Plumbing fitting accessory
AssigneeAalberts Integrated Piping Systems Limited
InventorsRichard Timothy Nortcliffe, Alasdair Worsley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A protective cap for a plumbing fitting is disclosed. The plumbing fitting has a body having a cavity with a flow path extending therethrough. The protective cap comprises a sealing surface. In a first mode the sealing surface is configured to engage with the body to seal the cavity. The protective cap further comprises a receptacle for receiving an actuator. In a second mode the protective cap engages with the actuator of a mechanism fitting within the cavity such that the protective cap forms a handle for the actuator.
Claims14
A plumbing fitting and a protective cap;
- the plumbing fitting comprising a body having a cavity with a flow path extending therethrough, wherein the protective cap comprises a sealing surface;
- wherein, in a first mode, the sealing surface is configured to engage with the body to seal the cavity;
- wherein the protective cap further comprises a receptacle for receiving an actuator;
- wherein, in a second mode, the protective cap engages with the actuator of a mechanism fitting within the cavity such that the protective cap forms a handle for the actuator;
- and
- wherein an operational cap seals the cavity in the second mode.
A kit comprising:
- a plumbing fitting comprising a body having a cavity with a flow path extending therethrough;
- an operational cap comprising an actuator, the operational cap configured to releasably seal the cavity and the actuator configured to switch a mechanism in the plumbing fitting between a first configuration and a second configuration;
- a protective cap, the protective cap configured to seal an aperture and comprising an engaging element configured to engage with the actuator to facilitate the switching of the plumbing fitting between the first and second configurations.
A method of reconfiguring a plumbing fitting, the plumbing fitting comprising a body having a cavity with a flow path extending therethrough, wherein the cavity is accessible via an aperture;
- wherein the method comprises providing a protective cap engaged with the body of the plumbing fitting and covering the aperture;
- removing the protective cap from the plumbing fitting;
- providing an operational cap, the operational cap comprising a mechanism, the mechanism controlled by an actuator extending through the operational cap;
- inserting the mechanism into the cavity and sealing the aperture with the operational cap;
- attaching the protective cap to the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.