U.S. patent application number 09/842238 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-23 for leak testing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Inflow Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pampinella, Joseph A..
Application Number | 20010015092 09/842238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32991613 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010015092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pampinella, Joseph A. |
August 23, 2001 |
Leak testing device
Abstract
A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated
sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket
includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective
ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially
into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The
diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to
the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the
diaphragm member is made intregal with the gasket. A hole is
provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or
closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to
thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two
conduits.
Inventors: |
Pampinella, Joseph A.;
(Woodbridge, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DINESH AGARWAL, P.C.
5350 Shawnee Road, Suite 330
Alexandria
VA
22312
US
|
Assignee: |
Inflow Products, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32991613 |
Appl. No.: |
09/842238 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09842238 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
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09340438 |
Jun 28, 1999 |
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6234007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/49.8 ;
73/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01M 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/49.8 ;
73/40 |
International
Class: |
G01M 003/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A leak testing device to be positioned between two adjacent
conduits, comprising: a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; b) said gasket including first and second end
portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent
conduits; c) a shoulder portion extending from said gasket; d) a
diaphragm member for positioning within said gasket; e) said
diaphragm member including a through hole; and f) a valve operably
connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or
closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid
between the conduits.
2. The leak testing device of claim 1, further comprising: a) an
adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said
gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the ends of the
conduits.
3. The leak testing device of claim 1, wherein: a) said valve
comprises a valve housing with a sliding member therein.
4. The leak testing device of claim 3, wherein: a) said valve
comprises an operating handle.
5. The leak testing device of claim 4, wherein: a) said valve
housing is mounted to said diaphragm member.
6. The leak testing device of claim 5, wherein: a) said handle is
positioned exterior of said gasket.
7. The leak testing device of claim 3, wherein: a) said valve
housing is integral with said diaphragm member.
8. The leak testing device of claim 1, wherein: a) said gasket is
made of a compressible material; and b) said diaphragm is made of a
substantially rigid material.
9. A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: a)
providing a first conduit to be leak-tested; b) providing a second
conduit; c) providing a leak testing device between the ends of the
first and second conduits, wherein the leak testing device
comprises: i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess
therethrough; ii) said gasket including first and second end
portions for receiving the respective ends of the first and second
conduits; iii) a shoulder portion extending from said gasket; iv) a
diaphragm member for positioning within said gasket; v) said
diaphragm member including a through hole; and vi) a valve operably
connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or
closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid
between the first and second conduits; d) actuating the valve to
restrict the flow of fluid between the first and second conduits;
e) filling the first conduit with a fluid; f) inspecting the first
conduit for any leaks; and g) actuating the valve to permit the
flow of fluid from the first conduit to the second conduit.
10. A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent an end of a
conduit, comprising: a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; b) said gasket including an end portion for
receiving an end of a conduit; c) a shoulder portion extending from
said gasket; d) a diaphragm member for positioning within said
gasket; e) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and f) a
valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively
opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow
of a fluid therethrough.
11. The leak testing device of claim 10, further comprising: a) an
adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said
gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the end of the
conduit.
12. The leak testing device of claim 10, wherein: a) said valve
comprises a valve housing with a sliding member therein.
13. The leak testing device of claim 12, wherein: a) said valve
comprises an operating handle.
14. The leak testing device of claim 13, wherein: a) said valve
housing is mounted to said diaphragm member.
15. The leak testing device of claim 14, wherein: a) said handle is
positioned exterior of said gasket.
16. The leak testing device of claim 13, wherein: a) said valve
housing is integral with said diaphragm member.
17. The leak testing device of claim 10, wherein: a) said gasket is
made of a compressible material; and b) said diaphragm is made of a
substantially rigid material.
18. A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent an end of a
conduit, comprising: a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; b) said gasket including an end portion for
receiving an end of a conduit; c) said gasket including an integral
diaphragm member extending into said recess; d) said diaphragm
member substantially closing said recess; e) said diaphragm member
including a through hole; and f) a valve operably connected to said
diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to
thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough.
19. The leak testing device of claim 18, further comprising: a) an
adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said
gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the end of the
conduit.
20. The leak testing device of claim 18, wherein: a) said valve
comprises a valve housing with a sliding member therein.
21. The leak testing device of claim 18, wherein: a) said valve
comprises an operating handle.
22. The leak testing device of claim 21, wherein: a) said valve
housing is mounted to said diaphragm member.
23. The leak testing device of claim 22, wherein: a) said handle is
positioned exterior of said gasket.
24. The leak testing device of claim 21, wherein: a) said valve
housing is integral with said diaphragm member.
25. The leak testing device of claim 18, wherein: a) said diaphragm
is made of a substantially rigid material.
26. A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: a)
providing a conduit to be leak-tested; b) providing a leak testing
device adjacent an end of the conduit, wherein the leak testing
device comprises: i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; ii) said gasket including an end portion for
receiving an end of a conduit; iii) a shoulder portion extending
from said gasket; iv) a diaphragm member for positioning within
said gasket; v) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and
vi) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for
selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or
restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough; c) actuating the valve
to restrict the flow of fluid through the hole; d) filling the
conduit with a fluid; e) inspecting the conduit for any leaks; and
f) actuating the valve to permit the flow of fluid through the
hole.
27. A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: a)
providing a conduit to be leak-tested; b) providing a leak testing
device adjacent one end of the conduit, wherein the leak testing
device comprises: i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; ii) said gasket including an end portion for
receiving an end of a conduit; iii) said gasket including an
integral diaphragm member extending into said recess; iv) said
diaphragm member substantially closing said recess; v) said
diaphragm member including a through hole; and vi) a valve operably
connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or
closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid
therethrough; c) actuating the valve to restrict the flow of fluid
through the hole; d) filling the conduit with a fluid; e)
inspecting the conduit for any leaks; and f) actuating the valve to
permit the flow of fluid through the hole.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/340,438,
filed on Jun. 28, 1999, which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference.
FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a leak testing device
to be positioned between two adjacent conduits.
[0003] In the plumbing industry, it is common to test pipes for
leaks prior to use. In particular, in the installation of new
plumbing systems in buildings, or the replacement of an existing
pipe, the government regulations require that a pipe be
leaked-tested prior to its use as part of the overall plumbing
system. The current practice is to install a T-fitting between the
new pipe and an existing adjacent pipe. The two arms of the
T-fitting are vertically connected to the ends of the new and
existing pipes with a conventional split-clamp assembly. The
side-arm of the T-fitting includes a screw-on cap which can be
removed for allowing access to the inside of the T (FIG. 1).
[0004] The testing procedure involves a plumbing professional to
manually insert a pneumatically inflatable plug through the
side-arm of the T-fitting and into the end opening of the new pipe.
The plug is then inflated to seal-off the new pipe opening leading
into the T-fitting. The new pipe, which in many instance extends to
one or more floors of a building, is then filled with a fluid,
typically water, and is left in this condition until a government
official visually inspects the new pipe for any leaks. Upon
completion of the inspection, the fluid from the new pipe must be
discharged for final assembly of the plumbing system. The fluid
discharge involves deflating the plug by actuating a valve located
on the plug which is completely hidden inside the T-fitting. The
access to the valve is typically gained through the side-arm of the
T-fitting.
[0005] The current practice of deflating the plug and removing it
from inside the T-fitting is not very desirable in that severe
physical injury, including death, or property damage may result if
the plug fails for any reason, or due to improper handling thereof.
The inflation of the plug to a desired pressure of 30 PSI, and its
deflation at the completion of the testing procedure, requires
additional equipment and proper training of the associated
technician. This procedure further involves the use of a T-fitting
which adds to the overall expense of the testing procedure.
Finally, in many instances, the inflatable plug weakens or gets
damaged due to inflation and deflation and can not be reused.
[0006] In view of the above, there is a need in the industry for a
leak testing device which is safe for the plumbing professional and
the surrounding property, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use,
and simple in construction.
[0007] Examples of various valves and pipe testing devices are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,133,714; 2,823,887; 3,232,577;
3,941,349; 3,945,604; 4,194,721; 5,076,095; and 5,197,324.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to provide
a leak testing device which does not suffer from the disadvantages
of the conventional devices.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a leak
testing device which can be easily provided between two adjacent
conduits.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a leak
testing device which is safe to use in that it does not threaten
physical injury to the plumbing professional, property damage, or
damage to others.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
leak testing device which eliminates the use of a T-fitting.
[0012] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a leak testing device which does not require additional equipment,
such as a pneumatic pump or the like for inflation and deflation
purposes.
[0013] Yet an additional object of the present invention is to
provide a leak testing device which is simple in construction,
inexpensive to manufacture and is reusable.
[0014] In summary, the main object of the present invention is to
provide a leak testing device which can be easily installed between
two adjacent conduits. The device is simple in construction, easy
to use and reuse, and does not pose danger of bodily harm to the
plumbing professional and associated personnel or risk of property
damage, and is inexpensive to manufacture.
[0015] In accordance with the invention, the leak testing device
includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which
defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second
end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent
conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for
supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member
includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of
the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made
intregal with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm
member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve
assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or
restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and other objects, advantages and novel features
of the present invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention,
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of a plumbing system
showing a T-fitting installed between two conduits;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view showing the leak
testing device of the invention installed in cooperation with two
adjacent conduits;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2;
[0020] FIGS. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taking along line
4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the valve in the
open position; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an alternative
embodiment of the leak testing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the leak testing device LD of the
present invention is used in connection with an existing pipe or
conduit 10 extending from a floor F or the like, and a new pipe 12.
Conventionally, a T-fitting 14 is provided between the existing and
new pipes 10 and 12, respectively, prior to testing the new pipe 12
for any leaks. In this regard, it is noted herewith that the leak
testing device LD of the present invention can be used with a
T-fitting, and preferably without a T-fitting, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0024] As best shown in FIG. 3, the leak testing device LD includes
a generally cylindrical elongated gasket 16 which defines therein a
recess 18. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, a shoulder or lip
portion 20 extends radially into the recess 18, and preferably
extends throughout the internal perimeter of the gasket 16. In
other words, shoulder portion 20 is in the form of an internal ring
that extends radially into the recess 18. A substantially circular
diaphragm member 22, with a central hole 24, is provided so as to
rest on the diaphragm member 22. Preferably, the gasket 16 is made
of a resilient or compressible material, and the diaphragm member
22 is made of a generally rigid, yet somewhat flexible material.
The diameter of the diaphragm member 22 substantially corresponds
to the recess 18 in order to provide a fluid-type engagement
therebetween.
[0025] As best shown in FIGS. 2-5, the diaphragm member 22 includes
a valve assembly 26. Preferably, the valve assembly 26 includes a
valve chamber 28 integral with the diaphragm member 22. The valve
chamber 28 includes an upper opening 30 which is in vertical
alignment with the hole 24 in the diaphragm member 22. A manually
actuable valve member 32 slides within the chamber 28 between a
closed position (FIGS. 2-4) and an open position (FIG. 5). The
dimensions of the valve member 32 are selected so as to
substantially correspond to the dimensions of the valve chamber 28,
so that when the valve member 32 is in the closed position (FIGS.
2-4), the flow of fluid between the conduits 12 and 10 is
restricted. Likewise, when the valve member 32 is in the open
position (FIG. 5), the fluid flows between the conduits 12 and 10,
through the upper opening 30, valve chamber 28 and the hole 24. In
order to facilitate the opening and closing of the valve 32, a
manually actuable valve handle 34 is detachably connected to the
valve member 32. Preferably, interlocking screw-threads 36 are
provided on the valve stem 38 and the valve member 32. As can be
observed from FIGS. 2-5, the valve stem 38 extends through the
gasket 16 for being detachably connected to the valve member
32.
[0026] The leak testing device LD further includes a split-clamp
assembly 40 (FIGS. 1-2). In particular, the clamp assembly 40
includes a metal ring 42 split about the location of conventional
upper and lower mechanical fasteners 44 and 46. The fasteners 44
and 46 are parts of upper and lower metallic rings 48 and 50,
respectively, the diameter of which about the perimeter of the
metal ring 42, can be adjusted by actuating fasteners 44 and 46 and
interlocking with corresponding series of holes 52 and 54, in a
known manner.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the leak
testing device LD of the invention, which is similar to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, with the exception that the
diaphragm member 56 is integral with the gasket 16. (It is noted
herewith that in the alternative embodiment like parts are
designated with the same reference numerals as in the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 2-5.) Preferably, the diaphragm member 56 is made
slightly thicker than the diaphragm member 22, in order to impart
sufficient strength to withstand fluid pressure when the new pipe
12 is filled with a fluid.
USE AND OPERATION
[0028] When it is desired to test the leak integrity of a new pipe
12, the leak testing device LD of the present invention is provided
such that the respective end portions 11 and 13 of the existing and
new pipes 10 and 12 respectively, are slidably received in the
recess 18 of gasket 16. As best shown in FIGS. 4-5, the end portion
11 of the pipe 10 would sealingly engage the lower surface 58 of
the shoulder portion 20. The end portion 13 of the pipe 12 would
come to sealingly engage the diaphragm member 22. The clamp
assembly 40 would then be provided and tightened around the gasket
16, to form a fluid-tight engagement between the leak testing
device LD and the end portions 11 and 13 of the pipes 10 and 12.
The valve handle 34 would then be actuated to close the hole 24 in
the diaphragm member 22 (or 56). Upon assuring that the leak
testing device LD is in proper fluid-tight engagement with the pipe
end portions 11 and 13, the pipe 12 would then be filled with the
fluid and allowed to stand until the inspection for any leaks is
completed. Upon completion of the inspection, the valve handle 34
would be carefully and slowly pulled outwardly to allow gradual
flow of fluid from the new pipe 12 into the existing pipe 10.
[0029] As can be seen from the above, since the opening and closing
of the valve assembly 26, is done completely external of the pipes
10 and 12, and the fluid flows only between the pipes 10 and 12,
the leak testing device LD of the present invention poses no danger
to the personnel or the property involved. In addition, the
operation of the leak testing device LD of the present invention
does not require any additional equipment, such as a pneumatic pump
or the like, and thus the entire procedure is straightforward, fast
and significantly less complicated than the conventional devices.
Finally, since the leak testing device LD of the present invention
does not require the use of a T-fitting, significant savings in
terms of time and expense are achieved.
[0030] It is noted herewith that in the instances where the
installation of a T-fitting is necessary, the leak testing device
LD of the invention can be simply used in the same manner as
without a T. In particular, the upper arm 15 of the T-fitting 14
would take the place of the existing pipe 10 with the lower arm 17
thereof connected to the existing pipe 10, and the leak testing
device LD can be operated in the same manner as described
above.
[0031] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further
modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention and
including such departures from the present disclosure as those come
within the known or customary practice in the art to which the
invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features
hereinsetforth, and fall within the scope of the invention and of
the limits of the appended claims.
* * * * *