Patent ID: 7857357
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A reinforced pipe fitting having a body with a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, the cylindrical first section having side walls, a first entrance opening and a first longitudinal axis, the cylindrical second section having side walls, a second entrance opening and a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersecting at an angle between about 90° and about 180° , the side walls of the cylindrical first section and the side walls of the cylindrical second section intersecting defining an internal crotch point disposed within the plane defined by the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis, wherein the cross-section of the cylindrical first section, taken along a plane perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and passing through the crotch point, defines a first crotch point open area with a periphery comprising a major circular portion spanning an arc of at least about 120° and a non-circular portion, the non-circular portion of the periphery of the first crotch point area being disposed most proximate to the crotch point, whereby the distance of the first crotch point opening, measured along a first line segment running between a point most proximate to the crotch point, through the first longitudinal axis, and to a point on the opposite wall of the cylindrical first section is shorter than the distance of the first crotch point opening measured along a second line segment disposed perpendicular to the first line segment and running between opposite sides of the cylindrical first crotch point open area and passing through the first longitudinal axis; and wherein the cross-section of the cylindrical second section, taken along a plane perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis and passing through the crotch point, defines a pipe stop open area with a periphery comprising a major circular portion spanning an arc of at least about 120° and a non-circular portion, the non-circular portion of the periphery of the pipe stop area being disposed most proximate to the crotch point, whereby the distance of the pipe stop opening, measured along a third line segment running between a point most proximate to the crotch point, through the second longitudinal axis, and to a point on the opposite wall of the cylindrical second section is shorter than the distance of the pipe stop opening measured along a fourth line segment disposed perpendicular to the third line segment and running between opposite sides of the cylindrical pipe stop open area and passing through the second longitudinal axis.