PLUMBING VENT PLUG

Abstract

A roof vent capping device that is configured to sealably secured to an opening of a roof vent pipe so as to facilitate a pressure test of a plumbing network. The present invention is configured to be removed from the roof vent pipe from a distal location ensuing the pressure test. The roof vent capping device includes a cap member wherein the cap member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a diameter configured to be inserted into the opening of a roof vent pipe and provide a hermetic seal. A securing member is superposed over the cap member and includes end members that are configured to releasably secure to the roof vent pipe. A pull member is operably coupled to the securing member and the cap member and includes a second end distally located from the roof vent pipe.

Claims

1. A roof vent capping device that is operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe wherein the roof vent capping device comprises: a cap member, said cap member having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion being contiguously formed, said lower portion having a diameter of sufficient size so as to be inserted into the opening of the roof vent pipe; a securing member, said securing member having a first end and a second end, said securing member configured to be superposed said cap member, said first end and said second end being configured to releasably secure to the roof vent pipe; and a pull member, said pull member being elongated, said pull member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said pull member being operably coupled to said securing member and said cap member, said second end of said pull member being distally located from the roof vent pipe.

2. The roof vent capping device operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe as recited in claim 1, wherein said securing member is arcuate in form.

3. The roof vent capping device operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe as recited in claim 2, wherein said pull member is manufactured from string.

4. The roof vent capping device operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe as recited in claim 3, wherein said first end of said securing member includes a first tab member, said first tab member configured to engage the roof vent pipe.

5. The roof vent capping device operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe as recited in claim 4, wherein said upper portion of said cap member further includes an aperture, said aperture configured to operably couple with said first end of said pull member.

6. The roof vent capping device operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe as recited in claim 5, wherein said second end of said securing member includes a second tab member, said second tab member configured to engage the roof vent pipe diametrically opposite said first tab member.

7. A roof vent capping device that is operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe in order to perform a pressure test in a plumbing network wherein the roof vent capping device comprises: a cap member, said cap member having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion being dome shaped, said upper portion and said lower portion being contiguously formed, said lower portion extending downward from said upper portion, said lower portion having an O-ring secured to an outer surface thereof, said lower portion having a diameter of sufficient size so as to be inserted into the opening of the roof vent pipe; a securing member, said securing member being arcuate in shape, said securing member having a first end and a second end, said securing member configured to be superposed said cap member, said first end having a first tab member formed thereon, said first tab member being oriented inwards and upwards, said second end of said securing member having a second tab member formed thereon, said second tab member being oriented inwards and upwards, said first tab member and said second tab member configured to releasably secure to said roof vent pipe; and a pull member, said pull member being elongated, said pull member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said pull member being operably coupled to said securing member and said cap member, said second end of said pull member being distally located from the roof vent pipe.

8. The roof vent capping device operable to hermetically seal an opening of a roof vent pipe as recited in claim 7, wherein said upper portion of said cap member further includes a pair of apertures, said pair of apertures being located at a top end of said upper portion, said pair of apertures being adjacent each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention operably coupled to an exemplary roof vent pipe; and

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cap member of the present invention; and

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the securing member of the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the present invention operably coupled to an exemplary roof vent pipe; and

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the cap member of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a roof vent capping device 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms a, an and the include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to an element is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word or should be understood as having the definition of a logical or rather than that of a logical exclusive or unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] References to one embodiment, an embodiment, exemplary embodiments, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

[0023] Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the roof vent capping device 100 includes a cap member 10. The cap member 10 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The cap member 10 includes an upper portion 15 and a lower portion 20 being contiguously formed. The upper portion 15 is dome shaped having a lower perimeter edge 16. The lower perimeter edge 16 has a diameter that is generally equal to that of the exemplary roof vent pipe 99 so as to facilitate the cap member 10 being superposed on top of the opening of the roof vent pipe 99. While the upper portion is dome shaped, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper portion 15 of the cap member 10 could be provided in alternate shapes. The upper portion 15 further includes apertures 18 formed at the top of the upper portion 15. The apertures 18 are provided so as to operable coupled with an end of the pull member 60 as is further discussed herein. The apertures 18 are adjacent each other so as to provide a configuration for engaging the end of the pull member 60. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate quantities of apertures could be employed to accomplish fastening an end of the pull member 60 to the upper portion 15 of the cap member 10. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the upper portion 15 could employ alternate elements in place of and/or in conjunction with the apertures so as to operably engage with the pull member 60.

[0024] The lower portion 20 of the cap member 10 extends downward from the upper portion 15 and has a diameter that is configured to facilitate penetration into the opening of the roof vent pipe 99. The lower portion 20 is operable to be inserted into the opening of the roof vent pipe 99 so as to sealably secure the opening thereof in order to execute a pressure test on a plumbing network of which the roof vent pipe 99 is a part thereof. The lower portion 20 includes O-ring 21 that is operable to ensure a hermetic seal between the lower portion 20 of the cap member 10 and the roof vent pipe 99. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate elements could be employed to provide a hermetic seal between the lower portion 20 and the roof vent pipe 99.

[0025] The roof vent capping device 100 further includes a securing member 30. The securing member 30 is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to metal flat bar. The securing member 30 is arcuate in shape having a length sufficient to extend over the cap member 10 and engage with the outer ring 98 of the roof vent pipe 99. The securing member 30 includes a first end 31 and a second end 32. First end 31 includes a first tab member 33 and second end 32 includes a second tab member 34. First tab member 33 and second tab member 34 are formed inwards and upwards so as to facilitate releasably securing with the lower edge 97 of the outer ring 98 of the roof vent pipe 99. The securing member 30 ensures the maintenance of position of the cap member 10 during a pressure test of a plumbing network of which the roof vent pipe 99 is a part thereof. While the securing member 30 is illustrated herein in a preferred embodiment, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the securing member 30 could be provided in alternate embodiments and achieve the desired objective discussed herein.

[0026] The roof vent capping device 100 further includes a pull member 60. The pull member 60 is configured to facilitate removal of the securing member 30 and cap member 10 ensuing execution of a pressure test. The pull member 60 in a preferred embodiment is an elongated piece of string or other suitable material having a first end thereof secured to both the securing member 30 and the cap member 10. The pull member 60 is provided in a sufficient length so as to be reachable by a user wherein the user can access without climbing onto a roof. The pull member 60 is of a length so as to place the second end proximate the ground adjacent the structure in order to be easily accessible for a user. The user tugs on the second end of the pull member 60 which results in the securing member 30 becoming dislodged and subsequently the cap member 10 being removed. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the pull member 60 could be arranged in various manners in order to facilitate the removal of the securing member 30 and then the cap member 10.

[0027] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.