WO2000019180A1 - Test plug - Google Patents
Test plug Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000019180A1 WO2000019180A1 PCT/US1999/022276 US9922276W WO0019180A1 WO 2000019180 A1 WO2000019180 A1 WO 2000019180A1 US 9922276 W US9922276 W US 9922276W WO 0019180 A1 WO0019180 A1 WO 0019180A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- water
- line
- cylindrically shaped
- shaped tablet
- disposable plug
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 title description 24
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 143
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 7
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bicarbonate Chemical compound [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 6
- KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N citric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)(C(O)=O)CC(O)=O KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-DEQYMQKBSA-M Sodium bicarbonate-14C Chemical compound [Na+].O[14C]([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-DEQYMQKBSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013102 re-test Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012173 sealing wax Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000002639 sodium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910052779 Neodymium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012736 aqueous medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N neodymium atom Chemical compound [Nd] QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000246 remedial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037390 scarring Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001993 wax Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K13/00—Other constructional types of cut-off apparatus; Arrangements for cutting-off
- F16K13/04—Other constructional types of cut-off apparatus; Arrangements for cutting-off with a breakable closure member
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses
- F16L55/1011—Soluble closing devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses
- F16L55/11—Plugs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
- F16L55/28—Constructional aspects
- F16L55/40—Constructional aspects of the body
- F16L55/42—Constructional aspects of the body gelled or degradable
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/022—Test plugs for closing off the end of a pipe
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/1624—Destructible or deformable element controlled
- Y10T137/1632—Destructible element
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/1624—Destructible or deformable element controlled
- Y10T137/1632—Destructible element
- Y10T137/1692—Rupture disc
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/1624—Destructible or deformable element controlled
- Y10T137/1632—Destructible element
- Y10T137/1692—Rupture disc
- Y10T137/1744—Specific weakening point
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/1624—Destructible or deformable element controlled
- Y10T137/1632—Destructible element
- Y10T137/1692—Rupture disc
- Y10T137/1759—Knife or cutter causes disc to break
- Y10T137/1767—Movable knife or cutter
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
Abstract
A disposable plug for installation in a cylindrical water line (10, 40) to temporarily block the water line (10, 40) to the passage of water therethrough. The disposable plug includes a cylindrically shaped tablet (26) having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the water line (10, 40) so that when installed within the water line (10, 40), water is prevented from passing the disposable plug. The tablet (26) is characterized as being partially dissolvable when contacted with water. A water impermeable membrane (24) surrounds at least a portion of the tablet (26) to selectively prevent water from contacting the tablet as long as the disposable plug acts to temporarily block the water line (10, 40). The water impermeable membrane (24) can be selectively disrupted allowing water to contact the tablet (26) to selectively remove the disposable plug when no longer needed.
Description
TEST PLUG
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention deals with a disposable plug for incorporation in a water waste line for temporarily blocking the passage of water through the line. When plumbing a structure such as a house intended to carry water, the structure goes through several waste line tests to confirm the integrity of the various plumbing joints. This requires temporarily blocking the waste line so that the water lines within the structure can be filled and leaks detected. The present invention involves an improved means of temporarily blocking the water waste line in order to create a suitable water head in order to conduct such testing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When plumbing a structure such as a house, the structure is subjected to at least two different waste water tests. A first test is intended to determine the integrity of the water lines at ground or slab by filling the structure's waste lines with water to create a pressure head. A second test is conducted at "top-out" meaning that after the structure is vented and tubs, sinks and other fixtures installed, the waste lines are again filled with water to create yet another pressure head. Under pressure, the various lines are inspected for leakage prior to the installation of sheetrock which would obviously mask the detection of any leakage.
As background, plumbers are required to "stub out" or create an external waste water outlet 2 or 3 feet from the perimeter of a structural foundation. The "stub out" line is typically capped off in order to run the
above-described water tests. There are a variety of currently available caps designed to accomplish this task. For example, a plumber may employ a rubber cap with a stainless steel band. However, a rubber cap is prone to being blown off of the "stub out" line if subjected to sufficient water head pressure. In order to prevent this from occurring, the plumber will oftentimes drive a wooden stake in front of the rubber cap. This entails a good deal of additional effort and is not particularly effective in preventing blow-off. As an alternative, a plumber may glue the plastic test cap to the "stub out" which can be knocked off after the test has been conducted. However, this requires applying and setting a suitable adhesive which obviously must later be removed once the test has been completed. At removal, the plumber is likely to get quite wet as the water head pressure is released.
There are additional problems associated with caps employed at "stub out." For example, when a sewer line to the street or septic is about to be connected, the plumber is oftentimes not the party responsible for making the connection. If someone else makes the connection who is unfamiliar with this process, the cap will be cut off or otherwise removed releasing the water head within the structure perhaps prematurely before the plumber has had an opportunity to check the structure for leaks. Even if the plumber is the party responsible for connecting the sewer line to the "stub out," he may still be forced to release his test and then recap the line after the connection has been made thus requiring that the water head be reestablished. This is time consuming and also is a waste of water. Ideally, the plumber would like to maintain a water head throughout the sheetrock
process so that any accidental nailing into a waste line would be visible by observing water leakage.
In addition to the above, once the sewer has been connected, it is traditional for the plumber to return to the project to retest his waste lines at which point the plumber employs a wye, 1 /8 bend and clean-out plug at the point where the sewer has been connected. A plumber typically employs a long test ball which is inserted into the 1 /8 band and wye and is inflated at the appropriate position. The test ball is intended to temporarily block the waste line to again create a suitable pressure head within the structure. However, these test balls are extremely expensive and by reducing pressure within the test ball, they can be removed and oftentimes stolen from the job site. Further, they can inadvertently lose air, slip down the line and cause a major stoppage which must be dealt with by excavating and exposing the sewer line. The air balls, which exhibit external ribs, crack after repeated usage and tend to leak under test. Leakage from the side wall of the test ball as well as from its air stem obviously results in water leakage to the sewer and reduction of water head thus reducing the effectiveness of the test.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a means of temporarily locking a "stub out" or waste water line which can effectively and temporarily prevent passage of water through the waste line thus creating a suitable pressure head within a structure while being easily removable from the waste water line and while addressing all of the drawbacks recited above.
These objects will be more readily apparent when considering the following disclosure and appended drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention broadly is directed to a disposable plug in a water waste line temporarily blocking the passage of water through the line. The water waste line is provided with a wet side in which water is temporarily trapped by the disposable plug and a dry side which is temporarily rendered water-free while the disposable plug is in the waste line.
The disposable plug comprises a disk of a material which remains structurally intact when dry and which loosens its structural integrity when wet. A moisture barrier is supported by the disk preventing water within the wet side of the line from contacting the disk noting that the disk is sized to completely block water passage through the waste line when in place. Means are provided for either rupturing the moisture barrier or breaking the disk resulting in contacting water with the disk resulting in dissolving the disk and causing it to pass through the water waste line without blocking it or other water lines to which it is connected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 taken through line 2-2 of Fig. 1 .
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of yet a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of still a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In referring to Fig. 1 , pipe 10 comprises a "stub out" or clean-out plug which, as noted, extends from a house or other structure for connection to a sewer or septic line. A cylindrical coupling 1 2 composed of, for example, PVC or ABS conduit can be aligned along longitudinal axis 1 1 between pipe lengths 10 and 40 in order to position the disposable plug for temporarily blocking the passage of water through the line. When pipes 10 and 40 are joined to coupling 1 2, the overall conduit along longitudinal axis 1 1 is characterized as having a wet side "A" joined to the waste water line of the structure and temporarily dry side "B". Ideally, pipe 1 0 extends to line 1 3 creating void space 1 5 while pipe 40 extends to line 14 creating void space 1 6. These void spaces are maintained through the use of spikes 1 7, 1 8, 20 and 22. Supported within this void space is a composite disposable plug, the details of which will be described hereinafter. However, it is noted when further reference is made to Fig. 1 that the disposable plug assembly is maintained in position through the use of coupling stops 21 and 23. The disposable disk 26 comprises any material which remains structurally intact when dry and which loses its structural integrity when wet. It is believed that materials for use in this environment include compressed salt, sodium bicarbonate, flour and sawdust noting that an ideal material would be a one-half inch thick disk or tablet of compressed salt. Those in the salt industry have been using 350 ton presses to produce such
diverse items as salt blocks for horses and blocks for bunny licks and the same techniques can be employed to produce disk 26 for use herein. As noted previously, dissolvable disk 26 must remain dry when performing its function of temporarily blocking the passage of water along longitudinal axis 1 1 from wet side "A" to dry side "B". This is done by placing a waterproof barrier 24 throughout the entire cylindrical surface of plug 26 as shown. Water impermeable layer 24 can be comprised of any material which can easily be applied to disk 26, which maintains its structural integrity when wet and which is capable of being at least partially removed enabling water to contact disk 26 when water testing has been completed. It has been found that a latex membrane stretched over disk 26 or a sealing wax or paraffin melted over disk 26 are ideal for use in this environment.
In light of the water sensitivity of disk 26, particularly when composed of a compressed block of salt, as a preferred embodiment, a partial or complete layer of a suitable barrier material such as a latex balloon membrane described above can be stretched over the dry side of the disk as shown as layer 25 of Fig. 1 . This would prevent condensed moisture from prematurely compromising the integrity of disk 26 when in place.
As noted above, once the test plug has been placed between pipes 10 and 40, a suitable water head is created in space "A" and the plumbing checked for leakage. After the test has been completed, a major advantage in practicing the present invention is that the barrier to water passage in the form of disk 26 and coating 24 can be dissolved and passed through the sewer line without removing the pipe connections or fittings. In order to accomplish this desired result, in a first embodiment, it is necessary to at
least partially rupture barrier layer 24 in order to expose dissolvable disk 26 to water backing up in space "A" constituting the water pressure head within the structure.
There are a number of suitable ways to rupture water impermeable layer 24 to expose dissolvable disk 26 to water. It is noted that even a slight scarring or disruption of layer 24 would generally be sufficient to accomplish the goals of the present invention for it has been found that even a small amount of water seepage through layer 24 will undermine the structural integrity of disk 26 which, when coupled with the water pressure being exerted against disk 26, will cause it to structurally fail and travel to the sewer or septic area. Further, it is noted that disk 26, if made of compressed salt, sodium bicarbonate, flour or sawdust is environmentally friendly while the wax, paraffin or latex membrane presents little, if any, environmental concern noting that the amount of such material employed in practicing the present invention is considerably less than the amount of sealing wax used by a typical plumber in setting a toilet in a bathroom of the house or similar structure.
Fig. 5 is a depiction of a preferred embodiment of the present invention whereby disposable plug 1 20 is situated between pipe 100 and pipe 1 10 creating a wet side A' and a dry side B'. Disposable plug 1 20 is intended to operate as the previous embodiments whereby pipes 100 and 1 10 end at phantom lines 101 and 1 02 creating a space whereby cylindrically sized tablet 1 50 is retained by extending lip portions 1 21 selectively preventing water from passing from pipe 1 00 to pipe 1 10.
In the embodiment of Fig. 5, a wye or clean-out pipe 1 60 is shown extending diagonally from pipe 1 10 which is a common expedient for use in installations such as those contemplated herein.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, it is contemplated that cylindrically shaped tablet 1 50 is surrounded at least on its upstream face 1 70 with a balloon-like membrane which can encase virtually all of tablet
1 50 extending over a portion of the downstream face 1 71 extending to an area 1 51 surrounding fitting 1 52. Fitting 1 52 receives air hose 1 53 which, in turn, is a conduit for accepting pressurized air in the direction of arrow 135. Fitting 1 52 is positioned on downstream face 1 71 along hole 1 35 which is created between the upstream and downstream faces of cylindrically shaped tablet 1 50 so that upon the introduction of pressurized air through line 1 53, balloon 1 51 is expanded as shown in phantom at 1 51 '. The expansion of balloon 1 51 continues until it ruptures exposing the cylindrically shaped tablet to water in area A' whereupon the tablet is caused to at least partially dissolve thus losing its structural integrity and freeing the space between pipes 100 and 1 10. When this is accomplished, fitting 1 52 and any remains of cylindrically shaped tablet 1 50 and balloon
1 51 can be withdrawn by simply pulling upon air line 1 53 through wye or clean-out 1 60. In its ideal environment, cylindrically shaped tablet 1 50 is composed of a combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid which reacts rapidly with water while dissolving in aqueous media.
Fig. 3 illustrates two alternative means of rupturing water impermeable membrane 24. In each instance, a plug which passes through the side wall of conduit 1 2 can be used to compress and either ruptural membrane 24 alone (plug 38) or the entire composite disposable membrane
(plug 39). When plug 38 is employed, a rupture is established within membrane 24 by compressing plug 38 and subsequently withdrawing the plug to its original position. This creates a gap allowing for the passage of water to contact dissolvable disk 26. When plug 39 is employed, not only is membrane 24 ruptured but the structural integrity of disk 26 can also be compromised through the compressive force of plug 39.
As a further alternative, reference is made to Fig. 4. In this instance, a ceramic magnet can be embedded within water impermeable layer 24. A strong magnet 51 such as one composed of neodymium can be placed proximate the side wall of pipe 10 causing magnet 50 to be dislodged from its position shown in Fig. 4. This creates a gap or opening within water impermeable layer 24 allowing the passage of water to precede and contact disposable plug 26.
As a second embodiment, it is also possible to practice the present invention by mechanically structurally compromising the integrity of disposable disk 26 without rupturing water impermeable layer 24. In this regard, reference is made to Fig. 1 which shows a threaded plug 34 contained within void pocket 1 6. In use, threaded plug 34 can be dislodged from the side wall of conduit 12 exposing the interior of void pocket 16 to the user. A screwdriver or other sharp object can be angularly positioned through the opening created by the removal of plug 34 and tapped with a hammer or other suitable object to crack, break or otherwise compromise the integrity of disk 26. Under normal conditions, the water head pressure within area "A" will be sufficient to break through water impermeable layer 24 when the structural integrity of disk 26 is compromised. If not, the elongated sharp object can continue to penetrate disk 26 until water
impermeable layer 24 is reached which is thereupon ruptured allowing the passage of water to further erode disk 26.
As a further preferred expedient, the side wall of pipe 10 in the region containing water during testing can be provided with release plug 35. Plug
35 can be employed to drain the water head from the system without removing the disposable plug assembly of this invention in order to, for example, drain the system when the plumber's test has failed and remedial action is necessary. By draining the system without plug removal, once the repairs have been carried out, the water pressure head can be reestablished to retest the system anew.
Claims
1 . A disposable plug for installation in a cylindrical water line to
temporarily block the water line to the passage of water therethrough, said
disposable plug comprising a cylindrically shaped tablet having a diameter
substantially equal to the diameter of the water line so that when installed
within said water line, water is prevented from passing said disposable plug,
said cylindrically shaped tablet being characterized as being at least partially
dissolvable when contacted with water; a water impermeable membrane
surrounding at least a portion of said cylindrically shaped tablet to
selectively prevent water from contacting said cylindrically shaped tablet as
long as said disposable plug acts to temporarily block said water line, and
means for disrupting said water impermeable membrane a sufficient amount
to allow water to contact said cylindrically shaped tablet when it is no
longer desirable to block said water line.
2. The disposable plug of claim 1 wherein said cylindrically shaped
tablet comprises a member selected from the group consisting of salt, flour,
sawdust and the combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric powder.
3. The disposable plug of claim 1 wherein said water impermeable
membrane comprises paraffin wax.
4. The disposable plug of claim 1 wherein said water impermeable
membrane comprises a latex balloon.
5. The disposable plug of claim 1 wherein said means for
disrupting said water impermeable membrane comprises a threaded plug
configured within said waste line located proximate to said water
impermeable membrane such that when said threaded plug is brought into
contact with said water impermeable membrane, said water impermeable
membrane is disrupted allowing for water to contact said cylindrically
shaped tablet.
6. The disposable plug of claim 1 wherein said means for
disrupting said water impermeable membrane comprises a magnet
embedded within said water impermeable membrane, said magnet being
dislodgable from said water impermeable membrane when a second magnet
is brought in proximity to said disposable plug from a location outside of
said water line.
7. The disposable plug of claim 1 wherein said means for
disrupting said water impermeable membrane comprises a removable threaded plug configured within said waste line such that when removed, an
elongated object can be caused to pass through said waste line and contact
said water impermeable membrane or said cylindrically shaped tablet.
8. A disposable plug for installation in a cylindrical water line to
temporarily block the water line to the passage of water therethrough, said
disposable plug comprising a cylindrically shaped tablet having an upstream
face, downstream face, a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the
water line so that when installed within the water line, water is prevented
from passing said disposable plug and a hole configured therein, between
said upstream and downstream faces, said cylindrically shaped tablet being
characterized as being at least partially dissolvable when contacted with
water, an expandable balloon membrane surrounding at least a portion of
said cylindrically shaped tablet to selectively prevent water from contacting
said cylindrically shaped tablet as long as said expandable balloon
membrane is intact over at least said upstream face, an air supply inlet at
said hole for supplying pressurized air through said hole to said upstream
face of said cylindrically shaped tablet and a supply of pressurized air
sufficient to expand said expandable balloon membrane to rupture said
expandable balloon membrane to allow water to contact said cylindrically
shaped tablet when it is no longer desirable to block said water line.
9. The disposable plug of claim 5 wherein said cylindrically shaped
tablet comprises the combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid.
10. A method for temporarily blocking the passage of water
through a water waste line for creating a pressure head within said waste
line, said method comprising installing a disposable plug within said waste
line, said disposable plug comprising a disposable plug for installation in a
cylindrical water line to temporarily block the water line to the passage of
water therethrough, said disposable plug comprising a cylindrically shaped
tablet having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the water line
so that when installed within said water line, water is prevented from
passing said disposable plug, said cylindrically shaped tablet being
characterized as being at least partially dissolvable when contacted with
water; a water impermeable membrane surrounding at least a portion of said
cylindrically shaped tablet to selectively prevent water from contacting said
cylindrically shaped tablet as long as said disposable plug acts to temporarily
block said water line, and means for disrupting said water impermeable
membrane a sufficient amount to allow water to contact said cylindrically
shaped tablet when it is no longer desirable to block said water line.
1 1 . A method for determining the integrity of a water waste line for
water leakage, said method comprising installing a disposable plug within
said waste line, said disposable plug comprising a disposable plug for
installation in a cylindrical water line to temporarily block the water line to
the passage of water therethrough, said disposable plug comprising a
cylindrically shaped tablet having a diameter substantially equal to the
diameter of the water line so that when installed within said water line,
water is prevented from passing said disposable plug, said cylindrically
shaped tablet being characterized as being at least partially dissolvable
when contacted with water; a water impermeable membrane surrounding at
least a portion of said cylindrically shaped tablet to selectively prevent water
from contacting said cylindrically shaped tablet as long as said disposable
plug acts to temporarily block said water line, and means for disrupting said
water impermeable membrane a sufficient amount to allow water to contact
said cylindrically shaped tablet when it is no longer desirable to block said
water line filling said waste line with water above said disposable plug and
establishing a water pressure head therein and rupturing said water
impermeable membrane after the integrity of the water waste line has been
determined thus at least partially dissolving said cylindrically shaped tablet
and causing said cylindrically shaped tablet to dislodge from said water
waste line allowing for the passage of water therethrough.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP99951600A EP1129329A1 (en) | 1998-09-25 | 1999-09-24 | Test plug |
| AU64011/99A AU6401199A (en) | 1998-09-25 | 1999-09-24 | Test plug |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10175898P | 1998-09-25 | 1998-09-25 | |
| US60/101,758 | 1998-09-25 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2000019180A1 true WO2000019180A1 (en) | 2000-04-06 |
| WO2000019180A9 WO2000019180A9 (en) | 2000-09-08 |
Family
ID=22286261
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1999/022276 WO2000019180A1 (en) | 1998-09-25 | 1999-09-24 | Test plug |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (5) | US6267001B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1129329A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU6401199A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000019180A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009028512A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2011-02-17 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Closure element for closing channel of channel system, has outer layer forming body that is filled with medium with visco-elastic characteristics and forming cushion-like structure, where outer layer and medium are dissolvable |
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| US6267001B1 (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 2001-07-31 | E Ticket Enterprises, Llc | Test plug |
| US6575475B1 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2003-06-10 | Mcp Industries, Inc. | Tear-out rubber coupling |
| US6976499B2 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2005-12-20 | Mcp Industries, Inc. | Tear-out coupling with cantilevered pull tab |
| ATE527099T1 (en) * | 2004-03-22 | 2011-10-15 | Huntsman Adv Mat Switzerland | PHOTOHARDABLE COMPOSITIONS |
| US7481096B2 (en) * | 2004-08-11 | 2009-01-27 | Tony Brock | Apparatus and method for providing a test tee |
| US7013711B1 (en) * | 2004-08-16 | 2006-03-21 | Herbers Charles R | Testing device for testing a drainage system for leaks |
| US7237280B1 (en) | 2004-10-13 | 2007-07-03 | The Keeney Manufacturing Company | Tub overflow assembly |
| US20060254660A1 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2006-11-16 | Mcilwain Russell L | Method and apparatus for temporarily stopping the flow in a live fluid carrying pipe |
| US7264020B2 (en) * | 2005-06-29 | 2007-09-04 | James Wolk | Accessible test fitting for a plumbing system |
| EP1941107A4 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2012-09-05 | Clearford Ind Inc | High performance sewer system |
| US7089964B1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2006-08-15 | Mcp Industries, Inc. | Water pipe coupling with off-centered piercing assembly for tear out disk and method of removing disk |
| CA2535439C (en) * | 2006-01-27 | 2009-04-21 | Rhondalynne Pombert, Minnie | Dissolving drain plug |
| US20080178382A1 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2008-07-31 | Pinette Thomas C | Pop-up drain |
| CA2638336C (en) * | 2008-07-21 | 2015-10-06 | Gabe Coscarella | Apparatus for pressure testing a plumbing installation |
| CA2638501A1 (en) * | 2008-07-21 | 2010-01-21 | Gabe Coscarella | Tear out test plug for plumbing installations |
| CA2690830C (en) * | 2010-01-25 | 2016-12-13 | Gabe Coscarella | Externally engaging test barrier |
| US8967176B2 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2015-03-03 | Blayne A. Connor | Fume blocking drain cap |
| US8739328B2 (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2014-06-03 | Scott E Duncan | Index drain |
| US9417153B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2016-08-16 | Redline Detection, Llc | Balloon catheter apparatus for high pressure leak detection |
| US9869603B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2018-01-16 | Redline Detection, Llc | Balloon catheter apparatus for internal combustion engine component leak detection and high pressure leak detection |
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| US9933326B2 (en) | 2015-07-22 | 2018-04-03 | Redline Detection, Llc | System and method for detecting microscopic leaks |
| GB201520374D0 (en) * | 2015-11-19 | 2016-01-06 | Moog Controls Ltd | A method for releasing a fluid from a pressure vessel assembly |
| US20170237243A1 (en) * | 2016-02-15 | 2017-08-17 | Gerald Macualay Brey | Conduit guard |
| US11268875B2 (en) | 2016-11-22 | 2022-03-08 | Redline Detection, Llc | Method and apparatus for fluid leak detection |
| US20180328531A1 (en) * | 2017-05-10 | 2018-11-15 | Sipp Technologies, Llc | Plugging Apparatus, System and Method for Pipe Lining Applications |
| GB2574586B (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2021-06-23 | Subsea 7 Ltd | Connecting multi-bore structures in water |
| US11149426B2 (en) | 2019-06-12 | 2021-10-19 | Charlotte Pipe And Foundry Company | Toilet assembly having improved closet flange |
| US11255080B2 (en) | 2019-06-12 | 2022-02-22 | Charlotte Pipe And Foundry Company | Closet flange with a membrane seal |
| USD955248S1 (en) * | 2019-06-14 | 2022-06-21 | Bruce KIMBERLEY | Plug for testing building pipework |
| US11306859B2 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2022-04-19 | Tropicana Products, Inc. | Interphase mixing inhibitors for minimizing material mixing in a material processing system |
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| US3496952A (en) * | 1967-08-21 | 1970-02-24 | Hays Mfg Co | Valve with soluble closure member |
| US4357960A (en) * | 1977-03-24 | 1982-11-09 | Arthur S. Bittinger | Plumbing method and composition for use in same |
| US4607664A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1986-08-26 | Carney Joseph H | Plumbing test plug apparatus |
| US4739799A (en) * | 1986-10-20 | 1988-04-26 | Carney Joseph H | Plumbing test plug |
| US5318075A (en) * | 1992-04-01 | 1994-06-07 | Roll Michael K | Drip stop plug |
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| US4429568A (en) * | 1982-04-30 | 1984-02-07 | Sullivan Richard N | Closure plug assembly for pressure testing liquid drain and vent plumbing pipe systems |
| US4602504A (en) * | 1985-02-27 | 1986-07-29 | Barber John C | Permanently-installed test fitting |
| US4706482A (en) * | 1985-02-27 | 1987-11-17 | Barber John C | Permanently-installed test fitting |
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| US5507501A (en) * | 1994-08-30 | 1996-04-16 | Palmer; Dennis D. | Sealing disc used in hydraulic testing of plumbing system |
| US5882014A (en) * | 1996-09-13 | 1999-03-16 | Gavin; Norman W. | Removable section pipe seal for septic systems |
| US5740830A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 1998-04-21 | Mankins John M | Testing of plumbing installations |
| US6085363A (en) * | 1998-07-09 | 2000-07-11 | Huber; Donald G. | Water closet fitting with test baffle |
| US6085362A (en) | 1998-07-09 | 2000-07-11 | Huber; Donald G. | Water closet fitting installation assembly |
| US6082183A (en) * | 1998-07-22 | 2000-07-04 | Huber; Donald G. | Test assembly for fluid tight integrity of pipeline joint |
| US6032515A (en) * | 1998-07-22 | 2000-03-07 | Huber; Donald G. | Test system for fluid tight integrity of installed pipeline |
| US6267001B1 (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 2001-07-31 | E Ticket Enterprises, Llc | Test plug |
| US6209584B1 (en) * | 1998-11-03 | 2001-04-03 | Donald G. Huber | Method and apparatus for removal of fluid conduit test baffle |
| US6182704B1 (en) * | 1999-06-15 | 2001-02-06 | Cherne Industries Incorporated | Frangible sealing plug for pipelines |
| US6234007B1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2001-05-22 | Inflow Products, Inc. | Leak testing device |
-
1999
- 1999-09-23 US US09/401,252 patent/US6267001B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-09-24 EP EP99951600A patent/EP1129329A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-09-24 AU AU64011/99A patent/AU6401199A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-09-24 WO PCT/US1999/022276 patent/WO2000019180A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2001
- 2001-11-13 US US09/991,328 patent/US6622748B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-11-13 US US09/992,806 patent/US6755215B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-11-13 US US09/991,155 patent/US6595242B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-07-14 US US10/619,152 patent/US6915819B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3338499A (en) * | 1964-06-25 | 1967-08-29 | Edmund M Jaskiewicz | Device for welding pipe ends |
| US3496952A (en) * | 1967-08-21 | 1970-02-24 | Hays Mfg Co | Valve with soluble closure member |
| US4357960A (en) * | 1977-03-24 | 1982-11-09 | Arthur S. Bittinger | Plumbing method and composition for use in same |
| US4607664A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1986-08-26 | Carney Joseph H | Plumbing test plug apparatus |
| US4739799A (en) * | 1986-10-20 | 1988-04-26 | Carney Joseph H | Plumbing test plug |
| US5318075A (en) * | 1992-04-01 | 1994-06-07 | Roll Michael K | Drip stop plug |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009028512A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2011-02-17 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Closure element for closing channel of channel system, has outer layer forming body that is filled with medium with visco-elastic characteristics and forming cushion-like structure, where outer layer and medium are dissolvable |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20020139427A1 (en) | 2002-10-03 |
| US20040074550A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
| US20020149156A1 (en) | 2002-10-17 |
| WO2000019180A9 (en) | 2000-09-08 |
| US6622748B2 (en) | 2003-09-23 |
| US6267001B1 (en) | 2001-07-31 |
| US20020153040A1 (en) | 2002-10-24 |
| AU6401199A (en) | 2000-04-17 |
| US6595242B2 (en) | 2003-07-22 |
| EP1129329A1 (en) | 2001-09-05 |
| US6755215B2 (en) | 2004-06-29 |
| US6915819B2 (en) | 2005-07-12 |
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