HK1170016A - Flexible assembly for sprinklers - Google Patents

Description

Flexible assembly for a sprinkler

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a flexible assembly for connecting sprinklers to a branch line in a fire suppression system.

Background

Fire sprinkler systems, such as used in structures such as office buildings, hotels, warehouses, and private homes, have a network of pipes including riser pipes connected to a source of pressurized fire-fighting fluid, such as a liquid such as water or a gas such as a halon. The branch lines are connected to the riser pipes at each level of the structure and extend at each level so that fire suppression fluid can be conveyed through the branch lines to any point on each level. The spurs are often suspended from hangers attached to the structural ceiling of each floor. Sprinklers for discharging fluid in the event of a fire are connected to the branch lines by means of flexible conduits. The use of flexible conduits provides a great advantage in that the position of the sprinklers can be easily adjusted both laterally and vertically relative to the decorative ceiling which can be suspended beneath the structural ceiling of each floor. The flexible conduit saves time during installation because it eliminates the need for a technician to install a rigid pipe assembly consisting of a coupling and pipe segments to connect the branch line to each sprinkler head on the floor. With rigid tube assemblies, even minor miscalculations in design or installation can be aesthetically and functionally unacceptable, and require redesign and reinstallation.

Although advantageous, flexible conduits for connecting sprinklers to branch lines of a fire suppression system have certain disadvantages. For example, one drawback that arises when using flexible catheters is the problem of over-torquing the catheter. The sprinklers can have threaded connections and torque is applied to connect them to the ends of the flexible conduit. Torque inadvertently applied to the conduit during installation of the sprinkler can cause leakage to occur, for example, at the fitting where the conduit is connected to the branch line. Additionally, due to the relative motion between the branch line and the sprinklers, torque may be applied to the flexible conduit due to seismic events such as earthquakes. If the applied torque damages the flexible conduit, causing it to leak, all of this prevents the fire suppression 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 that avoids the disadvantages associated with known flexible conduits.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to an assembly for connecting sprinklers to a branch line of a fire suppression system. In one embodiment, the assembly includes 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 enabling attachment of the sprinkler to the conduit. The adapter has an aperture 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 adapter part and the second adapter part are rotatable relative to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second adapter portion comprises a tube attached to the second end of the catheter. The tube is received within the bore of the first adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between the outer surface of the tube and the inner surface of the bore of the first adapter portion for effecting a fluid tight connection between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion. The 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 located in the outer surface of the tube. The split ring also has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove located 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 allows relative rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the bore.

In another exemplary embodiment, the first adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the first adapter portion. A concave spherical surface surrounds the aperture. The second adapter portion includes a convex spherical surface surrounding the bore. A convex spherical surface is positioned at one end of the second adapter portion. The opposite end of the second adapter portion is attached to said second end of the catheter. The male spherical surface fits within the female spherical surface, thereby allowing the first and second adapter portions to rotate relative to each other. This embodiment also has a retainer with a 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.

In yet another embodiment, a second adapter is positioned between the spur and the first end of the conduit for enabling attachment of the conduit to the spur. 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 relative to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth adapter portion includes a second tube attached to the first end of the conduit, the second tube received within the second bore of the third adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between the outer surface of the second tube and the inner surface of the second bore for effecting a fluid tight connection between the third adapter portion and the fourth adapter portion. Further, the 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 located in the outer surface of the second pipe. The split ring also has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove located in the inner surface of the second bore. The split ring prevents relative axial movement between the third and fourth adapter portions but allows relative rotation between the third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the second bore.

In yet another embodiment, the third adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the third adapter portion. The concave spherical surface surrounds the second aperture. The fourth adapter portion includes a convex spherical surface surrounding the second bore and positioned at one end of the fourth adapter portion. The opposite end of the fourth adapter portion is attached to the second end of the catheter. The convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter part fits within the concave spherical surface of the third adapter part, thereby allowing the third and fourth adapter parts to rotate relative to each other. 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 holder and the third adapter portion.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of an assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system, the assembly includes 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 enabling attachment of the conduit to the branch line. The adapter has a bore that provides fluid communication between the branch line and the conduit. The adapter has a first adapter portion attachable to the branch cord and a second adapter portion attached to the first end of the conduit. The first adapter part and the second adapter part are rotatable relative to each other.

In one embodiment, the second adapter portion comprises a tube attached to the first end of the catheter. The tube is received within the bore of the first adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between the outer surface of the tube and the inner surface of the bore of the first adapter portion for effecting a fluid tight connection between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion. The 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 located in the outer surface of the tube. The split ring also has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove located 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 allows relative rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the bore.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the adapter portion and surrounding the bore. The second adapter portion includes a convex spherical surface surrounding the bore and positioned at one end of the second adapter. The opposite end of the second adapter portion is attached to the second end of the catheter. The male spherical surface fits within the female spherical surface, thereby allowing the first and second adapter portions to rotate relative to each other. 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.

In another embodiment, a second adapter is positioned between the sprinkler and the second end of the conduit for enabling 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 relative to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth adapter portion includes a second tube attached to the second end of the catheter. 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 adapter portion and the fourth adapter portion. The split ring is positioned between an outer surface of the second tube and an 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 located in the outer surface of the second pipe. The split ring also has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove located 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 allows relative rotation between the third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the second bore.

In another embodiment, the third adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the third adapter portion and surrounding the second bore. The fourth adapter portion includes a convex spherical surface surrounding the second bore and positioned at one end of the fourth adapter portion. The opposite end of the second adapter portion is attached to the second end of the catheter. The convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter part fits within the concave spherical surface of the third adapter part, thereby allowing the third and fourth adapter parts to rotate relative to each other. The second holder 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 holder and the third adapter portion.

In another embodiment, the assembly includes 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 enabling attachment of the sprinkler to the flexible conduit. The sleeve coaxially surrounds the portion of the flexible conduit proximal to the adapter. The bushing and the flexible conduit are rotatable relative to each other, thereby preventing torque from being applied to the flexible conduit through the bushing.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an isometric/partial sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly for connecting sprinklers to a branch line of a fire suppression system according to the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a portion of an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention; and

fig. 12 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown in fig. 11.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an assembly 10 for connecting a branch line 12 of a fire suppression system to a sprinkler 14. It is noted that a sprinkler is defined herein as any device that discharges fire suppression fluid and includes, but is not limited to, items such as sprinklers, heads, nozzles, emitters, etc., whether they are open or closed and open in response to a fire. Assembly 10 includes a flexible conduit 16, flexible conduit 16 having a first end 18 connected to branch line 12 and a second end 20 connected to sprinkler 14. The branch line 12 is supported by a pipe hanger 22 attached to the part of the structure where the fire suppression system is mounted to the structural ceiling 24 of the building in this embodiment. The branch line 12 is one of many branch lines connected to a riser pipe 26 in fluid communication with a pressurized source of fire suppression fluid, such as water (not shown). The portion of the assembly 10 proximate the second end 20 of the flexible conduit 16 is engaged by a bracket 28 mounted on a cross beam 30, the cross beam 30 extending between and mounted on support rails 32, the support rails 32 supporting a decorative ceiling such as a drop ceiling or drop ceiling (not shown) for concealing the structural ceiling 24. The bracket 28 has various embodiments; the embodiment shown in fig. 1 is disclosed in U.S. patent No.7,784,746, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The bracket 28 includes side walls 34 and 36, the side walls 34 and 36 being connected to a rear wall 38 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another for receiving the beam 30. The bracket 28 also has a U-shaped opening 40 that receives a portion of the assembly 10. The locking unit, in this embodiment, wire loop 42, is pivotally attached to and cooperates with side walls 34 and 36 to affix the assembly to beam 30. FIG. 1A illustrates another exemplary tray 44, another exemplary tray 44 being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,735,787 and incorporated herein by reference. The bracket 44 includes side walls 46 and 48, each of the side walls 46 and 48 being attached to a rear wall 50 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another for receiving the cross member 30. The bracket 44 also has a U-shaped opening 52 that receives a portion of the assembly 10. The locking unit, in this embodiment, fingers 54, are pivotally attached at one end to the side walls 46 and 48. The opposite ends are secured to the side walls 46 and 48 by pivot wing nut assemblies 55 to attach the assemblies to the beam 30.

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the assembly 10 in detail, wherein the flexible conduit 16 comprises a corrugated stainless steel hose 56, the corrugated stainless steel hose 56 providing a corrosion resistant flexible but strong fluid tight component. At the first end 18 of the assembly 10, the conduit 16 (hose 56) is connected to a saddle fitting 58. The saddle fitting includes a saddle 60 that sealingly engages one side of the spur 12 through an opening therein and is attached to the spur by a strap 62, the strap 62 being wrapped around the opposite side of the spur 12 and bolted to the saddle 60. While various means for connecting conduit 16 to branch line 12 are possible, such as a direct weld using an adapter or using a threaded "T" fitting, the use of saddle fitting 58 is advantageous over these other connecting means because the saddle fitting can be installed anywhere along the length of branch line 12 simply by drilling an appropriately sized opening in the branch line at the desired location, engaging saddle 60 with the opening and bolting band 62 to saddle 60. Thus, saddle fitting 58 eliminates the need for welds and for determining the exact location of the connection point in the design, and enables the installer to determine the most appropriate location for the connection relative to the desired location of sprinkler 14 and the length of conduit 16. This feature saves time at the design stage of the project and during installation, since the designer does not need to calculate and determine the exact location in the system of a large number of tee fittings, and because the installer is not restricted to making connections where tee fittings are located but is allowed more freedom of action, significant errors in design can be avoided.

Referring again to the exploded view of fig. 2, connection of conduit 16 to sprinkler 14 (and to branch line 12 via saddle fitting 58) may be accomplished by rotatable adapter 64. As shown in detail in fig. 3 and 4, exemplary adapter 64 is positioned between sprinkler 14 and conduit 16. Adapter 64 has a longitudinal bore 66 and is formed of a first adapter portion 68 and a second adapter portion 70, first adapter portion 68 being attachable to sprinkler 14 and second adapter portion 70 being attached to end 20 of conduit 16. In this embodiment, attachment of sprinkler 14 to adapter portion 68 is accomplished with internal threads 72 (e.g., NPT threads) at one end that receive compatible external threads 74 of sprinkler 14. Other attachment means such as brazes, welds, soft solders and threadless connections such as bayonet mounts are of course also possible.

Adapter portions 68 and 70 are rotatable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis 74 that is concentric with bore 66. By enabling the adapter portions to rotate relative to each other, application of torque to conduit 16 about axis 74 and torque caused by seismic activity or vibration is prevented, for example, when sprinkler 14 is attached to the adapter, or when the adapter is mounted to a bracket or other support (see also fig. 1).

Relative rotation between the adapter portions 68 and 70 is permitted through the use of a split ring 76, as shown in detail in fig. 4. The second adapter portion 70 includes a tube 78 attached to the end 20 of the catheter 16. Bore 66 of first adapter portion 68 is sized to receive tube 78. Split ring 76, known commercially as a "snap ring", serves to prevent relative axial movement between the adapter portions and thereby join conduit 16 to sprinkler 14, while allowing relative rotation between these portions. The split ring 76 has an inner portion 80 sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove 82 located in an outer surface 84 of the tube 78. The split ring 76 also has an inner portion 86 sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove 88 located on an inner surface 90 of the first adapter portion 68. The 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 movement. For split rings, it is well understood that the fact that the ring 76 is split enables it to be compressed or expanded to smaller or larger diameters by forcing the free ends of the ring towards or away from each other. For split rings, it is well understood that this enables the ring portion to disengage from the circumferential groove in the adapter portion and thereby allows assembly and disassembly of the adapter portions 68 and 70. One or more ring seals 92, such as elastomeric O-rings, are positioned between the outer surface 84 of the tube 78 and the inner surface 90 of the adapter portion 68 for effecting a fluid-tight connection therebetween. As shown in fig. 2, an exemplary rotatable adapter 64 may be used between conduit 16 and sprinkler 14 and/or between conduit 16 and saddle fitting 58 (or other attachment means).

Fig. 5-7 illustrate another embodiment of a rotatable adapter 94, the rotatable adapter 94 may be used to isolate the catheter 16 from torsional forces applied about any axis. As shown in fig. 5, adapter 94 may be positioned between sprinkler 14 and conduit 16 and/or between the conduit and the attachment means of the branch line (saddle fitting 58 in this embodiment). As shown in detail in fig. 6 and 7 for attachment of sprinkler 14 to conduit 16, rotatable adapter 94 includes a first adapter portion 96, first adapter portion 96 having a concave spherical surface 98 positioned at one end and surrounding a bore 100. Sprinkler 14 may be mounted on the opposite end of first adapter portion 96. The second adapter part 102 has at one end a convex spherical surface 104 surrounding the bore 100. The opposite end of the adapter portion 102 is attached to the catheter 16. The convex spherical surface 104 is sized to fit within the concave spherical surface 98 of the adapter portion 96, thereby creating a spherical joint that allows relative rotation between the adapter portions about any three mutually perpendicular axes, thus isolating the conduit 16 from any torsional forces applied by relative movement between the sprinkler and branch lines and forces applied to the sprinkler or adapter portion 96, such as when the sprinkler or assembly is mounted on a support. The adapter portions 96 and 102 are held together by a retainer 106. The retainer 106 has a concave spherical surface 108 surrounding the convex spherical surface 104 of the second adapter part 102. The retainer 106 is attached to the first adapter portion 96. In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, the retainer includes a nut 110 that engages the first adapter portion 96 with threads 112. Other attachment means are also possible. 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 seal may be an elastomeric ring such as an O-ring.

Fig. 8 shows another exemplary assembly embodiment including a bushing 115, the bushing 115 coaxially surrounding a portion of the flexible conduit 16 proximate the adapter 117. The adapter 117 is joined to the conduit 16 in this embodiment by a union fitting 118 positioned at one end of the adapter and receives external threads of the sprinkler (not shown) with internal threads 120 at the other end to effect attachment. Bushing 115 may be made of a durable material, such as stainless steel, and may have a plurality of outwardly facing flats 122 that enable it to be easily captured by a mounting bracket, such as bracket 28 shown in fig. 1. In the exemplary bushing shown in fig. 8, there are six flats 122 that form a hexagonal bushing cross-section.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the bushing 115 is formed by an open unitary body 124, the open unitary body 124 having a first longitudinally extending edge 126 in facing relationship with a second longitudinally extending edge 128. Edges 126 and 128 may be spaced relative to each other to define a gap 130. This configuration enables bushing 115 to act as a collet with the ability to radially expand or contract. In this embodiment, bushing 115 is free to rotate about catheter 16, but is prevented from axial movement by a pair of fixed radially projecting shoulders 132 and 134. Shoulder 132 is mounted on conduit 16 positioned between bushing 115 and adapter 117, and shoulder 134 is positioned at the end of the bushing opposite shoulder 132. Shoulders 132 and 134 project radially outward from catheter 16 and capture bushing 115 between shoulders 132 and 134 by engaging the ends of the bushing.

Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate another assembly embodiment having a bushing 136 mounted on a flexible conduit 16 with a corrugated outer surface 138. The corrugated outer surface is comprised of a plurality of peaks 140 and valleys 142 extending helically around a central void 144 and defining the central void 144. As shown in FIG. 10, the bushing 136 has a corrugated inwardly facing surface 146 including a plurality of peaks 148 and valleys 150, the plurality of peaks 148 and valleys 150 extending helically and being sized and spaced to fit within the peaks 140 and valleys 142 of the corrugated outer surface 138 of the flexible conduit 16. The engagement between the bushing 136 and the peaks and valleys of the conduit 16 prevents sliding movement of the bushing relative to the conduit, but enables the bushing to be positioned as desired along the conduit based on the screwing action of the bushing 136 relative to the conduit 16 so that the sprinkler (not shown) is located at an appropriate point relative to the decorative ceiling when the bushing 136 is received by a support such as the bracket 28 (see fig. 1). The threaded engagement between the bushing 136 and the corrugated surface 138 of the conduit 16 allows for limited rotation of the conduit relative to the bushing (thereby preventing torque from being applied to the conduit 16) without significant axial movement of the conduit relative to the bushing. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 9, an adapter 152 is connected to conduit 16 by a union fitting 154, the adapter having internal threads 156 that receive external threads of the sprinkler.

In another assembly embodiment shown in fig. 11 and 12, the peaks 140 and valleys 142 forming the corrugated surface 138 of the conduit 16 are not helically arranged, but rather extend circumferentially about and define a central space 144. In this embodiment, the bushing 158 also has a plurality of peaks 160 and valleys 162 extending circumferentially about a bushing inner surface 164. Peaks 160 and valleys 162 of bushing 158 are sized and spaced to engage peaks 140 and valleys 142 of catheter 16 and thereby prevent sliding axial movement of bushing 158 relative to catheter 16 while permitting relative rotational movement between the two portions. In this embodiment, bushing 158 is an opening as shown by gap 166 (see fig. 11). This enables the bushing 158 to be positioned axially along the catheter by elastically deforming the bushing outwardly to disengage its peaks and valleys from the valleys and peaks of the catheter 16, moving the bushing to a desired position along the catheter, and then releasing the bushing so that it can return to its undeformed shape engaging the peaks and valleys by virtue of its resilient characteristic.

The embodiments provided herein show a union fitting via embodiments, it being understood that other types of connections, such as fixed NPT sprinkler outlets, rotary sprinkler outlets, and NPT adapters, are also possible for use with assemblies according to the present invention.

The assembly according to the invention for connecting sprinklers to a branch line of a fire suppression system will have a number of 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 the design and installation task. Due to the rotational freedom provided by the rotatable adapter or bushing, it is more difficult to over-torque the assembly, resulting in a significantly reduced likelihood of damage during installation or seismic events. In addition, the assembly may be tested for pressure loss as a unit (with or without installed sprinklers), thereby providing the system designer with an equivalent length number representing head loss, rather than resorting to calculating equivalent lengths to and from each component of the assembly. This should improve the accuracy of the hydraulic pressure calculation. In addition, the entire assembly, including the sprinkler head, can be K-factor tested, which provides a single simplified K-factor number of improved accuracy as a function of the square root of the pressure at the nozzle, the K-factor being a constant used to determine the proportionality of the flow rate of the nozzle.

While the exemplary assembly embodiments disclosed herein are described in the context of a fire suppression system, it should be understood that the description is an example, and that the assembly embodiments disclosed herein may also be used with other systems, such as a hydronic system, where fluid is transported by a flexible conduit that is desirably isolated from applied torque that is not needed and may cause damage.

Claims (33)

1. An assembly for connecting sprinklers to a branch line of a fire suppression system, the assembly comprising:

a flexible conduit having a first end connectable to the branch line and a second end connectable to the sprinkler, the conduit providing fluid communication between the branch line and the sprinkler;

an adapter positioned between the sprinkler and the second end of the conduit for enabling attachment of the sprinkler to the conduit, the adapter having an aperture providing fluid communication between the sprinkler and the conduit, the adapter having 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 being rotatable relative to each other.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the second adapter portion comprises a tube attached to the second end of the catheter, the tube received within the bore of the first adapter portion;

a ring seal 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 adapter portion and the second adapter portion;

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 having an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the tube, the split ring also having 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 preventing relative axial movement between the first and second adapter portions but allowing relative rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the bore.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the first adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the first adapter portion and surrounding the bore;

said second adapter portion including a convex spherical surface surrounding said bore and positioned at one end of said second adapter portion, an opposite end of said second adapter portion being attached to said second end of said conduit, said convex spherical surface fitting within said concave spherical surface thereby allowing said first and second adapter portions to rotate relative to each other;

a retainer has a concave spherical surface surrounding the convex spherical surface of the second adapter portion and attached to the first adapter portion, the second adapter portion being captured between the retainer and the first adapter portion.

4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising a first seal positioned between the second adapter portion and the retainer and a second seal positioned between the retainer and the first adapter portion.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the retainer comprises a nut that threadably engages the first adapter portion.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the sprinkler.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a second adapter positioned between the spur and the first end of the conduit for enabling attachment of the conduit to the spur, the second adapter having a second bore providing fluid communication between the spur and the conduit, the second adapter having a third adapter portion attachable to the spur and a fourth adapter portion attached to the first end of the conduit, the third and fourth adapter portions being rotatable relative to each other.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein:

the fourth adapter portion includes a second tube attached to the first end of the catheter, the second tube received within the second bore of the third adapter portion;

a ring seal 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 adapter portion and the fourth adapter portion;

a split ring is positioned between the outer surface of the second pipe and the inner surface of the second bore, the split ring having an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the second pipe, the split ring also having an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the inner surface of the second bore, the split ring preventing relative axial movement between the third and fourth adapter portions but allowing relative rotation between the third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the second bore.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein:

the third adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the third adapter portion and surrounding the second bore;

said fourth adapter portion including a convex spherical surface surrounding said second bore and positioned at one end of said fourth adapter portion, an opposite end of said fourth adapter portion being attached to said second end of said conduit, said convex spherical surface of said fourth adapter portion fitting within said concave spherical surface of said third adapter portion thereby allowing said third and fourth adapter portions to rotate relative to each other;

a second retainer has a concave spherical surface surrounding the convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter portion and attached to the third adapter portion, the fourth adapter portion captured between the second retainer and the third adapter portion.

10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a third seal positioned between the second retainer and the fourth adapter portion and a fourth seal positioned between the second retainer and the third adapter portion.

11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the second retainer comprises a nut that threadably engages the third adapter portion.

12. The assembly of claim 7, further comprising the sprinkler.

13. An assembly for connecting sprinklers to a branch line of a fire suppression system, the assembly comprising:

a flexible conduit having a first end connectable to the branch line and a second end connectable to the sprinkler, the conduit providing fluid communication between the branch line and the sprinkler;

an adapter positioned between the sprinkler and the first end of the conduit for enabling attachment of the conduit to the branch line, the adapter having an aperture providing fluid communication between the branch line and the conduit, the adapter having 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 being rotatable relative to each other.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein:

the second adapter portion comprises a tube attached to the first end of the catheter, the tube received within the bore of the first adapter portion;

a ring seal 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 adapter portion and the second adapter portion;

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 having an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the tube, the split ring also having 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 preventing relative axial movement between the first and second adapter portions but allowing relative rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the bore.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein:

the first adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the first adapter portion and surrounding the bore;

said second adapter portion including a convex spherical surface surrounding said bore and positioned at one end of said second adapter portion, an opposite end of said second adapter portion being attached to said second end of said conduit, said convex spherical surface fitting within said concave spherical surface thereby allowing said first and second adapter portions to rotate relative to each other;

a retainer has a concave spherical surface surrounding the convex spherical surface of the second adapter portion and attached to the first adapter portion, the second adapter portion being captured between the retainer and the first adapter portion.

16. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising a first seal positioned between the second adapter portion and the retainer and a second seal positioned between the retainer and the first adapter portion.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the retainer comprises a nut that threadably engages the first adapter portion.

18. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising the sprinkler.

19. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

a second adapter positioned between the sprinkler and the second end of the conduit for enabling attachment of the conduit to the sprinkler, the second adapter having a second bore providing fluid communication between the sprinkler and the conduit, the second adapter having 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 being rotatable relative to each other.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein:

the fourth adapter portion includes a second tube attached to the second end of the catheter, the second tube received within the second bore of the third adapter portion;

a ring seal 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 adapter portion and the fourth adapter portion;

a split ring is positioned between the outer surface of the second pipe and the inner surface of the second bore of the third adapter portion, the split ring having an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the second pipe, the split ring further having 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 preventing relative axial movement between the third and fourth adapter portions but allowing relative rotation between the third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the second bore.

21. The assembly of claim 19, wherein:

the third adapter portion includes a concave spherical surface positioned at an end of the third adapter portion and surrounding the second bore;

said fourth adapter portion including a convex spherical surface surrounding said second bore and positioned at one end of said fourth adapter portion, an opposite end of said fourth adapter portion being attached to said second end of said conduit, said convex spherical surface of said fourth adapter portion fitting within said concave spherical surface of said third adapter portion thereby allowing said third and fourth adapter portions to rotate relative to each other;

a second retainer has a concave spherical surface surrounding the convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter portion and attached to the third adapter portion, the fourth adapter portion captured between the second retainer and the third adapter portion.

22. The assembly of claim 21, further comprising a third seal positioned between the second retainer and the fourth adapter portion and a fourth seal positioned between the second retainer and the third adapter portion.

23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the second retainer comprises a nut that threadably engages the third adapter portion.

24. The assembly of claim 19, further comprising the sprinkler.

25. An assembly for connecting sprinklers to a branch line of a fire suppression system, the assembly comprising:

a flexible conduit having a first end connectable to the branch line and a second end connectable to the sprinkler, the flexible conduit providing fluid communication between the branch line and the sprinkler;

an adapter positioned between the sprinkler and the second end of the flexible conduit for enabling attachment of the sprinkler to the flexible conduit;

a bushing coaxially surrounding a portion of the flexible conduit proximate the adapter, the bushing and the flexible conduit being rotatable relative to each other, thereby preventing torque from being applied to the flexible conduit through the bushing.

26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the bushing includes a plurality of outwardly facing flats.

27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the bushing includes six outwardly facing flats forming a hexagonal cross-section.

28. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the bushing comprises a unitary body having a first longitudinally extending edge and a second longitudinally extending edge in facing relationship with the first longitudinally extending edge.

29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein the first longitudinally extending edge is positioned in spaced relation to the second longitudinally extending edge, thereby defining a gap between the first longitudinally extending edge and the second longitudinally extending edge.

30. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the flexible conduit has a corrugated outer surface including a first plurality of peaks and valleys extending circumferentially about and defining a central space, the bushing has a corrugated inwardly facing surface including a second plurality of peaks and valleys extending circumferentially and spaced apart to fit within the first peaks and valleys and thereby prevent axial sliding movement of the bushing relative to the conduit.

31. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the flexible conduit has a corrugated outer surface including a first plurality of peaks and valleys extending helically around and defining a central space, the bushing has a corrugated inward facing surface including a second plurality of peaks and valleys extending helically and spaced apart to fit within the first peaks and valleys and thereby prevent axial sliding movement of the bushing relative to the conduit.

32. The assembly of claim 25, further comprising:

a first shoulder mounted on the flexible conduit between the bushing and the adapter, the first shoulder projecting radially outward from the flexible conduit;

a second shoulder mounted on the flexible conduit and positioned at an opposite end of the bushing from the first shoulder, the second shoulder projecting radially outward from the flexible conduit, the bushing captured between the first shoulder and the second shoulder.

33. The assembly of claim 25, further comprising the sprinkler.