mechanical discharge outlet

Abstract

The mechanical outlet forms a T-joint by using a strap to tighten the pipe element to a saddle having a duct. One end of the strap and the saddle is attached via an adjustable fastener. The action and reaction surfaces angularly oriented on the saddle and the strap interlock when the fastener is tightened to compress the strap against the saddle by applying tension to the strap, which substantially matches the pipe element. The opposite ends of the strap and the saddle interlock via a yoke and an enlarged head, thereby releasing these ends and allowing the pipe element to be inserted between the strap and the saddle.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 180,115 filed April 27, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference, and is based on the priority of such application.

[0002] The present invention relates to mechanical outlets for connecting pipe elements and other components. Background Technology

[0003] Saddle-type mechanical outlets forming a "T" joint are effective, but they have a disadvantage because they often require four or more separate parts to be handled by a technician during installation. [Prior Art][Patent Literature] 1. U.S. Patent Publication US6412824 2. Chinese Patent Publication No. 109442108 3. Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1989884 The problem to be solved

[0004] Therefore, installation is time-consuming and can be difficult when the joint to be formed is located in a complex position alongside other pipes, fittings, and equipment, or in an inconvenient location near walls, floors, or ceilings with restricted access. There is a clear opportunity to improve the mechanical outlet to form the T-joint more quickly. means of solving the problem

[0005] The present invention relates to a mechanical outlet for forming a tee joint in a pipe element. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical outlet comprises a saddle that partially surrounds a central space for receiving a pipe element. A duct extends through the saddle and has an inner portion that extends into the central space. The inner portion can be coupled with an opening of 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 between a first position and a second position at the first end, and at the first position, the second end of the strap is not attached to the second end of the saddle, and at the second position, the second end of the strap is attached to the second end of the saddle.

[0006] For example, the duct may further include an outer portion protruding from the saddle. An action surface may be positioned near the first end of the saddle, and a reaction surface may be positioned near the first end of the strap in a relationship opposite to the action surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the action surface and the reaction surface are oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener, so that when the adjustable fastener is adjusted so that the first ends of the saddle and the strap are pulled toward each other and the action surface and the reaction surface are joined, the strap is pulled toward the first end of the saddle.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the action surface includes an inner action surface and an outer action surface located between the central space and the adjustable fastener. The adjustable fastener is located between the inner action surface and the outer action surface. The reaction surface includes an inner reaction surface and an outer reaction surface located between the central space and the adjustable fastener. The adjustable fastener is located between the inner reaction surface and the outer reaction surface.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly includes a yoke positioned at a second end of the saddle or strap and an enlarged head positioned at a second end of the saddle or strap. To attach the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle, the enlarged head engages with the yoke. In a specific embodiment, the yoke is positioned at the second end of the saddle and the enlarged head is positioned on the second end of the strap.

[0009] An exemplary embodiment may further include a saddle lug located at a first end of the saddle. The saddle lug forms an opening for receiving an adjustable fastener. A strap lug is located at a first end of the strap. The strap lug forms an opening for receiving an adjustable fastener. At least one of the saddle lug or the strap lug forms 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, the outer side of the duct includes a circumferential groove extending around it. A seal may surround the inner side of the duct. The outer side of the duct may be screw-fastened.

[0010] An exemplary mechanical outlet according to the present invention may further include a relief area positioned near a first end of the strap and facing a central space. In a specific embodiment, the relief area includes a portion of the strap in which the curvature of the strap surface is altered to provide a gap for better accommodating a pipe element.

[0011] The present invention further comprises a factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet for forming a tee joint in a pipe element. In an exemplary embodiment, the factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet comprises a saddle that partially surrounds a central space for receiving a pipe element. A duct extends through the saddle, extends into the central space, and has an inner portion that can be fastened to an opening of 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 factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet is provided in a first or second factory-pre-assembled state. In the first factory-pre-assembled state, the strap is pivoted at a first position at the first end, in which the second end of the strap is not attached to a second end of the saddle. In the second factory-pre-assembled state, the strap is pivoted at a second position, in which the second end of the strap is attached to a second end of the saddle.

[0012] For example, the duct further includes an outer portion protruding from the saddle. Additionally, for example, the factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet according to the present invention further includes an action surface located near the first end of the saddle. A reaction surface is located near the first end of the strap in a position opposite to the action surface. The action surface and the reaction surface are oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener, so that when the adjustable fastener is adjusted so that the first ends of the saddle and the strap are pulled toward each other and the action surface and the reaction surface are joined, the strap is pulled toward the first end of the saddle.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the working surface includes an inner working surface and an outer working surface located between the central space and the adjustable fastener. The adjustable fastener is located between the inner working surface and the outer working surface. The working surface also includes a reaction surface, and the reaction surface includes an inner reaction surface and an outer reaction surface located between the central space and the adjustable fastener. The adjustable fastener is located between the inner reaction surface and the outer reaction surface.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the hook assembly comprises a yoke positioned at a second end of a saddle or strap. An enlarged head is positioned at the second end of the saddle or strap. To attach the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle, the enlarged head engages with the yoke. As an example, the yoke is positioned at the second end of the saddle, and the enlarged head is positioned on the second end of the strap.

[0015] An exemplary embodiment of a factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet according to the present invention may further include a saddle lug located at a first end of the saddle. The saddle lug forms an opening for receiving an adjustable fastener. A strap lug is located at a first end of the strap. The strap lug forms an opening for receiving an adjustable fastener. At least one of the saddle lug or the strap lug forms a clearance space adjacent to the adjustable fastener. For example, the adjustable fastener includes a bolt and nut. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer side of the duct includes a circumferential groove extending around it. A seal may surround the inner side of the duct. In an embodiment, the outer side of the duct may be screw-fastened. A relief area may be located adjacent to the first end of the strap and facing the central space. In a specific embodiment, the relief area comprises a portion of the strap in which the curvature of the strap surface is altered to provide a clearance for better receiving a pipe element.

[0016] The present invention includes a method for forming a tee joint in a pipe element using the factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the following:

[0017] When a factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet is provided in either the first or second factory-pre-assembled state:

[0018] Step of positioning pipe elements within the central space;

[0019] A step of joining the opening within the pipe element and the inner part of the duct;

[0020] When the factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet is provided in the first factory-pre-assembled state:

[0021] A step of rotating the strap around its first end to move the second end of the strap toward the second end of the saddle;

[0022] A step of attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle; and

[0023] When a factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet is provided in either the first or second factory-pre-assembled state:

[0024] A step of adjusting an adjustable fastener so that the first ends of the saddle and the strap are pulled toward each other, and the strap is pulled toward the first end of the saddle. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are isometric views of an exemplary mechanical outlet according to the present invention, shown in a pre-assembled state at the first factory. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary mechanical outlet according to the present invention. FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of a part of the mechanical outlet shown in FIG. 3 at an enlarged scale. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of a part of the mechanical outlet shown in FIG. 3 at an enlarged scale. FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary mechanical outlet shown in FIG. 3 assembled with pipe elements. FIG. 3d is an axial view of the exemplary mechanical outlet shown in FIG. 3 assembled with pipe elements. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are isometric views of an exemplary mechanical outlet shown in a pre-assembled state at the second factory. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] The present invention relates to a mechanical outlet for forming a tee joint within a pipe element. FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 illustrate an exemplary mechanical outlet (10) according to the present invention. The mechanical outlet (10) comprises a saddle (12) that partially surrounds a central space (14) to accommodate a pipe element (not shown). To accommodate different pipe diameters, the saddle (12) is provided in different sizes having different radii of curvature. 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 with an opening within the side wall 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. An exemplary seal (20) is formed of an elastomer such as a rubber compound and may include a simple gasket or a pressure seal activated as some exemplary seal structure. In a factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet (described later), it is advantageous for the seal (20) to be held in the saddle (12) so that it does not become a loose part during the assembly of the joint. The seal (20) may be held within the pocket (19) by a friction fit against the inner portion or the saddle. As additionally illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the duct (16) may also include an outer portion (22) protruding from the saddle (12) away from the central space (14). The outer portion (22) may be combined with another component, such as a valve, a sprinkler, or other pipe element, as an example. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer portion (22) of the duct (16) is provided with a circumferential groove (24) to enable attachment via mechanical connection. The outer portion (22) may also be threaded appropriately with internal or external threads for compatibility with specific components.

[0027] The mechanical outlet (10) also includes a strap (26). The strap (26) may be formed of the same material as the saddle (12) (e.g., ductile iron) and also partially surrounds the central space (14). As shown in FIG. 3, a first end (28) of the strap (26) is attached to a first end (30) of the saddle (12). In this embodiment, the attachment is made via an adjustable fastener (32) (hereinafter fastener (32)) comprising a nut (34) and a bolt (36). As illustrated by comparison with FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 4 and 5, a second end (38) of the strap (26) can be attached to a second end (40) of the saddle (12) via a hook assembly (13) (described later). FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a 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 first factory pre-assembled state of the mechanical outlet (10) as described below. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the strap (26) in a second position, including a second factory pre-assembled state in which 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 and second positions at the first end (28).

[0028] In this exemplary embodiment, the pivotable attachment between the saddle (12) and the strap (26) is achieved using a saddle lug (42) located at the first end (30) of the saddle (12) and a strap lug (44) located at the first end (28) of the strap (26).

[0029] Both the saddle lug (42) and the strap lug (44) form respective openings (46 and 48) for receiving the fastener (32) (see FIG. 3). As shown in the first factory pre-assembled state of FIG. 1, the fastener (32) is adjusted to allow a gap (50) between the lugs (42 and 44) ​​so ​​that the strap (26) is held in the saddle (12), but the strap and the saddle can pivot relative to each other. With this pivoting ability, the mechanical outlet (10) is opened to receive a pipe element in the central space (14) during assembly. Because rotational movement occurs around the fastener (32), at least one or both of the respective openings (46 and 48) of the saddle lug (42) and strap lug (44) are shaped and sized so that a clearance space is formed between the lug or lugs around the fastener (32) to allow rotational movement between the saddle (12) and the strap (26).

[0030] FIGS. 3, FIGS. 3a, FIGS. 3b, and FIGS. 3c illustrate the cinching feature of the mechanical outlet (10). The cinching feature is executed by the engagement between the action surface (60) and the reaction surface (62) ( FIG. 3a). The action surface (60) is located near the first portion (30) of the saddle (12), and the reaction surface (62) is located near the first end (28) of the strap (26). In this embodiment, the action surface and the reaction surface are on the saddle lug (42) and the strap lug (44), respectively. The action surface (60) is in a position opposite to the reaction surface (62). As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the working surface (60) on the saddle (12) may be divided into an "inboard" working surface (60a) and an "outboard" working surface (60b), the inboard working surface (60a) is located between the central space (14) and the fastener (32), and the fastener (32) is located between the outboard working surface (60b) and the inboard working surface (60a). Similarly, the reaction surface (62) may be divided into an "inboard" reaction surface (62a) and an "outboard" reaction surface (62b). The inboard reaction surface (62a) is located between the central space (14) and the fastener (32), and the fastener (32) is located between the outboard reaction surface (62b) and the inboard reaction surface (62a).

[0031] As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the outlet (10) is designed to accommodate the outer diameter tolerance range of the pipe element. FIG. 3a shows an inner working surface (60a) engaging with an inner reaction surface (62a), and there is 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 accommodated inside. FIG. 3b shows an outer working surface (60b) engaging with an outer reaction surface (62b), and there is 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 accommodated inside the central space (14) before the fastener (32) is tightened.

[0032] The working surface (60) and the reaction surface (62) are initially oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (64) of the fastener (32), so that when the fastener is adjusted (tightened) to be pulled and joined, the compressive force applied by the fastener (32) acts through the angular orientation interface between the working surface (60) and the reaction surface (62), causing the strap (26) to be pulled toward the first end (30) of the saddle (12). Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, tension is created in the strap (26) when the second end (38) is attached to the second end (40) of the saddle (12). As illustrated in FIG. 3c, the working surface and the reaction surface (60, 62) are coupled oppositely by the tension applied to the strap (26), and the seal (20) is compressed by compressing the pipe element (15) received within the central space (14) against the saddle (12), thereby enabling a fluid-tight joint between the mechanical outlet and the pipe element. In an actual design, the orientation angle (66) between the working surface and the reaction surface (60, 62) and the longitudinal axis (64) of the fastener (32) may be in the range of 30° to 60°, and an orientation angle of about 55° is advantageous. When the strap (26) is not deformed (Fig. 3), it is also advantageous for the radius of curvature of the strap (26) to be larger than the radius of the outer surface of the pipe element to which it is coupled. These dimensional relationships allow the pipe element to be inserted more easily into the central space (14) and also allow the strap (26) to substantially match the pipe element for enhanced tightening action (Fig. 3c). When the saddle (12) is not deformed (Fig. 3), the saddle (12) advantageously has a radius of curvature that substantially matches the outer surface of the pipe element within a tolerance range.

[0033] As additionally illustrated in FIG. 3b, the pivoting motion between the saddle (12) and the strap (26) can be limited by using the outer action surface and reaction surface (60b, 62b) as a resting surface. Due to the opposing relationship as well as the proximity (controlled by the fastener (32)) of the action surface and reaction surface (60b, 62b), the outer reaction surface (62b) can come into contact with the outer action surface (60b) when the second end (38) of the strap (26) is not attached to the second end (40) of the saddle (12), thereby limiting the degree of pivoting motion between the strap and the saddle around an axis (58) (see FIG. 1) passing between the lugs (42, 44) that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe element (not shown) accommodated in the central space (14).

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second ends (38, 40) of the strap (26) and the saddle (12) can be attached to each other in a releaseable manner using a hook assembly (13). In this exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly (13) includes a yoke (68) that accommodates an enlarged head (70). In this embodiment, the yoke (68) is located at the second end (40) of the saddle (12) and the enlarged head (70) is located at the second end (38) of the strap (26), but the positions may be changed. To provide an active mechanical engagement between the yoke (68) and the enlarged head (70), the enlarged head may be formed cylindrically so as to be accommodated within a concave surface (72) formed in the yoke (68).

[0035] The use of the mechanical outlet (10) for forming a T-joint begins with the mechanical outlet being accommodated in one of the two factory pre-assembled states, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 (first factory pre-assembled state) or FIGS. 4 and 5 (second factory pre-assembled state). The mechanical outlet (10) may be provided as illustrated, or components such as a valve or sprinkler may be supplied attached to the outer part (22) of the duct (16). The first ends (28, 30) of the strap (26) and the saddle (12) are loosely attached to each other by fasteners (32). The second ends (38, 40) of the strap (26) and the saddle (12) may or may not be joined. A pipe element (not shown) may be located within the central space (14) surrounded by the saddle and the strap in either the first or second factory pre-assembled state. When the mechanical outlet (10) is in a second factory pre-assembled state (Figs. 4 and 5), the pipe element can be positioned in the central space (14) by inserting the free end of the pipe element into the central space (14). When the mechanical outlet (10) is in a first factory pre-assembled state (Figs. 1 and 2), it is positioned in the central space (14) by passing the middle of the pipe element ends between the released ends (28, 40) of the strap (26) and the saddle (12), respectively. As shown in Fig. 3c, the inner part (18) of the duct (16) will then be joined to the opening (17) in the pipe element (15), and the seal (20) is initially compressed between the pipe element and the saddle (12). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 3c, in a first factory pre-assembled state, the strap (26) rotates about the axis (58) at its first end, thereby moving the second end (38) of the strap toward the second end (40) of the saddle.Then, by engaging the enlarged head (70) with the concave surface (72) of the yoke (68), the second end (38) of the strap (26) is attached to the second end (40) of the saddle (12). Next, the fastener (32) is tightened so that the strap (26) and the first ends (28, 30) of the saddle (12) are pulled toward each other, and the working surface (60) and the reaction surface (62) are joined (see FIG. 3b). By further tightening the fastener (32), the working surface and the reaction surface slide across each other, and the strap (26) is pulled toward the first end (30) of the saddle (12). Due to the tensile force on the strap (26), the pipe element is deformed and tightened against the saddle, compressing the seal (20) to form a fluid-tight joint between the pipe element and the mechanical outlet (10). In the absence of components such as a second pipe element, valve, sprinkler, etc. (not shown), it may be attached to the outer portion (22) of the duct (16). Attachment may be performed, for example, using a mechanical coupling that engages with the groove (24), or the outer portion (22) may be threaded (internal or external threaded) as needed to accommodate a specific component of interest. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 3d, it is advantageous to include a relief area (25) on the strap (26) so as to be positioned close to the first end (28) of the strap (26) and facing the central space (14). The relief area (25) comprises a portion of the strap (26) in which the surface curvature of the strap is changed to provide a gap during the assembly of the mechanical outlet (10) and to more easily accommodate the pipe element (15). The relief area (25) is beneficial for assembly in both the first and second factory pre-assembled states, for example, formed during the strap (26) casting process, or the strap may be machined to include the relief area (25).

[0036] The mechanical outlets according to the present invention are expected to provide a number of advantages, including a more efficient connection assembly, as no loose parts need to be handled and only a single bolt is 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 fasteners. The pad-to-pad engagement also prevents failure modes, such as shear-off of the lugs from the strap or saddle caused by over-torqued fasteners.

[0037] All embodiments of the invention described and claimed herein are provided expressly merely as examples. Numerous variations and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to include any and all modifications and combinations of all elements, features, and modes described in the specification and claims, and is illustrated in the drawings. Any and all such modifications and combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claim 1 A mechanical outlet for forming a tee joint in a pipe element, wherein the mechanical outlet comprises: a saddle partially surrounding a central space for receiving the pipe element; a duct having an inner portion extending through the saddle and extending into the central space and capable of engaging with an opening of the pipe element; a strap partially surrounding the central space; a first end of the strap attached to a first end of the saddle via an adjustable fastener; a hook assembly for attaching a second end of the strap to a second end of the saddle; an action surface located on the saddle in proximity to the first end of the saddle; and a reaction surface located on the strap in a relationship opposite to the action surface and in proximity to the first end of the strap. A mechanical outlet comprising, wherein the strap is pivotable between a first position and a second position at the first end, and at the first position the hook assembly is not fastened, and at the second position the hook assembly is fastened, so that the second end of the strap is attached to the second end of the saddle, and each fastening portion having an action surface and a reaction surface oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener, wherein when the adjustable fastener is adjusted so that the saddle and the first ends of the strap are pulled toward each other, the strap is pulled toward the first end of the saddle and accordingly each fastening portion is engaged oppositely. Claim 2 A mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein the duct further comprises an outer portion protruding from the saddle. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein the working surface comprises an inner working surface located between the central space and the adjustable fastener; and an outer working surface, wherein the adjustable fastener is located between the inner working surface and the outer working surface; and the reaction surface comprises an inner reaction surface located between the central space and the adjustable fastener; and an outer reaction surface, wherein the adjustable fastener is located between the inner reaction surface and the outer reaction surface. Claim 5 In claim 1, the hook assembly comprises: a yoke located at the second end of one of the saddle or the strap; and an enlarged head located at the second end of the other of the saddle or the strap, wherein the enlarged head comprises the enlarged head engaging with the yoke to attach the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle. Claim 6 In claim 5, the mechanical outlet, wherein the yoke is located at the second end of the saddle and the enlarged head is located at the second end of the strap. Claim 7 A mechanical outlet according to claim 1, comprising: a saddle lug located at the first end of the saddle and partitioning an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener; and a strap lug located at the first end of the strap and partitioning an opening for receiving the adjustable fastener. Claim 8 In claim 7, at least one of the saddle lug or the strap lug forms a gap space adjacent to the adjustable fastener, a mechanical outlet. Claim 9 In claim 1, the adjustable fastener is a mechanical outlet comprising a bolt and a nut. Claim 10 In claim 2, the outer portion of the duct comprises a circumferential groove extending around it, a mechanical outlet. Claim 11 A mechanical outlet according to claim 1, further comprising a seal surrounding the inner portion of the duct. Claim 12 In claim 2, the outer portion of the duct is a mechanical outlet having threads formed therein. Claim 13 A mechanical outlet according to claim 1, further comprising a relief area positioned near the first end of the strap and facing the central space. Claim 14 A mechanical outlet according to claim 13, wherein the relief area comprises a portion of the strap, and the curvature of the surface of the strap at the portion of the strap is modified to provide a gap to better accommodate the pipe element. Claim 15 In claim 1, the mechanical outlet is a mechanical outlet in a first factory preassembled state in which the hook assembly is not fastened. Claim 16 In claim 1, the mechanical outlet is a mechanical outlet in a second factory pre-assembled state to which the hook assembly is fastened. Claim 17 A mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein the orientation angle between the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener and the fastening part is 30° to 60°. Claim 18 A mechanical outlet according to claim 1, wherein the orientation angle between the longitudinal axis of the adjustable fastener and the fastening part is 55°. Claim 19 In claim 4, the inner working surface constitutes the fastening portion of the working surface; and the inner reaction surface constitutes the fastening portion of the reaction surface, a mechanical outlet. Claim 20 A mechanical outlet according to claim 4, wherein the outer working surface constitutes the fastening portion of the working surface; and the outer reaction surface constitutes the fastening portion of the reaction surface. Claim 21 A method for forming a T-joint in a pipe element using a mechanical outlet, wherein the mechanical outlet comprises: a saddle partially surrounding a central space for receiving the pipe element; a duct having an inner portion extending through the saddle and extending into the central space and engaging with an opening of the pipe element; a strap partially surrounding the central space; a first end of the strap attached to a first end of the saddle via an adjustable fastener; and a hook assembly for attaching a second end of the strap to a second end of the saddle; wherein the strap is pivotable between a first position and a second position at the first end, and at the first position the hook assembly is not fastened, and at the second position the hook assembly is fastened, so that the second end of the strap is attached to the second end of the saddle; and the method comprises: positioning the pipe element within the central space; A method comprising: a step of joining the opening within the pipe element with the inner part of the duct; a step of pivoting the strap around its first end to move the second end of the strap toward the second end of the saddle; a step of attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle by fastening the hook assembly after pivoting the strap around its first end; and a step of adjusting the adjustable fastener so that the saddle and the first ends of the strap are pulled toward each other and the strap is pulled toward the first end of the saddle. Claim 22 A method for forming a T-joint in a pipe element using a factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet according to claim 15, the method comprising: positioning the pipe element within the central space; joining the opening within the pipe element with the inner part of the duct; pivoting the strap around its first end to move the second end of the strap toward the second end of the saddle; attaching the second end of the strap to the second end of the saddle; and adjusting the adjustable fastener so that the saddle and the first ends of the strap are pulled toward each other and the strap is pulled toward the first end of the saddle. Claim 23 A method for forming a T-joint in a pipe element using a factory-pre-assembled mechanical outlet according to claim 16, the method comprising: positioning the pipe element within the central space; joining the opening within the pipe element with the inner portion of the duct; and adjusting the adjustable fastener so that the first ends of the saddle and the strap are pulled toward each other, thereby pulling the strap toward the first end of the saddle so that the respective fasteners are joined oppositely. Claim 24 A method for forming a T-joint in a pipe element using a mechanical outlet according to claim 1, the method comprising: positioning the pipe element within the central space; joining the opening within the pipe element with the inner part of the duct; and adjusting the adjustable fastener so that the first ends of the saddle and the strap are pulled toward each other, thereby pulling the strap toward the first end of the saddle so that the respective fasteners are joined oppositely. Claim 25 delete Claim 26 delete Claim 27 delete Claim 28 delete Claim 29 delete

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