Abstract
A pipe adapter with two or more plugs, each plug is inserted into an opening in a different pipe fitting. The adapter permanently isolates the fittings from each other, while keeping the fittings a fixed distance apart.
Claims
1. As an article of manufacture, a pipe adapter with two or more plugs, each plug being insertable into an opening in a different pipe fitting, said adapter permanently isolating the pipe fittings from each other, while keeping the pipe fittings a fixed distance apart.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein the plugs are made of different materials.
3. The article of claim 1 wherein the plugs are made of the same material.
4. The article of claim 1 wherein the plugs are different sizes.
5. The article of claim 1 wherein the plugs are the same size.
6. The article of claim 1 wherein the plugs have different mounting means.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein the plugs have the same mounting means.
8. As an article of manufacture, a pipe adapter with two plugs for insertion into openings in two different pipe fittings so that the adapter physically connects the pipe fittings while permanently isolating the contents of the pipe fittings from each other.
9. The article of claim 8 wherein the plugs are made of different materials.
10. The article of claim 8 wherein the plugs are made of the same material.
11. The article of claim 8 wherein the plugs are different sizes.
12. The article of claim 8 wherein the plugs are the same size.
13. The article of claim 8 wherein the plugs have different mounting means.
14. The article of claim 8 wherein the plugs have the same mounting means.
15. A pipe assembly comprising, a pipe adapter with two or more separate plugs in combination with two or more separate pipe fittings, each pipe fitting connected to a pipe, each plug being separately inserted into a different opening in one of the pipe fittings such that the pipes are permanently isolated and maintained apart at a fixed spacing by the pipe fitting adapter.
16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the plugs are made of different materials.
17. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the plugs are made of the same material.
18. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the plugs are different sizes.
19. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the plugs have different mounting means.
20. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the plugs have the same mounting means.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.
(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(3) FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(4) FIG. 4 is a section 4-4 view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(5) FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 and a tee fitting.
(6) FIG. 6 is an end view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 mounted in a pipe.
(7) FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 mounted in a pipe.
(8) FIG. 8 is an opposite end view of the embodiment in FIG. 6 mounted in a pipe.
(9) FIG. 9 is a section 9-9 view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 mounted in a pipe.
(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 and a tee fitting.
(11) FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 and a tee fitting.
(12) FIG. 12 is a section 11-11 view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 and a tee fitting.
(13) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(14) FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.
(15) FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.
(16) FIG. 16 is a section 16-16 view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.
(17) FIG. 17 is a front view of the embodiment in FIG. 13 and a tee fitting.
(18) FIG. 18 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 13 and a tee fitting.
(19) FIG. 19 is a section 19-19 view of the embodiment in FIG. 13 and a tee fitting.
(20) FIG. 20 is a section 20-20 view of the embodiment in FIG. 13 and a tee fitting.
(21) FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(22) FIG. 22 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.
(23) FIG. 23 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.
(24) FIG. 24 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.
(25) FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(26) FIG. 26 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 25.
(27) FIG. 27 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 25.
(28) FIG. 28 is a section 28-28 view of the embodiment of FIG. 25.
(29) FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(30) FIG. 30 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 29.
(31) FIG. 31 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 29.
(32) FIG. 32 is a section 32-32 view of the embodiment of FIG. 29.
(33) FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(34) FIG. 34 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33.
(35) FIG. 35 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 33.
(36) FIG. 36 is a section 36-36 view of the embodiment of FIG. 33.
(37) FIG. 37 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 with a tee and mounted on a joist.
(38) FIG. 38 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 with a tee and mounted on a joist.
(39) FIG. 39 is a section 39-39 view of the embodiment of FIG. 33.
(40) FIG. 40 is a section 40-40 view of the embodiment of FIG. 33.
(41) FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(42) FIG. 42 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 41.
(43) FIG. 43 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 41.
(44) FIG. 44 is a section 36-36 view of the embodiment of FIG. 41.
(45) FIG. 45 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 41 with a tee and mounted on a joist.
(46) FIG. 46 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 41 with a tee and mounted on a joist.
(47) FIG. 47 is a section 47-47 view of the embodiment of FIG. 41.
(48) FIG. 48 is a section 48-48 view of the embodiment of FIG. 41.
(49) FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(50) FIG. 50 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 49.
(51) FIG. 51 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 49.
(52) FIG. 52 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 49 with two tees and mounted on a joist.
(53) FIG. 53 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 49 with two tees and mounted on a joist.
(54) FIG. 54 is a section 54-54 view of the embodiment of FIG. 49.
(55) FIG. 55 is a section 55-55 view of the embodiment of FIG. 49.
(56) FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(57) FIG. 57 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 56.
(58) FIG. 58 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 56.
(59) FIG. 59 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 56 with two tees and mounted on a joist.
(60) FIG. 60 is a section 60-60 view of the embodiment of FIG. 56.
(61) FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(62) FIG. 62 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 61.
(63) FIG. 63 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 61.
(64) FIG. 64 is another side view of the embodiment of FIG. 61.
(65) FIG. 65 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 61 with two tees and mounted on a joist.
(66) FIG. 66 is a section 66-66 view of the embodiment of FIG. 61 with two tees and mounted on a joist.
(67) FIG. 67 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
(68) FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(69) Due to the vast number of combinations and permutations of pipe diameters, pipe fitting attachment method and fittings, the invention described herein is demonstrated with a series of specific examples. These examples should not be construed as to limit the scope of the invention to these specific examples. It is obvious to anyone skilled in the art that the invention described herein could be applied to any pipe material, pipe thickness, pipe diameter, fitting type, or fitting attachment method including, but not limited to, PVC, CPVC, cast iron, and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX, XPE, XLPE). These embodiments may be applied to any pipe wall thickness, including, but not limited to, schedule 10, schedule 20, and schedule 40. The embodiments illustrated herein may be applied to any pipe diameter, including but not limited to, ½-inch, ¾-inch, 1-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch and 4-inch. These embodiments may be applied to any pipe attachment method, including, but not limited to, solvent welds, threaded ends, and compression ends. It is obvious that as the type of pipe changes the embodiment will also be altered to match the pipe. The figures depict tees, however other fittings including, but not limited to, crosses, wyes, flanges, and couplers are contemplated.
(70) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention. The insert 10 comprises a plug 10a and an optional flange 10b used to limit how far plug 10a can be inserted into a pipe (not shown).
(71) FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Shown are the plug 10a and the optional flange 10b.
(72) FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Shown am the plug 10a and the optional flange 10b.
(73) FIG. 4 is a section 4-4 view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Shown are the plug 10a and the optional flange 10b.
(74) FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment in FIG. 1. Shown herein is the optional flange 10b.
(75) FIG. 6 is an end view of the embodiment in FIG. 1. Shown are the plug 10a mounted in a pipe 20.
(76) FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 1. Shown are the optional flange 10b mounted in a pipe 20. Optional flange 10b has the same outside diameter as the pipe it is inserted into so that the pipe 20 and the optional flange 10b can be inserted into a pipe fitting (not shown).
(77) FIG. 8 is an opposite end view of the embodiment in FIG. 6 mounted in a pipe. The flange 10b is visible mounted in a pipe 20 (not shown).
(78) FIG. 9 is a section 9-9 view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, 10, mounted in a pipe 20.
(79) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, pipes 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and a tee fitting 30. The opposite end of the pipe 20 is mounted into another tee fitting 30a. Tee fittings am depicted in the drawings; it is understood that any fitting may be used. Pipes 20a and 2b are coupled together by tee 30 and are permanently isolated from pipes 20c and 20d which am coupled together by tee 30a.
(80) FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, pipes 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and tee fittings 30,30a, This I-shaped structure may be mounted to a support structure such as a joist (not shown) by means of a pipe clamp or pipe strap.
(81) FIG. 12 is a section 11-11 view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, showing insert 10, pipes 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and tee fittings 30, 30a. This figure shows how the insert 10 isolates pipe 20 from pipes 20a (not shown) and 20b and pipes 20c and 20d.
(82) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, 40, showing optional flange 40b and two plugs 40a. The plugs 40a fit inside of one opening of a pipe fitting (not shown) in order to permanently seal the socket closed thereby converting one opening or socket of said pipe fitting into a point used for support or mounting, while still allowing the fitting to function as a coupler for two pipes. The pipe fittings (not shown) are spaced apart at a fixed spacing by the pipe fitting adapter.
(83) FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 13, 40, showing optional flange 40b and two plugs 40a.
(84) FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 13, 40, showing optional flange 40b and two plugs 40a.
(85) FIG. 16 is a section 16-16 view of the embodiment of FIG. 13, 40, showing optional flange 40b and two plugs 40a.
(86) FIG. 17 is a front view of the embodiment in FIG. 13, 40, two tee fittings 30 oriented parallel to each other, and the optional flange 40b.
(87) FIG. 18 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 13, 40, two tee fittings 30 oriented parallel to each other, and the optional flange 40b.
(88) FIG. 19 is a section 19-19 view of the embodiment in FIG. 13, 40, and two tee fittings 30 oriented parallel to each other. By adhering the overall length of the embodiment in FIG. 13, 40, the distance between the two tee fittings (30) can be increased or decreased.
(89) FIG. 20 is a section 20-20 view of the embodiment in FIG. 13, 40, and two tee fittings 30 oriented parallel to each other,
(90) FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing two tee fittings 30 oriented perpendicular to each other, and the optional flange 40b.
(91) FIG. 22 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention, 50 with plug 50a being a different pipe size than 50c separated by optional flange 50b, plugs 50s and 50c may be the same material and/or the same or different schedules.
(92) FIG. 23 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention, 60 with plug 60a being a solvent weld plug separated by an optional flange 60b from the other plug 60c which is threaded. Plugs 60s and 60c may or may not be different pipe sizes and/or schedules. Plugs 60a and 60c nay or may not be made of different pipe materials for example, PVC and copper.
(93) FIG. 24 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention. 70 with plug 70a being a different pipe material than 70c separated by optional flange 70b. Plugs 70a and 70c may or may not be different pipe sires or schedules. Plugs 70a and 70c may or may not have the same attachment types.
(94) The embodiments of FIGS. 22 through 24 may be in any combination. For example, ½″ solvent weld PVC schedule 80 on one side and 1″ threaded brass on the other, or ¾″ solvent weld schedule 40 PVC and solvent weld schedule 80 CPVC.
(95) FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, 80. This embodiment has three plugs 80a, 80b, and 80c. 80c is perpendicular to 80a and 80b.
(96) FIG. 26 is a side view of the embodiment, 80, showing the three plugs 80a; 80b, and 80c.
(97) FIG. 27 is a top view of the embodiment. 80, showing the three plugs 80a, 80b, and 80c.
(98) FIG. 28 is a section 28-28 view of the embodiment, 80, showing the three plugs 80a, 80b, and 80c.
(99) FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, 90. This embodiment has four plugs 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d. 90b and 90d are perpendicular to 90a and 90c.
(100) FIG. 30 is a side view of the embodiment, 90, showing the four plugs 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d.
(101) FIG. 31 is a top view of the embodiment, 90, showing three of the four plugs 90a, 90c, and 90d.
(102) FIG. 32 is a section 32-32 view of the embodiment, 90, showing the four plugs 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d.
(103) FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, 100. The plug 100a fits inside of one opening of a pipe fitting (not shown) in order to permanently seal the socket closed thereby converting one opening or socket of said pipe fitting into a point used for support or mounting, while still allowing the fitting to function as a coupler for two pipes. Plate 100b and/or optional plate 10c are used to attach the embodiment, 100 to a support structure. If optional plate 100c is not incorporated, then the embodiment 100 may be mounted to a flat support structure. If the optional plate 100c is incorporated, then the invention of FIG. 33 may be mounted on the edge of a support structure.
(104) FIG. 34 is a side view of the embodiment, 100 showing plug 100a, plate 100b, and optional plate 100c. Plates 100b and optional plate 100c are perpendicular to each other and form an L-shaped structure to which the plug 100a is attached. Optional plate 100c may be made so it can be removed by the consumer if desired.
(105) FIG. 35 is a top view of the embodiment, 100 showing plug 100a and plate 100b. Plug 100a is attached to the face of plate 100b.
(106) FIG. 36 is a section 36-36 view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 showing the optional plate 100c and plug 100a attached to plate 100b.
(107) FIG. 37 is an environmental side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 showing optional plate 100c and a tee 30 mounted on the plug 100a. The embodiment is mounted on a joist 110 acting as a structural support. The plate 100b(not shown) and the optional plate 100c are attached to a joist or other structural support 110 by means of glue, screw, nails, or any other faster known in the art. This embodiment allows the tee 30 to act as a coupler for two pipes (not shown) while also providing structural stability for the pipe run. In this figure the tee 30 is parallel to the joist or other structural support 110. However, the tee 30 can be at any angle with respect to the joist or other structural support 110. Although shown with an L-shape, it is obvious that this variation could be a flat plate with a plug, or any shaped attachment plate that would be custom to any type of structural support.
(108) FIG. 38 is an environmental top view with a tee 30, top plate 100b and mounted on a joist 110.
(109) FIG. 39 is a section 39-39 view of the embodiment of FIG. 37. Shown are tee 30 mounted on the plug 100a, which is mounted on plate 100b. Plates 100b and optional plate 100c are mounted onto a structural support, in this figure a joist 110.
(110) FIG. 40 is a section 40-40 view of the embodiment of FIG. 38. Shown are tee 30 mounted on the plug 100a, which is mounted on plate 100b. Plate 100b is mounted onto a joist 110.
(111) FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, 120. The solid plug 120a fits inside of one opening or socket of a pipe fitting (not shown) in order to permanently seal the socket closed thereby converting one opening of said pipe fitting into a mounting point used for supporting the pipe fitting (not shown) and any pipes connected to said pipe fitting to a structural support (not shown) by use of plate 120b, optional plate 120c, and optional plate 120d, while still allowing the fitting to function as a coupler for two pipes.
(112) FIG. 42 is a side view of the embodiment, 120 showing plug 120L, plate 1206, optional plate 120c, and optional plate 120d. Plate 120b is perpendicular to optional plate 120c and optional plate 120d and form a U-shaped structure to which the plug 120a is attached. The U-shaped structure made of plate 120b, optional plate 120c, and optional plate 120d is attached to a joist or other structural support (not shown).
(113) FIG. 43 is a top view of the embodiment, 120 showing plug 120a and plate 120b. Plug 120a is attached to the face of plate 120b.
(114) FIG. 44 is a section 44-44 view of the embodiment of FIG. 41 showing the optional plate 120c and plug 120a attached to plate 120b.
(115) FIG. 45 is an environmental top view with a tee 30, top plate 120b and mounted on a joist 110. In this figure the tee 30 is parallel to the joist or other structural support 110. However, the tee 30 can be at any angle with respect to the joist or other structural support 110. Although the plug is shown with a U-shaped structure, it is obvious that this variation could be a plug with a flat integrated plate, an L-shaped integrated plate, or any shaped attachment plate with a multiplicity of bends that would be custom to any type of structural support. This embodiment allows the tee 30 to act as a coupler for two pipes (not shown) while also providing structural stability for the pipe run.
(116) FIG. 46 is an environmental side view showing optional plate 120c and a tee 30 mounted on the plug 120a. The embodiment is mounted on a joist 110.
(117) FIG. 47 is a section 47-47 view of the embodiment of FIG. 41. Shown are tee 30 mounted on the plug 120a, which is mounted on plate 120b. Plate 120b, optional plate 120c, and optional plate 120d am mounted onto a joist 110.
(118) FIG. 48 is a section 48-48 view of the embodiment of FIG. 41. Shown are tee 30 mounted on the plug 120a, which is mounted on plate 120b. Plate 120b is mounted onto a joist 110.
(119) FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention 130. The solid plugs 130a and 130e fit inside of one opening of two pipe fittings (not shown) that are perpendicular to each other in order to convert one opening of said pipe fitting into a mounting point used for supporting the pipe fitting and any pipes connected to said pipe fitting. This embodiment has plates 130b, 130c, and optional plate 130d form a U-shaped structure, with plugs 130a and 130e mounted on the face of plate 130b and 130c respectively. The U-shaped structure plate 130b, plate 130c, and optional plate 130d is attached to a joist or other structural support 110.
(120) FIG. 50 is a top view showing plug 130a mounted on the face of plate 130b and plug 130e mounted on plate 130c (not shown).
(121) FIG. 51 is a side view showing plug 130a mounted to the face of plate 130b, plug 130e mounted to the face of plate 130c, and optional plate 130d.
(122) FIG. 52 is an environmental side view of embodiment 130 with tee 30 mounted to plug 130a. Tee 30a is mounted to plug 130e (not shown) mounted to the face of plate 130c. The embodiment 130 and the tees are mounted to a joist 110. In this figure the tees 30 and 30a are parallel to the joist or other structural support 110. However, the tees 30 and 30 can be at any angle with respect to the joist 110 or other structural support. Although the plug is shown with a U-shaped structure, it is obvious that this variation could be a multiplicity of plugs with a flat integrated plate, an L-shaped integrated plate, or any shaped attachment plate with a multiplicity of bends that would be custom to any type of structural support.
(123) FIG. 53 is an environmental top view of embodiment 130 with tee 30a mounted to plug 130e. Tee 30 is mounted to plug 130a (not shown) mounted to the face of plate 130b. The embodiment 130 and the tees are mounted to a joist 110.
(124) FIG. 54 is a section 54-54 view of the embodiment of FIG. 52. Shown are tee 30 mounted to plug 130a which is mounted to the face of plate 130b. Tee 30a is mounted to plug 130e which is mounted to the face of plate 130c. Optional plate 130d, plate 130b, and plate 130c make up a U-Shaped structure used to mount to a joist 110. The embodiment 130 and the tees 30 and 30a are mounted to a joist 110.
(125) FIG. 55 is a section 55-55 view of the embodiment of FIG. 53. Shown are tee 30 mounted to plug 130a which is mounted to the face of plate 130b. The embodiment 130 and the tee 30 are mounted to a joist 110.
(126) FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention 140. The solid plugs 140a, 140e and 140f fit inside of one opening of three pipe fittings (not shown) that are perpendicular to each other in order to convert one opening of said pipe fitting into a mounting point used for supporting the pipe fitting and any pipes connected to said pipe fitting. This embodiment has plates 140b, 140c, and 140d forming a U-shaped structure, with plugs 140a, 140e, 140f mounted on the face of plate 140b, 140c, and 140d respectively. The U-shaped structure 140b, 140c, and 140d is attached to a joist or other structural support (not shown).
(127) FIG. 57 is a top view showing plug 140a mounted on the face of plate 140b, plug 140e mounted to the face of plate 140c (not shown), and plate 140f mounted to plate 140d (not shown).
(128) FIG. 58 is a side view showing plug 140a mounted to the face of plate 140b, plug 140e mounted to the face of plate 140c, and plate 140f mounted to plate 140d.
(129) FIG. 59 is an environmental side view of embodiment 140 with tee 30 mounted to plug 140a (not sown). Tee 30a is mounted to plug 140f, and tee 30b mounted to plug 140e. The embodiment 140 and the tees 30, 30a, and 30b are mounted to a joist 110. In this figure the tees 30, 30a, and 30b are parallel to the joist or other structural support 110. However, the tees 30, 30a, and 30b can be at any angle with respect to the joist or other structural support 110. Although the plug is shown with a U-shaped structure, it is obvious that this variation could be a plug with a flat integrated plate, an L-shaped integrated plate, or any shaped attachment plate with a multiplicity of bends that would be custom to any type of structural support.
(130) FIG. 60 is a section 60-60 view of the embodiment of FIG. 59. Shown are tee 30 mounted to plug 140a which is mounted to the face of plate 140b. Tee 30a is mounted to plug 140f which is mounted to the face of plate 140d. Tee 30b is mounted to plug 140e which is mounted to the face of plate 140c. The embodiment 140 and the tees 30, 30a, 30b are mounted to a joist 110.
(131) FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, 150 showing plate 150d and two parallel plugs 150a and 150c mounted to the face of plate 130b which forms an L-shaped structure with optional plate 150d. The L-shaped structure 150b and 150d are attached to a joist or other structural support 110. If optional plate 150d is unused, then this embodiment of the invention could be mounted on a flat support structure.
(132) FIG. 62 is a top view of the embodiment, 150 showing plugs 150a and 150c mounted to the face of plate 150b.
(133) FIG. 63 is a side view of the embodiment, 150 showing plug 150a, plate 150b, and optional plate 150d. Plate 150b and optional plate 150d are perpendicular to each other and form an I-shaped structure to which the plugs 150a and 150c are attached.
(134) FIG. 64 is another side view of the embodiment, 150 showing plugs 150a and 150c, and optional plate 150d. Plates 150b (not shown) and 150d are perpendicular to each other and form an L-shaped structure to which the plugs 150a and 150c are attached
(135) FIG. 65 is an environmental top view of the embodiment of FIG. 61 showing parallel tees 30a and 30b mounted on the plugs 150a (not shown) and 150c (not shown) which is mounted on the face of plate 150b. The embodiment is mounted on a joist 110. In this figure the tees 30a and 30b are parallel to each other but perpendicular to the joist or other structural support 110. Although shown with an L-shape, it is obvious that this variation could be a flat plate with a multiplicity of plugs, or any shaped attachment plate that would be custom to any type of structural support.
(136) FIG. 66 is a section 66-66 view of the embodiment of FIG. 65. Shown are parallel tees 30a and 30b mounted to plugs 150a and 150c respectively, which am mounted to the face of plate 140b. The embodiment 150 and the tees 30a and 30b are mounted to a joist 110.
(137) FIG. 67 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention 160. This embodiment has plate 160b, plate 160d, and optional plate 160e forming a U-shaped structure, with plugs 160a and 160c mounted on the face of plate 160b and 160d respectively. This embodiment has plug 160a being threaded and plug 160c a solvent weld style plug. The two plugs 160a and 160c may be the same or different sizes and/or the same or different materials as well as different mounting types.
(138) FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention 170. This embodiment has plate 170b, plate 170d, and optional plate 170e forming a U-shaped structure, with plugs 170a and 170c mounted on the face of plate 170b and 170d respectively. This embodiment has two plugs 170a and 170c that may be the same or different sizes and/or the same or different materials and/or different mounting types.
SUMMARY
(139) The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims to be interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
