Patent Abstract:
Plumbing fitting assemblies are described. The plumbing fitting assemblies use a male and female fitting combination that enables a user or installer to make a sealed connection on an internal diameter of a female part or receiving end by way of an o-ringed shank on a male part or insert end. A connecting device is rotatably attached to the male end. The connecting device also engages to an outer surface of the female part such that the sealed fitting assemblies will not disconnect under normal pressure of a fluid or air working through the assemblies.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/529,264, filed Oct. 31, 2014, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/898,930 filed Nov. 1, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/898,916 filed Nov. 1, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/898,901 filed Nov. 1, 2013, which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 14/529,333, titled Fill Valves for Toilets, filed Oct. 31, 2014, is also hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to plumbing fittings and assemblies. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In general, plumbing installation involves two stages. The first stage is the “rough plumbing installation.” This stage generally occurs after a structure has been framed out and before walls for the structure are closed with drywall. The second stage is the “finish plumbing installation.” This stage generally occurs after cabinets, drywall, sinks, counters, etc. have been installed at the structure. In between the two stages, other workers may hang drywall, mud the drywall, install tile and flooring, and install fixtures. 
         [0004]    For many years, and until very recently, most plumbers would make their transition between the rough plumbing installation and the finish plumbing installation by “stubbing out” with copper pipe and closing the copper pipe with a metal nipple. At the finish plumbing installation, the plumber cuts off the nipple and sweats on a valve. 
         [0005]    Currently, with the advance of flexible piping, such as PEX pipe, plumbers are stubbing out with the flexible pipe during the rough plumbing installation. After stubbing out with the flexible pipe, the plumbers crimp a test cap on to the end of the flexible pipe stub out with a crimp ring. This may complete the rough plumbing installation. The plumbers then return at a later date to perform the finish plumbing installation and complete the job. During the finish plumbing installation, the plumbers cut off the test cap and the crimp ring from the flexible pipe stub out, and then may crimp on a valve suitable for the flexible pipe. This practice has numerous problems. First, the stub out is often fouled with paint or other debris, such as drywall mud. Second, the stub out is often scarred from job-site abuse. This makes a push connection or a crimping connection to the stub out difficult and may result in improper sealing of the valve to the stub out. 
         [0006]    Conventional flexible pipe connections can also be difficult to properly make. Specialized tools are required at the finish plumbing installation in order to both cut the pipe and to crimp on the final valve to the pipe. This can also be very difficult, as the finish plumbing installations are often in tight spaces, such as behind a toilet or under a counter and sink. 
         [0007]    Further, after the flexible pipe has been cut and the valve crimped thereon, it makes the valve very hard to service or replace in the future. This is because there is often little to no flexible pipe left before the valve. And, if the valve needs to be cut out or fixed, the plumber may have to tear out the drywall, which is expensive and difficult. Further, the final assembly of the valve is time consuming and wasteful, as the test cap and ring are thrown away and the plumber must make a difficult connection, with the appropriate tool, often in awkward positions. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Described herein are methods and systems for plumbing fitting assemblies that are easy to properly install. The plumbing fitting assemblies use a male and female fitting combination that enables a user or installer to make a sealed connection on an internal diameter of a female part or receiving end by way of an o-ringed shank on a male part or insert end. A connecting device is rotatably attached to the male end. The connecting device also engages to an outer surface of the female part such that the sealed fitting assemblies will not disconnect under normal pressure of a fluid or air working through the assemblies. The fitting assemblies will not disconnect unless an installer or user person intentionally disconnects the fitting assemblies by unthreading the nut or by other mechanical operation. 
         [0009]    The plumbing fitting assemblies may be used with any of a variety of different types and styles of flexible pipe and tubing. For example, the plumbing fitting assemblies may be used with PEX tubing. PEX tubing is made from cross-linked polyethylene. PEX tubing is becoming a standard plumbing material. 
         [0010]    The plumbing fitting assemblies provide several advantages. The male and female fitting combination provides a simple to install, tool-less sealed connection that may be made “blind,” i.e., the installer does not have to see it, put a wrench on it, etc. In addition, it is simpler, more intuitive, and cheaper than other similar sealed connections, which utilize o-ring seals, such as hose connections (pull back fitting, snap to the receiving end) or push fittings that require an expensive keeper ring and create a blind connection. Further, the sealed connection is made on a controlled internal diameter that may be kept free from debris and/or damage instead of on the outer diameter of the pipe, which is often exposed to workplace damage and/or debris. 
         [0011]    The plumbing fitting assemblies also creates “docking station” for an installer, which is intuitive. This is also welcome for marketing—as it helps installers stay with a particular brand/system of parts—as the receiver or female part is installed at the rough plumbing stage and the insert end or male part is installed during the finish plumbing stage. This is also of value for brands who want to sell replacement parts and have the end user stay with the original brand. 
         [0012]    In field applications, the adaptor, receiver, or female part will most commonly be installed at the rough plumbing installation—which is typically before sheetrock is installed and far before the finish plumbing installed. This compares to the finish plumbing installation, where the finish plumbing fixtures are installed. This is typically some of the very last work a plumber or any contractor will do on a house or other remodel project. With the adaptor, receiver, or female part installed during the rough plumbing installation, the plumber or contractor can return for the finish plumbing installation and complete the finish plumbing installation without any specialized tool. 
         [0013]    The plumbing fitting assemblies also provide a “modular” design and system, which helps with inventory control. For example, plumber, distributers, and, retailers may divide the receiver from the insert end and thus reduce the stocking SKU codes required on a truck or on a store shelf. This saves time and money. 
         [0014]    The receiver may also include common thread sizes such that the receiver will also work with common valves and other off the shelf plumbing fittings. As such, the receiver may be used in forming the seal between the male and female are parts described herein, and also, if needed, make a seal with a common FIP valve, which can be found at virtually every hardware store. 
         [0015]    The nut also shrouds the o-rings on the insert end or male part. The nut, in this way, protects the o-rings during shipping and/or before final installation. A scarred or damaged o-ring might fail—leading to leaks and costly repairs. 
         [0016]    The test cap is also useful during rough plumbing installations. All new plumbing installations require testing to ensure proper performance. The test cap allows the plumber to test for proper installation, and then transition between the rough plumbing and the finish plumbing. The test cap also protects both the threads on the receiver, and, more importantly, the test cap protects the internal diameter and sealing surface of the receiver, which helps to ensure a proper seal and a quality, leak free combination. 
         [0017]    The plumbing fitting assemblies described herein may use the adaptor, receiver, or female part that is installed at the rough, and this adaptor receives the test cap that stays on until the finish plumbing is installed. The test cap is then removed and a final, finish valve is installed without a tool into the same adaptor. If the valve ever fails, it can be easy replaced without a tool—and in only a few seconds. 
         [0018]    Methods of making plumbing connections are also described herein. One method includes connecting at least two separate pipes or other fluid/air conveying apparatus. The method includes providing one male end, having a male insert shank with an elastomeric seal attached to the shank. The method includes providing a threaded device, such as a nut, surrounding the male insert shank and the elastomeric seal. The method includes providing a female end, having an internal diameter designed to receive said male insert shank such that it combines with the shank to make a sealed connection. An outer diameter of the female end receives the threaded device that surrounds the male insert shank such that it connects the two ends of the two separate pipes together to prevent them from coming apart. 
         [0019]    In one aspect, a valve fitting is described. The valve fitting includes an adaptor. The adaptor includes a supply end and a receiving end. The receiving end includes an exterior surface and an internal sealing surface. The valve fitting includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an insert end, and the insert end includes a sealing surface. The insert end of the valve assembly inserts into the receiving end of the adaptor, and the sealing surface of the insert end seals against the internal sealing surface of the receiving end in a sealing engagement. A connecting device is engaged to the valve assembly. The connecting device engages to an exterior of the adaptor to hold the internal sealing surface of the receiving end of the adaptor and the sealing surface of the valve assembly together in the sealing engagement. 
         [0020]    In another aspect, a valve fitting is described. The valve fitting includes a male part. The male part includes a shank. The shank comprises one or more o-rings positioned about an exterior the shank. The valve fitting includes a female part. The female part includes an internal sealing surface and an outer engaging surface. The internal sealing surface of the female part receives the shank of the male part in a sealing engagement. A connecting device is rotatably attached to the male part. The connecting device engages the engaging surface of the female part to hold the male part and the female part together to maintain the sealing engagement. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, a valve fitting is described. The valve fitting includes an adaptor. The adaptor includes a supply end and a receiving end. The receiving end includes a threaded external diameter and an internal sealing surface. The valve fitting includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an insert end. The insert end includes a sealing surface. The insert end of the valve assembly inserts into the receiving end of the adaptor to form a sealing engagement between the internal sealing surface of the receiving end of the adaptor and the sealing surface of the valve assembly. A nut is rotatably engaged to the to the valve assembly. The nut includes a threaded internal diameter. The threaded internal diameter of the nut threadably engages to the threaded external diameter of the adaptor to maintain the sealing engagement between the internal sealing surface of the receiving end of the adaptor and the sealing surface of the valve assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the angle valve fitting. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the angle valve fitting. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the adaptor. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the test cap fitting. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5 . is a sectional view of the test cap fitting 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the straight valve fitting. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the straight valve fitting. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a view of the adaptor for a sweat installation. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the adaptor of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a view of the adaptor for a compression installation. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the adaptor of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a view of the adaptor for a flexible tube installation. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the adaptor of  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0035]    Plumbing fitting assemblies will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-13 . An angled valve fitting  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The angled valve fitting  10  includes an adaptor  50  and a valve assembly  120 . The adaptor  50  engages with the valve assembly  120  to form the valve fitting  10 . The adaptor  50  is shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the adaptor  50  may also engage with a test cap  174  to form a test cap fitting  20 . A connecting device  90  may be used in connecting the adaptor  50  to both the valve assembly  120  and the test cap  174 . A straight valve fitting  11  connecting to the adaptor  50  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0036]    The plumbing fitting assemblies described herein allow the plumber to install the test cap fitting  20  to the adaptor  50  at the rough plumbing installation. When the plumber returns for the finish plumbing installation, the plumber may remove the connecting device  90  and remove the test cap  174  from the adaptor  50 . Now, the plumber may engage the valve assembly  120  to the same adaptor  90  and make a seal using the same type of connecting device  90  that was used with the test cap  174  to complete the valve fitting  10 . Notably, no specialized tools are required and no parts are discarded in making the seal. 
         [0037]    The valve fitting  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The valve fitting  10  includes the adaptor  50  and the valve assembly  120 . The adaptor  50  engages with the valve assembly  120  to form the valve fitting  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the adaptor  50  may also engage with the test cap  174  to form the test cap fitting  20 . The connecting device  90  may be used in connecting the adaptor  50  to both the valve assembly  120  and to the test cap  174 . 
         [0038]    The valve fitting  10  will now be described in detail. With reference to  FIG. 1 , a supply pipe  20  connects to a supply end  53  of the adaptor  50 . Likewise, an outlet pipe  165  connects to an output opening  156  of the valve assembly  120 . The supply pipe  20  provides fluid, such as air, gases, water, or other liquids to the adaptor  50 . The supply pipe  20  may be made from PEX pipe or other flexible pipes or tubes. 
         [0039]    The adaptor  50  will now be described in greater detail. The adaptor  50  includes the supply end  53 , which connects to the supply pipe  20 . The supply end  53  includes an external diameter  56  that fits inside of a pipe end  23  of the supply pipe  20 . Ridges  59  extend from the external diameter  56  of the adaptor  50  and engage an internal diameter  25  of the pipe end  23 . The supply end  53  may include a plurality of the ridges  59 . The pipe end  23  may frictionally engage to supply end  53  via the ridges  59 . 
         [0040]    The adaptor  50  further defines an internal diameter  62  that provides for fluid flow through the adaptor  50 . The supply end  53  is integral with or transitions into a transition region  65 . The transition region  65  is generally positioned between the supply end  53  and a receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50 . The adaptor  50  may include the supply end  53  generally opposite of the receiving end  68 . In other aspects, the receiving end  68  may be oriented generally perpendicular or at a variety of different angles relative to the supply end  53 . 
         [0041]    The receiving end  68  includes a threaded external diameter  71 . Opposite of the threaded external diameter  71 , the receiving end  68  includes an internal diameter  74  that forms an internal sealing surface  77 . The internal diameter  74  is generally smooth through the internal sealing surface  77 . The transition region  65  further includes an interior corner  80  positioned on the inside of the receiving end  68  proximate to the transition region  65 . 
         [0042]    The connecting device  90  is rotatably engaged to an insert end  123  of the valve assembly  120 . The insert end  123  of the valve assembly  120  forms a male part that inserts into the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50 . The connecting device  90  threadably engages to the threaded external diameter  71  of the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50 . Although the connecting device  90  is exemplified as a nut in  FIGS. 1-13 , the connecting device  90  may include any number of devices that maintain the seal between the insert end  123  and the adaptor  50 . 
         [0043]    The connecting device  90  includes walls  93  extending from a first end  105  to a second end  108 . The walls  93  define or form a threaded internal diameter  94 . The walls  93  include an external surface  99  that may include any of a variety of scallops  102  or other gripping regions or surfaces. 
         [0044]    The connecting device  90  is held in the rotational engagement to the insert end  123  via a retaining ring  113 . The retaining ring  113  circumscribes the insert end  123 . The second end  108  of the connecting device  90  includes a groove  96  that receives the retaining ring  113 , and a shoulder  110  of the second end  108  prevents the connecting device  90  from being pulled from the insert end  123 . Until tightened to the adaptor  50 , the connecting device  90  may freely rotate relative to the insert end  123 . 
         [0045]    An annular gap  111  is formed between the threaded internal diameter  94  of the connecting device  90  and the insert end  123  of the valve assembly  120 . This annular gap  111  forms a space or void that is sized to receive the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50 . This annual gap  111  may extend approximately from the groove  96  holding the retaining ring  113  to the interior corner  80  of the adaptor  50 . The insert end  123  forms a sealing surface  126 , which may include one or more grooves  129 . The sealing surface  126  may be generally smooth between the one or more grooves  129 . The sealing surface  126  may have intermittent smooth surfaces that form the sealing surface  126 . The grooves  129  may retain or include o-rings  141  that form a seal between the sealing surface  126  of the insert end  123  and the internal sealing surface  77  of the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50 . The insertion of the insert end  123  into the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50  forms a sealing engagement between the internal sealing surface  77  of the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50  and the sealing surface  126  of the insert end  123 . The connecting device  90  holds the internal sealing surface  77  of the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50  to the sealing surface  126  of the insert end  123  in the sealing engagement. During normal operation, the connecting device  90  prevents this sealing engagement from becoming unsealed. 
         [0046]    The insert end  123  further defines a fluid passage  135  for fluid flow to flow through the valve assembly  120 . An end portion  138  of the insert end  123  may abut or contact the interior corner  80  of the transition region  65  to indicate that a full seal has been achieved or that the connecting device  90  is fully tightened to prompt the user to stop rotating the connecting device  90 . 
         [0047]    The connecting device  90  also shrouds the o-rings  141  on the insert end  123 . The connecting device  90 , in this way, protects the o-rings  141  during shipping and/or before final installation. A scarred or damaged o-ring  141  might fail—leading to leaks and costly repairs. The connecting device  90  also shrouds the sealing surface  126  of the insert end  123 . The connecting device  90  protects the sealing surface  126  during shipping and/or before final installation. Scarring or damage to the sealing surface  126  or debris on the sealing surface  126  might cause improper sealing—also leading to leaks and costly repairs. 
         [0048]    The valve assembly  120  further includes a valve  150  positioned between the insert end  123  and the output end  155 . A valve handle  144  may operatively engage the valve  150 . A connector  153  may pass through the valve handle  144  and into an opening  147  of the valve assembly  120  to fix the valve handle  144  to the valve  150 . 
         [0049]    The output end  155  includes the output opening  156  that connects to the output pipe  165 , which may be made from PEX pipe or other flexible pipes or tubes. A pipe end  168  of the output pipe  165  includes an internal diameter  171  that may fit over and engage an external diameter  159  of the output opening  156  of the output end  155  of the valve assembly  120 . A plurality of ridges  162  on the external diameter  159  may frictionally engage to the internal diameter  171  of the pipe end  165 . 
         [0050]    The test cap fitting  20  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The test cap fitting  20  includes a test cap  174  and the connecting device  90 . The test cap fitting  20  engages with the adaptor  50 . The test cap  174  includes an insert end  175  and a sealed end  189 . Walls  177  extend between the insert end  175  and the sealed end  189 . The walls  177  form an exterior sealing surface  180 . The walls further form a groove  183  that may hold or contain an o-ring  186 . An annular ring  192  positions the connecting device  90  on the test cap  174 . 
         [0051]    As the connecting device  90  is rotated, the internal sealing surface  77  of the adaptor  50  and the sealing surface  180  of the test cap  174  are held together in a sealing arrangement. The connecting device  90  may be rotated drawing the receiving end  68  into an annular gap  195  between the sealing surface  180  and the threaded internal diameter  94  of the connecting device  90 . 
         [0052]    The annular gap  195  is formed between the threaded internal diameter  94  of the connecting device  90  and the insert end  175  of the test cap  174 . This annular gap  195  forms a space or void that is sized to receive the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50 . This annular gap  195  may extend approximately from the annular ring  192  to the interior corner  80  of the adaptor  50 . The insert end  175  forms a sealing surface  180 , which may include one or more grooves  183 . The sealing surface  180  may be generally smooth between the one or more grooves  183 . The sealing surface  180  may have intermittent smooth surfaces that form the sealing surface  180 . The grooves  183  may retain or include o-rings  186  that form a seal between the sealing surface  180  of the insert end  175  and the internal sealing surface  77  of the receiving end  68 . 
         [0053]    The test cap  174  protects both the threaded external diameter  71  on the receiving end  68 , and, more importantly, the test cap  174  protects the internal diameter  74  and sealing surface  77  of the adaptor  50 , which helps to ensure a proper seal and a quality, leak free combination. 
         [0054]    The adaptor  50  may formed from thermoplastics, such as glass filled nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The connecting device  90  may formed from the same or similar materials. 
         [0055]    The connecting device  90  for engaging the adaptor  50  to the valve assembly  120  or to the test cap  174  may include any of variety of devices, such as nuts, threaded connectors, push-pull connectors, snap connectors, quarter or half turn nuts, etc. The connecting device  90  holds or maintains the sealing engagement between the adaptor  50  and the valve assembly  120  or to the test cap  174 . 
         [0056]    The adaptor  50  may be configured to engage with other conventional types of plumbing supply lines, for example, sweat, cpvc, compression, and other PEX types, etc. For example,  FIGS. 8 and 9  are views of an adaptor  61  with a smooth outer surface  64  for a sweat installation. For example,  FIGS. 10 and 11  are views of an adaptor  62  with a threaded surface  66  for a compression installation. For example,  FIGS. 12 and 13  are views of an adaptor  63  with engagement surface  69  for a PEX installation. The adaptors  61 ,  62 , and  63  include the receiving end  68  that is the same or similar to the receiving end  68  of the adaptor  50 , and the adaptors  61 ,  62 , and  63  operate in the same or similar manner. Although the adaptors  61 ,  62 , and  63  are shown with the test cap  174 , the adaptors  61 ,  62 , and  63  may be used with the valve fittings  10  and  11  and other plumbing assemblies and fittings. Similarly, the output opening  156  of the valve assembly  120  may be configured to operate with other conventional types of plumbing lines, for example, sweat, cpvc, compression, and other PEX types, etc. 
         [0057]    It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited by the specification; instead, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8