U.S. patent application number 13/709313 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for flexible assembly for sprinklers.
This patent application is currently assigned to VICTAULIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is Victaulic Company. Invention is credited to John M. Stempo, Rudolf Szentimrey, Lawrence W. Thau, JR..
Application Number | 20130099481 13/709313 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43732772 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130099481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stempo; John M. ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
Flexible Assembly for Sprinklers
Abstract
An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a
fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end
attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the
sprinkler. An adapter may be positioned between the conduit and the
sprinkler, between the conduit and the branch line, or between the
conduit and both the branch line and the sprinkler. The adapter
contains a rotating joint which prevents torque from being applied
to the conduit. The joint may be a coaxial joint.
Inventors: |
Stempo; John M.; (Bethlehem,
PA) ; Szentimrey; Rudolf; (Nazareth, PA) ;
Thau, JR.; Lawrence W.; (Flemington, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Victaulic Company; |
Easton |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
VICTAULIC COMPANY
Easton
PA
|
Family ID: |
43732772 |
Appl. No.: |
13/709313 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12877357 |
Sep 8, 2010 |
8336920 |
|
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13709313 |
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61241615 |
Sep 11, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
285/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 27/08 20130101;
F16L 27/047 20130101; E04B 9/068 20130101; F16L 37/088 20130101;
F16L 3/16 20130101; F16L 27/0808 20130101; A62C 35/68 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/275 |
International
Class: |
F16L 27/08 20060101
F16L027/08 |
Claims
1. An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a
fire suppression system, said assembly comprising: a flexible
conduit having a first end connectable to said branch line, and a
second end connectable to said sprinkler, said conduit providing
fluid communication between said branch line and said sprinkler; an
adapter positioned between said sprinkler and said second end of
said conduit for effecting attachment of said sprinkler to said
conduit, said adapter having a bore providing fluid communication
between said sprinkler and said conduit, said adapter having a
first adapter portion attachable to said sprinkler and a second
adapter portion attached to said second end of said conduit, said
first and second adapter portions being rotatable relatively to one
another.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said second adapter
portion comprises a tube attached to said second end of said
conduit, said tube being received within said bore of said first
adapter portion; a ring seal is positioned between an outer surface
of said tube and an inner surface of said bore of said first
adapter portion for effecting a fluid-tight connection between said
first and second adapter portions; a split ring is positioned
between said outer surface of said tube and said inner surface of
said bore of said first adapter portion, said split ring having an
inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing
circumferential groove positioned in said outer surface of said
tube, said split ring further having an outer portion sized to fit
within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in said
inner surface of said bore of said first adapter portion, said
split ring preventing relative axial movement between said first
and second adapter portions but permitting relative rotation
between said first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal
axis concentric with said bore.
3. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising said
sprinkler.
4. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a second
adapter positioned between said branch line and said first end of
said conduit for effecting attachment of said conduit to said
branch line, said second adapter having a second bore providing
fluid communication between said branch line and said conduit, said
second adapter having a third adapter portion attachable to said
branch line and a fourth adapter portion attached to said first end
of said conduit, said third and fourth adapter portions being
rotatable relatively to one another.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein: said fourth adapter
portion comprises a second tube attached to said first end of said
conduit, said second tube being received within said second bore of
said third adapter portion; a ring seal is positioned between an
outer surface of said second tube and an inner surface of said
second bore for effecting a fluid-tight connection between said
third and fourth adapter portions; a split ring is positioned
between said outer surface of said second tube and said inner
surface of said second bore, said split ring having an inner
portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential
groove positioned in said outer surface of said second tube, said
split ring further having an outer portion sized to fit within an
inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in said inner
surface of said second bore, said split ring preventing relative
axial movement between said third and fourth adapter portions but
permitting relative rotation between said third and fourth adapter
portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with said second
bore.
6. The assembly according to claim 4, further comprising said
sprinkler.
7. An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a
fire suppression system, said assembly comprising: a flexible
conduit having a first end connectable to said branch line, and a
second end connectable to said sprinkler, said conduit providing
fluid communication between said branch line and said sprinkler; an
adapter positioned between said sprinkler and said first end of
said conduit for effecting attachment of said conduit to said
branch line, said adapter having a bore providing fluid
communication between said branch line and said conduit, said
adapter having a first adapter portion attachable to said branch
line and a second adapter portion attached to said first end of
said conduit, said first and second adapter portions being
rotatable relatively to one another.
8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein: said second adapter
portion comprises a tube attached to said first end of said
conduit, said tube being received within said bore of said first
adapter portion; a ring seal is positioned between an outer surface
of said tube and an inner surface of said bore of said first
adapter portion for effecting a fluid-tight connection between said
first and second adapter portions; a split ring is positioned
between said outer surface of said tube and said inner surface of
said bore of said first adapter portion, said split ring having an
inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing
circumferential groove positioned in said outer surface of said
tube, said split ring further having an outer portion sized to fit
within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in said
inner surface of said bore of said first adapter portion, said
split ring preventing relative axial movement between said first
and second adapter portions but permitting relative rotation
between said first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal
axis concentric with said bore.
9. The assembly according to claim 8, further comprising said
sprinkler.
10. The assembly according to claim 8, further comprising: a second
adapter positioned between said sprinkler and said second end of
said conduit for effecting attachment of said conduit to said
sprinkler, said second adapter having a second bore providing fluid
communication between said sprinkler and said conduit, said second
adapter having a third adapter portion attachable to said sprinkler
and a fourth adapter portion attached to said second end of said
conduit, said third and fourth adapter portions being rotatable
relatively to one another.
11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein: said fourth
adapter portion comprises a second tube attached to said second end
of said conduit, said second tube being received within said second
bore of said third adapter portion; a ring seal is positioned
between an outer surface of said second tube and an inner surface
of said second bore of said third adapter portion for effecting a
fluid-tight connection between said third and fourth adapter
portions; a split ring is positioned between said outer surface of
said second tube and said inner surface of said second bore of said
third adapter portion, said split ring having an inner portion
sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove
positioned in said outer surface of said second tube, said split
ring further having an outer portion sized to fit within an
inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in said inner
surface of said second bore of said third adapter portion, said
split ring preventing relative axial movement between said third
and fourth adapter portions but permitting relative rotation
between said third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal
axis concentric with said second bore.
12. The assembly according to claim 10, further comprising said
sprinkler.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/877,357, filed Sep. 8, 2010, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,920, which is based upon and claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/241,615 filed Sep. 11, 2009
both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a flexible assembly for connecting
sprinklers to branch lines in a fire suppression system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fire suppression sprinkler systems used, for example, in
structures such as office buildings, hotels, warehouses and private
residences have a piping network comprising a riser pipe connected
to a source of pressurized fire suppressing fluid, for example, a
liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as halon. Branch pipe lines
are connected to the riser pipe at each floor of the structure and
extend throughout each floor so that fire suppressing fluid may be
delivered through the branch lines to any location on each floor.
The branch lines are usually suspended on hangers attached to the
structural ceiling of each floor. Sprinklers, which serve to
discharge the fluid in the event of a fire, are connected to the
branch lines by flexible conduits. The use of flexible conduits
provides a great advantage as it allows the position of the
sprinklers to be easily adjusted, both laterally and vertically, in
relation to the decorative ceiling which may be suspended beneath
the structural ceiling of each floor. The flexible conduit saves
time during installation, as it obviates the need for the
technician to install a rigid pipe assembly, comprised of couplings
and pipe segments, to connect the branch line to each sprinkler
head on the floor. With a rigid pipe assembly even a minor
miscalculation, either in the design or installation, can be
aesthetically and functionally unacceptable, and require a redesign
and reinstallation.
[0004] Although advantageous, flexible conduits used to connect
sprinklers to branch lines of fire suppression systems have certain
drawbacks. For example, one disadvantage which occurs when flexible
conduits are used is the problem of over-torquing the conduit. The
sprinklers may have threaded connections and torque is applied to
connect them to the end of the flexible conduit. Torque
inadvertently applied to the conduit during installation of the
sprinkler may cause leaks to occur, for example, at the fitting
where the conduit is connected to the branch line. Additionally,
torque may be applied to the flexible conduit as a result of a
seismic event such as an earthquake due to relative motion between
the branch line and the sprinkler. If the applied torque damages
the flexible conduit, causing it to leak, that may prevent fire
suppressing fluid from reaching other parts of the system where a
fire has broken out as a result of the event. It is advantageous to
avoid applying torque to the flexible conduit to avoid damage.
There is clearly a need for a flexible assembly which avoids the
disadvantages associated with known flexible conduit.
SUMMARY
[0005] The invention concerns an assembly for connecting a
sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system. In one
embodiment, the assembly comprises a flexible conduit having a
first end connectable to the branch line, and a second end
connectable to the sprinkler. The conduit provides fluid
communication between the branch line and the sprinkler. An adapter
is positioned between the sprinkler and the second end of the
conduit for effecting attachment of the sprinkler to the conduit.
The adapter has a bore providing fluid communication between the
sprinkler and the conduit. The adapter has a first adapter portion
attachable to the sprinkler and a second adapter portion attached
to the second end of the conduit. The first and second adapter
portions are rotatable relatively to one another.
[0006] In an example embodiment, the second adapter portion
comprises a tube attached to the second end of the conduit. The
tube is received within the bore of the first adapter portion. A
ring seal is positioned between an outer surface of the tube and an
inner surface of the bore of the first adapter portion for
effecting a fluid-tight connection between the first and second
adapter portions. A split ring is positioned between the outer
surface of the tube and the inner surface of the bore of the first
adapter portion. The split ring has an inner portion sized to fit
within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the
outer surface of the tube. The split ring further has an outer
portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential
groove positioned in the inner surface of the bore of the first
adapter portion. The split ring prevents relative axial movement
between the first and second adapter portions but permits relative
rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a
longitudinal axis concentric with the bore.
[0007] In another example embodiment, the first adapter portion
comprises a concave spherical surface positioned at an end thereof.
The concave spherical surface surrounds the bore. The second
adapter portion comprises a convex spherical surface surrounding
the bore. The convex spherical surface is positioned at one end of
the second adapter portion. An opposite end of the second adapter
portion is attached to said second end of the conduit. The convex
spherical surface fits within the concave spherical surface thereby
permitting the first and second adapter portions to rotate
relatively to one another. This embodiment also has a retainer with
concave spherical surface. The retainer surrounds the convex
spherical surface of the second adapter portion and is attached to
the first adapter portion. The second adapter portion is captured
between the retainer and the first adapter portion.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a second adapter is positioned
between the branch line and the first end of the conduit for
effecting attachment of the conduit to the branch line. The second
adapter has a second bore providing fluid communication between the
branch line and the conduit. The second adapter has a third adapter
portion attachable to the branch line and a fourth adapter portion
attached to the first end of the conduit. The third and fourth
adapter portions are rotatable relatively to one another.
[0009] In an embodiment, the fourth adapter portion comprises a
second tube attached to the first end of the conduit, the second
tube being received within the second bore of the third adapter
portion. A ring seal is positioned between an outer surface of the
second tube and an inner surface of the second bore for effecting a
fluid-tight connection between the third and fourth adapter
portions. Furthermore, a split ring is positioned between the outer
surface of the second tube and the inner surface of the second
bore. The split ring has an inner portion sized to fit within an
outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer
surface of the second tube. The split ring further has an outer
portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential
groove positioned in the inner surface of the second bore. The
split ring prevents relative axial movement between the third and
fourth adapter portions but permits relative rotation between the
third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal axis
concentric with the second bore.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the third adapter portion
comprises a concave spherical surface positioned at an end thereof.
The concave spherical portion surrounds the second bore. The fourth
adapter portion comprises a convex spherical surface surrounding
the second bore and positioned at one end thereof. An opposite end
of the fourth adapter portion is attached to the second end of the
conduit. The convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter portion
fits within the concave spherical surface of the third adapter
portion thereby permitting the third and fourth adapter portions to
rotate relatively to one another. This embodiment also includes a
second retainer having a concave spherical surface. The second
retainer surrounds the convex spherical surface of the fourth
adapter portion and is attached to the third adapter portion. The
fourth adapter portion is captured between the second retainer and
the third adapter portion.
[0011] In still another example embodiment of an assembly for
connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression
system, the assembly comprises a flexible conduit having a first
end connectable to the branch line, and a second end connectable to
the sprinkler. The conduit provides fluid communication between the
branch line and the sprinkler. An adapter is positioned between the
sprinkler and the first end of the conduit for effecting attachment
of the conduit to the branch line. The adapter has a bore providing
fluid communication between the branch line and the conduit. The
adapter has a first adapter portion attachable to the branch line
and a second adapter portion attached to the first end of the
conduit. The first and second adapter portions are rotatable
relatively to one another.
[0012] In one embodiment, the second adapter portion comprises a
tube attached to the first end of the conduit. The tube is received
within the bore of the first adapter portion. A ring seal is
positioned between an outer surface of the tube and an inner
surface of the bore of the first adapter portion for effecting a
fluid-tight connection between the first and second adapter
portions. A split ring is positioned between the outer surface of
the tube and the inner surface of the bore of the first adapter
portion. The split ring has an inner portion sized to fit within an
outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer
surface of the tube. The split ring further has an outer portion
sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove
positioned in the inner surface of the bore of the first adapter
portion. The split ring prevents relative axial movement between
the first and second adapter portions but permitting relative
rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a
longitudinal axis concentric with the bore.
[0013] In one example embodiment, the first adapter portion
comprises a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the
adapter portion and surrounding the bore. The second adapter
portion comprises a convex spherical surface surrounding the bore
and positioned at one end thereof. An opposite end of the second
adapter portion is attached to the second end of the conduit. The
convex spherical surface fits within the concave spherical surface
thereby permitting the first and second adapter portions to rotate
relatively to one another. A retainer having a concave spherical
surface surrounds the convex spherical surface of the second
adapter portion and is attached to the first adapter portion. The
second adapter portion is captured between the retainer and the
first adapter portion.
[0014] In another embodiment, a second adapter is positioned
between the sprinkler and the second end of the conduit for
effecting attachment of the conduit to the sprinkler. The second
adapter has a second bore providing fluid communication between the
sprinkler and the conduit. The second adapter has a third adapter
portion attachable to the sprinkler and a fourth adapter portion
attached to the second end of the conduit. The third and fourth
adapter portions are rotatable relatively to one another.
[0015] In one example embodiment, the fourth adapter portion
comprises a second tube attached to the second end of the conduit.
The second tube is received within the second bore of the third
adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between an outer surface
of the second tube and an inner surface of the second bore of the
third adapter portion for effecting a fluid-tight connection
between the third and fourth adapter portions. A split ring is
positioned between the outer surface of the second tube and the
inner surface of the second bore of the third adapter portion. The
split ring has an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly
facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of
the second tube. The split ring further has an outer portion sized
to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned
in the inner surface of the second bore of the third adapter
portion. The split ring prevents relative axial movement between
the third and fourth adapter portions but permits relative rotation
between the third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal
axis concentric with the second bore.
[0016] In another embodiment, the third adapter portion comprises a
concave spherical surface positioned at an end thereof and
surrounding the second bore. The fourth adapter portion comprises a
convex spherical surface surrounding the second bore and positioned
at one end thereof. An opposite end of the second adapter portion
is attached to the second end of the conduit. The convex spherical
surface of the fourth adapter portion fits within the concave
spherical surface of the third adapter portion thereby permitting
the third and fourth adapter portions to rotate relatively to one
another. A second retainer has a concave spherical surface. The
second retainer surrounds the convex spherical surface of the
fourth adapter portion and is attached to the third adapter
portion. The fourth adapter portion is captured between the second
retainer and the third adapter portion.
[0017] In another embodiment, the assembly comprises a flexible
conduit having a first end connectable to the branch line, and a
second end connectable to the sprinkler. The flexible conduit
provides fluid communication between the branch line and the
sprinkler. An adapter is positioned between the sprinkler and the
second end of the flexible conduit for effecting attachment of the
sprinkler to the flexible conduit. A sleeve co-axially surrounds a
portion of the flexible conduit proximate to the adapter. The
sleeve and the flexible conduit are rotatable relatively to one
another thereby preventing torque being applied to the flexible
conduit through the sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric/partial sectional view of an example
embodiment of an assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch
line of a fire suppression system according to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 1A is a partial view of an alternate embodiment of the
assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of an
assembly according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the
embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken at line 4-4 of FIG.
3;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of an
example embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the
embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken at line 7-7 of FIG.
6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a portion of an example
embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a portion of an example
embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 9;
[0029] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a portion of an embodiment
of an assembly according to the invention; and
[0030] FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an assembly 10 for connecting a branch line 12
of a fire suppression system to a sprinkler 14. Note that sprinkler
is defined herein as any device which discharges a fire suppression
fluid, and includes, but is not limited to, items such as
sprinklers, heads, nozzles, emitters and the like, whether they be
open or closed and open in response to a fire. Assembly 10
comprises a flexible conduit 16 which has a first end 18 connected
to the branch line 12, and a second end 20 which is connected to
the sprinkler 14. The branch line 12 is supported by a pipe hanger
22 attached to a portion of the structure in which the fire
suppression system is mounted, in this example, to the structural
ceiling 24 of a building. Branch line 12 is one of many branch
lines connected to a riser pipe 26 in fluid communication with a
pressurized source of a fire suppressing fluid, such as water (not
shown). A portion of the assembly 10 near the second end 20 of the
flexible conduit 16 is engaged by a bracket 28 that is mounted on a
cross beam 30 which extends between and is mounted on support rails
32 which support a decorative ceiling, such as a suspended ceiling
or a drop ceiling (not shown) intended to hide the structural
ceiling 24. Bracket 28 has various embodiments; the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,746, hereby
incorporated by reference herein. Bracket 28 includes sidewalls 34
and 36 connected to a back wall 38 in spaced relation to one
another so as to receive cross beam 30. Bracket 28 also has a
u-shaped opening 40 which receives the portion of the assembly 10.
A locking unit, in this example, a wire bail 42 is pivotably
attached to the sidewalls 34 and 36 and cooperates with them to
affix the assembly to the cross beam 30. FIG. 1A illustrates
another example bracket 44 which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,735,787 and hereby incorporated by reference herein. Bracket 44
comprises sidewalls 46 and 48 each attached to a back wall 50 in
spaced relation to one another so as to receive cross beam 30.
Bracket 44 also has a u-shaped opening 52 which receives the
portion of the assembly 10. A locking unit, in this example, a
finger 54 is pivotably attached at one end to the sidewalls 46 and
48. The opposite end is secured to the sidewalls 46 and 48 by a
pivoting wing nut assembly 55 to affix the assembly to the cross
beam 30.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates in detail an example embodiment of the
assembly 10, wherein the flexible conduit 16 comprises a corrugated
stainless steel hose 56 which provides a flexible yet robust fluid
tight member which resists corrosion. At the first end 18 of the
assembly 10, the conduit 16 (hose 56) is connected to a saddle
fitting 58. The saddle fitting comprises a saddle 60 which
sealingly engages one side of the branch line 12 through an opening
therein and is attached to the branch line by a strap 62 which
wraps around the opposite side of the branch line 12 and is bolted
to the saddle 60. Although various means, such as direct welding
using an adapter, or using a threaded "tee" fitting, for connecting
conduit 16 to the branch line 12 are also feasible, use of the
saddle fitting 58 provides an advantage over these other connection
means because the saddle fitting can be installed anywhere along
the length of the branch line 12 merely by drilling the appropriate
size opening in the branch line at a desired location, engaging the
saddle 60 with the opening, and bolting the strap 62 to the saddle
60. The saddle fitting 58 thus eliminates welding as well as the
need to determine the exact position of the connection point in a
design, and allows the installer to position the connection where
it is best suited relative to the desired position of the sprinkler
14 and the length of the conduit 16. This feature saves time in
both the design phase of a project as well as during installation,
as the designer need not calculate and specify the exact location
of a large number of tee fittings in a system, and obvious errors
in design can be avoided during installation since the installer is
not constrained to make the connection where a tee fitting is
located but is permitted greater freedom of action.
[0033] With reference again to the exploded view of FIG. 2, the
connection of the conduit 16 to the sprinkler 14 (as well as to the
branch line 12 via saddle fitting 58) may be effected by a
rotatable adapter 64. As shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
example adapter 64 is positioned between the sprinkler 14 and the
conduit 16. The adapter 64 has a longitudinal bore 66 and is formed
of a first adapter portion 68 which is attachable to the sprinkler
14, and a second adapter portion 70 which is attached to the end 20
of conduit 16. In this example, attachment of the sprinkler 14 to
the adapter portion 68 is effected using internal screw threads 72
(NPT threads, for example) at one end which receive compatible
external screw threads 74 of the sprinkler 14. Other attachment
means, such as brazing, welding, soldering and threadless
connections such as bayonet mounts, are of course also
feasible.
[0034] Adapter portions 68 and 70 are rotatable relatively to one
another about a longitudinal axis 74 concentric with the bore 66.
By allowing the adapter portions to rotate relatively to one
another, application of torque to the conduit 16 about axis 74 is
prevented, for example, when attaching the sprinkler 14 to the
adapter, or when mounting the adapter onto a bracket or other
support (see also FIG. 1), as well as torque caused by seismic
activity or vibrations.
[0035] As shown in detail in FIG. 4, relative rotation between the
adapter portions 68 and 70 is permitted through the use of a split
ring 76. Second adapter portion 70 comprises a tube 78 attached to
the end 20 of the conduit 16. The bore 66 of the first adapter
portion 68 is sized to receive the tube 78. The split ring 76,
commercially known as a "snap ring", is used to prevent relative
axial movement between the adapter portions and thereby join the
conduit 16 to the sprinkler 14 while allowing relative rotation
between those parts. Split ring 76 has an inner portion 80 sized to
fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove 82 positioned
in the outer surface 84 of tube 78. Split ring 76 further has an
outer portion 86 sized to fit within an inwardly facing
circumferential groove 88 positioned on an inner surface 90 of the
first adapter portion 68. Engagement between the split ring 76 and
the circumferential grooves 82 and 88 does not inhibit relative
rotation between the adapter portions 68 and 70, but prevents
relative axial motion. The fact that the ring 76 is split allows it
to be compressed or expanded into a smaller or larger diameter by
forcing the free ends of the ring toward or away from one another
as is well understood for split rings. This permits the ring
portions to be disengaged from the circumferential grooves in the
adapter portions and thereby allow assembly and disassembly of the
adapter portions 68 and 70 as is well understood for split rings.
One or more ring seals 92, for example elastomeric O-rings, are
positioned between the outer surface 84 of tube 78 and the inner
surface 90 of the adapter portion 68 for effecting the fluid tight
connection between the adapter portions. As shown in FIG. 2, the
example rotatable adapter 64 may be used between the conduit 16 and
the sprinkler 14, and/or between the conduit 16 and the saddle
fitting 58 (or other attachment means).
[0036] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate another example of a rotatable adapter
94 which can be used to isolate conduit 16 from torsional forces
imposed about any axis. As shown in FIG. 5, the adapter 94 may be
positioned between a sprinkler 14 and the conduit 16 and/or between
the conduit and the attachment means to the branch line (in this
example a saddle fitting 58). As shown in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7
for the attachment of the sprinkler 14 to the conduit 16, the
rotatable adapter 94 comprises a first adapter portion 96 having a
concave spherical surface 98 positioned at one end and surrounding
a bore 100. The sprinkler 14 may be mounted on the opposite end of
the first adapter portion 96. A second adapter portion 102 has, at
one end, a convex spherical surface 104 surrounding bore 100. The
opposite end of the adapter portion 102 is attached to the conduit
16. The convex spherical surface 104 is sized to fit within the
concave spherical surface 98 of adapter portion 96, thereby
creating a ball joint which allows relative rotation between the
adapter portions about any three mutually perpendicular axes, thus
isolating the conduit 16 from any torsional force imposed by
relative motion between the sprinkler and the branch line, as well
as from forces applied to the sprinkler or adapter portion 96, for
example, when the sprinkler is installed or the assembly is mounted
on a support. The adapter portions 96 and 102 are held together by
a retainer 106. Retainer 106 has a concave spherical surface 108
which surrounds the convex spherical surface 104 of the second
adapter portion 102. The retainer is attached to the first adapter
portion 96. In the example shown in FIG. 7 the retainer comprises a
nut 110 which engages the first adapter portion 96 using screw
threads 112. Other attachment means are also feasible. To ensure
fluid tightness of the adapter 94 a seal 114 may be positioned
between the second adapter portion 102 and the retainer 106 and
another seal 116 may be positioned between the retainer 106 and the
first adapter portion 96. The seals may be elastomeric rings, such
as O-rings.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows another example assembly embodiment which
comprises a sleeve 115 that co-axially surrounds a portion of the
flexible conduit 16 proximate to an adapter 117. Adapter 117 is
joined to the conduit 16 in this example by a union fitting 118
positioned at one end of the adapter and receives the external
threads of the sprinkler (not shown) with internal threads 120 at
the other end to effect attachment. Sleeve 115 may be made of a
durable material, such as stainless steel, and may have a plurality
of outwardly facing flat surfaces 122 allowing it to be easily
captured by a mounting bracket, such as bracket 28 shown in FIG. 1.
In the example sleeve shown in FIG. 8 there are six flat surfaces
122 which form a hexagonal sleeve cross section.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the sleeve 115 is formed
of a split unitary body 124 having a first longitudinally extending
edge 126 in facing relation with a second longitudinally extending
edge 128. The edges 126 and 128 may be in spaced relation to one
another so as to define a gap 130. This configuration allows the
sleeve 115 to act as a collet with the ability to expand contract
radially. In this embodiment the sleeve 115 is free to rotate about
the conduit 16 but axial motion is prevented by a pair of fixed
radially projecting shoulders 132 and 134. Shoulder 132 is mounted
on the conduit 16 positioned between the sleeve 115 and the adapter
117 and shoulder 134 is positioned at the opposite end of the
sleeve from shoulder 132. The shoulders 132 and 134 project
radially outwardly from the conduit 16 and capture the sleeve 115
between them by engaging the ends of the sleeve.
[0039] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another assembly embodiment having
a sleeve 136 mounted on a flexible conduit 16 with a corrugated
outer surface 138. The corrugated outer surface is comprised of a
plurality of crests 140 and troughs 142 which extend helically
around and define a central space 144. As shown in FIG. 10, sleeve
136 has a corrugated inwardly facing surface 146 comprising a
plurality of crests 148 and troughs 150 which extend helically and
are sized and spaced so as to fit within the crests 140 and troughs
142 of the corrugated outer surface 138 of the flexible conduit 16.
Engagement between the crests and troughs of the sleeve 136 and the
conduit 16 prevents axial sliding motion of the sleeve relatively
to the conduit, but screw action upon rotation of the sleeve 136
relative to the conduit 16 allows the sleeve to be positioned as
required along the conduit so that the sprinkler (not shown) is at
the proper location relative to the decorative ceiling when the
sleeve 136 is received by a support such as bracket 28 (see FIG.
1). The threaded engagement between the sleeve 136 and the
corrugated surface 138 of conduit 16 allows limited rotation of the
conduit relative to the sleeve (thereby preventing torque from
being applied to the conduit 16) without significant axial motion
of the conduit relative to the sleeve. In the example embodiment of
FIG. 9, an adapter 152 is connected to the conduit 16 by a union
fitting 154, the adapter having internal threads 156 to receive the
external threads of a sprinkler.
[0040] In another assembly embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,
the crests and troughs 140 and 142 forming the corrugated surface
138 of the conduit 16 are not helically arranged, but extend
circumferentially around and define the central space 144. In this
embodiment a sleeve 158 also has a plurality of crests 160 and
troughs 162 which extend circumferentially around the sleeve inner
surface 164. The crests 160 and troughs 162 of the sleeve 158 are
sized and spaced to engage the crests 140 and troughs 142 of the
conduit 16 and thus prevent sliding axial motion of the sleeve 158
relatively to the conduit 16 while permitting relative rotational
motion between the two parts. In this embodiment, the sleeve 158 is
split, as evidenced by the gap 166 (see FIG. 11). This allows the
sleeve 158 to be positioned axially along the conduit by
elastically deforming the sleeve outwardly to disengage its crests
and troughs from the troughs and crests of the conduit 16, moving
the sleeve along the conduit to the desired position, and then
releasing the sleeve, allowing it to return to its undeformed shape
engaging the crests and troughs by virtue of its resilient
characteristics.
[0041] The embodiments provided herein show union joints by way of
example, it being understood that other types of connections, such
as fixed NPT sprinkler outlets, swivel sprinkler outlets as well as
NPT adapters are also feasible for use with the assembly according
to the invention.
[0042] The assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of
a fire suppression system according to the invention will provide
numerous advantages over the prior art. The assembly is easy to
install on a branch line and provides great adjustability of the
final position of the sprinkler, thereby simplifying design and
installation tasks. It is much more difficult to over-torque the
assembly due to the rotational freedom afforded by the rotatable
adapter or the sleeve, resulting in a significantly decreased
potential for damage upon installation or during a seismic event.
Additionally, the assembly can be pressure loss tested as a unit
(with or without the sprinkler installed) thereby providing the
system designer one equivalent length number indicative of head
loss instead of resorting to calculating the equivalent length as
the sum of equivalent lengths for each component of the assembly.
This should improve the accuracy of hydraulic calculations.
Furthermore, the entire assembly, including the sprinkler head, may
be K-factor tested which will provide a single, simplified K-factor
number of increased accuracy, the K-factor being a constant of
proportionality used to determine the flow rate of a nozzle as a
function of the square root of the pressure at the nozzle.
[0043] While the example assembly embodiments disclosed herein are
described in the context of a fire suppression system, it is
understood that the descriptions are examples and that the assembly
embodiments disclosed herein may also be used with other systems,
such as hydronic systems, where a fluid is conveyed by a flexible
conduit which it is desired to isolate from unwanted and
potentially damaging applied torques.
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