US20170191596A1 - Fittings For Pipes, And Presses For Installing The Fittings To Pipes - Google Patents
Fittings For Pipes, And Presses For Installing The Fittings To Pipes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170191596A1 US20170191596A1 US15/463,271 US201715463271A US2017191596A1 US 20170191596 A1 US20170191596 A1 US 20170191596A1 US 201715463271 A US201715463271 A US 201715463271A US 2017191596 A1 US2017191596 A1 US 2017191596A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- saddle
- fitting
- tap
- pipe
- channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
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
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
- F16L41/04—Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor
- F16L41/045—Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor without removal of material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26F—PERFORATING; PUNCHING; CUTTING-OUT; STAMPING-OUT; SEVERING BY MEANS OTHER THAN CUTTING
- B26F1/00—Perforating; Punching; Cutting-out; Stamping-out; Apparatus therefor
- B26F1/0015—Perforating; Punching; Cutting-out; Stamping-out; Apparatus therefor specially adapted for perforating tubes
-
- 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
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/008—Couplings of the quick-acting type for branching pipes; for joining pipes to walls
-
- 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
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
- F16L41/08—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe
- F16L41/12—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe using attaching means embracing the 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
- Y10T137/598—With repair, tapping, assembly, or disassembly means
- Y10T137/612—Tapping a pipe, keg, or apertured tank under pressure
- Y10T137/6123—With aperture forming means
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to fitting assemblies for pipes and, more specifically, to fittings (e.g., saddle tee and tap fittings, etc.) for pipes in irrigation systems for making fluid connections between irrigation pipes and sprinklers, etc. and to presses for use in installing the fittings to the pipes for making the fluid connections.
- fittings e.g., saddle tee and tap fittings, etc.
- Pipe fittings are often used to connect pipes to one or more other pipes. And in irrigation systems, for example, pipe fittings may further be used for connecting pipes to one or more irrigation sprinklers (e.g., via pipes, directly to the irrigation sprinklers, etc.).
- Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to fittings for pipes.
- such a fitting generally includes a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe and a tap for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe.
- the saddle defines a channel extending generally longitudinally through the saddle, and the channel is free of threads.
- the tap is configured to couple to the saddle within the channel of the saddle.
- a fitting generally includes a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe where the saddle define a channel extending generally longitudinally through the saddle, and a tap for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe where the tap is free of threads and is configured to snap-fit couple to the saddle within the channel of the saddle.
- a low-profile fitting generally includes a saddle having a body and a clamp where the body defines a channel extending generally longitudinally through the body and the clamp is configured to couple the saddle to a pipe and where the body defines a height that is less than a height of the clamp, and a tap for establishing fluid communication with the pipe where the tap is configured to couple to the saddle within the channel of the body of the saddle.
- Example embodiments of the present disclosure also generally relate to presses for installing fittings to pipes for establishing fluid communication between the fittings and the pipes.
- a press generally includes a housing configured to releasably couple to the fitting, and a spike configured to releasably couple to the housing and extend at least partly through the fitting for piercing the pipe and to thereby allow at least part of the fitting to be inserted into the pipe through the piercing in the pipe for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe.
- a press generally includes a spike having a grip portion, a shaft, and a fastener coupling the shaft to the grip portion, whereby the press can be used to install a tap of a fitting in a pipe.
- a press generally includes a housing, and a spike having a grip portion and a tip where the spike is configured to releasably couple to the housing and move relative to the housing.
- a fitting assembly generally includes a fitting having a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe and a tap configured to couple to the saddle for establishing fluid communication with the pipe, and a press configured to releasably couple to the saddle and pierce the pipe to thereby allow the tap to be inserted into the pierced pipe for establishing the fluid communication with the pipe.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitting according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure shown installed to a pipe;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fitting if FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the fitting of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the fitting of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a section view of the fitting of FIG. 2 taken in a plane including line 6 - 6 in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a press according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure for use in installing a tap of the fitting of FIG. 2 into the pipe;
- FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a fitting according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the fitting of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 11 is a left elevation view of the fitting of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 12 is a right elevation view of the fitting of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the fitting of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the fitting of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a spike according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure and suitable for use with the press of FIG. 7 for use in installing a tap of a fitting to a pipe;
- FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the spike of FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the spike of FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 18 is a section view of the spike of FIG. 15 taken in a plane including line 18 - 18 in FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a fitting according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 20 is an elevation view of a tap of the fitting of FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the a press according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure and suitable for use with the fitting of FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 22 is an elevation view of the press of FIG. 21 show installed to the fitting of FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a tap according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tap according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an example embodiment of a fitting 100 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 100 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to couple to a pipe 101 (e.g., a main irrigation line, etc.) at a desired location along the pipe 101 to thereby create a fluid connection between the pipe 101 and one or more other devices coupled to the fitting 100 (e.g., other pipes, sprinklers, valves, etc.).
- Pipes may include, for example, irrigation pipes, lines, tubing, etc. and may be used, for example, for transporting fluid (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.), etc. between desired locations.
- the pipes may be constructed from any suitable material including, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.
- the illustrated fitting 100 generally includes a saddle 102 and a tap 104 .
- the saddle 102 is configured to fit over the pipe 101 and couple the fitting 100 to the pipe 101 .
- the tap 104 is configured to couple to the saddle 102 (such that the saddle 102 holds the tap 104 in place relative to the pipe 101 ) and make the fluid connection between the pipe 101 and the one or more other devices coupled to the tap 104 .
- fluid in the pipe 101 can flow through the tap 104 to the one or more other devices coupled to the tap 104 .
- the fitting 100 is configured as a saddle tee fitting for use in irrigation systems.
- other fittings e.g., fittings other than saddle tee fittings, etc.
- aspects of the present disclosure may also be implemented in applications other than those involving irrigation systems (e.g., other systems requiring fittings coupled to pipes such as, for example, plumbing systems, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the tap 104 is generally straight in shape.
- fittings may include taps with other shapes such as, for example, elbow shapes, S-shapes, T-shapes, etc. and/or taps having other sizes than illustrated herein.
- the saddle 102 of the fitting 100 includes a body 106 and a clamp 108 .
- the clamp 108 is disposed generally below the body 106 .
- the body 106 and the clamp 108 are integrally formed as one structure to define the saddle 102 .
- the body 106 and the clamp 108 could be formed separately and then subsequently coupled together (e.g., welded together, mechanically coupled together, epoxied together, etc.) to form the saddle 102 within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the body 106 of the saddle 102 is generally short and tubular in shape (although other sizes and/or shapes may be used within the scope of the present disclosure).
- a channel 110 ( FIG. 3 ) extends generally longitudinally through the body 106 for receiving the tap 104 into the body 106 .
- a seat 112 and a lip 114 are provided in the body 106 (generally within the channel 110 ) for coupling the tap 104 to the body 106 at a location in the channel 110 .
- the body 106 also includes rim portions 118 , 120 (e.g., groove portions, etc.) extending generally radially away from lateral sides of an upper end portion of the body 106 .
- the rim portions 118 , 120 allow for releasably coupling a press 122 ( FIG. 7 ) to the fitting 100 for use in installing the tap 104 of the fitting 100 to the pipe 101 (specifically, for use in positioning the tap 104 within the pipe 101 ). This will be described in more detail hereinafter.
- the clamp 108 of the saddle 102 includes first and second arms 124 , 126 extending generally away from the body 106 , and jaw portions 128 , 130 coupled to the arms 124 , 126 .
- the jaw portions 128 , 130 are each generally arcuate in shape, and are each coupled to corresponding arms 124 , 126 by hinges 132 (e.g., living hinges, mechanical hinges, etc.). This allows the jaw portions 128 , 130 to move, flex, etc. relative to the arms 124 , 126 when positioning the pipe 101 between the jaw portions 128 , 130 (e.g., in preparation for coupling the saddle 102 to the pipe 101 , etc.).
- Lips 134 , 136 are provided on lower end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 for use in holding, securing, etc. the jaw portions 128 , 130 together when coupling the saddle 102 to the pipe 101 .
- the lower end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 can be pushed together (flexing at the hinges 132 ) until the lips 134 , 136 engage and secure the jaw portions 128 , 130 together.
- the lip 134 of the jaw portion 128 includes a stop 137 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the stop 137 is configured to help hold the lips 134 , 136 engaged and help inhibit the lip 136 from inadvertently sliding off the lip 134 , for example, when operating the press 122 to pierce the pipe 101 and install the tap 104 in the pipe 101 (e.g., when rotating a spike 160 of the press 122 relative to the fitting 100 , etc.) ( FIG. 7 ).
- a stop could be positioned on the lip 136 of the jaw portion 130 within the scope of the present disclosure to help hold the lips 134 , 136 engaged and help inhibit the lip 134 from inadvertently sliding off the lip 136 when installing the fitting 100 to the pipe 101 .
- the jaw portion 128 coupled to the first arm 124 also includes an outer tab 138
- the jaw portion 130 coupled to the second arm 126 also includes a shoulder 140
- the tab 138 and the shoulder 140 provide regions for grasping the jaw portions 128 , 130 (e.g., by hand, with a tool (e.g., pliers, etc.), etc.) to move the jaw portions 128 , 130 together to engage the lips 134 , 136
- a tab 142 is provided on an inner surface of the jaw portion 130 coupled to the second arm 126 to help engage (and compress) the pipe 101 received between the jaw portions 128 , 130 , and to help inhibit undesired turning, twisting, etc.
- ribs 144 are formed on the arms 124 , 126 to help reinforce the arms 124 , 126 against stresses resulting from flexing, moving, etc. the jaw portions 128 , 130 relative to the arms 124 , 126 (e.g., when coupling the saddle 102 to the pipe 101 , etc.).
- the jaw portions 128 , 130 are coupled to the arms 124 , 126 at locations generally between end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 (e.g., at locations about one third of a distance from upper end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 , at locations about 0.4 inches from upper end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 , etc.).
- the jaw portions 128 , 130 could be coupled to the arms 124 , 126 at upper end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 within the scope of the present disclosure.
- a spacing between the first and second arms 124 , 126 is generally equal to or greater than an outside diameter of the pipe 101 , although such a spacing is not required in all embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the tap 104 of the illustrated fitting 100 is generally linear and cylindrical in shape (although other shapes may be used within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, elbow shapes, S-shapes, T-shapes, oval shapes, cube shapes, etc.) and includes an upper attachment portion 148 and a lower insert portion 150 .
- the attachment portion 148 is configured to couple one or more other devices to the to the tap 104 , for example, via flexible tubing, funny pipe, etc. to establish fluid communication between the fitting 100 and the one or more other devices.
- the insert portion 150 is configured to be inserted in the pipe 101 (e.g., via force from the spike 160 of the press 122 when installing the fitting 100 to the pipe 101 , via force associated with ovalization of the pipe 101 pushing the pipe 101 against the tap 104 when installing the fitting 100 to the pipe 101 , via force from a user manually pushing the tap 104 into the pipe 101 , combinations thereof, etc.).
- a channel 152 extends through the tap 104 (and through the attachment portion 148 and the insert portion 150 ) for creating the fluid communication between the pipe 101 and the one or more other devices coupled to the attachment portion 148 .
- the insert portion 150 of the tap 104 is generally tapered to help facilitate sealing the tap 104 with, against, etc. the pipe 101 in establishing the fluid communication (e.g., for polyethylene pipes, etc.).
- the insert portion 150 could alternatively be generally strait (with no taper), or generally pointed for piercing the pipe 101 when installing the tap 104 to the pipe 101 .
- a seal e.g., a rubber grommet, a plastic grommet, an O-ring, etc.
- seal 280 illustrated in FIGS. 8-14 , etc. may also be provided around the insert portion 150 of the tap 104 to help facilitate sealing the tap 104 with, against, etc.
- the pipe 101 in establishing the fluid communication (e.g., against an outer surface of the pipe 101 , etc.) (e.g., for polyethylene pipes, polyvinyl chloride pipes, etc.).
- the attachment portion 148 of the tap 104 includes barbs (and, for example, may be viewed as a barbed portion, etc.) for coupling the one or more other devices to the tap 104 .
- other connecting means e.g., threaded connecters, bayonet fittings, other connecting schemes, etc.
- the tap 104 also includes upper and lower flanges 154 , 156 disposed generally between the attachment portion 148 and the insert portion 150 .
- the flanges 154 , 156 are configured to couple (e.g., secure, etc.) the tap 104 to the saddle 102 within the channel 110 of the saddle 102 when the fitting 100 is installed to the pipe 101 .
- the tap 104 can be initially positioned within the channel 110 of the saddle 102 , with the attachment portion 148 extending generally upwardly from the saddle 102 and the insert portion 150 extending generally downwardly from the saddle 102 ( FIG. 4 ), such that the upper flange 154 is partially disposed within the channel 110 .
- fittings may include taps with more than or fewer than two flanges for snap-fit coupling the taps within channels of saddles.
- structure other than flanges e.g., pins, friction based structures, fasteners, threads, etc.
- couple e.g., snap-fit couple, fixedly couple, thread, etc.
- the press 122 for installing (e.g., inserting, etc.) the tap 104 in the pipe 101 generally includes a housing 158 and the spike 160 .
- the housing 158 is generally tubular in shape (although other shapes may be used within the scope of the present disclosure) and defines a channel 162 for selectively receiving the spike 160 in the housing 158 .
- the housing 158 also includes guide portions 164 , 166 (e.g., tongue portions, etc.) disposed toward a lower end portion of the housing 158 for use in releasably coupling the housing 158 (and the press 122 ) to the body 106 of the saddle 102 (when desired to pierce the pipe 101 and install the tap 104 of the fitting 100 into the pipe 101 ).
- tabs 168 of the guide portions 164 , 166 are configured to be received in (e.g., rotated into, slid into, etc.) slots 170 of the rim portions 118 , 120 of the saddle's body 106 .
- the guide portions 164 , 166 of the press's housing 158 and the rim portions 118 , 120 of the saddle's body 106 are positioned so that when the press 122 is coupled to the saddle 102 , the channel 162 of the press's housing 158 generally aligns with the channel 152 of the tap 104 (such that when the spike 160 is received in the channel 162 of the housing 158 , at least part of it will also be received in the channel 152 of the tap 104 ).
- fittings may have rim portions with structure other than tabs (e.g., pins, friction based structures, openings, etc.) and/or presses may have guide portions with structure other than slots (e.g., openings, tabs, pins, friction based structures, etc.) configured to mate when desired to couple the presses to the fittings.
- presses may include housings configured to couple to inner portions of saddles.
- the saddles may include rim portions defined generally within channels, etc. of the saddles.
- the housings of the presses may include guide portions configured to releasably couple to the rim portions such that the housings couple to the saddles generally within channels of the saddles.
- the spike 160 of the press 122 includes a grip portion 172 , a shaft 173 , and a generally pointed tip 174 disposed toward an end portion of the shaft 173 for piercing the pipe 101 (when installing the tap 104 into the pipe 101 ).
- External threads 176 are disposed generally below the grip portion 172 of the spike 160 and are configured to mate with internal threads 178 defined within the channel 162 of the housing 158 .
- the spike 160 can be received within the channel 162 of the housing (with the tip 174 of the spike 160 located at least partly within the channel 152 of the tap 104 ) and rotated (via the grip portion 172 ) to incrementally move the tip 174 of the spike 160 through the channel 152 of the tap 104 (via the threads 176 , 178 ) to pierce the pipe 101 (and thereby allow the tap 104 to be inserted into the pierced pipe 101 ).
- the housing 158 and/or spike 160 of the press 122 can be constructed from suitable materials, for example, plastics, metals, combinations thereof, etc.
- the spike 160 may include a one-piece, construction such that the grip portion 172 and the shaft 173 are unitarily formed.
- the spike 160 may be constructed from separate components (e.g., a separate grip portion 172 , a separate shaft 173 , etc.) that are then subsequently coupled together (see, for example, spike 360 illustrated in FIGS. 15-18 , etc.).
- the grip portion 172 of the spike 160 includes wings for use in grasping, engaging, etc. the grip portion 172 (e.g., by hand, with a tool, etc.), for example, when inserting the spike 160 into the channel 162 of the press's housing 158 .
- grip portions may be shaped differently as desired (e.g., with differently shaped wings, with different numbers of wings, without wings, etc.).
- the tip 174 of the spike 160 can be shaped as desired within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the tip 174 may have a sharper point, for example, when used with pipes made of tougher material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, etc.), or the tip 174 may have a greater radius of curvature when used with pipes made from less tough materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.).
- the tip 174 of the spike 160 may even be blunt, and still be able to weaken, pierce, etc. the pipe 101 as desired to allow insertion of the tap 104 into the pipe 101 .
- the tap 104 is initially positioned within the channel 110 of the saddle 102 with the upper flange 154 partially disposed within the channel 110 to help preliminarily hold the tap 104 and saddle 102 together in preparation for installation to the pipe 101 .
- the saddle 102 is then positioned over the pipe 101 at a location desired to make fluid connection with the pipe 101 .
- the jaw portions 128 , 130 of the saddle 102 are positioned generally around the pipe 101 .
- the lower end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 are then moved together (e.g., pushed together (e.g., manually, with a tool such as a pliers, etc.) with a desired force (e.g., at least about thirty pounds of force, less than about thirty pounds of force, etc.), etc.) generally below the pipe 101 .
- a desired force e.g., at least about thirty pounds of force, less than about thirty pounds of force, etc.
- the jaw portion 128 coupled to the first arm 124 moves generally over the jaw portion 130 coupled to the second arm 126 .
- the outer lip 134 of the jaw portion 128 positions generally over, and generally behind (and generally in engagement with), the inner lip 136 of the jaw portion 130 to secure the jaw portions 128 , 130 together.
- Cam surfaces on the lower end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 help facilitate this relative movement.
- the jaw portions 128 , 130 of the saddle 102 substantially surround at least part of the pipe 101 and hold it generally between the jaw portions 128 , 130 .
- the jaw portions 128 , 130 generally compress the pipe 101 so that the pipe 101 assumes a generally oval cross sectional shape rather than a normal circular shape (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,532 (King), which is incorporated herein by reference).
- the insert portion 150 of the tap 104 is positioned adjacent (e.g., in contact with, etc.) the pipe 101 at a location generally between the upper end portions of the jaw portions 128 , 130 of the saddle 102 .
- the press 122 is next coupled to the saddle 102 via the guide portions 164 , 166 of the press's housing 158 and the rim portions 118 , 120 of the saddle 102 .
- the press's housing 158 is positioned generally over the rim portions 118 , 120 of the saddle 102 and then rotated to releasably engage the tabs 168 of the guide portions 164 , 166 in the slots 170 of the rim portions 118 , 120 .
- the tip 174 of the press's spike 160 is then positioned through the channel 162 of the press's housing 158 and within the channel 152 of the tap 104 (which is generally aligned with the channel 162 of the press's housing 158 ).
- the threads 176 of the spike 160 are engaged with the threads 178 in the channel 162 of the housing 158 .
- the spike 160 is then rotated (via the grip portion 172 ) to move the tip 174 of the spike 160 through the tap 104 toward the pipe 101 .
- Continued rotation of the spike 160 moves it into engagement with the pipe 101 and causes it to puncture the pipe 101 .
- the spike 160 also engages the tap 104 and moves (e.g., pushes, slides, etc.) the insert portion 150 of the tap 104 into the pipe 101 through the puncture made by the tip 174 of the spike 160 .
- the spike 160 is then removed (e.g., unthreaded, etc.) from the press's housing 158 , and the press's housing 158 is removed from the saddle 102 (e.g., rotated, etc. to disengage the guide portions 164 , 166 of the press's housing 158 from the rim portions 118 , 120 of the saddle 102 ).
- the tap 104 is thus installed in the pipe 101 in fluid communication with the pipe 101 . And, the fitting 100 coupled to the pipe 101 is ready for use.
- the tap 104 is initially separated from the saddle 102 , and the saddle 102 is then coupled to the pipe 101 as just described in the prior example instillation.
- the press 122 is next coupled to the saddle 102 , as also just described in the prior example instillation, and the tip 174 of the press's spike 160 is then positioned through the channel 162 of the press's housing 158 and within the channel 110 of the saddle's body 106 (which is generally aligned with the channel 162 of the press's housing 158 ).
- the threads 176 of the spike 160 are engaged with the threads 178 in the channel 162 of the housing 158 , and the spike 160 is rotated to move the tip 174 of the spike 160 into engagement with the pipe 101 causing it to puncture the pipe 101 .
- the spike 160 is then removed (e.g., unthreaded, etc.) from the press's housing 158 , and the press's housing 158 is removed from the saddle 102 (e.g., rotated, etc. to disengage the guide portions 164 , 166 of the press's housing 158 from the rim portions 118 , 120 of the saddle 102 ).
- the tap 104 is then positioned within the channel 110 of the saddle 102 , with the insert portion 150 adjacent the pierced portion of the pipe 101 , and pushed (e.g., manually, etc.) to move the insert portion 150 into the pipe 101 .
- the upper flange 154 of the tap 104 moves into the seat 112 of the saddle 102 and the lower flange 156 of the tap 104 snap fits under the lip 114 of the saddle 102 .
- the tap 104 is thus installed in the pipe 101 in fluid communication with the pipe 101 . And, the fitting 100 coupled to the pipe 101 is ready for use.
- the illustrated fitting 100 is a generally low-profile fitting 100 .
- the saddle 102 of the fitting 100 may have a height dimension D 1 of about 2.5 inches or less and the tap 104 of the fitting 100 may have a height dimension D 2 of about 2.1 inches or less ( FIG. 4 ).
- the fitting 100 may have a height dimension D 3 of about 3.3 inches or less ( FIG. 4 ).
- the clamp 108 of the saddle 102 may have a height dimension D 4 of about 2.0 inches or less, and the body 106 of the saddle may have a height dimension D 5 of about 0.5 inches or less ( FIG. 4 ).
- the height dimension D 5 of the body 106 of the saddle 102 may be substantially less than the height dimension D 4 of the clamp 108 of the saddle 102 .
- the height D 5 of the body 106 of the saddle 102 may have a value that is about one-half or less of the total height D 1 of the saddle 102 , or the height D 5 of the body 106 of the saddle 102 may have a value that is about one-third or less of the total height D 1 of the saddle 102 , or the height D 5 of the body 106 of the saddle 102 may even have a value that is about one-fourth or less of the total height D 1 of the saddle 102 , etc.
- the height D 1 of the saddle 102 of the fitting 100 may be about 2.5 inches or more and/or the height D 2 of the tap 104 of the fitting 100 may be about 2.1 inches or more, and when the tap 104 is coupled to the saddle 102 , the height D 3 of the fitting 100 may be about 3.3 inches or more. It should also be appreciated that in other aspects, the height D 4 of the clamp 108 of the saddle 102 may be about 2.0 inches or more and/or the height D 5 of the body 106 of the saddle 102 may be about 0.5 inches or more.
- the press 122 is separate from the fitting 100 .
- the press 122 is reusable, and can be used to install multiple different fittings (e.g., multiple ones of fitting 100 , etc.) to pipes.
- the spike 160 of the press 122 generally provides a straight core pull in piercing the pipe 101 , and is then removed from the tap 104 and the fitting 100 . Only the tap 104 remains in the pipe 101 once the pipe 101 is pierced. As such, the spike 160 does not interfere with fluid flow through the pipe 101 and/or the tap 104 .
- the tap 104 is only positioned a short distance in the pipe 101 (e.g., about 0.25 inches or less, about 0.19 inches or less, about 0.13 inches or less, etc.) such that neither the tap 104 nor the spike 160 substantially interfere with flow of fluid through the pipe 101 .
- the channel 110 of the saddle's body 106 is free of threads. As such, nothing threads through the saddle 102 when using the fitting 100 . Instead, the tap 104 snap-fits (via the flanges) within the channel 110 of the saddle's body 106 to thereby couple the tap 104 to the saddle 102 (e.g., when the fitting 100 is installed to the pipe 101 , etc.). As can be appreciated, this feature helps allow the body 106 of the saddle 102 to be substantially shorter in height than in previous fittings (as neither the tap 104 nor the spike 160 are threaded to the saddle 102 ), and also helps provide, contribute to, etc. the low-profile of the fitting 100 (and the saddle 102 ).
- the channel 152 extending through the tap 104 is free of threads.
- the spike 160 of the press 122 (specifically, the tip 174 of the spike 160 ) freely moves through the tap's channel 152 when desired to pierce the pipe 101 .
- the channel 152 extending through the tap may include threads.
- the saddle 102 of the illustrated fitting 100 generally holds the pipe 101 in proper alignment for connection with the tap 104 .
- the fitting 100 can be coupled to the pipe 101 in any desired orientation around the pipe 101 .
- the saddle 102 can be coupled to the pipe 101 with the tap 104 oriented generally vertically (with the low-profile aspect of the saddle 102 and fitting 100 allowing the pipe 101 and fitting 100 to be buried shallower and/or helping inhibit the fitting 100 from projecting above the surface of the ground when buried).
- the saddle 102 can be coupled to the pipe 101 with the tap 104 oriented generally horizontally, for example, to again allow the pipe 101 and fitting 100 to be buried shallower and/or to help inhibit the fitting 100 from projecting above the surface of the ground when buried.
- the saddle 102 of the illustrated fitting 100 is configured to compress the pipe 101 in one direction and generally elongate the pipe 101 in a transverse direction (i.e., a direction in which the tap 104 is inserted into the pipe 101 ), such that the deformed pipe 101 assumes a generally oval shape.
- This deformation of the pipe 101 helps facilitate placement of the tap 104 at least partly into the pipe 101 .
- such deformation helps ensure that the pipe 101 is securely held in the saddle 102 , and also helps ensure that the irrigation line has a sufficient dimension for effective penetration by the tap 104 .
- the deformation of the pipe 101 also allows the fitting 100 to be used with irrigation lines of different sizes, and may be helpful in smaller diameter pipes (e.g., pipes with inner diameters of less than about one inch, etc.).
- FIGS. 8-14 illustrate another example embodiment of a fitting 200 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 200 is substantially similar to the fitting 100 previously described.
- the fitting 200 generally includes a saddle 202 and a tap 204 (with a description thereof being substantially similar to that for the saddle 102 and tap 204 of fitting 100 ).
- the fitting 200 may be installed to a pipe using press 122 , in a similar fashion to that described for fitting 100 .
- the fitting 200 further includes a seal 280 (e.g., a rubber grommet, a plastic grommet, an O-ring, etc.) disposed around an insert portion 250 of the tap 204 to help facilitate sealing the tap 204 with, against, etc. a pipe when the tap 204 is installed in the pipe (e.g., against pipe 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 , against an outer surface of a pipe, etc.).
- the seal 280 is configured to be positioned, compressed, etc. generally against the pipe (e.g., generally between the saddle 202 (e.g., a lower surface of a body 206 of the saddle 202 , etc.) and the pipe, etc. to thereby help hold the seal 280 in position against the pipe and help ensure the sealing of the tap 204 with, against, etc. the pipe).
- FIGS. 15-18 illustrate another example embodiment of a spike 360 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
- the spike 360 is substantially similar to the spike 160 previously described ( FIG. 7 ), and is suitable for use with the press 122 ( FIG. 7 ) for use in installing a tap (e.g., tap 104 , etc.) of a fitting (e.g., fitting 100 , etc.) to a pipe.
- the spike 360 has a generally symmetrical shape and generally includes a grip portion 372 , a shaft 373 , and a tip 374 disposed toward an end portion of the shaft 373 for piercing the pipe (when desired to install a tap into the pipe).
- External threads 376 are disposed generally below the grip portion 172 and generally around a cylindrical body 377 of the grip portion 372 . And, when the spike 360 is used with the housing 158 of the press 122 ( FIG. 7 ), the threads 376 are configured to mate with the internal threads 178 defined within the channel 162 of the housing 158 for use in advancing the spike through the housing 158 for piercing the pipe.
- the grip portion 372 and the shaft 373 of the spike 360 are separate components, and are coupled together by a fastener 384 (e.g., a threaded nut, etc.).
- the shaft 373 of the spike 360 is located generally through the cylindrical body 377 of the grip portion 372 .
- a threaded end portion 379 of the shaft 373 is positioned in an upper opening 381 of the grip portion 372 generally above a rim 383 of the grip portion 372
- a lug 386 of the shaft 373 is positioned in the cylindrical body 377 generally below the rim 383 .
- a washer 388 is located within the body 377 of the grip portion 372 adjacent the lug 386 of the shaft 373 to help resist movement of the shaft 373 upward through the upper opening 381 , and the fastener 384 is configured to receive the threaded end portion 379 of the shaft 373 within the upper opening 381 to thereby secure the grip portion 372 and shaft 373 together.
- the grip portion 372 and the shaft 373 can be constructed from any suitable materials within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, plastics, metals, combinations thereof, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the grip portion 372 is constructed from a plastic material and the shaft 373 is constructed from a metal material.
- FIGS. 19-22 illustrate example embodiments of a fitting 400 and a press 422 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 400 and press 422 are similar to the fitting 100 and press 122 previously described, and may be used together (as previously described herein for fitting 100 and press 122 ) to install the fitting 400 to a pipe.
- the fitting 400 may also (or alternatively) be installed to a pipe using other presses (e.g., press 122 , etc.), and/or the press 422 may also (or alternatively) be used to install other fittings (e.g., fitting 100 , 200 , etc.) to pipes.
- the fitting 400 of this embodiment generally includes a saddle 402 and a tap 404 .
- the saddle 402 is substantially the same as the saddle 102 of fitting 100 previously described, such that a further description of the saddle 402 will not be provided.
- the tap 404 generally includes an upper attachment portion 448 and a lower insert portion 450 .
- the attachment portion 448 is configured to couple one or more other devices to the to the tap 404
- the insert portion 450 is configured to be inserted in the pipe.
- a channel extends through the tap 404 (and through the attachment portion 448 and the insert portion 450 ) for creating fluid communication between the pipe and the one or more other devices coupled to the attachment portion 448 .
- the tap 404 also includes upper and lower flanges 454 , 456 disposed generally between the attachment portion 448 and the insert portion 450 for coupling the tap 404 to the saddle 402 (in the same fashion as previously described for tap 104 ).
- the insert portion 450 of the tap 404 defines a point or tip 490 that helps facilitate insertion of the tap 404 in the pipe.
- the insert portion 450 may be used to pierce the pipe (instead of a spike 460 of the press 422 ) to thereby allow the tap 404 to be inserted into the pierced pipe for establishing the fluid communication with the pipe (via opening 492 in the insert portion 450 ).
- the press 422 may simply be used to push the tap 404 into the pipe.
- the press 422 may be used to initially pierce the pipe, and the tap 404 may then be installed to the saddle 402 and the pipe as previously described herein.
- a grip portion 472 of the spike 460 includes three wings for use in grasping, engaging, etc. the grip portion 472 (e.g., by hand, with a tool, etc.), for example, when operating the spike 460 to insert the tap 404 in the pipe.
- the housing 458 of the press 422 includes windows 461 for locking legs 463 on the spike 460 of the press 422 .
- the windows 461 allow the locking legs 463 to be received and/or viewed through the windows 461 , for example, when the spike 460 is coupled to the housing 458 . In this manner, the locking legs 463 may be used to help confirm proper fit/operation of the press 422 , etc.
- the tap 404 is initially positioned in the saddle 402 and the saddle 402 is then positioned over the pipe (as previously described for fitting 100 ).
- the press 422 is coupled to the saddle 402 ( FIG. 22 ), as previously described, with a tip 474 of the press's spike 460 positioned through a housing 458 of the press 422 and within the tap 404 .
- Threads 476 of the spike 460 are engaged with threads 478 of the housing 458 , and the spike 460 is then rotated (via the grip portion 472 ) to move it into engagement with the tap 404 .
- Continued rotation of the spike 460 pushes the tip or point 490 of the tap 404 into engagement with the pipe and causes it to puncture the pipe.
- the spike 460 also moves (e.g., pushes, slides, etc.) the insert portion 450 of the tap 404 into the pipe through the puncture made by the tip or point 490 .
- the spike 460 is then removed (e.g., unthreaded, etc.) from the press's housing 458 , and the press's housing 458 is removed from the saddle 402 .
- the tap 404 is thus installed in the pipe in fluid communication with the pipe.
- the fitting 400 coupled to the pipe is ready for use.
- the spike 460 of the press 422 may not include a tip (as, in this embodiment, the tip 474 of the spike 460 may not be required to pierce the pipe because the tap 404 includes the tip or point 490 ).
- FIG. 23 illustrates another example embodiments of a tap 504 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
- the tap 504 may be used with any of the fittings (e.g., fitting 100 , 200 , 400 , etc.) disclosed therein.
- the tap 504 of this embodiment is substantially similar to the tap 100 previously described. A description of similar features for the tap 104 and tap 504 will not be repeated.
- an upper attachment portion 548 of the tap 504 includes a threaded portion 594 for use in coupling the tap 504 to one or more other devices and establishing fluid communication between fitting incorporating the tap 504 and the one or more other devices.
- FIG. 24 illustrates another example embodiments of a tap 604 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
- the tap 604 may be used with various fittings disclosed therein.
- the tap 604 is similar to the tap 104 previously described. A description of similar features between the tap 104 and the tap 604 will not be repeated.
- the tap 604 includes flanges 696 extending generally away from the tap 604 for coupling the tap 604 to a saddle.
- the flanges 696 are located generally between an upper attachment portion 648 and a lower insert portion 650 .
- end portions 698 of the flanges 696 extend generally outside of the saddle to engage an outer portion of the saddle and thereby hold (e.g., snap-fit, etc.) the tap 604 and saddle together (e.g., to thereby couple the tap 604 to the saddle at a location outside a channel of the saddle, etc.).
- Example embodiments have been provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Abstract
A fitting for a pipe generally includes a saddle for coupling the fitting to the pipe and a tap for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe. The saddle defines a channel extending generally longitudinally through the saddle, and the channel is free of threads. And, the tap is configured to fit within the channel of the saddle for establishing the fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/568,952, filed on Dec. 12, 2014, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/915,881, filed on Dec. 13, 2013. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure generally relates to fitting assemblies for pipes and, more specifically, to fittings (e.g., saddle tee and tap fittings, etc.) for pipes in irrigation systems for making fluid connections between irrigation pipes and sprinklers, etc. and to presses for use in installing the fittings to the pipes for making the fluid connections.
- This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
- Pipe fittings are often used to connect pipes to one or more other pipes. And in irrigation systems, for example, pipe fittings may further be used for connecting pipes to one or more irrigation sprinklers (e.g., via pipes, directly to the irrigation sprinklers, etc.).
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
- Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to fittings for pipes. In one example embodiment, such a fitting generally includes a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe and a tap for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe. The saddle defines a channel extending generally longitudinally through the saddle, and the channel is free of threads. And, the tap is configured to couple to the saddle within the channel of the saddle.
- In another example embodiment, a fitting generally includes a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe where the saddle define a channel extending generally longitudinally through the saddle, and a tap for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe where the tap is free of threads and is configured to snap-fit couple to the saddle within the channel of the saddle.
- In still another example embodiment, a low-profile fitting generally includes a saddle having a body and a clamp where the body defines a channel extending generally longitudinally through the body and the clamp is configured to couple the saddle to a pipe and where the body defines a height that is less than a height of the clamp, and a tap for establishing fluid communication with the pipe where the tap is configured to couple to the saddle within the channel of the body of the saddle.
- Example embodiments of the present disclosure also generally relate to presses for installing fittings to pipes for establishing fluid communication between the fittings and the pipes. In one example embodiment, a press generally includes a housing configured to releasably couple to the fitting, and a spike configured to releasably couple to the housing and extend at least partly through the fitting for piercing the pipe and to thereby allow at least part of the fitting to be inserted into the pipe through the piercing in the pipe for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe.
- In another example embodiment, a press generally includes a spike having a grip portion, a shaft, and a fastener coupling the shaft to the grip portion, whereby the press can be used to install a tap of a fitting in a pipe.
- In still another example embodiment, a press generally includes a housing, and a spike having a grip portion and a tip where the spike is configured to releasably couple to the housing and move relative to the housing.
- Example embodiments of the present disclosure also generally relate to fitting assemblies for use with irrigation systems. In one example embodiment, a fitting assembly generally includes a fitting having a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe and a tap configured to couple to the saddle for establishing fluid communication with the pipe, and a press configured to releasably couple to the saddle and pierce the pipe to thereby allow the tap to be inserted into the pierced pipe for establishing the fluid communication with the pipe.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitting according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure shown installed to a pipe; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fitting ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fitting ifFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the fitting ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the fitting ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a section view of the fitting ofFIG. 2 taken in a plane including line 6-6 inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a press according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure for use in installing a tap of the fitting ofFIG. 2 into the pipe; -
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a fitting according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fitting ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the fitting ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 11 is a left elevation view of the fitting ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 12 is a right elevation view of the fitting ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the fitting ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the fitting ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a spike according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure and suitable for use with the press ofFIG. 7 for use in installing a tap of a fitting to a pipe; -
FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the spike ofFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the spike ofFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 18 is a section view of the spike ofFIG. 15 taken in a plane including line 18-18 inFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a fitting according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 20 is an elevation view of a tap of the fitting ofFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the a press according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure and suitable for use with the fitting ofFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 22 is an elevation view of the press ofFIG. 21 show installed to the fitting ofFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a tap according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tap according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. - Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an example embodiment of a fitting 100 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Thefitting 100 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to couple to a pipe 101 (e.g., a main irrigation line, etc.) at a desired location along thepipe 101 to thereby create a fluid connection between thepipe 101 and one or more other devices coupled to the fitting 100 (e.g., other pipes, sprinklers, valves, etc.). Pipes, as used herein, may include, for example, irrigation pipes, lines, tubing, etc. and may be used, for example, for transporting fluid (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.), etc. between desired locations. In addition, the pipes may be constructed from any suitable material including, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the illustratedfitting 100 generally includes asaddle 102 and atap 104. Thesaddle 102 is configured to fit over thepipe 101 and couple thefitting 100 to thepipe 101. And, thetap 104 is configured to couple to the saddle 102 (such that thesaddle 102 holds thetap 104 in place relative to the pipe 101) and make the fluid connection between thepipe 101 and the one or more other devices coupled to thetap 104. As such, when thefitting 100 is installed to thepipe 101, fluid in thepipe 101 can flow through thetap 104 to the one or more other devices coupled to thetap 104. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
fitting 100 is configured as a saddle tee fitting for use in irrigation systems. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may also apply to other fittings (e.g., fittings other than saddle tee fittings, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may also be implemented in applications other than those involving irrigation systems (e.g., other systems requiring fittings coupled to pipes such as, for example, plumbing systems, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure. Also in the illustrated embodiment, thetap 104 is generally straight in shape. In other example embodiments, fittings may include taps with other shapes such as, for example, elbow shapes, S-shapes, T-shapes, etc. and/or taps having other sizes than illustrated herein. - As shown in
FIGS. 2-4 , thesaddle 102 of the fitting 100 includes abody 106 and aclamp 108. Theclamp 108 is disposed generally below thebody 106. In theillustrated fitting 100, thebody 106 and theclamp 108 are integrally formed as one structure to define thesaddle 102. Alternatively, thebody 106 and theclamp 108 could be formed separately and then subsequently coupled together (e.g., welded together, mechanically coupled together, epoxied together, etc.) to form thesaddle 102 within the scope of the present disclosure. - The
body 106 of thesaddle 102 is generally short and tubular in shape (although other sizes and/or shapes may be used within the scope of the present disclosure). A channel 110 (FIG. 3 ) extends generally longitudinally through thebody 106 for receiving thetap 104 into thebody 106. And, aseat 112 and alip 114 are provided in the body 106 (generally within the channel 110) for coupling thetap 104 to thebody 106 at a location in thechannel 110. Thebody 106 also includesrim portions 118, 120 (e.g., groove portions, etc.) extending generally radially away from lateral sides of an upper end portion of thebody 106. Therim portions FIG. 7 ) to the fitting 100 for use in installing thetap 104 of the fitting 100 to the pipe 101 (specifically, for use in positioning thetap 104 within the pipe 101). This will be described in more detail hereinafter. - The
clamp 108 of thesaddle 102 includes first andsecond arms body 106, andjaw portions arms jaw portions arms jaw portions arms pipe 101 between thejaw portions 128, 130 (e.g., in preparation for coupling thesaddle 102 to thepipe 101, etc.).Lips jaw portions jaw portions saddle 102 to thepipe 101. For example, the lower end portions of thejaw portions lips jaw portions lip 134 of thejaw portion 128 includes a stop 137 (FIG. 4 ). Thestop 137 is configured to help hold thelips lip 136 from inadvertently sliding off thelip 134, for example, when operating thepress 122 to pierce thepipe 101 and install thetap 104 in the pipe 101 (e.g., when rotating aspike 160 of thepress 122 relative to the fitting 100, etc.) (FIG. 7 ). Alternatively (or in addition), a stop could be positioned on thelip 136 of thejaw portion 130 within the scope of the present disclosure to help hold thelips lip 134 from inadvertently sliding off thelip 136 when installing the fitting 100 to thepipe 101. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
jaw portion 128 coupled to thefirst arm 124 also includes anouter tab 138, and thejaw portion 130 coupled to thesecond arm 126 also includes ashoulder 140. Thetab 138 and theshoulder 140 provide regions for grasping thejaw portions 128, 130 (e.g., by hand, with a tool (e.g., pliers, etc.), etc.) to move thejaw portions lips tab 142 is provided on an inner surface of thejaw portion 130 coupled to thesecond arm 126 to help engage (and compress) thepipe 101 received between thejaw portions pipe 101 in theclamp 108. And,ribs 144 are formed on thearms arms jaw portions arms 124, 126 (e.g., when coupling thesaddle 102 to thepipe 101, etc.). - Also in the illustrated embodiment, the
jaw portions arms jaw portions 128, 130 (e.g., at locations about one third of a distance from upper end portions of thejaw portions jaw portions jaw portions arms jaw portions second arms pipe 101, although such a spacing is not required in all embodiments of the present disclosure. - With additional reference now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thetap 104 of theillustrated fitting 100 is generally linear and cylindrical in shape (although other shapes may be used within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, elbow shapes, S-shapes, T-shapes, oval shapes, cube shapes, etc.) and includes anupper attachment portion 148 and alower insert portion 150. Theattachment portion 148 is configured to couple one or more other devices to the to thetap 104, for example, via flexible tubing, funny pipe, etc. to establish fluid communication between the fitting 100 and the one or more other devices. And, theinsert portion 150 is configured to be inserted in the pipe 101 (e.g., via force from thespike 160 of thepress 122 when installing the fitting 100 to thepipe 101, via force associated with ovalization of thepipe 101 pushing thepipe 101 against thetap 104 when installing the fitting 100 to thepipe 101, via force from a user manually pushing thetap 104 into thepipe 101, combinations thereof, etc.). Achannel 152 extends through the tap 104 (and through theattachment portion 148 and the insert portion 150) for creating the fluid communication between thepipe 101 and the one or more other devices coupled to theattachment portion 148. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
insert portion 150 of thetap 104 is generally tapered to help facilitate sealing thetap 104 with, against, etc. thepipe 101 in establishing the fluid communication (e.g., for polyethylene pipes, etc.). However, theinsert portion 150 could alternatively be generally strait (with no taper), or generally pointed for piercing thepipe 101 when installing thetap 104 to thepipe 101. In addition, in some example embodiments a seal (e.g., a rubber grommet, a plastic grommet, an O-ring, etc.) (see, for example, seal 280 illustrated inFIGS. 8-14 , etc.) may also be provided around theinsert portion 150 of thetap 104 to help facilitate sealing thetap 104 with, against, etc. thepipe 101 in establishing the fluid communication (e.g., against an outer surface of thepipe 101, etc.) (e.g., for polyethylene pipes, polyvinyl chloride pipes, etc.). Also in the illustrated embodiment, theattachment portion 148 of thetap 104 includes barbs (and, for example, may be viewed as a barbed portion, etc.) for coupling the one or more other devices to thetap 104. However, other connecting means (e.g., threaded connecters, bayonet fittings, other connecting schemes, etc.) could be used within the scope of the present disclosure to create a fluid tight connection between thetap 104 and the one or more other devices. - The
tap 104 also includes upper andlower flanges attachment portion 148 and theinsert portion 150. Theflanges tap 104 to thesaddle 102 within thechannel 110 of thesaddle 102 when the fitting 100 is installed to thepipe 101. For example, thetap 104 can be initially positioned within thechannel 110 of thesaddle 102, with theattachment portion 148 extending generally upwardly from thesaddle 102 and theinsert portion 150 extending generally downwardly from the saddle 102 (FIG. 4 ), such that theupper flange 154 is partially disposed within thechannel 110. This operates to help preliminarily hold thetap 104 and saddle 102 together (e.g., for packaging, for shipping, for positioning the fitting 100 relative to thepipe 101 in preparation for installing the fitting 100 to thepipe 101, etc.). Then, when the fitting 100 is installed to thepipe 101, theupper flange 154 is configured to move into theseat 112 in thechannel 110 of thesaddle 102, and thelower flange 156 is configured to fit (e.g., snap fit, etc.) under thelip 114 in thechannel 110 of thesaddle 102. As such, when the fitting 100 is installed to thepipe 101, at least part of thesaddle 102 is received between theflanges tap 104 to thesaddle 102. In other example embodiments, fittings may include taps with more than or fewer than two flanges for snap-fit coupling the taps within channels of saddles. In still other example embodiments, structure other than flanges (e.g., pins, friction based structures, fasteners, threads, etc.) may be used to couple (e.g., snap-fit couple, fixedly couple, thread, etc.) taps within channels of saddles. - With reference now to
FIG. 7 , thepress 122 for installing (e.g., inserting, etc.) thetap 104 in thepipe 101 generally includes ahousing 158 and thespike 160. Thehousing 158 is generally tubular in shape (although other shapes may be used within the scope of the present disclosure) and defines achannel 162 for selectively receiving thespike 160 in thehousing 158. Thehousing 158 also includesguide portions 164, 166 (e.g., tongue portions, etc.) disposed toward a lower end portion of thehousing 158 for use in releasably coupling the housing 158 (and the press 122) to thebody 106 of the saddle 102 (when desired to pierce thepipe 101 and install thetap 104 of the fitting 100 into the pipe 101). In particular,tabs 168 of theguide portions slots 170 of therim portions body 106. Theguide portions housing 158 and therim portions body 106 are positioned so that when thepress 122 is coupled to thesaddle 102, thechannel 162 of the press'shousing 158 generally aligns with thechannel 152 of the tap 104 (such that when thespike 160 is received in thechannel 162 of thehousing 158, at least part of it will also be received in thechannel 152 of the tap 104). And, when desired (e.g., after piercing thepipe 101, etc.), thetabs 168 of the press'sguide portions slots 170 of therim portions body 106 to disengage thepress 122 from the fitting 100. Thepress 122 can then be used to install additional fittings to pipes, as desired. In other example embodiments, fittings may have rim portions with structure other than tabs (e.g., pins, friction based structures, openings, etc.) and/or presses may have guide portions with structure other than slots (e.g., openings, tabs, pins, friction based structures, etc.) configured to mate when desired to couple the presses to the fittings. In still other example embodiments, presses may include housings configured to couple to inner portions of saddles. For example, the saddles may include rim portions defined generally within channels, etc. of the saddles. And, the housings of the presses may include guide portions configured to releasably couple to the rim portions such that the housings couple to the saddles generally within channels of the saddles. - The
spike 160 of thepress 122 includes agrip portion 172, ashaft 173, and a generally pointedtip 174 disposed toward an end portion of theshaft 173 for piercing the pipe 101 (when installing thetap 104 into the pipe 101).External threads 176 are disposed generally below thegrip portion 172 of thespike 160 and are configured to mate withinternal threads 178 defined within thechannel 162 of thehousing 158. As such, when thepress 122 is coupled to thesaddle 102, thespike 160 can be received within thechannel 162 of the housing (with thetip 174 of thespike 160 located at least partly within thechannel 152 of the tap 104) and rotated (via the grip portion 172) to incrementally move thetip 174 of thespike 160 through thechannel 152 of the tap 104 (via thethreads 176, 178) to pierce the pipe 101 (and thereby allow thetap 104 to be inserted into the pierced pipe 101). Thehousing 158 and/or spike 160 of thepress 122 can be constructed from suitable materials, for example, plastics, metals, combinations thereof, etc. In addition, thespike 160 may include a one-piece, construction such that thegrip portion 172 and theshaft 173 are unitarily formed. Or, thespike 160 may be constructed from separate components (e.g., aseparate grip portion 172, aseparate shaft 173, etc.) that are then subsequently coupled together (see, for example, spike 360 illustrated inFIGS. 15-18 , etc.). - In the illustrated embodiment, the
grip portion 172 of thespike 160 includes wings for use in grasping, engaging, etc. the grip portion 172 (e.g., by hand, with a tool, etc.), for example, when inserting thespike 160 into thechannel 162 of the press'shousing 158. However, in other example embodiments, grip portions may be shaped differently as desired (e.g., with differently shaped wings, with different numbers of wings, without wings, etc.). In addition, thetip 174 of thespike 160 can be shaped as desired within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, thetip 174 may have a sharper point, for example, when used with pipes made of tougher material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, etc.), or thetip 174 may have a greater radius of curvature when used with pipes made from less tough materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). Moreover, it should be appreciated that thetip 174 of thespike 160 may even be blunt, and still be able to weaken, pierce, etc. thepipe 101 as desired to allow insertion of thetap 104 into thepipe 101. - One example instillation of the fitting 100 to the
pipe 101 will be described next. In this example, thetap 104 is initially positioned within thechannel 110 of thesaddle 102 with theupper flange 154 partially disposed within thechannel 110 to help preliminarily hold thetap 104 and saddle 102 together in preparation for installation to thepipe 101. Thesaddle 102 is then positioned over thepipe 101 at a location desired to make fluid connection with thepipe 101. In particular, thejaw portions saddle 102 are positioned generally around thepipe 101. The lower end portions of thejaw portions pipe 101. In so doing, thejaw portion 128 coupled to thefirst arm 124 moves generally over thejaw portion 130 coupled to thesecond arm 126. And, theouter lip 134 of thejaw portion 128 positions generally over, and generally behind (and generally in engagement with), theinner lip 136 of thejaw portion 130 to secure thejaw portions jaw portions jaw portions saddle 102 substantially surround at least part of thepipe 101 and hold it generally between thejaw portions jaw portions pipe 101 so that thepipe 101 assumes a generally oval cross sectional shape rather than a normal circular shape (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,532 (King), which is incorporated herein by reference). And, theinsert portion 150 of thetap 104 is positioned adjacent (e.g., in contact with, etc.) thepipe 101 at a location generally between the upper end portions of thejaw portions saddle 102. - The
press 122 is next coupled to thesaddle 102 via theguide portions housing 158 and therim portions saddle 102. In particular, the press'shousing 158 is positioned generally over therim portions saddle 102 and then rotated to releasably engage thetabs 168 of theguide portions slots 170 of therim portions tip 174 of the press'sspike 160 is then positioned through thechannel 162 of the press'shousing 158 and within thechannel 152 of the tap 104 (which is generally aligned with thechannel 162 of the press's housing 158). And, thethreads 176 of thespike 160 are engaged with thethreads 178 in thechannel 162 of thehousing 158. Thespike 160 is then rotated (via the grip portion 172) to move thetip 174 of thespike 160 through thetap 104 toward thepipe 101. Continued rotation of thespike 160 moves it into engagement with thepipe 101 and causes it to puncture thepipe 101. At about this time, thespike 160 also engages thetap 104 and moves (e.g., pushes, slides, etc.) theinsert portion 150 of thetap 104 into thepipe 101 through the puncture made by thetip 174 of thespike 160. Thespike 160 is then removed (e.g., unthreaded, etc.) from the press'shousing 158, and the press'shousing 158 is removed from the saddle 102 (e.g., rotated, etc. to disengage theguide portions housing 158 from therim portions tap 104 is thus installed in thepipe 101 in fluid communication with thepipe 101. And, the fitting 100 coupled to thepipe 101 is ready for use. - Another example instillation of the fitting 100 to the
pipe 101 will be described next. In this example, thetap 104 is initially separated from thesaddle 102, and thesaddle 102 is then coupled to thepipe 101 as just described in the prior example instillation. Thepress 122 is next coupled to thesaddle 102, as also just described in the prior example instillation, and thetip 174 of the press'sspike 160 is then positioned through thechannel 162 of the press'shousing 158 and within thechannel 110 of the saddle's body 106 (which is generally aligned with thechannel 162 of the press's housing 158). Thethreads 176 of thespike 160 are engaged with thethreads 178 in thechannel 162 of thehousing 158, and thespike 160 is rotated to move thetip 174 of thespike 160 into engagement with thepipe 101 causing it to puncture thepipe 101. Thespike 160 is then removed (e.g., unthreaded, etc.) from the press'shousing 158, and the press'shousing 158 is removed from the saddle 102 (e.g., rotated, etc. to disengage theguide portions housing 158 from therim portions tap 104 is then positioned within thechannel 110 of thesaddle 102, with theinsert portion 150 adjacent the pierced portion of thepipe 101, and pushed (e.g., manually, etc.) to move theinsert portion 150 into thepipe 101. At the same time, theupper flange 154 of thetap 104 moves into theseat 112 of thesaddle 102 and thelower flange 156 of thetap 104 snap fits under thelip 114 of thesaddle 102. Thetap 104 is thus installed in thepipe 101 in fluid communication with thepipe 101. And, the fitting 100 coupled to thepipe 101 is ready for use. - With that said, the
illustrated fitting 100 is a generally low-profile fitting 100. For example, in some aspects, thesaddle 102 of the fitting 100 may have a height dimension D1 of about 2.5 inches or less and thetap 104 of the fitting 100 may have a height dimension D2 of about 2.1 inches or less (FIG. 4 ). And, when thetap 104 is coupled to thesaddle 102, the fitting 100 may have a height dimension D3 of about 3.3 inches or less (FIG. 4 ). In addition, theclamp 108 of thesaddle 102 may have a height dimension D4 of about 2.0 inches or less, and thebody 106 of the saddle may have a height dimension D5 of about 0.5 inches or less (FIG. 4 ). As such, in these aspects, the height dimension D5 of thebody 106 of thesaddle 102 may be substantially less than the height dimension D4 of theclamp 108 of thesaddle 102. Further, as part of the low-profile aspect of the fitting 100 andsaddle 102, the height D5 of thebody 106 of thesaddle 102 may have a value that is about one-half or less of the total height D1 of thesaddle 102, or the height D5 of thebody 106 of thesaddle 102 may have a value that is about one-third or less of the total height D1 of thesaddle 102, or the height D5 of thebody 106 of thesaddle 102 may even have a value that is about one-fourth or less of the total height D1 of thesaddle 102, etc. However, it should be appreciated that in other aspects, the height D1 of thesaddle 102 of the fitting 100 may be about 2.5 inches or more and/or the height D2 of thetap 104 of the fitting 100 may be about 2.1 inches or more, and when thetap 104 is coupled to thesaddle 102, the height D3 of the fitting 100 may be about 3.3 inches or more. It should also be appreciated that in other aspects, the height D4 of theclamp 108 of thesaddle 102 may be about 2.0 inches or more and/or the height D5 of thebody 106 of thesaddle 102 may be about 0.5 inches or more. - Also in the illustrated embodiment, the
press 122 is separate from the fitting 100. As such, thepress 122 is reusable, and can be used to install multiple different fittings (e.g., multiple ones of fitting 100, etc.) to pipes. In addition, thespike 160 of thepress 122 generally provides a straight core pull in piercing thepipe 101, and is then removed from thetap 104 and the fitting 100. Only thetap 104 remains in thepipe 101 once thepipe 101 is pierced. As such, thespike 160 does not interfere with fluid flow through thepipe 101 and/or thetap 104. What's more, in some aspects of the present disclosure, thetap 104 is only positioned a short distance in the pipe 101 (e.g., about 0.25 inches or less, about 0.19 inches or less, about 0.13 inches or less, etc.) such that neither thetap 104 nor thespike 160 substantially interfere with flow of fluid through thepipe 101. - In addition in the illustrated embodiment, the
channel 110 of the saddle'sbody 106 is free of threads. As such, nothing threads through thesaddle 102 when using the fitting 100. Instead, thetap 104 snap-fits (via the flanges) within thechannel 110 of the saddle'sbody 106 to thereby couple thetap 104 to the saddle 102 (e.g., when the fitting 100 is installed to thepipe 101, etc.). As can be appreciated, this feature helps allow thebody 106 of thesaddle 102 to be substantially shorter in height than in previous fittings (as neither thetap 104 nor thespike 160 are threaded to the saddle 102), and also helps provide, contribute to, etc. the low-profile of the fitting 100 (and the saddle 102). Also in the illustrated embodiment, thechannel 152 extending through thetap 104 is free of threads. As such, thespike 160 of the press 122 (specifically, thetip 174 of the spike 160) freely moves through the tap'schannel 152 when desired to pierce thepipe 101. In other example embodiments, thechannel 152 extending through the tap may include threads. - The
saddle 102 of theillustrated fitting 100 generally holds thepipe 101 in proper alignment for connection with thetap 104. In addition, the fitting 100 can be coupled to thepipe 101 in any desired orientation around thepipe 101. For example, thesaddle 102 can be coupled to thepipe 101 with thetap 104 oriented generally vertically (with the low-profile aspect of thesaddle 102 and fitting 100 allowing thepipe 101 and fitting 100 to be buried shallower and/or helping inhibit the fitting 100 from projecting above the surface of the ground when buried). Alternatively, thesaddle 102 can be coupled to thepipe 101 with thetap 104 oriented generally horizontally, for example, to again allow thepipe 101 and fitting 100 to be buried shallower and/or to help inhibit the fitting 100 from projecting above the surface of the ground when buried. - What's more, in some example embodiments the
saddle 102 of theillustrated fitting 100 is configured to compress thepipe 101 in one direction and generally elongate thepipe 101 in a transverse direction (i.e., a direction in which thetap 104 is inserted into the pipe 101), such that thedeformed pipe 101 assumes a generally oval shape. This deformation of thepipe 101 helps facilitate placement of thetap 104 at least partly into thepipe 101. For example, such deformation helps ensure that thepipe 101 is securely held in thesaddle 102, and also helps ensure that the irrigation line has a sufficient dimension for effective penetration by thetap 104. The deformation of thepipe 101 also allows the fitting 100 to be used with irrigation lines of different sizes, and may be helpful in smaller diameter pipes (e.g., pipes with inner diameters of less than about one inch, etc.). -
FIGS. 8-14 illustrate another example embodiment of a fitting 200 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The fitting 200 is substantially similar to the fitting 100 previously described. For example, the fitting 200 generally includes asaddle 202 and a tap 204 (with a description thereof being substantially similar to that for thesaddle 102 and tap 204 of fitting 100). In addition, the fitting 200 may be installed to apipe using press 122, in a similar fashion to that described for fitting 100. - In this example embodiment, the fitting 200 further includes a seal 280 (e.g., a rubber grommet, a plastic grommet, an O-ring, etc.) disposed around an
insert portion 250 of thetap 204 to help facilitate sealing thetap 204 with, against, etc. a pipe when thetap 204 is installed in the pipe (e.g., againstpipe 101 illustrated inFIG. 1 , against an outer surface of a pipe, etc.). And, when the fitting 200 is coupled to the pipe, theseal 280 is configured to be positioned, compressed, etc. generally against the pipe (e.g., generally between the saddle 202 (e.g., a lower surface of abody 206 of thesaddle 202, etc.) and the pipe, etc. to thereby help hold theseal 280 in position against the pipe and help ensure the sealing of thetap 204 with, against, etc. the pipe). -
FIGS. 15-18 illustrate another example embodiment of aspike 360 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Thespike 360 is substantially similar to thespike 160 previously described (FIG. 7 ), and is suitable for use with the press 122 (FIG. 7 ) for use in installing a tap (e.g.,tap 104, etc.) of a fitting (e.g., fitting 100, etc.) to a pipe. Thespike 360 has a generally symmetrical shape and generally includes agrip portion 372, ashaft 373, and atip 374 disposed toward an end portion of theshaft 373 for piercing the pipe (when desired to install a tap into the pipe).External threads 376 are disposed generally below thegrip portion 172 and generally around acylindrical body 377 of thegrip portion 372. And, when thespike 360 is used with thehousing 158 of the press 122 (FIG. 7 ), thethreads 376 are configured to mate with theinternal threads 178 defined within thechannel 162 of thehousing 158 for use in advancing the spike through thehousing 158 for piercing the pipe. - With that said, in this embodiment the
grip portion 372 and theshaft 373 of thespike 360 are separate components, and are coupled together by a fastener 384 (e.g., a threaded nut, etc.). Theshaft 373 of thespike 360 is located generally through thecylindrical body 377 of thegrip portion 372. A threadedend portion 379 of theshaft 373 is positioned in anupper opening 381 of thegrip portion 372 generally above arim 383 of thegrip portion 372, and alug 386 of theshaft 373 is positioned in thecylindrical body 377 generally below therim 383. Awasher 388 is located within thebody 377 of thegrip portion 372 adjacent thelug 386 of theshaft 373 to help resist movement of theshaft 373 upward through theupper opening 381, and thefastener 384 is configured to receive the threadedend portion 379 of theshaft 373 within theupper opening 381 to thereby secure thegrip portion 372 andshaft 373 together. Thegrip portion 372 and theshaft 373 can be constructed from any suitable materials within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, plastics, metals, combinations thereof, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, thegrip portion 372 is constructed from a plastic material and theshaft 373 is constructed from a metal material. -
FIGS. 19-22 illustrate example embodiments of a fitting 400 and apress 422 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The fitting 400 and press 422 are similar to the fitting 100 and press 122 previously described, and may be used together (as previously described herein for fitting 100 and press 122) to install the fitting 400 to a pipe. However, it should be appreciated that the fitting 400 may also (or alternatively) be installed to a pipe using other presses (e.g.,press 122, etc.), and/or thepress 422 may also (or alternatively) be used to install other fittings (e.g., fitting 100, 200, etc.) to pipes. - As previously described for the fitting 100, the fitting 400 of this embodiment generally includes a
saddle 402 and atap 404. Thesaddle 402 is substantially the same as thesaddle 102 of fitting 100 previously described, such that a further description of thesaddle 402 will not be provided. Thetap 404 generally includes anupper attachment portion 448 and alower insert portion 450. Theattachment portion 448 is configured to couple one or more other devices to the to thetap 404, and theinsert portion 450 is configured to be inserted in the pipe. A channel extends through the tap 404 (and through theattachment portion 448 and the insert portion 450) for creating fluid communication between the pipe and the one or more other devices coupled to theattachment portion 448. Thetap 404 also includes upper andlower flanges attachment portion 448 and theinsert portion 450 for coupling thetap 404 to the saddle 402 (in the same fashion as previously described for tap 104). - In this embodiment, the
insert portion 450 of thetap 404 defines a point or tip 490 that helps facilitate insertion of thetap 404 in the pipe. In particular in this embodiment, theinsert portion 450 may be used to pierce the pipe (instead of aspike 460 of the press 422) to thereby allow thetap 404 to be inserted into the pierced pipe for establishing the fluid communication with the pipe (via opening 492 in the insert portion 450). For example, thepress 422 may simply be used to push thetap 404 into the pipe. Alternatively, thepress 422 may be used to initially pierce the pipe, and thetap 404 may then be installed to thesaddle 402 and the pipe as previously described herein. Also in this embodiment, agrip portion 472 of thespike 460 includes three wings for use in grasping, engaging, etc. the grip portion 472 (e.g., by hand, with a tool, etc.), for example, when operating thespike 460 to insert thetap 404 in the pipe. - Further in this embodiment, the
housing 458 of thepress 422 includeswindows 461 for lockinglegs 463 on thespike 460 of thepress 422. Thewindows 461 allow the lockinglegs 463 to be received and/or viewed through thewindows 461, for example, when thespike 460 is coupled to thehousing 458. In this manner, the lockinglegs 463 may be used to help confirm proper fit/operation of thepress 422, etc. - In an example use of the fitting 400, the
tap 404 is initially positioned in thesaddle 402 and thesaddle 402 is then positioned over the pipe (as previously described for fitting 100). Thepress 422 is coupled to the saddle 402 (FIG. 22 ), as previously described, with atip 474 of the press'sspike 460 positioned through ahousing 458 of thepress 422 and within thetap 404.Threads 476 of thespike 460 are engaged withthreads 478 of thehousing 458, and thespike 460 is then rotated (via the grip portion 472) to move it into engagement with thetap 404. Continued rotation of thespike 460 pushes the tip orpoint 490 of thetap 404 into engagement with the pipe and causes it to puncture the pipe. At about this time, thespike 460 also moves (e.g., pushes, slides, etc.) theinsert portion 450 of thetap 404 into the pipe through the puncture made by the tip orpoint 490. Thespike 460 is then removed (e.g., unthreaded, etc.) from the press'shousing 458, and the press'shousing 458 is removed from thesaddle 402. Thetap 404 is thus installed in the pipe in fluid communication with the pipe. And, the fitting 400 coupled to the pipe is ready for use. In some variations of this embodiment, thespike 460 of thepress 422 may not include a tip (as, in this embodiment, thetip 474 of thespike 460 may not be required to pierce the pipe because thetap 404 includes the tip or point 490). -
FIG. 23 illustrates another example embodiments of atap 504 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Thetap 504 may be used with any of the fittings (e.g., fitting 100, 200, 400, etc.) disclosed therein. Thetap 504 of this embodiment is substantially similar to thetap 100 previously described. A description of similar features for thetap 104 and tap 504 will not be repeated. In this embodiment, anupper attachment portion 548 of thetap 504 includes a threadedportion 594 for use in coupling thetap 504 to one or more other devices and establishing fluid communication between fitting incorporating thetap 504 and the one or more other devices. -
FIG. 24 illustrates another example embodiments of atap 604 including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Again, thetap 604 may be used with various fittings disclosed therein. Thetap 604 is similar to thetap 104 previously described. A description of similar features between thetap 104 and thetap 604 will not be repeated. In this embodiment, thetap 604 includesflanges 696 extending generally away from thetap 604 for coupling thetap 604 to a saddle. Theflanges 696 are located generally between anupper attachment portion 648 and alower insert portion 650. And, when thetap 604 is positioned within a channel of a saddle, endportions 698 of theflanges 696 extend generally outside of the saddle to engage an outer portion of the saddle and thereby hold (e.g., snap-fit, etc.) thetap 604 and saddle together (e.g., to thereby couple thetap 604 to the saddle at a location outside a channel of the saddle, etc.). - Example embodiments have been provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- Specific dimensions included herein are exemplary in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
- When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A low-profile fitting for pipes, the fitting comprising:
a saddle having a body and a clamp, the body defining a channel extending generally longitudinally through the body, and the clamp configured to couple the saddle to a pipe, the body defining a height that is less than a height of the clamp; and
a tap for establishing fluid communication with the pipe, the tap moveable relative to the saddle, and the tap configured to fit within the channel of the body of the saddle and to couple to the saddle.
2. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the saddle defines a total height, and wherein the height of the body is about one-half or less of the total height of the saddle.
3. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the saddle defines a total height, and wherein the height of the body is about one-third or less of the total height of the saddle.
4. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the channel of the body of the saddle is free of threads.
5. The fitting of claim 4 wherein the tap is free of threads and is configured to snap-fit couple to the saddle within the channel of the body of the saddle.
6. A fitting for pipes, the fitting comprising:
a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe, the saddle defining a channel extending generally longitudinally through the saddle, the channel being free of threads; and
a tap for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe, the tap moveable relative to the saddle, and the tap configured to fit within the channel of the saddle when establishing the fluid communication;
wherein the saddle includes first and second arcuate arms extending around greater than half of a circumference of the pipe.
7. The fitting of claim 6 , wherein the tap includes a portion configured to couple the tap to one or more other devices and establish fluid communication between the fitting, the pipe, and the one or more other devices.
8. The fitting of claim 7 , wherein the tap defines a channel extending through the tap for establishing the fluid communication between the fitting, the pipe, and the one or more other devices.
9. The fitting of claim 8 , wherein the tap includes an insert portion configured to be positioned in the pipe to thereby establish the fluid communication between the fitting, the pipe, and the one or more other devices.
10. The fitting of claim 6 , wherein the tap is adapted to couple to the saddle.
11. The fitting of claim 10 , wherein the tap is adapted to snap-fit couple to the saddle when establishing the fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe.
12. The fitting of claim 10 , wherein the tap includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, the first and second portions adapted to engage the saddle to couple the tap to the saddle.
13. The fitting of claim 12 , wherein the first portion of the tap includes a first flange and the second portion of the tap includes a second flange spaced apart from the first flange.
14. A fitting for pipes, the fitting comprising:
a saddle for coupling the fitting to a pipe, the saddle defining a channel extending generally longitudinally through the saddle, the saddle including a body and first and second arms configured to extend at least partly around the pipe when coupling the fitting to the pipe; and
a tap moveably coupled to the saddle for establishing fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe, the tap configured to extend within the channel of the saddle and adapted to insert at least partly into the pipe to establish the fluid communication.
15. The fitting of claim 14 , wherein the tap includes an insert portion configured to be positioned in the pipe to thereby establish the fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe.
16. The fitting of claim 14 , wherein the tap is moveable relative to the saddle between at least a first position and a second position while the tap is coupled to the saddle.
17. The fitting of claim 16 , wherein the tap is adapted to couple to the saddle in the first position relative to the saddle prior to coupling the saddle to the pipe, and the tap is adapted to move to the second position relative to the saddle when the saddle is coupled to the pipe.
18. The fitting of claim 14 , wherein the tap is adapted to snap-fit couple to the saddle when establishing the fluid communication between the fitting and the pipe.
19. The fitting of claim 14 , wherein the tap includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, the first and second portions adapted to engage the saddle to couple the tap to the saddle.
20. The fitting of claim 19 , wherein the first portion of the tap includes a first flange and the second portion of the tap includes a second flange spaced apart from the first flange.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/463,271 US20170191596A1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-03-20 | Fittings For Pipes, And Presses For Installing The Fittings To Pipes |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361915881P | 2013-12-13 | 2013-12-13 | |
US14/568,952 US9599268B2 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2014-12-12 | Fittings for pipes, and presses for installing the fittings to pipes |
US15/463,271 US20170191596A1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-03-20 | Fittings For Pipes, And Presses For Installing The Fittings To Pipes |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/568,952 Continuation US9599268B2 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2014-12-12 | Fittings for pipes, and presses for installing the fittings to pipes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170191596A1 true US20170191596A1 (en) | 2017-07-06 |
Family
ID=53367912
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/568,952 Expired - Fee Related US9599268B2 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2014-12-12 | Fittings for pipes, and presses for installing the fittings to pipes |
US15/463,271 Abandoned US20170191596A1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-03-20 | Fittings For Pipes, And Presses For Installing The Fittings To Pipes |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/568,952 Expired - Fee Related US9599268B2 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2014-12-12 | Fittings for pipes, and presses for installing the fittings to pipes |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9599268B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3080506A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2014362212A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015089410A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9938680B2 (en) | 2014-11-21 | 2018-04-10 | Duane K. Smith | Fittings for irrigation systems |
WO2020027753A1 (en) * | 2018-05-11 | 2020-02-06 | Ayaz Kauçuk Plasti̇k Ve Kalip Maki̇na Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Li̇mi̇ted Şi̇rketi̇ | Fast assembly, diameter reduction and sealing component |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2014362212A1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2016-06-30 | Thomas A. King | Fittings for pipes, and presses for installing the fittings to pipes |
USD778410S1 (en) | 2014-11-21 | 2017-02-07 | Duane K. Smith | Fenestrated tip for a spike tap of an irrigation fitting |
WO2016077873A1 (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2016-05-26 | Bunker Dry Pty Ltd | Drainage system |
USD783132S1 (en) | 2015-11-20 | 2017-04-04 | Duane K. Smith | Fenestrated tip for a spike tap of an irrigation fitting |
USD879372S1 (en) | 2017-05-15 | 2020-03-24 | Eyce Llc | Smoking apparatus |
USD825101S1 (en) | 2017-05-15 | 2018-08-07 | Eyce Llc | Smoking apparatus |
DK3935303T3 (en) * | 2019-03-07 | 2023-04-11 | Tdw Delaware Inc | POLYETHYLENE PIPE MAINTENANCE SYSTEM WITH QUICK CONNECTORS FOR THE ACTIONS OF INTERNAL THREADING, CLUGGING AND FINISHING OF POLYETHYLENE PIPE |
US20210121900A1 (en) * | 2019-10-23 | 2021-04-29 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Material Clearing System For An Agricultural Machine |
WO2023064142A1 (en) * | 2021-10-14 | 2023-04-20 | M&J Enterprises, Llc | Apparatus and method for installing a fitting onto fluid line |
Family Cites Families (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3448758A (en) * | 1966-11-04 | 1969-06-10 | John W Mullins | Refrigerant service valve |
US3554217A (en) * | 1969-04-21 | 1971-01-12 | Sealed Unit Parts Co Inc | Self-tapping valve |
US3732886A (en) * | 1971-04-26 | 1973-05-15 | Phillips J | Copper tube service valve |
US3901268A (en) * | 1973-12-14 | 1975-08-26 | John W Mullins | Copper tube service valve |
US3920037A (en) * | 1974-04-29 | 1975-11-18 | Int Ag | Drip irrigation tap and system |
US4112944A (en) * | 1976-12-13 | 1978-09-12 | Williams Gayland M | Tube clamp and piercing device |
US4522339A (en) * | 1983-06-03 | 1985-06-11 | Ris Irrigation Systems | Irrigation fitting with installation barb and associated barb installation tool |
US4574477A (en) * | 1984-08-06 | 1986-03-11 | The O. M. Scott & Sons Company | Hole cutter for plastic tubing |
CA1321806C (en) * | 1989-09-27 | 1993-08-31 | Dominique Lesquir | Connector for sap collecting system |
US5105844A (en) * | 1990-09-24 | 1992-04-21 | King Lloyd H Sr | Two step branch forming attachment |
US5340027A (en) * | 1992-06-26 | 1994-08-23 | Michael Yu | Pressure-compensated self-flushing dripper |
US5353831A (en) * | 1994-02-25 | 1994-10-11 | Watsco Components, Inc. | Tube-piercing clamp on valve assembly |
US5694972A (en) * | 1996-06-27 | 1997-12-09 | Tom King Harmony Products, Inc. | Saddle tee for irrigation lines |
FR2752610B1 (en) * | 1996-08-26 | 1999-01-08 | Hutchinson | BYPASS DEVICE FOR FLUID TRANSFER TUBE |
US6454312B1 (en) * | 1999-06-18 | 2002-09-24 | Eratube Inc. | Multi-setting connector for sap collection system |
US6216723B1 (en) * | 1999-11-05 | 2001-04-17 | Tom King Harmony Products, Inc. | Self-tapping tee |
US6681796B2 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2004-01-27 | Lloyd Herbert King, Jr. | Drainage valve pipe tap assembly |
US6773036B1 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2004-08-10 | Tom King Harmony Products, Inc. | Saddle tee, saddle tee and tap, and fluid connection for irrigation lines |
US7150476B2 (en) * | 2002-05-03 | 2006-12-19 | Blazing Products, Inc. | Saddle tee and tap for irrigation lines |
US6986532B1 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2006-01-17 | Tom King Harmony Products, Inc. | Saddle tee and tap for irrigation lines |
US6886585B1 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2005-05-03 | The Patent Store Llc | Soft grip drain |
KR100624034B1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2006-09-19 | 영 식 김 | An apparatus for tapping pipe |
US7150289B2 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2006-12-19 | Duane D. Robertson | Removable, snap-on saddle and tap for irrigation pipes |
US7219684B2 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2007-05-22 | Rain Bird Corporation | Saddle tee and tool for irrigation lines |
US8172276B1 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2012-05-08 | Blazing Products, Inc. | Fittings connectable to end portions of pipes and related methods |
US7832420B2 (en) | 2007-12-07 | 2010-11-16 | Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc. | Saddle tee |
US7946010B1 (en) * | 2010-08-12 | 2011-05-24 | EMC Industries LLC | Installation tool for irrigation emitter barbs and tubing punch |
US9587778B2 (en) * | 2011-03-01 | 2017-03-07 | National Diversified Sales, Inc. | Clamp and spike for flexible conduit |
AU2014362212A1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2016-06-30 | Thomas A. King | Fittings for pipes, and presses for installing the fittings to pipes |
US9835282B2 (en) | 2014-04-21 | 2017-12-05 | Blazing Products, Inc. | Drain fittings for irrigation systems |
WO2016081877A1 (en) | 2014-11-21 | 2016-05-26 | Smith Duane K | Fittings for irrigation systems |
-
2014
- 2014-12-12 AU AU2014362212A patent/AU2014362212A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-12-12 EP EP14868737.9A patent/EP3080506A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-12-12 US US14/568,952 patent/US9599268B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2014-12-12 WO PCT/US2014/070044 patent/WO2015089410A2/en active Application Filing
-
2017
- 2017-03-20 US US15/463,271 patent/US20170191596A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9938680B2 (en) | 2014-11-21 | 2018-04-10 | Duane K. Smith | Fittings for irrigation systems |
WO2020027753A1 (en) * | 2018-05-11 | 2020-02-06 | Ayaz Kauçuk Plasti̇k Ve Kalip Maki̇na Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Li̇mi̇ted Şi̇rketi̇ | Fast assembly, diameter reduction and sealing component |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3080506A2 (en) | 2016-10-19 |
US9599268B2 (en) | 2017-03-21 |
AU2014362212A1 (en) | 2016-06-30 |
WO2015089410A2 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
US20150167884A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
WO2015089410A3 (en) | 2015-08-27 |
EP3080506A4 (en) | 2018-01-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9599268B2 (en) | Fittings for pipes, and presses for installing the fittings to pipes | |
US20170205013A1 (en) | Fittings and connectors for irrigation systems | |
US20210080036A1 (en) | Pre-assembled coupling assemblies with pipe fitting | |
US20220042628A1 (en) | Pre-assembled coupling assembly with flexible hose adapter | |
US9668431B2 (en) | Conduit with connector and assembly thereof | |
US9938680B2 (en) | Fittings for irrigation systems | |
CA3029317C (en) | Self-locking push-to-connect insert | |
US8662541B2 (en) | Fittings for sealed retention to end portions of pipes and related methods | |
US11466801B2 (en) | Pipe connectors and systems | |
US20150130184A1 (en) | Barbed hose end fitting apparatus for ptfe core hose | |
US10537073B2 (en) | Conduit with connector and assembly thereof | |
WO2017176933A1 (en) | Fittings and connectors for irrigation systems | |
US11971120B2 (en) | Pre-assembled coupling assemblies with pipe fitting | |
US11384872B1 (en) | Conduit coupling apparatus and method | |
WO2022107149A1 (en) | Pipe-to-pipe connector |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |