Adapter sleeve, adapter kit comprising the same, system including a fitting body and adapter kit, and method of use thereof

Abstract

Adapter Sleeve, Adapter Kit Comprising the Same, System Including A Fitting Body and Adapter Kit, and Method of Use Thereof An adapter sleeve 38 is provided for adapting a length of corrugated tubing 14 for use with a fitting body 12a. The length of corrugated tubing 14 has a maximum outer diameter 5 14a equivalent to or greater than an inner diameter 28 of the fitting body 12a. The adapter sleeve 38 has a fitting-engaging end 68, a pipe-engaging end 70 and a through-bore 60. The fitting-engaging end 68 is dimensioned to be in-use receivable within the fitting body 12a. The pipe-engaging end 70 defines a pipe-receiver 84 having a maximum internal dimension 86 which is greater than the maximum outer diameter 14a of the corrugated 10 tubing 14 for receiving the tubing 14 within the pipe-receiver 84. The through-bore 60 extends axially from the fitting-engaging end 68 to the pipe-engaging end 70.

Description

[0001] Adapter Sleeve, Adapter Kit Comprising the Same, System Including A Fitting Body and Adapter Kit, and Method of Use Thereof

[0002] The present invention relates to an adapter sleeve for adapting tubing for use with a fitting which has a smaller diameter than the tubing, and thus which is incompatible with a length of tubing. The present invention further relates to an adapter kit which includes the adapter sleeve. The present invention also relates to a system which includes a fitting body. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of using the adapter sleeve to adapt tubing for use with a fitting body which has a smaller diameter than the tubing.

[0003] When installing or servicing plumbing, it may be necessary to connect a length of tubing to a connector or fitting. However, if the length of tubing has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the fitting, the tubing and the fitting are incompatible. The user is therefore restricted to using smaller diameter tubing with the fitting. Yet, there exist scenarios in which using a length of tubing of greater diameter would be beneficial. One such scenario is wet underfloor heating.

[0004] Wet underfloor heating involves circulating a heated fluid, such as water, through loops of PEX tubing positioned beneath a floor and fluidly connected to at least one manifold. A higher flow rate through the tubing ensures a greater efficiency in heat transfer from the tubing to the floor. As such, it is desirable to increase the diameter of the tubing but this raises two issues. Firstly, the size of manifold ports is standardised which limits the maximum size of tubing that can be inserted into and engaged with a manifold port. The manifold port thus places an upper bound on the diameter of the tubing that can be used. Secondly, increasing the diameter of the PEX tubing increases the stiffness of the PEX tubing such that forming tight loops under the floor becomes more difficult or even impossible.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter sleeve for adapting a length of corrugated tubing for use with a fitting body, the length of corrugated tubing having a maximum outer diameter equivalent to or greater than an inner diameter of the fitting body, the adapter sleeve comprising: a fitting-engaging end dimensioned to be in-use receivable within the fitting body; a pipe-engaging end defining a pipe-receiver having a maximum internal dimension which is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the corrugated tubing for receiving the corrugated tubing within the pipe-receiver; and a through-bore extending axially from the fitting-engaging end to the pipe-engaging end.

[0007] The adapter sleeve is male at one end, for insertion into a fitting body and female at the other end for enclosing part of a length of tubing. The adapter sleeve enables a length of tubing to be connected to a fitting body, when the tubing and the fitting body are incompatible with one another by virtue of the tubing having a greater diameter than the fitting body. Preferably, the adapter sleeve may have a plurality of separate sleeve portions engageable with each other such that the adapter sleeve may be a multi-part adapter sleeve. A multi-part adapter sleeve is modular. Modularity means sleeve portions may be individually replaced, such as for customisability or in case of damage.

[0008] Furthermore, a said sleeve portion may comprise only one material. A single material simplifies manufacture. The risk of structural failure may be reduced, at least compared to a sleeve portion which is formed of two different materials.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, a said sleeve portion may comprise a first material and a second material distinct from the first material. Optionally, the adapter sleeve may comprise a first material and a second material distinct from the first material. Different materials have different physical properties which may be beneficial for different purposes. For instance, if the first material is a metal, such as copper or brass, metal may provide rigidity. If the second material is an elastomeric material, such as rubber, the elastomeric material may be or be more deformable. In turn, the elastomeric material may, when pressed into abutment with a surface, provide a better seal therewith. Elastomeric material may also be less susceptible to degradation, such as corrosion, than metal.

[0010] Additionally, the adapter sleeve may further comprise at least one sealing element. The sealing element may provide or improve a fluid-tight seal between parts of the adapter sleeve and / or between the adapter sleeve and another element, such as the fitting body.

[0011] Advantageously, the sealing element may be an O-ring for abutment against the fitting body. An O-ring is simple and easy to manufacture. An O-ring is shaped as a closed loop which prevents or inhibits any fluid leaks.

[0012] Preferably, the adapter sleeve may have a frusto-conical outer face dimensioned to in- use engage with a complementary frusto-conical inner face of the fitting body for providing a seal when the adapter sleeve is engaged with the fitting body. Complementary frusto-conical faces form male and female tapers. If exactly complementary in shape and size, this increases the surface area of contact between the fitting body and the adapter sleeve, and provides a fluid-tight seal. Additionally, the frusto-conical inner face has a range of diameters along the axis of the fitting body. This provides tolerance for accommodating adapter sleeves having frusto-conical outer faces of different dimensions.

[0013] Beneficially, the adapter sleeve may further comprise at least one protrusion in-use receivable within a corrugation groove of the corrugated tubing. The or each protrusion may provide or improve a fluid-tight seal between the adapter sleeve and the tubing. The or each protrusion may also help to engage with or hold corrugated tubing, to prevent or inhibit accidental disconnection.

[0014] Advantageously, the at least one protrusion may be deformable so as to be in-use inserted or further inserted within the corrugation groove. The or at least one protrusion may engage with the tubing, such as by entering a corrugation groove, only once it has been deformed, such as by the application of a force. Prior to deformation, the protrusion does not enter any corrugation grooves. This may facilitate the insertion of the tubing into the adapter sleeve. Alternatively, the or at least one protrusion may already engage with the tubing, such as by being received within a corrugation tubing prior to deformation. Deformability enables the protrusion to be flexible and thereby displaced when the tubing is moved further through the adapter sleeve. In other words, the protrusion may “click” over one or more corrugation grooves. The protrusion may even be shaped to function as a ratchet, enabling the tubing to be moved further in one axial direction but preventing or inhibiting movement in the opposite axial direction. If a force is applied to the protrusion, the protrusion may be moved further into the corrugation groove which may improve the fluid-tight seal further.

[0015] Optionally, the through-bore may taper axially along at least part of the adapter sleeve. The through-bore diameter may increase along the axis. A greater diameter increases the volume and / or rate of fluid that flows within the through-bore. If the taper is gradual and monotonic, this may improve the laminarity of the flow and / or prevent turbulence which is inefficient.

[0016] Preferably, the fitting body may be a manifold port of a manifold. The manifold is a connector which enables to split a flow into a plurality of sub-flows or combine a plurality of sub-flows into a single flow. If a plurality of underfloor heating loops are connected to a plurality of manifold ports of a common manifold, this may ensure fluid entering each loop in parallel has the same temperature. In turn, the floor temperature is more uniform, at least compared to a single loop running underneath the floor of a whole room, due to heat loss throughout the tubing causing a greater temperature difference between the ends of the tubing.

[0017] Optionally, the manifold port may have a manifold external thread which has a diameter of at most 26.5 millimetres. The manifold may be a %” manifold port which is a standard connector. Such a manifold port would have a manifold external thread having a diameter of 26.5 millimetres, corresponding to a male 3 / 4” British Standard Pipe (BSP) connector. The ease of manufacture or sourcing is increased.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter kit comprising: an adapter sleeve, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and at least one of: a thread-increaser and a nut, wherein the thread-increaser includes a thread-increaser internal thread for connecting to an external thread of the fitting body, and a thread-increaser external thread; and wherein the nut has a nut internal thread, the nut internal thread being engageable with the thread-increaser external thread, the thread-increaser for enabling a nut having a nut internal thread of greater diameter than the external thread of the fitting body to be connected to the fitting body via the thread-increaser.

[0019] The adapter sleeve may be provided together with a thread-increaser and / or a nut, if either or both are required. The user may already possess the thread-increaser or the nut.

[0020] The thread-increaser enables a nut to be engaged with the fitting body when the nut would be otherwise incompatible with the fitting body. The thread-increaser effectively increases the size of the screw-thread thread available to engage with the screw-thread of the nut. A thread-increaser increases the range of tubings and / or nuts that can be used, which increases flexibility.

[0021] The nut in-use holds the adapter sleeve securely or more securely abutted against the fitting body. The nut may also in-use cause or improve the engagement between the adapter sleeve and a length tubing, such as by applying a compressive force to the adapter sleeve. Thus, the nut indirectly or directly causes or enhances at least one fluid- tight seal between the adapter sleeve and the tubing and / or between the adapter sleeve and the fitting body. Furthermore, the thread-increaser internal thread may have a diameter of at least 23 millimetres. Optionally, the thread-increaser internal thread may have a diameter of between 23.5 millimetres and 25.5 millimetres. These diameters correspond to the dimensions of a %” female BSP thread. The thread-increaser internal thread is therefore compatible with a standardised fitting body.

[0022] Beneficially, the nut may further include a nut inner frusto-conical face. When the nut is translated towards and secured with the fitting body, the nut inner frusto-conical face may force a protrusion of the adapter sleeve into or further into a corrugation groove of the length of tubing.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising: an adapter kit, and at least one of: a length of corrugated tubing, and a fitting body. The adapter kit is preferably in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. The adapter sleeve together with a thread-increaser and / or a nut, may be further provided with the tubing, the fitting body or both. The user may already possess the length of tubing or the fitting body.

[0024] Furthermore, the fitting body may be an EN1254-2 fitting body. The fitting body has features and properties required to conform to the requirements laid down by the European Standard EN 1254-2.

[0025] Additionally, the fitting body may be a manifold port of a manifold. Optionally, the manifold port may have a manifold external thread which may have a diameter of at most 26.5 millimetres. The fitting body may be a %” manifold port, such as a manifold port of an underfloor heating manifold. A manifold is a standard fitting and the manifold port measurements are also standardised. Compared to bespoke fittings, standardised fittings are easy to source and cheaper, which may facilitate the ease and / or speed of manufacturing.

[0026] Furthermore, the length of corrugated tubing may have a maximum outer diameter which may be at least 21 millimetres. Preferably, the maximum outer diameter may be between 21 millimetres and 25 millimetres. Tubing having a greater diameter increases the efficiency of heat transfer as an increase in diameter results in a square increase in surface area.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adapting a length of corrugated tubing for use with a fitting body, the length of corrugated tubing having a diameter equivalent to or greater than an inner diameter of the fitting body, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an adapter sleeve, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, or an adapter kit, preferably in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, or a system, preferably in accordance with the third aspect of the invention; b] securing the thread-increaser to the fitting body by engaging the thread-increaser internal thread with an external thread of a fitting body for enabling the nut which has an nut internal thread of greater diameter than the external thread of the fitting body, to be secured to the fitting body via the threadincreaser; c] inserting into the nut and into the pipe-receiver a length of corrugated tubing having a maximum outer diameter equivalent to or greater than the inner diameter of the fitting body; d] inserting the fitting-engaging end into the fitting body before, during or after step c]; and e] securing the nut to the fitting body via engaging the nut internal thread with the thread-increaser external thread such that the adapter sleeve is positioned radially between the tubing and the nut, and the adapter sleeve is positioned axially between the fitting body, and the nut.

[0028] The user may have all parts except for the adapter sleeve, none of the parts, or any intermediate combination of parts. The method enables a length of tubing to be fluidly- connected to a fitting which is otherwise incompatible therewith.

[0029] Preferably, the adapter sleeve may have a frusto-conical outer face dimensioned to in- use engage with a complementary frusto-conical inner face of the fitting body for providing a seal when the adapter sleeve is engaged with the fitting body, and in step d] the frusto-conical outer face of the adapter sleeve may be abutted against the complementary frusto-conical inner face of the fitting body for providing a fluid-tight seal. Frusto-conical surfaces form tapers. If the tapers match in shape and size, this increases the surface area of contact between the adapter sleeve and the fitting body. A greater surface area of contact may provide or improve a fluid-tight seal.

[0030] Advantageously, the adapter sleeve may have at least one protrusion in-use receivable within a corrugation groove of the corrugated tubing. Optionally, the at least one protrusion may be deformable so as to be in-use inserted or further inserted within the corrugation groove. The protrusion may help hold the length of corrugated tubing, thereby preventing or inhibiting accidental disengagement of the tubing from the adapter sleeve. Depending on the shape and / or material properties of the protrusion, the protrusion may act as a ratchet, preventing or inhibiting disengagement of the tubing when the tubing is moved axially in one direction but permitting movement of the tubing in the opposite axial direction. Another benefit is that the protrusion may increase the surface area of contact between the adapter sleeve and the corrugated tubing. A greater surface area of contact may provide or improve a fluid-tight seal between the adapter sleeve and the corrugated tubing.

[0031] Preferably, the adapter sleeve may have at least one protrusion which may be deformable so as to be in-use inserted or further inserted within the corrugation groove, and in step e] securing the nut to the fitting body may result in the or a said deformable protrusion being deformed by a compressive force applied by the nut such that the deformable protrusion is inserted or further inserted into a corrugation groove of the corrugated tubing for providing or improving the engagement of the adapter sleeve with the corrugated tubing and / or for providing or improving a fluid-tight seal between the adapter sleeve and the corrugated tubing. The protrusion may be plastically deformable, in other words, non-reversibly deformable. Prior to deformation, the protrusion may be positioned such that the tubing can be inserted unhindered into the adapter sleeve. After deformation, the protrusion effectively locks the position or at least prevents further axial movement of the tubing relative to the adapter sleeve. The protrusion may act as a tooth or jaw closing in around the tubing. An elastically-deformable protrusion may however, be envisioned.

[0032] Additionally, the fitting body may be a manifold port of a manifold. The method may be used in relation to a manifold, for instance to provide underfloor heating.

[0033] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a top plan representation of a first embodiment of a system in accordance with the third aspect, the system comprising a manifold having a manifold port, a length of corrugated tubing, a secondary sleeve, and an adapter kit, in-use, in an assembled condition;

[0035] Figure 2 is an axial cut-away side representation of the system of Figure 1 , the cut-away being along line A-A in Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective representation of the adapter kit of Figure 1 , in an exploded condition;

[0037] Figure 4 shows a side representation of a thread-increaser of the adapter kit of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an axial cut-away side representation of the thread-increaser of Figure

[0038] 4;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a side representation of a nut of the adapter kit of Figure 3;

[0040] Figure 7 is an axial cut-away side representation of the nut of Figure 6;

[0041] Figure 8 shows a side representation of a first sleeve portion of an adapter sleeve of the adapter kit of Figure 3;

[0042] Figure 9 is an axial cut-away side representation of the first sleeve portion of Figure 8;

[0043] Figure 10 shows a side representation of a second sleeve portion of the adapter sleeve of the adapter kit of Figure 3;

[0044] Figure 11 is an axial cut-away side representation of the second sleeve portion of Figure 10;

[0045] Figure 12 is a perspective representation of the manifold and the thread-increaser of the system of Figure 1 , in-use, prior to engagement of the thread-increaser with a manifold port of the manifold in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention;

[0046] Figure 13 is a perspective representation of the manifold and the thread-increaser of the system of Figure 1 , in-use, after engagement of the thread-increaser with the manifold port of the manifold, and prior to the engagement of the first sleeve portion with manifold port;

[0047] Figure 14 is a perspective representation of the system of Figure 1 , in-use, after engagement of the first sleeve portion with manifold port, and prior to the engagement of the length of corrugated tubing with the first sleeve portion, with the second sleeve portion and the nut being received around the length of corrugated tubing;

[0048] Figure 15 is a perspective representation of the system of Figure 1 , in-use, after engagement of the second sleeve portion with the manifold port but prior to engagement of the nut with the thread-increaser;

[0049] Figure 16 shows a perspective representation of the system of Figure 1 , in-use, after assembly; Figure 17 illustrates a cut-away side representation of a second embodiment of a system in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, in-use, in an assembled condition; and

[0050] Figure 18 illustrates a cut-away side representation of a third embodiment of a system in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, in-use, in an assembled condition.

[0051] Referring firstly to Figure 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of a system indicated generally at 10. The system 10 includes a fitting 12 having a fitting body 12a, a length of tubing 14, and an adapter kit 16 but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Figure 2 illustrates an axial cutaway view taken along the line A-A in Figure 1 .The fitting body 12a is at least part of a fitting or connector to which it is desired to in-use connect the length of tubing 14, with the length of tubing 14 and the fitting body 12a being incompatible in the absence of the adapter kit 16 or part thereof.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the fitting 12 is a manifold, thus, the fitting body 12a is thus a said manifold port of the manifold. In the shown embodiment, the manifold has two manifold ports.

[0053] One exemplary fitting body 12a will be hereinafter described. However, it is understood that one or more further fitting bodies 12a may be similar or identical to the exemplary fitting body 12a. Thus, the common features and caveats that apply to the exemplary fitting body 12a may be provided in one or more further fitting bodies 12a.

[0054] The fitting body 12a in-use provides a conduit for fluid, such as water or gas. The fitting body 12a has a fitting-body inner channel 18, a fitting-body inner abutment face 20, a fitting-body outer surface 22, a fitting-body external thread 24, and a fitting axis 26, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The fitting body 12a is preferably an EN1254-2 fitting body. In other words, the fitting body 12a may be compliant with the requirements set by the European standard EN 1254-2.

[0055] The fitting-body inner channel 18, also referred to as a bore hole, is preferably circular in cross-section. As such, the fitting-body inner channel 18 may have a fitting-body inner diameter 28, shown as double-headed dashed arrow in Figure 2. Preferably, the fitting-body inner channel 18 may have a first inner channel subsection 18a and a second inner channel subsection 18b, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of either may be provided. Further channel subsections may be envisioned. The second inner channel subsection 18b has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the first inner channel subsection 18a.

[0056] In the specific illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the first inner channel subsection 18a is between 8 millimetres (mm) and 22 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 13 mm, and most preferably is 11 mm. Similarly, the inner diameter of the second inner channel subsection 18b is between 14mm and 22mm, more preferably between 17.5 mm and 18.5 mm, and most preferably is 18 mm. If there are no distinct inner channel subsections, the fitting-body inner diameter 28 of the fitting-body inner channel 18 may be between 8 mm and 22 mm, more preferably between 17.5 mm and 18.5 mm, and most preferably is 18 mm.

[0057] Preferably, the first inner channel subsection 18a transitions into the second inner channel subsection 18b along the fitting axis 26. Optionally, a shoulder 30 is formed at the transition between the first inner channel subsection 18a and the second inner channel subsection 18b.

[0058] The fitting-body inner abutment face 20 may be abutted or abuttable against at least part of the adapter kit 16. Preferably, the fitting-body inner abutment face 20 is complementarily shaped to at least part of the adapter kit 16.

[0059] In this case, the fitting-body inner abutment face 20 is frusto-conical. As such, the fittingbody inner abutment face 20 may be referred to as a frusto-conical inner face. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the fitting-body inner abutment face 20 increases along the fitting axis 26 from 16 mm to 25 mm. 25 mm corresponds to a %” BSP thread. Values outside of these ranges may be envisioned.

[0060] Furthermore, the fitting-body inner abutment face 20 may form an angle 21 with the fitting axis 26. The angle 21 may be between 10° and 85° but any value outside of this range may be envisioned. More preferably, the angle 21 may be between 20° and 70°, more preferably between 20° and 60°, even more preferably between 20° and 50°, and most preferably common angles such as 30° or 45°. In Figure 2, the angle 21 is preferably 30°. The fitting-body external thread 24 extends outwardly from the fitting-body outer surface 22. The fitting-body external thread 24 extends around the fitting axis 26. If the fitting body 12a is a manifold port, the fitting-body external thread 24 may be referred to as a manifold external thread. In the specific illustrated embodiment, the fitting-body external thread 24 may be a %” male BSP thread. In other words, the diameter of the fitting-body external thread 24 is at most 26.5 millimetres in the first embodiment.

[0061] The length of tubing 14 in-use provides a conduit for fluid. The length of tubing 14 is preferably corrugated tubing but non-corrugated tubing may be considered, for example for different use scenarios. Corrugated tubing may be easier to bend, at least compared to non-corrugated tubing. More preferably, the corrugated tubing is corrugated stainless steel tubing or CSST. Corrugated tubing 14 has at least one and preferably a plurality of corrugation peaks and corrugation grooves. Additionally, corrugations 14 may increase the surface area per unit of axial length. A greater surface area per unit of axial length enables a greater amount of heat to be transferred from the fluid to the floor. In other words, corrugated tubing has increased heat exchanging properties, at least compared to non-corrugated tubing of the same axial length. Furthermore, increasing the diameter of tubing results in a square increase in area. As such, it is beneficial to increase the diameter of the, preferably corrugated, tubing as much as possible as this will result in a greater surface area through which heat can be emitted. This leads to a further efficiency gain.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the length of corrugated tubing 14 preferably has a maximum outer diameter 14a. The maximum outer diameter 14a is preferably measured at a corrugation peak. More preferably, the maximum outer diameter 14a of the corrugated tubing 14 is measured on the external surface of the tubing 14 at a corrugation peak thereof. In Figure 2, the maximum outer diameter 14a is illustrated as a double-headed dashed arrow. The maximum outer diameter 14a is preferably equivalent to or greater than a fitting-body inner diameter 28 of the fitting body 12a. Preferably, the maximum outer diameter 14a is 10 mm, more preferably 20 mm, and even more preferably 21 mm. Any of the above mentioned values may be upper bounds, exact or substantially exact values, or lower bounds. Greater values of the maximum outer diameter of the tubing may be envisioned, such as 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm as lower bounds, exact or substantially exact values, or upper bounds, by way of examples only. In the first embodiment, the maximum outer diameter 14a is at least 21 millimetres, and more preferably between 21 millimetres and 25 millimetres. Optionally, the system 10 may further comprise a secondary sleeve 32. The secondary sleeve 32 is preferably positioned or positionable around the length of tubing 14. The secondary sleeve 32 may be formed at least in part of a non-conductive material. A non- conductive material may beneficially prevent or inhibit the risk of electrocution, by preventing or inhibiting direct contact between the user and the length of tubing 14, in case the length of tubing 14 is in contact with a source of electricity. The secondary sleeve 32 may also provide information about the tubing 14, such as dimensions, properties of the fluid such as temperature, and / or chemical composition.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 3, the adapter kit 16 in-use enables a length of tubing 14 to be securely fluidly communicable with the fitting body 12a which would otherwise be incompatible with the length of tubing 14. The adapter kit 16 includes at least one of and more preferably all of: a thread-increaser 34, a nut 36, and an adapter sleeve 38 but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

[0064] The thread-increaser 34 in-use enables a nut 36 to be connected to the fitting body 12a when the nut 36 would otherwise be incompatible for use with the fitting body 12a. In other words, the thread-increaser 34 provides an intermediary or an intermediate adapter. In yet other words, the thread-increaser 34 effectively provides a fitting-body external thread 24 of greater diameter. A benefit of the thread-increaser 34 is that the range of nuts 36 which can be used with the fitting body 12a is increased, providing more flexibility. Figures 4 and 5 show the thread-increaser 34 more clearly.

[0065] The thread-increaser 34, also referred to as a thread-increasing body or an intermediate adapter, has a thread-increaser body 40, and a thread-increaser axis 42. The threadincreaser body 40 has a thread-increaser internal thread 44 and a thread-increaser external thread 46 but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiments, the thread-increaser body 40 is preferably a flange, sleeve, ring or ring element 40. The internal and external threads of the ring element 40 may be referred to as a ring internal thread 44 and a ring external thread 46.

[0067] The thread-increaser internal thread 44 is in-use engageable with the fitting-body external thread 24 of the fitting body 12a. The diameter of the thread-increaser internal thread 44 is preferably complementary to or matching the fitting-body external thread 24. Preferably in the shown embodiment, the thread-increaser internal thread 44 is a %” female BSP thread. The thread-increaser internal thread 44 preferably has a diameter of at least 20 millimetres, and more preferably at least 23 millimetres. Most preferably, the thread-increaser internal thread 44 has a diameter of between 23.5 millimetres and 25.5 millimetres.

[0068] The thread-increaser external thread 46 is in-use engageable with the nut 36. The thread-increaser external thread 46 is spaced apart from the thread-increaser internal thread 44 by a thickness 48. Preferably, the thread-increaser external thread 46 and the thread-increaser internal thread 44 are concentric around thread-increaser axis 42.

[0069] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the nut 36. The nut 36 has a nut body 50, a nut internal thread 52, a nut inner surface 54, and a nut axis 56, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

[0070] The nut internal thread 52 is in-use complementary to and thus engageable with the thread-increaser external thread 46. The nut internal thread 52 has a diameter matching or substantially matching the diameter of the thread-increaser external thread 46. Thus, the nut internal thread 52 has a greater diameter than the diameter of the fitting-body external thread 24 of the fitting body 12a. Thus, the thread-increaser 34 enables the nut 36 having a nut internal thread 52 of greater diameter than the fitting-body external thread 24 of the fitting body 12a to be connected to the fitting body 12a via the threadincreaser 34.

[0071] The nut inner surface 54 preferably tapers along at least part of the nut axis 56. Preferably the nut inner surface 54 is or has a frusto-conical face. The frusto-conical face may be at or adjacent a distal end of the nut. For clarity, herein and throughout any feature or part of a feature which faces or is adjacent to the fitting 12 may be referred to “proximal”. Any feature or part of a feature which faces away from or is away from the fitting 12 may be referred to “distal”. Any of the above mentioned axes may correspondingly have a proximal direction and a distal direction.

[0072] As the frusto-conical face is internal, the frusto-conical face may be referred to as a nut inner frusto-conical face 58 for clarity. The nut inner frusto-conical face 58 forms a tapering surface. In other words, at the nut inner frusto-conical face 58, the inner diameter of the nut 36 decreases along the nut axis 56. The decreasing diameter enables the nut 36 to apply a compressive force to the adapter sleeve 38 when the nut 36 is translated towards and engaged with the thread-increaser 34. The adapter sleeve 38 in-use adapts the length of tubing 14 for use or to use with a fitting body 12a. As the length of tubing 14 preferably has a maximum outer diameter 14a which is incompatible with the fitting body 12a, the adapter sleeve 38 may be referred to as a coupler, a reducer or a reducing fitting. Specifically, the maximum outer diameter 14a is preferably equivalent to or greater than an inner diameter of the fitting body 12a. Where the inner diameter of the fitting body 12a varies along its fitting axis 26, the maximum outer diameter 14a is preferably equivalent to or greater than the maximum diameter 28 of the fitting-body inner channel 18 of the fitting body 12a. Preferably, the adapter sleeve 38 has a through-bore 60, a plurality of separate sleeve portions 62, at least one sealing element 64, and at least one protrusion 66, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

[0073] The plurality of separate sleeve portions 62 may be engageable or co-operable with each other. In other words, the adapter sleeve 38 is preferably a multi-part adapter sleeve. In the first embodiment, the adapter sleeve 38 has a first sleeve portion 62a and a second sleeve portion 62b, but alternative numbers of sleeve portions may be envisioned, such as one or at least three. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the first sleeve portion 62a. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the second sleeve portion 62b.

[0074] The adapter sleeve 38 may include any number of materials, including one, or at least two. If the adapter sleeve 38 comprises a first material and a second material, the second material may be distinct from the first material. More preferably, at least one said sleeve portion 62 may comprise only one material. Alternatively or additionally, at least one said sleeve portion 62 may be formed of at least two distinct materials.

[0075] The adapter sleeve 38 also preferably has a fitting-engaging end 68, a pipe-engaging end 70, and a sleeve axis 71 , but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. In the first embodiment, the first sleeve portion 62a includes the fitting-engaging end 68 and the second sleeve portion 62b includes the pipeengaging end 70. Optionally, the first sleeve portion 62a may be the fitting-engaging end 68 and / or the second sleeve portion 62b may be the pipe-engaging end 70.

[0076] Referring back to Figures 8 and 9, the first sleeve portion 62a has at least one and preferably a plurality of first-sleeve-portion internal faces 72, a first-sleeve-abutment face 73 and a first-sleeve-portion terminal face 74.

[0077] The first-sleeve-portion terminal face 74 is preferably abuttable against the shoulder 30.

[0078] At least one of the first-sleeve-abutment face 73 and one of the first-sleeve-portion internal faces 72 is preferably complementarily dimensioned so as to be engageable with the second sleeve portion 62b. The first-sleeve-portion terminal face 74 is preferably a terminal surface but may alternatively be any other desirable geometry, such as a point or a rim by way of examples only. In the illustrated embodiment, a section of the first- sleeve-portion internal faces 72 tapers axially outwardly towards the direction of first- sleeve-abutment face 73, which helps to improve the laminarity of the fluid flow and / or prevent turbulence. The taper is preferably frusto -coni cal.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the first-sleeve-abutment face 73 tapers axially, and more preferably is frusto-conical. The first-sleeve-abutment face 73 may be preferably formed of a metal, such as brass or copper.

[0080] The fitting-engaging end 68 is dimensioned to be in-use receivable or received within the fitting body 12a. In other words, at least part of the fitting-engaging end 68 has a shape and size so that the fitting-engaging end 68 can be received within the fitting body 12a, and more preferably within the fitting-body inner channel 18. The fitting-engaging end 68 may alternative be considered to be a male end or male taper.

[0081] Furthermore, the adapter sleeve 68 may have an outer surface. More preferably, the fitting-engaging end 68 and / or first sleeve portion 62a has an outer surface 76. Optionally, the outer surface 76 may be formed of a plurality of outer faces 78. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three such outer faces 78 but any alternative number may be considered, such as none, one, two, three or at least four. For clarity, the outer faces 78 may be referred to as first outer face 78a, second outer face 78b, and third outer face 78c. Further faces may be similarly incrementally numbered. The second outer face 78b is preferably positioned axially between the first outer face 78a and the third outer face 78c. At least one of the outer faces 78, preferably the second outer face 78b, is dimensioned to complementary match or engage the fitting-body inner abutment face 20 of the fitting body 12a, such as by also being frusto-conical. Matching tapers may form a seal when the adapter sleeve 38 is abutted against the fitting body 12a. For clarity, the outer face 78 of the first sleeve portion 62a which is frusto-conical may be referred to as a frusto-conical outer face 78.

[0082] Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , the second sleeve portion 62b preferably has a second- sleeve-portion internal face 80, a second-sleeve-portion abutment face 81 , and a second-sleeve-portion external face 82, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The second-sleeve-portion abutment face 81 is preferably complementarily dimensioned and shaped so as to be engageable with the first-sleeve-abutment face 73. In the illustrated embodiment, the second-sleeve-portion abutment face 81 tapers axially, and more preferably is frusto-conical. The second-sleeve-portion abutment face 81 may be formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber.

[0083] The pipe-engaging end 70 in-use engages with or holds the length of tubing 14. Preferably, the pipe-engaging end 70 is generally located at the axially opposite end of the adapter sleeve 38 from the fitting-engaging end 68. The fitting-engaging end 68 may be considered to be a female end. The pipe-engaging end 70 defines a pipe-receiver 84. The pipe-receiver 84 has a, preferably maximum, internal dimension 86, illustrated in Figure 11 as a double headed dashed arrow. The preferably maximum, internal dimension 86 is more preferably a diameter. The, preferably maximum, internal diameter or dimension 86 of the pipe-receiver 84 may be greater than the maximum outer diameter 14a of the corrugated tubing 14. This enables the corrugated tubing 14 to be inserted into the pipe-receiver 84. The, preferably maximum, internal diameter or dimension 86 of the pipe-receiver 84 is preferably at least equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the fitting-engaging end 68. In the first embodiment, the maximum internal diameter 86 of the pipe-receiver 84 is greater than an outer diameter of the first outer face 78a of the first sleeve portion 62a. Furthermore, the, preferably maximum, internal diameter or dimension 86 of the pipe-receiver 84 is preferably at least equal to or greater than the fitting-body inner diameter 28 of the fitting body 12a. Furthermore, the, preferably maximum, internal diameter or dimension 86 of the pipe-receiver 84 is preferably at least equal to or greater than the maximum fitting-body inner diameter 28 of the fitting-body inner channel 18 of the fitting body 12a.

[0084] The through-bore 60 in-use provides a conduit through the adapter sleeve 38 for fluid. The through-bore 60 extends axially from the fitting-engaging end 68 to the pipeengaging end 70. The diameter of the through-bore 60 may vary axially along the sleeve axis 71 of the adapter sleeve 38. Optionally, the through-bore 60 may taper axially along at least part of the adapter sleeve 38. For example, the diameter of the through-bore 60 at or adjacent the fitting-engaging end 68 may be smaller than the diameter of the through-bore 60 at or adjacent the pipe-engaging end 70.

[0085] The sealing element 64 in-use provides or improves a fluid-tight seal between any two parts of the system 10. More preferably, the or at least one of a plurality of sealing elements 64 may be provided where the adapter sleeve 38 in-use engages with the fitting body 12a. The sealing element 64 in the first embodiment includes at least one O-ring, but any non-O-ring may be envisioned. For example, part of a sealing element may be D-shaped instead of circular in axial cross-section.

[0086] The or a said sealing element 64 is preferably formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber. A said sealing element 64 is preferably provided at the fitting-engaging end 68 but away from fitting-engaging end may be alternatively or additionally envisioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 64 is positioned or positionable for abutment against the fitting body 12a. Additionally or alternatively, a sealing element 64 may be provided as part of the fitting body 12a for abutment against the adapter sleeve 38. As the adapter sleeve 38 has a plurality of sleeve portions 62 in the first embodiment, the or a said sealing element 64 may be associated with the first sleeve portion 62a and / or with the second sleeve portion 62b.

[0087] Optionally, the adapter sleeve 38 may have one or more receiving grooves 88. A said sealing element 64 may be positioned or positionable within the or a said receiving groove 88. Optionally, a sealing element 64 may be provided at the abutment between the first sleeve portion 62a and the second sleeve portion 62b. In the first embodiment, second-sleeve-portion abutment face 81 may be formed at least in part of an elastomeric material, such as rubber. The first-sleeve-abutment face 73 may be formed of metal. The abutment of elastomeric material against metal may provide a sealing element 64.

[0088] The at least one protrusion 66 in-use enables or improves the engagement between the adapter sleeve 38 and the corrugated tubing 14. The at least one protrusion may additionally in-use provide or improve a fluid-tight seal. The, each or at least one protrusion 66 is in-use receivable or received within a corrugation groove of the corrugated tubing 14. The, each or at least one protrusion 66 may be formed at least in part of a deformable material. Thus, a protrusion 66 may be deformable so as to be in- use inserted or inserted further within the corrugation groove, for example, under the application of a force. A live hinge 90 may be provided to facilitate deformation of a protrusion 66. The or each protrusion 66 may help to hold the corrugated tubing 14. Optionally, a protrusion 66 may act as a ratchet, permitting the corrugated tubing 14 to be moved in one axial direction through the adapter sleeve 38 but be prevented or inhibited from moving in the opposite direction by the protrusion 66. The at least one protrusion 66 may have a shape such that the protrusion 66 extends into a corrugation groove. The at least one protrusion 66 may alternatively only extend into a corrugation groove after being deformed. At least one protrusion 66 may taper axially and / or radially. At least one, and preferably a plurality of protrusions 66 may in-use form teeth.

[0089] Any component of the system 10 may be formed of any or any combination of materials. The material or materials may be any of: metal, plastics, glass, card, glass fibre, carbon fibre, wood, any other suitable material, and any combination thereof. Plastics material may include an elastomeric material, such as rubber or silicone. Metal may include brass and / or copper. The term “metal” is intended to also include alloys. Any part of the system 10 may comprise a first material and a second material distinct from the first material. One or more further materials may easily be considered.

[0090] In-use, the user obtains a system 10, preferably as a kit of parts. Any parts of the system 10 maybe omitted, for example, if the fitting body, tubing or any other part of the system is already installed and / or in the user’s possession. Thus, the user may obtain an adapter sleeve 38 or an adapter kit 16 or a system 10, as required.

[0091] If not already installed, the fitting body 12a is installed. In the case of underfloor heating, the fitting 12 may be a manifold having at least one manifold port. The manifold is installed. The manifold is connected to a source of fluid, here the water mains.

[0092] The user then adapts a length of, preferably corrugated, tubing 14 for use with a fitting body 12a. The length of corrugated tubing 14 preferably has a diameter equivalent to or greater than an inner diameter of the fitting body 12a. In other words, in the absence of the adapter sleeve 38, the tubing 14 is incompatible for use with the fitting body 12a.

[0093] Before, during or after installation of the fitting body 12a, the thread-increaser 34 is secured or engaged with a fitting body 12a. Preferably, securing or engaging the threadincreaser 34 with the fitting body 12a involves moving and engaging the thread-increaser internal thread 44 with the fitting-body external thread 24 of the fitting body 12a to secure the thread-increaser 34 to the fitting body 12a, as per Arrow B in Figure 12.

[0094] The adapter sleeve 38 or part thereof may engage with the fitting body 12a before, during or after connecting the adapter sleeve 38 with the tubing 14. Connecting the adapter sleeve 38 with the fitting body 12a involves inserting the fitting-engaging end 68 into the fitting body 12a. Thus, the user may insert the fitting-engaging end 68 into the fitting body 12a before, during or after engaging the adapter sleeve 38 with the tubing 14. In the first embodiment, the adapter sleeve 38 is a multi-part adapter sleeve having a plurality of sleeve portions 62. Sleeve portions 62 may be engaged in any order: with each other, with the fitting body 12a, with the length of tubing 14, and with the nut 36.

[0095] As shown in Figure 13, the first sleeve portion 62a and / or the fitting-engaging end 68 of the adapter sleeve 38, is at least in part inserted into the fitting body 12a, as indicated by Arrow C.

[0096] The length of tubing 14 is inserted into the pipe-receiver 84 before, or preferably after inserting the length of tubing 14 through the nut 36. Thus, the pipe-engaging end 70 is engaged with the length of tubing 14.

[0097] If the adapter sleeve 38 has any protrusions 66, the, each or at least one said protrusion 66 may be inserted into a corrugation groove. The or each protrusion 66 may provide or improve the engagement of the adapter sleeve 38 with the corrugated tubing 14. The or each protrusion 66 may also provide or improve a fluid-tight seal between the adapter kit 16 or at least adapter sleeve 38 thereof, and the tubing 14.

[0098] In Figure 14, an end of the length of tubing 14 is aligned with and moved towards the fitting body 12a, as per Arrow D. In Figure 15, the length of tubing 14 is engaged with the fitting body 12a via the adapter sleeve 38. As the adapter sleeve 38 is a multi-part adapter sleeve in the first embodiment, the first sleeve portion 62a and the second sleeve portion 62b are engaged or abutted against each other, here by abutting the second- sleeve-portion abutment face 81 against the first-sleeve-abutment face 73. The abutment of the frusto-conical faces 73,81 may beneficially provide a fluid-tight seal.

[0099] Similarly, abutment of the fitting-body inner abutment face 20 of the fitting body 12a against the adapter sleeve 38, and more preferably the frusto-conical outer face 78 thereof may beneficially provide a fluid-tight seal.

[0100] The user then moves the nut 36 towards the fitting body 12a as per Arrow E in Figure 15.

[0101] The user secures the nut 36 to the fitting body 12a via engaging the nut internal thread 52 with the thread-increaser external thread 46. Thus, the adapter sleeve 38 is positioned axially between the fitting body 12a, and at least part of the nut 36. More preferably, the adapter sleeve 38 is positioned axially between the fitting body 12a, and the nut inner frusto-conical face 58 of the nut 36. When the system 10 is in a fully installed condition, the adapter sleeve 38 is also positioned radially between the tubing 14 and the nut 36. If the adapter sleeve has a protrusion 66 which is deformable, securing the nut 36 to the fitting body 12a may result in the nut 36 applying a force, preferably a compressive force, to at least part of the adapter sleeve 38. The force may result in the or at least one said deformable protrusion 66 being deformed so as to be inserted or inserted further into a corrugation groove. The live hinge 90 may facilitate deformation. The Figures do not show deformable protrusion 66 after deformation. Once again, the, each or at least one protrusion 66, at least following deformation, provides or improves the engagement of the adapter kit 16 or adapter sleeve 38 thereof, with the corrugated tubing 14. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion 66, at least following deformation, provides or improves a fluid-tight seal between the adapter kit 16 or adapter sleeve 38 thereof, and the corrugated tubing 14. Thus, the adapter sleeve 38 enables the nut 36 which has a nut internal thread 52 of greater diameter than the fitting-body external thread 24 of the fitting body 12a, to be secured to the fitting body 12a via the thread-increaser 34.

[0102] Although not shown in the Figures, it is understood that deforming part of the adapter sleeve 38 in an at least partly radially inwards direction may reduce an outer diameter and / or an inner diameter of at least part of the adapter sleeve 38.

[0103] Once installed, the system 10 is ready for use. If the intended use is altering the floor temperature, fluid flows through the fitting body 12a, adapter sleeve 38, nut 36 and tubing 14. If the fluid is heated fluid, heat transfers from the fluid within the tubing 14 to the floor. The greater the surface area of tubing, due to being corrugated and / or having a greater diameter, the greater the efficiency in heat transfer.

[0104] Referring now to Figure 17, there is shown a second embodiment of a system 110. Features of the second embodiment which are the same or similar to those of the first embodiment, have similar reference numerals with the prefix “1” added.

[0105] The second embodiment of the system 110 is similar to the first embodiment of the system 10, having same or similar fitting 112 having a fitting body 112a, the fitting body 112a being a manifold port, a length of tubing 114, the tubing 114 being corrugated tubing, the adapter kit 116, secondary sleeve 132, the adapter kit 116 have a threadincreaser 134, a nut 136 and an adapter sleeve 138, the adapter sleeve 138 having a through-bore 160, at least one sealing element 164, and at least one protrusion 166, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The caveats of the first embodiment apply to the second embodiment. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. In the second embodiment, the adapter sleeve 138 is not a multi-part adapter sleeve. In other words, the adapter sleeve 138 does not comprises a plurality of separate sleeve portions. Instead, the adapter sleeve 138 is preferably monobloc or a one-piece. If comprising sleeve portions, the sleeve portions are non-separable from one another. Optionally, the adapter sleeve 138 of the second embodiment may be formed of only one material but more than one material may be envisioned.

[0106] The uses of the second embodiment are similar or the same as the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps and caveats is omitted for brevity.

[0107] In the second embodiment, there are no separate sleeve portions. As such, the whole adapter sleeve 138 may be connected to the tubing 114 before engagement with the fitting body 112a. Alternatively, the whole adapter sleeve 138 may be engaged with the fitting body 112a before inserting the tubing 114 into the adapter sleeve 138.

[0108] Referring now to Figure 18, there is shown a third embodiment of a system 210. Features of the third embodiment which are the same or similar to those of the first or second embodiments, have similar reference numerals with the prefix “2” added or replacing the previous prefix.

[0109] The third embodiment of the system 210 is similar to the first and second embodiments of the system 10, having same or similar fitting body 212a, length of tubing 214, the tubing 214 being corrugated tubing 214, the adapter kit 216, secondary sleeve 232, the adapter kit 216 have a thread-increaser 234, a nut 236, and an adapter sleeve 238, the adapter sleeve 238 having a through-bore 260, at least one sealing element 264, and at least one protrusion 266, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The caveats of the first and second embodiments apply to the third embodiment. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity.

[0110] In the third embodiment, the fitting body is not a manifold port of a manifold. Instead, the fitting body 212a is a more general fitting or connector. General connectors may include a T-shaped connector or a linear connector for connecting end to end two lengths of tubing 214, by way of examples.

[0111] Whilst in the third embodiment, the adapter sleeve 238 is a multi-part adapter sleeve similar to the first embodiment, it could easily be envisioned that the multi-part adapter sleeve may be replaced with an adapter sleeve of the second embodiment. The uses of the third embodiment are similar or the same as the first and / or second embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps and caveats is omitted for brevity.

[0112] Whilst in any of the above embodiment, a preferred value or range of values may have been specified, alternative values or ranges may be envisioned. For instance, any of: the fitting-body inner diameter of the fitting-body inner channel, the inner diameter of the first inner channel subsection, the inner diameter of a second inner channel subsection, a diameter of the fitting-body inner abutment face, a diameter of the fitting-body outer surface, the diameter of the fitting-body external thread, the maximum outer diameter of the corrugated tubing, the diameter of the thread-increaser internal thread, the diameter of the thread-increaser internal thread, and the diameter of the nut internal thread, may be 10 millimetres (mm), more preferably 20 mm, even more preferably 21 mm and most preferably 22 mm. Any of the above mentioned values may be upper bounds, exact or substantially exact values, or lower bounds. However, for any of the above, values below 20 mm and / or values greater than 22 mm may be envisioned, such as 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm as lower bounds, exact or substantially exact values or upper bounds, by way of examples only.

[0113] Whilst in all the above embodiments, the maximum outer diameter of the tubing is equal or greater than the fitting-body inner diameter, it could be envisioned that the maximum outer diameter of the tubing is equal or greater than a diameter of: the fitting-body inner abutment face and / or fitting-body outer surface instead.

[0114] In the present embodiments, the system preferably includes all of: the adapter sleeve, the nut, the thread-increaser, the length of tubing, the secondary sleeve, and the fitting body. However, it may be envisioned that the system may comprise any combination of the following features: the adapter sleeve, the nut, the thread-increaser, the length of tubing, the secondary sleeve, and the fitting body. Thus, it could be envisioned that the system may comprise: an adapter sleeve, and at least one of: a length of corrugated tubing, and a fitting body.

[0115] Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments and / or to one of the features may easily be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments and / or features.

[0116] 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.

[0117] It is therefore possible to provide an adapter sleeve which enables a length of, preferably corrugated, tubing to be connected to a fitting body, with the fitting body and the tubing being dimensioned such that fitting body and the tubing are otherwise incompatible with each other. The adapter sleeve has an end which in insertable into the fitting body, and another end into which the tubing is insertable.

[0118] It is therefore possible to provide an adapter kit which enables a nut and a length of tubing having dimensions otherwise incompatible with a fitting body, to be used with the fitting body. Thus, the range of possible connectors and diameters of tubing that can be used in a particular scenario is increased, which provides flexibility. The number and / or range of fittings that a user, such as a plumber, is required to have in their possession can be reduced, saving space, effort and reducing costs. The increase in range is enabled by virtue of having a thread-increaser and / or nut compatible with the threadincreaser. The thread-increaser connects to an external thread of the fitting body and in turn provides an outer thread, to which an inner thread of the nut can be engaged.

[0119] It is further possible to provide a system which enables a length of tubing to be connected to a fitting in a fluid-tight manner, regardless of the diameter of the tubing relative to the fitting body. This is enabled by the system including at least an adapter sleeve, and more preferably an adapter kit which includes an adapter sleeve.

[0120] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method of adapting a length of tubing for use with a fitting body, with the tubing and the fitting body being incompatible in the absence of the adapter kit or at least the adapter sleeve thereof.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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

Claims1. An adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) for adapting a length of corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) for use with a fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a), the length of corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214;) having a maximum outer diameter (14a) equivalent to or greater than an inner diameter (28) of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a), the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) comprising: a fitting-engaging end (68) dimensioned to be in-use receivable within the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a); a pipe-engaging end (70) defining a pipe-receiver (84) having a maximum internal dimension (86) which is greater than the maximum outer diameter (14a) of the corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) for receiving the corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) within the pipe-receiver (84); and a through-bore (60; 160; 260) extending axially from the fitting-engaging end (68) to the pipe-engaging end (70).

2. An adapter sleeve (38;238) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the adapter sleeve (38; 238) has a plurality of separate sleeve portions (62) engageable with each other such that the adapter sleeve (38; 238) is a multi-part adapter sleeve.

3. An adapter sleeve (38; 238) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a said sleeve portion (62) comprises only one material.

4. An adapter sleeve (38; 238) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein a said sleeve portion (62) comprises a first material and a second material distinct from the first material.

5. An adapter sleeve (38; 238) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter sleeve (38; 238) comprises a first material and a second material distinct from the first material.

6. An adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) further comprising at least one sealing element (64; 164; 264).

7. An adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sealing element (64; 164; 264) is an O-ring for abutment against the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a).

8. An adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) has a frusto-conical outer face (78) dimensioned to in-use engage with a complementary frusto-conical inner face of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) for providing a seal when the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) is engaged with the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a).

9. An adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprises at least one protrusion (66; 166; 266) in-use receivable within a corrugation groove of the corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214).

10. An adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one protrusion (66; 166; 266) is deformable so as to be in-use inserted or further inserted within the corrugation groove.11 . An adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-bore (60; 160; 260) tapers axially along at least part of the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238).

12. An adapter sleeve (38; 138) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting body (12a; 112a) is a manifold port of a manifold, and optionally, the manifold port has a manifold external thread (24) which has a diameter of at most 26.5 millimetres.

13. An adapter kit (16; 116; 216) comprising: an adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and at least one of: a thread-increaser (34; 134; 234) and a nut (36; 136; 236), wherein the thread-increaser (34; 134; 234) includesa thread-increaser internal thread (44) for connecting to an external thread (24) of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a), and a thread-increaser external thread (46); and wherein the nut (36; 136; 236) has a nut internal thread (52), the nut internal thread (52) being engageable with the thread-increaser external thread (46), the thread-increaser (34; 134; 234) for enabling a nut (36; 136; 236) having a nut internal thread (52) of greater diameter than the external thread (24) of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) to be connected to the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) via the thread-increaser (34; 134; 234).

14. An adapter kit (16; 116; 216) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the thread-increaser internal thread (44) has a diameter of at least 23 millimetres, and optionally, the thread-increaser internal thread (44) has a diameter of between 23.5 millimetres and 25.5 millimetres.

15. An adapter kit (16; 116; 216) as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the nut (36; 136; 236) further includes a nut inner frusto-conical face (58).

16. A system comprising: an adapter kit (16; 116; 216) as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, and at least one of: a length of corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214), and a fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a).

17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) is an EN 1254-2 fitting body.

18. A system as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the fitting body (12a; 112a) is a manifold port of a manifold and optionally, the manifold port has a manifold external thread (24) which has a diameter of at most 26.5 millimetres.

19. A system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the length of corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) has a maximum outer diameter (14a) which is at least 21 millimetres.

20. A system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the maximum outer diameter (14a) is between 21 millimetres and 25 millimetres.21 . A method of adapting a length of corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) for use with a fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a), the length of corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) having a diameter equivalent to or greater than an inner diameter (28) of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a), the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 or an adapter kit (16; 116; 216) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 or a system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20; b] securing the thread-increaser (34; 134; 234) to the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) by engaging the thread-increaser internal thread (44) with an external thread (24) of a fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) for enabling the nut (36; 136; 236) which has a nut internal thread (52) of greater diameter than the external thread (24) of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a), to be secured to the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) via the thread-increaser (34; 134; 234); c] inserting into the nut (36; 136; 236) and into the pipe-receiver (84) a length of corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) having a maximum outer diameter (14a) equivalent to or greater than the inner diameter (28) of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a); d] inserting the fitting-engaging end (68) into the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) before, during or after step c]; and e] securing the nut (36; 136; 236) to the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) via engaging the nut internal thread (52) with the thread-increaser external thread (46) such that the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) is positioned radially between the tubing (14; 114; 214) and the nut (36; 136; 236), and the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) is positioned axially between the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a), and the nut (36; 136; 236).

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) is the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) of claim 8, and in step d] the frusto-conical outer face (78) of the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) is abutted against the complementary frusto-conical inner face of the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) for providing a fluid-tight seal.

23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) is the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) of claim 9 or claim 10.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) is the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) of claim 10 and in step e] securing the nut (36; 136; 236) to the fitting body (12a; 112a; 212a) results in the or a said deformable protrusion (66; 166; 266) being deformed by a compressive force applied by the nut (36; 136; 236) such that the deformable protrusion (66; 166; 266) is inserted or further inserted into a corrugation groove of the corrugated tubing (14; 114;214) for providing or improving the engagement of the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) with the corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214) and / or for providing or improving a fluid-tight seal between the adapter sleeve (38; 138; 238) and the corrugated tubing (14; 114; 214).

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the fitting body (12a; 112a) is a manifold port of a manifold.

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