Abstract: Extruded polymeric articles useful for supporting, acoustically isolating and vibrationally dampening a pipe segment in relation to a structural support member, the articles having coextruded unfoamed and foamed polymeric layers and being attachable to the structural support member using nails, screws, formed wire hangers or other similarly effective fasteners. A method for making the subject articles and a system comprising a perforated, coextruded acoustic pipe support strap in combination with a shaped wire hanger for use in suspending a pipe segment from the web portion of a laminated joist having an I-beam cross section are also disclosed.

Abstract: A snap-action piloted fill valve for controlling the level in a liquid storage tank, the valve having a float and a weight cup that are adjustably interconnected by an elongated sleeve slidably disposed on a stem extending upwardly from a valve body mounted inside a tank, the weight cup being further connected to a snap-action beam attached to the valve body. The snap-action beam controls operation of a pilot, which in turn causes the fill valve to open when the beam is in its upward position and to close when the beam is in its downward postion. Use as a toilet valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. The retaining body is provided with an annular flange larger than the aperture, a plurality of lugs circumferentially spaced around the tubular bore and extending forwardly of the flange, opposite the male threaded end, and a selectively removable test plug molded in place across the tubular bore at the flange end.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. A chamfered washer is provided to cooperate with the retaining body and an annular sealing gasket to produce a fluid-tight seal on the interior surface of the tub wall. A forwardly projecting fulcrum member on the pipe fitting preferably contacts the exterior tub wall outwardly of the aperture to facilitate connection of a drain pipe to tub walls over a range of included angles, and no seal is required around the overflow drain aperture on the exterior tub wall. A unitarily molded, knock-out test plug is provided across the bore of the retaining body and a handle desirably attached to the test plug projects into the tub to facilitate installation.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly is provided that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. A chamfered washer is provided to cooperate with the retaining body and an annular sealing gasket to produce a fluid-tight seal on the interior surface of the tub wall and provide frictional engagement with a cover member spanning the drain aperture.

Abstract: A plastic end plug for use with plastic pipe, the end plug having a knock-off disc with dimensions that prevent the entire disc, when separated from the remainder of the plug, from entering the pipe bore. The knock-off disc of the plastic end plug is removable by a force applied to the disc in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the pipe bore, and desirably includes an optical indicator observable by the user to determine whether or not the underside of the knock-off disc is wetted by a fluid contained in the pipe segment.

Abstract: Improved outlet boxes are provided for installation in a wall to connect water supply lines and drain lines to the corresponding lines from an appliance. Molded plastic outlet boxes having dual drains; left-to-right reversibility; adaptability to multiple drain and inlet line configurations, including top, bottom and side inlets; inclined bottom walls with gutters and removable webs facilitating drainage; and rear walls with recesses accommodating flushable water supply line connections are disclosed. Dual drain connectors adapted to combine the flows from dual drain outlets into a single drain pipe and knock-outs with downwardly extending, elongated tabs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plumbing connector system having a recessed, in-wall water service box, at least one valve connected to the water service box, and connector fittings particularly adapted for use in connecting in-wall potable water supply lines made of Cross linked polyethylene (PEX) to appliances and fixtures such as washing machines, ice makers, sinks, and the like. A valve inlet extension having a barbed end is disclosed for use in releasably securing the valve to the water service box and for connecting the valve to the Cross linked polyethylene water supply line.

Abstract: A connector system that is useful for attaching a flexible hose assembly to PEX pipe produced by either the Engle or Silane process. One embodiment relates to a connector system using a nipple in combination with either an expandable PEX ring or a compression ring and threaded nut. The nipple has on one end a hose barb that is attachable to a flexible hose segment and on the other end a male connector attachable to a PEX supply pipe. Another embodiment relates to a flexible hose assembly comprising a flexible hose segment and at least one connector system comprising a nipple attached to one end of the hose segment in combination with either an expandable PEX ring or a compression ring and nut for securing the end of the nipple opposite the hose segment to a PEX pipe.

Abstract: A bathtub drain closure having a strainer element with an internally threaded recess that engages male threads on the lower end of an upwardly extending post. The post has at least one transverse passageway containing a polymeric pin having ends that project slightly beyond the ends of the passageway. A stopper having a centrally disposed, internal bore slides up and down the post between open and closed positions. The central bore of the stopper has a stepped profile having upper and lower portions with an internal diameter slightly greater than the length of the polymeric pin and a middle portion with an internal diameter slightly less than the length of the polymeric pin, thereby causing the pin to be compressed into frictional engagement with the central bore as the stopper slides up and down between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A flexible hose comprising a composite polymeric core with a degradation-resistant liner and a thermoplastic elastomeric liner coating, the core preferably being surrounded by a protective sheath. The degradation-resistant liner is optionally a polyolefin or fluorine-containing polyolefin and can have a convoluted inside surface. The composite core can optionally include a vapor barrier and leak indicator, and a tracer can be provided to indicate twisting of the sheath.

Abstract: A valve connector system for attaching a metal or plastic valve to a plastic pipe, the system including a valve with an externally threaded inlet port, a tubular adapter having an annular flange and a sealing member, a threaded lock nut for attaching the adapter to the valve, and a tubular plastic coupling for use in cementing the free end of the tubular adapter to the free end of the plastic pipe. The annular flange of the tubular adapter preferably abuts against the open end of the valve inlet port and the annular sealing member provides a water-tight seal between the tubular adapter and the inside diameter of the valve inlet port. The threaded lock nut has female threads to engage the externally threaded valve inlet port and an annular flange that abuts against the back side of the annular flange on the tubular adapter to hold the sealing member of the tubular adapter in sealing engagement with the inside diameter of the valve inlet port.