FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for supporting a sprinkler head and particularly to an assembly for adjustably positioning a sprinkler head in a sprinkler system.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY QF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the construction of new buildings as well as in the remodeling of existing buildings, a fire sprinkler system is typically installed or modified in a ceiling according to a predetermined design plan. However, due to unexpected changes during construction or remodeling, the miscalculation of distances during design, or merely the inability to accurately determine the final desired location of the sprinkler heads during the "rough-in" phase of construction, the fire sprinkler system drop lines in the ceiling may not be suitably located for providing correct location of the sprinkler heads.

Oftentimes, the locations of the drop lines are such that the sprinkler heads end up being located in odd locations in a room or being positioned off- center in a ceiling tile. Such inaccurate positioning can significantly detract from the intended or desired esthetics of the room. However, to achieve the required or desired positioning of the sprinkler heads, either repositioning or modification of the sprinkler drop lines or modification to the construction or remodeling design is required. Such measures often prove unduly expensive and time consuming, hence, it is desired to provide an apparatus that enables the correct positioning of sprinkler heads efficiently and

inexpensively despite an inconvenient location of the sprinkler drop lines.

Several devices for positioning sprinkler heads are known; however, none appear to provide the versatility required to obtain a desired location of a sprinkler head in, for example, the center of a ceiling tile. For example, the device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,785,887 issued to Miller only provides for pivoting and vertical adjustment of a sprinkler head. The devices disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,843,186 issued to Ballard and U.S. Patent No. 4,071,266 issued to Mountford only provide for vertical adjustment of a sprinkler head. The device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,699,217 issued to McLennan et al. only provides for quick connect coupling at various predetermined locations along a drop line. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly which overcomes the problems associated with obtaining correct sprinkler head positioning when the sprinkler drop lines are inconveniently placed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly that is simple and easy to install and use. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly that is inexpensive.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a positioning assembly that permits easy adjustment of a sprinkler head to a desired location.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a drop line fitting that is easily securable to

a sprinkler drop line and well suited to receive sprinkler system plumbing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an elbow coupling member that is well suited to efficiently position a sprinkler head in a constricted space.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fittings and coupling members that augment the positioning capability of the positioning assembly. These and other objects are accomplished by an adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly and by fittings and elbow coupling members according to the present invention.

The assembly according to the present invention includes a first conduit having an inlet portion and an outlet portion wherein a center line of the inlet portion is offset from a center line of the outlet portion. The assembly also includes a second conduit also having an inlet portion and an outlet portion wherein a center line of the inlet portion is offset from a center line of the outlet portion. A first attachment arrangement adjustably secures the first conduit to a sprinkler drop line and is disposed at the inlet portion of the first conduit. A second attachment arrangement adjustably secures the second conduit to the first conduit and is disposed at the inlet portion of the second conduit. An arrangement for receiving a sprinkler head is disposed at the outlet portion of the second conduit. One positioning conduit according to the present invention includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion wherein a center line of the outlet portion is generally parallel to and offset from a center line of the inlet portion. A first socket for

receiving a first fitting is provided at the inlet portion and includes a set screw for securing the first fitting to the positioning conduit such that a fluid seal is formed between the first fitting and the positioning conduit. A second socket for receiving a second fitting is disposed at the outlet portion and includes a set screw for securing the second fitting to the positioning conduit. A fluid seal is formed between the second fitting and the positioning conduit. A drop line fitting according to the present invention includes an inlet portion weldable to a sprinkler drop line such that the inlet portion is in fluid communication with the drop line after welding. An outlet portion is in general alignment with the inlet portion and in fluid communication with the drop line when the inlet portion is welded to the drop line. A socket for receiving sprinkler system plumbing is disposed at the outlet portion and includes a set screw for securing the sprinkler system plumbing to the fitting such that a fluid seal is formed between the sprinkler system plumbing and the fitting.

An elbow coupling member in accordance with the present invention includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion. A socket is disposed at the inlet portion and includes a set screw for securing a first pipe to said elbow coupling such that a fluid seal is formed between the first pipe and the elbow coupling. For receiving a second pipe, the outlet portion may include either a smooth external circumferential surface or may include external threads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to

the accompanying drawings, wherein like members bear like reference numerals and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the positioning assembly according to the present invention in a disassembled condition;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the positioning assembly according to the present invention along the lines 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top view of the positioning assembly according to the present invention as mounted for use;

Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second conduit of Fig. 1 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second conduit of Fig. 1 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the positioning assembly according to the present invention; and

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one conduit of a fifth embodiment of the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first elbow coupling useful in the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second elbow coupling useful in the positioning assembly according to the present invention; Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a third elbow coupling useful in the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the positioning assembly according to the present invention as assembled in one arrangement;

Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the positioning assembly according to the present invention as assembled in a second arrangement; and,

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a segment of the positioning assembly according to the present invention along the lines 13-13 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a first vertical adjustment assembly for use in the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a second vertical adjustment assembly for use in the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a third vertical adjustment assembly for use in the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a fitting useful in the positioning assembly according to the present invention; Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth elbow coupling useful in the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth elbow coupling useful in the positioning assembly according to the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the positioning assembly according to the present invention.

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth elbow coupling useful in the positioning assembly according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly according to the present invention includes a first conduit 10 which is fabricated preferably of black steel pipe but may be fabricated from any material suitable for transporting water under pressure in compliance with the applicable fire codes and regulations. The first conduit 10 includes an inlet portion 11 having a circular cross-section (as in pipe or tubing) and an outlet portion 12 having a circular cross-section. The first conduit 10 is fabricated to

have a smooth and substantially constant area internal cross-section between the inlet portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 and the center line of the inlet portion 11 is parallel to, but offset from, the center line of the inlet portion 12 by a distance designated as X _j _. In one embodiment of the present invention, the offsetting distance X__ is at least as great as an inner diameter D-^ of the inlet portion 11.

Included at the inlet portion 11 is an attachment arrangement for connecting the first conduit 10 to a sprinkler system drop' line fitting. The attachment arrangement includes a set screw 13 along with a seal support collar 14 and a resilient seal 15. As shown in Figs. 11 and 13, when the first conduit 10 is connected to a fitting 28 of a sprinkler system drop line (not shown) , the fitting 28 is snugly positioned within the resilient seal 15. Additionally, the set screw 13 has been rotated so as to engage an external circumferential wall of the fitting 28 and to thus prevent movement of the first conduit relative to the sprinkler drop line fitting. The set screw may engage the fitting 28 at any peripheral location along the outer circumference of the fitting 28, hence, the first conduit 10 may be selectively secured to the fitting at any desired circumferential position relative to the drop line fitting 28.

The sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention also includes a second conduit 20 having an inlet portion 21 having a circular cross- section and an outlet portion 22 having a circular cross-section. The second conduit 20 is fabricated to have a smooth constant area internal cross-section between the inlet portion 21 and the outlet portion 22 and the center lines of both the inlet portion 21 and

the outlet portion 22 are parallel to each other but offset by a distance designated as X2. In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance designated as X ₂ is at least as large as the inner diameter designated as D ₂ of the inlet portion 21. The second conduit 20 is preferably of black steel but may be fabricated from any material suitable for transporting water under pressure in compliance with the applicable fire codes and regulations. As with the inlet portion 11 of the first conduit 10, the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit 20 also includes an attachment arrangement. However, the attachment arrangement in the second conduit 20 is used for connecting the second conduit 20 to the first conduit 10 and not for connecting the second conduit 20 to a drop line fitting. In particular, the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit 20 is configured to receive the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10. In similarity with the attachment arrangement of the first conduit 10, the attachment arrangement of the second conduit 20 includes a set screw 23 along with a seal support collar 24 and a resilient seal 25.

On the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 are disposed external threads 26. The external threads 26 are suitable for receiving a sprinkler head. To enable use of the assembly for certain sprinkler heads, the outlet portion 22 may be fabricated with internal threads instead. In the assembled condition, the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10 is received within the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit 20. More specifically, the outlet portion 12 is positioned such that snug, liquid tight contact exists between the outlet portion 12 and the resilient seal 25 of the inlet portion 21. The set screw 23 engages the

external circumferential wall of the outlet portion 12 and thus prevents movement of the second conduit 20 relative to the first conduit 10. The set screw 23 may engage the outlet portion 12 at any peripheral location along the outer circumference of the outlet portion 12, hence, the second conduit 20 may be selectively secured to the first conduit 10 at any desired circumferential position relative to the first conduit 10.

In the assembled state, the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly also includes a sprinkler head 27 that is received in the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. Specifically, the sprinkler head 27 has internal threads that engage the external threads 26 of the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. In order to prevent leakage between the sprinkler head 27 and the outlet portion 22, the sprinkler head 27 must be sufficiently threaded onto the outlet portion 22, so as to form a fluid tight seal between the sprinkler head 27 and the outlet portion 22. During the construction and assembly of a fire sprinkler system in a building, the present invention is advantageously utilized to obtain a desired position of the sprinkler head. In particular, as shown in Fig. 3 the present invention is especially useful for orienting a sprinkler head 27 into a center location of a ceiling tile 30 despite the off-center orientation of the sprinkler drop line 31.

Referring to both Figs. 1 and 3, a desired position of the sprinkler head 27 is achieved by first connecting the first conduit 10 to the fitting 28 of the sprinkler drop line 31. So as to allow easy adjustment of the circumferential position of the first conduit 10 relative to the fitting 28, the set screw 13 undergoes only hand-tightened engagement with the outer wall of

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the fitting 28. Then, the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10 is received by the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit 20 so as to connect the second conduit 20 to the first conduit 10. Again, so as to allow easy adjustment of the circumferential positioning, the set screw 23 undergoes only hand- tightened engagement with the outer wall of the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10.

After the first and second conduits 10, 20 have been assembled to the fitting 28, a sprinkler head 27 may at this time be inserted into the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. However, to ease construction, the sprinkler head 27 may be mounted on the second conduit 20 prior to connecting the second conduit 20 to the first conduit 10. Yet further, mounting of the sprinkler head may be delayed until final positioning of the conduits is achieved.

As the set screws 13 and 23 are only hand tightened, the first conduit 10 may be adjustably rotated around the fitting 28 and the second conduit 20 may be adjustably rotated around the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10. That is, the first and second conduits 10, 20 may be adjustably rotated according to the arrows in Fig. 3. Since the inlet and outlet portions of each conduit 10, 20 are respectively offset by the distances X and X ₂ (see Fig. 1) , the rotation of each conduit enables the sprinkler head 27 to be positioned anywhere within a circle having a radius equal to the sum of the offsetting distances X__, X . Consequently, through rotational adjustment of the conduits 10, 20, a desired location of the sprinkler head 27 may be achieved as shown in Figure 3. More specifically, a sprinkler head 27 may be positioned in

the center of a ceiling tile 30 despite the off-centered location of the sprinkler drop line 31.

Once the desired position of the sprinkler head 27 is obtained, the set screws 13 and 23 are tightened to a sufficient degree so as to ensure a liquid tight seal at the fitting 28 and at the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10.

With reference now to Fig. 4, according to a second embodiment of the sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention, the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 is configured so as to have external threads 31 and internal threads 32. An outlet portion 22 so configured is adapted to receive a sprinkler head assembly that incorporates a vertical adjustment feature. For example, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is suited to receive a vertically adjustable wet drop nipple such as that disclosed in a publication of Allied Piping Products Company, Inc. for a Model 300 and a. Model 125 Wet Drop Nipple. An assembly in accordance with the present invention having an outlet portion configuration of Fig. 4 thus is capable of adjusting the position of a sprinkler head 27 both horizontally through the rotational adjustment of first and second conduits 10, 20 and vertically through the adjustment of a wet drop nipple.

According to a third embodiment of the sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention, with reference now to Fig. 5, the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 includes an outlet cylinder 47 inserted into the outlet portion 22 and secured therein by commonly known O-ring seals 48. The bottom portion of the outlet cylinder 47 is configured to receive a sprinkler head inlet. A fluid passageway 49 extends through the entire length of the cylinder 47.

The outlet cylinder 47 is further secured to the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 by an outside collar 43. The outside collar 43 includes two sets of internal threads 44, 46. The first set of internal threads 44 engage external threads 42 on the outlet cylinder 47. The second set of internal threads

46 engage the external threads 45 of the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20.

When the outlet cylinder 47 is secured to the outlet portion 22, with reference to Fig. 5, the vertical position of the outlet cylinder 47 may be adjusted by rotating the cylinder 47 relative to the collar 43. By rotating the cylinder 47, a sprinkler head outlet attached to a bottom portion of the cylinder 47 is vertically adjusted due to the engagement of internal threads 44 with external threads 42. However, a fluid seal is maintained between the outlet cylinder

47 and the outlet portion 22 during vertical adjustment due to the presence of the O-rings 48. As with the second embodiment of Fig. 4, the third embodiment of Fig. 5 provides a sprinkler head positioning assembly that adjusts a sprinkler head both horizontally and vertically such that a desired position of the sprinkler head is achieved. According to a fourth embodiment of the sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention as shown in Fig. 6, the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 is formed to have a smooth circumferential outer surface. That is, instead of the outlet portion 22 having external threads 26 as in the first embodiment (see Fig. 1) , the outlet portion 22 has an outer circumferential surface that is smooth. Consequently, the second conduit 20 is configured the same as the first conduit 10 and the two conduits then

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become interchangeable. As a result, manufacturing costs are reduced since the same tooling may be used to form both the first and second conduits of the a sprinkler head assembly positioning assembly of the present invention. For the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a conventional sprinkler head for mounting on a smooth outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 may be utilized e.g. same product. According to a fifth embodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention as shown in Fig. 7, a conduit 70 is provided that may serve as both the first and second conduit of the adjustable assembly of the present invention. The conduit 70 includes an inlet portion 71 and an outlet portion 72 wherein both inlet portion 71 and the outlet portion 72 have a smooth outer circumferential surface. The conduit member 70 of the fifth embodiment must be utilized with intervening coupling members in order to appropriately assemble the positioning assembly of the present invention. Numerous types of previously known coupling members may be used.

A sixth embodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention as shown in Fig. 17 includes a conduit 170 that may be used in combination with conduits of previously described embodiments or may serve as both the first and second conduit of the adjustable assembly of the present invention in a manner similar to that of the fifth embodiment.

The conduit 170 includes an inlet portion 171 and an outlet portion 172 wherein both portions are configured with an attachment arrangement such as that

utilized on the inlet portion of the conduit 10 depicted in Fig. 1. The attachment arrangement, or socket, at both the inlet portion 171 and outlet portion 172 includes a set screw 173 along with a seal support collar 174 and a resilient seal 175. For example, when serving as both first and second conduits, the first conduit may be connected to the second conduit by means of a smooth pipe.

When the conduit member 170 of the sixth embodiment is utilized as both the first and second conduit, an intervening connecting member (not shown) such as a smooth extension pipe is used to connect the first and second conduit members. The intervening connecting member is receivable into the outlet portion attachment arrangement of the first conduit as well as into the inlet portion attachment arrangement of the second conduit. Further, a sprinkler head assembly is used that is receivable into the attachment arrangement of the outlet portion of the second conduit. Additional embodiments of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of the • present invention are shown in Figs. 21-24. In each of Figs. 21-24, a conduit is shown that may be used either in combination with the conduits of other embodiments described herein or may serve as both the first and second conduit of the adjustable assembly of the present invention in a manner similar to that described with respect to the fifth embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 21, a conduit 210 includes an inlet portion 211 and an outlet portion 212. The outlet portion 212 is configured with an attachment arrangement such as that utilized on the inlet portion of the conduit 10 depicted in Fig. 1. The attachment arrangement, or socket, at the outlet portion 212

includes a set screw 213 along with a seal 215 seated in a seal support collar 214. The inlet portion 211 is configured to include internal threads 216.

Referring to Fig. 22, a conduit 220 includes an inlet portion 221 and an outlet portion 222. The outlet portion 222 has a smooth outer circumferential surface and the inlet portion 221 includes external threads 223.

Referring to Fig. 23, a conduit 230 includes an outlet portion 232 and an inlet portion 231. The outlet portion 232 is configured to have a smooth outer circumferential surface and the inlet portion 231 is configured with internal threads 233.

Referring to Fig. 24, a conduit 240 includes an inlet portion 241 and an outlet portion 242. The inlet portion 241 is configured to have external threads

244 and the outlet portion 242 is configured to have internal threads 243.

Referring to Fig. 26, a conduit 310 includes an outlet portion 315 and an inlet portion 311. Both the outlet portion 315 and the inlet portion 311 are configured to have external threads 313, 314, respectfully.

Referring to Fig. 27, a conduit 320 includes an inlet portion 321 and an outlet portion 327. Both the inlet portion 321 and the outlet portion 327 are configured to have internal threads 326, 322, respectfully.

Vertical adjustment assemblies may be envisioned for use with any of the disclosed embodiments of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention. For example, a first vertical adjustment assembly as shown in Fig. 14 or a second vertical adjustment assembly as shown in Fig. 15 may be

utilized at least in the first embodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 14, the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 of the first embodiment is threadably engaged via threads 26 in a first vertical adjustment assembly 140. The vertical adjustment assembly 140 includes a collar 141 that houses a seal 149 and a set screw 143. The vertical adjustment assembly 140 also includes a vertical adjustment tube 142 which is formed to have a top flange portion 146 and a passageway 144 extending the length of the tube 142. The diameter of the flange 146 is less than the inner diameter Q± of the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. Preferably, the diameter of the flange 146 is at least .010 inches less than the inner diameter Q__ . The tube 142 at a lower end is adapted to receive a sprinkler head.

Since the diameter of the flange 146 is less than the inner diameter of the outlet portion 22, the tube 142 is vertically adjustable within the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. In a furthermost extended position of the tube 142, the flange 146 abuts a. land 145 on the adjustment collar 141. During use, the tube 142 will be vertically oriented so that a sprinkler head may be attached at a desirable vertical location. The set screw 143 will then be urged against the tube 142 to secure the tube 142 in the proper position. Leakage is prevented by the seal 144. A second vertical adjustment assembly 160 may also be used with at least the first embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 15. Specifically, the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 is received in a collar 161 via threads 26. The collar 161

includes a threaded portion 167 for receiving a compression fitting comprising a fitting 165 along with compression collar 164. The compression fitting serves to secure an adjustment tube 162 at a desired vertical location while also providing a fluid seal. The tube 162 is flared at a top end wherein a diameter of the flare is less than the inner diameter Q± of the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. Preferably, the diameter of the flare is .010 inches less than the inner diameter Q- . A lower end of the tube 162 is configured to receive a sprinkler head.

During use, the tube 162 will be moved to a vertical position according to a desired location of the sprinkler head. Then the compression collar 164 will be threadably secured to the threaded portion 167 of the collar 161. As the compression collar 164 is threaded, the fitting 165 is deformed to compress around the outer circumference of a tube 162 such that tube 162 is secured in the desired vertical position. In addition, the fitting 165 is compressed to prevent any fluid leakage between the fitting 165 and the outer surface of the tube 162.

A third vertical adjustment assembly 150 may be utilized with at least the fourth and fifth embodiments of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 16, the smooth outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 is received in a collar 151. The outlet portion 22 is secured in the collar 151 by a set screw 153. In addition, the outlet portion 22 is surrounded by a seal 158 which is housed in the collar 151.

The lower structure of the third vertical adjustment assembly 150 is substantially the same as the

first vertical adjustment assembly 140 (see Fig. 14) . That is, the vertical adjustment assembly 150 includes an adjustable tube 152 having a flange 156 and a passageway 155. The flange 156 has a diameter that is less than the inner diameter Q-^ of the outlet portion 22 such that the tube 152 is freely movable in a vertical direction within the outlet portion 22. Preferably, the diameter of the flange 156 is .010 inches less than the inner diameter Q__ . The tube 152 is secured at a desired vertical location by tightening of the set screw 154. In addition, a seal 159 prevents fluid leakage around the tube 152. In an extended position of the tube 152, the flange 156 abuts a land 157 of the collar 151.

With any of the three vertical adjustment assemblies 141, 150, 160, the tube that is vertically adjustable within each assembly may be fabricated of any desirable length. Typically, however, the length of such tubes ranges between 3-1/2 inches to 5 inches long. The disclosed vertical adjustment assemblies are especially useful when adjustments within the range of 0 to around

2-1/2 inches are necessary. Adjustments within this range are often necessary when a series of sprinkler heads are mounted along the length of one drop line since such drop lines are usually mounted at an incline to allow gravity drainage if desired. Typically, sprinkler drop lines are oriented such that there is a 1/8 inch vertical drop for every 10 feet of line.

In certain situations wherein the sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention is utilized, it is often advantageous or necessary to use an elbow coupling member along with extension pipes in order to expand the usefulness of the assembly. Examples of the use of such elbow couplings and

extension pipes are depicted in Figs. 11 and 12. Depending on which embodiment of the present invention is being utilized in any particular situation, however, different elbow couplings may be required. For example, in certain circumstances, an elbow coupling 80 as shown in Fig. 8 may be utilized. Elbow coupling 80 includes an inlet portion 81 that is substantially the same as the inlet portion 11 of the first conduit member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention (see Fig. 1) . That is, the first inlet portion 81 includes a seal support collar 84 for a circumferential seal 85 along with a set screw 83 for securing the received member. The elbow coupling 80 also includes an outlet portion 82 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit member 20 of the first embodiment of the present invention (see Fig. 1) . That is, the outlet portion 82 includes external threads 86.

Another example of an acceptable elbow coupling is an elbow coupling 90 as shown in Fig. 9. The elbow coupling 90 includes an inlet portion 91 that is substantially the same as the inlet portion 81 of the elbow coupling 80 (see Fig. 8) . The inlet portion 91 includes a seal support collar 94 along with a seal 95 and a set screw 93. The elbow coupling 90 also includes an outlet portion 92 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit member 20 of a fourth embodiment of the present invention (see Fig. 6) . That is, the outlet portion 92 has a smooth outer circumferential surface.

Another example of an acceptable elbow coupling is elbow coupling 280 as shown in Fig. 28. The elbow coupling 280 includes an inlet portion 281 having internal threads 282. The elbow coupling also includes

an outlet portion 283 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit member 20 of a fourth embodiment of the present invention (see Fig. 6) . That is, the outlet portion 283 has a smooth outer circumferential surface.

Yet an additional example of an acceptable elbow coupling is elbow coupling 100 as shown in Fig. 10. The elbow coupling 100 is conventionally known and has two opening portions 101, 102, each of which is configured the same as the inlet portions 81 and 91 of the elbow couplings 80 and 90 (see Figs. 8 and 9) . The first opening 101 has a seal support collar 104 for the seal 105 and includes a set screw 103. The second opening 102 includes a seal support collar 106 for a seal 107 and also includes a set screw 108.

Figs. 8-10 are examples of elbow couplings wherein the opening portions are positioned at a 90 degree angle from each other. However, spacing and orientation constraints sometimes are such that it is advantageous to use elbow couplings wherein the opening portions are positioned at about a 45 degree angle from each other. Figs 19 and 20 are examples of such fittings.

Referring to Fig. 19, an elbow coupling 190 includes an inlet portion 191 that is substantially the same as the inlet portion 191 of the first conduit member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention (See Fig. 1) . The inlet portion 191 includes a seal support collar 195 along with a seal 197 and a set screw 193. The elbow coupling 90 also includes an outlet portion 199 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit member 20 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention (See Fig. 6) . That is, the outlet portion 199 has a smooth outer circumferential surface.

Referring to Fig. 20, an elbow coupling 200 includes an inlet portion 201 that is substantially the same as the inlet portion of the first conduit member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention (See Fig. 1) . That is, the first inlet portion 201 includes a seal support collar 205 for a circumferential seal 207 along with a set screw 203 for securing the received member. The elbow coupling 200 also includes an outlet portion 209 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit member 20 of the first embodiment of the present invention (See Fig. 1) . That is, the outlet portion 209 includes external threads 202.

The particular embodiment of the positioning assembly of the present invention that is used will dictate which of the above disclosed elbow coupling members 80, 90, 100, 190, 200 will be utilized in any particular space constraining situation. For example, when the first embodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention is used, the elbow coupling 100 may be advantageously used to achieve correct positioning of a sprinkler head as depicted in Fig. 11.

As shown in Fig. 11, two elbow couplings 100, along with extension pipes 111 and 112, may be utilized to position a sprinkler head in a location in a lateral direction X and a vertical direction Y that would be otherwise unattainable through the utilization of the conduit members 10,20 by themselves. A first elbow coupling 100 is attached to the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10. A lateral extension pipe ill is then positioned between the first elbow coupling 100 and a second elbow coupling 100. A vertical extension pipe 112 is then connected between the second elbow coupling

100 and the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit member 20. As assembled in this manner, the second conduit member 20 is still adjustable relative to the first conduit member 10, however, the adjustment is provided at a greater lateral and vertical distance from the drop line 120 than would otherwise be obtainable using the first and second conduit members alone.

Referring to Fig. 12, a situation occasionally arises wherein a drop-line fitting 28 is positioned such that there is insufficient space either in the lateral X direction or the vertical Y direction to use the first and second conduit members 10,20 alone. However, such space constraints may be overcome without loss of adjustability through the utilization of an elbow coupling 90, two elbow couplings 100, a lateral extension pipe 111 and a vertical extension pipe 112. Specifically, the elbow coupling 90 is attached to the fitting 28 of the drop-line 120 so as to orient the outlet portion 92 of the coupling 90 in the vertical direction Y as shown in Fig. 13. The inlet portion 11 of the first conduit member 10 is then attached over the outlet portion 92 of the elbow coupling 90 while a first elbow coupling 100 is attached to the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10. The first elbow coupling 100 is then, in turn, connected to one end of the lateral extension pipe 111 while an opposite end of the extension pipe 111 is fixed to a second elbow coupling 100. The second elbow coupling 100 is connected to one end of the vertical extension pipe 112 while an opposite end of the vertical pipe 112 is received by the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit 20. As assembled in this manner, a desired location of a sprinkler head may yet be achieved despite space constraints in both the lateral X and vertical Y

directions. Further, the adjustability of the positioning assembly is retained.

Overcoming the space constrictions depicted in Fig. 12 could be achieved with less parts if the fitting 28 were oriented upwardly from the drop-line 120 instead of from the side and if fitting 28 had a female configuration instead of a male configuration. This alternate configuration is not shown in the drawings. Through the utilization of such a fitting 28, the male portion of the first conduit 10 would be inserted into the fitting 28 and then, the male portion 92 of the coupling 90 would be inserted into the female portion of the first conduit member 10. The lateral extension pipe 111 would then be inserted into the female portion of the coupling 90. In this manner, there is no need of the additional coupling 100 yet full adjustability of the assembly is maintained.

Referring to Fig. 25, a situation occasionally arises wherein space is especially restricted in the vertical direction between a floor 260o-and the dropped ceiling 259 such that other embodiments of the present invention are not easily used. Such space constraints may be overcome while maintaining adjustability through the utilization of a pair of ϋ-shaped conduit members 251, 252. The first conduit 251 includes an inlet portion 253 and an outlet portion 254, wherein the center lines of both the inlet portion 253 and outlet portion 254 are offset as with previously described embodiments. However, the first conduit 251 is configured to have a U-shape such that the direction of flow out of the conduit is opposite to the direction of the flow entering the conduit.

The second conduit 252 similarly includes an inlet portion 255 and an outlet portion 256 and is also

configured to have a U-shape. The inlet portion 255 is configured to adjustably engage the outlet portion 254 of the first conduit 251. The outlet portion 256 is configured to receive the sprinkler head structure. The U-shaped first and second conduits 251,

252 do not require as much vertical space as previously described embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, the offset nature of the centerlines of the inlet and outlet portions of each conduit maintain the adjustability of the sprinkler head positioning assembly when connected to a sprinkler water supply line 258.

The inlet and outlet portions of both the first and second conduits 251, 252 may be manufactured with any of the configurations as described with previous embodiments. In one embodiment, the inlet portion 253 of the first conduit 251 includes external threads which are engaged with internal threads of a pipe nipple 257 from the sprinkler water supply line 258. The outlet portion 254 of the first conduit 251 is configured with an attachment arrangement such as that utilized on the inlet portion of the conduit 10 depicted in Fig. 1.

The inlet portion 255 of the second conduit 252 has a smooth circumferential surface for engagement into the attachment arrangement, or socket, of the outlet portion 254 of the first conduit 251. The outlet portion 256 of the second conduit 252 includes internal threads for receiving a sprinkler head assembly 260.

Numerous other configurations utilizing the various embodiments of the present invention along with various elbow couplings to achieve virtually any desired location for a sprinkler head may be envisioned by the present invention. The examples specifically disclosed are merely exemplary.

In current sprinkler systems, a fitting known as a WELDOLET is sometimes used to serve as the outlet fixture on drop lines for attaching the sprinkler conduits. Such a fitting is described in an advertising publication entitled WELDOLET by B.F. Gilmour Co. , Inc. The inlet of the WELDOLET is welded to a drop line at a desired location and then, in turn, a branch pipe, is welded to the outlet of the WELDOLET. The WELDOLET may be used to provide a fitting similar to the fitting 28 of Figs. 11-13.

To eliminate some of the welding steps involved with providing a suitable fitting on a sprinkler drop line and to enhance the versatility of the present invention, a fitting 180 as disclosed in Fig. 18 may be utilized. The outlet 181 of the fitting 180 includes an attachment arrangement, or socket, such as that included on several of previous embodiments of the first and second conduits. The socket includes a set screw 183 along with a seal support collar 185 and a resilient seal 187.

The inlet 189 of the fitting 180 is welded to a drop line in a manner similar to that used with the WELDOLET. Then, a branch pipe or other desired plumping section may be immediately secured to the fitting via the socket. In this manner, additional welding steps are avoided when preparing a drop line to receive sprinkler system plumbing sections.

While the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly according to the present invention has been described with reference to a water sprinkler system, it is expected that the assembly may be of general utility in systems other than water sprinkler systems. Accordingly, the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present

invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the spirit of the present invention and it is expressly intended that all such variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, may be embraced thereby.