Mechanical outlet

Abstract

Mechanical outlets form a T-joint by using a strap to fasten a pipe element to a saddle with a duct. One end of the strap and saddle are attached via an adjustable fastener. Angled action and reaction surfaces on the saddle and strap engage one another when the fastener is tightened, applying a tensile load to the strap, which is substantially form-fitting to the pipe element, compressing it against the saddle. The opposite ends of the strap and saddle engage one another via a yoke and an enlarged head, allowing the ends to be disengaged and allowing the pipe element to be inserted between the strap and saddle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 180,115, filed on April 27, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to mechanical outlets for connecting pipe elements and other components.

Background Art

[0003] Saddle - type mechanical outlets that form a "T" joint are effective but are disadvantaged because installation often requires a technician to handle four or more separate parts. Installation can thus be time - consuming and difficult when the joint to be formed is located in a place cluttered with other pipes, fixtures, and equipment, or in a location near a wall, floor, or ceiling with limited access where handling is awkward. There is clearly an opportunity to improve mechanical outlets and form "T" joints more quickly.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The present invention relates to a mechanical outlet for forming a T-joint in a pipe element. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical outlet comprises a saddle that partially surrounds a central space for receiving the pipe element. A duct extends through the saddle and has an inner portion that extends into the central space. The inner portion is engageable with an opening in the pipe element. A strap partially surrounds the central space. A first end of the strap is attached to a first end of the saddle via an adjustable fastener. A second end of the strap and a second end of the saddle comprise a hook assembly for attaching the strap to the saddle. The strap is pivotable at the first end between a first position in which the second end of the strap is not attached to the second end of the saddle and a second position in which the second end of the strap is attached to the second end of the saddle.

[0005] As an example, the duct may further comprise an outer portion that projects from the saddle. An actuation surface may be positioned proximate to the first end of the saddle, and a reaction surface may be positioned proximate to the first end of the strap in a face-to-face relationship with the actuation surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuation surface and the reaction surface are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener such that when the adjustable fastener is adjusted to draw the saddle and the first end of the strap towards each other and engage the actuation and reaction surfaces, the strap is pulled towards the first end of the saddle.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuation surface comprises an inner actuation surface and an outer actuation surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener. The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner actuation surface and the outer actuation surface. The reaction surface comprises an inner reaction surface and an outer reaction surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener. The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner reaction surface and the outer reaction surface.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly includes a yoke positioned at a second end of either the saddle or the strap, and an enlarged head positioned at the second end of either the saddle or the strap. The head engages a yoke for attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle. In a specific example, the yoke is positioned on the second end of the saddle and the enlarged head is positioned on the second end of the strap.

[0008] The exemplary embodiment may further include a saddle rug positioned on a first end of the saddle. The saddle rug defines an opening for receiving an adjustable fastener. A strap rug is positioned on the first end of the strap. The strap rug defines an opening for receiving an adjustable fastener. At least one of the saddle rug or the strap rug defines a clearance space adjacent to the adjustable fastener. As an example, the adjustable fastener may include a bolt and a nut. In a further example, an outer portion of the duct includes a circumferential groove extending around it. A seal may surround an inner portion of the duct. The outer portion of the duct may be threaded.

[0009] An exemplary mechanical outlet according to the present invention may be positioned proximate to a first end of a strap and further include a relief area facing a central space. In a specific example, the relief area comprises a portion of the strap where the curvature of the surface of the strap is modified to provide a clearance, thereby better accommodating a pipe element.

[0010] The present invention further includes a pre - assembled mechanical outlet at the factory for forming a T - joint in a pipe element. In an exemplary embodiment, the pre - assembled mechanical outlet at the factory comprises a saddle surrounding a central space for receiving the pipe element in part. A duct extends through the saddle and has an inner portion extending into the central space and is engageable with an opening in the pipe element. A strap surrounds the central space in part. A first end of the strap is attached to a first end of the saddle via an adjustable fastener. A second end of the strap and a second end of the saddle are provided with a hook assembly for attaching the strap to the saddle. The pre - assembled mechanical outlet at the factory is provided in either a first or a second pre - assembled state at the factory. In the first pre - assembled state at the factory, the strap is pivoted at a first end to a first position where the second end of the strap is not attached to the second end of the saddle. In the second pre - assembled state at the factory, the strap is pivoted to a second position where the second end of the strap is attached to the second end of the saddle.

[0011] By way of example, the duct further comprises an outer portion protruding from the saddle. By way of example, the pre - assembled mechanical outlet at the factory according to the present invention further comprises a working surface positioned adjacent to a first end of the saddle. A reaction surface is positioned adjacent to a first end of the strap in a face - to - face relationship with the working surface. The working surface and the reaction surface are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener such that when the adjustable fastener is adjusted to draw the saddle and the first end of the strap towards each other and engage the working and reaction surfaces, the strap is pulled towards the first end of the saddle.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the working surface comprises an inner working surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener, and an outer working surface. The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner working surface and the outer working surface. The working surface also comprises a reaction surface having an inner reaction surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener, and an outer reaction surface. The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner reaction surface and the outer reaction surface.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the hook assembly comprises a yoke positioned at a second end of either the saddle or the strap. An enlarged head is positioned at a second end of either the saddle or the strap. The head engages a yoke for attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle. By way of example, the yoke is positioned on the second end of the saddle and the enlarged head is positioned on the second end of the strap.

[0014] An exemplary embodiment of a factory pre-assembled mechanical outlet according to the present invention may further comprise a saddle lug positioned on a first end of the saddle. The saddle lug defines an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener. A strap lug is positioned on a first end of the strap. The strap lug defines an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener. At least one of the saddle lug or the strap lug defines a clearance space adjacent to the adjustable fastener. By way of example, the adjustable fastener comprises a bolt and a nut. In an exemplary embodiment, an outer portion of the duct comprises a circumferential groove extending around it. A seal may surround an inner portion of the duct. The outer portion of the duct may, in some examples, be threaded. A relief region may be positioned facing the central space and adjacent to the first end of the strap. In an exemplary embodiment, the relief region comprises a portion of the strap where the curvature of the surface of the strap is modified to provide a clearance and thereby better accommodate the pipe element.

[0015] The present invention further encompasses a method of forming a T-joint in a pipe element using a mechanically pre-assembled outlet in a factory according to the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises: when the mechanically pre-assembled outlet provided in either a pre-assembled state in a first or a second factory, positioning the pipe element within a central space, engaging an inner portion of the duct with an opening within the pipe element, when the mechanically pre-assembled outlet provided in a pre-assembled state in a first factory, swinging the strap about its first end, thereby moving the second end of the strap towards the second end of the saddle, attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle, when the mechanically pre-assembled outlet provided in either a pre-assembled state in a first or a second factory, adjusting an adjustable fastener to draw the saddle and the first end of the strap towards each other, thereby pulling the strap towards the first end of the saddle and comprising. This specification also provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A mechanical outlet for forming a T-joint in a pipe element, the mechanical outlet comprising: A saddle that partially surrounds a central space for receiving the pipe element, a duct extending through the saddle and having an inner portion extending into the central space, the saddle being engageable with an opening in the pipe element; A strap that partially surrounds the central space; Comprising; A first end of the strap is attached to a first end of the saddle via an adjustable fastener, and a second end of the strap and a second end of the saddle comprise a hook assembly for attaching the strap to the saddle; The strap is pivotable at the first end between a first position in which the second end of the strap is not attached to the second end of the saddle and a second position in which the second end of the strap is attached to the second end of the saddle. (Item 2) The mechanical outlet according to item 1, wherein the duct further comprises an outer portion protruding from the saddle. (Item 3) An acting surface positioned proximate to the first end of the saddle; A reaction surface positioned proximate to the first end of the strap in a face-to-face relationship with the acting surface; [[ID=]3]Further comprising; The acting surface and the reaction surface are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener, such that when the adjustable fastener is adjusted to draw the saddle and the first end of the strap towards each other and engage the acting surface and the reaction surface, the strap is pulled towards the first end of the saddle. (Item 4) The acting surface comprises: An inner-acting surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener; An outer-acting surface; Comprising; The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner-acting surface and the outer-acting surface; The reaction surface comprises: An inner-reaction surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener; An outer-reaction surface; Comprising; The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner-reaction surface and the outer-reaction surface. (Item 5) The hook assembly is a yoke positioned at the second end of either the saddle or the strap, and an enlarged head positioned at the second end of either the saddle or the strap and comprises the mechanical outlet according to item 1, wherein the head engages the yoke for attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle. (Item 6) The mechanical outlet according to item 5, wherein the yoke is positioned on the second end of the saddle and the enlarged head is positioned on the second end of the strap. (Item 7) a saddle rug positioned on the first end of the saddle, the saddle rug defining an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener, and a strap rug positioned on the first end of the strap, the strap rug defining an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener and further comprises the mechanical outlet according to item 1. (Item 8) The mechanical outlet according to item 7, wherein at least one of the saddle rug or the strap rug defines a clearance space adjacent to the adjustable fastener. (Item 9) The mechanical outlet according to item 1, wherein the adjustable fastener comprises a bolt and a nut. (Item 10) The mechanical outlet according to item 2, wherein the outer portion of the duct comprises a circumferential groove extending around it. (Item 11) The mechanical outlet according to item 1, further comprising a seal surrounding the inner portion of the duct. (Item 12) The mechanical outlet according to item 2, wherein the outer portion of the duct is threaded. (Item 13) The mechanical outlet according to item 1, further comprising a relief area positioned adjacent to the first end of the strap and facing the central space. (Item 14) The mechanical outlet according to item 13, wherein the relief area comprises a portion of the strap where the curvature of the surface of the strap is modified to provide a clearance, thereby better accommodating the pipe element. (Item 15) a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory for forming a T-joint in a pipe element, the pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory A saddle that partially surrounds a central space for receiving the pipe element, wherein a duct extends through the saddle and has an inner portion that extends into the central space and is engageable with an opening in the pipe element, the saddle; A strap that partially surrounds the central space; Comprising; The first end of the strap is attached to the first end of the saddle via an adjustable fastener, and the second end of the strap and the second end of the saddle comprise a hook assembly for attaching the strap to the saddle; The mechanically pre-assembled outlet at the factory is provided in either a pre-assembled state at a first or second factory; In the state pre-assembled at the first factory, the strap is pivoted at the first end to a first position where the second end of the strap is not attached to the second end of the saddle; In the state pre-assembled at the second factory, the strap is pivoted to a second position where the second end of the strap is attached to the second end of the saddle, a mechanically pre-assembled outlet pre-assembled at the factory. (Item 16) The mechanically pre-assembled outlet according to item 15, wherein the duct further comprises an outer portion protruding from the saddle. (Item 17) An action surface positioned adjacent to the first end of the saddle; A reaction surface positioned adjacent to the first end of the strap in a facing relationship with the action surface; Further comprising; The action surface and the reaction surface are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener, whereby when the adjustable fastener is adjusted to draw the first ends of the saddle and the strap towards each other and engage the action and reaction surfaces, the strap is pulled towards the first end of the saddle, the mechanically pre-assembled outlet according to item 15. (Item 18) The action surface; An inner-leaning action surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener; An outer-leaning action surface; Comprising; The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner-leaning action surface and the outer-leaning action surface; The reaction surface; An inner-acting reaction surface positioned between the central space and the adjustable fastener, and an outer-acting reaction surface are provided, The adjustable fastener is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 17, positioned between the inner-acting reaction surface and the outer-acting reaction surface. (Item 19) The hook assembly includes a yoke positioned at the second end of either the saddle or the strap, and an enlarged head positioned at the second end of either the saddle or the strap and is provided, The head engages with the yoke to attach the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 15. (Item 20) The yoke is positioned on the second end of the saddle, and the enlarged head is positioned on the second end of the strap, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 19. (Item 21) A saddle rug positioned on the first end of the saddle, the saddle rug defining an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener, and a saddle rug, A strap rug positioned on the first end of the strap, the strap rug defining an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener, and a strap rug are further provided, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 15. (Item 22) At least one of the saddle rug or the strap rug defines a gap space adjacent to the adjustable fastener, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 21. (Item 23) The adjustable fastener includes a bolt and a nut, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 15. (Item 24) The outer portion of the duct is provided with a circumferential groove extending around it, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 16. (Item 25) A seal surrounding the inner portion of the duct is further provided, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 15. (Item 26) The outer portion of the duct has threads, which is a pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory as described in item 16. (Item 27) The pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory according to item 15, which is positioned close to the first end of the strap and further includes a relief area facing the central space. (Item 28) The pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory according to item 27, wherein the relief area is modified such that the curvature of the surface of the strap provides a gap, thereby comprising a part of the strap that better accommodates the pipe element. (Item 29) A method of forming a T-joint in a pipe element using the pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory according to item 15, the method comprising: when the pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory is provided in either the pre-assembled state at the first or the second factory, positioning the pipe element within the central space; engaging the inner portion of the duct with the opening in the pipe element; when the pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory is provided in the pre-assembled state at the first factory, swiveling the strap about its first end, thereby moving the second end of the strap towards the second end of the saddle; attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle; when the pre-assembled mechanical outlet at the factory is provided in either the pre-assembled state at the first or the second factory, adjusting the adjustable fastener to draw the saddle and the first end of the strap towards each other, thereby pulling the strap towards the first end of the saddle and including.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 3D

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention relates to a mechanical outlet for forming a T-joint in a pipe element. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary mechanical outlet 10 according to the present invention. The mechanical outlet 10 includes a saddle 12 that partially surrounds a central space 14 for receiving a pipe element (not shown). The saddle 12 is provided in different sizes, has different radii of curvature, and accommodates different pipe diameters. A duct 16 extends through the saddle 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the duct 16 has an inner portion 18 that extends into the central space 14. The inner portion 18 is sized to engage an opening in the sidewall of the pipe element. A seal 20 surrounds the inner portion 18 of the duct 16 and provides a seal between them when compressed between the saddle 12 and the pipe element. The exemplary seal 20 is formed from an elastomer such as a rubber compound and may comprise, by way of some exemplary seal structures, a simple gasket or a pressure-activated seal. In a factory-preassembled mechanical outlet (described below), it is advantageous if the seal 20 is held in the saddle 12 so that it is not a loose part during the assembly of the joint. The seal 20 can be held in a pocket 19 via a friction fit to the inner portion 18 or to the saddle. As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, the duct 16 may also include an outer portion 22 that projects from the saddle 12 away from the central space 14. The outer portion 22 can engage another component such as, by way of some examples, a valve, a sprinkler, or another pipe element. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer portion 22 of the duct 16 comprises a circumferential groove 24 to allow for attachment via a mechanical coupling. The outer portion 22 may also be threaded and have internal or external threads as appropriate for compatibility with a particular component.

[0018] The mechanical outlet 10 also includes a strap 26. The strap 26 is formed from the same material as the saddle 12 (e.g., ductile iron), and the strap 26 can also partially surround the central space 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the first end 28 of the strap 26 is attached to the first end 30 of the saddle 12. In this example, the attachment is by an adjustable fastener 32 (hereinafter, "fastener 32") including a nut 34 and a bolt 36. As shown by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2 with FIGS. 4 and 5, the second end 38 of the strap 26 can be attached to the second end 40 of the saddle 12 via a hook assembly 13 (described below). FIGS. 1 and 2 show the mechanical outlet 10 in a configuration where the second end 38 of the strap 26 is not attached to the second end 40 of the saddle 12. This first position of the strap 26 represents a pre-assembled state at the first factory of the mechanical outlet 10, as will be described below. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the strap 26 in a second position having a pre-assembled state at a second factory where the second end 38 of the strap is attached to the second end 40 of the saddle 12. The strap 26 is pivotable between the first position and the second position at the first end 28.

[0019] The pivotable attachment between the saddle 12 and the strap 26 is effected in this exemplary embodiment using a saddle lug 42 positioned on the first end 30 of the saddle 12 and a strap lug 44 positioned on the first end 28 of the strap 26. Both the saddle lug 42 and the strap lug 44 define respective openings 46 and 48 for receiving the fastener 32 (see FIG. 3). As shown in the pre-assembled state at the first factory in FIG. 1, the fastener 32 is adjusted to hold the strap 26 against the saddle 12 while allowing a gap 50 between the lugs 42 and 44 that enables the strap and saddle to pivot relative to each other. This pivoting ability allows the machine outlet 10 to be opened and the pipe element to be received into the central space 14 during assembly. Since the pivoting movement occurs about the fastener 32, at least one or both of the respective openings 46 and 48 of the saddle lug 42 and the strap lug 44 are shaped and sized to define a clearance space within the lug or lugs about the fastener 32 to allow the pivoting movement between the saddle 12 and the strap 26.

[0020] Figures 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate the clamping features of the mechanical outlet 10. The clamping features are brought about by the engagement between the working surface 60 and the reaction surface 62 (Figure 3A). The working surface 60 is positioned on the saddle 12 adjacent to its first end 30, and the reaction surface 62 is positioned on the strap 26 adjacent to its first end 28. In this example, the working and reaction surfaces are on the saddle lug 42 and the strap lug 44 respectively. The working surface 60 is in a facing relationship with the reaction surface 62. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the working surface 60 on the saddle 12 can be divided into an "inner" working surface 60a and an "outer" working surface 60b. The inner working surface 60a is positioned between the central space 14 and the fastener 32, and the fastener 32 is positioned between the outer working surface 60b and the inner working surface 60a. Similarly, the reaction surface 62 can be divided into an "inner" reaction surface 62a and an "outer" reaction surface 62b. The inner reaction surface 62a is positioned between the central space 14 and the fastener 32. The fastener 32 is positioned between the outer reaction surface 62b and the inner reaction surface 62a.

[0021] The outlet 10 is designed to accommodate a range of pipe element outer diameter tolerances as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A shows the inner working surface 60a engaging the inner reaction surface 62a, with a gap between the outer working surface 60b and the outer reaction surface 62b. This situation occurs when a pipe element having an outer diameter at the lower limit of the outer diameter tolerance range is received within the central space 14 prior to the fastener 32 being tightened firmly. Figure 3B shows the outer working surface 60b engaging the outer reaction surface 62b, with a gap between the inner working surface 60a and the inner reaction surface 62a. This situation occurs when a pipe element having an outer diameter at the upper limit of the outer diameter tolerance range is received within the central space 14 prior to the fastener 32 being tightened firmly.

[0022] The working surface 60 and the reaction surface 62 are initially angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 64 of the fastener 32, such that when the fastener is adjusted to draw them into engagement therewith (when tightened firmly), the compressive force applied by the fastener 32 acting through the angled interface between the working and reaction surfaces 60 and 62 causes the strap 26 to be pulled towards the first end 30 of the saddle 12. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, when its second end 38 is attached to the second end 40 of the saddle 12, tension is caused to develop within the strap 26. As shown in FIG. 3C, the tension applied to the strap 26 causes the working and reaction surfaces 60 and 62 to engage face-to-face and compress the pipe element 15 received within the central space 14 against the saddle 12, thereby also compressing the seal 20 and resulting in a fluid-tight joint between the mechanical outlet and the pipe element. For a practical design, the orientation angle 66 between the working and reaction surfaces 60, 62 and the longitudinal axis 64 of the fastener 32 can range from 30° to 60°, and an orientation angle of about 55° is advantageous. Further, it is advantageous if the radius of curvature of the strap 26, when not deformed (FIG. 3), is greater than the radius of the outer surface of the pipe element with which it engages. This dimensional relationship allows for easier insertion into the central space 14 of the pipe element and also allows the strap 26 to substantially conform to the shape of the pipe element for an improved clamping action (FIG. 3C). The saddle 12, when not deformed (FIG. 3), advantageously has a radius of curvature that substantially matches the outer surface of the pipe element within the tolerance range.

[0023] As further shown in FIG. 3B, the pivotal movement between the saddle 12 and the strap 26 can be limited by using the outwardly acting and reacting surfaces 60b and 62b as stop surfaces. The facing relationship and the proximity thereof (controlled by the fastener 32) of the acting and reacting surfaces 60b and 62b are such that the outwardly reacting surface 62b contacts the outwardly acting surface 60b when the second end 38 of the strap 26 is not attached to the second end 40 of the saddle 12, thereby passing between the lugs 42 and 44 that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a pipe element (not shown) received within the central space 14. It can be such as to limit the range of pivotal movement between the strap and the saddle about the axis 58 (see FIG. 1).

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second ends 38 and 40 of the strap 26 and the saddle 12 can be releasably attached to each other using the hook assembly 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly 13 comprises a yoke 68, which receives an enlarged head 70. In this exemplary embodiment, the yoke 68 is positioned at the second end 40 of the saddle 12 and the enlarged head 70 is positioned at the second end 38 of the strap 26, although the positions can be reversed. To provide a positive mechanical engagement between the yoke 68 and the enlarged head 70, the enlarged head is formed in a cylindrical shape and can be received within a concave surface 72 formed within the yoke 68.

[0025] The use of the mechanical outlet 10 to form the T-joint begins with the mechanical outlet being received in one of the pre-assembled states at two factories, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (pre-assembled at the first factory) or FIGS. 4 and 5 (pre-assembled at the second factory). The mechanical outlet 10 can be provided as shown, or components such as valves or sprinklers can be attached and supplied to the outer portion 22 of the duct 16. The first ends 28 and 30 of the strap 26 and the saddle 12 are loosely attached to each other by a fastener 32. The second ends 38 and 40 of the strap 26 and the saddle 12 may or may not be engaged. A pipe element (not shown) can be positioned within the central space 14 surrounded by the saddle and the strap in either the pre-assembled state at the first or second factory. When the mechanical outlet 10 is in the pre-assembled state at the second factory (FIGS. 4 and 5), the pipe element can be positioned within the central space 14 by inserting the free end of the pipe element into the central space 14. When the mechanical coupling 10 is in the pre-assembled state at the first factory (FIGS. 1 and 2), the pipe element is positioned within the central space 14 by passing the pipe element through the middle of its ends between the disengaged ends 38 and 40 of the strap 26 and the saddle 12, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3C, the inner portion 18 of the duct 16 is then engaged with the opening 17 within the pipe element 15, and the seal 20 will first be compressed between the pipe element and the saddle 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 3C, when in the pre-assembled state at the first factory, the strap 26 is pivoted about the axis 58 at its first end, thereby moving the second end 38 of the strap towards the second end 40 of the saddle. The second end 38 of the strap 26 is then attached to the second end 40 of the saddle 12 by engaging the enlarged head 70 with the concave surface 72 of the yoke 68.Next, the fastener 32 is tightly tightened, pulling the first ends 28 and 30 of the strap 26 and the saddle 12 toward each other, and engaging the working surface 60 with the reaction surface 62 (see FIG. 3B). Further tightening of the fastener 32 slides the working surface and the reaction surface relative to each other, thereby pulling the strap 26 toward the first end 30 of the saddle 12. The tension on the strap 26 deforms it, clamping the pipe element against the saddle, compressing the seal 20, and forming a fluid-tight joint between the pipe element and the mechanical outlet 10. Components such as a second pipe element, a valve, a sprinkler, etc. (not shown) can then be attached to the outer portion 22 of the duct 16 if they are not already present. The attachment can be effected, for example, by using a mechanical coupling to engage the groove 24, or the outer portion 22 can be threaded (internal or external threads) as required to accommodate a particular component of interest. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 3D, it is advantageous to include a relief region 25 on the strap 26. The relief region is proximate the first end 28 of the strap 26 and is positioned facing the central space 14. The relief region 25 constitutes a part of the strap 26 where the curvature of the surface of the strap is modified to provide a clearance and better accommodate the pipe element 15 during the assembly of the mechanical outlet 10. The relief region 25 is beneficial for both the assembly in the pre-assembled state at the first and second factories. For example, it can be formed during the casting of the strap 26, or the strap can be machined to include the relief region 25.

[0026] The mechanical outlet according to the present invention is expected to provide a number of advantages, including more efficient assembly of the connection, as no loose parts need to be handled and only one bolt needs to be tightly tightened to secure the joint. The pad-to-pad engagement provides a visual indication that the assembly is complete and eliminates the need to measure the torque applied to the fastener. The pad-to-pad engagement also avoids the failure mode where the lug is cut off from the strap or the saddle due to over-torquing of the fastener.

[0027] All of the embodiments of the claimed invention described in this specification are provided merely by way of example and are explicitly provided. An infinite number of variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any modifications and combinations of all of the elements, features, and aspects described in this specification and the claims and shown in the drawings. Any such modifications and combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A mechanical outlet for forming a T-joint in a pipe element, said mechanical outlet comprising: A saddle that partially surrounds a central space for receiving said pipe element, a duct extending through said saddle and having an inner portion extending into said central space and engageable with an opening in said pipe element; A strap that partially surrounds said central space, a first end of said strap being attached to a first end of said saddle via an adjustable fastener; A hook assembly for attaching a second end of said strap to a second end of said saddle; An actuation surface positioned on said saddle adjacent to said first end of said saddle; A reaction surface positioned on said strap adjacent to said first end of said strap in a face-to-face relationship with said actuation surface; Comprising: Said strap is pivotable at said first end between a first position in which said hook assembly is not engaged and a second position in which said hook assembly is engaged to attach said second end of said strap to said second end of said saddle; Said actuation surface and said reaction surface each comprise an engagement portion, said respective engagement portions being angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of said adjustable fastener and with respect to a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said adjustable fastener, whereby when said adjustable fastener is adjusted to draw said first ends of said saddle and said strap towards each other from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state to engage said respective engagement portions face-to-face, said strap is pulled towards said first end of said saddle. A mechanical outlet.

2. The mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein said duct further comprises an outer portion protruding from said saddle.

3. Said actuation surface comprises: An inner actuation surface positioned between said central space and said adjustable fastener; An outer actuation surface; Comprising: Said adjustable fastener is positioned between said inner actuation surface and said outer actuation surface; Said reaction surface comprises: An inner reaction surface positioned between said central space and said adjustable fastener; An outer reaction surface; Comprising: The adjustable fastener is positioned between the inner counteracting surface and the outer counteracting surface, the mechanical outlet according to claim 1.

4. The hook assembly a yoke positioned at the second end of one of the saddle or the strap, and an enlarged head positioned at the second end of the other of the saddle or the strap comprising, The enlarged head engages the yoke to attach the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle, the mechanical outlet according to claim 1.

5. The yoke is positioned on the second end of the saddle, and the enlarged head is positioned on the second end of the strap, the mechanical outlet according to claim 4.

6. A saddle rug positioned on the first end of the saddle, the saddle rug defining an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener, the saddle rug, and a strap rug positioned on the first end of the strap, the strap rug defining an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener, the strap rug further comprising, the mechanical outlet according to claim 1.

7. At least one of the saddle rug or the strap rug defines a gap space adjacent to the adjustable fastener, the mechanical outlet according to claim 6.

8. The adjustable fastener comprises a bolt and a nut, the mechanical outlet according to claim 1.

9. The outer portion of the duct comprises a circumferential groove extending around it, the mechanical outlet according to claim 2.

10. The mechanical outlet according to claim 1 further comprises a seal surrounding the inner portion of the duct.

11. The outer portion of the duct has threads, the mechanical outlet according to claim 2.

12. The mechanical outlet according to claim 1 is further provided with a relief region positioned adjacent to the first end of the strap and facing the central space.

13. The relief area is modified such that the curvature of the surface of the strap provides a gap, thereby comprising a part of the strap that better accommodates the pipe element, the mechanical outlet according to claim 12.

14. The mechanical outlet is in a pre-assembled state at a first factory, In the pre-assembled state at the first factory, the hook assembly is not engaged, the mechanical outlet according to claim 1.

15. A method of forming a T-joint in a pipe element using a mechanical outlet, the mechanical outlet comprising A saddle that partially surrounds a central space for receiving the pipe element, a duct extending through the saddle and having an inner portion extending into the central space, and being engageable with an opening in the pipe element, the saddle; A strap that partially surrounds the central space, a first end of the strap being attached to a first end of the saddle via an adjustable fastener, the strap; A hook assembly for attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle and The strap is pivotable at its first end between a first position where the hook assembly is not engaged and a second position where the hook assembly is engaged to attach the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle, The method comprising Positioning the pipe element within the central space, Engaging the inner portion of the duct with the opening in the pipe element, Pivoting the strap about its first end, thereby moving the second end of the strap towards the second end of the saddle, After pivoting the strap about its first end, attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle by engaging the hook assembly, Adjusting the adjustable fastener to draw the saddle and the first end of the strap towards each other, thereby pulling the strap towards the first end of the saddle and including.

16. The mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein in the pre-assembled state, the hook assembly is engaged to attach the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle.

17. A method of forming a T-joint in a pipe element using the mechanical outlet according to claim 14, the method comprising: positioning the pipe element within the central space; engaging the inner portion of the duct with the opening within the pipe element; swiveling the strap about its first end, thereby moving the second end of the strap towards the second end of the saddle; attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle; adjusting the adjustable fastener to draw the first ends of the saddle and the strap towards each other, thereby pulling the strap towards the first end of the saddle and including.

18. A method of forming a T-joint in a pipe element using the mechanical outlet according to claim 16, the method comprising: positioning the pipe element within the central space; engaging the inner portion of the duct with the opening within the pipe element; adjusting the adjustable fastener to draw the first ends of the saddle and the strap towards each other, thereby pulling the strap towards the first end of the saddle and engaging the respective engaging portions and including.

19. A method of forming a T-joint in a pipe element using the mechanical outlet according to claim 1, the method comprising: positioning the pipe element within the central space; engaging the inner portion of the duct with the opening within the pipe element; adjusting the adjustable fastener to draw the first ends of the saddle and the strap towards each other, thereby pulling the strap towards the first end of the saddle and engaging the respective engaging portions and including.

20. The mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein the orientation angle between the longitudinal axis and the engaging surface is 30° to 60°.

21. The mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein the orientation angle between the longitudinal axis and the engagement surface is 55°.

22. The mechanical outlet according to claim 3, wherein the inward-acting surface comprises the engagement portion of the acting surface, and the inward-reacting surface comprises the engagement portion of the reacting surface.

23. The mechanical outlet according to claim 3, wherein the outward-acting surface comprises the engagement portion of the acting surface, and the outward-reacting surface comprises the engagement portion of the reacting surface.

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