CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/556,034, titled "PUSH-TO-CONNECT-ROTATE-TO-RELEASE SPRINKLER ASSEMBLY AND FITTING WITH HELICAL GRIPPER RING," filed September 8, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fire protection devices and more specifically to fire protection sprinkler assemblies, fittings and connections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0003] Embodiments of a fire protection sprinkler assembly are provided having a "push-to-connect-rotate-to-release" (PCRR) connection or fitting for coupling to fluid supply pipes. The sprinkler assembly includes the PCRR connection fitting in which a sprinkler body is inserted into the tubular fitting to form a fluid tight connection. The sprinkler assembly can provide that the fluid tight connection can be formed by linearly and, in some embodiments, coaxially inserting the sprinkler body into the fitting, e.g., pushing to connect the sprinkler body to the fitting without relative rotation. In some embodiments, the external configuration of the sprinkler body and the internal configuration of the PCRR fitting cooperate with one another to permit the relative linear translation between the sprinkler body and the fitting to form the fluid tight seal. In some embodiments, the respective external and internal configuration of the sprinkler body allow for the sprinkler body to be advanced into further engagement with the fitting by relative rotation between the components, for example, by a helical contact.

[0004] The PCRR fitting maintains the connection and resists decoupling between the sprinkler body and the fitting. The fitting and sprinkler engagement can require both axial and rotational relative translation with respect to one another in order to separate the sprinkler and fitting components, e.g., rotating to release the sprinkler body from the fitting. In some embodiments, the sprinkler body is withdrawn from the fitting by rotationally translating the sprinkler body from the fitting. In some embodiments, the relative rotational translation between the sprinkler assembly components provides a mechanism to relieve pressure from the sprinkler assembly under fluid pressure. In some embodiments, with the sprinkler assembly and its fitting connected to a fluid supply pipe and under fluid pressure, the sprinkler body can be rotated to begin to withdraw the sprinkler body from the fitting. Continued relative rotation can initially separate the sealed engagement between the sprinkler body thereby providing pressure relief, if necessary, before completely separating the sprinkler body and the fitting. Thus, the sprinkler assembly can provide a safety mechanism for replacing and maintaining an installed sprinkler. The sprinkler body includes an externally disposed and secured seal member. Accordingly, removal of the sprinkler body can facilitate removal of the seal member for repair or replacement.

[0005] In an embodiment, a sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler having a body defining an inlet and an outlet with a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet along a first longitudinal axis and a deflector supported by the body and spaced from the outlet. The body has an outer encasing surface that surrounds the first longitudinal axis. The outer encasing surface can include a seal member disposed about the encasing surface. The assembly includes a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting that includes a tubular member with a first end for connection to a fluid supply pipe and a second end for receiving the sprinkler body. The tubular member includes an exterior surface and an inner surface in which the inner surface defines an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis for receipt of the body of the sprinkler. The inner surface includes a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis with a gripper ring disposed along the inner surface of the tubular member. The gripper ring includes an annular base circumscribed about the longitudinal axis with a plurality of spaced apart tabs each extending radially inward from the annular base to a terminal end. The terminal ends are spaced from the second longitudinal axis at a variable distance to define a helical internal periphery about the second longitudinal axis. In the sprinkler assembly, the terminal ends of the gripper ring are in contact with the outer encasing surface of the sprinkler body to define the helical contact.

[0006] In some embodiments, a PCRR fitting includes a first tubular member having a first end, a second end with an outer surface and inner surface to define an internal passageway extending from the first end to the second end along a first longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the first tubular member includes a seal member secured about the outer surface. The inner surface of the first tubular member can include an internal thread for receipt of the fire protection sprinkler. In some embodiments, the PCRR fitting includes a second tubular member with a first end for connection to the fluid supply pipe fitting and a second end for receiving the first tubular member. The second tubular member includes an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a second internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis. The first tubular member is received in the second internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis. The inner surface of the second tubular member includes a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis with a gripper ring disposed along the inner surface of the second tubular member and in contact with the outer surface of the first tubular member. The gripper ring can include an annular base circumscribed about the longitudinal axis with a plurality of spaced apart tabs each extending radially inward from the annular base to a terminal end. The terminal ends are spaced from the second longitudinal axis at a variable distance to define a helical internal periphery about the second longitudinal axis. In the sprinkler assembly, the terminal ends of the gripper ring is in contact with the external surface of the first tubular member to define a helical contact.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method is provided for forming a PCRR connection between a sprinkler body and a tubular member in a fluid tight connection and releasing the sprinkler body from the fluid tight connection. The method includes linearly translating an encasing surface of the sprinkler body in a first direction in helical contact with an internal helical periphery of a gripper ring affixed within an internal conduit of the tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis; and limiting translation of the sprinkler body in a second direction opposite the first direction to linear and rotational translation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together, with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are some examples of the present disclosure as provided by the appended claims.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a sprinkler assembly in an illustrative installation.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the sprinkler assembly of FIG. 1 in an unsealed condition.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of the sprinkler assembly of FIG. 1 in a sealed condition.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release fitting.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release fitting.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a gripper ring and retainer ring for use in the fittings of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an annular insert, gripper ring and retainer ring for use in the fittings of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0016] FIGS. 7A-7B are detailed views of the engagement between the gripper ring and the sprinkler body for use in the assembly of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of a sprinkler assembly.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram of deflectors for use in the sprinkler assemblies of FIGS. 1 and 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a sprinkler assembly 100 for the protection of an area, e.g., the protection area PA. The sprinkler assembly 100 is connected to a firefighting fluid supply pipe or pipe fitting 14. The mounted sprinkler can extend through a hole opening in a barrier, such as for example, a ceiling barrier 10 or wall. The hole can be finished with an escutcheon (not shown) to surround the sprinkler. The sprinkler assembly 100 includes a fire protection sprinkler 110 and a connection fitting 150, e.g., a "push-to-connect-rotate- to-release" (PCRR) connection fitting 150 to connect the sprinkler 110 to fluid supply piping or fitting 14. One end of the fitting 150 is configured for connection to the fluid supply fitting 14. At the opposite end, the fitting 150 provides for connection to the sprinkler 110. Connection between the PCRR fitting 150 and the sprinkler 110 can be formed by axially inserting or pushing the sprinkler 110 into the end of the fitting 150 to form a fluid tight connection. The PCRR fitting 150 maintains the connection and resists decoupling between the sprinkler 110 and the fitting 150. The fitting 150 and its engagement with the sprinkler 110 can require both axial and rotational relative translation with respect to one another in order to separate the components. By requiring the relative rotation, separation of the components cannot be realized by simple axial translation or pulling of the sprinkler from the fitting. This ensures that the assembly 100 remains intact in the presence of fluid pressure and connection is maintained in the event of accidental bumping of the assembly. In some embodiments, the fitting and sprinkler engagement provides for fluid pressure relief, which can facilitate safe replacement and/or maintenance of the sprinkler assembly and its components.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 2 A the fire protection sprinkler 110 has a body 112 that includes an internal surface 112a extending along a first longitudinal axis A—A defining an internal passageway 114 extending between an inlet 116 and an outlet 118 of the body 112. The sprinkler 110 includes a deflector 124 supported by the body 112 and spaced from the outlet 118. As depicted, the deflector 124 can be secured to a pair of frame arms 126 which depend from the sprinkler body 112. As depicted, the frame arms 126 locate the deflector 124 at the desired fixed axial distance from the outlet 118. In some embodiments, the frame arms can provide for a "drop down" arrangement in which the arms deploy from an unactuated concealed position to an actuated deployed position. The internal passageway 114 and outlet 118 are dimensioned and geometrically configured so as to affect desired discharge characteristics for the deflector 124 to provide for a sprinkler spray pattern that can effectively address a fire. The deflector can have any suitable geometry and configuration for a particular application. For example, as depicted in FIG. 9, the deflector 124 can be configured as a substantially planar member 124 used in a pendent configuration or a hooded deflector 124 for use in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the deflector 124 is domed for an upright sprinkler construction.

[0021] The body 112 has an outer encasing surface 112b that surrounds the longitudinal axis A—A and can form a fluid tight sealed connection with the connection fitting 150. In some embodiments, the outer encasing surface 112b of the sprinkler 110 includes a seal member 111 disposed about the encasing surface to form a fluid tight seal within the fitting 150. In some embodiments, the outer encasing surface 112b includes an annular groove 113 that is formed about and circumscribes the body 112 with the sealing member 111 disposed and secured within the annular groove 113. The outer encasing surface 112b forms a mechanical connection with the fitting 150 to adjustably form and locate the fluid tight seal of the seal member 111 within the fitting 150.

[0022] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2B and 3, the PCRR fitting 150 includes a tubular member 152 with a first end 154 for connection to the fluid supply pipe or fitting 14 and a second end 156 for receiving the sprinkler body 112. The tubular member 152 includes an exterior surface 152a and an inner surface 152b that defines an internal conduit 158 which extends along a second longitudinal axis B--B. The sprinkler body 112 is received in the internal conduit 158 at the second end 156 such that the sprinkler 110 and the tubular member 152 are substantially coaxially aligned with one another with the first longitudinal axis A—A substantially axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis B--B.

[0023] A portion of the inner surface 152b of the tubular member 152 can define or form a sealing surface portion 160 which circumscribes the second longitudinal axis B--B and extends axially in the direction of the second longitudinal axis B--B. The sealing surface 160 forms a fluid tight seal with an appropriate sealing member, such as for example, the annular sealing member 111 of the sprinkler body 110 upon insertion and engagement. The cylindrical sealing surface 160 defines the narrowest portion or smallest internal diameter of the internal conduit 158 of the tubular member 152. The sealing surface 160 has a first end 162a and a second end 162b with the axial length of the sealing surface 160 extending between the first and second ends 162a, 162b to define the range over which the sealing contact between the surface 160 and the sealing member 111 can be located. By providing a range of locations over which a fluid tight seal can be formed, there can be flexibility in completing the sprinkler assembly 100 and the relative spacing between the components of tubular member 152 and the sprinkler 110.

[0024] To axially and adjustably locate the seal member 111 into sealing contact with the sealing surface 160, the sprinkler 110 can be initially inserted into the tubular member 152, as depicted in FIG. 2A, and the sprinkler is axially or linearly pushed or driven into the internal conduit 158 such that the seal member 111 of the sprinkler 110 is in fluid sealing contact with the sealing surface 160 location, as depicted for example in FIG. 2B. To maintain the sprinkler 110 coupled to the tubular member 152 and prevent undesired or accidental axial translation or withdrawal out of the tubular member. The sprinkler 110 can be mechanically and adjustably axially held, retained or supported within the tubular member 152 by a gripper ring 170 which is disposed along the inner surface 152b of the tubular member 152 of the PCRR fitting 150. In some embodiments, the engagement and interaction with the fitting 150 allow the sprinkler and its deflector 124 to be adjustably located with respect to other structures, such as for example, the ceiling barrier 10.

[0025] FIGS. 3-6 depict a gripper ring 170 which includes an annular base 174 from which fingers or prongs 172 extend radially inward and are equiangularly spaced about the ring's center. Each of fingers or prongs 172 is a resilient member which flexes with respect to the annular base 174 to collectively vary the distance of the radially innermost end 172a of the prongs 172 from the ring center to define a helical internal periphery of the gripper ring. The gripper ring 170 is disposed within the tubular member 152 to circumscribe the longitudinal axis B--B. The inner surface 152b of the tubular member can include an internal groove 164 to house the annular base 172 of the gripper ring 170. The fitting 150 can include a separate support or retainer ring 175 disposed within the groove 164 to axially support the gripper ring 170. In some embodiments, the inner surface 152b of the tubular member 152 includes one or more skewed or chamfered surfaces 166 completely or partially circumscribing the longitudinal axis B--B to provide a limiting surface to the fingers 172 upon its flex with respect to the annular base 172. In some embodiments, the chamfered surfaces 166 are spaced apart by one or more projections or formations 166a, which extend toward the longitudinal axis B--B. The projections 166a, engage the gripper ring 170 to prevent the gripper ring 170 from rotation about the axis B--B within the tubular member 152. The chamfered surface 166 can be contiguous with the circular groove 164. In some embodiments, the PCRR fitting can include a separate spacing annular insert 166', as depicted for example in FIG. 6, that provides the angled limiting surface for the gripper ring 170. The internal surface 152b of the tubular member 152 can house the spacing insert 166' .

[0026] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the inner surface 152b also includes stop surfaces to limit the insertion of the fluid supply pipe fitting 14 and the sprinkler 110. In some embodiments, internally from the first end 154 of the tubular member 152 is a first stop surface 168a spaced from the first end 154 to define an insertion depth for the fluid supply pipe 14 and a second stop surface 168b to limit insertion of the sprinkler body. In some embodiments, the second end 156 of the tubular member 152 can include or form the second stop surface 168b that interferes with the sprinkler frame arms 126 or other portion of the sprinkler body 112 to limit the insertion of the sprinkler body 112. The sealing surface portion 160 or a portion thereof can extend between the first and second stop surface 168a, 168b. The axial length between the second stop surface 168b and the retainer ring 175 is greater than the axial length of the sealing surface 160 extending between the first and second stop surfaces 168a, 168b. In some embodiments, as depicted for example in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3, the first stop surface 168a defines, at least in part, an annular channel 169 for housing an end of the fluid supply pipe 14. The formation of the inner surface 152b along the sealing surface 160 can provide an annular wall 167 circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis B--B. In some embodiments, the annular wall 167 has a first surface 167a extending along the sealing surface and a second surface 167b opposite the first surface 167a and spaced from the internal surface 152b to form an annular channel 169 to house the end of the fluid supply pipe 14. [0027] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the PCRR fitting 150 can be coupled to a tee fitting by the pipe fitting 14. In some embodiments, the supply piping and pipe fittings are constructed from thermoplastic material, such as Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) material suitable for use in fire sprinkler systems. In some embodiments, the supply pipe or fittings can be formed from metallic material, such as for example, steel or brass, etc. The tubular member 152 of the PCRR fitting 150 can be constructed from similar materials. In some embodiments, such as where the fluid supply pipe 14 is CPVC or other plastic or polymeric material to be affixed within the fitting 150 by chemical sealant, adhesive, cement or glue, the annular channel 169 can provide a reservoir for receiving and housing excess sealant which may otherwise seep onto the sealing surface 160 and negatively interfere with the sealed engagement between the fitting 160 and the sprinkler seal member 111. The end of the fluid supply pipe 14 defines a wall thickness and the width of the annular channel 169 can be greater than the wall thickness of the pipe end to provide the capacity within the annular channel 169 for the reservoir.

[0028] Referring again to FIG. 3, the second stop surface 168b of the fitting 150 can be formed as an annular planar surface disposed perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis B--B to limit the axial insertion of the sprinkler 110 into the passageway 158. In some embodiments, the second stop surface 168b' can be skewed or chamfered with respect to the axis B--B to facilitate coaxial insertion of the sprinkler 110 into the passageway 158. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, the outer encasing surface 112b of the sprinkler body 112 includes a first portion 115a along which the seal member 111 is located and defines a first diameter Dl sized to support the seal member 111 engagement with the cylindrical sealing surface 160 of the fitting 150. The encasing surface 112 includes a second portion 115b having a second diameter D2 that is greater than the first diameter Dl for engagement with the gripper ring 170. The difference in diameters Dl, D2 between the first and second portion defines a step transition or shoulder surface 113 separating the first portion and second portions of the encasing surface 112b. In some embodiments, the shoulder surface 113 is located along the encasing surface 112b so that upon sprinkler insertion of the sprinkler into the fitting 150 the axial distance between the shoulder surface 113 and the gripper ring 170 is greater than the axial distance between the seal member 111 and the shoulder surface 113. Accordingly, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the axial length LI of the sealing surface 160 can be smaller than the axial length L2 between the entrance to the sealing surface 160 and the internal groove 164 supporting the retainer ring 175. The axial spacing between the surfaces and components ensures that engagement between the sprinkler 110 and the gripper ring 170 is maintained after the seal member 111 and seal surface are disengaged thereby relieving the fluid seal between the sprinkler body 112 and the tubular member 150 before completely decoupling the two components. In some embodiments, the axial spacing between the surfaces can locate inlet end 116 of the leading portion 115a of the sprinkler body 112 within the sealing surface 160 upon insertion of the sprinkler body before engagement of the trailing portion 115b with the gripper ring 170.

[0029] FIGS. 7A-7B depict show the detailed interaction and engagement of the sprinkler body 112 and the gripper ring 170 within the fitting 150. The outer encasing surface 112b and, in some embodiments, the second portion 115b of the outer encasing surface 112b of the sprinkler body 112, forms an adjustable surface contact with the internal gripper ring 170 of the fitting 150 to adjustably form and locate the fluid tight seal of the seal member 111 within the fitting 150 and couple the sprinkler 110 and tubular member 152 to one another. As was described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sprinkler 110 can be initially inserted into the tubular member 152 axially or linearly pushed or driven into the internal conduit 158 such that the seal member 111 of the sprinkler 100 is in fluid sealing contact with the sealing surface 160 location. FIGS. 7A- 7B depict the contact between the gripper ring 170 and the external or outer encasing surface portion 115b of the sprinkler body 112. The sprinkler is axially inserted and translated within the tubular member 152 from the second end 156 to the first end. The fingers or prongs 172 of the gripper ring 170 are splayed outwardly, as depicted for example in FIGS. 7A-7B, by the contact with the second surface portion 115b. With the prongs of the gripper ring 170 splayed outwardly, the sprinkler body can be purely linearly inserted to its installed position, as depicted for example in FIG. 2B.

[0030] The contact between the helical gripper ring 170 and the outer surface 115b of the sprinkler limits the sprinkler body 112 to linear and rotational translation with respect to the tubular member 152 in the direction from the first end 154 to the second end 156 of the tubular member 152. As depicted for example in FIG. 7B, the ends 172a of the prongs 172 of the gripper ring 170 are in helical contact with the encasing surface portion 115b. Linearly withdrawing the sprinkler 110 from the tubular member results in the outer surface 115b of the sprinkler forcing the prongs 172 of the gripper ring 170 radially inward to grip the sprinkler body 112. Thus, the sprinkler 110 can be prevented from being axially driven out of the fitting 150 under the axial force of the water supply or by inadvertent impact. In order to release the sprinkler 110 from the PCRR fitting 150 for removal or adjustment, the sprinkler 110 is linearly and rotationally translated with respect to the tubular member 152 from the first end 154 to the second end 156. Given the axial spacing between internal components of the assembly previously described, the sprinkler 110 can be initially rotationally translated so that the prongs 172 of the gripper ring 170 follow the helical contact with the second encasing surface portion 115b to release the sealed engagement between the sealing member 111 and the sealing surface 160. The initial rotational translation of the sprinkler 110 from the tubular member 152 can release any fluid pressure from the sprinkler assembly 100 before safely and completely removing the sprinkler 110 by continued rotational translation. The removed sprinkler 110 can be serviced or replaced. In some embodiments, because the sealing member 111 can be affixed or secured to the sprinkler body 110, removal of the sprinkler 110 provides a manner for removing and replacing the sealing member 111 as needed. The helical contact between the gripper ring 170 and the encasing surface portion 115b of the sprinkler body 112 can allow for the sprinkler body 110 to be rotationally advanced into tubular member 152 in order to, for example, more finely locate the seal member 111 along the seal surface 160.

[0031] In order to facilitate the helical contact between the gripper ring 170 and the second surface portion 115b of the sprinkler body 112, the second surface portion 115b can be smooth defining a circular cylindrical geometry as depicted. In some embodiments, the second surface portion 115b can include surface treatments or details, such as for example, grooves or channels, provided the gripper ring 170 can form the helical contact as previously described to adjustably locate the sprinkler body 112 within the tubular member 152.

[0032] As described herein, the sprinkler assembly 100 can include a sprinkler body 110 that is integrally formed. In some embodiments, the sprinkler assembly 100 as depicted in FIG. 8 includes a sprinkler insert 110a and a separate sprinkler component 110b that is coupled to the insert 110a. The insert 110a can include an encasing surface having the external recess 113 and sealing member 111 along with an external surface portion 115 placed in helical contact with a helical gripper ring as previously described. The insert 110a also includes an internal thread 109a for complimentary threaded engagement with the external thread 109b of the sprinkler component 110b. The external thread 109b can be a tapered thread, such as for example, PT thread. The sprinkler 110b can be an externally threaded sprinkler for engagement with insert 110a and assembled with the PCRR fitting 150. Accordingly, the sprinkler assembly 100 can provide for an adapter to convert a standard threaded sprinkler into a sprinkler assembly for push-to- connect-rotate-to installation.

[0033] While the present disclosure has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.