The present invention relates to watertight cable connections and in particular to systems adapted to allow a cable to be introduced into, or removed from a water pipe or similar. In order to install a new node to a hardwired network or indeed to provide a new hardwired network, it is necessary to provide a cable linking the node to the various other nodes in the network. Often, such as in the case of cables for power distribution, data networks, communications networks and control systems, this will require providing a branch cable connecting the new node to an existing trunk cable via which connection to the other nodes may be effected. The trunk cables will typically be laid in a pattern between one or more potential nodes, for instance the trunk cables may follow the local street pattern. The branch cables may then need to travel some distance from the trunk cable to reach the building in which the node is to be located.

In our co-pending publication WO/2010/029365there is provided a method of laying a branch cable between a trunk cable and a desired node location comprising the steps of: locating a pre-existing pipe for the node location adjacent to the trunk cable; introducing the branch cable into the pre-existing pipe; passing the branch cable along the pre-existing pipe; and removing the branch cable from the pre-existing pipe adjacent to the node location. This reduces disruption to the property of the homeowner by negating the requirement to dig a potentially expensive and/or unsightly trench through their garden in which to lay the cable.

To facilitate introduction of the cable to the pre-existing pipe a cable transfer means comprising a Y-junction inserted into a gap provided in the pre-existing pipe can be provided. In such cases, the leg and one arm of the Y-junction may be adapted to be connected to the pre-existing pipe and the other arm may be capped with an end closure having a cable passage provided there through. The end closure must be watertight to prevent water leaking from the pipe. This can be achieved by the use of a deformable bung or similar inserted into the hole at the end of the arm. This does not however provide a ready means by which the cable can be changed or replaced in the event of damage, malfunction or upgrade of the network.

In our co-pending publication WO201 1 /135383there is provided a cable connection system suitable for use in introducing a cable through an opening provided into a water pipe or similar, the connection system comprising: a connector unit and one or more ferrules adapted to interconnect therewith wherein the connector unit comprises: a solid torso having an exterior adapted to engage and form a watertight seal with the internal edges of the opening and also having an axial internal bore extending there through ; and axially projecting passages provided at either end of the torso, the internal edges of the passage and the ends of the torso defining ferrule receiving sockets; and wherein the ferrule comprises: an outer skirt adapted to fit around the exterior of the projecting passages of the connector unit; and a projecting plug, the plug having an axial internal bore for carrying a cable and an exterior adapted to engage and form a watertight seal with the internal edges of the socket defined by the passages of the connector unit.

The above system provides a means by which a watertight connection may be formed between a length of cable within a pipe and a length of cable outside the pipe through a suitable opening. The positioning of the seal between the ferrule and the connector unit within the inner portion of the socket whilst the outer skirt engages with the exterior of the socket provides ease and certainty of connection and protects the seals from impacts and tension applied to the cable. This connector system can be used in conjunction with the above cable transfer system.

It has been noted that some cable transfer systems introduce additional pipework that creates a water pocket that is isolated from the normal water flow in the pre-existing pipe. In some cases this can result in standing water which is undesirable. This is particularly problematic where large mains pipes are being utilised to deliver cables to, for example, outlying and remote areas, in which case a branch pipe is provided on the mains pipe; in such cases, the branch pipe often harbours standing water.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cable transfer system adapted to allow a cable to be introduced or removed from a pre-existing water pipe or similar, that at least partially overcomes or alleviates the above problem.

Therefore, it is now desired to provide an improved arrangement for a cable transfer system.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable transfer system for introducing or removing a cable from a hole provided in a pre-existing pipe comprising:

a cable connection system adapted to provide a connection between a first portion of cable/ cable duct for passing into the pre-existing pipe and a second portion of cable/ cable duct for location outside the pre-existing pipe; and

an attachment system comprising;

- a receiving means adapted to receive and engage the connection system ;

an attachment means adapted to attach to an external surface of the pre-existing pipe relative to the hole; and

a sealing means for providing a watertight seal between the first portion of cable/ duct and the hole in the pre-existing pipe.

With this arrangement, the cable transfer system can be used with both small and large bore pipes to avoid the problems encountered with standing water, since the whole arrangement can sit on the surface of the pre-existing pipe around a hole and there are no opportunities for pockets or areas of standing water outside the normal bounds of the pre- existing pipe. The cable transfer system is therefore, particularly advantageous in tackling the problem of supplying services to outlying areas. Furthermore, the cable transfer system can be made to be compact and therefore, suitable for fitting where space around a pre-existing pipe is limited and where it is necessary to simply navigate around a pipe valve.

The sealing means preferably comprises a sealing arrangement adapted to allow passage of the cable, but prevent the passage of water alongside the cable. The sealing arrangement may comprise a sealing component, which may be adapted to engage with the hole in the pre-existing pipe and provide a cable passage therethrough. The sealing component may be adapted to sit within at least a part of the hole in the pre-existing pipe and accommodate the cable/ duct within the passage. The sealing component may comprise a tubular component adapted to provide a snug lining within the hole. The sealing component may also comprise a retaining means in the form of a flange adapted to engage with the external peripheral surface of the pre-existing pipe around the hole and provide a seal therewith. The sealing component may be formed from a resiliently deformable material.

Alternatively, the sealing component may comprise a non-deformable material, for example, a rigid material, in which case, the sealing arrangement may further comprise a resiliently deformable sealing washer adapted to engage with the external peripheral surface of the pre-existing pipe around the hole. In this case the sealing component may further comprise one or more resiliently deformable seals disposed within a bore thereof, for example, one or more o-rings. The bore may therefore, comprise retention means for the o-rings in the form of one or more circumferential detents within the bore.

The sealing component may be profiled in order to follow the curvature of the preexisting pipe.

The diameter of the cable passage of the sealing component may be matched with the diameter of the cable/ cable duct. The sealing arrangement may comprise a friction separation washer to eliminate any rotational torque from being applied thereto.

The attachment means may comprise an attachment member adapted to attach directly to the external surface of the pre-existing pipe. The attachment member may comprise a body adapted to attach to at least a portion of the pipe surrounding the hole. The body may therefore be curved or otherwise profiled so as to be adapted to sit on the surface of at least a portion of the pipe and be attached with a securing means.

The attachment member may therefore, comprise an induction weld unit. The securing means may comprise a weld joint between the pipe surface and the unit.

Alternatively, the attachment member may be a clamping component. Therefore, the body may comprise a substantially cylindrical member adapted to clamp around a majority of the circumference of the pre-existing pipe. The body may comprise a two part, or hinged cylindrical member to allow the component to be manoeuvred around the pipe and secured in place, for example body may comprise a hinge approximately opposite a split to facilitate widening of the split. Securing means may be provided in the form of straps or other suitable securing means. An anti-rotational device or means may be used with the clamp to prevent slippage on the pipe. The attachment member may comprise an aperture therethrough adapted to provide access to the hole in the pre-existing pipe.

The receiving means of the attachment system may provide a chamber adapted to receive the cable connection system. Therefore, the aperture in the attachment member may be adapted to provide the chamber in the form of an integral housing extending upwardly from the aperture.

Preferably, the attachment system may comprise a separate receiving means in the form of a housing for the cable connection system defining a chamber therein. The aperture in the attachment member may therefore, comprise connection means for the housing, which may comprise a thread on an internal wall thereof, or other push-fit or snap- fit components.

The housing (whether integrally formed with the attachment member or otherwise) may comprise a main body and the chamber may comprise an internal bore therethrough. The bore may comprise a suspension means or seat for the cable connection system. The cable connection system may comprise the cable connection system according to the disclosure of our co-pending publication WO201 1 /135383. In this prior application there is provided a cable connection system suitable for use in introducing a cable through an opening provided into a water pipe or similar, the connection system comprising: a connector unit and one or more ferrules adapted to interconnect therewith wherein the connector unit comprises: a solid torso having an exterior adapted to engage and form a watertight seal with the internal edges of the hole and also having an axial internal bore extending there through; and axially projecting passages provided at either end of the torso, the internal edges of the passage and the ends of the torso defining ferrule receiving sockets; and wherein the ferrule comprises: an outer skirt adapted to fit around the exterior of the projecting passages of the connector unit; and a projecting plug, the plug having an axial internal bore for carrying a cable and an exterior adapted to engage and form a watertight seal with the internal edges of the socket defined by the passages of the connector unit. The torso comprises an external radial flange biased towards a first end of the connector unit.

Accordingly, the above mentioned suspension means or seat may comprise an abutment for the radial flange on the connector unit of the cable connection system, the abutment being provided proximal to an upper end of the housing. The abutment may comprise a peripheral internal radial ledge provided by a stepped internal bore arrangement. Therefore, the bore may comprise a shallow recess provided in an upper end portion of the housing with a narrower secondary channel extending centrally therefrom through middle and lower portions of the housing. The shallow recess may comprise connection means for engagement with a connection system retaining means, which connection means may comprise an internal thread on an internal wall thereof, or other push-fit or snap-fit components.

The housing (when provided as a separate component) may comprise a cooperative connection means for engagement with the connection means of the attachment member, which may comprise an external thread on the lower portion of the housing, or other push-fit or snap-fit components. In this aspect, the housing can be made to bear down on the sealing arrangement and create a positive seal therewith.

The attachment system may further comprise a retaining means to retain said cable connection system in said housing. The retaining means may comprise a collar adapted to fit over the parts of the cable connection system that sit within and above the shallow recess of the housing. The collar may therefore, provide an internal profile or recess adapted to the external profile of the cable connection system that sits within and above the shallow recess of the housing. Accordingly, the collar may provide a first (shallow circular) recess in a bottom end of the collar and adapted to accommodate and bear down on the flange of the connection unit. The collar may provide a second recess extending from the shallow recess suitable to accommodate a ferule therein. The collar may further provide a bore between the second recess and a surface at an upper end of the collar suitable to accommodate a cable/ duct. The recesses and the bore may be centrally disposed on a common central axis.

The collar may further comprise connection means for engagement with the connection system retaining means of the housing. Again, the connection means may comprise a cooperative thread on an external wall thereof, or other push-fit or snap-fit components. The connection means may only be provided at the bottom end of the collar. The collar may therefore, comprise a peripheral projecting portion at a bottom end thereof for said connection means. An upper portion of the body of the collar may be externally profiled to provide a grip for a user.

In one aspect of the invention, the attachment system may comprise a locking means to prevent the housing from accidentally disengaging with the attachment member. The locking means may be provided in the form of a locking ring. The locking ring may be adapted to fit around the housing and abut the attachment member. The locking ring may comprise an internal thread for engagement with an exposed externally threaded portion of the housing. The pre-existing pipe may be a water supply pipe, a drain, a waste water pipe or a sewer.

The cable may be provided with an insulating sheath. The cable may be provided within a cable duct. The cable duct may be a 14/10 microduct (14 mm outside diameter and 10 mm inside diameter) and the various components of the cable transfer system may be adapted to receive a 14/10 microduct, although the microduct may be of any suitable size to accommodate a range of cable types and sizes, or different number of cables.

Each of the above described components of the cable connection system and the attachment system may be formed from any approved material (as approved by the WRAS (Water Regulatory Advisory Services)), such as stainless steel or moulded from suitable plastics, unless otherwise stated.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an attachment system comprising;

a receiving means adapted to receive and engage a cable connection system for connection to a first portion of cable/ cable duct for passing into a hole in a preexisting pipe;

an attachment means adapted to attach to an external surface of the pre-existing pipe relative to the hole; and

a sealing means for providing a watertight seal between the first portion of cable/ duct and the hole in the pre-existing pipe.

It will be appreciated that the features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of enabling the passage of a cable into or out of a pre-existing pipe comprising the steps of: providing an attachment system on an external surface of the pre-existing pipe; forming a hole in a surface of the pre-existing pipe using said attachment system as a guide;

providing the hole with a watertight sealing means;

passing a first portion of cable/ cable duct through the hole into said pipe;

forming a connection between the first portion of cable and a first end of a cable connection system ;

forming a connection between a second portion of cable for location outside the pre-existing pipe and a second end of a cable connection system ; and

engaging the cable connection system with the attachment system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of enabling the passage of a cable into or out of a pre-existing pipe comprising the steps of: forming a hole in the pre-existing pipe;

providing the hole with a watertight sealing means;

providing an attachment system on an external surface of the pre-existing pipe surrounding the formed hole;

passing a first portion of cable/ cable duct through the hole into said pipe, or out of said pipe;

forming a connection between the first portion of cable and a first end of a cable connection system ;

forming a connection between a second portion of cable for location outside the pre-existing pipe and a second end of a cable connection system ; and

engaging the cable connection system with the attachment system.

It will be appreciated that the features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to the third and fourth aspects of the invention. The following features are intended to apply to the third and fourth aspects of the invention.

The method of providing an attachment system on the external surface of the pipe may comprise attaching a attachment member around the pre-existing pipe and securing the attachment member on the pipe. The method may comprise installing an anti-rotational device or means relative to the attachment member.

The method may comprise providing a receiving means in the form of a housing for the cable connection system for connection to an attachment member. The attachment may be effected by engaging cooperative connection means, such as cooperative screw threads or snap-fit elements.

The method may comprise using an internal bore of the housing as a guide to form the hole in the pipe.

The formation of the hole in the surface of the pipe may comprise use of a drill. A drilling bit drill may therefore be passed through the bore of the housing and the attachment member as a size and location guide. A hollow core drill may be built into to the attachment member. The drill may be driven by a hexagon drive which extracts the removed material from the pipe through the hollow core.

Once the hole has been formed, the method may comprise provision of the watertight sealing means at least partially within the hole.

The cable connection system may be engaged with the attachment system by dropping the cable connection system into the bore or chamber provided in the housing.

The method may further comprise providing a retaining component over an end of the housing adapted to retain the cable connection system within the housing. Therefore, the method may comprise passing the second portion of cable/ duct through a bore of the retaining component prior to forming a connection between the second portion of cable/ duct and the cable connection system. The retaining component may be secured to the housing by engaging cooperative connection means, such as cooperative screw threads or snap-fit elements on both the retaining component and the housing. The method may comprise securing the housing on the attachment member by providing a locking means. The locking means may be passed over the housing and attachment may be effected by engaging cooperative connection means, such as cooperative screw threads or snap-fit elements on both the locking means and the housing, adjacent the attachment member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a network comprising: one or more cables introduced into pipes by a cable transfer means according to the first aspect of the present invention, using an attachment system according to a second aspect of the invention and installed in accordance with the method of the either the third aspect or the fourth aspect of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the preferred features described in relation to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention apply to the fifth aspect of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view (taken through a longitudinal axis of the pipe) of an exemplary embodiment of a cable transfer system in use with a cable;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the system of Figure 1 without a cable;

Figure 3 exploded view of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 1 on a pipe; and

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an alternative sealing means for use in connection with an alternative embodiment of a cable transfer means. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, a cable transfer system (1 ) for introducing or removing a cable (2) from a pre-existing pipe (3) comprises: a cable connection system (4) adapted to provide a connection between a first portion of cable or cable duct (2a) for passing into the pre-existing pipe (3) and a second portion of cable or cable duct (2b) for location outside the pipe (3); an attachment system comprising; a receiving means adapted to receive and engage the connection system (4); an attachment means adapted to attach to an external surface of the pre-existing pipe (3) relative to the hole (5); and a sealing means for providing a watertight seal between the first portion of cable/ duct (2a) and the hole (5) in the pre-existing pipe (3).

The pre-existing pipe (3) may be a large bore mains pipe formed from any material

, for example, polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), steel, concrete or cast.

The attachment system comprises a housing (7) configured to receive the cable connection system (4) and a clamp (6) to attach the housing (7) to the pre-existing pipe (3) over the hole (5).

The cable connection system (4) used is as disclosed in our co-pending application WO201 1 /135383. Alternative numbering has been utilised for the purpose of describing the features of the cable connection system (4) that are relevant to the present invention. In this prior application there is provided a cable connection system (4) adapted to provide a watertight connection between the first portion of cable/ duct (2a) and the second portion of cable/ duct (2b), comprising a connector unit (41 ) and two ferrules (42). The connector unit (41 ) comprises a torso (43) having an external radially-projecting peripheral flange or rib (49). The torso (43) of the connector unit (41 ) further comprises a central internal bore (44) with an axially extending passage (45) at each end (46). The passages (45) define sockets for receiving and retaining a corresponding plug (not shown) provided by the ferrules (42). The plugs have an inner internal bore (48) adapted to match the outer diameter of the cable or cable duct (2a) as appropriate. Accordingly, the ferrules (42) can be fitted either directly to the ends of a cable or to the ends of the cable duct (2a, 2b) carrying a cable therein. When the ferules (42) attached to the ends of the cables/ cable ducts (2a, 2b) are assembled with the connector unit (41 ), a watertight channel is provided between the two portions of cable/ duct (2a, 2b). The components of the cable connection system (4) are either formed from any suitable material such as stainless steel or moulded from suitable plastics.

The housing (7) comprises a substantially cylindrical body (70) with a central internal bore (71 ) extending from a first end (7a) to a second end (7b). At the first end (7a) of the body (70) the internal bore (71 ) widens into a shallow dish (72) with a flat base (73). The walls of the dish (72) may be threaded. The bore (71 ) and the dish (72) are adapted to receive the cable connection system

(4), with the flange (49) resting against the flat base (73) of the dish (72) and the torso (43) and one of the ferules (42) suspended in the bore (71 ). As shown in Figure 3, at the second end (7b), the body (70) comprises an external threaded portion (74) for engagement with the clamp (6). The housing (7) is formed from any suitable materialsuch as stainless steel or moulded from suitable plastics.

The clamp (6) comprises a split cylindrical body (60) adapted to fit snugly around an external surface of the pipe (3). The body (60) comprises an opening (61 ) through a wall of the body (60). The opening (61 ) is threaded, adapted to receive a lower part of the threaded portion (74) of the housing (7). As can be seen in Figure 4, the body (60) is split (62) there along to allow the clamp (6) to be placed around the pipe (3) and secured in place using straps, or other suitable securing means (not shown). An anti-rotational device or means (not shown) may be used with the clamp (6) to prevent slippage on the pipe (3). The clamp (6) is formed from any suitable material such as stainless steel or moulded from suitable plastics. A suitable clamp (6) that is fit for purpose is the standard fitting that is often used for introducing a branch pipe onto a mains pipe.

A locking arrangement (8) is provided in the form of a locking ring (80) with an internal thread (81 ). The locking ring (80) is adapted to fit around the housing body (71 ) and engage with an upper exposed part of the threaded portion (74) of the housing (7) until it abuts the clamp (6). The locking arrangement (8) is formed from any suitable material such as stainless steel or moulded from suitable plastics.

The attachment system also comprises a sealing arrangement in order to provide a watertight connection between the pre-existing pipe (3) hole (5) and the cable/ duct (2a) to be installed therein. As shown in Figures 1 - 3, a first embodiment of the system (1 ) comprises a sealing member (9) comprising a substantially cylindrical body (90) with a spigot (91 ), a flange (92) and an axial internal bore (93) therethrough. The body (90) is made from any suitable resiliently deformable material. The internal bore (93) is adapted to accommodate the cable/ duct (2b) and provide a watertight fit therewith. The spigot (91 ) is adapted to fit snugly within the hole (5) of the pipe (3) to provide a watertight fit therewith. The flange (92) is adapted to abut the external surface of the pipe (3) and retain the sealing member (9) within the hole (3).

In a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 5, the system (1 ) alternatively comprises an alternative sealing arrangement (9') comprising a substantially cylindrical sealing member (90') having a spigot (91 '), a flange (92') and an axial internal bore (93') therethrough. The member (90') is formed from any suitable material such as stainless steel or is moulded from suitable plastics. The spigot (91 ') is adapted to fit snugly within the hole (5') of the pipe (3') and the flange (92') is adapted to sit on a sealing washer (95') made from a resiliently deformable material that in turn sits on the external surface of the pipe (3') to provide a watertight fit therewith. The bore (93') of the sealing member (90') comprises two circumferential recesses (94') therein to retain two o-rings (96') made of resiliently deformable material. The internal bore (93') is adapted to accommodate the cable/ duct (2b) and provide a watertight fit via the o-rings (96'). As shown in Figures 2 - 4, the attachment system further comprises a retaining collar (10) having a substantially cylindrical body (100) with a circumferential projecting portion (101 ) at a bottom end thereof. The projecting portion (101 ) comprises an external thread (102) and is adapted to engage the internal thread of the dish (72). A shallow circular recess (103a) is provided in the bottom end of the collar (10), which is adapted to accommodate the flange (49) of the connector unit (4). A further recess (103b), suitable to accommodate a ferule (42) therein, extends into the body (100) from the shallow recess (103a). A bore (103c) extends from the recess (103b) and out through an upper end of the body (1 00), suitable to accommodate a cable/ duct (2b) passing therethrough. The recesses (103a, 103b) and the bore (103c) share a common central axis. An upper portion of the body (100) is externally profiled to provide a grip for a user. The retaining collar (100) is formed from any suitable material Isuch as stainless steel or is moulded from suitable plastics.

During installation the attachment means can be fitted to a pipe (3) with an existing hole (5), or alternatively can be used as a guide for forming an opening (5). For example, the clamp (6) can be attached around the pre-existing pipe (3) and secured in position. The housing (7) is then screwed into the opening (61 ) and the locking ring (8) is passed over the housing (7) and screwed into position to abut the clamp (6). The internal bore (71 ) of the housing (7) can then be used as a guide to form the hole (5) in the pipe (3). Once the hole (5) has been formed, the locking ring (8) and the housing (7) are disengaged from the clamp (6) to facilitate installation of the the sealing component (9)/ sealing arrangement (9') within the hole in the pipe (3). At this stage, one end of the first portion of cable/duct (2a) can be passed into the pipe (3) through the sealing component (9)/ sealing arrangement (9'), a second end of the cable/ duct (2a) being attached to a ferule (42) of the cable connection system (4). The housing (7) is fed over the ferule (42) of the cable/ duct (2a) and is screwed back into position within the opening (61 ) in the clamp (6) to bear down on top of the sealing component (9)/ sealing arrangement (9'). This creates a watertight seal between the housing (7) and the sealing washer (9)/ sealing arrangement (9'). The locking ring (8) is then re-engaged to secure the housing (7) in position. If not done previously, one end of the first portion of cable/duct (2a) can now be passed into the pipe (3) through the bore (71 ) of the housing (7) and the sealing washer (9)/ sealing arrangement (9'), although since a tight fit is envisaged between the sealing washer (9)/ sealing arrangement (9') and the cable/ duct (2a), this may require more effort. For ease, the ferule (42) of the first portion of cable/ duct (2a) can be pulled upwardly through the housing (7) in order that the connector unit (41 ) can be attached to a bottom or leading end of the connector unit (41 ). The second portion of cable/ duct (2b) is passed through the bore (103c), and recesses (103b, 103a) of the retaining collar (10) before being attached to a ferule (42) of the cable connection system (4) and connected to the other end of the connector unit (41 ). The cable connection system (4) is dropped into the housing (7) until the flange (49) sits on the flat base (73) of the dish (72). The retaining collar (1 0) is screwed down into position over the ferule (42) and the flange (49) to hold the cable connection system (4) securely in place within the housing (7).

With the above installation in place, a permanent watertight conduit for cables/ wires/ fibres is provided allowing any number of cables/ wires/ fibres to be introduced or removed at will without needing to isolate the section of pipe (3) from water flow. Any number of cables/ wires/ fibres can be simply fed in through the length of the first portion of cable/ duct (2a), through the bore (44) of the connector unit (41 ) and through the length of the second portion of cable/ duct (2b). It is envisaged that the exit of the cables/ wires/ fibres would be effected with a similar installation in the pipe (3) at a suitably selected exit point. Advantageously, the cable transfer system (1 ) can be used with both small and large bore pipes (3), such as mains pipes, to avoid the problems encountered with standing water, since the whole arrangement can sit on the surface of the pre-existing pipe (3) around a hole (5) and there are no opportunities for pockets or areas of standing water to form outside the normal bounds of the pre-existing pipe (3). The arrangement is configured to avoid introducing any branching pipes (which has previously been necessary when being used on a mains/ large bore pipe) where significant amounts of water become isolated from the normal flow of water. The cable transfer system (1 ) is therefore, particularly advantageous in tackling the problem of supplying cables and therefore, services to outlying areas, where mains pipes form the majority of the pipework supplied to the area. Furthermore, the cable transfer system (1 ) can be made to be compact and therefore, suitable for fitting where space around a pre-existing pipe (3) is limited and where it is necessary to simply navigate around a pipe valve. In addition, due to the configuration of the attachment system, the cable transfer system (1 ) does not cause any significant obstruction within the pipe (3).

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. For example, although the Figures and the description suggest that the attachment system and its components are arranged substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the pre-existing pipe, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one or more of the components of the system could be adapted to be at an angle to the surface of the preexisting pipe.