Abstract:
A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made integral with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.

Description:
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/340,438, filed on Jun. 28, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,007 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a leak testing device to be positioned between two adjacent conduits, or adjacent an end of a single conduit. 
     In the plumbing industry, it is common to test pipes for leaks prior to use. In particular, in the installation of new plumbing systems in buildings, or the replacement of an existing pipe, the government regulations require that a pipe be leaked-tested prior to its use as part of the overall plumbing system. The current practice is to install a T-fitting between the new pipe and an existing adjacent pipe. The two arms of the T-fitting are vertically connected to the ends of the new and existing pipes with a conventional split-clamp assembly. The side-arm of the T-fitting includes a screw-on cap which can be removed for allowing access to the inside of the T (FIG.  1 ). 
     The testing procedure involves a plumbing professional to manually insert a pneumatically inflatable plug through the side-arm of the T-fitting and into the end opening of the new pipe. The plug is then inflated to seal-off the new pipe opening leading into the T-fitting. The new pipe, which in many instance extends to one or more floors of a building, is the n filled with a fluid, typically water, and is left in this condition until a government official visually inspects the new pipe for any leaks. Upon completion of the inspection, the fluid from the new pipe must be discharged for final assembly of the plumbing system. The fluid discharge involves deflating the plug by actuating a valve located on the plug which is completely hidden inside the T-fitting. The access to the valve is typically gained through the side-arm of the T-fitting. 
     The current practice of deflating the plug and removing it from inside the T-fitting is not very desirable in that severe physical injury, including death, or property damage may result if the plug fails for any reason, or due to improper handling thereof. The inflation of the plug to a desired pressure of  30  PSI, and its deflation at the completion of the testing procedure, requires additional equipment and proper training of the associated technician. This procedure further involves the use of a T-fitting which adds to the overall expense of the testing procedure. Finally, in many instances, the inflatable plug weakens or gets damaged due to inflation and deflation and can not be reused. 
     In view of the above, there is a need in the industry for a leak testing device which is safe for the plumbing professional and the surrounding property, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, and simple in construction. 
     Examples of various valves and pipe testing devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,133,714; 2,823,887; 3,232,577; 3,941,349; 3,945,604; 4,194,721; 5,076,095; and 5,197,324. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principal object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the conventional devices. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which can be easily provided between two adjacent conduits, or adjacent an end of a single conduit. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which is safe to use in that it does not threaten physical injury to the plumbing professional, property damage, or damage to others. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which eliminates the use of a T-fitting. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which does not require additional equipment, such as a pneumatic pump or the like for inflation and deflation purposes. 
     Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and is reusable. 
     In summary, the main object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which can be easily installed between two adjacent conduits. The device is simple in construction, easy to use and reuse, and does not pose danger of bodily harm to the plumbing professional and associated personnel or risk of property damage, and is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     In accordance with the invention, a leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made intregal with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits, and a shoulder portion extending into the recess. A diaphragm member is positioned within the gasket and includes a groove for receiving the shoulder portion. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess, therethrough. The gasket includes a first end portion for receiving an end of a conduit. A diaphragm member is positioned within the gasket and includes a through hole. First and second connecting members are provided for interconnecting the gasket and the diaphragm member. A valve is operably connected to the diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of a plumbing system showing a T-fitting installed between two conduits; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view showing the leak testing device of the invention installed in cooperation with two adjacent conduits; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 — 3  of FIG. 2; 
     FIGS. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taking along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the valve in the open position; 
     FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an alternative embodiment of the leak testing device; 
     FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a second alternative embodiment of the leak testing device; 
     FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, showing the valve in the open position; 
     FIG. 10 shows the leak testing device of FIG. 7 installed adjacent an end of a single conduit; 
     FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a third alternative embodiment of the leak testing device installed adjacent an end of a single conduit; 
     FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line  12 — 12  of FIG. 11; and 
     FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, showing a hose connected to the fluid discharge member. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, the leak testing device LD of the present invention is used in connection with an existing pipe or conduit  10  extending from a floor F or the like, and a new pipe  12 . Conventionally, a T-fitting  14  is provided between the existing and new pipes  10  and  12 , respectively, prior to testing the new pipe  12  for any leaks. In this regard, it is noted herewith that the leak testing device LD of the present invention can be used with a T-fitting, and preferably without a T-fitting, as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 3, the leak testing device LD includes a generally cylindrical elongated gasket  16  which defines therein a recess  18 . As best illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, a shoulder or lip portion  20  extends radially into the recess  18 , and preferably extends throughout the internal perimeter of the gasket  16 . In other words, shoulder portion  20  is in the form of an internal ring that extends radially into the recess  18 . A substantially circular diaphragm member  22 , with a central hole  24 , is provided so as to rest on the diaphragm member  22 . Preferably, the gasket  16  is made of a resilient or compressible material, and the diaphragm member  22  is made of a generally rigid, yet somewhat flexible material. The diameter of the diaphragm member  22  substantially corresponds to the recess  18  in order to provide a fluid-tight engagement therebetween. 
     As best shown in FIGS. 2-5, the diaphragm member  22  includes a valve assembly  26 . Preferably, the valve assembly  26  includes a valve chamber  28  integral with the diaphragm member  22 . The valve chamber  28  includes an upper opening  30  which is in vertical alignment with the hole  24  in the diaphragm member  22 . A manually actuable valve member  32  slides within the chamber  28  between a closed position (FIGS. 2-4) and an open position (FIG.  5 ). The dimensions of the valve member  32  are selected so as to substantially correspond to the dimensions of the valve chamber  28 , so that when the valve member  32  is in the closed position (FIGS.  2 - 4 ), the flows of fluid between the conduits  12  and  10  is restricted. Likewise, when the valve member  32  is in the open position (FIG.  5 ), the fluid flows between the conduits  12  and  10 , through the upper opening  30 , valve chamber  28  and the hole  24 . In order to facilitate the opening and closing of the valve  32 , a manually actuable valve handle  34  is detachably connected to the valve member  32 . Preferably, interlocking screw-threads  36  are provided on the valve stem  38  and the valve member  32 . As can be observed from FIGS. 2-5, the valve stem  38  extends through the gasket  16  for being detachably connected to the valve member  32 . 
     The leak testing device LD further includes a split-clamp assembly  40  (FIGS.  1 - 2 ). In particular, the clamp assembly  40  includes a metal ring  42  split about the location of conventional upper and lower mechanical fasteners  44  and  46 . The fasteners  44  and  46  are parts of upper and lower metallic rings  48  and  50 , respectively, the diameter of which about the perimeter of the metal ring  42 , can be adjusted by actuating fasteners  44  and  46  and interlocking with corresponding series of holes  52  and  54 , in a known manner. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the leak testing device LD of the invention, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, with the exception that the diaphragm member  56  is integral with the gasket  16 . (It is noted herewith that in the alternative embodiment like parts are designated with the same reference numerals as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5.) Preferably, the diaphragm member  56  is made slightly thicker than the diaphragm member  22 , in order to impart sufficient strength to withstand fluid pressure when the new pipe  12  is filled with a fluid. 
     FIGS. 7-13 illustrate various other embodiments of the leak testing device LD of the invention, wherein like parts are also designated with the same reference numerals as in the embodiments shown above in FIGS. 2-6. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the leak testing device LD, according to a second alternative embodiment, is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, with the exception of the configuration of the diaphragm member  60 . As shown, the diaphragm member  60  includes axially spaced surfaces  62  and  64 , and a radially inwardly extending groove  66  that is dimensioned to receive the shoulder portion  20  of the gasket  16 . Preferably, the groove  66  extends throughout the external perimeter of the diaphragm  60 . It is noted herewith that it is not necessary for the shoulder portion  22  to extend throughout the external perimeter of the gasket  16 . For example, one or more shoulder portions  20  may be circumferentially spaced about the internal perimeter of the gasket  16 . Likewise, one or more corresponding grooves  66  may be provided on the external perimeter of the diaphragm  60  to receive the circumferentially spaced shoulder portions  20 . 
     The diaphragm member  60  is preferably made of a rigid plastic, metal, PVC, or the like material and includes a hole  68 . As in the previous embodiments, the diameter of the diaphragm member  60  substantially corresponds to the recess  18  of the gasket  16  in order to provide a fluid-tight engagement therebetween. 
     As best shown in FIGS. 8-9, a valve assembly  70  includes a radially extending recess  72  in the diaphragm member  60  for receiving a valve  74  member therein. The valve  74  is preferably integral with a valve handle  76  positioned externally of the gasket  16 . The recess  72  is in fluid communication with the hole  68 . A hole  78  is provided in the valve handle  76  for the ease of holding and actuation thereof. 
     Preferably, the shoulder portion  20  is axially spaced from the recess  72 . In other words, shoulder portion  20  is adjacent diaphragm surface  62  and the valve assembly  70  is adjacent diaphragm surface  64 . It is noted herewith that the relative positions of the shoulder portion  20  and the valve assembly  70  could be varied. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates the leak testing device LD, shown in FIGS. 7-9, installed adjacent an end  79  of a single conduit  80 . This type of arrangement is useful for leak testing a conduit by installing one leak testing device LD of the invention at each end thereof. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, showing a third alternative embodiment of the leak testing device LD of the invention, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, with the exception that a fluid discharge nipple  82  extends from diaphragm surface  64 . The nipple  82  defines an internal passageway  84  that is in fluid communication with the hole  68  and the recess  72 . 
     Preferably, the nipple  82  includes external screw-threads  86  for cooperating with the internal screw-threads of, for example, a garden hose coupling  88 . As best shown in FIG. 13, the fluid from conduit  80  may be easily discharged through the garden hose  90  by actuating the valve  74 . 
     USE AND OPERATION 
     When it is desired to test the leak integrity of a new pipe  12 , the leak testing device LD of the present invention is provided such that the respective end portions  11  and  13  of the existing and new pipes  10  and  12  respectively, are slidably received in the recess  18  of gasket  16 . As best shown in FIGS. 4-5, the end portion  11  of the pipe  10  would sealingly engage the lower surface  58  of the shoulder portion  20 . The end portion  13  of the pipe  12  would come to sealingly engage the diaphragm member  22 . The clamp assembly  40  would then be provided and tightened around the gasket  16 , to form a fluid-tight engagement between the leak testing device LD and the end portions  11  and  13  of the pipes  10  and  12 . The valve handle  34  would then be actuated to close the hole  24  in the diaphragm member  22  (or  56 ). Upon assuring that the leak testing device LD is in proper fluid-tight engagement with the pipe end portions  11  and  13 , the pipe  12  would then be filled with the fluid and allowed to stand until the inspection for any leaks is completed. Upon completion of the inspection, the valve handle  34  would be carefully and slowly pulled outwardly to allow gradual flow of fluid from the new pipe  12  into the existing pipe  10 . 
     The manner of installation and use of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-13, is similar to as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6. It would be appreciated, however, that the shoulder portion  20  would be snugly received in the groove  66  in a fluid-tight manner, and the end portions  11  and  13  of the pipes  10  and  12 , respectively, would sealingly engage the respective surfaces  64  and  62  of the diaphragm member  60 . When using the leak testing device of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-13, it would be particularly appreciated that the clamp assembly  40  would include only one metallic ring  48 . With respect to the embodiment of the leak testing device shown in FIGS. 11-13, it would be particularly appreciated that the garden hose  90  (or similar conduit) would be connected to the fluid discharge nipple  82  to allow the fluid from the conduit  80  to flow therethrough to be discharged. 
     As can be seen from the above, since the opening and closing of the valve assembly  26  (or  70 ), is done completely external of the pipes  10  and  12 , and the fluid flows only between the pipes  10  and  12 , the leak testing device LD of the present invention poses no danger to the personnel or the property involved. In addition, the operation of the leak testing device LD of the present invention does not require any additional equipment, such as a pneumatic pump or the like, and thus the entire procedure is straightforward, fast and significantly less complicated than the conventional devices. Finally, since the leak testing device LD of the present invention does not require the use of a T-fitting, significant savings in terms of time and expense are achieved. 
     It is noted herewith that in the instances where the installation of a T-fitting is necessary, the leak testing device LD of the invention can be simply used in the same manner as without a T. In particular, the upper arm  15  of the T-fitting  14  would take the place of the existing pipe  10  with the lower arm  17  thereof connected to the existing pipe  10 , and the leak testing device LD can be operated in the same manner as described above. 
     While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinsefforth, and fall within the scope of the invention and of the limits of the appended claims.