CA2790779C - Sprinkler heads and adapter assemblies for connecting the same to a pipe - Google Patents
Sprinkler heads and adapter assemblies for connecting the same to a pipe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2790779C CA2790779C CA2790779A CA2790779A CA2790779C CA 2790779 C CA2790779 C CA 2790779C CA 2790779 A CA2790779 A CA 2790779A CA 2790779 A CA2790779 A CA 2790779A CA 2790779 C CA2790779 C CA 2790779C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sprinkler head
- pipe
- adapter ring
- threaded
- flange
- Prior art date
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Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 title description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 title description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 claims 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 plasmas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002381 plasma Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009436 residential construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L19/00—Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts
- F16L19/02—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member
- F16L19/025—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member the pipe ends having integral collars or flanges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
- A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
- A62C35/68—Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A kit for connecting a sprinkler head to a pipe of a fluid distribution system is provided. The kit comprises a sprinkler head comprising a flange on a first end and a fluid diffuser on a second end and an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring comprising an internal bore configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough and a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore. The wall comprises a threaded portion. The threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with a threaded end of the pipe. The adapter assembly comprises a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is engaged with the threaded end of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
Description
SPRINKLER HEADS AND ADAPTER ASSEMBLIES
FOR CONNECTING THE SAME TO A PIPE
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sprinkler heads for fluid distribution systems and, more particularly, relates to sprinklers heads and adapter assemblies for connecting the sprinkler heads to fluid distribution systems.
BACKGROUND
FOR CONNECTING THE SAME TO A PIPE
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sprinkler heads for fluid distribution systems and, more particularly, relates to sprinklers heads and adapter assemblies for connecting the sprinkler heads to fluid distribution systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] For over a century, fluid distribution systems have increased occupant safety by providing fire protection to a variety of structures. These systems typically contain a fluid source, often under pressure, from which fluid may be drawn and distributed to one or more outlets in order to extinguish or otherwise control a potential fire. Fluid distribution outlets typical include a sprinkler head from which fluid is released, often through a diffuser that diffuses released fluid across a specified area. While the most prevalent uses of fluid distribution systems have historically been in commercial contexts, such as in factories, hotels, and office buildings, where the systems are often mandated by local building codes or insurance considerations, use of fluid distribution systems in residential contexts is becoming more commonplace. This trend is likely to continue as more state and local regulators amend construction codes to mandate installation of such systems in new residential construction.
[0003] Sprinkler heads may fail, age, or otherwise become obsolete. Due in part to variety of sprinkler head and outlet designs, installing, replacing, repairing, or upgrading sprinkler heads or components may be tedious and require undue man hours.
For example, it may become necessary to replace or upgrade sealing components in an aging fluid distribution system due to increased pressure after the system's fluid source is recharged.
SUMMARY
For example, it may become necessary to replace or upgrade sealing components in an aging fluid distribution system due to increased pressure after the system's fluid source is recharged.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to a kit that can be used to connect a sprinkler head to a threaded male portion of a pipe associated with a fluid distribution system is provided. In various embodiments, the kit includes a sprinkler head and an adapter assembly. The sprinkler head comprises a flange on a first end and a fluid diffuser on a second end. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring and a sealing member. The adapter ring has an internal bore and a wall that at least partially surrounds the internal bore. The internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head, and the wall includes threads configured to at least partially engage the threaded male portion of the pipe. The sealing member engages a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
In some embodiments, the sealing member, when compressed, is configured to create a fluid-tight seal between the portion of the flange and the portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe. In particular embodiments, the adapter ring may also comprise a gripping surface.
In some embodiments, the sealing member, when compressed, is configured to create a fluid-tight seal between the portion of the flange and the portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe. In particular embodiments, the adapter ring may also comprise a gripping surface.
[0005] In another embodiment, the kit includes a flange-type sprinkler head assembly that comprises a sprinkler head with a male threaded portion and a flange with a female threaded portion. The flange is configured to threadably engage the sprinkler head to form the flange-type sprinkler head assembly.
[0006] In another general aspect, the present invention is directed to an adapter assembly for connecting a non-threaded sprinkler head to a pipe having a threaded end is provided. The adapter assembly includes an adapter ring that has a wall that at least partially surrounds an internal bore that is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head that includes a flange. The wall comprises a threaded portion configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded end of the pipe. In various embodiments, the adapter assembly may further include a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The embodiments described herein will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] Figs. 1-8 illustrate a sprinkler head coupled to a portion of a pipe of a fluid distribution system using an adapter assembly in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;
[0009] Figs. 9-15 illustrate an adapter ring of the adapter assembly of Figs. 1-8 configured to engage a portion of a pipe of a fluid distribution system in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0010] Figs. 16-20 illustrate a sprinkler head configured to be attached to a portion of a pipe of a fluid distribution using an adapter assembly in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0011] Figs. 21-23 illustrate a sealing member of the adapter assembly of Figs.
1-8 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
1-8 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0012] Figs. 24-26 illustrate a pipe of a fluid distribution system configured to be engaged with the adapter assembly illustrated in Figs. 1-8 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0013] Figs. 27-32 illustrate a sprinkler head, a portion of a pipe of a fluid distribution system, and an adapter assembly in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0014] Figs. 33 and 34 illustrate a sprinkler head configured to be connected to a portion of a pipe of a fluid distribution system using an adapter assembly in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0015] Figs. 35-37 illustrate a sprinkler head coupled to a portion of a pipe of a fluid distribution system using an adapter assembly in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;
[0016] Figs. 38-42 illustrate a sprinkler head and an adapter assembly for coupling the sprinkler head to a portion of a pipe of a fluid distribution system in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0017] Fig. 43 illustrates an adapter ring comprising a centering recess and a centering wall in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;
[0018] Fig. 44 illustrates a pipe configured to receive an adapter assembly in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment; and
[0019] Figs. 45-48 illustrate a sprinkler head joined to a pipe using an adapter assembly in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the sprinkler heads and adapter assemblies disclosed herein.
The description should be understood as illustrative of the invention but should not be considered as limiting. Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings, which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention.
The description should be understood as illustrative of the invention but should not be considered as limiting. Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings, which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0021] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-15, an adapter assembly or kit 10 can be used to attach a sprinkler head 12 or a fire sprinkler head, such as a non-threaded, flange-type sprinkler head, for example, to a pipe 14 of a fluid distribution system, to another portion of a fluid distribution system, or to another suitable system.
In other embodiments, the sprinkler head 12 can comprise a standard sprinkler head comprising a male threaded portion and a separate flange comprising a female threaded portion. The flange can be threadably engaged with the standard sprinkler head to form a flange-type sprinkler head assembly or sprinkler head. The term "fluid" can comprise liquids, foams, slurries, plasmas, and/or gases. In one embodiment, the adapter assembly or kit 10 can comprise an adapter ring 16 (see e.g., Figs. 9-15) and a sealing member. The adapter ring 16 can define an internal bore 20 configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head 12 therethrough and a wall 22 at least partially surrounding the internal bore 20. In one embodiment, the wall 22 can comprise a threaded portion 24 configured to be at least partially engaged with a threaded end 25 of the pipe 14, for example, in various embodiments, the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 can form a male end with threads 27 formed on its outer surface (see e.g., Fig. 25). In one embodiment, the adapter ring 16 can comprise an outer wall or first wall comprising a gripping surface configured to be used to tighten or hand tighten the adapter ring 16 onto the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14.
[00221 In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-8 and 21-23, the adapter assembly 10 can comprise a sealing member 30. The sealing member 30 can comprise a gasket, an o-ring, a polytetrafluoroethylene "PTFE" ring, and/or other suitable sealing members configured to create a fluid-tight seal between a portion of the sprinkler head 12 and the pipe 14. In one embodiment, the sealing member 30 can be positioned within a recess, groove, and/or a slot on the end of the pipe 14 and/or within a recess, groove, and/or slot in a flange of the sprinkler head 12. In other embodiments, the sealing member 30 can be formed with or attached to the end of the pipe 14 or the flange of the sprinkler head 12. In certain embodiments, a sealing surface on the end of the pipe 14 and/or the flange of the sprinkler head 12 can be used in place of the sealing member 30, for example. In one embodiment, thread paste sealant (a.k.a., "pipe dope"), PTFE tape, and/or other suitable sealing compounds, tapes, and/or members are not generally needed to be placed around and/or on the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 and/or the threaded portion 24 of the adapter ring 16 owing to the fluid-tight seal created by the sealing member 30 when positioned intermediate the end of the pipe 14 and the flange of the sprinkler head 12.
[0023] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-5, 7-12, 14, and 15, the adapter ring 16 can comprise a first surface 17 and a second surface 19. The threaded portion 24 can be positioned intermediate the first surface 17 and the second surface 19. A
groove 21 can be defined in the adapter ring 16. The groove 21 can be defined at least partially in the second surface 19 and can be configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head 12 or other portion of the sprinkler head 12.
In other various embodiments, the groove 21 can be defined at least partially in the wall 22. For example, in one embodiment, the groove 21 is defined in the wall 22 and comprises a lip configured to compressingly engage an opposing surface of a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head 12 or other portion of the sprinkler head.
[0024] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-8 and 16-20, the sprinkler head 12 can comprise a first end 32 and a second end 34. The first end 32 can comprise a flange 37 configured to be engaged with a portion of the adapter ring 16 and the second end 34 can comprise a fluid or water diffuser 36 configured to dispense a fluid or water.
In one embodiment, the flange 37 can comprise the sealing member 30 or, in other embodiments, can comprise a sealing surface configured to create a fluid-tight seal with an end of the pipe 14. The sprinkler head 12, including the flange 37, can define a bore 35 at least partially therethrough configured to allow fluid to pass from the pipe 14 to the fluid or water diffuser 36. The bore 35 can be surrounded by a recess 39 configured to receive a raised portion of the pipe 14, as discussed herein, to align the sprinkler head 12 with the pipe 14 and align the bore 35 with an internal bore of the pipe 14. The sprinkler head 12 can also comprise a body 38 comprising a fluid activation portion, such as a temperature sensitive fluid activation portion, for example, configured to detect the presence of a condition in need of activation of the sprinkler head 12, such as a fire, for example. In one embodiment, the sprinkler heads of the present disclosure can comprise fire sprinkler heads.
[0025] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 16-18, the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12 can comprise a first portion 39 comprising a first diameter or perimeter and a second portion 41 comprising a second diameter or perimeter.
In various embodiments, the first diameter or perimeter can be larger than the second diameter or perimeter. In such an embodiment, the first portion 39 and/or the second portion 41 can be used to align and/or center the sprinkler head 12 with features of the adapter ring 16, or another adapter ring, and features of the pipe 14, or another pipe.
[0026] In one embodiment, as discussed above, the sprinkler head 12 can be formed of more than one component. In such an embodiment, a flange can comprise a threaded portion, such as a female threaded portion, and a standard sprinkler head can comprise a threaded portion, such as a male threaded portion. The flange can be threadably engaged with the sprinkler head to form a flange-type sprinkler head suitable for use with the adapter assemblies of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the flange can be otherwise attached to a standard sprinkler head as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0027] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 24-26, the threads 27 of the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 can comprise any standard threading, such as a National Pipe Thread (NPT), for example, or can comprise non-standing threading. A
connection end 44 of the pipe 14 can be attached in any suitable manner to the fluid distribution system, such as through the use of an adapter, welding, threading, solvent cementing, and/or other suitable connection methods known to those of skill in the art.
The pipe 14 can comprise an internal bore 46, a raised portion 48 surrounding the internal bore 46, and recess 50 configured to receive the sealing member 30.
In one embodiment, the raised portion 48 of the pipe 14 can be engaged with the recess 39 of the sprinkler bead 12 when the sprinkler head 12 is attached to the pipe 14 to align the internal bore 46 of the pipe 14 with the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12. The fluid of the fluid distribution system can be present in the internal bore 46 before the sprinkler head 12 is activated and can flow through the internal bore 46 when the sprinkler head 12 is activated to supply the fluid to the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12 for dispersion.
The recess 50 can be positioned radially outwardly from the raised portion 48 and can be configured to accept a portion of the sealing member 30 such that the sealing member 30 can be compressed between the end of the pipe 14 and a portion of the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12 to create a fluid-tight seal between the sprinkler head 12 and the pipe 14.
[00281 In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-3, to assemble or connect the sprinkler head 12 to the pipe 14, the sealing member 30 can be placed into the recess 50 of the pipe 14 and/or into a recess, groove, and/or slot in the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12. In other embodiments, the sealing member 30 can be placed on the end of the pipe 14 and/or on the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12. Next, in various embodiments, the adapter ring 16 can be partially threaded and/or screwed onto the pipe 14. As such, the threaded portion 24 of the adapter ring 16 can be threadably engaged with the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14. At this step, the adapter ring 16 may not be fully tightened onto the pipe 14. In such an embodiment, the threadable connection between the pipe 14 and the adapter ring 16 may not form a fluid-tight seal, but instead, may be used to retain the adapter ring 16 to the pipe 14. The flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12 or other portion of the sprinkler head 12 can then be slidably inserted into the groove 21, such that the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12 can be positioned in alignment with or in fluid communication with the internal bore 46 of the pipe 12. When the sprinkler head 12 is in such a position, fluid from the pipe 14 of the fluid distribution system can flow through the internal bore 46 of the pipe 14, pass through the bore 35 in the sprinkler head 12, and be provided to the fluid or water diffuser 36 for distribution. After the sprinkler head 12 is in position within the groove 21, the adapter ring 16 can be further tightened to thereby compress the sealing member 30 between a portion of the flange 37 and the end of the pipe 14 and create a fluid-tight seal between the end of the pipe 14 and the sprinkler head 12. As illustrated in the figures, the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 and the threaded portion 24 of the adapter ring 16 may form a complimentary seal to the sealing member 30 or may not form a seal at all and may merely be used to retain the adapter ring 16, and thereby the sprinkler head 12, to the pipe 14.
[0029] In the embodiments below, like numbers can denote like elements (e.g., 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 etc.) [0030] In various embodiments, referring to Figs. 27-32, a sprinkler head 112 can be connected to a portion of a pipe 114 using an adapter assembly 110. In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 33 and 34, the sprinkler head 112 is illustrated.
[0031] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 35 and 37, a sprinkler head 212 can be connected to a portion of a pipe 214 using an adapter assembly 210. In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 36, a sprinkler head 312 can be connected to a portion of a pipe 314 using an adapter assembly 310. In various embodiments, referring to Figs.
38-42, a sprinkler head 412 can be attached to a portion of a pipe 414 using an adapter assembly 410. The adapter assemblies 210, 310, and 410 may or may not comprise a groove, such as groove 21, for example.
[0032] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 38-42, the adapter assembly 410 can comprise an adapter ring 416 and a sealing member 430. The adapter ring 416 can define an internal bore 420 surrounded by a wall 422. The wall 422 can comprise a threaded portion 424. The adapter ring 416 can be used to threadably engage a threaded end 425 of a pipe 414. An end of the pipe 414 can have a recess, such as recess 50, for example, formed therein which is configured to at least partially accept the sealing member 430. The sprinkler head 412 can be similar to or the same as the sprinkler head 12 discussed above.
[0033] In one embodiment, still referring to Figs. 38-42, to install the sprinkler head 412 to the pipe 414, the sprinkler head 412 can be inserted into the internal bore 420 of the adapter ring 416 such that a surface of the flange 437 portion rests against a surface of the adapter ring 416. The adapter ring 416 can then be threadably engaged with the threaded end 425 of the pipe 414, thereby engaging the threaded portion 424 with the threaded end 425. By tightening the connection between the threaded portion 424 and the threaded end 425, the sealing member 430 can be compressed between the end of the pipe 414 and a portion of the flange 437 to create a fluid-tight seal. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion 424 and the threaded end 425 may or may not form a fluid-tight seal when tightened.
[0034] In one embodiment, the flange 437 can be formed integral with the sprinkler head 412 or can be a separate component from the sprinkler head 412.
In an embodiment in which the sprinkler head 412 is a separate component from the flange 437, the sprinkler head 412 can comprise a male threaded portion and the flange 437 can comprise a female threaded portion such that the sprinkler head 412 can be threadably engaged with the flange 437. In other embodiments, the flange 437 can comprise a male threaded portion and the sprinkler head 412 can comprise a female threaded portion, for example. In one embodiment, the threaded portions of the sprinkler head 412 and the flange 437 can comprise NPT threads or other suitable threads, for example.
[0035] In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 43, an adapter ring 516 of an adapter assembly can comprise a centering recess 551 and a centering wall 553.
A
portion of a flange of a sprinkler head, such as the first portion 39 of the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12, for example, can be engaged with the centering recess 551 and/or the centering wall 553 and/or can be abutted against the centering recess 551 and/or the centering wall 553. Such engagement can maintain the sprinkler head in a centered and/or aligned position with respect to the adapter ring 516 such that a bore of the sprinkler head, such as the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12, for example, can be aligned with an internal bore of a pipe, such as the internal bore 46 of the pipe 14, for example.
[0036] In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 44, a pipe 614 configured to receive an adapter assembly can comprise a centering recess 651, a centering wall 653, and an internal bore 646. A portion of a flange of a sprinkler head, such as the first portion 39 of the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12, for example, can be engaged with the centering recess 651 and/or the centering wall 653 and/or can be abutted against the centering recess 651 and/or the centering wall 653. Such engagement can maintain the sprinkler head in a centered and/or aligned position with respect to the pipe 614 such that the internal bore 646 of the pipe 614 can be aligned with a bore of the sprinkler head, such as the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12, for example. In various embodiments, the pipe 614 can be used in conjunction with an adapter assembly comprising the adapter ring 516. Such an embodiment can allow both the adapter ring 516 and the pipe 614 to be aligned with the sprinkler head via the flange or other portion of the sprinkler head. In other various embodiments, the pipe 614 can be used with an adapter ring not having a centering recess and/or a centering wall.
Likewise, the adapter ring 516 can be used with a pipe not having a centering recess and/or a centering wall.
030371 In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 45-48, the manner in which the pipe 614 comprising the centering recess 651 and the centering wall 653 and the adapter ring 516 comprising the centering recess 551 and the centering wall 553 can align and/or center a sprinkler head is illustrated. Such centering and/or aligning of the sprinkler head about the pipe 614 and the adapter ring 516 can reduce or eliminate human error during connection of the adapter ring 516 and the sprinkler head to the pipe 614.
[0038] In some of the above embodiments, the adapter ring 16 may comprise a generally C-shape configuration and comprise a rigid material. In these and other embodiments, the adapter ring 16 may also comprise a lip having an internal diameter or perimeter less than an external diameter or perimeter of a flange of a sprinkler head or other portion of a sprinkler head received through the adapter ring 16. The lip may be continuous or discontinuous about the adapter ring. The lip may similarly be arcuate or semi-arcuate and is not limited in this respect. In certain embodiments the lip comprises a compression surface configured to compressingly engage an opposing surface of a flange or portion of a sprinkler head when the adaptor ring is tightened onto an adjacent structure, such as a fluid delivery device, outlet, or pipe having reciprocal threads to that of the adapter ring, for example.
[0039] The compression surface may be configured to perform various functions, such as compressing a flange or portion of a sprinkler head against an adjacent structure, such as a sealing member and/or pipe. For example, in some embodiments, the compression surface may comprise a centering recess that assists in aligning or centering the sprinkler head, as previously described. In certain embodiments, the compression surface may also include a sealing surface or member configured to create or maintain a fluid tight seal. Such a seal may be instead of or in addition to another seal, such as a seal about the interface of a flange or sprinkler head portion and an adjacent structure (e.g., a threaded pipe) created when an adaptor ring is tightened onto the adjacent structure.
[0040] In one general embodiment, the present invention is directed to a kit for connecting a sprinkler head to a pipe of a fluid distribution system, where the pipe comprises a threaded male portion. The kit comprises a sprinkler head and an adapter assembly. The sprinkler head comprises a flange on a first end and a fluid diffuser on a second end. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring and a sealing member.
The adapter ring may comprise: (i) an internal bore configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and (ii) a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe.
The sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
[0041] In various implementations, the adapter ring comprises: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and (iii) a groove defined in the adapter ring and configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head.
In addition, the sealing member, when compressed, may create a fluid-tight seal between the portion of the flange and the portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe. Also, the adapter ring may comprise a gripping surface.
[0042] In another general embodiment, the kit comprises a flange-type sprinkler head assembly in addition to the adapter assembly. In such an embodiment, the flange-type sprinkler head assembly comprises: (i) a sprinkler head comprising a male threaded portion; and (ii) a flange comprising a female threaded portion, wherein the flange is configured to be threadably engaged with the sprinkler head to form the flange-type sprinkler head assembly. The adapter ring of the adapter assembly may comprise: (i) an internal bore configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and (ii) a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe. The sealing member of the adapter assembly may be configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
[0043] In various implementations, the adaptor ring comprises a groove extending through a portion of the wall, where the groove is configured to laterally receive a portion of the flange. Also, the internal bore may comprise a lip having an internal diameter less than an external diameter of a portion of a sprinkler head received therethrough. The lip may comprise a compression surface configured to oppose a first surface of a received sprinkler head portion, where the compression surface is configured to compressingly engage the first surface when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe. When the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe, the sealing member may create a fluid-tight seal between a second surface of the received sprinkler head portion and the pipe.
[0044] In another general aspect, the present invention is directed to an adapter assembly for connecting a non-threaded sprinkler head to a pipe. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring and a sealing member. The adapter ring may comprise:
(i) an internal bore configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough, wherein the portion of the sprinkler head comprises a flange; and (ii) a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded end of the pipe.
The sealing member may be configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
[0045] In another embodiment, the adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring, which comprises: (i) an outer wall comprising a gripping surface; (ii) an inner wall comprising a threaded portion configured to threadingly engage a reciprocally threaded structure; (iii) a groove extending from the outer wall to the inner wall, wherein the groove defines a lip configured to be slidably engaged with a portion of the sprinkler head; and (iv) an internal bore defined in the adapter ring, wherein the internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head. In various implementations, the internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head through the groove.
Also, the lip may comprise an internal diameter less than an external diameter of the portion of the sprinkler head the lip is configured to slidably engage. The lip may comprise a compression surface configured to compressingly engage an opposing surface of a received portion of the sprinkler head when the threaded portion of the adapter ring is tightened onto a reciprocally threaded structure. When the adapter ring is tightened onto a reciprocally threaded structure, an interface of the received sprinkler head and the reciprocally threaded structure may create a fluid-tight seal between a surface of the received sprinkler head and the reciprocally threaded structure.
[0046] While particular non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those of skill in the art will recognize that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the present disclosure.
In other embodiments, the sprinkler head 12 can comprise a standard sprinkler head comprising a male threaded portion and a separate flange comprising a female threaded portion. The flange can be threadably engaged with the standard sprinkler head to form a flange-type sprinkler head assembly or sprinkler head. The term "fluid" can comprise liquids, foams, slurries, plasmas, and/or gases. In one embodiment, the adapter assembly or kit 10 can comprise an adapter ring 16 (see e.g., Figs. 9-15) and a sealing member. The adapter ring 16 can define an internal bore 20 configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head 12 therethrough and a wall 22 at least partially surrounding the internal bore 20. In one embodiment, the wall 22 can comprise a threaded portion 24 configured to be at least partially engaged with a threaded end 25 of the pipe 14, for example, in various embodiments, the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 can form a male end with threads 27 formed on its outer surface (see e.g., Fig. 25). In one embodiment, the adapter ring 16 can comprise an outer wall or first wall comprising a gripping surface configured to be used to tighten or hand tighten the adapter ring 16 onto the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14.
[00221 In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-8 and 21-23, the adapter assembly 10 can comprise a sealing member 30. The sealing member 30 can comprise a gasket, an o-ring, a polytetrafluoroethylene "PTFE" ring, and/or other suitable sealing members configured to create a fluid-tight seal between a portion of the sprinkler head 12 and the pipe 14. In one embodiment, the sealing member 30 can be positioned within a recess, groove, and/or a slot on the end of the pipe 14 and/or within a recess, groove, and/or slot in a flange of the sprinkler head 12. In other embodiments, the sealing member 30 can be formed with or attached to the end of the pipe 14 or the flange of the sprinkler head 12. In certain embodiments, a sealing surface on the end of the pipe 14 and/or the flange of the sprinkler head 12 can be used in place of the sealing member 30, for example. In one embodiment, thread paste sealant (a.k.a., "pipe dope"), PTFE tape, and/or other suitable sealing compounds, tapes, and/or members are not generally needed to be placed around and/or on the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 and/or the threaded portion 24 of the adapter ring 16 owing to the fluid-tight seal created by the sealing member 30 when positioned intermediate the end of the pipe 14 and the flange of the sprinkler head 12.
[0023] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-5, 7-12, 14, and 15, the adapter ring 16 can comprise a first surface 17 and a second surface 19. The threaded portion 24 can be positioned intermediate the first surface 17 and the second surface 19. A
groove 21 can be defined in the adapter ring 16. The groove 21 can be defined at least partially in the second surface 19 and can be configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head 12 or other portion of the sprinkler head 12.
In other various embodiments, the groove 21 can be defined at least partially in the wall 22. For example, in one embodiment, the groove 21 is defined in the wall 22 and comprises a lip configured to compressingly engage an opposing surface of a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head 12 or other portion of the sprinkler head.
[0024] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-8 and 16-20, the sprinkler head 12 can comprise a first end 32 and a second end 34. The first end 32 can comprise a flange 37 configured to be engaged with a portion of the adapter ring 16 and the second end 34 can comprise a fluid or water diffuser 36 configured to dispense a fluid or water.
In one embodiment, the flange 37 can comprise the sealing member 30 or, in other embodiments, can comprise a sealing surface configured to create a fluid-tight seal with an end of the pipe 14. The sprinkler head 12, including the flange 37, can define a bore 35 at least partially therethrough configured to allow fluid to pass from the pipe 14 to the fluid or water diffuser 36. The bore 35 can be surrounded by a recess 39 configured to receive a raised portion of the pipe 14, as discussed herein, to align the sprinkler head 12 with the pipe 14 and align the bore 35 with an internal bore of the pipe 14. The sprinkler head 12 can also comprise a body 38 comprising a fluid activation portion, such as a temperature sensitive fluid activation portion, for example, configured to detect the presence of a condition in need of activation of the sprinkler head 12, such as a fire, for example. In one embodiment, the sprinkler heads of the present disclosure can comprise fire sprinkler heads.
[0025] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 16-18, the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12 can comprise a first portion 39 comprising a first diameter or perimeter and a second portion 41 comprising a second diameter or perimeter.
In various embodiments, the first diameter or perimeter can be larger than the second diameter or perimeter. In such an embodiment, the first portion 39 and/or the second portion 41 can be used to align and/or center the sprinkler head 12 with features of the adapter ring 16, or another adapter ring, and features of the pipe 14, or another pipe.
[0026] In one embodiment, as discussed above, the sprinkler head 12 can be formed of more than one component. In such an embodiment, a flange can comprise a threaded portion, such as a female threaded portion, and a standard sprinkler head can comprise a threaded portion, such as a male threaded portion. The flange can be threadably engaged with the sprinkler head to form a flange-type sprinkler head suitable for use with the adapter assemblies of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the flange can be otherwise attached to a standard sprinkler head as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0027] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 24-26, the threads 27 of the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 can comprise any standard threading, such as a National Pipe Thread (NPT), for example, or can comprise non-standing threading. A
connection end 44 of the pipe 14 can be attached in any suitable manner to the fluid distribution system, such as through the use of an adapter, welding, threading, solvent cementing, and/or other suitable connection methods known to those of skill in the art.
The pipe 14 can comprise an internal bore 46, a raised portion 48 surrounding the internal bore 46, and recess 50 configured to receive the sealing member 30.
In one embodiment, the raised portion 48 of the pipe 14 can be engaged with the recess 39 of the sprinkler bead 12 when the sprinkler head 12 is attached to the pipe 14 to align the internal bore 46 of the pipe 14 with the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12. The fluid of the fluid distribution system can be present in the internal bore 46 before the sprinkler head 12 is activated and can flow through the internal bore 46 when the sprinkler head 12 is activated to supply the fluid to the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12 for dispersion.
The recess 50 can be positioned radially outwardly from the raised portion 48 and can be configured to accept a portion of the sealing member 30 such that the sealing member 30 can be compressed between the end of the pipe 14 and a portion of the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12 to create a fluid-tight seal between the sprinkler head 12 and the pipe 14.
[00281 In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 1-3, to assemble or connect the sprinkler head 12 to the pipe 14, the sealing member 30 can be placed into the recess 50 of the pipe 14 and/or into a recess, groove, and/or slot in the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12. In other embodiments, the sealing member 30 can be placed on the end of the pipe 14 and/or on the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12. Next, in various embodiments, the adapter ring 16 can be partially threaded and/or screwed onto the pipe 14. As such, the threaded portion 24 of the adapter ring 16 can be threadably engaged with the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14. At this step, the adapter ring 16 may not be fully tightened onto the pipe 14. In such an embodiment, the threadable connection between the pipe 14 and the adapter ring 16 may not form a fluid-tight seal, but instead, may be used to retain the adapter ring 16 to the pipe 14. The flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12 or other portion of the sprinkler head 12 can then be slidably inserted into the groove 21, such that the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12 can be positioned in alignment with or in fluid communication with the internal bore 46 of the pipe 12. When the sprinkler head 12 is in such a position, fluid from the pipe 14 of the fluid distribution system can flow through the internal bore 46 of the pipe 14, pass through the bore 35 in the sprinkler head 12, and be provided to the fluid or water diffuser 36 for distribution. After the sprinkler head 12 is in position within the groove 21, the adapter ring 16 can be further tightened to thereby compress the sealing member 30 between a portion of the flange 37 and the end of the pipe 14 and create a fluid-tight seal between the end of the pipe 14 and the sprinkler head 12. As illustrated in the figures, the threaded end 25 of the pipe 14 and the threaded portion 24 of the adapter ring 16 may form a complimentary seal to the sealing member 30 or may not form a seal at all and may merely be used to retain the adapter ring 16, and thereby the sprinkler head 12, to the pipe 14.
[0029] In the embodiments below, like numbers can denote like elements (e.g., 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 etc.) [0030] In various embodiments, referring to Figs. 27-32, a sprinkler head 112 can be connected to a portion of a pipe 114 using an adapter assembly 110. In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 33 and 34, the sprinkler head 112 is illustrated.
[0031] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 35 and 37, a sprinkler head 212 can be connected to a portion of a pipe 214 using an adapter assembly 210. In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 36, a sprinkler head 312 can be connected to a portion of a pipe 314 using an adapter assembly 310. In various embodiments, referring to Figs.
38-42, a sprinkler head 412 can be attached to a portion of a pipe 414 using an adapter assembly 410. The adapter assemblies 210, 310, and 410 may or may not comprise a groove, such as groove 21, for example.
[0032] In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 38-42, the adapter assembly 410 can comprise an adapter ring 416 and a sealing member 430. The adapter ring 416 can define an internal bore 420 surrounded by a wall 422. The wall 422 can comprise a threaded portion 424. The adapter ring 416 can be used to threadably engage a threaded end 425 of a pipe 414. An end of the pipe 414 can have a recess, such as recess 50, for example, formed therein which is configured to at least partially accept the sealing member 430. The sprinkler head 412 can be similar to or the same as the sprinkler head 12 discussed above.
[0033] In one embodiment, still referring to Figs. 38-42, to install the sprinkler head 412 to the pipe 414, the sprinkler head 412 can be inserted into the internal bore 420 of the adapter ring 416 such that a surface of the flange 437 portion rests against a surface of the adapter ring 416. The adapter ring 416 can then be threadably engaged with the threaded end 425 of the pipe 414, thereby engaging the threaded portion 424 with the threaded end 425. By tightening the connection between the threaded portion 424 and the threaded end 425, the sealing member 430 can be compressed between the end of the pipe 414 and a portion of the flange 437 to create a fluid-tight seal. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion 424 and the threaded end 425 may or may not form a fluid-tight seal when tightened.
[0034] In one embodiment, the flange 437 can be formed integral with the sprinkler head 412 or can be a separate component from the sprinkler head 412.
In an embodiment in which the sprinkler head 412 is a separate component from the flange 437, the sprinkler head 412 can comprise a male threaded portion and the flange 437 can comprise a female threaded portion such that the sprinkler head 412 can be threadably engaged with the flange 437. In other embodiments, the flange 437 can comprise a male threaded portion and the sprinkler head 412 can comprise a female threaded portion, for example. In one embodiment, the threaded portions of the sprinkler head 412 and the flange 437 can comprise NPT threads or other suitable threads, for example.
[0035] In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 43, an adapter ring 516 of an adapter assembly can comprise a centering recess 551 and a centering wall 553.
A
portion of a flange of a sprinkler head, such as the first portion 39 of the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12, for example, can be engaged with the centering recess 551 and/or the centering wall 553 and/or can be abutted against the centering recess 551 and/or the centering wall 553. Such engagement can maintain the sprinkler head in a centered and/or aligned position with respect to the adapter ring 516 such that a bore of the sprinkler head, such as the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12, for example, can be aligned with an internal bore of a pipe, such as the internal bore 46 of the pipe 14, for example.
[0036] In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 44, a pipe 614 configured to receive an adapter assembly can comprise a centering recess 651, a centering wall 653, and an internal bore 646. A portion of a flange of a sprinkler head, such as the first portion 39 of the flange 37 of the sprinkler head 12, for example, can be engaged with the centering recess 651 and/or the centering wall 653 and/or can be abutted against the centering recess 651 and/or the centering wall 653. Such engagement can maintain the sprinkler head in a centered and/or aligned position with respect to the pipe 614 such that the internal bore 646 of the pipe 614 can be aligned with a bore of the sprinkler head, such as the bore 35 of the sprinkler head 12, for example. In various embodiments, the pipe 614 can be used in conjunction with an adapter assembly comprising the adapter ring 516. Such an embodiment can allow both the adapter ring 516 and the pipe 614 to be aligned with the sprinkler head via the flange or other portion of the sprinkler head. In other various embodiments, the pipe 614 can be used with an adapter ring not having a centering recess and/or a centering wall.
Likewise, the adapter ring 516 can be used with a pipe not having a centering recess and/or a centering wall.
030371 In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 45-48, the manner in which the pipe 614 comprising the centering recess 651 and the centering wall 653 and the adapter ring 516 comprising the centering recess 551 and the centering wall 553 can align and/or center a sprinkler head is illustrated. Such centering and/or aligning of the sprinkler head about the pipe 614 and the adapter ring 516 can reduce or eliminate human error during connection of the adapter ring 516 and the sprinkler head to the pipe 614.
[0038] In some of the above embodiments, the adapter ring 16 may comprise a generally C-shape configuration and comprise a rigid material. In these and other embodiments, the adapter ring 16 may also comprise a lip having an internal diameter or perimeter less than an external diameter or perimeter of a flange of a sprinkler head or other portion of a sprinkler head received through the adapter ring 16. The lip may be continuous or discontinuous about the adapter ring. The lip may similarly be arcuate or semi-arcuate and is not limited in this respect. In certain embodiments the lip comprises a compression surface configured to compressingly engage an opposing surface of a flange or portion of a sprinkler head when the adaptor ring is tightened onto an adjacent structure, such as a fluid delivery device, outlet, or pipe having reciprocal threads to that of the adapter ring, for example.
[0039] The compression surface may be configured to perform various functions, such as compressing a flange or portion of a sprinkler head against an adjacent structure, such as a sealing member and/or pipe. For example, in some embodiments, the compression surface may comprise a centering recess that assists in aligning or centering the sprinkler head, as previously described. In certain embodiments, the compression surface may also include a sealing surface or member configured to create or maintain a fluid tight seal. Such a seal may be instead of or in addition to another seal, such as a seal about the interface of a flange or sprinkler head portion and an adjacent structure (e.g., a threaded pipe) created when an adaptor ring is tightened onto the adjacent structure.
[0040] In one general embodiment, the present invention is directed to a kit for connecting a sprinkler head to a pipe of a fluid distribution system, where the pipe comprises a threaded male portion. The kit comprises a sprinkler head and an adapter assembly. The sprinkler head comprises a flange on a first end and a fluid diffuser on a second end. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring and a sealing member.
The adapter ring may comprise: (i) an internal bore configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and (ii) a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe.
The sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
[0041] In various implementations, the adapter ring comprises: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and (iii) a groove defined in the adapter ring and configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head.
In addition, the sealing member, when compressed, may create a fluid-tight seal between the portion of the flange and the portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe. Also, the adapter ring may comprise a gripping surface.
[0042] In another general embodiment, the kit comprises a flange-type sprinkler head assembly in addition to the adapter assembly. In such an embodiment, the flange-type sprinkler head assembly comprises: (i) a sprinkler head comprising a male threaded portion; and (ii) a flange comprising a female threaded portion, wherein the flange is configured to be threadably engaged with the sprinkler head to form the flange-type sprinkler head assembly. The adapter ring of the adapter assembly may comprise: (i) an internal bore configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and (ii) a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe. The sealing member of the adapter assembly may be configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
[0043] In various implementations, the adaptor ring comprises a groove extending through a portion of the wall, where the groove is configured to laterally receive a portion of the flange. Also, the internal bore may comprise a lip having an internal diameter less than an external diameter of a portion of a sprinkler head received therethrough. The lip may comprise a compression surface configured to oppose a first surface of a received sprinkler head portion, where the compression surface is configured to compressingly engage the first surface when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe. When the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe, the sealing member may create a fluid-tight seal between a second surface of the received sprinkler head portion and the pipe.
[0044] In another general aspect, the present invention is directed to an adapter assembly for connecting a non-threaded sprinkler head to a pipe. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring and a sealing member. The adapter ring may comprise:
(i) an internal bore configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough, wherein the portion of the sprinkler head comprises a flange; and (ii) a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded end of the pipe.
The sealing member may be configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
[0045] In another embodiment, the adapter assembly comprises an adapter ring, which comprises: (i) an outer wall comprising a gripping surface; (ii) an inner wall comprising a threaded portion configured to threadingly engage a reciprocally threaded structure; (iii) a groove extending from the outer wall to the inner wall, wherein the groove defines a lip configured to be slidably engaged with a portion of the sprinkler head; and (iv) an internal bore defined in the adapter ring, wherein the internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head. In various implementations, the internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head through the groove.
Also, the lip may comprise an internal diameter less than an external diameter of the portion of the sprinkler head the lip is configured to slidably engage. The lip may comprise a compression surface configured to compressingly engage an opposing surface of a received portion of the sprinkler head when the threaded portion of the adapter ring is tightened onto a reciprocally threaded structure. When the adapter ring is tightened onto a reciprocally threaded structure, an interface of the received sprinkler head and the reciprocally threaded structure may create a fluid-tight seal between a surface of the received sprinkler head and the reciprocally threaded structure.
[0046] While particular non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those of skill in the art will recognize that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims (19)
1. A kit for connecting a sprinkler head to a pipe of a fluid distribution system, wherein the pipe comprises a threaded male portion, the kit comprising:
a sprinkler head comprising a flange on a first end and a fluid diffuser on a second end; and an adapter assembly comprising:
an adapter ring comprising:
an internal bore defining an axial length configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe;
a groove defined in the adaptor assembly, wherein the groove is configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head transverse to the axial length; and a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
a sprinkler head comprising a flange on a first end and a fluid diffuser on a second end; and an adapter assembly comprising:
an adapter ring comprising:
an internal bore defining an axial length configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe;
a groove defined in the adaptor assembly, wherein the groove is configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head transverse to the axial length; and a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the adapter ring comprises:
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the second surface of the adapter ring.
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the second surface of the adapter ring.
3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the adapter ring comprises:
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the wall.
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the wall.
4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the sealing member, when compressed, is configured to create a fluid-tight seal between the portion of the flange and the portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe.
5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the adapter ring comprises a gripping surface.
6. A kit for connecting a sprinkler head assembly to a pipe of a fluid distribution system, wherein the pipe comprises a threaded male portion, the kit comprising:
a flange-type sprinkler head assembly comprising:
a sprinkler head comprising a male threaded portion; and a flange comprising a female threaded portion, wherein the flange is configured to be threadably engaged with the sprinkler head to form the flange-type sprinkler head assembly; and an adapter assembly comprising:
an adapter ring comprising:
an internal bore defining an axial length configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe;
a groove defined in the adaptor assembly, wherein the groove is configured to laterally receive a portion of the flange along the axial length;
a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
a flange-type sprinkler head assembly comprising:
a sprinkler head comprising a male threaded portion; and a flange comprising a female threaded portion, wherein the flange is configured to be threadably engaged with the sprinkler head to form the flange-type sprinkler head assembly; and an adapter assembly comprising:
an adapter ring comprising:
an internal bore defining an axial length configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough; and a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion, and wherein the threaded portion is configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe;
a groove defined in the adaptor assembly, wherein the groove is configured to laterally receive a portion of the flange along the axial length;
a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the threaded male portion of the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the groove extends through a portion of the wall.
8. The kit of claim 6, wherein the internal bore comprises a lip having an internal diameter less than an external diameter of a portion of a sprinkler head received therethrough.
9. The kit of claim 8, wherein the lip comprises a compression surface configured to oppose a first surface of a received sprinkler head portion, and wherein the compression surface is configured to compressingly engage the first surface when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe.
10. The kit of claim 9, wherein, when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe, the sealing member is configured to create a fluid-tight seal between a second surface of the received sprinkler head portion and the pipe.
11. An adapter assembly for connecting a non-threaded sprinkler head to a pipe, wherein the pipe comprises a threaded end, the adapter assembly comprising:
an adapter ring comprising:
an internal bore defining an axial length configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough, wherein the portion of the sprinkler head comprises a flange; and a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded end of the pipe;
a groove defined in the adaptor assembly, wherein the groove is configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head transverse to the axial length;
and a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
an adapter ring comprising:
an internal bore defining an axial length configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head therethrough, wherein the portion of the sprinkler head comprises a flange; and a wall at least partially surrounding the internal bore, wherein the wall comprises a threaded portion configured to be at least partially engaged with the threaded end of the pipe;
a groove defined in the adaptor assembly, wherein the groove is configured to slidably receive a portion of the flange of the sprinkler head transverse to the axial length;
and a sealing member configured to engage a portion of the flange and a portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is threadably engaged with the pipe and when the portion of the sprinkler head is positioned within the internal bore of the adapter ring.
12. The adapter assembly of claim 11, wherein the adapter ring comprises:
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the second surface of the adapter ring.
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the second surface of the adapter ring.
13. The adapter assembly of claim 11, wherein the adapter ring comprises:
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the wall.
a first surface;
a second surface, wherein the threaded portion is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface; and the groove, and wherein the groove is defined at least partially in the wall.
14. The adapter assembly of claim 11, wherein the sealing member, when compressed, is configured to create a fluid-tight seal between the portion of the flange and the portion of the pipe when the adapter ring is tightened onto the threaded male portion of the pipe.
15. An adapter assembly for attaching a sprinkler head to a pipe, the adapter assembly comprising:
an adapter ring comprising:
an outer wall comprising a gripping surface;
an inner wall comprising a threaded portion configured to threadingly engage a reciprocally threaded structure;
a groove extending from the outer wall to the inner wall, wherein the groove defines a lip configured to be slidably engaged with a portion of a sprinkler head;
and an internal bore defined in the adapter ring, wherein the internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head.
an adapter ring comprising:
an outer wall comprising a gripping surface;
an inner wall comprising a threaded portion configured to threadingly engage a reciprocally threaded structure;
a groove extending from the outer wall to the inner wall, wherein the groove defines a lip configured to be slidably engaged with a portion of a sprinkler head;
and an internal bore defined in the adapter ring, wherein the internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head.
16. The adapter ring assembly of claim 15, wherein the internal bore is configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler head through the groove.
17. The adapter ring assembly of claim 15, wherein the lip comprises an internal diameter less than an external diameter of the portion of the sprinkler head the lip is configured to slidably engage.
18. The adapter ring assembly of claim 17, wherein, the lip comprises a compression surface configured to compressingly engage an opposing surface of a received portion of the sprinkler head when the threaded portion of the adapter ring is tightened onto a reciprocally threaded structure.
19. The adapter ring assembly of claim 18, wherein, when the adapter ring is tightened onto a reciprocally threaded structure, an interface of the received sprinkler head and the reciprocally threaded structure creates a fluid-tight seal between a surface of the received sprinkler head and the reciprocally threaded structure.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US34246110P | 2010-04-14 | 2010-04-14 | |
| US61/342,461 | 2010-04-14 | ||
| PCT/CA2011/000681 WO2011127595A1 (en) | 2010-04-14 | 2011-04-08 | Sprinkler heads and adapter assemblies for connecting the same to a pipe |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2790779A1 CA2790779A1 (en) | 2011-10-20 |
| CA2790779C true CA2790779C (en) | 2017-08-29 |
Family
ID=44798227
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2790779A Active CA2790779C (en) | 2010-04-14 | 2011-04-08 | Sprinkler heads and adapter assemblies for connecting the same to a pipe |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2790779C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2011127595A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102014203043B3 (en) * | 2014-02-19 | 2015-03-05 | Minimax Gmbh & Co. Kg | Löschfluiddüsensystem, in particular extinguishing gas nozzle system for stationary fire extinguishing systems, as well as extinguishing fluid nozzle and -blende for selbiges |
| EP4126265A4 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2024-04-24 | Tyco Fire Products LP | Systems and methods for quick connect storage sprinklers and fittings |
| USD1034901S1 (en) | 2021-03-08 | 2024-07-09 | Tyco Fire Products Lp | Sprinkler |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2297052A (en) * | 1941-04-23 | 1942-09-29 | Ferrando Francesco | Sprinkler head |
| US6302445B1 (en) * | 1998-09-22 | 2001-10-16 | Certainteed Corporation | Irrigation pipe system |
| ITMO20010106A1 (en) * | 2001-05-25 | 2002-11-25 | Arag Srl Con Socio Unico | UNIVERSAL HEAD FOR FIXING A NOZZLE TO A FLUID DISTRIBUTION LINE |
| US7021392B2 (en) * | 2004-04-23 | 2006-04-04 | Allora International, Llc | Body with couplings |
| WO2008067569A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-06-05 | Rossouw, Jacques | Garden irrigation system coupling |
| US8556196B2 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2013-10-15 | Senniger Irrigation Inc. | Quick change nozzle |
-
2011
- 2011-04-08 WO PCT/CA2011/000681 patent/WO2011127595A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-04-08 CA CA2790779A patent/CA2790779C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2011127595A4 (en) | 2012-01-05 |
| CA2790779A1 (en) | 2011-10-20 |
| WO2011127595A1 (en) | 2011-10-20 |
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| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20151123 |