Importance

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Abstract

An installation tool for replacing inoperable residential city water service curb valves. The tool has a body (20), preferably formed of steel plate in channel shape with a first leg (22) and a second leg (24). A clearance notch (26) is located in the first leg and a ball and socket elbow mounting bracket (30) is attached on the inner surface surrounding the notch, and an alignment hole (28) is provided in the second leg. The bracket is formed in two half's having a upper clasp (32) and a lower clasp (34) with a hinge (44) pivotally holding them together. A draw pull latch (50) attaches the two half's concurrently, with the upper half permanently affixed to the body, thus completing the tools structure. In use an inoperable valve is removed and the replacement curb valve (54) is positioned between the legs of the body with a pipe nipple (56) disposed loosely through the clearance hole. The tool and valve are attached to an existing ball and socket elbow (42) around its hexagonal flats with the bracket locked in place with the latch. The replacement valve may then be easily screwed into the elbow, under water pressure, as it is held in place and aligned with the nipple which is rotatably retained in the alignment hole.

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First Claim