Ulllted States Patent [19]
`Kiest, Jr.
`
`US006039079A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date 0f Patent:
`
`6,039,079
`Mar. 21, 2000
`
`[54] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`REPAIRING THE JUNCTION OFA SEWER
`MAIN LINE AND LATERAL PIPE
`
`Primary Examiner—Patrick Brinson
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Zarley, McKee, Thornte,
`Voorhees & Sease
`
`[75] Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Ottawa, Ill.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`[73] Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc., Ottawa, Ill.
`
`[21] Appl.No.: 09/118,048
`[22]
`Filed:
`Jul‘ 17’ 1998
`
`Int. (:1-7 .................................................... ..
`[52] U-S- Cl- ---------------------------- ~- 138/98; 138/ 97; 264/269;
`264/516; 156/287
`[58] Field Of Search ...................... .. 138/98, 97; 264/269,
`264/267’ 516; 156/94’ 287’ 294’ 574; 405/1501
`References Cited
`
`[56]
`
`U-S- PATENT DOCUMENTS
`9/1991 Driver et al. ........................... .. 138/98
`9/1991 Barton
`__ 138/97 X
`
`5,044,405
`5,049,003
`
`An apparatus and method for repairing the junction of a
`sewer main line and a lateral pipe includes a generally
`T-shaped ?exible translucent urethane in?atable bladder
`having a rnain line portion and a lateral portion. The lateral
`portion is inverted through the main line portion and extends
`out One end thereof' A liner assembly of resin absorbent
`material is formed, with a tubular lateral liner connected to
`a ?at sheet rnain liner, at a central opening in the ?at sheet
`linen Each liner is Coated With a polymer Coating, for an
`airtight seal, and a polymer tape is welded to the polymer
`coating on the lateral liner and the junction ‘of the lateral
`liner and ?at sheet, to form a1rt1ght seals. The liner assernbly
`is then installed in the bladder assembly, by threading the
`lateral liner into the lateral bladder until the ?at Sheet
`contacts the main line bladder. The lateral liner is then
`
`5,329,063
`
`7/1994 Endoh . . . . . .
`
`- - - - -- 138/98
`5,167,258 12/1992 Rice - - - - - -
`"" " 138/98
`5’199’463
`4/1993 Lippiatt '
`264/516
`5,393,481
`2/1995 Wood ................. ..
`5,439,033
`8/1995 Kamiyama et al. .................... .. 138/98
`5,454,401 10/1995 Kamiyama et al. .................... .. 138/98
`5,566,719 10/1996 Kamiyama et a1~
`-~ 138/98
`575987873
`2/1997 Kamiyama et a1‘ '
`138/98
`
`. . . . .. 138/98
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`impregnated with uncured resin and the liner/bladder assern
`bly is installed on launcher. The ?at sheet liner is also
`lmpregnflted Wlth uncllrefi resm’ aPd the launcher 15 the“
`Inserted In a Sewer mam hue and allgned Wlth a lateral P1Pe
`to be repaired. The lateral bladder is in?ated to revert the
`bladder upwardly into the lateral pipe forcing the liner
`assembly into contact with the lateral pipe, the main line
`
`.
`
`5,624,629
`4/1997 Wood ................. ..
`576927543 12/1997 Wood
`579277341
`7/1999 Taylor
`
`264/516
`~~~~ “ 138/98
`____ __ 138/98
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`sewer p1pe, and the ]unct1on thereof. Once the res1n 1s cured,
`the bladder assembly and launcher are removed from the
`sewer pipe.
`
`O 518 521 A3 12/1992 European Pat. Off. .
`
`13 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`1
`
`LMK Technologies, LLC Ex. 2007
`BLD Services, LLC v. LMK Technologies, Inc.
`IPR2014-00770
`
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`U.S. Patent
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`1
`APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`REPAIRING THE JUNCTION OF A SEWER
`MAIN LINE AND LATERAL PIPE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates generally to seWer pipe line
`repair, and more particularly to an improved method and
`apparatus for installing a resin impregnated liner at the
`juncture of a seWer main line and lateral pipe, and extending
`doWn the lateral pipe.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`One method of repairing damaged seWer pipe is to
`excavate the area surrounding the seWer pipe and replace the
`broken portion. This is a very expensive and labor intensive
`solution, and is also an inconvenience to residents living in
`the area and utiliZing roadWays overlying the area.
`Another solution is to reline the seWer pipes on site. Such
`methods typically utiliZe a resin coated liner Which is
`inserted into the existing seWer pipe line and ?tted against
`the interior of the seWer pipe. The liner is held against the
`interior of the pipe While the resin cures to form a neW pipe
`lining Within the existing pipe.
`One example of such a method is shoWn in US. Pat. No.
`4,366,012. In this patent, a process utiliZing an elongated
`bladder tube having an inner tubular liner comprised of felt
`is shoWn. Uncured resin is introduced into the bladder tube
`and is used to impregnate the felt inner liner. The bladder
`tube and the tubular liner are then inserted into the end of the
`seWer pipe to be repaired, and moved to the area of the seWer
`pipe needing repair. Upon reaching the area of the seWer
`pipe needing repair, the impregnated felt liner is inverted out
`of the bladder tube so that it is on the outside surface of the
`bladder tube and is pressed against the interior surface of the
`seWer pipe. When the resin cures, a neW pipe liner is
`provided at the area to be repaired.
`In many cases connection of lateral pipes to main seWer
`lines for residential or other customers Was frequently
`accomplished by forming a hole in the main line With a
`sledge or the like. The lateral pipe Was then simply abutted
`against the hole, and then the excavation back ?lled to cover
`the juncture. Often, this juncture of the lateral With the main
`line Would leak, and Would not provide a tight sealed
`connection.
`With the groWing concern regarding the environmental
`impact of seWage leakage, such junctures are primary con
`cern for repair, and can be repaired simultaneously With the
`lining of the lateral pipe by the method of the present
`invention.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore a general object of the present invention to
`provide an improved method and apparatus for repairing the
`juncture of a main seWer line With a lateral pipe.
`Another object is to provide a method and apparatus for
`repairing the juncture of a lateral With a main line Which may
`be accomplished solely from the seWer main line.
`Another object is to provide an improved seal at the
`juncture of the lateral pipe to the main seWer line.
`Another object is to use a single piece T-shaped or
`Y-shaped liner at the junction betWeen the main seWer line
`and the lateral pipe Which provides a full circle seal around
`the interior of the main seWer line and around the interior of
`the lateral pipe.
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`These and other objects of the present invention Will be
`apparent to those skilled in the art.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The foregoing objects may be achieved by an apparatus
`for repairing the junction of a seWer main line and a lateral
`pipe made according to the present invention. The apparatus
`comprises a bladder assembly having an elongated main
`bladder tube and an elongated lateral bladder tube. The main
`bladder tube includes ?rst and second opposite ends and a
`main bladder tube opening positioned therebetWeen. The
`lateral bladder tube has a ?rst end connected to the main
`bladder tube opening and has a second end.
`The apparatus also includes a liner assembly formed of
`resin absorbent material and having a main liner tube and a
`lateral liner tube. The main liner tube includes a ?rst end, a
`second end and a main liner tube opening intermediate the
`?rst and second ends. The lateral liner tube has a ?rst lateral
`line tube end in communication With the main liner tube
`opening and is connected to the main liner tube and sealed
`around the main liner tube opening.
`The lateral bladder tube and the lateral liner tube are
`positioned at least partially Within the main bladder tube,
`With the main liner tube being outside of, and surrounding
`the main bladder tube and being connected to the lateral liner
`tube through the main bladder tube opening.
`The lateral liner tube is invertible through the main
`bladder tube opening to an inverted position outside of the
`main bladder tube Whereby the main liner tube is on the
`exterior of the main bladder tube and the lateral liner tube is
`on the exterior of the lateral bladder tube.
`The present invention also contemplates a method for
`forming a lateral/bladder assembly comprising forming a
`bladder assembly having a main bladder tube and a lateral
`bladder tube. The main bladder tube includes ?rst and
`second opposite ends and an intermediate opening therebe
`tWeen. The lateral bladder tube has a ?rst end connected to
`the intermediate opening of the main bladder tube and has a
`second end.
`The method includes the step of inserting the lateral
`bladder tube inside the main bladder tube through the
`intermediate opening. Next, a liner assembly is formed of
`resin absorbent material and includes a lateral liner tube
`having a ?rst and second end and a liner sheet having a sheet
`opening there in surrounding and attaching the ?rst end of
`the lateral liner tube. The second end of the lateral liner tube
`is inserted into the intermediate opening of the bladder tube
`and is positioned at least partially inside the main bladder
`tube With the ?rst end of the lateral liner tube being adjacent
`the intermediate opening of the main bladder tube, and With
`the liner sheet outside of the main bladder tube. The liner
`sheet is then formed into a main liner tube Wrapped around
`and surrounding the main bladder tube adjacent the inter
`mediate opening of the main bladder tube.
`An important feature of the present invention is the
`T-shaped or Y-shaped liner assembly. This liner assembly is
`constructed from a resin absorbent material and comprises a
`main liner tube and a lateral liner tube formed into a
`T-shaped or Y-shaped con?guration. The single piece liner
`assembly is impregnated With an uncured resinous material
`capable of curing and hardening. The liner assembly is then
`positioned Within the seWer main line pipe in a position
`Wherein the lateral liner tube extends Within the lateral seWer
`pipe and the main liner tube is Within the main line seWer
`pipe. The main liner tube and the lateral liner tube are then
`pressed radially outWardly against the interior surfaces of
`
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`3
`the main line sewer pipe and the lateral line seWer pipe
`respectively. The resin is permitted to cure and harden to
`form the liner assembly into a single piece Whereby the main
`liner tube provides a full circle seal around the interior of the
`main seWer pipe on both sides of the damaged junction and
`the lateral liner tube provides a full circle seal around the
`interior of the lateral seWer pipe adjacent the damaged
`junction.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective vieW shoWing the
`assembly of the bladder tube of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a sectional vieW through the completed bladder
`tube shoWn in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective vieW of a liner assembly being
`constructed for the liner/bladder assembly of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 4 is a sectional vieW similar to FIG. 2, but With the
`liner assembly installed in the bladder assembly, to form the
`liner/bladder assembly;
`FIG. 5 is a pictorial vieW shoWing the introduction of
`uncured resin into the liner/bladder assembly;
`FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective vieW shoWing using a
`roller to facilitate impregnating the liner With the resin;
`FIG. 7 is a pictorial vieW of the liner/bladder assembly
`being installed on a launcher;
`FIG. 8 is a vieW similar to FIG. 7, shoWing a further step
`in connecting the liner/bladder assembly to the launcher;
`FIG. 9 is a pictorial vieW of the launcher With the
`liner/bladder assembly connected thereto, supported on a
`Work platform;
`FIG. 10 is a vieW similar to FIG. 9, shoWing a subsequent
`step in attaching the liner/bladder assembly to the launcher;
`FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective vieW of the launcher
`With the liner/bladder assembly attached thereto and ready
`for installation in a seWer line;
`FIG. 12 is a sectional vieW through the liner/bladder
`assembly Within a seWer line, shoWing the assembly position
`Within a main line ready for expansion into a lateral pipe;
`FIG. 13 is a sectional vieW similar to FIG. 12, but With the
`liner/bladder assembly expanded to install the liner.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`Referring noW to the draWings, in Which similar or
`corresponding parts are identi?ed With the same reference
`numeral, and more particularly to FIG. 1, the T-shaped
`bladder assembly is designated generally at 12 and forms a
`part of the liner/bladder assembly 10 shoWn in FIG. 4. While
`the bladder assembly 12 is shoWn to be T-shaped it may also
`be Y-shaped or otherWise shaped to accommodate the angle
`at Which the main seWer pipe and lateral seWer pipe are
`disposed relative to one another. Bladder assembly 12
`includes a ?at sheet 14 of translucent urethane scrim mate
`rial Which is connected to a lateral bladder tube 16 also
`formed of translucent urethane scrim material. Lateral blad
`der tube 16 is an elongated member having ?rst and second
`ends 16A and 16B respectively, With the ?rst end 16A
`attached around an opening 18 located generally centrally in
`?at sheet 14. Preferably, lateral tube 16 is attached to sheet
`14 by Welding or the like to form an airtight seal at the
`juncture.
`Flat sheet 14 is then formed into a tube and tWo longi
`tudinal side edges 14A and 14B are Welded together to form
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`a main line bladder tube 20 (shoWn in broken lines in FIG.
`1). Thus, main line bladder tube 20 and lateral bladder tube
`16 form a T-shaped or Y-shaped bladder assembly 12 Which
`is a single integral piece that is translucent.
`Referring to FIG. 2, the second end 16B of lateral bladder
`tube 16 is inverted and draWn through the main line bladder
`tube 20 and out a ?rst end 20A of the main line bladder tube
`20, such that the ?rst end 16A of the lateral bladder 16 is
`inverted to form an opening 22 in the side Wall of main line
`bladder tube 20.
`Referring noW to FIG. 3, the liner assembly utiliZed in the
`liner/bladder assembly 10 shoWn in FIG. 4 is designated
`generally at 24. Liner assembly 24 includes a tubular lateral
`liner 26 connected to a ?at sheet liner 28. Both liners 26 and
`28 are formed of felt or other resin absorbent material.
`Lateral liner 26 is formed by connected side edges of a sheet
`of liner material With a polymer coating on one side, such
`that the polymer coating 30 is on the exterior of the tube
`being formed. The edges of the sheet are seWn together at a
`seam 32, and a strip of polymer tape 34 is Welded over the
`seam to form an airtight seal.
`Flat sheet liner 28 has a central opening formed therein,
`and has a polymer coating 36 on the top surface thereof. The
`lateral liner tube 26 is seWn to the ?at sheet liner 28 around
`the opening, and a strip of polymer tape 38 is then Welded
`continuously around the juncture to form an airtight seal.
`Once liner assembly 24 has been completed, the second
`end 26B of the lateral liner 26 is inserted into the opening 22
`in the side of main line bladder 20 and draWn into the lateral
`bladder 16 until the liner ?at sheet 28 contacts the main line
`bladder 20. This step may be accomplished by attaching a
`rope (not shoWn) to end 26B of the lateral liner 26, and
`threading the rope through lateral bladder tube 16. Pulling
`the rope then causes the lateral liner 26 to move to the
`position shoWn in FIG. 4.
`The second end 16B of the lateral bladder is closed off by
`inserting plug 15 Which is held in place by a clamp 17.
`Extending through plug 15 are a PVC air pipe 21 and Wick
`40, as shoWn in FIGS. 4 and 5. Vacuum opening 19 is
`provided in the end 16B of bladder tube 16.
`A quantity of curable resin 42 in liquid form is then
`introduced into the opening 44 of ?at sheet liner 28 so as to
`continue into the lateral liner 26 Within lateral bladder 16
`(shoWn in FIG. 5). A vacuum source (not shoWn) is con
`nected over the vacuum opening 19 to collapse the Walls of
`the lateral bladder 16 and lateral liner 26 as shoWn in FIG.
`6. The Wick 40 Will provide a path for evacuating gas from
`the lateral bladder 16 until the curable resin moves to the
`doWn stream end 16B of lateral liner 16 and completely
`impregnates the liner. Because the bladder assembly 12 is
`formed of a translucent material, it is possible to visually
`verify that the lateral liner 26 is completely impregnated
`With resin While inside the lateral bladder 16. A roller 46 is
`preferably utiliZed to move the slug of resin and assist in
`impregnating the liner 26 With the resin material.
`Referring noW to FIGS. 7 and 8, the liner/bladder assem
`bly 10 is loaded into a launcher 48 for installation into a
`seWer pipe. Launcher 48 includes a holloW cylindrical tube
`50 having forWard and rearWard ends 50A and 50B respec
`tively. An aperture 52 is formed generally through the side
`Wall of the launcher tube 50. The left hand edge of aperture
`52 is provided With an upWardly extending ?ange 70 Which
`facilitates the sliding of lateral bladder tube 16 into the
`launcher tube 50. The right side of the aperture 52 is
`provided With a doWnWardly curved Wall 72 (FIG. 12).
`Launcher 50 includes a clevis 80 mounted adjacent its
`rear end. Surrounding the rear end 50B of launcher 50 is a
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`ring bearing 82, and mounted to ring bearing 82 are a pair
`of Wheels 84 located at the 5 o’clock and 7 o’clock positions
`When viewed from an end vieW (not shoWn). The ring
`bearing 82 permits the Wheels 84 to remain stationary While
`the entire body of the launcher 50 can be rotated about its
`longitudinal aXis. Protruding outWardly from the surface of
`launcher tube 50 adjacent the rear end 50B are a pair of
`clamping ribs 86. Similarly a clamping rib 86 is provided
`adjacent the forWard end 50A. A circular ring bearing 88 is
`also provided adjacent the forWard end 50a and includes a
`pair of Wheels 90 mounted thereon.
`Liner/bladder assembly 10 is installed on the launcher 48
`by inserting the second end 16B of lateral bladder 16
`through aperture 52 and through launcher tube 50 and out
`the forWard end 50A of the launcher tube 50. As the main
`line bladder tube 20 approaches the launcher 48, the rear
`Ward end 50B of the launcher tube 50 is inserted into the ?rst
`end 20A of the main line bladder tube 20, as shoWn in FIG.
`8. The ?at sheet liner 28 is moved over the launcher side
`Wall aperture 52, With the main line bladder 20 eXtending on
`opposite sides of aperture 58.
`As shoWn in FIGS. 9—11, the ends 20A, 20B of the main
`line bladder tube 20 are attached to the forWard and rearWard
`ends 50A and 50B of launcher tube 50 by bands 54, and the
`launcher tube is connected to a support frame 56 Which
`holds the launcher 48 in the air. A collapsible hose 68 is
`clamped to the forWard end 50a of launcher tube 50 by
`means of a clamp 92.
`A tWo piece platform 58 is pivoted up into position to
`support the ?at sheet liner 28 above the launcher 48. As
`shoWn in FIG. 10, the tWo piece platform 58 includes tWo
`halves 58A and 58B With semicircular holes 60A and 60B
`Which Will form an aperture through Which the lateral lining
`Will eXtend When the platform is moved to the support
`position shoWn in FIG. 9.
`Uncured resin 42 is then poured onto the ?at sheet liner
`28 and Worked into the liner material. The tWo piece
`platform 58 is then separated and loWered, as shoWn in FIG.
`10, and the ?at sheet liner 28 is Wrapped around the main
`line bladder 20, With one side edge 28A overlapping the
`other side edge 28B, as shoWn in FIG. 11. Side edges 28A
`and 28B are temporarily held tightly together With straps 60
`of hook and loop fastener, tape, rubber bands, or other
`similar fasteners.
`Apositioning robot 62 is then attached to the rearWard end
`50b of launcher tube 50, as shoWn in FIG. 12 and is used to
`introduce the launcher 48 and liner/bladder assembly 10 into
`the seWer main line 64. Wheels 84, 90 facilitate movement
`of assembly 10 Within the main seWer line 64. The lateral
`liner opening 44 is aligned With the lateral pipe 66 to be
`repaired. Bearings 82, 88 permit the robot 62 to rotate
`assembly 10 a full 360° so as to obtain alignment. Robot 62
`also is capable of extending or retracting to move assembly
`10 up to siX inches for ?nal eXact alignment.
`Once positioned, air pressure is applied Within the
`launcher tube 50 via a “lay ?at” tube 68 connected to the
`forWard end 50a of launcher tube 50, to in?ate the lateral
`bladder 16 and invert the lateral bladder upWardly into
`lateral pipe 66. The air pressure also presses the main liner
`20 radially outWardly against main seWer line 64 and presses
`lateral liner 26 radially outWardly against lateral pipe 66
`until the resin impregnated in the lateral liner 26 and main
`line liner 28 cures. Once cured, the generally T-shaped or
`Y-shaped liner assembly 24 is a one piece liner connecting
`the main pipe 64 With the lateral pipe 66 to seal them
`together. It provides full circle sealing of both the lateral
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`pipe 66 and the main pipe 64. Because of the use of the
`polymer coated liner assembly 24, the actual liner assembly
`can be tested prior to installation in the ground, to ensure an
`airtight connection.
`Whereas the invention has been shoWn and described in
`connection With the preferred embodiment thereof, many
`modi?cations, substitutions and additions may be made
`Which are Within the intended broad scope of the appended
`claims.
`I claim:
`1. A method for forming a liner/bladder assembly for
`repairing the junction of a main line pipe and a lateral pipe,
`said method comprising:
`forming a main bladder tube and a lateral bladder tube,
`said main bladder tube having ?rst and second opposite
`ends and an intermediate opening therebetWeen, said
`lateral bladder tube having a ?rst end connected to said
`intermediate opening of said main bladder tube and
`having a second end;
`inserting said lateral bladder tube inside said main bladder
`tube through said intermediate opening; forming a
`lateral liner tube and a liner sheet of resin absorbent
`material, said lateral liner tube having ?rst and second
`ends, said liner sheet having a sheet opening therein
`surrounding and attached to said ?rst end of said lateral
`liner tube;
`inserting said second end of said lateral liner tube into said
`intermediate opening of said main bladder tube and
`positioning said lateral liner tube at least partially
`inside said main bladder tube With said ?rst end of said
`lateral liner tube being adjacent said intermediate open
`ing of said main bladder tube and With said liner sheet
`outside said main bladder tube;
`forming said liner sheet into a main liner tube Wrapped
`around and surrounding said main bladder tube adja
`cent said intermediate opening of said main bladder
`tube;
`impregnating said main liner tube and said lateral liner
`tube With an uncured resinous material capable of
`curing in a predetermined length of time, said impreg
`nating step being done after said inserting step.
`2. A method according to claim 1 and further comprising
`impregnating said liner sheet With said uncured resinous
`material before said step of forming said liner sheet into a
`main liner tube.
`3. A method according to claim 1 and further comprising
`taking a launcher tube having ?rst and second opposite ends
`and a launcher tube opening therebetWeen, and positioning
`said main bladder tube in surrounding relation to said
`launcher tube With said launcher tube opening and said
`intermediate opening of said main bladder tube being in
`registered alignment and With said ?rst and second ends of
`said launcher tube protruding outWardly from said ?rst and
`second opposite ends of said main bladder tube.
`4. A method according to claim 3 and further comprising
`attaching said ?rst and second opposite ends of said main
`bladder tube in sealed engagement With the exterior of said
`launcher tube.
`5. Apparatus for repairing the junction of a seWer main
`line and a lateral pipe connected thereto, comprising:
`an elongated main bladder tube and an elongated lateral
`bladder tube, said main bladder tube having ?rst and
`second opposite ends and a main bladder tube opening
`positioned there betWeen, said lateral bladder tube
`having a ?rst end connected to said main bladder tube
`opening;
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`a main liner tube and a lateral liner tube formed of resin
`absorbent material, said main liner tube having ?rst and
`second opposite ends and a main liner tube opening
`there betWeen, said lateral liner tube having a ?rst
`lateral liner tube end connected to said main liner tube
`opening;
`a launcher tube having ?rst and second opposite ends and
`a launcher tube opening there betWeen;
`said main bladder tube being outside and surrounding said
`launcher tube and said lateral bladder tube extending
`through said launcher tube opening into the inside of
`said launcher tube;
`said main liner tube being outside and surrounding said
`main bladder tube and said launcher tube, said lateral
`liner tube extending through said launcher tube opening
`into the inside of both said launcher tube and said
`lateral bladder tube;
`said lateral bladder tube and said lateral liner tube being
`invertible through said launcher tube opening to an
`inverted position outside said launcher tube Wherein
`said main liner tube and said lateral liner tube are on the
`exterior of said main bladder tube and said lateral
`bladder tube.
`6. An apparatus according to claim 5 and further com
`prising said ?rst and second opposite ends of said main
`bladder tube being attached to and sealed around the exterior
`of said launcher tube.
`7. A method for repairing a damaged junction betWeen a
`main line seWer pipe and a lateral seWer pipe, said method
`comprising:
`forming a main bladder tube and a lateral bladder tube,
`said main bladder tube having ?rst and second opposite
`ends and a main bladder tube opening there betWeen,
`said lateral bladder tube having a ?rst end connected to
`said main bladder tube opening;
`forming a main liner member and a lateral liner tube of
`resin absorbent material, said main liner member hav
`ing a main liner opening therein, said lateral liner tube
`having a ?rst lateral liner tube end connected to said
`main liner opening;
`inserting said lateral liner tube at least partially inside said
`lateral bladder tube While at the same time keeping said
`main liner member at least partially outside said main
`bladder tube;
`inserting said lateral liner tube and said lateral bladder
`tube at least partially into the inside of a launcher tube
`through a launcher tube opening in said launcher tube
`While at the same time keeping said main bladder tube
`and said main liner member at least partially outside of
`said launcher tube.
`8. A method according to claim 7 and further comprising
`inserting said launcher tube into said main line of said seWer,
`registering said launcher tube opening With said junction of
`sail lateral pipe and said main line pipe, and inverting said
`lateral bladder tube and said lateral liner tube out of said
`launcher tube into said lateral pipe With said lateral liner tube
`being outside said lateral bladder tube.
`9. A method according to claim 8 and further comprising
`pressing said main liner tube radially outWardly against said
`main line pipe, permitting said curable resin to cure and
`harden, and removing said launcher tube, said main bladder
`tube, and said lateral bladder tube from said main line seWer
`pipe.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`55
`
`8
`10. A method for repairing a damaged junction betWeen a
`main line seWer pipe and a lateral seWer pipe, said method
`comprising:
`constructing a single piece liner assembly from a resin
`absorbent material, said liner assembly comprising a
`main liner tube and a lateral liner tube, said main liner
`tube having ?rst and second opposite ends and a main
`liner tube opening there betWeen, said lateral liner tube
`having ?rst and second ends, one of Which is connected
`to said main liner tube opening of said main liner tube
`to provide communication from the interior of said
`lateral liner tube through said main liner tube opening
`to the interior of said main liner tube;
`impregnating said main liner tube and said lateral liner
`tube With an uncured resinous material capable of
`curing and hardening;
`mounting said liner assembly to a launcher tube having
`?rst and second opposite ends and a launcher tube
`opening positioned there betWeen, said mounting step
`comprising placing said lateral liner tube Within said
`launcher tube and placing said main liner tube on the
`exterior of said launcher tube, said lateral liner tube and
`said main liner tube being connected to one another
`through said launcher tube opening;
`moving said launcher tube Within said main line seWer
`pipe to a position Wherein said launcher tube opening
`is in registered alignment With said damaged junction;
`and
`inverting said lateral liner tube out of said launcher tube
`through said launcher tube opening into said lateral
`seWer pipe;
`pressing said main liner tube radially outWardly into
`engagement With the interior surface of said main line
`seWer pipe and said lateral liner tube radially outWardly
`into engagement With the interior surface of said lateral
`seWer pipe;
`permitting said resin to cure and harden Whereby said
`main liner tube provides a full circle seal around the
`interior of said main seWer pipe on both sides of said
`damaged junction, and said lateral liner tube provides
`a full circle seal around the interior of said lateral seWer
`pipe adjacent said damaged juncture.
`11. A method according to claim 10 Wherein a lateral
`bladder tube surrounds said liner tube Within said launcher
`tube and a main line bladder tube surrounds said launcher
`tube, said inverting step further comprising inverting said
`bladder tube through said launcher tube opening into said
`lateral seWer pipe Whereby said lateral liner tube is outside
`said lateral bladder tube and in engagement With the interior
`of said lateral seWer pipe.
`12. Amethod according to claim 10 Wherein said pressing
`step further comprises radially expanding a main bladder
`tube located betWeen said main liner tube and the exterior of
`said launcher tube to press said main liner tube radially
`outWardly toWard said main line seWer pipe.
`13. Amethod according to claim 10 Wherein said pressing
`step further comprises radially expanding a lateral bladder
`tube located inside said lateral liner tube to press said lateral
`liner tube radially outWardly toWard said lateral seWer pipe.
`
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`13