US Patent:
20090134619, May 28, 2009
Inventors:
Jon Houghton - Rochester Hills MI, US
International Classification:
F16L 55/00
Abstract:
A pipe fitting or pipe having a body and at least one radially outward projecting projection disposed on a exterior surface of the pipe fitting. The projection may have a leverage point configured such that force applied to the leverage point is translated into a force on the pipe fitting. A method of installing the pipe fitting is also disclosed, including a preparation step, a first coupling step, and, optionally, a second coupling step. In the first coupling step, a force may be applied to one of the projections on the pipe fitting to manipulate the pipe fitting to operably couple it with a pipe. In the optional second coupling step, a force may be applied to one of the projections on the pipe fitting to brace the pipe fitting to operably couple it with a pipe. An installation tool may be used to apply a force to the projection.