Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Specified terranean relationship – With drain or vent exterior to foundation perimeter
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-24
2001-05-08
Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Specified terranean relationship
With drain or vent exterior to foundation perimeter
C052S098000, C052S220800, C052S302100, C285S901000, C285S903000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226937
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to drainage conduit connectors for buildings. More particularly, the present invention concerns such conduit connectors and a method for utilizing such connectors.
2. Prior Art
In the '163 and '311 patents incorporated by reference, there is disclosed and taught a collar for use with footings which prevents the collapse and closure of the ends of the drain conduit and a connector for interconnecting multiple drain conduits. While the inventions disclosed therein are efficacious, it is to be appreciated that there is no ready facility for preventing cement from entering the connectors or conduit at the outside of the form. Many times, as cement is poured, it falls outside the form and spills into the conduit, thereby preventing water from flowing therethrough.
It is to the solution of the above-mentioned problems that the present invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a connector for use with a collar and tubing in forming a footing, the connector comprising:
(a) a first leg, the first leg having a hollow interior, the first leg having a first end and an opposed second end, the first leg having a thread formed thereon, and
(b) a second leg, the second leg integral with the first leg at the first end thereof, the second leg having a hollow interior, the interior of the second leg and the interior of the first leg in fluid communication.
The first hollow leg has a thread formed thereon to enable connection with other elements of a footing network. The second leg has protruberances formed therein to enable connection with other elements of a footing network.
At least one end cap is disposed on the second leg. Preferably, two end caps are disposed on the second leg, one end cap at each end of the second leg. The end caps prevent water from seeping into the connector. Similarly, an end portion is disposed at the end of the first leg away from the second leg. The end portion prevents water from seeping into the connector.
The second leg, preferably, has at least one thread formed thereon proximate the at least one end cap, again to enable connection with other elements of a footing network.
Prior to placement of the connector, one or more of the end caps and/or the end portion may be removed from the leg(s). Removal of the end caps and/or the end portion may be accomplished by cutting, such as by sawing or the like, or other similarly well-known methods. The end caps and the end portion fit into the open ends of the collars disclosed in the '163 and '311 patents. When emplaced, the end caps and the end portion preclude entry of cement into the collars, tubing, and connectors at the outside of the form.
The connector may be T-shaped, Y-shaped, or cross-shaped depending upon its placement in the footing, and the configuration of the network to be formed. The connectors, collars, and corrugated tubing form a network that may function to drain water from about the periphery of a building and concomitantly to evacuate unwanted gasses from within the building.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, in which:
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Kent Christopher T.
Plunkett & Cooney
Weintraub Arnold
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