Snap fitting for plumbing

Abstract

A snap fitting for use in plumbing is provided. The snap fitting includes a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe and an inset for extending from an interior side of the main body into a hole in the cylindrical pipe.

Claims

1. A method of repairing a leak in a pipe through which fluid flows, the method comprising: providing a snap fitting having a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe, the snap fitting having an inset for extending around an interior side of the main body; drilling a hole in the pipe at a place of the leak in need of repair; snapping the snap fitting into place over the hole in the pipe such that the inset is inserted into the hole such that an interior wall of the pipe is smooth and an edge of the hole is not exposed to avoid disruptions in fluid flow through the pipe.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising bonding the snap fitting in place.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a snap fitting in use to repair a pipe.

(2) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the snap fitting shown in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the snap fitting being used to provide a T-fitting.

(4) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the snap fitting shown in FIG. 3.

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the snap fitting being used to provide a wye connection.

(6) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the snap fitting shown in FIG. 5.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the snap fitting installed on a pipe.

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the snap fitting shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(9) FIG. 1 illustrates a snap fitting 10 positioned on a pipe 12. The snap fitting 10 has a main body 14 which extends generally annularly around a portion of the pipe 12. The main body 14 preferably extends over 50 percent around the pipe 12 which allows the snap fitting 10 to snap fit in place. Although not shown, solvents and glues may coated on the interior of the main body 14 and the exterior of the pipe 12 to attach the fitting 10 to the pipe 12.

(10) There is an inset 16 which may be an integral portion of the snap fitting 10 or may be a separate piece which is attached to the snap fitting 10 (such as through a solvent cement or otherwise). The inset 16 fits within a hole 18 in the pipe 12 to plug the hole 18.

(11) The snap fitting 10 may be made out of any number of plastic materials. One such type of material which is used in plumbing is polyvinylchloride, although other types of plastic materials may be used. The snap fitting may have a wall thickness substantially the same as the pipe on which it is being used.

(12) FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the snap fitting 10 positioned on the pipe 12. Note that the inset 16 or wafer portion of the snap fitting 10 is positioned within the hole 18. Note also that the main body 14 of the snap fitting 10 extends more than about 50 percent around the pipe 12 to provide a tight fit.

(13) In a typical scenario in which the snap fitting 10 is used, first the location of the leak in the pipe is identified. Next, a drill may be used to form a uniform hole 18 in the pipe 12 at the location of the hole, 18 preferably the edges of the hole 18 are beveled. Then the snap fitting 10 may be chemically welded in place with a solvent or otherwise affixed in place such that the inset 16 fits within the hole 18 on the pipe 12. Thus, the pipe 12 has now been repaired without cutting. Because the pipe is repaired without cutting, problems associated with cutting are avoided and the amount of time to repair the pipe 12 is greatly reduced in comparison to conventional methods.

(14) The snap fitting 10 of the present invention may be used for purposes other than repairing. For example, the snap fitting 10 may be used to provide a T or wye. FIG. 3 illustrates one example where the snap fitting 10 provides a T-connection. As shown in FIG. 3, a second line 20 (which may be in a T-configuration as shown, a wye configuration, or other configuration), extends from the main body 14 of the snap fitting 10. FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view.

(15) Thus, in situations where an additional line is needed it is not necessary to cut the pipe. Instead, a hole 18 may be drilled out from the existing pipe and the snap fitting 10 may be snap fit in place. A glue or other bonding agent may be used to affix the pipe fitting in place.

(16) FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate the snap fitting 10 being used to provide a wye. As shown in FIG. 5, a second line 24 extends from the main body 14. Note that as shown in FIG. 6, after the installation, the pipe 12 has a smooth interior surface. The smooth and continuous interior surface is advantageous because it does not disrupt fluid flow through the pipe 12. In addition, there are no discontinuities where debris may build-up or accumulate.

(17) Where the snap fitting 10 is used to provide a second line, the hole 18 may be drilled or cut or melted. A specialized jig or melting tool may be used to remove a portion of the plate pipe.

(18) FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown here reduces the surface area of the main body 14 and thus potentially the amount of glue or other bonding agent which is used to affix the main body 14 to the pipe 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the main body includes spaced part members 40 that extend partially around the pipe 12. Also, as best shown in FIG. 8, nubs 42 are present on the edges of each member 40. The nubs 42 assist in preventing glue or other bonding agent from being removed from the surface of a pipe 12 while the main body 14 is snapped into place. As shown there are two nubs, one on each corner of each of the members 42. It is contemplated, however, that more or fewer nubs may be used and the position of the nubs may be varied.

(19) Although various embodiments of the invention have been shown it is to be appreciated that the present invention contemplates numerous variations, options and alternatives. These include the type of material, sizes, configurations, whether the snap fitting has an integral inset or a removable inset, how far the main body of the snap fitting extends around a pipe, and other variations, options, and alternatives. It is further to be understood that features from different embodiments may be combined. For example, all embodiments may include the nubs. The present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown here.