Pipes and Fittings

Alignment system and method for use by pipefitters. A portable hand tool having the appearances of a flashlight and the capability of projecting a collimated, coherent or otherwise directed, highly focused and narrow light beam is provided a coupling device on the end opposite the light emanation end, swivel capability about its elongate axis and bubble-type level devices. A targeting subsystem, for use with the light emanating tool, completes the alignment system.

A portion of the targeting subsystem uses a vertically adjustable stand having a bracket useful both for alignment of piping and/or pipe supports, as well as for securing target placards. The target placards are indexed referencing elements that are capturable by the stand bracket or otherwise suspendable pipe straps and brackets (supports). The system lends itself to highly diverse forms of application, in a host of piping and plumbing system installations, and is readily manipulable by a single person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The instant invention provides a method for installing piping such as sewage and drainage piping, above- and below-ground sprinkler systems, suspended electrical conduit systems, shipyard and plumbing systems of all types and underground sewage line distribution networks such as found in septic systems.
The predominate feature of the system, the alignment tool, is an axially adjustable, level-containing elongate tool that projects a collimated beam of light, generally a coherent form such as a laser beam, toward a downrange target.
By means of a coupling device, the tool is attached to a preset, but not fixed, piece of pipe or conduit that is to be extended as a piping network.
Adapters are used as required to mate the coupling device end of the tool to the starter piece of conduit or pipe.
Then, by suitable fixing means, (tightening, cementing, or friction) the starter pipe portion is securely fixed and the tool remains in its predetermined position, in preparation for casting the downrange collimated or coherent beam of light.
Targets are established downrange of the laser beam by one of two preferred methods: (1) a removable, indexed placard, effective for illumination by the light beam is inserted into a bracket holder having a cup or “U” shape and which is attached to the topmost extension of a vertically adjustable stand; and (2) a circular indexed placard that is adapted by use of adhesive tape tab, for capture or embracement by the pipe strap hoops/brackets and the inner surfaces of pipes/conduits.
The circular indexed placard could also be made of a magnetic material so as to magnetically attach to metal strap hangars.
The circular indexed placard could also be attached using a combination of an adhesive tape tab and the magnetic material to attached to the metal strap hangars.
The circular targets have the added feature of construction in several diameters such that they may be either inserted in the hoops/pipes, with the adhesive tabs and/or magnetic material securing them within, or merely placed at the rims of a hoop/pipe with the tabs and/or magnetic material providing the same securement means.