, the local direction of the longitudinal path Lc being the direction of the longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position along the longitudinal path Lc) that comprises a first part 131 and a second part 132. The first and second parts 131, 132 are the circumferential parts of the connecting conduit 4 within the respective dashed boxes 131' and 132' in Figure 6 (within the longitudinal extent between XI and X2 on Figure 2B). The reinforcement part 130 has a substantially uniform lateral cross-sectional shape along its length. The first part 131 extends circumferentially, between first and second circumferential ends 131A and 131B, about the longitudinal path Lc. The first part 131 is annular and has a radially inner surface 131i that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path Lc, with a substantially constant radius (Rli) from the longitudinal path Lc. It will be appreciated that any reference to a radial distance from a point to the longitudinal path is to the (straight line) distance from that point to the local position of the longitudinal path Lc (i.e. the position of the longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position along the longitudinal path Lc) . It will be appreciated that the radial distance is in a plane perpendicular to the local direction of the longitudinal path Lc. The first part 131 has a radially outer surface 131o that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path Lc, with a substantially constant radius (Rio) from the longitudinal path Lc. The first part 131 extends circumferentially around the entire circumferential extent of the outside 141 of the bend 105, as well as around a circumferential portion of the inside 140 of the bend 105. The radially inner surface 131i of the first part 131 defines a notional circle 180, centred on the local longitudinal path Lc, and with radius Rli (see Fig. 6) . The first and second circumferential ends 131A, 131B of the first part 131 are aligned along a notional chord 181 of the notional circle 180. The notional chord 181 is substantially perpendicular to said notional plane P. The second part 132 extends circumferentially between a first circumferential end 132A, adjacent the first circumferential end 131A of the first part 131 and a second circumferential end 132B, adjacent the second circumferential end 131B of the first part 131. The second part 132 has a radially outer surface 132o that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path Lc, with a substantially constant radius (R2o) from the longitudinal path Lc. At each respective longitudinal position, the radius R2o of the outer surface 132o of the second part 132 is substantially equal to the radius Rio of the outer surface 131o of the first part 131. The second part 132 has a radially inner surface 132i. At each circumferential position (i.e. at each circumferential position about the longitudinal path Lc) along the second part 132, the radial distance (R2i) from the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132 to the longitudinal path Lc (i.e. to the local position of longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position) is less than the radius (Rli) of the inner surface 131i of the first part 131. It will be appreciated that, in the respective Figures, the radial distance (R2i) from the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132 to the longitudinal path Lc is only shown at one example respective circumferential position and that there will be a respective value for that radial distance (R2i) at each circumferential position. The second part 132 is on an inside 140 of the bend 105. In this respect the second part 132 is located in a half of the lateral cross-sectional shape (of the reinforcement part 130) that is adjacent to the inside 140 of the bend 105. With reference to Figure 6, a notional chord H is perpendicular to the notional plane P, the notional chord H passes through the centre of the notional circle 180 defined by the radially inner surface 131i of the first part 131 (i.e. through the local position of the longitudinal path Lc at the respective longitudinal position). The second part 132 is located in a circumferential half H' of the reinforcement part 130 that is on the side of the notional chord H that is adjacent the inside 140 of the bend 105. The second part 132 may reduce structural failure at the bend 105, in particular at the inside 140 of the bend 105, for example due to Bourdon effect and hoop stress, whilst minimising material within the overall connector 101. The advantages of minimising material may be reduced component weight and environmental impact. Preferably the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132 has a chord-wise length (Cl) (see Figure 4) that is greater than or equal to 10% of the radius of the inner surface of the first part, more preferably greater than or equal to 20% of the radius of the inner surface of the first part. In this respect, preferably the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132 has a chord-wise length (Cl) that is greater than or equal to 5% of the diameter of the notional circle 180 defined by the radially inner surface 131l of the first part 131, more preferably greater than or equal to 10% of the diameter of the notional circle 180 defined by the radially inner surface 131l of the first part 131. The chord-wise length (Cl) is the length in the direction of a notional chord 181 of the notional circle 180 defined by the radially inner surface 131l of the first part 131, wherein the notional chord 181 passes from the first circumferential end 132A of the second part 132 to the second circumferential end 132B of the second part 132. This range of chord-wise lengths of the second part 132 provides an efficient balance between material usage and increased strength to prevent structural failure at the bend 105. A middle part 132l' of the radially inner surface 132l is substantially flat. The substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to said notional chord 181 of the notional circle 180. The notional chord is substantially perpendicular to said notional plane P. The flat surface 132l' may provide for ease of manufacture. Alternatively, or additionally, it may prevent pressure loss in the connector 101. The radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132, and the second part 132 itself, is substantially symmetrical about said notional plane P. Towards each circumferential end 132A, 132B of the second part 132, the radial distance R2i from the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132 to the longitudinal path Lc increases to substantially equal the radius Rli of the inner surface 131i of the first part 131. This may reduce stress concentrations that would otherwise occur (e.g. if there was a step change in radii) and may prevent pressure loss in the connector 101. The increase in the radial distance R2i is such that at the circumferential ends 132A, 132B of the second part 132 and the adjacent circumferential ends 131A, 131B of the first part 131, the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132 and the radially inner surface 131i of the first part 131 form a rounded corner 190 (see Fig. IB). In this respect, towards each circumferential end 132A, 132B of the second part 132, the radial distance R2i from the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132 to the longitudinal path Lc increases to blend with the radius Rli of the inner surface 131i of the first part 131, at said circumferential end. The increase in the radial distance R2i is a continuous increase. Along the circumferential extent of the radially inner surface 132i of the second part 132, the second part 132 has a greater radial thickness (tnc) than the first part 131. Towards each circumferential end 132A, 132B of the second part 132, the radial thickness (tnc) of the second part 132 decreases to substantially equal the radial thickness (tRi)of the first part 131. In this respect, towards each circumferential end 132A, 132B of the second part, the radial thickness (Lrr) of the second part 132 tapers to substantially equal the radial thickness (tm) of the first part 131. The connecting fluid conduit 104 is made from a flexible material. In this respect, the connecting fluid conduit 104 is made from a flexible material that may otherwise flex and / or fracture under the pressure of fluid flowing through the connector. The flexible material may, for example, be a polymer. In the currently described embodiment, the connecting fluid conduit 104 is made from plastic. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used with any suitable type of material (e.g. metal, plastic, etc.) The connector 101 is made from a single piece of material. The first and second parts 131, 132 (of the reinforcement part 130) are made from a single piece of material. The first and second parts 131, 132 (of the reinforcement part 130) are unitarily formed with each other. In this respect, the reinforcement part 130 is part of the conduit 104. As shown in Figure 7, a section of the connector 101 that is forward of the reinforcing part 130, in the longitudinal direction, has a radially inner surface that is substantially circular, with a substantially constant radius that is greater than the radius Rli of the inner surface 131i of the first part 131. Referring to Figures 8A to 8D, there is shown a connector 201, 301, 401, 501 according to second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention, respectively. For the embodiments shown in Figures 8A to 8D, each embodiment corresponds to the connector 101 of the first embodiment, except for the differences described below. Corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals, but incremented by 100 relative to the previous embodiment. In each of the described embodiments, the radially inner surface 132i, 232i, 332i, 432i, 532i of the second part 132, 232, 332, 432, 532 and the second part 132, 232, 332, 432, 532 itself, is substantially symmetrical about said notional plane P. In the second embodiment of the connector 201, shown in Figure 8A, the connector 201 corresponds to the first embodiment 101 except in that the radially inner surface 232i of the second part 232 (of the reinforcing part 230) is a convex curve. In the third embodiment of the connector 301, shown in Figure 8B, the third embodiment of the connector 301 corresponds to the first embodiment 101 except in that the radially inner surface 332i of the second part 332 (of the reinforcing part 330) has first and second concave curves Cl, C2 on opposite lateral sides of the lateral cross-sectional shape. In the fourth embodiment of the connector 401, shown in Figure 8C, the connector 401 corresponds to the first embodiment 101 except in that the radially inner surface 432i of the second part 432 (of the reinforcing part 430) has a triangular shape. A vertex of the triangular shape lies on the notional plane P. In the fifth embodiment of the connector 501, shown in Figure 8D, the connector 501 corresponds to the first embodiment 101 except in that the radially inner surface 532i of the second part 532 (of the reinforcing part 530) has a concave shape. In each of the second to fifth embodiments, as with the first embodiment, the first part 231, 331, 431, 531 has a substantially constant internal radius (Rli) relative to the longitudinal path Lc. At each circumferential position along the second part 232, 332, 432, 532 the radial distance (R2i) from the radially inner surface 232i, 332i, 432i, 532i of the second part 232, 332, 432, 532 to the longitudinal path Lc is less than the internal radius (Rli) of the first part 231, 331, 431, 531. Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a water meter apparatus 500, in the form of a boundary box 500. The apparatus 500 comprises a manifold 501 comprising a stop valve 502, that is movable between an open position and a closed position, to selectively allow and prevent the flow of water past the valve 502 and a water meter connector 503, for connection to a water meter . The apparatus 500 comprises first and second connectors 101, 101' according to any of the above described embodiments of the invention. The second connecting part 103B of the first connector 101 is connected to a conduit 504 of the manifold 501 that is connected to the valve 502. The first connecting part 103A is for connection to a water pipe. The second connecting part 103B of the second connector 101' is connected to a conduit 505 of the manifold 501 that is connected to the water meter connector 503. The first connecting part 103A is for connection to a water pipe. In order to assemble the apparatus, the second connecting parts 103B of the connectors 101, 101' are connected to the respective manifold pipes 504, 505. The reinforcement part 130 of each connector 101, 101' provides the above stated advantages when used with the apparatus 500 . It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the described embodiments the connectors 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 are elbow connectors that comprises a right-angled (90°) bend 105. However, the invention is not limited to such elbow connectors and may be used with connectors that have bends of different angles, as well as connectors that have more than two connecting parts, for fluidly connecting more than two fluid conduits, for example T-connectors or Y-connectors. In the described embodiments, the connectors 101, 201, 301, 401,501 are for connecting water pipes. However, it will be appreciated that the connectors may be used to connect conduits of any type of fluid (e.g. liquid or gas). In the described embodiments, the connecting parts 103A, 103B are push-fit connecting parts. However, it will be appreciated that the connecting parts 103A, 103B may be of any type (e.g. push-fit, screw on, etc.). Similarly, in the described embodiments, the connecting parts 103A, 103B are male connecting parts. Alternatively they may be female connecting parts. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

1. A connector for fluidly connecting at least first and second fluid conduits, the connector comprising:a first connector part for connection to a first fluid conduit;a second connector part for connection to a second fluid conduit;a connecting fluid conduit that fluidly connects the first and second connector parts, the connecting fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal path, from a first end, adjacent the first connector part, to a second end, adjacent the second connector part;the connecting fluid conduit having a bend therein;wherein the connecting fluid conduit comprises a reinforcement part having, at a respective longitudinal position, a lateral cross-sectional shape that comprises:a first part comprising a radially inner surface that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path, with a substantially constant radius from the longitudinal path,anda second part comprising a radially inner surface, wherein a radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part.

2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the second part is on an inside of the bend.

3. A connector according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein at each circumferential position along the second part, the radial distance from a radially inner surface of the secondpart to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part.

4. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part extends circumferentially from a first circumferential end of the first part to a second circumferential end of the first part.

5. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the radially inner surface of the second part has a chord-wise length that is greater than or equal to 10% of the radius of the inner surface of the first part.

6. A connector according to claim 5, wherein towards at least one circumferential end of the second part, the radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path increases to substantially equal the radius of the inner surface of the first part.

7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein said increase in the radial distance is such that at the at least one circumferential end of the second part and the adjacent circumferential end of the first part, the radially inner surface of the second part and the radially inner surface of the first part form a rounded corner.8 . A connector according to any preceding claim wherein, along the circumferential extent of the radially inner surface of the second part, the second part has a greater radial thickness than the first part.

9. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second parts has a respective radially outer surface that has a substantially constant radius, along the circumferential extent of the respective first or second part, and wherein the radially outer surfaces of the first and second parts have substantially the same radius.

10. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the radially inner surface of the second part is substantially flat.ll. A connector according to claim 10, wherein the substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to a notional chord of a notional circle defined by the radially inner surface of the first part.

12. A connector according to claim 11, wherein the longitudinal path along the longitudinal extent of the bend is contained with a notional plane and the notional chord is substantially perpendicular to said notional plane.

13. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting fluid conduit is made from a flexible material.

14. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting fluid conduit is made from a single piece of material.

15. An apparatus comprising:a fluid conduit,anda connector according to any preceding claim,wherein an end of the fluid conduit is connected to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector .

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein:the fluid conduit is a first fluid conduit,and the apparatus comprises a second fluid conduit;wherein an end of the second fluid conduit is connected to the other of the first or second connector parts of the connector.

17. An apparatus according to either of claims 15 or 16, wherein the apparatus comprises:a manifold comprising a plurality of fluid conduits, andthe fluid conduit, that the connector is connected to, is a fluid conduit of the manifold.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:the connector is a first connector and the apparatus comprises a second connector according to any of claims 1 to 14;wherein the fluid conduit of the manifold, that the first connector is connected to, is a first fluid conduit,andwherein an end of a second fluid conduit of the manifold is connected to one of the first or second connector parts of the second connector.

19. An apparatus according to either of claims 17 or 18, wherein the manifold comprises a valve that is operable between an open and closed position, to respectively allow and prevent the flow of fluid through the valve.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the manifold comprises a fluid meter connector, for connection to a fluid meter.

21. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the fluid is water.

22. A kit of parts of a connector for fluidly connecting at least first and second fluid conduits, the kit of parts comprising:a first connector part for connection to a first fluid conduit;a second connector part for connection to a second fluid conduit;a connecting fluid conduit for fluidly connecting the first and second connector parts, the connecting fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal path, from a first end to a second end;the connecting fluid conduit having a bend therein;wherein the connecting fluid conduit comprises a reinforcement part having, at a respective longitudinal position, a lateral cross-sectional shape that comprises:a first part comprising a radially inner surface that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path, with a substantially constant radius from the longitudinal path,anda second part comprising a radially inner surface, wherein a radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part.

23. A kit of parts of an apparatus comprising:a fluid conduit,anda connector according to any of claims 1 to 14,wherein an end of the fluid conduit is connectable to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector .

24. A kit of parts according to claim 23, wherein the kit of parts comprises aa manifold comprising a plurality of fluid conduits;wherein an end of one or more of said fluid conduits is connectable to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector.

25. A method of assembling an apparatus comprising:a fluid conduit, anda connector;the connector comprising:a first connector part for connection to a first fluid conduit;a second connector part for connection to a second fluid conduit;a connecting fluid conduit that fluidly connects the first and second connector parts, the connecting fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal path, from a first end, adjacent the first connector part, to a second end, adjacent the second connector part;the connecting fluid conduit having a bend therein;wherein the connecting fluid conduit comprises a reinforcement part having, at a respective longitudinal position, a lateral cross-sectional shape that comprises:a first part comprising a radially inner surface that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal path, with a substantially constant radius from the longitudinal path,anda second part comprising a radially inner surface, wherein a radial distance from the radially inner surface of the second part to the longitudinal path is less than the radius of the inner surface of the first part;wherein the method comprises:connecting an end of the fluid conduit to one of the first or second connector parts of the connector.

26. A method of assembly of an apparatus according to claim 25, wherein:the fluid conduit is a first fluid conduit,and the apparatus comprises a second fluid conduit;wherein the method comprises:connecting an end of the second fluid conduit to the other of the first or second connector parts of the connector .

27. A method of assembly of an apparatus according to according to either of claims 25 or 26, wherein the apparatus comprises:a manifold comprising a plurality of fluid conduits,andthe fluid conduit, that the connector is connected to, is a fluid conduit of the manifold.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein:the connector is a first connector and the apparatus comprises a second connector according to any of claims 1 to 14;wherein the fluid conduit of the manifold, that thefirst connector is connected to, is a first fluid conduit,and5wherein the method comprises connecting an end of a second fluid conduit of the manifold to one of the first or second connector parts of the second connector.10 29. A method according to either of claims 27 or 28,wherein the manifold comprises a fluid meter connector, for connection to a fluid meter.15s

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