Direct coupling compatible sprinkler
AssigneeVictaulic Company
InventorsPhilip W. Bancroft, Daniel Wake, Ahmed Saleh, Matthew A. Bowman, Craig Haney
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A combination fire suppression sprinkler and coupling is provided in a pre-assembled state for rapid installation into a piping network. Coupling segments are pivotably hinged and an adjustable attachment assembly opposite the hinge secures the segments to one another. In the pre-assembled state the segments are held at a separation angle sufficient to permit insertion of a pipe element into the coupling without disassembling the coupling.
Claims47
In combination, a sprinkler and a coupling in a pre-assembled state for joining said sprinkler to a pipe element, said coupling comprising:
- first and second segments arranged end to end surrounding a central space, each of said segments having a first end and a second end;
- an adjustable attachment assembly connecting said segments to one another at a separation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe element into said central space while said sprinkler is retained to said coupling;
- first and second arcuate surfaces positioned on opposite sides of said segments and projecting toward an axis extending through said central space;
- an annular seal located within said central space, said annular seal comprising first and second lobes positioned on opposite sides of said seal and extending toward said axis;
- said sprinkler comprising:
- a body located at least partially within said central space, said body comprising a bore surrounding said axis, said bore having an inlet and an outlet oppositely disposed;
- a groove extending around said body and positioned between said inlet and said outlet, at least a portion of said first arcuate surfaces on one side of said segments engaging said groove and retaining said sprinkler to said coupling in said pre-assembled state.
In combination, a sprinkler and a coupling in a pre-assembled state for joining said sprinkler to a pipe element, said coupling comprising:
- first and second segments arranged end to end surrounding a central space, each of said segments having a first end and a second end;
- an adjustable attachment assembly connecting said second ends of each of said segments to one another at a separation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe element into said central space while said sprinkler is retained to said coupling;
- first and second arcuate surfaces positioned on opposite sides of said segments and projecting toward an axis extending through said central space;
- an annular seal located within said central space, said annular seal comprising first and second lobes positioned on opposite sides of said seal and extending toward said axis;
- said sprinkler comprising:
- a body located at least partially within said central space, said body comprising a bore surrounding said axis, said bore having an inlet and an outlet oppositely disposed, said first lobe engaging and retaining said body within said central space in said pre-assembled state;
- wherein
- said separation is sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe element into said central space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.