Union fitting replacement nut

Details Union fitting replacement nut Union fitting replacement nut

2000-01-24

2001-10-16

Saether, Flemming (Department: 3627)

Pipe joints or couplings

With assembly means or feature

Quick release

C411S432000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06302446

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to pipe fittings and, more specifically, to union-type pipe fittings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Union fittings are very useful and popular types of piping fittings. The great advantage of union fittings is that pipe spools and other piping equipment which are connected in a pipe run using union fittings can be “dropped out” of the pipe run without having to cut into the pipe run.
A problem arises with the use of union fittings on those occasions when the union nut falls into disrepair and cannot be reused. This is a frequent occurrence in plastic piping systems, where the union nut threads are fragile and often become stripped.
When the union nut cannot be reused, the union is of no value and must be replaced. This is expensive and time-consuming, even in the best of cases. It is a major problem, however, in plastic piping systems where the union fittings are permanently cemented into the pipe run. In these cases, replacement of the union fitting means having to cut off the old union fitting from the pipe run. Thereafter, completing the replacement of the union fitting within the pipe run entails having to fashion and install a precisely dimensioned pipe spool to replace that portion of the pipe run which has been cut away with the old union fitting.
Accordingly, there is a need for a better method for repairing union fittings after the union nut falls into disrepair. This need is for a method which is easier, less expensive and less time-consuming than present repair methods.
SUMMARY
The invention satisfies this need. The invention is a union replacement nut and a method for using same. The union replacement nut comprises (a) a nut body having a circular shape, an exterior surface an interior surface and an internal diameter, the interior surface having internal threads, the nut body comprising a first Chase member disposed end to end with a second C-shaped member, (b) a peripheral strap having opposed first and second ends, the peripheral strap being disposed around the exterior surface of the nut body, and (c) attachment means for tightly connect the first and second ends of the peripheral strap, so as to rigidly retain the first C-shape member and second the C-shaped member around the nut body.
In a typical embodiment, a pair of C-shaped members are held together by a steel strap, the tightness of which is adjusted by a screw attachment.
The invention provides a strong and durable union replacement unit which functions identically with the original union nut. Use of the union replacement nut does not reduce the pressure rating of the pipe run. The union replacement nut has been found to be a simple, inexpensive device which is quick and easy to install without having to cut into or otherwise refashion the pipe run or any of the piping elements within the pipe run.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1201022 (1916-10-01), Conniff
patent: 2036152 (1936-03-01), Langman
patent: 3041088 (1962-06-01), Brandon
patent: 3471175 (1969-10-01), Newton
patent: 5277459 (1994-01-01), Braun
patent: 5816454 (1998-10-01), Odessa

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