Plastic pipe fitting

Abstract

A plastic pipe fitting includes a mounting section to be secured to a main pipe and a stem and a collar for receiving an end of a branch pipe. Flexible arms extend partially around the main pipe diverging from the outside surface of that pipe. The fitting is bonded to the main pipe by plastic plumbing solvent. Projections at the ends of the fitting's arms facilitate clamping tightly against the main pipe and receive connectors of a special clamping tool. The pipe includes a first connector, and an elastic member connected to the first connector and extending to a lever. The lever ends in a second connector and has a handle for pivoting the lever. Pivoting the lever with the two connectors in place flexes the arms inward and forces all contacting surfaces of the fitting and pipe into extremely high pressure contact for bonding. Once fitting and main pipe are bonded, the clamping tool is removed, a hole saw directed through the stem opens a hole into the main pipe. Perforations through the fitting's mounting section permit air escape and allow solvent and dissolved plastic to ooze through the holes. It includes a groove and compressible ring in the groove, but projecting slightly. Clearance between the groove and ring retains solvent when applied to the fitting surface. When the fitting is clamped against the pipe, the ring bulges, fills the clearance, and emits the retained solvent.