Patent Application
20130019984
This application relates generally to pipes employed in installations in buildings and other facilities that utilize piping systems for the transport of liquids.
This invention provides an article, system and an installation method to insure that the proper pitch is employed in piping systems for the transport of liquids, typically constructed from plastic formulated pipes, such as a polyvinylchloride (PVC) and used in homes, offices and other facilities, generally. Although potable water and waste water, are the most frequent substance transported other fluids such as natural gas and gasoline are transported from one location to another via complex networks of pipes. These networks of pipes typically include long, relatively straight lines that enter into and exit from enclosed spaces, with occasionally intersected branches, and that may additionally bend around various enclosure walls and support structures, making it difficult to maintain a decreasing elevation as the piping progresses over its intended route. One problem with the use of piping systems is to insure that the pitch is in the direction of the sink and away from the source to insure the proper rate of flow and that liquid does not stagnate or worse, have impeded flow because pipes are pitched in the wrong direction. Presently there does not exist any device that insures a fool-proof means to install piping, especially in a rapid production fashion, that guarantees that the piping system is pitched properly, can be installed properly by a relatively unskilled work-force and is virtually no more expensive than the product without such advantages. With the foregoing in mind, the present invention will be distinguished over the prior art in the description and application of new components, design criteria and utility to the field of the invention.
This invention provides a novel pipe in fixed association with at least one stanchion and its related elements. The stanchion attaches at one end either directly to a pipe or through a boss attached to a pipe, the manner and method of attachment is not an essential consideration, and at its other end to a mount that affixes the assembly to a mounting surface. The length of stanchion, including the mount and any boss if employed, serves to establish a fixed distance between the pipe relative to the mounting surface, such that when the pipe is mounted as an element of a piping system, a pitch of the piping system is provided in the direction of the sink and away from the source of a liquid to insure the proper rate of gravitational flow. In what follows, when the dimension of the stanchion is referred to, it is meant to include the added dimensions of the boss if used and the mount, which is a needed component.
This invention also relates to a system for pipe installation including one or more pipes, each of which pipe is in fixed association with two or more stanchions, said stanchions having a mount for affixing the mount to a mounting surface, each said individual length of a stanchion serving to establish an increasing distance between the pipe relative to the mounting surface when fixed to the pipe along its length, such that when the pipe is mounted as an element of a piping system, it provides a pitch of the one or more pipes in the piping system in the direction of the sink and away from the source of a liquid to insure the proper rate of gravitational flow.
The stanchion included herein is one of, a vertical pole, rod, an upright bar, beam, post, or plate, used to support and fix a pipe to a surface. The surface referred to is generally horizontally positioned, however in certain limited applications the surface may be vertically position, as described below, especially in connection with the mounting of the embodiment illustrated in
The invention herein further refers to a method for pipe installation including, mounting one or more pipes each said pipe in fixed association with a two or more stanchions, said stanchions having a mount for affixing it to a mounting surface, each said individual length of a stanchion (including the mount) serving to establish an increasing distance between the pipe relative to the mounting surface, in a piping system to provide a pitch of the one or more pipes in the direction of the sink and away from the source of a liquid to insure the proper rate of gravitational flow.
This invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. The various features of the drawing are not specified exhaustively. On the contrary, the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures:
a shows a perspective view and
c shows a perspective view and
The pipes of this invention may be represented by a through-pipe that may be inserted into a female portion of a union to achieve longer length or pipe runs. The pipes as the term is used in reference to this invention also may be represented by the union itself, i.e., the pipe-section having a female portion to accept longer pipes having smaller diameters than the receptacle into which it fits. Furthermore, the invention includes in the definition of pipe, such as by way of example and not limitation, a through pipe-section, a nipple, an insert, a union, a bulkhead fitting, a conduit, or valve. Those of ordinary skill in the art of plumbing are familiar with the different styles, products and uses of the various types of piping.
a shows the pipe 110 in fixed association with at least one stanchion 116, the stanchion having a mount 114 for affixing the mount 114 to a mounting surface 134 associated with the structure 136 of a building. The length of stanchion 116 and its associated mount and boss, if included, serves to establish a distance “d” between the pipe 110 relative to the mounting surface 134. Each related pipe 110 used in a series of piping, creates a piping system as shown in
Still referring to
Referring again to
In one non limiting embodiment of the system, a desired pitch, such as pitch “a” of the pipe system in
The stanchion 116 included by way of example and not limitation may be embodied alternatively as one of, a vertical pole, rod, an upright bar, beam, post, or plate, used to support and fix a pipe to a surface. As such the stanchion may be provided in varying fixed lengths, each fastened rigidly to a mount 114. Referring to
In two alternate embodiments shown in
The pipe 110 article of the invention including its component parts, such as the stanchion, boss, and mount, may be manufactured, by way of example and not limitation, from one of: polyvinyl chloride PVC, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride CPVC, cast iron, or copper, having sizes of the pipe referred to in the plumbing industry as Schedule 40 or Schedule 80, among other sizes as may exist in other industries.
Referring again to
While the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art in reference to this description. It is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.
