NZ618905B2

NZ618905B2 - X-brace and flexible connection for fire sprinklers

Info

Publication number: NZ618905B2
Application number: NZ618905A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Buddy Clayton Shipman
Original assignee: Victaulic Company
Priority date: 2011-05-27
Filing date: 2012-05-25
Publication date: 2016-08-02

Abstract

Disclosed is a fire sprinkler head with a flexible conduit to allow easier and simpler ordering and installation. The fire sprinkler head (12) has a valve (42) with an X-brace latch (54), and includes a flexible conduit (14). A sprinkler nozzle (16) is secured to a first end of the flexible conduit (14). The sprinkler nozzle (16) includes a first fitting (28), a sprinkler orifice (20) and fusible element (22). A second fitting (40) is secured to the second end of the flexible conduit (14) and includes the valve (42). The valve (42) has a valve element (44) which is moveable from a latched position to an unlatched position. A flexible link (56) extends from the sprinkler nozzle (16) to the X-brace valve latch (54). Breaking of the fusible element (22) releases the flexible link (56) to move from the latched position to the unlatched position, releasing the valve (42) for flow there-through. (14). The sprinkler nozzle (16) includes a first fitting (28), a sprinkler orifice (20) and fusible element (22). A second fitting (40) is secured to the second end of the flexible conduit (14) and includes the valve (42). The valve (42) has a valve element (44) which is moveable from a latched position to an unlatched position. A flexible link (56) extends from the sprinkler nozzle (16) to the X-brace valve latch (54). Breaking of the fusible element (22) releases the flexible link (56) to move from the latched position to the unlatched position, releasing the valve (42) for flow there-through.

Description

X-BRACE VALVE AND FLEXIBLE CONNECTION FOR FIRE LERS TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to ﬁre sprinkler systems, and in particular to ﬁre sprinkler heads used for sprinkler systems.

CROSS—REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims the beneﬁt under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of US. Non— ional Patent Application Serial No. 13/176,834 filed July 6, 2011 and entitled “X— Brace Valve And Flexible Connection For Fire Sprinklers,” which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes; and further claims the t under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of US. Provisional Patent ation Serial No. 61/496347, ﬁled June 13, 2011 and entitled "Sprinkler Hose Assembly," and US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/490,737, ﬁled May 27, 2011 and entitled sion Resistant Straight or Flexible Dry Fire Sprinkler Tube With X-Brace," each of which is orated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Prior art conventional dry barrel sprinklers for use in commercial ﬁre sprinkler systems are sold to ﬁre system installers in ﬁxed lengths. The installer has to ﬁrst install branch line piping for a sprinkler system and then measure a suitable length for dry barrel ﬁre sprinklers for lation. An installer will order ﬁre sprinklers for the installation according to the lengths measured. Delivery typically takes seven to ten business days, which delays installation and tion of construction projects. Longer delays occur if mistakes are made in measuring and the ﬁre sprinklers have to be reordered in a different length.

W0 2012/166644 PCT/U$2012/039684 Dry ﬁre sprinkler systems oﬁen deteriorate rapidly due to sation being trapped in such systems. With rigid dry sprinkler systems, an increased number of ﬁttings is often required to route rigid piping from a branch line to a desired ﬁre ler head location. This increase in the number of ﬁttings results in providing additional places where condensation may collect without being able to drain. Additionally, dry ﬁre ler systems are ﬁlled with air or inert gas which is expelled during operation of such sprinkler systems. The response time for expelling air from the system and providing water to a ﬁre zone is critical for containing a ﬁre. With onal piping and ﬁttings required for routing dry ﬁre sprinkler systems, the volume required for evacuation and ﬁlling with water is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an ive or exhaustive sense; that is to say in the sense of “including but not limited to”. [0005A] A novel X-brace valve and ﬂexible connection for ﬁre sprinklers are disclosed.

The e is preferably included in a ﬂexible ﬁre ler head, but may also be used in rigid sprinkler installations. The ﬂexible ﬁre sprinkler head is preferably a t dry ﬁre sprinkler head, which has a ﬂexible body structure, constructed of ated or braided hose similar to that ly used for plumbing household clothes washing machines. A sprinkler nozzle secured to a ﬁrst end of the conduit, which is preferably provided by a ﬂexible hose. The sprinkler nozzle has a ﬁrst ﬁtting, a sprinkler oriﬁce and fusible element. The fusible element is preferably provided by a ﬂuid ﬁlled glass bulb which will break when t temperatures reach a predetermined temperature. A second ﬁtting is secured to a second end of the ﬂexible conduit, and a valve is mounted to the second ﬁtting. The valve includes a valve element which is pivotally mounted to the second ﬁtting and le from a latched position to an unlatched position. A ﬂexible link extends from the sprinkler nozzle to the valve latch. ng of the fusible element releases the ﬂexible link to move from the latched position to the unlatched position, ing the valve to open for passing ﬂow there—through. The ﬂexible link provides a spring biased plunger having a plug which ﬁts in the sprinkler oriﬁce to seal against ﬂuid ﬂow there-through. Tension from the spring pulls the rod, or plunger, from within an X— brace valve latch which releases the valve element to open and pass water through the valve.

PCT/U52012/039684 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more te understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which FIGS. 1 through 7 Show various aspects for x~brace valve and ﬂexible connection for ﬁre sprinklers devices made according to the present invention, as set forth below: is a side elevation View and partial cut-away View of a dry ﬂexible ﬁre ler head made according to the present invention; is sectional View of the ﬂexible ﬁre sprinkler head of taken along section line 2—2 of and shows a frontal elevation View of an X—brace valve latch in an unlatched on; is a side elevation View of slider lock of the X—brace latch of and shows the slider lock in a ed position; is sectional View of the e ﬁre sprinkler head of taken along section line 2—2 of and shows frontal elevation View of the X-brace valve latch in a latched position; is a side elevation View of a slider lock of the X—brace latch of and shows the slider lock in a d position; is an exploded View of the slider lock of and is a side elevation View of an alternative lock pin.

W0 2012/166644 2012/039684 DETAILED PTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the Figures, is a side elevation view and partial cut-away view of a dry ﬂexible ﬁre sprinkler head 12 made according to the present invention. The sprinkler head 12 has a t 14, which is provided a ﬂexible conduit such as that formed with an outer cover of braided metal. A sprinkler nozzle 16 is mounted to a ﬁrst end of the ﬂexible conduit 14 and a connector ﬁtting 32 is mounted to a second end of the conduit 14. The sprinkler nozzle 16 preferably includes a ﬁtting 18, a ler oriﬁce, and a fusible element 22, such as a ﬂuid ﬁlled glass bulb as is conventionally used in other ﬁre ler heads. The fusible element 22 breaks when exposed to a predetermined temperature. A diffuser 26, or spray plate, and support arms 28 are also provided. The tor ﬁtting 32 is preferably secured to the second end of the ﬂexible conduit 14 with an elbow ﬁtting 40 there-between. The connector ﬁtting 32 preferably connects the sprinkler head 12 to a pipe T 34 in a sprinkler branch line 36. A connector coupling 38 secures the ﬁtting 32 to the pipe T 34. A valve 42 is preferably provided between the ﬁtting 32 and the ﬂexible conduit 14. The valve 42 is ably a swing check valve, such as a clapper valve, and includes a swing—type valve element 44, or clapper, mounted by means of a pivot 46 for angularly moving to engage a seal 48 against a seal seat 50. An X—brace valve latch 54 is provided for securing the valve t 44 in a latched position until the ler head 12 is opened for ﬂow by means of the ﬁisible element 22 breaking in response to exposure to high temperatures.

A ﬂexible link 56 extends from the valve latch 54 to the sprinkler nozzle 16. A ﬁrst end ofthe ﬂexible link 56 has a link pin 58 for ﬁtting into the valve latch 54 as described herein-below to secure the valve latch 54 in a latched position. A second end of W0 2012/166644 PCT/U52012/039684 the link pin 58 has a plug r 60 for securing the e link 56 to the sprinkler plug 24, such that removal of the sprinkler plug 24 due to breaking of the fusible element 22 will allow downward movement ofthe e link 56. An intermediate portion 62 of the e link 56 connects the plug adapter 60 to the link pin 58. Centralizer braces 64 are shown for centering the flexible link 56 within the ﬂexible conduit 14. A bias member 66 is preferably provided by a torsion spring which is connected between the ﬁtting 18 and the oriﬁce 20 and the ﬂexible link 56. A coupler 68 secures the ﬂexible link 56 to a run out end ofthe bias member 66, which is preferably provided by a torsion spring. The bias member 66 provides a motive force for moving the ﬂexible link 56 to pull the link pin 58 from engaging within the valve latch 54. A portion of the fitting 40 nt the valve latch 54 preferably has an undercut 70. The undercut 70 may be provided by a circumferentially ing , or by apertures formed radially into a ﬁrst end of the ﬁtting 40 to extend along a circumference of the ﬁtting 40, in an angularly spaced, diametrically opposed arrangement. is sectional View of the ﬂexible sprinkler head 12 of taken along section line 2—2 of Fl6. 1, and shows a frontal elevation View of an X-brace type valve latch 54 in an unlatched position. is a side elevation View of a slider lock 72 of and shows the lock pin 74 in a released position. The valve latch 54 is shown having eight slider locks 72 arranged with respective longitudinal axes 86 in an angularly spaced alignment, with the longitudinal axes disposed equal angular distances about a central point of a brace eye 94. When the brace eye 94 is engaged by the ﬂexible link 56, it is l with a centrally disposed, longitudinal axis of the e link 56 and the link pin 58. The brace eye 94 deﬁnes a centrally disposed section of the valve latch 54, PCT/U82012/039684 deﬁned within a link pin guide 96 to which ﬁrst ends of the brace arms 88 are ﬁxedly secured. The slider locks 72 each preferably have a brace arm 88 and a lock pin 74. In some embodiments, the brace arms 88 may be ally formed as part of the valve element 44. The lock pins 74 have an elongate stem 80, with a follower end 82 and a protuberant end 84. Preferably, the follower end 82 and the protuberant end 84 are of a round shapes. Space apart from the protuberant end 84 is a ﬁxed shoulder 78. A bias member 76 is preferably provided by a wound coil spring for extending between the ﬁxed shoulder 78 and a stop 92 provided on the brace arm 88, such that the lock pin 74 is urged to move away from the protuberance end 82 toward the follower end 82. The brace arms 88 further include retainers 90 for slidably securing the lock pins 74 to the brace arms 88 for reciprocating along respective ones of the longitudinal axes 86. When the link pin 58 is not disposed within the brace eye 94, the lock pins 74 are free to move toward follower ends 82 of respective ones of the slider locks 72 and the associated brace arms 88, such that follower ends 82 protrude into the brace eye 94. is sectional View of the flexible sprinkler head 12 of taken along n line 2-2 of and shows frontal elevation view of the X-braee valve latch 54 in a latched position. is a side elevation View and is an ed View of a brace arm 88 and lock pin 74 of the X—brace latch 54 of and shows the lock pin 74 in the latched position. The ﬂexible link 56 is shown in an initial position, as show in with the link pin 58 engaged within the brace eye 94 of the valve latch 54. The link pin 58 being engaged within the brace eye 94 pushes the lock pins 74 of respective ones of the slider locks 72 ly outward from the brace eye 94, which moves the protuberant portions 84 to ly extend into the undercut 70 and secure the valve element 44 in a closed position. When the link pin 58 is removed from within the brace eye 94, the bias members 76 will urge the lock pins to move from latched positions, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, into the released ons show in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the valve element 44 will open under the force of ﬂuid pressure within the sprinkler branch line 36. is a side elevation View of an alternative lock pin 100. The lock pin 100 has a bias member 102 provided by a wound coil spring. The lock pin 100 preferably has an elongate stem 106, a follower end 108 and a protuberant end 110. The follower end 108 and the protuberant end 110 are preferably rounded ends. A ﬁxed er 104 is provided spaced apart from the erant end 110, for ing the bias member 102 there-between.

Vent holes 98 are preferably provided in the ﬁtting 18 and the elbow ﬁtting 40, such that moisture will drain from within the ﬂexible sprinkler head 12. In other embodiments, nitrogen or another inert gas may be sealed within the ﬂexible sprinkler head 12 to prevent moisture from being retained within the sprinkler head 12, rather than providing the vent holes 98.

The X-brace valve element of the t invention may also be used in wet sprinkler installations, and in rigid sprinkler heads. For rigid ler heads, ﬂexible link 56 may be replaced by a rigid link such as a solid rod or a rigid tube, and the ﬂexible conduit 14 replaced with a rigid tubular member, such as a pipe or tubing.

The t invention provides advantages of a ﬂexible sprinkler head for use in dry ﬁre sprinkler installations. An X-brace conﬁguration locks a valve element in a latched position, until a fusible element breaks and then a bias member pulls a ﬂexible W0 2012/166644 PCT/U52012/039684 link from within the X—brace conﬁguration to release the valve t to open and allow water ﬂow through the flexible ler head.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as deﬁned by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A ﬁre sprinkler head comprising: a ﬂexible conduit having a first end and a second end; a sprinkler nozzle secured to the ﬁrst end of the e t, the sprinkler nozzle having an element which opens when exposed to temperatures above a preselected temperature to permit ﬂuid ﬂow through the sprinkler nozzle; a ﬁtting secured to the second end of the ﬂexible conduit, wherein the ﬁtting is conﬁgured for securing to a sprinkler branch line; a valve disposed proximate to the second end of the conduit, the valve having a valve element which is moveable from a latched position to a released position, wherein the valve element prevents ﬂuid ﬂow through the valve when in the latched position and the valve element does not prevent ﬂuid ﬂow through the valve when in the released position; a ﬂexible link extending between the ler nozzle and the valve, n opening of the element causes the e link to in turn cause the valve element to move from the latched position to the released position a plurality of slider locks, each of the slider locks having a lock pin and a brace arm, with the lock pins being ly d to respective ones of the brace arms such that the lock pins have open and closed positions relative to the brace arms, wherein the slider locks are arranged to be angularly aligned about a brace eye, each lock pin having a follower end which extends into the brace eye when disposed in the open position and a protuberant end disposed on an opposite end of the lock pin that retains the valve element in the latched position when the lock pins are in the closed a link pin mounted to the ﬂexible link and ing into the brace eye, engaging the follower ends of the lock pins to secure the lock pins in the closed positions, and wherein the lock pins have bias members urging the follower ends to protrude into the brace eye.

2. A e dry sprinkler head sing: a ﬂexible conduit having a ﬁrst end and a second end, the ﬂexible conduit being conﬁgured to couple to a ﬂuid supply; a sprinkler nozzle mounted at the ﬁrst end of the ﬂexible conduit; and a valve ed proximate to the second end of the ﬂexible t and having an open state and a closed state, the valve conﬁgured to allow ﬂuid from the ﬂuid supply to ﬂow through the conduit when the valve is in the open state and to prevent ﬂuid from the ﬂuid supply from ﬂowing through the conduit when the valve is in the closed state.

3. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein the valve is moved from the closed state to the open state when the sprinkler nozzle opens and permits ﬂuid to ﬂow through the sprinkler nozzle.

4. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein the ﬂexible conduit includes a corrugated hose.

5. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 4, wherein the ﬂexible conduit includes an outer cover of braided metal.

6. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein the ﬂexible conduit is capable of being bent at a right angle.

7. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, further comprising a connector ﬁtting mounted at the second end of the ﬂexible conduit that is conﬁgured to secure the ﬂexible dry sprinkler to a sprinkler branch line of a ﬁre ler system.

8. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein the valve is a check valve.

9. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein the valve is an X—brace valve.

10. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein the valve is a r valve.

11. The ﬂexible dry ler head of claim 2, wherein the sprinkler nozzle includes an element that breaks when exposed to predetermined temperatures.

12. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 11, further comprising a link that extends between and is coupled to the sprinkler nozzle and the valve, such that breaking of the element causes the link to allow the valve to move to the open state.

13. The ﬂexible dry ler head of claim 12, wherein the link maintains the valve in the closed state before the element is broken.

14. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein the sprinkler nozzle mounted at the ﬁrst end of the ﬂexible conduit es an element that breaks when exposed to predetermined temperatures; and wherein the ﬂexible dry sprinkler head r ses: a ﬂexible link extending Within the conduit between the sprinkler nozzle and the valve, wherein the sprinkler nozzle, valve and ﬂexible link are conﬁgured such that breaking of the element causes the ﬂexible link to allow the valve to move from the closed state to the open state.

15. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 14, wherein the ﬂexible t es a corrugated hose.

16. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 15 wherein the e conduit includes an outer cover of braided metal.

17. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 14, n the ﬂexible conduit is capable of being bent at a right angle.

18. The ﬂexible dry ler head of claim 14, wherein the valve comprises a valve element that is moveable from a d position to a released position, the valve element maintaining the valve in the closed state when the valve element is in the latched position and allowing the valve to be in the open position when the valve element is in the released position.

19. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 18, wherein the ﬂexible link has a ﬁrst end portion that interfaces with the valve element.

20. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 19, wherein the ﬁrst end portion maintains the valve element in the latched position.

21. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 20, wherein breaking of the element causes the ﬂexible link to move toward the sprinkler nozzle, which disengages the ﬁrst end portion from the valve element.

22. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 21, wherein the ﬂexible link has a second end portion that is coupled to the ler nozzle.

23. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 14, further comprising at least one brace provided in the ﬂexible t between the sprinkler nozzle and the valve that centers the ﬂexible link within the ﬂexible t.

24. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 14, further comprising a bias member that is connected to the ﬂexible link and that biases the ﬂexible link toward the sprinkler nozzle.

25. The ﬂexible dry sprinkler head of claim 14, further sing a bias member that is connected to the ﬂexible link, n breaking of the element causes the bias member to pull on the ﬂexible link.

26. A dry ler head comprising: a conduit having a ﬁrst end and a second end, the conduit being conﬁgured to couple to a ﬂuid supply; a sprinkler nozzle mounted at the ﬁrst end of the conduit; and a valve disposed proximate to the second end of the conduit and having an open state and a closed state, the valve conﬁgured to allow ﬂuid from the ﬂuid supply to ﬂow through the conduit when the valve is in the open state and to prevent ﬂuid from the ﬂuid supply from ﬂowing through the conduit when the valve is in the closed state; and a link that is e along its length and that extends between and is coupledto the sprinkler nozzle and the valve; wherein the valve is moved from the closed state to the open state by movement of the link in the direction of the sprinkler nozzle when the sprinkler nozzle opens and permits ﬂuid to ﬂow through the sprinkler nozzle.

27. The dry sprinkler head of claim 26, n the sprinkler nozzle includes an element that breaks when exposed to predetermined temperatures, such that breaking of the element causes the link to move the valve to the open state.

28. The dry sprinkler head of claim 27, wherein the link is located within the conduit.

29. The dry sprinkler head of claim 28, wherein the valve comprises a valve element that is moveable from a latched position to a released on, the valve element maintaining the valve in the closed state when the valve element is in the latched position and allowing the valve to be in the open position when the valve element is in the released position.

30. The dry sprinkler head of claim 29, further comprising a link pin that is attached to a ﬁrst end of the link, the link pin interfaces with the valve element.

31. The dry sprinkler head of claim 30, wherein the link pin maintains the valve element in the latched position.

32. The dry ler head of claim 31, wherein breaking of the element causes the link to move toward the sprinkler nozzle, which disengages the link pin from the valve element.

33. The dry sprinkler head of claim 26, further sing a bias member that is ted to the link and that biases the link toward the sprinkler nozzle.

34. The dry sprinkler head of claim 27, further comprising a bias member that is ted to the link, wherein breaking of the element causes the bias member to pull on the link.

35. A ﬂexible dry sprinkler head according to claim 2, wherein the e conduit is bendable in more than one location along its length, and wherein the ﬂexible conduit is capable of being bent at various angles.

36. A ﬂexible dry sprinkler head substantially as herein described with nce to any one of the