Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02560280 2006-09-13
Atty DUckeL # 045599-005CtP
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A TfST TEE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[00011 This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. applicatiori
entitled,
"APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A TEST TEE", having serial no.
11/210,769, Filed August 11, 2005 and provisional applications Serial Np.
60/600,830,
filed on August 11, 2004, entitled "1'1z", 2", 3" and 4" Street Test Tee with
Pop-Top",
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/682,789, filed on May 19,
2005,
entitled "1'/,", 2", 3" and 4" Street Test Tee with Pop-Top" and U.S.
Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/695,240, filed on June 29, 2005, entitled
"Tru Test
Tee Description", all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing
a test
tee, and more particularly, relates to an apparatus and method for testing of
newly
installed plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground,
BACKGROUND OF THE INVCNTION
[0003] Currently in the United States, testing of new plumbing systems is
required by
plumbing codes to insure that there are no leaks, bad fittings, bad
conne~tions,
cracked pipes, etc. The waste and vent system is tested by filling the pipes
with water
or air. These tests require 5 lbs. or greater PSI (per square inch) of air or
10 feet of
head pressure for water. The system must hold this pressure for the length of
time
determined by local authorities. For example, in Georgia this length of time
is
1
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Atty Docket # 045599-005CFP
approximately 15 minutes.
[0004] Test tees are currently installed in plumbing systems where new pipes
meet
with the existing or previously inspected systems, such as an underground
system tied
Into a city tap. 'I'he test tee would be installed between the end of the city
tap and the
beginning of the new system. This would allow a plug to be placed in the new
system
sidc of the tee so the system can be tested. The tee is most often used when
the
previously inspected underground waste system comes through a concrete slab.
It
would be connected bctween the pipes pcnctrating the slab and the continuation
of thc
above ground system. This would allow a test to be administered from this
point and
above without retesting the undergnound system.
[0005] The tee fitting is sometimes referred to as a cleanout tee. It is
simply a T
shaped fitting with a threaded opening for a removable plug. Tee fittings
comprise a
tubular section extending between a first and a second opposing openings
axially
aligned with each other; and a third opening communicating with the tubular
section
of the tee fitting.
[0006] When the tee ftting is used in the testing application the plug is
Iemoved and
a rubber inflatable bail or mechanical compression plug is inserted into the
tee on the
new side to create a blockage to the waste and vent system so it can bc filled
with air
or water for testing. Once all testing has been completed and the system is
funcxiottal
the threaded plug may be removed, when accessible, and the opening mpybe used
to
cleanout any possible blockage below this point in the future,
[0007] The problem that often exists with this process is that these rubber
test balls
sometimes do not hold applied air or water pressure dropping below the code
requirement. Improper installation or positioning will not allow for a sepilre
seal and
often causes the test to lose pressure. The Inflatable test balls are made of
natural
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Aay Docket #1045599-005CI P
rubber and have a limited life expectancy causing failure and replacement can
be
eostly. Mechanical plugs have becn known to fail if not properly installed and
in
some Instances can crack pipes or fittings.
[0008] To find any of these problems in a large system that is being prepared
for
inspection can be very time consuming especially when testing with air. The
failing
test device is not always immediately recognizable. Once the problem is
located the
ball must be reinstalled and re-inflated. If the ball appears faulty, a new
ball must be
utilizcd and the system completely retested. 9'his process is vcry intensive
and could
be the cause for a failed inspection potentially delaying a project schedule.
[00091 Therefore, there is a tremendous need for a true test tee that is sure
hold
pressure for the length of time determined by local authorities to compiate
testing of a
plumbing system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
j00101 The present invention provides for apparatus and method for providing a
test
tee, and more particularly, relates to a apparatus and method for testing of
newly
installed plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground
[0011) The present invention provides a test tee device for leak testing a
pipe line
system, and more particularly, relates to an apparatus and method for teoing
of newly
installed plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground.
In structuro, the test tee dcvice includos a tce f(tting, comprising a tubular
section extending between a first and a second opposing openings axially
aligned with
each other, a third opening communicating with the tubular section of tt{e tee
fitting;
wherein the tubular section has a inside diameter greater than the first
opening inside
diameter and the second opening inside diameter.
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Atty Docket # U45599-00SCIP
The present invention can also be viewed as a method for leak testing a pipe
line system. The method operates by (1) inserting a test tee f ittinl;, (2)
applying a test
pressure to the test tee fftting through the third opening; and (3) removir'g
the
removable insert, if the test pressure is maintained for the predeterminel
time.
BRI.EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention, as defined in the clairns, can be better
unc#erstood with
reference to the following drawings. The components within the drawings are
not
necessarily to scale relative to each other, empltasis instead being placeq
upon clearly
Illustrating the principles of the present invention,
[0013] FIG. IA is a perspective view of a tee fitting of the prior art.
[0014] FIG. IB is a bottom view of a tee fitting of the prior art.
[0015] FIG. I C Is a cross-sectional side view of a tee fitting of the prior
art.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an example of the test tee
of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2B Is a bottom view illustrating an example of the test tee of the
present
invention with the pull tab pop-top.
[001$] FIG, 3 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of tlte
test tee of
the present invention, with the pull tab pop-top as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the pop top hub containirig
the pop top
bcforc it is attached to the tcst tco of the prescnt invention, as shown in
F1Gs. 2$ and
3.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a cross-seetional side view illustrating an example of an
alternative
embodiment of the pull tab pop top of the present invention, with the prior
art tee.
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Atty Dockot # 045599-0(lSCIP
[0021] FIG. 5B is a bottom view illustrating an example of an alternative
emboditnent
of the pull tab pop top of the present invention, with the prior art tee.
[0022] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
alternative
embodiment ofthe pull tab pop top, with the test tee of the present invention.
{00237 FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustrating an example of an alternative
embodiment
of the pull tab pop top, with the test tee of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7A is a crass-sectional side view illumating an example of an
alternative
embodiment of the hub to hub test tce with of the prescnt invention, with
internal
threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each
other.
[0025] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
alternative
embodiment of the hub to street test tee with of the present invention, w}th
internal
threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each
other.
[0026] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
alternative
embodiment of the street to street test tee with of the present invention,
with internal
threads on both of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with e4ch
other.
[0027] FIG. 70 is a crass-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
altemative
embodiment of'the removable threaded blockage device for a test tee of the
present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 7E is a top view illustrating an example of an alternative
embodiment of
the removable threaded blockage device for a test tee of the present
invention_
DETAILEb DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIIVIEN'FS
[0029] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing
a test
tee. In particular, relates to an apparatus and method for testing of newly
installed
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Atty Docket # 045599-O05(:IP
plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground. Typically
these plumbing waste and vent systems utilize I'i4", 2", 3" and 4" diamcter
pipes.
However, the invcntion techniques described herein apply to plumbing piping of
all
sizes for commercial and residential uses.
[0030] The test tee of the present invention utilizes a pull-tab pop top to
areate
blockage for testing purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the pop top is a
metallic
pop top that is very similar to that of tennis ball or dog food cans. In thq
preferred
embodimcnt, the pop top is moldcd into the test tce of the pnesent invcntion
in an
angle perpendicular to the flow to create blockage on the newly installed side
of the
system. This eliminates the need for installation of any other testing
equipment. The
elimination of other testing equipment reduces cost of material and labof as
well as
potential retesting costs due to a failure.
[0031 J In an alternative embodiitient, the test tee of the present inventiop
utilizes a
removable threaded blockage device to create bloeicage for test purposes In
the test
tee. The removable threaded blockage device includes a threaded coller for
engaging
the internai threads of either or both of the internal first and second
opposing openings
that are axially aligned with each other in the test tee.
[0032] In particular, the test tee of the present invention may be utilized in
either a
street by street fitting, which means that both ends of the fitting are the
same outside
dimension of the pipe being used, or a hub by hub fTtting, which means a pipe
would
fit inside the hub of the tee itself, or a combination of the two types
consisting of a
street by hub fitting. !n the preferred embodiment, the test tee is a street
by street
fitting that can be applied to different material waste and vent systems
piping such as
but not limited to, copper, cast iron, galvanized pipe, ABS or any other type
of piping
that can be used with the proper mechanical couplings.
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CA 02560280 2006-09-13
Atty Docket # 045599-0OSCIP
[0033] The testing of a plumbin.g waste or vent system utilizing the test tee
of the
present invention requires that the threaded plug (not shown) be removed. At
that
time, a test plug (not shown), which is well-known in the art, is attached to
the test tee
of the present invention. One type of test plug is illustrated in US patent
6,912,890
B 1. However, it is well-known that there are many types of apparatus used to
create a
blockade in a test tee to test the plumbing system. The plumbing waste or vent
system is then pressurized to verify that the system maintained the air or
water
pressurc without dropping below codc requircmcnt. Because the pop top test tee
of
the present invention virtually eliminates the possibility failure of the test
tee, the
inspection can be performed without the need for retesting due to equipment
failure.
[0034] Once the test is complete and the inspections have occurred, the metal
pop-
top is simply detached and pulled through the threaded opening for disposal.
This
will ieave a clean, smooth finish on the inside of the tee and allow the test
tee to
remain in the system without causing any interference to the drainage of
waste. The
threaded plug can now be reinstalled and the test tee can become a cleanout
tee if
accessible and so desired.
[0035] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals illustrate like
elements
throughout the several views. Fig. 1(A-C) illustrates an example ofthc OasIc
components of a tee fitting of the prior art. Shown is a tee fitting 10 of the
prior art,
which is sometimes rererred to as a cleanout tee. ft Is simply a T-shaped
ritting with a
threaded opening 12 for a removable plug (not shown). Tee fitting 10 hos hub
connectors 14 and 18. Tee fitting 10 also Includes the clean out or testiqg
open hub
11 that enables testing equipment or drain cieaning equipment to be insqrted
through
the opening 12. The opening 12 connects openings 15 and 19 in the tee fitting
10.
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CA 02560280 2006-09-13
Atty Docket # 043599-005C1t'
[0036] 'I'he test tee of the present invention utilizes a pu l1 tab pop top to
create
blockage for testing purposes. As shown in FIG. 2A, Etn example of the ~est
tec of the
present invention is illustrated a perspective view. in the preferred
embpdiment, a
street by street getting is illustrated, however, it is understood that a hub
by hub fitting
could also be utilized. As shown, test tee 20 of the present invention
includes
cleanout or testing hub 21 with opening 20 in to the test tee fitting 20 of
the present
invention. Other openings 26 and 29 are also illustrated with fittings 25 and
29,
respectively, on the tcst tce 20 of tho present invention.
[0037] FiG, 2B is a bottom view illustrating an example of the test tee 20 of
the
present invention with the pull tab pop-top 40. The pop iop 40 impedes the
flow of
air or water through the opening 26. This is better illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 is a
cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of the test tee 20 of the
present
invention, with the pull tab pop-top 40 as shown in FIG. 2B. The pop tqp 40 is
Iocated perpendicular to the flow of either air or water through opening 76.
[0038] The pop top 40 comes with a pull-tab 50 to enable a person to re[nove
the pop
top 40 from the tast tee 20 as required. In the preferred embodiment, th@ pull-
tab 50
is made of the same metalEic tnaterial as pop top 40. However, it is
und'erstood that
other materials may be utilized. The pull-tab 50 is attached to the pop top 40
utilizing
some attaching means. The attaching means include, but are not limited to,
spot
welds, rivets, adhesives or the like. In the preferred embodiment, rivets arc
utilized to
attach the pull- tab 50 to pop top 40. In another embodiment, pivot 45 is
utilized with
pull-tab 50, in order to assist in the removal of the pop top 40.
[0039] In order to prevent damage to test tee 20, anchors 41 are utilized with
the pop
top 40 to anchor the pop top 40 to the test tee 20. Hub section 24 provides
the support
for anchors 41 so that the pop top 40 may be removed without damage tQ test
tee 20.
$
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Atty Docket # 045599-0USCIP
[n the preferred embodiment, anchors 21 utilized the same metallic material of
the
pop top 40. However, is understood that other materials may provide bexter
anchors
and can also be utilized.
[0040] In the preferned embodiment, the pop top 40 is stamped or molded with
anchors 41. The pull-tab 50 is then attached to pop top 40. As previously
mentioned,
the preferred embodiment attaches the pull-tab 50 to the pop top 40 utilizing
rivets,
however, it is understood that other attaching means may be utilized. After
pop top
40 is constructed, then the test tcc 20 is constructed around of pop top 40.
In the
preferred embodiment, the test tee 20 is constructed utilizing injection
molding
techniques.
[0041] In another embodiment, optional breakpoints 42 are molded into the pop
top
fitting 42 assist a person in removing the pop top fram the test tee 20.
(0042] Shown in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the pop top hub 30
containing the pop top 40 before it is attached to the test tee 20 of the
prgsent
invention, as shown in FIGs. 2B and 3. The pop top hub 30 includes the pop top
40
and pull-tab 50 of the present invention.
[0043] In the prefenred embodiment, the pop top 40 is rnoided into a polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) pop top hub 30 using injection molding techniques. Thq pop top
hub
30 can be constructed from other types of materials such as but not limited to
galvanized pipe, cast iron, copper, ABS plastic or the like. Pop top 40 aTid
anchors 41
are generally stamped from a metallic material that is then attached to pull-
tab 50.
However, it is understood that the pop top 40 is a breakaway insert and could
be made
with another types of breakaway material, including, but not limited to
plastics,
rubbers, and malleable metals. These plastics, rubbers and malleable mrtals
include
but are not limited to ABS, PVC, other plastics, aluminum, tin, copper, steal,
rubber
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Atty Docket # 045599-OO5CtP
or other known plumbing materials.
[00441 After construction of pop top hub 30, the pop top hub 30 is then
inserted and
attached to test tee 20. The attaching means include, but are not limited to,
plastic
adhesive, annealing, welding or other like bonding agent. At this time, the
test tee 20
with pop top 40 is then ready for installation and usage as described above.
[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the test tee 20 by itself without the pop
top hub
30 is a unique and very marketable product. The test tee 20 on the presant
invention
features a%s" largcr threaded opening than the existing tcc design. The
diametcr of
the interior center portion of the test tee 20 is also z" larger which allows
greater
accessibility for drain cleaning equipment when the test tee 20 is used for a
cleanout.
The enlarged portions of the test tee 20 transitions back to the inside pipe
dimension
at the outlet in a smooth, unobtrusive to flow, angle complying with code
requirements.
(0046] In the example lllustrated, the test tee 20 is shown as street by
stebet tee type
plumbing fitting. It should be understood that the same characteristica could
be
implomented in a hub by hub type tee fitting.
[0047] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
alternative
embodiment of the pop top hub 60 of the present invention, with the prior art
tee 10.
ln this embodiment, the pop top hub 60 is configured to fit within a hub 14 of
a tee 10
fitting in the prior art. This is done to utilize the pop top 40 of the
presept invention in
prior art tees 10.
[0048] The thickness of the pop top hub 60 is significantly reduced frorr, the
pop top
hub 30 example described with regard to FIG. 4. 1'he thickness of pop Xop hub
60 is
signifc.antly reduced, so it may fit within the hub fitting 14 of tee 10 of
the prior art.
After the pop top iiub 60 is inserted and attached to tee 10, then a pipe 9
may be
CA 02560280 2006-09-13
Atty Docket # 045599-005ClP
inserted in tee 10, thereby compressing the pop top hub 60 between tee 10 and
the
newly inserted pipe 9. This alternative embodiment enables a person to utilize
a tee
of the prior art with the pop top hub 60 of the present invention.
[0049] As shown, pop top hub 60 includes many of the same components as
described with regard to FIG. 2B, 2C, 3, and 4. The pop top hub 60 is
manufactured
utilizing the same techniques as described above in FIGs at 3 and 4.
[0050] FIG. 5B is a bottom view illustrating an example of an albernative
embodiment
of the pop top hub 60 ofthc present inverEtion, with the prior art tee 10.
[0051] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view illusttating an example of an
alternative
embodiment of t6e pop top 40, with the test tee 20 of the present invention.
in this
alternative embodiment, the pop top 40 is molded in to the pop top hub 100 at
an
angle I to 45 . In this embodiment, the pop top hub 100 is extended in order
to
accommodate the angle of the pop top 40. The pop top 40 is molded intp pop top
of
100 in order to make pull-tab 50 is more accessible to a person through
opening 20.
In this alternative embodiment, the angle is approximately 45 , however, it is
understood that angles between zero to 45 may be utilized.
[0052] FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustrating an example of an alternative
embodiment
of the pull tab pop top, with the test tee of the present invention.
(0053] ln an altemative embodiment, the test tee of the present invention
utilizes a
removable threaded blockage device to create blockage for test purposes in the
test
tee. The removable threaded blockage device includes a threaded coller for
engaging
the internal threads of either or both of the internal ffirst and second
opposing openings
that are axially aligned with each other in the test tee.
[0054] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
altemative
embodiment of the hub to hub test tee with of the present invention, with
internal
II
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Auy Docket 0 045599-005C1P
threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each
other. In
this alternative embodiment, Fig, 7 (A-C) illustrates an oxample of the qasic
components of a test tee 110 fitting of the present invention. Shown is the
test tee
fitting 110 (A-C.) are simply a T-shaped fitting with a threaded opening 112
for a
removable plug (not shown). Tee fitting 110 has hub connectors 114 and 118.
Tee
fitting 110 also includes the clean out or testing open hub i i l that enables
testing
equipment or drain cleaning equipment to be inserted through the opening 112,
The
opening 112 connects openings 115 and 119 in the tee fitting 110.
[0055] The altemative embodiment of the test tee of the present invention
utilizes a
removable threaded blockage device (FIG. 7D) to create blockage for tepting
purposes. As shown in FIG. 7A, an example of the test tee 110A of the present
invention is illustrated a perspective view. In the alternative embodiment, a
hub by
hub fitting is illustrated, however, it Is understood that a street by street
or hub by
street fitting could also be utilized, as shown in figure 75 and 7C. As
silown, test tee
110A of the present invention includes an intemal threaded portion 115A. The
internal threaded portion 115A enables a removable threaded blockage device
150
(FIG. 7D) to engage the Internal threads 1 i 5A in the test tee 1 l 0A in
order to create
blockage on one side of the plumbing system.
[0056] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
altemative
embodiment of the hub to street test tee with of the present invention, with
internal
threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each
other. As
shown in FIG. 78, hub 114 (FIG. 7A) has been modified to illustrate a street
connection 113. The street connection 113 engages the intemal diameter of pipe
9 to
be afrixed to test tee I l OB.
12
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,4tty Dockct f 045599-005CIP
(0057) FIG. 7C is a cross-soctipnal side view illustrating an example of an
alternative
embodiment of the street to street test tee i I OC with of the present
invention, with
internal threads 11SA and 115B on both of the opposing openings that are
axially
aligned with each other. In this an alternative cmbodiment enables a us;r to
utilize a
removable threaded blockage device 150 on both sides of the test tee 110. It
should
be understood that the hub to hub and hub to street test tees 110 could also
utilize the
duel internal threads on both of the opposing openings that are axially
aligned with
the other, as shown hcrc in FIG. 7 C.
[0058] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an
elternative
embodiment of the removable threaded blockage device 150 for a test tee 110(A-
C) of
the present invention. The removable threaded blockage device 150 includes
circular
base plate 151, threading 152 and wrench collar 155. Threading 152 anabies the
removal threaded blockage device 150 to engage the internal threads 11 ~A of
the test
tee 110. Wrench collar 155 is iliustrated as a hexagon shape, however, it
could also
be square or some other noneircular shapo. The wrench collar 155 enables a
user to
apply force to tighten the engagement of the removable threaded blockage
device 150
with the test tee 110 of the present invention.
[0059) In the alterrnative embodiment, the removable threaded blockage device
150 is
molded into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) using injection molding techniques. The
removable threaded blockage device 150 can be constructed from other lypes of
materials such as, but not limited to, galvanized pipe, cast iron, copper, ABS
plastic,
other plastics, aluminum, tin, copper, steel, rubber or other known plumbing
materials.
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Atty Docket # 045599-005(:[P
[0060] FIG. 7E is a top view illustrating an example of an alternative
et7tbodiment of
the removable threaded blockage device 150 for a test Uee 1 i O(A-C) of the
present
invention.
[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modificat+ons
and
variations may be made to embodiments of the present invention, as set forth
above,
without departing substantially from the principles of the present inventlon.
All such
modiE7cations and variations are Intended to be included herein within tlie
scope of the
present invcntion, as deSned in the claims that follow.
14
