Abstract:
A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends from the gasket. A diaphragm member is positioned in the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. A coupling for clamping the leak testing device about one or two conduits includes a generally cylindrical member having a central axis and including a plurality of sections. The sections are interconnected to one another by at least two hinge members in a manner that two sections have free end points to be releasably fastened together.

Description:
[0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/845,217, filed on May 1, 2001, which 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), both are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    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, and a coupling therefor.  
           [0003]    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).  
           [0004]    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 then 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.  
           [0005]    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.  
           [0006]    In view of the above, there has been 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. The inventor of the present invention, himself a plumbing professional for many years, responded to this long-felt need and filled the gap in the industry by devising safer leak testing devices disclosed in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/845,217, filed May 1, 2001 (presently pending) and 09/340,438, filed Jun. 28, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,007), the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. The inventor of the present invention also found that conventional couplings were not very effective, cumbersome to use and therefore, not desirable. In particular, a conventional coupling includes a split-clamp and separate upper and lower metallic rings to be disposed about the periphery thereof. Proper positioning and subsequent tightening of the upper and lower rings requires extra time and skill that can be eliminated.  
           [0007]    Examples of various valves, pipe testing devices and couplings are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,133,714; 1,928,316; 2,823,887; 2,953,015; 3,232,577; 3,941,349; 3,945,604; 4,019,371; 4,176,756; 4,194,721; 4,407,171; 4,429,568; 4,602,504; 4,763,510; 4,795,197; 4,895,181; 5,018,768; 5,076,095; 5,197,324; 5,269,568; 5,287,730; 5,385,373; 5,782,499; 6,000,278; 6,131,441; 6,299,216; 6,234,007; and PCT International Publication WO 01/01101.  
         OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The principal object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device and a coupling therefor, which do not suffer from the disadvantages of the conventional devices.  
           [0009]    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.  
           [0010]    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.  
           [0011]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device which eliminates the use of a T-fitting.  
           [0012]    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.  
           [0013]    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.  
           [0014]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a coupling which can be easily used in connection with a leak testing device provided between two adjacent conduits, or adjacent an end of a single conduit.  
           [0015]    Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide a coupling for use in connection with two adjacent conduits, or a single conduit, which is self-contained and requires significantly less time to install and remove than the conventional couplings.  
           [0016]    In summary, the main object of the present invention is to provide a leak testing device and a coupling therefor, which can be easily installed between two adjacent conduits, or adjacent an end of a single conduit. The device and coupling are simple in construction, easy to use and reuse, and do not pose danger of bodily harm to the plumbing professional and associated personnel or risk of property damage, and are inexpensive to manufacture.  
           [0017]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a conduit coupling includes a generally cylindrical member having a central axis and including a plurality of sections. The sections are interconnected to one another by at least two hinge members in a manner that two of the sections have free end portions to be releasably fastened together. In an alternative embodiment, the conduit coupling includes a shoulder portion adjacent one of the end portions thereof for engaging a diaphragm member.  
           [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends from the gasket. A diaphragm member is provided for positioning within the gasket. In an alternative 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 operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.  
           [0019]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. 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 operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.  
           [0020]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess therein. 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 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  
       [0021]    The above and other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of a plumbing system showing a T-fitting installed between two conduits;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view showing the leak testing device and the coupling of the invention installed in cooperation with two adjacent conduits;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of FIG. 2;  
         [0025]    FIGS.  4  is a vertical cross-sectional view taking along line  4 - 4  of FIG. 3;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the valve in an open position;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a first alternative embodiment of the leak testing device;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a second alternative embodiment of the leak testing device;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of FIG. 10, showing the valve in an open position;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of FIG. 7, showing the valve in an open position;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 11 shows the leak testing device of FIG. 7, installed adjacent an end of a single conduit;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, showing a third alternative embodiment of the leak testing device installed adjacent an end of a single conduit;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 7, showing a fourth alternative embodiment of the leak testing device installed adjacent an end of a single conduit;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the coupling of the invention, shown in use in FIGS.  2 - 13 ;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 14, shown in an open position;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the coupling shown in FIG. 14;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line  15 B- 15 B of FIG. 15A;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIGS. 15C and 15D are schematic illustrations showing opening of the coupling;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 11 (taken along line  16 - 16  of FIG. 20), showing a second alternative embodiment of the coupling of the invention shown in FIGS.  21 - 22 ;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 17 as a view similar to FIG. 13, showing the second alternative embodiment of the coupling;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 18 is a partial, vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 17, showing the valve in a closed position;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18, showing the valve in an open position and a hose connected to the fluid discharge member;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the second alternative embodiment of the coupling, shown with the leak testing device of FIG. 7;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the second alternative embodiment of the coupling, shown in use in FIGS.  16 - 20 ;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 21, shown in an open position;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  23 - 23  of FIG. 22; and  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view similar to FIG. 8, showing the provision of a second shoulder portion. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0049]    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.  
         [0050]    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.  
         [0051]    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 flow 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 .  
         [0052]    The leak testing device LD further includes a coupling C (FIGS. 2 and 14- 15 ). As best shown in FIGS.  14 - 15 , the coupling C is in the form of a generally cylindrical member  40  having preferably three generally arcuate or curved sections  41 ,  42  and  43  that are interconnected by two hinge members  44  and  45 . As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 14, each hinge member  44  and  45  includes vertically interleaving fingers  46  pivotally connected together by a pin  47 . Preferably, the fingers  46  and the pin  47  are disposed externally of coupling C to provide a substantially unobstructed interior surface  48  for easy insertion and removal of gasket  16 .  
         [0053]    As best shown in FIG. 15, each section  41  and  43  includes, preferably an integral clamping tab  49  with cooperating holes  50  to receive screws or other conventional fasteners (not shown) therein. The section  41  includes a slot  51  for inserting the valve stem  38  therethrough. (It is noted that the shape of the slot  51  could be varied, for example, to be round, or its size made smaller or larger depending upon the type of valve stem/handle used. For instance, valve stem  38  in FIGS.  2 - 6  has the configuration of a round pin. Therefore, slot  51  would be made round with a diameter to frictionally accommodate the valve stem  38 . On the other hand, valve stem/handle  76  shown in, for example, FIGS.  7 - 13  has a generally rectangular cross-section. Therefore, the slot  51  shown in FIG. 14 has a corresponding rectangular configuration.)  
         [0054]    FIGS.  15 A- 15 B illustrate a first alternative embodiment of the coupling C, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.  14 - 15 , with the exception that ridges  52  are provided on the internal periphery  53  thereof to significantly reduce or eliminate relative movement between the gasket  16  and the coupling C. The ridges  52  are preferably circular and continuous are arranged vertically. It is noted herewith that the ridges  52  may take the form of radially extending tabs arranged about the internal periphery  53  in generally parallel circles or in other patterns. As best shown in FIG. 15B, the ridges  52  are generally frustoconical in cross-section. Other shapes or configurations, such as generally conical, spherical, semi-spherical, rectangular, or square, or a combination thereof, may also be utilized.  
         [0055]    As can be readily seen from FIG. 14, sections  41  and  43 , can individually rock or move outwardly away from the other sections about the associated hinge  44  or  45 . For instance, section  41  can be moved outwardly about the hinge  44  (see arrow X in FIG. 14). Likewise, section  43  can be moved outwardly about the hinge  45  (see arrow Y in FIG. 14). This construction allows the coupling C to be stretched to an almost linear configuration (see FIG. 15C), without separating the sections  41 ,  42  and  43  from the hinges  44  and  45 , thereby providing the ease of its mounting about conduits. In addition, due to the provision of hinges  44  and  45 , coupling C can be stretched even further so that sections  41  and  43  approach each other (see arrows Z in FIG. 15D).  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 6 illustrates a first 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.  
         [0057]    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 FIG. 2- 6 .  
         [0058]    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 .  
         [0059]    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.  
         [0060]    As best shown in FIGS.  8 - 10 , 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.  
         [0061]    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.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 11 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 one or each end thereof.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 12 illustrates a third alternative embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 11, with the exception that the diaphragm member  61  is integral with the gasket  16 .  
         [0064]    Referring now to FIG. 13, showing a fourth alternative embodiment of the leak testing device LD of the invention, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, 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  (see FIG. 19). As best shown in FIG. 19, the fluid from conduit  80  may be easily discharged through the garden hose  90  by actuating the valve  74 .  
         [0065]    FIGS.  16 - 23  illustrate a second alternative embodiment of the coupling CC of the invention.  
         [0066]    As best shown in FIGS.  21 - 22 , the coupling CC is in the form of a generally cylindrical member  92  having preferably three generally arcuate or curved sections  94 ,  96  and  98  that are interconnected by hinge members  100  and  102 . Each hinge member  100  and  102  includes vertically interleaving fingers  104  pivotally connected together by a pin  106 . Preferably, the fingers  104  are integral with their corresponding sections  94 ,  96  and  98 , so that when the sections are closed together (see FIG. 21), a substantially unobstructed interior surface  108  is rendered for easy insertion and removal of gasket  16 .  
         [0067]    In order to significantly reduce or eliminate relative movement between the gasket  16  and the coupling CC, the surface  108  is preferably provided with ridges  110  (FIGS.  21 - 23 ) that have a similar configuration as shown above in FIGS.  15 A- 15 B with respect to coupling C, and which are arranged in the like manner. The ridges  110  also may have an alternative configuration and a different arrangement pattern as noted above with respect to ridges  52 .  
         [0068]    As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 21- 22 , the coupling CC includes front and rear end portions  112  and  114 , respectively. A shoulder portion  116  extends inwardly into the recess  118  of the coupling CC from adjacent the rear end portion  114 . The shoulder portion  116  serves as an abutment for the diaphragm  60 . The shoulder portion  116  is preferably a circular ring that extends throughout the internal perimeter of coupling CC. (It is noted, however, that shoulder portion may instead include one or more radially extending tabs that are arranged on the internal perimeter of the coupling CC.) The front and rear portions  112  and  114  include front and rear openings  111  and  113 , respectively. Since the shoulder portion  116  is substantially flush with the rear opening  113 , the diameter D 1  of the front opening  111  is larger than the diameter D 2  of the rear opening  1   13  (FIG. 16).  
         [0069]    As best shown in FIG. 22, each section  94  and  98  includes, preferably integral upper and lower clamping tabs  119  and  120  with cooperating holes  122  to receive screws or other conventional fasteners (not shown) therein. The section  98  includes a slot  124  for inserting the valve handle  76  therethrough.  
         [0070]    As can be readily seen from FIG. 22, sections  94  and  98  can individually rock or move outwardly away from the other sections about the associated hinge  100  or  102 , in the same manner as coupling C. For instance, section  94  can be moved outwardly about the hinge  100  (see arrow XX in FIG. 21). Likewise, section  98  can be moved outwardly about the hinge  102  (see arrow YY in FIG. 21). This construction allows the coupling CC to be stretched to an almost linear configuration (in the same manner as coupling C, see FIG. 15C), without separating the sections  94 ,  96  and  98  from the hinges  100  and  102 , thereby providing the ease of its mounting about conduits. In addition, due to the provision of hinges  100  and  102 , coupling CC can be stretched even further so that sections  94  and  98  approach each other, in the same manner as coupling C (see FIG. 15D).  
         [0071]    FIGS.  16 - 20  illustrate the coupling CC of the invention in use in connection with a single conduit. In particular, FIGS. 16 and 20, and  17 - 19 , illustrate the coupling CC of the invention in use with the leak testing device LD of the invention shown above in FIGS. 11 and 13, respectively.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 24 illustrates the provision of a second shoulder portion  126 , generally similar in configuration to shoulder portion  20 , for the leak testing embodiments shown in FIGS.  7 - 13  and  16 - 20 . The shoulder  126  would engage the end portion  13  of pipe  12  for providing a better seal with the diaphragm  60 .  
       USE AND OPERATION  
       [0073]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 6 , 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 coupling C 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 .  
         [0074]    The manner of installation and use of the embodiments shown in FIGS.  7 - 22 , 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 embodiment shown in FIG. 13, it would be appreciated that the garden hose  90  (or a 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.  
         [0075]    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.  
         [0076]    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.  
         [0077]    While this invention has been described as having preferred sequences, ranges, steps, materials, or designs, it is understood that it includes further modifications, variations, uses and/or adaptations thereof following in general the principle 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 hereinbeforesetforth, and fall within the scope of the invention and of the limits of the appended claims.