Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DUAL SIZE PLUMBING END CAP
RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from provisional application Serial
No. 60/198,136, filed April 17, 200E3.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to closures forthreaded and
unthreaded piping and cylindrical members. More particularly, the present
invention is a dual-size cap which is comprised of piping materials approved
for use by current plumbing codesand standard practices to cap a single
pipe end, but capable of accommodating two different pipe sizes.
There are many instances in construction, as well as by service
technicians and homeowners to temporarily or permanently cap a pipe. In
some instances the pipe has not yet been exposed; such as a water service
or sewer line below grade, or beneath a home. This would be an instance
where a service technician would be better equipped to handle the job
without making an extra trip to the hardware store or supply house after the
pipe is exposed.
Generally, the ends of pipes are capped in accordance to the type
of piping material it is capping. Copper tubing ends are generally capped
using a solder welded copper cap. Plastic pipe ends are generally closed
with a solvent weld plastic cap. Plain and threaded end piping may be
capped using an elastomeric material, which is slipped over the pipe end and
sealed with a clamping device.
The purpose of capping pipe ends is numerous. Fog example, in
plumbing residential and commercial structures, a series of plumbing
systems are installed. There are separate systems for waste and waste
vents, hot and cold potable water, natural or liquid gas, landscaping water,
roof and storm water drainage and fire sprinkler water, to name the most
common. After each stage of installation ofthese systems is completed, they
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must be tested and approved by local building authorities. The ends of all
piping outlets must be temporarily capped and seated to allow pressure to be
applied to these systems, generally by the use of water or air, to expose
possible instaNation and or material defects. After successful completion of
the tests, the systems are drained, the caps are removed and the next stage
of installation is resumed. This process is repeated until the project is
completed. '
With the multifude of plumbing systems comes a multitude of pipe
sizes. Each plumbing system has several pipe sizes which are determined
by load calculations set forth by plumbing engineers and plumbing codes.
Unfortunately, the trade person, must carry a number of capsizes to complete
the testing of ail these systems. For example, in a small three bathroom
residence there are generally four common pipe sizes for the waste and vent
system, 1 'h", 2", 3" and 4". There are generally four common sizes for the
water system, '/Z', 3/4 ", 1" 1 '/4". There are generally five common pipe
sizes
for the gas system, %", 3/ ", 1" 1 %4" and 1 %Z' and there are generally three
common pipe sizes for landscape water, %", 3/", 1 ". Generally each
plumbing system uses a different piping material and installation method.
The diverse amount of material required by the trade person to
complete a small project is staggering. Testing for a small project described
above requires approximately ten to twenty caps, varying in size, whereas a
commercial building such as a medical facility or a hotel requires hundreds
of caps. The pipe sizes in a commercial building increase as the demand on
the systems increase. Their pipe sizes may generally range from 1 '/"
through 8" for waste and vent systems, %2' through 6" for potable water
systems,'/2' through 3" for gas systems and 2" through .8" for the storm water
system. Capping products are typically used numerous times before
discarding, resulting in an accumulation in the service vehicle or warehouse.
Accordingly, there is a need for a plumbing end cap which is
capable of capping pipes of two different sizes. Such a cap should be
configured to be used on a variety of ends of pipes, and capable of being
constructed of various types of materials: The present invention fulfills this
need and provides other related advantages.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The plumbing end cap of the present invention can be used as a
temporary or permanent cap to terminate pipe ends. The plumbing end cap
generally comprises a fluid impervious membrane, having a first cylindrical
wall extending therefrom. The first wall is confgured to envelop an end of a
first pipe having a first diameter and, cooperativefy.with the membrane, seal
the end of the ficst~ pipe. A second cylindrical wall is associated with the
membrane and has a diameterwhich is larger than the first wall. The second
wall is configured to envelop an end of a second pipe having a second
diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end ofthe second
Pipe.
The plumbing end cap may include a test fitting extending through
the membrane. The test fitting includes external or internal threads so as to
be configured to securely connect to a test gauge, or water source.
The first and second walls maybe comprised of a relatively durable
material, such as hardened plastic or metal. Innersurfaces of the first and
second walls may include internal threads which are configured,to mate with
external threads of the first or second pipe which the end cap is to be
attached to. The inner surfaces of the walls may aftef~natively include
protruding ridges which are configured to secure the wails to an end of the
first or second pipe.
The first and second walls may alternatively be comprised of a
flexible material. In such an embodiment, a clamp 'surrounds an outer
surface of the first or second wall to secure it to the first or second pipe
end.
Prongs may extend from an outer surface of either the first or second wall for
positioning the clamp.
The plumbing end cap of the present invention can be designed
with varying configurations: For example, the first and second may extend
from opposite surfaces of the membrane. Alternatively, the first and second
walls may extend from the same surface of the membrane, so as to be
concentric. In such instance, the first wall is often of greater length than
the
second wall. in yet another embodiment, a wall extends from the member
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in stepped fashion to define a first cylindrical wall, and second cylindrical
wall
of greater diameter. The first cylindrical wall is configured to accept an end
of a first pipe, while the second wall is configured to accept an end of a
second pipe having a different diameter: Regardless of the configuration; the
plumbing end cap of the present invention is designed to permanently or
temporarily seal two different pipe sizes.
In the case of the homeowner, the plumbing end cap of the present
invention is of great assistance. Many pipe sizes are very similar making it
difficult for the homeowner to determine the proper cap to purchase. Often
the pipe can not be removed as a reference of size, so the homeowner is left
with a choice of either purchasing two orthree caps, or purchasing one cap
and possibly making return trips to the store. A novel plumbing end cap with
two pipe sizes in ascending order would take all the guesswork out of the
purchase. For example; if a homeowner had a water line in the ground,
which is no longer in use and wanted to terminate the line, he would expose
the pipe and try to determine its size: For example, if the pipe is %a' steel
threaded pipe, the homeowner would go to the hardware store and try to
determine what he or she saw in the ground. By having one cap that is'/2'
and 3/", and another cap which is 1" and 1 %<°, the choice would be
easy.
The %2' and the 1" pipe sizes are substantially different.
The novel plumbing end cap of the present invention is also an
attempt at lessening the amount of inventory required by the trade person to
complete his or her job. The invention allows the trade person to order a
single end cap, knowing it will have the ability to handle two pipe sizes.
Because the invention covers only two pipe sizes, it remains inexpensive to
the trade person and homeowner, and reduces overbuying and overstocking
of caps. Furthermore, this invention could reduce the overall inventory of the
wholesale supplier and the retailer by elimination inventory of individual
size
caps, replacing them with a dual size cap, when shelf storage space is
limited.
Otherfeatures and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction
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with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESGRLPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings: '
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a plumbing end cap embodying
the present invention and having clamps thereon shown in phantom; .
FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2-2
of FIG. 1;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention having internal threads;
FtGURE 4 is a perspective view of a plumbing end cap similar to
FIG: 3, but having smooth inner surfaces;
FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5-5
of FIG. 3;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention having a test fitting incorporated therein;
FIGURE 7 is cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6; .
FIGURE 8 is perspective view of another plumbing end cap
embodying the present invention and having a test fitting incorporated
therein;
FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 9-9
of the FIG. 8;
FIGURE 10 is another plumbing end cap embodying the present
invention, and having clamps iilustra#ed in phantom thereon;
FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of a plumbing end cap similar
to FIG. 10, but having a test fitting associated therewith;
FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of yet another plumbing end cap
embodying the present invention;
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FIGURE 13 is across-sectional view of a plumbing end cap similar
to FIG. 12, but having internal threads;
FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of yet another plumbing end cap
embodying the present invention, and illustrating clamps thereon in phantom;
FIGURE 15 is cross-sectional view taken generally along line 15-15;
FIGURE 16 is a perspective. view of a plumbing end cap similar to
FIG. 14, but having smooth internal surfaces, and a test fitting associated
therewith; and
FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along fine '17-
17 of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the present invention
is concerned with a dual size plumbing end cap, generally referred to by the
reference number 10 in.FIGS. 1 and 2, by the reference number 12 in FIGS.
3-5, by the reference number 14 in FIGS. 6-9; by the reference number 16
in FIGS. 10 and 11, by the: referencenumber 18 in FIGS. 12 and 13, and by
the reference number 20 in FIGS. 14-17.
In the following descriptions, like reference numbers refer to
corresponding illustrations throughout several views and variations of the
present invention. In the following descriptions, it is to be understood that
such terms as "right, left, top, bottom, inside and outside" and the like are
words of convenience and are not o be construed as limiting terms:
Caps 10-20 of the present invention have two specific pipe sizes
per cap. Each dual sized cap 10-20 will generally, but not limited to be, in
sequential orderofcurrentstandard piping sizes used in construction, testing,
maintenance and repairs of residential, commercial and industrial piping
systems.and equipment. The intended use of the dual size cap 10-20 is root
to cap two pipe ends simultaneously; but is intended to cap an individual pipe
end. Each dual sized cap 10-20 is designed to cap one pipe end per use.
Depending upon the cap material, the cap 10-20 will be reusable for future
applications: Each single bodied, dual cap 10-20 will be referred to by
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',
commonly used pipe sizes, such as 3" and 4". Each side of the cap 10-20
will be assigned a size that corresponds loosely to the actual size of the cap
opening.
With reference to FIG. 1, a dual cap 10 is shown with a first wall 22
defining a cap of a first diameter on the left and a second wall 24 defining a
larger diameter cap on the right. A smaller pipe would enter from the left and
.
a (anger pipe would enter from the right. The center portion of the cap 10 is
a fluid impervious solid membrane 26 separating the two different cap sizes.
This particular cap 10 is primarily constructed of a synthetic rubber material
depressed to fit a smooth pipe end. On.the exterior of the cylinder portion of
the cap would be a commercially available worm drive type clamp 28, which
would tighten the cap 10 against the outside wall of the pipe it is capping.
Because there are only two pipe sizes in sequential order, the difference in
the two diameters would be minimal; allowing only one clamp 28 to be used,
which would accommodate both the larger and smaller pipe diameters. The
clamp 28 would be moved to the proper position depending on the pipe size
requiring capping: The cap 10 could also be offered with two clamps 28, one
per each pipe size. The membrane 26 and the sides of the embodiment
would be of the thickness to withstand the pressure the cap 10 is designed
to hold.
Ulfith continuing reference to FIG. 1, the interior of the smaller cap
22 shows two ridges 30. The ridges 30 are again shown in FIG. 2, on the
smaller and larger diameter caps 22 and 24. These ridges 30 are to assist
in the holding strength of the cap 22 or 24 when withstanding excessive
pressures which under normal operating and testing conditions, build up in
plumbing systems and the like. The two ridges 30 located on the interior
surface of each cap 22 or 24 are only an example of a rough interior surface
meant to secure and seal the inserted pipe; and is not intended to limit the
invention to other means of rough interior surfaces.
The~exterior of each cap 22 and 24 has prongs 32 emanating from
the body of the cap 10. These prongs 32 are useful in aligning the clamp 28
for tightening. They are also helpful for preventing the loose clamps 28 from
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being lost or separated from the cap 10 when not in use, during shipping,
transport and storage.
With reference to FIGS. 3-5, a second embodiment of a dual cap
12 is shown having a first wall 22 defining a smaller diameter cap on the left
and a second wall 24 defining a larger diameter capon the right. The smaller
pipe size would enterfirom the left and the larger diameter on the right. With
reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, this embodiment of a dual cap 12 has a
tapered female threaded 34 interior to accept male tapered pipe threads.
FIG. 5 clearly shows the center membrane 26 separating the sequential pipe
sizes. This particular cap 12 is primarily constructed of steel, brass or
plastic
and can accommodate a variety of pipe threads depending upon its purpose.
Threaded pipe and fiittings are commonly used in plumbing systems to
convey materials such as air, water, natural gas and liquid gas. For example;
"Standard Iron Pipe Size, I:P:S." or "Compression Threads". An example of
common size dual caps for I.P.S. would be %2' and 3!4" or 3!" and 1" I.P.S. An
example of common size dual caps for Compression Thread caps would be
'/a" and %4" or sns" and 3/a" compression. All threads used for the present
invention would comply with national and international thread specifications.
With reference to FIG. 4, the dual sized cap 12 can be designed
with a smooth interior surface 36: The interior cap diameter walls 22 and 24
wilt be a continual cylindrical diameter from the entry point of the pipe to
the
center membrane 26, where the pipe would butt. A smaller diameter pipe
would be inserted from the left and a larger diameter pipe would be inserted
from the right. This particular cap 12 will be constructed of copper and a
variety of plastics. These caps are primarily designed to accommodate
solder or solvent weld piping, for example, welded copper pipe andglued
plastic pipe. Copper tubing and plastic piping with soldered and glued joints
is commonly used in plumbing systems to convey materials such as air water
and waste. Standard copper tubing and plastic pipe sizes could vary
depending on the system being served. Commonly used pipe sizes can vary
from 5/s" through 12", depending on the system being served. Examples of
dual capsizes for FIG. 4 using copper tubing and plastic piping could be as
small as 5/a" and os",'/Z" and 3/",'/" and 1", and as large as 8" and 10", 10"
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and 12". There are a number of very commonly used pipe sizes other than
the example sizes. The sizes used in the example are not meant to be
limiting, but is meant to be enlightening to the need of a dual sized cap.
With reference to FIG. 6,.a dual cap 14 is shown with a first wall 22
defining a smaller diameter cap on the left and a second waM 24 defining a
larger diameter cap on the right. The smaller pipe size would enter from the
left and the larger pipe size from the right. The center membrane 26 would
act as the stopping point for both diameter pipe ends. The material and
fastener would be that of the embodiment described in FIG. 1. Af the center
of this membrane 26 would be a test fi#ting 38 preferably constructed, but not
limited to, brass, metal or plastic. This fitting 38 would be molded into the.
membrane 26 andlor locked in place by the use of threads, lock nuts 40 and
washers 42. This fitting 38 would have a standard tapered Female Iron Pipe
Thread 44 (F.I.P.) pattern in the center. FIG. 7 illustrates the cross-
sectional
view of this embodiment which shows the fitting 38 locked in place. Both the
smaller and the larger sized cap 22 and 24 of this embodiment would have
a tapered F.LP, thread facing outward, which would enable a standard
tapered Male Iron pipe (M.LP:) fitting or pipe thread to be screwed and
sealed in place. The tapered M.LP. pipe or fitting would be removable and
interchangeable depending on the cap size being utilized.
For. example, if a plumber was testing a drainage system of a
residence containing the pipe sizes 1 %", 2", 3" and 4" (pipe sizes commonly
found in almost alt homes constructed in the United States) the following
sequence would occur. The plumber would cap all pipe ends on the system
using single or dual end caps: He or she would then find the most
convenient pipe end to fill the system from. If the pipe end chosen would be
a 3" pipe, he or she would choose the 3" x 4" dual cap 14 with test fitting
38,
from their stock. The 3" cap 22 would be fastened to the pipe, exposing the
unused 4" cap 24 with a tapered F.LP. thread 44 facing outward. If the pipe
end chosen was a 4" pipe, the same 3" x 4" cap 14 with test fitting 38 would
be chosen; and the 4" cap 24 would be fastened to the pipe, exposing the 3"
unused cap 22 with a tapered F.I.P. thread 44 facing outward.
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Depending on the testing procedure, most commonly water or air,
the plumber would have several choices depending on his or her available
stock. The choices would be, either screwing in a pipe with a water fitting,
screwing in a pipe with an air fitting and test gauge or screwing in a water
or
air fitting manufactured with a tapered F.I.P: thread.
The primary purpose of this fitting 38 is to enable a plumber who is
testing a plumbing system to fill and drain a plumbing system through this
fitting 38. Any commercially available v~rater hose bib, valve, air frtting or
test
gauge would be adaptable to the standard tapered F.I.P. thread44 molded
in.this embodiment. Having the dual cap 14 with a fitting 38 would give he
plumber a multitude of filling, draining, testing and capping possibilities
with
less inventory on their vehicle or job site. It would also allow the
wholesalers,
retailer and building centers to offer more capping options with better use of
valuable shelf and storage space.
With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment to FIGS.
6 and 7 is illustrated.. The alternate embodiment of FIG. 9 would have a
fitting 46 preferably constructed, but not limited to, brass, metal or
plastic.
This fitting 46 would be molded andJor locked in place by the use of threads,
lock nuts 40 and washers 42. The pipe 48 running through the center of the
fitting 46 may be a single caste embodiment or a pipe with continual diameter
threads 50 locked in place with lock nuts.40 and washers 42. At the ends, of
this pipe 48 would be standard tapered M.1:P. threads 50. The tapered M.I:P.
thread 50 would protrude both ends of the cap 14. The plumber could then
screw a commercially available water hose bib, valve, air fitting or test
gauge
to the tapered M.i.P. thread 50 for testing, filling and draining the system
being served.
With reference to FIG. 10, this embodiment utilizes the same idea
of .the dual sized end caps 10-14 previously described, but in an alternate
configuration. The left side of this illustration shows the outer bottom of
the
single membrane 26. This dual sized cap 16 includes a first cylindrical wail
22 extending from the membrane 26. A second cylindrical wall 24 of greater
diameter extends from the membrane 26, typically at the periphery thereof,
on the same side of the membrane 26 as the .first wall 22 to form a larger
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diameter cap 24. The smaller and larger pipe ends would be inserted from
the right in this particular illustration. The smaller diameter cap 22 would
be
centered in the larger diameter cap 24 and extend just far eriough so as to
accept a worm drive clamp 28. The- single membrane 2fi would be the
stopping point for both inserted pipe ends. When a larger pipe is being
capped, the smaller cap 22 would slide into the inside diameter or interior of
the pipe, as it butts up against the single membrane 26. When a smaller
pipe diameter is being capped, the pipe would be inserted into the smaller
diameter cap 22 and butt up against the same single membrane 26. The
material and fasteners would be that of the embodiment described in FIG. 1.
With reference to FIG. 11, this dual sized cap 16 embodiment is:
that of FIG. 10 with the exception of the filler and drain fitting 38 or 46
which
is described in FIGS: 6-9. FIG: 11 more clearly shows the single membrane
26 on the left and two pipe diameter end caps 22 and 24 on the right. FtG.
11 also illustrates that it would only be necessary for the filler and
drainage
fitting assembly 38 to be accessible from the left side; or more clearly. the
side with no cap openings. This particular cap 16 could be offered in several
variations; with reference to FIG. 10, without a filler and drainage assembly,
with reference to FIG.11, with a M.I:P. filler and drainage assembly and with
reference to FIG: 6, with an F.I:P. filler and drainage assembly. This cap 16
can also be offered in a rubber material with a worm drive clamp 28 or in a
tapered or compression female thread in both brass and steel, both being
reusable for many applications.
With reference to FIG. 12, a dual sized cap 18 is shown which is
similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 in that it has a first wall 22
extending from the membrane 26 to form a first cylindrical cap of smaller
diameter, and a second cylindrical wall 24 extending from the periphery of the
membrane 26 so as to form a second cap of larger diameter which is
concentric to the smaller cap 22. In this illustration, both pipe ends would
enter from the left and butt on the single membrane 26 to the right. The
smaller diameter cap 22 would be centered in the larger diameter cap 24
using the single membrane 26 as the stop for both pipe end diameters. The
interior cap diameter wall 22 is a continual cylindrical diameter from the
entry
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point of the pipe to the center membrane 26. Both walls 22 and 24 terminate
flush, as shown at the left side of illustrations in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. This
particular cap 18 will be constructed of copper and a variety of plastics.
This
cap 18 is primarily designed to accommodate solder or solvent ~iveld piping,
as referenced in FIG. 4, and to be fastened by means of either solder weld .
or solvent welds.
With reference to FIG: 13, alternatively, the dual sized cap 18 has
tapered F.I.P, threads 52 and is constructed of plastic, steel or brass. This
dual sized cap 18 could be altered to accept a filler and drainage fitting
assembly 38 or 46 located on the center of the single membrane 26. This
can be accomplished by tapping a tapered F.I.P. thread through the
membrane wall and screwing a tapered M.I.P. threaded pipe, fitting or valve
into the F.I.P. tap and tightening.
With reference to FlG: 14; a dual sized cap 20 which is designed
to accept both pipe diameters from the same side with two different
termination points is illustrated. This cap 20 has a two level stepped design.
The smaller diameter wall 22 steps up to the larger diameter wall 24.. The
butt point of the small diameterwall 22 rests on the single membrane 26
located on the far left of the illustration. The butt point of the larger
diameter
wail 24 rests on the ledge 54 of the step that increases the cap 20 to the
next
size. The dual sized cap 20 can have smooth inner surfaces, as illustrated
in FIG, 17, for connection to pipes having smooth ends, or include female
internal threads 56, as illustrated in FfG: 15, for attachment to tapered pipe
threads or compression pipe threads.
The cap 20 iri FIG: 14 and FIG. 15 can be manufactured in many
materials; size variations and fastening variations. For example, copper,
brass, steel, plastic and rubber: These caps 20 can be fastened to all of the
pipe materials mentioned in the illustrated descriptions, for example; but not
limited to, tapered pipe threads;. compression pipe threads, solvent (giuej
weld, solder weld and rubber with a worm drive ~larnp28.
With reference to flG. 16 and FIG. 17, a Oiler and drain assembly
46 is located in the center of the membrane 26. This assembly 46 is similar
to that of FIG. 11. The flier and drain assembly 46 will either be molded in
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place and/or locked in place by tha use of continual threads, lock nuts 40 and
washers 42 made of plastic brass or metal. This assembly 46 can either
furnish a tapered M.I.P. thread or a tapered F.I.P. thread to the installer.
In general; ail the dual caps 10-20 of the present invention are
efficient, convenient and practicable. They will be cost-efFective due to
their
reusability, even in the usage of a permanent weld as the cap 10,-20 can be
cut from the system and the alternate remaining size used for the second
application. Because the dual size cap 10-20 only covers two pipe sizes;
there will be little wasted material when the cap 7 0-20 is used in a
permanent
application. They wiH not only condense inventories for trades' persons, at
job sites, in vehicle and in shop storage, but also on retailer and wholesaler
shelves and in storage facilities. They will offer the professional plumber a
more diverse capping and testing product than is currently available,
simplifying the process of terminating and testing piping systems. The
variations of the dual sized caps 10-20 will allow for ali commercially
available
pipe size increments and materials to ~be manufactured in a dual cap
configuration, preferably in a sequential order, which will allow all types of
contractors, not only plumbers, the convenience of these products. The dual
sized caps 10-20 can also be designed to accommodate pipe sizes that will
require a non-sequential order depending upon the material, wall thickness
required, pipe size increments, etc. Homeowners and handy persons will
also benefit: It will remove the guesswork of the untrained eye to choose
from the vast quantity of similar pipe sizes cori~monly used. These products
will be made from a variety of materials depending on their specific use, and
watt thickness depending upon their purpose. They will vary in color
depending on their material make-up. The color may be enhanced for ease
of location on a dimly lit job situation or location or for marketing appeal:
Although several embodiments have been described in some detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without
deparking from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.
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