Abstract:
An apparatus and method for testing plumbing systems is described. The apparatus includes an expandable member which is placed inside a fluid conduit and controllably expanded to temporarily occlude the fluid conduit, a flexible fluid conduit which supplies an expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member, a movement limiting assembly which prevents the expandable member from moving deeply into the fluid conduit and aids in retrieval of the expandable member, and a sealing assembly which prevents leakage of fluid from the fluid conduit during the testing process. The method of the invention relates to the employment of such a device in testing the integrity of a plumbing system.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field of this invention relates to plumbing devices and methods for testing plumbing systems, and more specifically to a device and method employed to evaluate the integrity of plumbing systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Plumbing systems are commonly found in many types of new structures. In fact, most new structures which are intended for human occupation will be constructed to include a wide variety of plumbing features such as: hot and cold running water, indoor toilets, baths, and showers. Similarly, a variety of plumbing features are also frequently found in older structures. 
     Whether a plumbing system is old or new, at times it may be necessary to test the integrity of the plumbing system. This testing involves checking for a variety of potential plumbing defects. In the case of new construction, it is common practice to test integrity of the plumbing system as soon as the system has been completed. In older structures, the plumbing system may need to be tested periodically in order to locate leaks or other defects. 
     According to the accepted prior art practices, a plumber would test the integrity of a plumbing system using the method described below. Typically, the plumber would begin by locating the main sewer line which drains the plumbing system which is to be tested. Next, the plumber would locate the sewer clean out opening through which this main sewer line could be accessed. After removing the cover from the sewer clean out opening, the plumber would proceed by inserting an expandable member into the sewer clean out opening, and appropriately position the expandable member within the main sewer line. Once the expandable member was in the proper location within the main sewer line, air would be pumped into the expandable member causing it to expand and temporarily obstruct the main sewer line. After the expandable member was positioned and inflated, the expandable member would prevent fluid from draining from the now isolated plumbing system. The plumbing system would then be pressurized by filling the system with water, and the integrity of the plumbing system would be evaluated. 
     Once the plumbing system had been throughly inspected, the plumber would release the entrapped air which had been pumped into the expandable member, thereby causing the expandable member to deflate. After the expandable member had been adequately deflated, fluid in the plumbing system is again able to flow under the influence of gravity, around the expandable member, and escape from the plumbing system through the sewer main line. 
     Ideally, all of the water draining from the plumbing system would exit through the sewer main line. However, this has not been the typical result. Instead, once the expandable member has been deflated, it is common for water to exit the plumbing system by flowing out not only through the sewer main line, but also by rushing out of the sewer clean out opening. 
     The water escaping through the sewer clean out opening frequently causes several problems. Not only does this water often soak the plumber who is conducting the test, but it may occasionally also cause water damage to the floors and walls surrounding the clean out opening. This undesired result is not only inconvenient, but it can also result in costly damage to subjacent structures, appliances and any other objects which are located in the immediate vicinity. 
     Another problem commonly encountered during this testing process involves retrieving the expandable member from within the main sewer line. As should be understood, following completion of the test, at the release of the entrapped air, the expandable member may begin to travel along the main sewer line, moving away from sewer clean out opening under the influence of the escaping water. If this member moves far along the sewer line, retrieval of the expandable member may become very difficult. 
     Although several prior art devices have been developed to test plumbing systems, none of these devices have adequately resolved the problems described above. These and other problems are resolved by means of the present invention which are described more fully hereafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for testing the integrity of a plumbing system which will greatly decrease the amount of water escaping through the sewer clean out line, thus preventing or minimizing water damage to the floors, walls, and other objects which surround the sewer clean out line. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for testing plumbing systems which will help to keep the person who is testing the plumbing system, dry and comfortable during the testing process. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for testing plumbing systems which will substantially inhibit the expandable member from traveling deep into the sewer line, and which will further facilitate retrieval of the expandable member therefrom. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a plumbing apparatus for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, and which includes, an expandable member which can be controllably expanded to occlude the fluid conduit and substantially prohibit movement of the fluid therethrough, and which further can be controllably contracted to facilitate movement of the fluid therethrough; a flexible fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member, and which is utilized to controllably move an expandable member fluid into or out of the expandable member causing the expansion or contraction of the expandable member; a movement limiting assembly fixed on the expandable member and which limits the movement of the expandable member along the fluid conduit, and a sealing assembly through which the flexible fluid conduit and the movement limiting assembly pass, and which is substantially sealably affixed about the fluid conduit. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a plumbing apparatus for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, and which includes, an expandable member which can be positioned in the fluid conduit, and which can be controllably expanded to occlude the fluid conduit and substantially prohibit movement of the fluid therethrough, and which further can be controllably contracted to facilitate the movement of the fluid therethrough; a flexible fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member, and which facilitates the delivery of a gas to cause the expandable member to expand, and which further facilitates the release of the gas to cause the expandable member to contract; a movement limiting assembly fixed on the expandable member, and which limits the movement of the expandable member along the fluid conduit; and a sealing assembly through which the flexible fluid conduit and the movement limiting assembly pass, and which is substantially sealably affixed about the fluid conduit to substantially prohibit the escape of the fluid therethrough. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a plumbing apparatus for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, and which includes, an expandable member which has a first state, where it has a first dimension which permits it to be received-within the fluid conduit which is to be occluded, and a second state, where it has a second dimension which substantially completely occludes the fluid conduit; a flexible fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member, and which facilitates the delivery of an expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member to move to the second state, and which further facilitates the release of the expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member to move to the first state; a movement limiting assembly fixed on the expandable member, and which limits the movement of the expandable member along the fluid conduit; and a sealing assembly through which the flexible fluid conduit and the movement limiting assembly pass, and which is substantially sealably affixed about the fluid conduit to substantially prohibit the escape of the fluid therethrough. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, and which includes, inserting an expandable member into the fluid conduit; providing a flexible fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member and which is utilized to move an expandable member fluid into or out of the expandable member to cause the expansion or contraction of the expandable member; causing the expandable member to expand and substantially obstruct movement of the fluid in the fluid conduit; providing a movement limiting assembly affixed to the expandable member and which limits movement of the expandable member along the fluid conduit; and providing a sealing assembly which substantially limits escape of the fluid, and through which the flexible fluid conduit and the movement limiting assembly pass. 
     Yet a further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, and which includes, positioning an expandable member within the fluid conduit; providing a flexible fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member, and which facilitates the delivery of an expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member to expand, and which further facilitates the release of the expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member to contract; causing the expandable member to expand and substantially obstruct the movement of the fluid in the fluid conduit; providing a movement limiting assembly affixed to the expandable member which limits movement of the expandable member along the fluid conduit; affixing a sealing assembly to the fluid conduit which substantially limits escape of the fluid, and through which the flexible fluid conduit and the movement limiting assembly pass; causing the expandable member to contract, to facilitate the movement of the fluid through the fluid conduit; removing the sealing assembly from the fluid conduit; and removing the expandable member from within the fluid conduit. 
     These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in further detail below. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention shown in isolation. 
     FIG. 2 an environmental vertical sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the apparatus positioned within a fluid conduit, and having two operational states. 
     FIG. 3 is a second environmental vertical sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the apparatus positioned within a fluid conduit in one of its operational states. 
     FIG. 4 is a third environmental vertical sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the apparatus positioned deep inside a fluid conduit, and also showing the operation of the movement limiting assembly. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sealing assembly utilized with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a top, plane view of the sealing assembly shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the sealing assembly shown in 
     FIG. 6, and which is taken from a position along line  7 - 7  thereof. 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the sealing assembly and movement limiting assembly of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8). 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus of the subject invention is generally indicated by the numeral  10 . As shown therein, and referring now to FIG. 2, the surface of the earth, or other supporting surface which may be fabricated from man made or other natural materials is shown generally by the numeral  11 . The surface of the earth or other supporting surface has a top surface  12  and an aperture or other opening  13  is formed through the top surface thereof. The surface of the earth or other supporting surface has a subsurface component generally indicated by the numeral  14 . A channel or other passageway is formed by excavation or other suitable technique is formed through the subsurface  14  in order to define a first course  16  and a second course generally indicated by the numeral  17 . 
     As best seen in FIGS. 2,  3  and  4 , a fluid conduit is generally indicated by the numeral  30 . The fluid conduit  30  includes a primary, or first, fluid conduit  31  and a secondary, second or branch fluid conduit indicated by the numeral  32 . As seen in the drawings, the primary and secondary fluid conduits form a generally “Y” shaped configuration although other configurations such as a “T” shaped configuration are possible. Whatever the form of the two conduits, the conduits must assume a shape or geometry which permits the apparatus of the present invention to be inserted therein and to occupy locations within each of the fluid conduits simultaneously. The specifics of the construction of the apparatus of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
     As seen in FIGS. 2,  3  and  4 , the primary or first fluid conduit  31  has a main body generally indicated by the numeral  33 . The main body  33  may comprise multiple mating sections, as illustrated, and which form a substantially continuous conduit. Whatever form it assumes, the main body  33  has a first end  34  and opposite second end  35 . Still further, the main body includes an exterior surface  40  and an opposite interior surface  41  which defines an inside diameter.for the main body. The inside facing surface defines a fluid passageway  42  which extends between the first and second ends  34  and  35  thereof. The first end comprises an intake end  43 , and the second end comprises an exhaust end  44  for the fluid conduit. 
     As seen in FIGS. 2,  3  and  4 , it will be seen that the fluid conduit which is generally indicated by the numeral  30  includes a secondary, second, or branch fluid conduit  32 , which has a main body  50 . The main body  50  has a first end, clean out, access, or fluid conduit opening indicated by the numeral  51 , and a second, distal or opposite end  52  which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the primary or first fluid conduit  31  as illustrated. The main body  50  is defined by an exterior surface  53  and an opposite interior surface  54  which forms an inside diameter dimension for the fluid passageway  55 . As illustrated, the fluid passageway  55  is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the fluid passageway  42  thereby providing a means by which a plumber, or other artisan, can gain access by means of the first end  51  to the primary conduit. As seen in FIGS. 2,  3  and  4 , it will be seen that the main body  50  is illustrated as being fabricated, or otherwise installed, as a sectional construction, that is, individual sections come together in mating relation to provide a substantially continuous conduit. As discussed in the paragraph immediately above regarding the construction of the primary conduit  31 , it will be recognized that this may be fabricated as a substantially continuous construction or in the manner of sectional construction as illustrated. 
     Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 5-8, a sealing assembly for use with the present invention  10  is shown. The sealing assembly is generally indicated by the number  70 . As seen clearly by FIGS. 2-4, the sealing assembly releasably sealably couples or mates about the first end  51  to substantially limit or prevent the escape of fluid therefrom. Still further, it is operable to receive a flexible fluid conduit therethrough for the purposes which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
     The sealing assembly  70  has a main body generally indicated by the numeral  71  and which, as indicated above, releasably sealably mates on or about the branch fluid conduit  32 . The main body is fabricated from a suitable elastomeric, thermoformable compound such that it may be deformed to sealably mate about the branch fluid conduit  32 . The main body may be fabricated from other materials depending upon the conduit that it is to be mated to. For example, if the branch fluid conduit  32  is fabricated in such a fashion as to have a thread formed about the first end thereof, it is possible that the main body may be fabricated of a similar material with a threadable mating surface such that the main body  71  can mate suitably with same and to prevent the escape of fluid therefrom. The main body  71  includes a top surface  72  which is defined by a peripheral edge  73 . As seen in the sectional view of FIG. 7, the main body includes a depending sidewall  74  and further, the depending sidewall  74  is defined by an exterior surface  75  which includes an outwardly extending flange which is generally indicated by the numeral  76 . The depending sidewall  74  further has an inside facing surface  80  which defines an inside diameter which is generally just slightly greater in dimension than that of the outside diameter of the first end  51  with which it mateably cooperates. 
     As best seen in FIG.  5  and in the sectional view of FIG. 7, a fluid passageway or flexible fluid conduit opening  81  extends substantially normally outwardly relative to the top surface  72 . The fluid passageway  81  is defined by a peripheral sidewall  82  which is substantially deformable for the purposes which will be discussed hereinafter. As seen in FIG. 7 a flange  83  extends lateral outwardly from the peripheral sidewall. Yet further, and as seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, a cable passageway or movement limiting assembly passageway  84  is formed through the top surface and extends therethrough to accommodate a cable which also will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The sealing assembly  80  also includes a first hose clamp  85  which is received about the depending sidewall  74  as shown in FIG. 5, and a second hose clamp  86  which is received about the peripheral wall  82  which defines the fluid passageway  81 . These hose clamps are of conventional design and the screw threadable tightening of same permits force to be exerted by these specific structures on the depending sidewall in order to allow the sealing assembly  70  to sealably mate about the structures that are adjacent thereto. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , a flexible fluid conduit assembly is generally indicated by numeral  100 . As seen in the drawings, the flexible fluid conduit assembly  100  includes a flexible fluid conduit, hose, or tube which is indicated by the numeral  101 . As best shown in FIG. 5, the flexible fluid conduit  101  is shown to pass through the flexible fluid conduit opening  81  of the sealing assembly  70 . FIG. 5 shows only a small section of flexible fluid conduit  101  as it passes through the flexible fluid conduit opening  81 . As discussed above, second hose clamp  86  may be tightened so that the sealing assembly will sealably mate about the flexible fluid conduit. 
     Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the flexible fluid conduit, or tube  101  includes a first end  102  which extends outside of fluid conduit  30 , and a second or opposite end  103 . As shown in the drawings, first end  102  has an intake/exhaust valve  104  which can be used in one aspect of operation of the invention to introduce air or another suitable gas or liquid into the flexible fluid conduit, and in another aspect of operation of the invention to release a suitable gas or liquid from the flexible fluid conduit. Still further, the second end  103  has a female valve receptacle or coupling device  105  which serves to couple the flexible fluid conduit in fluid flowing relation with the expandable member which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 , a movement limiting assembly for use with the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  120 . As shown in the drawings, the movement limiting assembly includes a cable or connector  121  which passes through the cable passageway  84  of the sealing assembly  70 . The cable or connector  121  has a first end  122  which extends outside of fluid conduit  30 , and a second end  123  which is shown positioned within the fluid conduit  30 . As best shown in FIG. 5, after cable  121  has passed through the cable passageway  84  to extend outside of the fluid conduit  30 , a first fastening device or fastener  124  serves to attach an end piece or handle  125  to the first end  122  of the cable  121 . The handle or end piece is shown in the drawing as a ring having a diameter greater that the inside dimension of the first end or fluid conduit opening  51 . This dimensional relationship assures that the handle will not pass into the fluid conduit opening  51 . The handle or end piece may be fabricated from assorted materials such as metal, and other rigid man-made compositions. Typically the handle will have a diametral dimension greater than four and one-half inches. 
     Again referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cable or connector  121  has a second end  123  which is shown positioned within the fluid conduit  30 . The second end  123  is attached by way of a second fastening device or fastener  126  to an the expandable member which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the cable  121  is fabricated of metal. However, the cable  121  may be constructed of other materials, and may be of various lengths. If the cable  121  is constructed of materials other than metal, these alternative materials must be durable to withstand exposure to water and further effectively restrain the movement of the expandable member along the fluid conduit  30 . 
     As shown in FIG. 3, when the expandable member  140  is properly positioned in the fluid conduit  30  a section of the cable  121  will normally protrude from the cable passageway  84 , extending outside of the fluid conduit opening  51 . However, as shown best in FIG. 4, when the expandable member  140  travels along the fluid conduit  30 , and moves further away from the fluid conduit opening  51 , the handle or end piece  125  of the movement limiting assembly  120  will be in apposition or juxtaposition with the main body  71  of the sealing assembly  70 . In this situation, the main body of the sealing assembly  71  prevents the handle  125  from entering the fluid conduit  30 . As shown in FIG. 4, once the handle  125  has limited the movement of the expandable member  140 , the plumber or other artisan may grasp the handle  125  and pull on same to retrieve the expandable member which is then deep within the fluid conduit  30 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the expandable member is generally indicated by the numeral  140 . As shown in FIG. 1, the expandable member  140  is a generally an elongated balloon-like structure having a first part or portion  141 , a second or middle part or portion  142 , and a third part or portion  143 . Each of these three portions  141 ,  142 , and  143  are separated by a pair of circumferential grooves or channels  144 . The first part  141  has a male valve stem  145  which is releasably coupled in fluid flowing relation with the flexible fluid conduit  101 . This male valve stem  145  is the only entrance or fluid passageway into the hollow interior of the expandable member  140 . Also positioned on the first portion  141  is a fastener loop  146  which serves as a point of attachment for the cable  121  of the movement limiting assembly  120 . In the preferred embodiment, the expandable member  140  is fabricated from a suitable elastomeric compound which is impervious to fluids and gases, so that it may be inflated with air or filled with another suitable gas or fluid under pressure, so that it will expand in the circumferential dimensions and longitudinally. 
     As best shown in FIG. 1, when not employed, the expandable member assumes a generally linear configuration. However, as best seen in FIG. 2, the expandable member is somewhat flexible so that it may conform to the shape or geometry of the fluid conduit  30  into which it will be inserted. As seen in phantom lines in FIG. 1, the expandable member  140  may flex at or about the second or middle portion  142  so that it may be inserted into fluid conduits having various shapes or geometries. Although FIG. 1 shows the expandable member  140  flexing only at the second or middle part  142 , the other portions of the expandable member  140  are similarly flexible about the longitudinal axis. 
     Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively, where some features of the operation of the expandable member  140  are show, it will be seen that-the expandable member  140  is inserted into the fluid conduit  30  by passing the expandable member  140  through the fluid conduit opening  51 . Once the expandable member  140  is properly located within the fluid conduit  30 , the sealing assembly  70  is releasably sealably affixed about the fluid conduit opening  51  to substantially prevent the escape of fluid therefrom. As shown in the figures, the expandable member  140  is received within the fluid conduit  30  which is to be temporarily occluded, and the sealing assembly  70  has been affixed about the fluid conduit opening  51 . 
     As best understood by a study of FIGS. 2 and 3, in the preferred embodiment, the expandable member  140  may be temporarily inflated with air under pressure to cause the expandable member  140  to expand and occlude the fluid conduit  30 . This expansion substantially prohibits the movement of any fluids therethrough. However, other suitable gases or fluids under pressure may be used in place of air to cause the expandable member  140  to expand. In the preferred embodiment, an air pump is attached to the intake/exhaust valve  104 , so that air may be pumped into the first end  102  of the flexible fluid conduit  101 , and then flow through the flexible fluid conduit or tube  101 , and into the expandable member  140 , causing the expandable member to expand to a size which occludes the vessel or fluid conduit. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, prior to inflating the expandable member  140  with air under pressure, the expandable member  140  is in its first state. In its first state, the expandable member  140  has a first dimension or first diameter  148  which allows it to be received within the fluid conduit  30 . The first dimension is indicated in FIG. 2 by a bracket and the numeral  148 . Still referring to FIG. 2, the expandable member also has a second state (shown by phantom lines), in which it has a second dimension or second diameter  150  which substantially completely occludes the fluid conduit  30 . The second dimension is indicated in FIG. 2 by a bracket and the numeral  150 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the expandable member  140  is shown positioned within the fluid conduit  30 , where it is substantially completely occluding the fluid conduit  30 . In the preferred embodiment, if fluid conduit  30  is the main sewer line which drains a particular plumbing system, once the expandable member  140  has temporarily occluded the sewer main line, the pluming system behind the expandable member may be filled with water so that the integrity of the plumbing system may be evaluated. 
     When the evaluation of the plumbing system has been completed, the air under pressure may be release through the intake valve  104 , causing the expandable member  140  to return to its first state as shown in FIG.  2 . When the expandable member  140  returns to the first state, it will have a first dimension or first diameter  148  which will not substantially completely occlude the fluid conduit  30 . Therefore, fluid may once again flow under the influence of gravity, flowing around the expandable member  140 , and exiting through the fluid conduit  30 . However, because the sealing assembly is  70  is releasably sealably affixed about the fluid conduit opening  51 , the escape of fluid through the fluid conduit opening  51  is substantially prevented. 
     OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The operation of the described embodiments of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point. In the broadest aspect, the present invention relates to a plumbing apparatus  10  for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit  30  to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough. The plumbing apparatus  10  includes an expandable member  140  which can be controllably expanded to occlude the fluid conduit  30  substantially prohibiting movement of the fluid therethrough; a flexible fluid conduit or tube  101  coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member  140 , which may be utilized to controllably move an expandable member fluid such as air under pressure, into or out of the expandable member  140  causing the expansion or contraction of the expandable member  140 ; a movement limiting assembly  120  fixed on the expandable member  140 , which serves to limit the movement of the expandable member  140  along the fluid conduit  30 ; and a sealing assembly  70  through which the flexible fluid conduit  101  and the movement limiting assembly  120  pass, and which is substantially sealably affixed about the fluid conduit  30 . As noted above, the expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member  140  is supplied under pressure. Further, the expandable member  140  has a first state, where it has a first dimension  148  which permits it to be received within the fluid conduit  30  which is to be occluded, and a second state, where it has a second dimension  150  which substantially completely occludes the fluid conduit  30 . As disclosed above, the movement limiting assembly  31  has an end piece  125  which has a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the first end  51 , and which further cannot pass through the sealing assembly  70 . Still further, the sealing assembly  70  includes a flexible fluid conduit opening  81  which is substantially sealable fixed about the flexible fluid conduit  101 . A clamping device or a first hose clamp  86  is provided to affix the sealing assembly  70  to the fluid conduit  30 . 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a plumbing apparatus  10  which includes an expandable member  140  which can be positioned in the fluid conduit  30 , and which can be controllably expanded to occlude the fluid conduit  30  substantially prohibiting movement of the fluid therethrough, and which further can be controllably contracted to facilitate the movement of the fluid therethrough; a flexible fluid conduit  101  coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member  140 , and which facilitates the delivery of a gas to cause the expandable member  140  to expand, and which further facilitates the release of the gas to cause the expandable member  140  to contract; a movement limiting assembly  120  fixed on the expandable member  140 , and which limits the movement of the expandable member  140  along the fluid conduit  30 ; and a sealing assembly  70  through which the flexible fluid conduit  101  and the movement limiting assembly  120  pass, and which is substantially sealably affixed about the fluid conduit  30  to substantially prohibit the escape of the fluid therethrough. As noted above, the expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member  140  is supplied under pressure. Further, the expandable member  140  has a first state, where it has a first dimension  148  which permits it to be received within the fluid conduit  30  which is to be occluded, and a second state, where it has a second dimension  150  which substantially completely occludes the fluid conduit  30 . As disclosed above, the movement limiting assembly  120  has an end piece  125  which has a diameter greater than 4.5 inches, and which cannot pass through the sealing assembly  70 . Still further, the sealing assembly  70  includes a flexible fluid conduit opening  81  which is substantially sealable about the flexible fluid conduit  101 . A clamping device  85  affixes the sealing assembly  70  to the fluid conduit  30 . 
     In another aspect, the present invention relates to a plumbing apparatus  10  for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit  30  to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, and which includes an expandable member  140  which has a first state, where it has a first dimension  148  which permits it to be received within the fluid conduit  30  which is to be occluded, and a second state, where it has a second dimension  150  which substantially completely occludes the fluid conduit  30 ; a flexible fluid conduit  101  coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member  140 , and which facilitates the delivery of an expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member  140  to move to the second state, and which further facilitates the release of the expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member  140  to move to the first state; a movement limiting assembly  120  fixed on the expandable member  140 , and which limits the movement of the expandable member  140  along the fluid conduit  30 ; and a sealing assembly  70  through which the flexible fluid conduit  101  and the movement limiting assembly  120  pass, and which is substantially sealably affixed about the fluid conduit  30  to substantially prohibit the escape of the fluid therethrough. As noted above, the expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member  140  is supplied under pressure, and is typically a gas. Furthermore, the movement limiting assembly  120  is of a predetermined length. As disclosed above, the movement limiting assembly  120  has an end piece  125  which prohibits the movement of the expandable member to a location where it cannot be retrieved. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit  30 , to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, which includes inserting an expandable member  140  into the fluid conduit  30 ; providing a flexible fluid conduit  101  coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member  140  which is utilized to move an expandable member fluid into or out of the expandable member  140  to cause the expansion or contraction of the expandable member  140 ; causing the expandable member  140  to expand and substantially obstruct movement of the fluid in the fluid conduit  30 ; providing a movement limiting assembly  120  affixed to the expandable member  140  which limits movement of the expandable member  140  along the fluid conduit  30 ; and providing a sealing assembly  70  which substantially limits escape of the fluid, and through the flexible fluid conduit  101  and the movement limiting assembly  120  pass. As noted above, the expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member  140  is supplied under pressure, and release of the expandable member fluid will cause the expandable member  140  to contract. The method may further comprise sealably affixing the sealing assembly  70  to limit the escape of the fluid from within the fluid conduit  30 . 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for temporarily occluding a fluid conduit  30  to substantially prohibit the movement of a fluid therethrough, and which includes positioning an expandable member  140  within the fluid conduit  30 ; providing a flexible fluid conduit  101  coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the expandable member  140 , and which facilitates the delivery of an expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member  140  to expand, and which further facilitates the release of the expandable member fluid to cause the expandable member  140  to contract; causing the expandable member  140  to expand and substantially obstruct the movement of the fluid in the fluid conduit  30 ; providing a movement limiting assembly  120  affixed to the expandable member  140  which limits movement of the expandable member  140  along the fluid conduit  30 ; affixing a sealing assembly  70  to the fluid conduit  30  which substantially limits escape of the fluid, and through which the flexible fluid conduit  101  and the movement limiting assembly  120  pass; causing the expandable member  140  to contract, thus facilitating movement of the fluid through the fluid conduit  30 ; removing the sealing assembly  70  from the fluid conduit  30 ; and removing the expandable member  140  from within the fluid conduit  30 . As noted above, the expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member  140  is supplied under pressure, and release of the expandable member fluid will cause the expandable member  140  to contract. 
     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.