Patent ID: 6171435
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A flexible assembly for use in installing a plastic service pipe in an existing service pipe which extends from an existing aperture in a main containing a plastic liner to an open end, comprising a first, flexible, coiled wire member having at its leading end a second, flexible, coiled wire member, the stiffness of the second coiled wire member being less than the stiffness of the first coiled wire member, the second coiled wire member having at its leading end a ball-and-socket connection having only a low stiffness, said connection being formed of a ball element and a socket element of which one leads the other and is connected to a weight, said leading portion comprising said second coiled wire member, the ball-and-socket connection and said weight, and the arrangement being such that when the flexible assembly, except for said leading portion, is supported in a horizontal position and the leading portion is unsupported except for its connection with the remainder of the flexible assembly, the leading portion is deflected downwardly by gravity.