Abstract:
The present invention provides a test tee device for leak testing a pipe line system. In structure, the test tee device includes a tee fitting, comprising a tubular section extending between a first and a second opposing openings axially aligned with each other, a third opening communicating with the tubular section of the tee fitting; wherein the tubular section has a inside diameter greater than the first opening inside diameter and the second opening inside diameter. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for leak testing a pipe line system. The method operates by inserting a test tee fitting, applying a test pressure to the test tee fitting through the third opening; and removing the removable insert, if the test pressure is maintained for the predetermined time.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application entitled, “Apparatus And Method For Providing A Test Tee”, having Ser. No. 11/210,769, filed Aug. 11, 2005 and provisional applications Ser. No. 60/600,830, filed on Aug. 11, 2004, entitled “1½″, 2″, 3″ and 4″ Street Test Tee with Pop-Top”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/682,789, filed on May 19, 2005, entitled “1½″, 2″, 3″ and 4″ Street Test Tee with Pop-Top” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/695,240, filed on Jun. 29, 2005, entitled “Tru Test Tee Description”, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a test tee, and more particularly, relates to an apparatus and method for testing of newly installed plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Currently in the United States, testing of new plumbing systems is required by plumbing codes to insure that there are no leaks, bad fittings, bad connections, cracked pipes, etc. The waste and vent system is tested by filling the pipes with water or air. These tests require 5 lbs. or greater PSI (per square inch) of air or 10 feet of head pressure for water. The system must hold this pressure for the length of time determined by local authorities. For example, in Georgia this length of time is approximately 15 minutes.  
         [0004]     Test tees are currently installed in plumbing systems where new pipes meet with the existing or previously inspected systems, such as an underground system tied into a city tap. The test tee would be installed between the end of the city tap and the beginning of the new system. This would allow a plug to be placed in the new system side of the tee so the system can be tested. The tee is most often used when the previously inspected underground waste system comes through a concrete slab. It would be connected between the pipes penetrating the slab and the continuation of the above ground system. This would allow a test to be administered from this point and above without retesting the underground system.  
         [0005]     The tee fitting is sometimes referred to as a cleanout tee. It is simply a T shaped fitting with a threaded opening for a removable plug. Tee fittings comprise a tubular section extending between a first and a second opposing openings axially aligned with each other; and a third opening communicating with the tubular section of the tee fitting.  
         [0006]     When the tee fitting is used in the testing application the plug is removed and a rubber inflatable ball or mechanical compression plug is inserted into the tee on the new side to create a blockage to the waste and vent system so it can be filled with air or water for testing. Once all testing has been completed and the system is functional the threaded plug may be removed, when accessible, and the opening maybe used to cleanout any possible blockage below this point in the future,  
         [0007]     The problem that often exists with this process is that these rubber test balls sometimes do not hold applied air or water pressure dropping below the code requirement. Improper installation or positioning will not allow for a secure seal and often causes the test to lose pressure. The inflatable test balls are made of natural rubber and have a limited life expectancy causing failure and replacement can be costly. Mechanical plugs have been known to fail if not properly installed and in some instances can crack pipes or fittings.  
         [0008]     To find any of these problems in a large system that is being prepared for inspection can be very time consuming especially when testing with air. The failing test device is not always immediately recognizable. Once the problem is located the ball must be reinstalled and re-inflated. If the ball appears faulty, a new ball must be utilized and the system completely retested. This process is very intensive and could be the cause for a failed inspection potentially delaying a project schedule.  
         [0009]     Therefore, there is a tremendous need for a true test tee that is sure hold pressure for the length of time determined by local authorities to complete testing of a plumbing system.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention provides for apparatus and method for providing a test tee, and more particularly, relates to a apparatus and method for testing of newly installed plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground  
         [0011]     The present invention provides a test tee device for leak testing a pipe line system, and more particularly, relates to an apparatus and method for testing of newly installed plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground.  
         [0012]     In structure, the test tee device includes a tee fitting, comprising a tubular section extending between a first and a second opposing openings axially aligned with each other, a third opening communicating with the tubular section of the tee fitting; wherein the tubular section has a inside diameter greater than the first opening inside diameter and the second opening inside diameter.  
         [0013]     The present invention can also be viewed as a method for leak testing a pipe line system. The method operates by (1) inserting a test tee fitting, (2) applying a test pressure to the test tee fitting through the third opening; and (3) removing the removable insert, if the test pressure is maintained for the predetermined time. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The present invention, as defined in the claims, can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components within the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a tee fitting of the prior art.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1B  is a bottom view of a tee fitting of the prior art.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional side view of a tee fitting of the prior art.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view illustrating an example of the test tee of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a bottom view illustrating an example of the test tee of the present invention with the pull tab pop-top.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of the test tee of the present invention, with the pull tab pop-top as shown in  FIG. 2B .  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of the pop top hub containing the pop top before it is attached to the test tee of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 3 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pull tab pop top of the present invention, with the prior art tee.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5B  is a bottom view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pull tab pop top of the present invention, with the prior art tee.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pull tab pop top, with the test tee of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6B  is a bottom view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pull tab pop top, with the test tee of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the hub to hub test tee with of the present invention, with internal threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the hub to street test tee with of the present invention, with internal threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other.  
         [0028]      FIG. 7C  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the street to street test tee with of the present invention, with internal threads on both of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7D  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the removable threaded blockage device for a test tee of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7E  is a top view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the removable threaded blockage device for a test tee of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a test tee. In particular, relates to an apparatus and method for testing of newly installed plumbing waste and vent systems that are above and/or below ground. Typically these plumbing waste and vent systems utilize 1½″, 2″, 3″ and 4″ diameter pipes. However, the invention techniques described herein apply to plumbing piping of all sizes for commercial and residential uses.  
         [0032]     The test tee of the present invention utilizes a pull-tab pop top to create blockage for testing purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the pop top is a metallic pop top that is very similar to that of tennis ball or dog food cans. In the preferred embodiment, the pop top is molded into the test tee of the present invention in an angle perpendicular to the flow to create blockage on the newly installed side of the system. This eliminates the need for installation of any other testing equipment. The elimination of other testing equipment reduces cost of material and labor as well as potential retesting costs due to a failure.  
         [0033]     In an alternative embodiment, the test tee of the present invention utilizes a removable threaded blockage device to create blockage for test purposes in the test tee. The removable threaded blockage device includes a threaded coller for engaging the internal threads of either or both of the internal first and second opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other in the test tee.  
         [0034]     In particular, the test tee of the present invention may be utilized in either a street by street fitting, which means that both ends of the fitting are the same outside dimension of the pipe being used, or a hub by hub fitting, which means a pipe would fit inside the hub of the tee itself, or a combination of the two types consisting of a street by hub fitting. In the preferred embodiment, the test tee is a street by street fitting that can be applied to different material waste and vent systems piping such as but not limited to, copper, cast iron, galvanized pipe, ABS or any other type of piping that can be used with the proper mechanical couplings.  
         [0035]     The testing of a plumbing waste or vent system utilizing the test tee of the present invention requires that the threaded plug (not shown) be removed. At that time, a test plug (not shown), which is well-known in the art, is attached to the test tee of the present invention. One type of test plug is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,912,890 B1. However, it is well-known that there are many types of apparatus used to create a blockade in a test tee to test the plumbing system. The plumbing waste or vent system is then pressurized to verify that the system maintained the air or water pressure without dropping below code requirement. Because the pop top test tee of the present invention virtually eliminates the possibility failure of the test tee, the inspection can be performed without the need for retesting due to equipment failure.  
         [0036]     Once the test is complete and the inspections have occurred, the metal pop-top is simply detached and pulled through the threaded opening for disposal. This will leave a clean, smooth finish on the inside of the tee and allow the test tee to remain in the system without causing any interference to the drainage of waste. The threaded plug can now be reinstalled and the test tee can become a cleanout tee if accessible and so desired.  
         [0037]     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals illustrate like elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 1 (A-C) illustrates an example of the basic components of a tee fitting of the prior art. Shown is a tee fitting  10  of the prior art, which is sometimes referred to as a cleanout tee. It is simply a T-shaped fitting with a threaded opening  12  for a removable plug (not shown). Tee fitting  10  has hub connectors  14  and  18 . Tee fitting  10  also includes the clean out or testing open hub  11  that enables testing equipment or drain cleaning equipment to be inserted through the opening  12 . The opening  12  connects openings  15  and  19  in the tee fitting  10 .  
         [0038]     The test tee of the present invention utilizes a pull-tab pop top to create blockage for testing purposes. As shown in  FIG. 2A , an example of the test tee of the present invention is illustrated a perspective view. In the preferred embodiment, a street by street getting is illustrated, however, it is understood that a hub by hub fitting could also be utilized. As shown, test tee  20  of the present invention includes cleanout or testing hub  21  with opening  20  in to the test tee fitting  20  of the present invention. Other openings  26  and  29  are also illustrated with fittings  25  and  29 , respectively, on the test tee  20  of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 2B  is a bottom view illustrating an example of the test tee  20  of the present invention with the pull tab pop-top  40 . The pop top  40  impedes the flow of air or water through the opening  26 . This is better illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of the test tee  20  of the present invention, with the pull tab pop-top  40  as shown in  FIG. 2B . The pop top  40  is located perpendicular to the flow of either air or water through opening  26 .  
         [0040]     The pop top  40  comes with a pull-tab  50  to enable a person to remove the pop top  40  from the test tee  20  as required. In the preferred embodiment, the pull-tab  50  is made of the same metallic material as pop top  40 . However, it is understood that other materials may be utilized. The pull-tab  50  is attached to the pop top  40  utilizing some attaching means. The attaching means include, but are not limited to, spot welds, rivets, adhesives or the like. In the preferred embodiment, rivets are utilized to attach the pull- tab  50  to pop top  40 . In another embodiment, pivot  45  is utilized with pull-tab  50 , in order to assist in the removal of the pop top  40 .  
         [0041]     In order to prevent damage to test tee  20 , anchors  41  are utilized with the pop top  40  to anchor the pop top  40  to the test tee  20 . Hub section  24  provides the support for anchors  41  so that the pop top  40  may be removed without damage to test tee  20 . In the preferred embodiment, anchors  21  utilized the same metallic material of the pop top  40 . However, is understood that other materials may provide better anchors and can also be utilized.  
         [0042]     In the preferred embodiment, the pop top  40  is stamped or molded with anchors  41 . The pull-tab  50  is then attached to pop top  40 . As previously mentioned, the preferred embodiment attaches the pull-tab  50  to the pop top  40  utilizing rivets, however, it is understood that other attaching means may be utilized. After pop top  40  is constructed, then the test tee  20  is constructed around of pop top  40 . In the preferred embodiment, the test tee  20  is constructed utilizing injection molding techniques.  
         [0043]     In another embodiment, optional breakpoints  42  are molded into the pop top fitting  42  assist a person in removing the pop top from the test tee  20 .  
         [0044]     Shown in  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of the pop top hub  30  containing the pop top  40  before it is attached to the test tee  20  of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 3 . The pop top hub  30  includes the pop top  40  and pull-tab  50  of the present invention.  
         [0045]     In the preferred embodiment, the pop top  40  is molded into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pop top hub  30  using injection molding techniques. The pop top hub  30  can be constructed from other types of materials such as but not limited to galvanized pipe, cast iron, copper, ABS plastic or the like. Pop top  40  and anchors  41  are generally stamped from a metallic material that is then attached to pull-tab  50 . However, it is understood that the pop top  40  is a breakaway insert and could be made with another types of breakaway material, including, but not limited to plastics, rubbers, and malleable metals. These plastics, rubbers and malleable metals include but are not limited to ABS, PVC, other plastics, aluminum, tin, copper, steel, rubber or other known plumbing materials.  
         [0046]     After construction of pop top hub  30 , the pop top hub  30  is then inserted and attached to test tee  20 . The attaching means include, but are not limited to, plastic adhesive, annealing, welding or other like bonding agent. At this time, the test tee  20  with pop top  40  is then ready for installation and usage as described above.  
         [0047]     In an alternative embodiment, the test tee  20  by itself without the pop top hub  30  is a unique and very marketable product. The test tee  20  on the present invention features a ½″ larger threaded opening than the existing tee design. The diameter of the interior center portion of the test tee  20  is also ½″ larger which allows greater accessibility for drain cleaning equipment when the test tee  20  is used for a cleanout. The enlarged portions of the test tee  20  transitions back to the inside pipe dimension at the outlet in a smooth, unobtrusive to flow, angle complying with code requirements.  
         [0048]     In the example illustrated, the test tee  20  is shown as street by street tee type plumbing fitting. It should be understood that the same characteristics could be implemented in a hub by hub type tee fitting.  
         [0049]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pop top hub  60  of the present invention, with the prior art tee  10 . In this embodiment, the pop top hub  60  is configured to fit within a hub  14  of a tee  10  fitting in the prior art. This is done to utilize the pop top  40  of the present invention in prior art tees  10 .  
         [0050]     The thickness of the pop top hub  60  is significantly reduced from the pop top hub  30  example described with regard to  FIG. 4 . The thickness of pop top hub  60  is significantly reduced, so it may fit within the hub fitting  14  of tee  10  of the prior art. After the pop top hub  60  is inserted and attached to tee  10 , then a pipe  9  may be inserted in tee  10 , thereby compressing the pop top hub  60  between tee  10  and the newly inserted pipe  9 . This alternative embodiment enables a person to utilize a tee  10  of the prior art with the pop top hub  60  of the present invention.  
         [0051]     As shown, pop top hub  60  includes many of the same components as described with regard to  FIGS. 2B, 2C ,  3 , and  4 . The pop top hub  60  is manufactured utilizing the same techniques as described above in FIGS. at  3  and  4 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 5B  is a bottom view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pop top hub  60  of the present invention, with the prior art tee  10 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pop top  40 , with the test tee  20  of the present invention. In this alternative embodiment, the pop top  40  is molded in to the pop top hub  100  at an angle 1° to 45°. In this embodiment, the pop top hub  100  is extended in order to accommodate the angle of the pop top  40 . The pop top  40  is molded into pop top of  100  in order to make pull-tab  50  is more accessible to a person through opening  20 . In this alternative embodiment, the angle is approximately 45°, however, it is understood that angles between zero to 45° may be utilized.  
         [0054]      FIG. 6B  is a bottom view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the pull tab pop top, with the test tee of the present invention.  
         [0055]     In an alternative embodiment, the test tee of the present invention utilizes a removable threaded blockage device to create blockage for test purposes in the test tee. The removable threaded blockage device includes a threaded coller for engaging the internal threads of either or both of the internal first and second opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other in the test tee.  
         [0056]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the hub to hub test tee with of the present invention, with internal threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other. In this alternative embodiment,  FIG. 7 (A-C) illustrates an example of the basic components of a test tee  110  fitting of the present invention. Shown is the test tee fitting  110  (A-C.) are simply a T-shaped fitting with a threaded opening  112  for a removable plug (not shown). Tee fitting  110  has hub connectors  114  and  118 . Tee fitting  110  also includes the clean out or testing open hub  111  that enables testing equipment or drain cleaning equipment to be inserted through the opening  112 . The opening  112  connects openings  115  and  119  in the tee fitting  110 .  
         [0057]     The alternative embodiment of the test tee of the present invention utilizes a removable threaded blockage device ( FIG. 7D ) to create blockage for testing purposes. As shown in  FIG. 7A , an example of the test tee  110 A of the present invention is illustrated a perspective view. In the alternative embodiment, a hub by hub fitting is illustrated, however, it is understood that a street by street or hub by street fitting could also be utilized, as shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C . As shown, test tee  110 A of the present invention includes an internal threaded portion  115 A. The internal threaded portion  115 A enables a removable threaded blockage device  150  ( FIG. 7D ) to engage the internal threads  115 A in the test tee  110 A in order to create blockage on one side of the plumbing system.  
         [0058]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the hub to street test tee with of the present invention, with internal threads on one of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other. As shown in  FIG. 7B , hub  114  ( FIG. 7A ) has been modified to illustrate a street connection  113 . The street connection  113  engages the internal diameter of pipe  9  to be affixed to test tee  110 B.  
         [0059]      FIG. 7C  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the street to street test tee  110 C with of the present invention, with internal threads  115 A and  115 B on both of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with each other. In this an alternative embodiment enables a user to utilize a removable threaded blockage device  150  on both sides of the test tee  110 . It should be understood that the hub to hub and hub to street test tees  110  could also utilize the duel internal threads on both of the opposing openings that are axially aligned with the other, as shown here in  FIG. 7C .  
         [0060]      FIG. 7D  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the removable threaded blockage device  150  for a test tee  110 (A-C) of the present invention. The removable threaded blockage device  150  includes circular base plate  151 , threading  152  and wrench collar  155 . Threading  152  enables the removal threaded blockage device  150  to engage the internal threads  115 A of the test tee  110 . Wrench collar  155  is illustrated as a hexagon shape, however, it could also be square or some other noncircular shape. The wrench collar  155  enables a user to apply force to tighten the engagement of the removable threaded blockage device  150  with the test tee  110  of the present invention.  
         [0061]     In the alternative embodiment, the removable threaded blockage device  150  is molded into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) using injection molding techniques. The removable threaded blockage device  150  can be constructed from other types of materials such as, but not limited to, galvanized pipe, cast iron, copper, ABS plastic, other plastics, aluminum, tin, copper, steel, rubber or other known plumbing materials.  
         [0062]      FIG. 7E  is a top view illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the removable threaded blockage device  150  for a test tee  110 (A-C) of the present invention.  
         [0063]     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to embodiments of the present invention, as set forth above, without departing substantially from the principles of the present invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims that follow.