Saddle tee
First Claim
1. A saddle tee for use in branching a conduit from a main line using a tool interface, the saddle tee comprising:
- a base unit defining an opening for receiving a tap, said base unit comprising interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to the main line, said base unit further comprising;
a body;
a first arcuate interlocking jaw comprising a first contact end, a first contact surface proximate the first end, a first interlocking end, and a first pivot disposed between the first contact end and the first interlocking end;
a second arcuate interlocking jaw comprising a second contact end, a second contact surface proximate the second contact end, a second interlocking end, and a second pivot disposed between the second contact end and the second interlocking end; and
in an open state, the first and second arcuate interlocking jaws defining a receiving cavity for receiving the main line, the first contact surface being positioned more remote from the body of the base unit than the second contact surface so that positioning the main line within the receiving cavity causes the first arcuate interlocking jaw to rotate and position about the main line before the second arcuate interlocking moves into position about the main line for interlocking engagement with the first arcuate interlocking jaw; and
a tap defining a passageway, the tap comprising;
a tapered end having an aperture in fluid communication with the passageway;
a fitting opposite the tapered end; and
a shaped portion for receiving the tool interface for rotating the tap to drive the tap into penetrating engagement with the main line, the shaped portion being separate and distinct from any wing that may be present on the tap.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A saddle tee for use in branching a conduit from a main line using a tool interface, the saddle tee comprising:
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a base unit defining an opening for receiving a tap, said base unit comprising interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to the main line, said base unit further comprising; a body; a first arcuate interlocking jaw comprising a first contact end, a first contact surface proximate the first end, a first interlocking end, and a first pivot disposed between the first contact end and the first interlocking end; a second arcuate interlocking jaw comprising a second contact end, a second contact surface proximate the second contact end, a second interlocking end, and a second pivot disposed between the second contact end and the second interlocking end; and in an open state, the first and second arcuate interlocking jaws defining a receiving cavity for receiving the main line, the first contact surface being positioned more remote from the body of the base unit than the second contact surface so that positioning the main line within the receiving cavity causes the first arcuate interlocking jaw to rotate and position about the main line before the second arcuate interlocking moves into position about the main line for interlocking engagement with the first arcuate interlocking jaw; and a tap defining a passageway, the tap comprising; a tapered end having an aperture in fluid communication with the passageway; a fitting opposite the tapered end; and a shaped portion for receiving the tool interface for rotating the tap to drive the tap into penetrating engagement with the main line, the shaped portion being separate and distinct from any wing that may be present on the tap. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A saddle tee for use in branching a conduit from a main line, the saddle tee comprising:
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a base unit having a body defining an opening for receiving a tap and further comprising; a first arcuate interlocking jaw comprising a first contact end, a first contact surface proximate the first contact end, a first interlocking end, and a first pivot disposed between the first contact end and the first interlocking end; a second arcuate interlocking jaw comprising a second contact end, a second contact surface proximate the second contact end, a second interlocking end, and a second pivot disposed between the second contact end and the second interlocking end; and in an open state, the first and second arcuate interlocking jaws defining a receiving cavity for receiving the main line, the first contact surface being positioned more remote from the body of the base unit than the second contact surface so that positioning the main line within the receiving cavity causes the first arcuate interlocking jaw to rotate and position about the main line before the second arcuate interlocking moves into position about the main line for interlocking engagement with the first arcuate interlocking jaw; and a tap defining a passageway, the tap comprising a tapered end having an aperture in fluid communication with the passageway. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A saddle tee for use in branching a conduit from a main line, the saddle tee comprising:
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a base unit defining an opening for receiving a tap, the base unit comprising a first interface surface having a first series of linearly aligned ridges and further comprising interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to the main line; and a tap defining a passageway, the tap comprising; a first end having a shoulder including a second interface surface having a second series of linearly aligned ridges that aligns and seats with the first interface surface to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit such that a threshold level of torque is required to rotate the tap relative to the base unit, the threshold level of torque being in excess of that which is likely to be reached without human intervention; and a tapered end having an aperture in fluid communication with the passageway. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification