The present disclosure relates to a service tool for servicing a utility service line. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a service tool for cutting and plugging a utility service line.
Utility service lines, such as water supply lines, require periodic servicing or repair that require an upstream portion of the utility service line to be isolated from a downstream utility service line so that service or repair can be made. Typically, water is turned off at a point upstream of the location where service or repair is necessary to allow the utility service line to be cut. This results in an inconvenience until the service or repair is completed.
There exists a need in the art for a service tool for servicing a utility service line without the need for turning off the upstream water supply.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a service tool for cutting and plugging a utility service line. The service tool may include a body having a receiving portion configured to receive the utility service line; a clamping mechanism movable relative to the body and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an outer circumference of the utility service line when the utility service line is received in the receiving portion; a cutting blade disposed in the receiving portion and configured to engage the outer circumference of the utility service line and cut the utility service line into a first cut portion and a second cut portion as the cutting blade is rotated about a cutting axis relative to the body; and a hub associated with the body. The hub may include a plugging mechanism configured to displace the first cut portion of the utility service line and dispense a plug into the second cut portion of the utility service line.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the clamping mechanism may include at least one jaw movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the at least one jaw may be configured to clamp around at least the portion of the outer circumference of the utility service line. The clamping mechanism may include a threaded drive for moving the at least one jaw relative to the body between the open position and the closed position. A handle may be connected to the body, such that the handle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receiving portion.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the hub may be connected to the body via a rotatable shaft such that the hub is rotatable relative to the body with rotation of the shaft. The rotatable shaft may include an input drive configured for connecting to a tool for rotating the rotatable shaft. The input drive may be a keyed hole configured for receiving a corresponding protrusion on the tool.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plugging mechanism may include a plug chamber offset from the shaft, the plug chamber configured to receive the plug. The hub may be configured to contact the utility service line as the cutting blade is rotated about the cutting axis relative to the body to displace the first cut portion of the utility service line such that the plug chamber is aligned with the second cut portion of the utility service line.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plug is disposed in the plug chamber of the plugging mechanism. The plug may be threadably received within the plug chamber.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plug may include an inner portion having a plug end with a seal configured for engaging an inner sidewall of the second cut portion of the utility service line and an outer portion threadably connected to a shaft of the inner portion protruding from the plug end. The outer portion may have first threads on an interior thereof configured for threadably connecting to the shaft of the inner portion and second threads on an exterior thereof for threadably connecting to the plug chamber of the plug mechanism.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a service tool for cutting and plugging a utility service line may include a body having a receiving portion configured to receive the utility service line; a clamping mechanism movable relative to the body and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an outer circumference of the utility service line when the utility service line is received in the receiving portion; a cutting blade disposed in the receiving portion and configured to engage the outer circumference of the utility service line and cut the utility service line into a first cut portion and a second cut portion as the cutting blade is rotated about a cutting axis relative to the body; a hub associated with the body, the hub comprising a plugging mechanism; and a plug received in the plugging mechanism and configured to be dispensed into the second cut portion of the utility service line. The hub may be configured to contact the utility service line as the body is rotated about the utility service line to displace the first cut portion of the utility service line such that the plugging mechanism is aligned with the second cut portion of the utility service line.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the hub may be connected to the body via a rotatable shaft such that the hub is rotatable relative to the body with rotation of the shaft. The rotatable shaft may include an input drive configured for connecting to a tool for rotating the rotatable shaft.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plugging mechanism may include a plug chamber offset from the shaft, the plug chamber configured to receive the plug. The plug may include an inner portion having a plug end with a seal configured for engaging an inner sidewall of the second cut portion of the utility service line and an outer portion threadably connected to a shaft of the inner portion protruding from the plug end. The outer portion may have first threads on an interior thereof configured for threadably connecting to the shaft of the inner portion and second threads on an exterior thereof for threadably connecting to the plug chamber of the plug mechanism.
Additional embodiments or aspects of the improved service tool are detailed in one or more of the following clauses:
Clause 1: A service tool for cutting and plugging a utility service line, the service tool comprising: a body having a receiving portion configured to receive the utility service line; a clamping mechanism movable relative to the body and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an outer circumference of the utility service line when the utility service line is received in the receiving portion; a cutting blade disposed in the receiving portion and configured to engage the outer circumference of the utility service line and cut the utility service line into a first cut portion and a second cut portion as the cutting blade is rotated about a cutting axis relative to the body; and a hub associated with the body, the hub comprising a plugging mechanism configured to displace the first cut portion of the utility service line and dispense a plug into the second cut portion of the utility service line.
Clause 2: The service tool according to clause 1, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises at least one jaw movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position.
Clause 3: The service tool according to clause 1 or 2, wherein, in the closed position, the at least one jaw is configured to clamp around at least the portion of the outer circumference of the utility service line.
Clause 4: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a threaded drive for moving the at least one jaw relative to the body between the open position and the closed position.
Clause 5: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising a handle connected to the body, wherein the handle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receiving portion.
Clause 6: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the hub is connected to the body via a rotatable shaft such that the hub is rotatable relative to the body with rotation of the shaft.
Clause 7: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the rotatable shaft comprises an input drive configured for connecting to a tool for rotating the rotatable shaft.
Clause 8: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the input drive is a keyed hole configured for receiving a corresponding protrusion on the tool.
Clause 9: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the plugging mechanism comprises a plug chamber offset from the shaft, the plug chamber configured to receive the plug.
Clause 10: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the hub is configured to contact the utility service line as the cutting blade is rotated about the cutting axis relative to the body to displace the first cut portion of the utility service line such that the plug chamber is aligned with the second cut portion of the utility service line.
Clause 11: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising the plug disposed in the plug chamber of the plugging mechanism.
Clause 12: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the plug is threadably received within the plug chamber.
Clause 13: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the plug comprises an inner portion having a plug end with a seal configured for engaging an inner sidewall of the second cut portion of the utility service line and an outer portion threadably connected to a shaft of the inner portion protruding from the plug end.
Clause 14: The service tool according to any of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the outer portion has first threads on an interior thereof configured for threadably connecting to the shaft of the inner portion and second threads on an exterior thereof for threadably connecting to the plug chamber of the plug mechanism.
Clause 15: A service tool for cutting and plugging a utility service line, the service tool comprising: a body having a receiving portion configured to receive the utility service line; a clamping mechanism movable relative to the body and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an outer circumference of the utility service line when the utility service line is received in the receiving portion; a cutting blade disposed in the receiving portion and configured to engage the outer circumference of the utility service line and cut the utility service line into a first cut portion and a second cut portion as the cutting blade is rotated about a cutting axis relative to the body; a hub associated with the body, the hub comprising a plugging mechanism; and a plug received in the plugging mechanism and configured to be dispensed into the second cut portion of the utility service line, wherein the hub is configured to contact the utility service line as the body is rotated about the utility service line to displace the first cut portion of the utility service line such that the plugging mechanism is aligned with the second cut portion of the utility service line.
Clause 16: The service tool according to clause 15, wherein the hub is connected to the body via a rotatable shaft such that the hub is rotatable relative to the body with rotation of the shaft.
Clause 17: The service tool according to clause 15 or 16, wherein the rotatable shaft comprises an input drive configured for connecting to a tool for rotating the rotatable shaft.
Clause 18: The service tool according to any of clauses 15 to 17, wherein the plugging mechanism comprises a plug chamber offset from the shaft, the plug chamber configured to receive the plug.
Clause 19: The service tool according to any of clauses 15 to 18, wherein the plug comprises an inner portion having a plug end with a seal configured for engaging an inner sidewall of the second cut portion of the utility service line and an outer portion threadably connected to a shaft of the inner portion protruding from the plug end.
Clause 20: The service tool according to any of clauses 15 to 19, wherein the outer portion has first threads on an interior thereof configured for threadably connecting to the shaft of the inner portion and second threads on an exterior thereof for threadably connecting to the plug chamber of the plug mechanism.
Additional advantages and details are explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which:
It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to embodiments or aspects as they are oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that embodiments or aspects may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply non-limiting exemplary embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects of the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting unless otherwise indicated.
No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and/or the like used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” and “at least one.” As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents, such as unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” or “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further, the phrase “based on” may mean “in response to” and be indicative of a condition for automatically triggering a specified operation of an electronic device (e.g., a controller, a processor, a computing device, etc.) as appropriately referred to herein.
All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. The terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” mean a range of plus or minus ten percent of the stated value.
As used herein, the term “at least one of” is synonymous with “one or more of”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, and C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes one or more of A alone; or one or more of B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A and one or more of B; or one or more of A and one or more of C; or one or more of B and one or more of C; or one or more of all of A, B, and C. Similarly, as used herein, the term “at least two of” is synonymous with “two or more of”. For example, the phrase “at least two of D, E, and F” means any combination of any two or more of D, E, and F. For example, “at least two of D, E, and F” includes one or more of D and one or more of E; or one or more of D and one or more of F; or one or more of E and one or more of F; or one or more of all of D, E, and F.
Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects may be described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In some embodiments or aspects, and with reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The first and second sleeve portions 106a, 106b may be movable relative to each other to permit insertion of the utility service line 200 into the central opening 108 of the sleeve 106. The first and second sleeve portion 106a, 106b can be clamped together after the utility service line 200 is inserted into the central opening 108.
With continued reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In order to secure the second movable jaw 112b relative to the body 102, the threaded shaft 124 is pivoted in a direction away from the second movable jaw 112b such that the second end 116 of the second movable jaw 112b can be moved to the closed position against the body 102 (
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With continued reference to
With reference to
Having described the structure of the tool 100, a method of using the tool 100 to cut and plug the utility service line 200 will now be described with reference to
After loading the plug 134 into the plugging mechanism 132 of the hub 130, the clamping mechanism 110 is moved from the closed position to the open position. With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Although embodiments or aspects have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that embodiments or aspects are not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.