Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved pipe sizing and alignment device that can quickly and precisely attach it&#39;s concave base to, and align itself with the horizontal axis of a circular, main pipe. Through the use of multiple lasers, one of which is mounted to an adjustable arm that pivots about the center of a graduated protractor mounted on the concave base, the device can be located along the main pipe and the collimated beam of light from the laser directed at a distant plumbing component. This shows the specific fitting location for a tie in between the main pipe and plumbing component that will allow the horizontal axis of the main pipe to remain true to it&#39;s original spatial position with respect to the building structure. An electronic distance measuring device, also mounted to the adjustable arm, precisely indicates distance.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for the proper alignment of pipe and tubing as used for plumbing runs. The dual laser system allows for the proper placement and alignment of the main plumbing line and the precise location on this line for the connection and tie in of secondary lines. The distance measuring capability allows the plumber to cut the pipe and attach fittings for each secondary line based on line of sight measurements made from the main line. More specifically, it relates to a new measuring and alignment apparatus specifically designed for the plumbing contractor, that will minimize field construction (fit-up) time. 
   BACKGROUND 
   The installation of commercial and residential plumbing generally is based upon a larger diameter, main drain line into which all the smaller diameter, secondary drain lines feed. The main line, from inlet to outlet is sloped accordingly, and is constructed in stages, adding each of the secondary lines to it along the way. Unlike water supply lines, drain line geometry is critical. The slope, linearity and secondary line connections are crucial to maintaining proper flow rates so as to allow the removal of solids and fluids without clogging. Since plumbing connectors or “tees” come in standard angles, the specific location of the tie in points for these tees along the main drain line is the critical element for alignment of the overall plumbing system. Plumbers generally utilize multiple, time consuming measurements and field fitting techniques to accomplish this proper alignment. 
   With the recent availability of cheap laser technology, there has become available a plethora of laser measuring or position indicating construction aids. Most of these are designed to be attractive to the “jack of all trades” handymen as general measuring aids capable of horizontal and vertical plane use for roof pitch layout, stair riser layout, piping layout, wall and floor layout. The initial positioning of such general purpose devices must be applicable to a variety of locations, most of which are planar surfaces. The present invention is directed to use for horizontal plane measurement and indication with piping only, and has a size adjustable concave base that ensures both a stable base on the round pipe and immediate longitudinal alignment with the piping run. This allows a quick setup for the determination of distances, locations and horizontal, planar angles relative to the device&#39;s position. 
   Such operational advantages as provided by the apparatus for the proper alignment of pipe and tubing, as the present invention provides, overcome the pitfalls of the prior art and is a cheap, simple solution that allows a considerable savings in the field assembly and construction of plumbing components in commercial and residential plumbing. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an economical, simple device to allow a plumbing contractor to quickly and accurately determine the length of pipe needed and the specific location for fittings, while ensuring proper alignment of both the main and secondary drain lines with respect to the building and the plumbing fixture drain fittings. 
   It has many of the advantages mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a laser pipe sizing and alignment device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
   In accordance with the invention, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved pipe sizing and alignment device that is easily operated and accurate enough to minimize field measurements and fit up operations. 
   It is another object of this invention to provide an improved pipe sizing and alignment device that is easily and quickly aligned with the horizontal axis of any diameter round pipe. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved pipe sizing and alignment device that is simple and economical to construct. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a pipe sizing and alignment device that can measure accurate distances and angles with respect to the horizontal axis of a pipe the device is supported on. 
   The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a top view of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 180 degree protractor; 
       FIG. 2  is a end perspective view of the base of the pipe sizing and alignment device with the extension arms pivoted normal to the base; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 180 degree protractor, strapped onto a pipe; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 180 degree protractor and utilizing both pen and box lasers; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the alternate embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with the laser distance measuring device; 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 360 degree protractor; 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 360 degree protractor and only one box laser; 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the alternate embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 360 degree protractor and the laser distance measuring device; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of a conventional branched piping system with a snake; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of a treed piping system with a snake; 
       FIG. 11  is a representative perspective drawing of a treed piping layout; and 
       FIG. 12  representative perspective drawing of a conventional piping layout. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention relates to a pipe sizing and alignment device, that utilizes lasers to indicate the correct positioning for piping connectors considering the main drain pipe line alignment, main and secondary line slopes, and angle of the fitting. With the laser distance measuring device, it also determines the correct length of pipe to be used as a secondary line to connect the main line to the other plumbing system components. 
   The most logical plumbing system layout is a “treed” layout as illustrated in  FIG. 11  wherein the secondary lines  101  tie into the main line  103  at an acute angle. However, this requires much more accurate alignment of the main and secondary lines. For this reason it is more common to tie in the secondary lines  101  normal to the main line  103 . This traditional layout is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The advantage of using a treed layout vs a conventional layout can be seen with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
   In  FIG. 9  it can be seen that when there is a blockage in a conventionally plumbed system and a snake  100  is needed to clear it, the snake  100  from the secondary line  98  strikes the main line  96  normally at the 90 degree tee  94  and then undergoes extreme bending and wall contact. This increases the friction and effort required to clear a line, often to the point where it is impossible to do. 
   In  FIG. 10  it can be seen that when a 45 degree tee  92  is used, as in a treed plumbed system, the snake  100  is guided correctly and in alignment with the main line  96 . The present invention evolved from the need for a simple and accurate method of constructing a treed plumbing system. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. 
   The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Looking at  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the general configuration of the preferred embodiment device  2  and most of it&#39;s components can be seen. Linear base  4  has a concave configuration formed by two substantially similar side plates  8  which project normally from the top plate  6  and are held in a parallel configuration with respect to each other. Base plates  10  are hingedly attached to side plates  8  by a sprung or self-closing piano hinge  12 . Extension arms  14  are pivotally mounted at the distal and proximate ends of base plates  10  and mechanically affixed by pin  16 . First laser emitting light  18  and second laser emitting light  22  are mechanically affixed to the underside of top plate  6  by mechanical fasteners. The laser emitting lights are mounted so that the axes of the laser light beams that they emit are parallel to the longitudinal axis of base  4 . The longitudinal axes of first laser emitting light  18  and second laser emitting light  22  are in linear alignment and the directions of their laser light beams are 180 degrees apart. Graduated 180 degree protractor plate  24  is mechanically affixed to top plate  6  such that graduated scale  28  is visible. Pivot arm  26  is mounted to top plate  6  by pivot pin  30  that passes through the point of angular origin of 180 degree protractor plate  24  and the midpoint of the longitudinal axis of top plate  6 . Pivot arm  26  is held is a spaced parallel arrangement with the protractor plate  24  and is free to pivot about the protractor plate&#39;s point of angular origin while remaining adjacent and parallel to the protractor plate  24 . 
   180 degree Protractor plate  24  has a series of orifices  32  defined therethrough that correspond to the common angles that pipe fittings are available in. A chain and pin arrangement  34  is attached at one end to the pivot arm  26  and free at the other end so that the pin may be simultaneously positioned through arm opening  36  at the pointed indicating back end of pivot arm  26  and any of the protractor plate orifices  32 . Third laser emitting light  38  is mechanically affixed to the front end of pivot arm  26 . 
   First bubble level vial  42  is affixed to top plate  6  such that the indicating axis of first vial  42  is aligned with the longitudinal axis of top plate  6 . Second bubble level vial  40  is affixed to pivot arm  26  such that the indicating axis of second vial  40  is aligned with the longitudinal axis of pivot arm  26 . 
   Flexible strap  44  is constructed of a loop style fabric and is attached at one end to one base plate  10  and releasably affixable to a hook style fastening pad  46  affixed to the other base plate  10 . This hook and loop style fastener system is strong, quick to attach and easily releasable. 
   Looking at  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 180 degree protractor, it can be seen that the concave design of linear base  4  allows for the device  2  to reside on the outer surface of pipe  48 . In this manner the device  2  will align it&#39;s longitudinal axis and the axis of any laser light beam emitted from first laser emitting light  18  and second laser emitting light  22  as well as the indicating axis of first bubble level vial  42 , parallel and adjacent to the longitudinal axis of pipe  48 . However, the diameter of pipe  48  if large enough in relation to the distance between base plates  10 , will prevent the device  2  from this proper alignment. Extension arms  14 , when pivoted into the extended position as illustrated, allow stabilization and alignment of the device  2  on large diameter pipes. 
     FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device  2  with a 180 degree protractor  24  and utilizing both pen and box style lasers. It can be seen that first laser emitting light  18  and second laser emitting light  22  are not of the pen style but rather of the box style laser and that battery housing  50  is mounted in the concavity of base  4 . The battery housing transmits electrical power to each laser by hard wiring  52 . 
   Looking at  FIG. 5 , a side view of the alternate embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device, it can be seen that this device has modified pivot arm  54 , similar to pivot arm  26  wherein it is mounted to top plate  6  by pivot pin  30  that passes through the point of angular origin of protractor plate  24  and the midpoint of the longitudinal axis of top plate  6 . Modified pivot arm  54  is held is a spaced parallel arrangement with the protractor plate  24  and is free to pivot about the protractor plate&#39;s point of angular origin while remaining adjacent and parallel to the protractor plate  24 . Modified pivot arm  54  has a forked end with a laser mounting plate  56  and an adjacent meter mounting plate  58  that reside parallel and vertically aligned with respect to each other. An electronic laser distance measuring meter  60  is mechanically mounted on the meter mounting plate such that the meter&#39;s emitted laser beam projects away from the protractor plate&#39;s point of angular origin. Third laser emitting light  38  is mechanically mounted on the laser mounting plate  56  such that the emitted laser beam from the laser emitting light projects away from the protractor plate&#39;s point of angular origin, but is in parallel and vertically alignment with respect to the meter&#39;s emitted laser beam and the longitudinal axis of device  2 . On modified pivot arm  54 , the second bubble level vial  40  is affixed such that the indicating axis of second vial  40  is aligned with the longitudinal axis of modified pivot arm  54 . 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  show top and bottom views of variations of the preferred embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device  2 . In  FIG. 6  a 360 degree protractor plate  62  is used rather than the 180 degree protractor plate  24 . This allows for the pivot arm  26  to swing and indicate graduated angular distances on both sides of the longitudinal axis of device  2 . This eliminates the necessity for a second laser emitting light. Since the pivot arm  26  can indicate angles in 360 degrees, there is no need to rotate the device  2  end for end (180 degrees) on a pipe to sight in plumbing connections on alternate sides and first laser emitting light  18  may remain facing the final tie in for the main piping line. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates the bottom side of device  2  with a 360 degree protractor plate  62 . Here a box style laser is substituted for the pen style laser of first laser emitting light  18  in  FIG. 6 . The lasers are interchangeable and function equally as well. The pen style lasers are easier to replace in the event of malfunction although it is known that any of a plethora of laser types are equally applicable and may be substituted for the pen laser. The 180 degree and 360 degree protractor plates have the same orifices corresponding to common pipe fitting angles and both utilize the same chain and pin arrangement  34 . 
     FIG. 8  is a top view of the alternate embodiment pipe sizing and alignment device with a 360 degree protractor and the laser distance measuring device. From this illustration angle viewing orifice  70  modified pivot arm  54  can be seen. 
   The operation and application of the device  2  is very straightforward. The main plumbing line in a building is generally centrally located sloping from it&#39;s origin to it&#39;s final exit. Plumbing tie ins from above floor drains join the main line through secondary lines from both sides of the main line. The secondary lines must be tied into the main line as the system is built. Measurements for 90 degree tees can easily be made off of existing structures such as adjacent joists. Measurements for angled tees cannot. When the main line is being connected to it&#39;s origin the device  2  is placed on top of the main line. The device  2  due to it&#39;s base&#39;s concavity, will self align it&#39;s longitudinal axis to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Since the longitudinal axis of the first laser emitting light is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base  4 , the laser beam emitted from the first laser emitting light  18  can be directed toward the final exit point. This will allow the main line to be oriented with respect to the origin connection so as to be linearly accurate. The slope of the main line may be verified or set by reference to first bubble level vial  42 . If the final exit point is not yet determined, it can be in the same manner. By sliding the device  2  along the main line with the pivot arm  26  set at the angle corresponding to the desired tee fitting (I.E. 45 degrees) until the laser light beam from the third laser emitting light  38  strikes the desired above floor drain, the point for the tie in with the desired angled tee is ascertained. This will also require counter clockwise rotation of the device  2  about the main pipe to set or verify the proper slope of the secondary line with the second bubble level vial  40  on pivot arm  26 . When using the device  2  with a 180 degree protractor, the device  2  must be rotated end for end on the main pipe for use with above floor drains on the other side of the main pipe. This is the reason that the device  2  with the 180 degree protractor plate utilizes second laser emitting light  22  at the opposite end of base  4 . Only one laser emitting light is required when a 360 degree protractor plate is used since the pivot arm cam rotate through 360 degrees. When the electronic laser distance measuring meter  60  is utilized it determines accurately the distance between the tie in location on the main pipe and the above floor drain or final exit point. 
   Following this procedure, when using the device  2 , accurate alignment and pipe length sizing can easily and quickly be accomplished between all secondary and main lines, while maintaining linearity between the origin and final exit point. 
   Thus it can be seen that the device  2  is specifically designed to accurately determine the length of pipe needed and the specific location for fittings, while ensuring proper alignment of both the main and secondary drain lines with respect to the building and the plumbing fixture drain fittings. 
   Experimentation has shown that Class IIIA red laser light beams (645-655 nM wavelength) in the current operation range of 20-40 mA are not clearly distinguishable from background light in many construction settings. The green (532 nM wavelength) laser light beam in the 180 mA current operating range performs best and emits a collimated light beam that is visible to the human eye. While these power levels and frequencies of lasers are suitable for this application, it is known that since laser technology is diverse and rapidly advancing, other laser emitting light sources are, or will come into existence, that will be better suited for this application. 
   The electronic distance measuring tool is of the laser type, which is well known in the industry. It emits a pulse of laser at an object and measures the time it takes to receive the rebounded light. The onboard computer of the device applies an algorithm to the brief period of rebound time and computes the distance to the object and displays this on a digital display. Because the speed of light is constant, the distance is computed with exacting accuracy. 
   The above description will enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. It also sets forth the best modes for carrying out this invention. There are numerous variations and modifications thereof that will also remain readily apparent to others skilled in the art, now that the general principles of the present invention have been disclosed. Although discussed in relation to use with larger diameter drain lines, it is known that this device is applicable to use with supply lines as well.