Snap fitting for plumbing

Abstract

A snap fitting for use in plumbing is provided. The snap fitting includes a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe and an inset for extending from an interior side of the main body into a hole in the cylindrical pipe.

1 . A snap fitting for use in plumbing, the snap fitting comprising:
 a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe;   an inset for extending from an interior side of the main body into a hole in the cylindrical pipe.   
     
     
         2 . The snap fitting of  claim 1  wherein the main body extends more than 50 percent around a circumference of the cylindrical pipe. 
     
     
         3 . A snap fitting for use in plumbing, the snap fitting comprising:
 a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe;   a connector integral with the main body for an additional line extending from the main body;   the snap fitting is sized and shaped to fit over a hole in the cylindrical pipe while maintaining smooth interior walls of the cylindrical pipe.   
     
     
         4 . The snap fitting of  claim 3  wherein the main body extends more than 50 percent around a circumference of the cylindrical pipe. 
     
     
         5 . The snap fitting of  claim 3  wherein the connector provides a T-connection. 
     
     
         6 . The snap fitting of  claim 3  wherein the connector provides a wye connection. 
     
     
         7 . The snap fitting of  claim 3  further comprising a plurality of members extending downwardly. 
     
     
         8 . The snap fitting of  claim 7  comprising at least one nub on an edge of each of the members. 
     
     
         9 . A method of repairing a pipe, the method comprising:
 providing a snap fitting having a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe, the snap fitting having an inset for extending around an interior side of the main body;   drilling a hole in the pipe at a place in need of repair;   snapping the snap fitting into place over the hole in the pipe such that the inset is inserted into the hole.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising bonding the snap fitting in place. 
     
     
         11 . A method of repairing a pipe, the method comprising:
 providing a snap fitting having a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe and a connector for an additional line extending from the main body;   creating a hole in the pipe at a place in which the additional line is needed;   snapping the snap fitting into place over the hole in the pipe, such that an interior surface of the cylindrical pipe remains smooth and fluid flow within the pipe is not disrupted.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising solvent welding the snap fitting in place. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the creating the hole is performed by melting. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the creating the hole is performed by cutting. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the creating the hole is performed by drilling.