摘要 |
A pipe-fitting 2 comprises a socket for receiving a pipe portion 1. The socket comprises a mouth and a bores. The bore contains a retaining element 6 for retaining the pipe portion 1 within the socket and an annular seal 5 for sealing between the socket and the pipe portion 1. A sleeve 18 is, in use, situated within the socket, and comprises a radially inwardly directed flange 20 located in a region adjacent the seal 5, for protecting the seal 5 from the pipe portion 1 when it is inserted into the socket. The flange may be provided with a plain flat surface. Sleeve 18 may be formed from plastics (e.g. polypropylene, polybutylene) or metal (e.g. stainless steel). Sleeve 18 may be cylindrical and include hinged leaves 36 for accommodating different diameter pipes and defining camming surfaces for element 6. Sleeves may be colour coded or have other indicia to indicate respective diameters. Sleeve 18 may be injection moulded with the leaves in an open position. The sleeve 18 may be divided into halves (figures 5, 6 - not shown) instead of including leaves. |