Gasket installation tool

A gasket installation tool for installing a gasket member within an internal gasket chamber of a sprinkler head adapter or fitting. The installation tool includes a tubular assembly that engages the sprinkler head fitting and provides a passageway into which the gasket member is loaded. A rod member engaged with the tubular assembly advances the gasket member through the passageway of the tubular assembly to radially compress the gasket member. The engagement between the rod member and the tubular assembly controls the advancement of the gasket member into the fitting to properly locate the gasket within the chamber and prevent over travel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to tools for assembly and/or installation of fire protection devices, sprinkler assemblies or components. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a tool for the installation of an internal gasket member of a fire protection sprinkler head adapter fitting.

BACKGROUND ART

Pipe fittings used in the installation of fire protection sprinklers are well known. Generally, fire protection sprinklers or sprinkler heads include a sprinkler frame body with an inlet end having an external pipe thread for forming a threaded pipe connection with a supply pipe of firefighting fluid, such as for example, water and an outlet end for discharging the fluid to address a fire. There are sprinkler head fittings or adapters which couple the sprinkler head to the supply pipes of firefighting fluid. One type of sprinkler fitting is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,297,663, which describes the fire sprinkler fitting as having one end for connection to a fluid supply pipe and an end for receiving a fire sprinkler with an internal gasket to form a fluid tight seal with the sprinkler end.

Another sprinkler head adapter or fitting is shown in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2017/214418, entitled “Sprinkler Head Adapter,” and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The sprinkler adapter described therein includes a housing having a first end for connection to a firefighting fluid supply pipe, an internal passageway and a second end for engagement with a fire protection sprinkler. The internal passageway also includes a gasket chamber with a gasket disposed therein. For this type or similar sprinkler adapter, the internal gasket may need to be replaced from time to time. This process involves removing the sprinkler head from the fitting, removing the deformed internal gasket and replacing the gasket with a new one. In the case of a sprinkler head fitting installed in the field, the sprinkler head fitting may be in a fixed orientation or location which can make gasket replacement difficult. Accordingly, there is a need for a gasket installation tool that can deliver and properly locate a gasket within the sprinkler head fitting.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a preferred gasket installation tool for installing a gasket member within a fluid supply pipe or fitting. More preferably, a gasket installation tool is provided for installing an annular gasket member within an internal gasket chamber of a sprinkler head adapter or fitting. The preferred installation tool includes a tubular assembly that engages the sprinkler head fitting and provides a passageway into which the gasket member is loaded. A rod member engaged with the tubular assembly advances the gasket member through the passageway of the tubular assembly to radially compress the gasket member. The rod member axially advances the gasket member and ejects the gasket member from the tubular assembly for introduction into the sprinkler head fitting. The engagement between the rod member and the tubular assembly controls the advancement of the gasket member into the fitting to properly locate the gasket within the chamber and prevent over travel.

A preferred gasket installation tool for installing a gasket in an internal chamber of a sprinkler head fitting includes a rod member for having a first end and a second end and a tubular assembly for engaging the fitting. The tubular assembly has an inlet and an outlet with the tubular assembly defining a passageway extending from the inlet to the outlet along a longitudinal axis. The passageway preferably includes a radial loading first portion to which the gasket is loaded and a second portion for housing the gasket proximate the outlet. The rod member is preferably received within the passageway for axial translation along the passageway to displace the gasket out of the passageway through the outlet and into the internal chamber of the fitting.

Another preferred gasket installation tool is provided for installing a gasket in an internal chamber of a sprinkler head fitting having a body member and a cap member coupled to one another to form a gasket chamber therebetween. The installation tool includes a housing component having a first end for engaging the cap member and a second end for receiving a gasket member. The housing component preferably has a tapered internal passageway extending from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal axis. A ring component is preferably coupled to the housing component. The ring component preferably has an internal thread on an internal surface defining a central opening axially aligned with the internal passageway of the housing component. The installation tool preferably includes a rod member having a first end and a second end with an external thread between the first end and the second end to engage the internal thread of the ring component such that the first end supports the gasket within the internal passageway of the housing for delivery to the gasket chamber of the fitting.

A preferred method of installing a gasket in an internal chamber of a sprinkler head is provided. The preferred method includes radially loading the gasket within an intermediate portion of an internal passageway of a tubular assembly; and axially translating a rod member through the internal passageway to displace the gasket from the internal passageway and into position within the internal chamber of the sprinkler head fitting.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Shown inFIG. 1is a preferred tool assembly100engaged and coaxially aligned along axis A-A with an exemplary fire protection sprinkler head fitting or adapter10to install an annular gasket or seal20within a gasket chamber24of the fitting10. The tool assembly100has a first end100aengaged with the fitting10and a second end100bthat is manipulated by hand or tool for positioning the gasket20within the chamber24. In the preferred embodiment shown, the installation tool100generally includes a tubular assembly110of one or more members providing one end112configured for engaging the adapter10and a second end114for receiving a rod member120. The rod member120is disposed within the tubular assembly110and translates within the assembly110. With reference toFIG. 2A, the rod member120preferably includes a first end120aconfigured for engaging and supporting the gasket20to be inserted within the adapter10and a second end120bconfigured for manipulation by hand or by a tool to translate and/or rotate the rod member120within the tubular assembly110in order to locate the gasket member20within the gasket chamber24of the adapter10.

In a general operation of the tool assembly, the gasket20is coaxially centered within the tubular assembly110and radially compressed. The rod member120is inserted within the tubular member and axially translated to engage and support the gasket20. By manipulating the rod member120, the rod member120is preferably translated within the tubular assembly110to displace or transfer the gasket20from the tubular assembly110to the gasket chamber24of the adapter10. The gasket20is preferably made of an elastomeric and compressible material suitable for forming a fluid tight seal. As described herein, the gasket is translated within a preferably internally tapered passageway portion of the tubular assembly110. Axial travel within the tapered passageway radially compresses the gasket20for delivery into the adapter10. Once located within the gasket chamber24of the adapter10, the gasket20expands and is positioned to form a fluid tight seal with a sprinkler head received within the adapter or fitting10. Preferred use of the installation tool100facilitates installation of the gasket member20within the fitting10installed in the field coupled to a fluid supply pipe8as seen for example inFIGS. 6A and 6B. Accordingly, the preferred installation tool is configured for replacing a gasket member in a sprinkler adapter installed in the field.

In a preferred embodiment of the installation tool, the tubular assembly110forms a preferred housing for each of the rod member120and the gasket20. The tubular assembly110has an inlet111aformed at the second end114and an outlet111bformed at the first end112spaced apart from the inlet111ato define a passageway111extending from the inlet to the outlet along a longitudinal axis A-A. The preferred passageway includes a portion for receiving and holding the gasket proximate the outlet and more preferably radially compressing the gasket for delivery to the gasket chamber24of a sprinkler fitting10. The passageway111is also dimensioned and configured to allow for axial translation of the rod member120to deliver and locate the gasket20within the gasket chamber24. Moreover, the rod member120preferably engages the tubular assembly110in a manner that provides for controlled location of the gasket20and more preferably limits and/or prevent over travel of the gasket20within the adapter10.

In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, the tubular assembly110includes two components: a first housing component110aand a second annular or ring component110bthat is coupled to the housing component110a. The first housing component110ahas an internal surface that is preferably tapered narrowly in the direction from the inlet to the outlet. The tapered passageway of the housing component110adefines a preferably conical portion of the passageway111in which the gasket20can be temporarily housed. As described, the rod member120engages the gasket and translates the gasket axially along the tapered passageway. With the preferably annular gasket oriented so as to be centered about the longitudinal axis A-A, the axial translation of the gasket20down the narrowing passageway radially compresses the gasket20for insertion into the adapter10.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A and 3Aare cross-sectional views of the housing component110a. At the adapter engagement end112of the component110a, a receptacle116is formed for receipt of the adapter10in a manner that aligns the passageway111of the installation tool100with the internal passageway of the adapter10. The receptacle116is defined by a recessed surface116athat is configured to engage an installed adapter10in a stable manner so as to prevent relative rotation between the adapter10and the tool100and maintain the passage alignment between the components10,100. As shown inFIG. 3B, the receptacle surface116aincludes a floor for abutting the end face of the fitting and a plurality of radially disposed flats for contact with complementary flat surfaces of the adapter10. The outlet111bof the housing component110ais centrally formed at the center of floor of the receptacle116. The outlet111bis preferably dimensioned with a diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the passageway at the end of the adapter or fitting10. The smaller diameter outlet111bof the housing component110aensures that the gasket20is sufficiently radially compressed for insertion and expansion within the adapter10. Shown inFIG. 3Cis the end113of the housing component110aopposite the receptacle116. Formed at the housing end113is an intermediate opening111cof the passageway111. The intermediate opening111cis formed sufficiently large to receive and orient the annular gasket20so as to be centered about the longitudinal axis A-A. Moreover, the differential sizing of the intermediate and outlet openings111b,111callow for the tapered portion of the passageway111through the housing components110a. Preferably formed diametrically about the intermediate opening111care partial or blind bores113a,113b. The bores113a,113bare preferably internally threaded to secure the preferred second ring component110bto the housing component110ausing appropriately sized threaded bolts or fasteners (not shown).

Referring again toFIG. 2A, the second ring component110bof the tubular assembly110is axially aligned with the first housing component110a. The ring component110bcenters the rod member120through the tubular assembly preferably providing both axial and radial support. The preferred ring component110bhas an internal surface115which defines its central opening and the centralized inlet opening111aat the second end114of the tubular assembly110. The internal surface115preferably includes an internal thread115ato engage a corresponding external thread of the rod member120. The threaded engagement between the two components provides for controlled axial travel of the rod member120through the housing and limits the insertion travel of the gasket20into the adapter10in a manner as described herein. The internal surface115of the ring component110bcan include an alternate configuration to provide the desired engagement with the rod member. For example, the internal surface115can include a groove to engage a correspondingly configured tongue or rail on the rod member120. Further in the alternative, the ring component110bcan include an internal bearing assembly, for example, a ball or roller bearing assembly to radially and axially support a shank portion of the rod member120. Accordingly for preferred embodiments of the installation tool100, a portion of the passageway111of the tool forms a rod engagement portion for supporting the rod member120axially and radially within the tubular assembly110.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4Bare various views of the preferred ring component110b. Preferably diametrically opposed about the central inlet opening111aof the ring component110bare a pair of through bores117a,117b. The through bores117a,117bare preferably dimensioned and configured to axially align with the bores113a,113bof the first housing component110a. Bolts or fasteners (not shown) are axially disposed through the axially aligned bores113a,113b,117a,117bto secure the first and second tubular components110a,110bto one another to form the assembly110. In another preferred aspect, a lateral blind bore119is formed along the periphery of the ring member110bto receive and secure a handle (not shown) to assist in handling and positioning of the installation tool100. The handle can be secured within the lateral bore119by a threaded engagement or any other suitable form of temporary or permanent securement.

Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B, it is desirable to have a portion of the passageway111laterally or radially accessible for loading of the gasket member20. As shown in the assembled view ofFIG. 2B, the gasket member20can be laterally or radially loaded in the passageway111in an exposed portion of the passageway111between the first housing component110aand the second ring component110b. With the gasket member20accessible in the passageway111, the rod member120can be brought into engagement with the gasket member20, as seen inFIG. 2B, for insertion into the first housing component110aand delivery to the adapter10as seen inFIG. 1. To provide the preferably laterally or radially accessible portion of the passageway111, the first housing component110ais axially spaced from the second ring component110b. In the preferred embodiment shown, the tool100includes one or more elongate spacers150and more preferably includes a pair of elongate spacers150secured between the first housing component110aand the second ring component110b. Each of the spacers150a,150bare preferably cylindrical tubular members for axial alignment with the bores113a,113bof the first housing component110aand the bores117a,117bof the ring component110b. Sufficiently sized and configured bolts or fasteners (not shown) are disposed through the bores and through the spacers150a,150bto secure the tubular assembly110together.

Shown inFIG. 2Ais a preferred embodiment of the rod member120. The first end120aof the rod member120is configured for engaging the gasket member20and the second end120bof the rod member120is configured for manipulation by hand or a tool. The rod member120includes an intermediate shank portion122between the first and second ends120a,120bof the rod member120. The shank portion preferably includes an engagement formation or other structure for engagement with the tubular assembly110in a manner as previously described. For example, the intermediate shank portion122preferably includes a threaded portion for threaded engagement with the ring member110b.

The first end120aof the rod member120is preferably configured for orienting the annular gasket member20to be centered about the longitudinal axis A-A. In a preferred embodiment, the first end is preferably formed with a centering post124to engage the central opening of the annular gasket. Preferably disposed about the centering post124is a first stage or shelf126. The shelf126can be formed integrally with the rod member120and the centering post124. More preferably, the shelf126is separately formed and coupled to the centering post124. Accordingly in the preferred embodiment shownFIG. 2A, the shelf126includes a bore128for permanently or temporarily securing the shelf126to the centering post124using, for example, a threaded set screw, weld or solder.

At the second end of the rod member, a second stage or shelf130is disposed or formed. Generally, the second shelf130defines a diameter or width of the rod member120that is greater than the diameter or width of the intermediate shank portion122. By having an enlarged second shelf130, the axial travel of the rod member120through the tubular assembly110can be limited so as to prevent over travel of the gasket20within the adapter10and thus properly locate the gasket member20within the gasket chamber24. As seen inFIG. 1, the preferred second shelf130contacts the second ring component110bof the tubular assembly110at the maximum travel of the rod member120to locate the gasket20within the fitting10.

As previously stated, the second end120bof the rod member120is configured for operation by hand or a separate tool. Accordingly, the preferred shelf or stage130includes two or more peripherally disposed flat surfaces132for tool engagement. Additionally or alternatively, the shelf or stage130can include a through bore134for receipt of a rod or other handle device to assist in manipulation of the rod member120. In another preferred aspect, the shelf or stage130can include a tool engagement receptacle136. Shown inFIG. 5is an end view of the rod member120and the preferred stage130. The receptacle136preferably includes receptacle surface136ahaving a plurality of radially disposed flats for contact with complementary flat surfaces of the tool.

In a preferred method of installing an annular gasket member20in a preferred sprinkler head fitting10using the preferred tool. As seen for example inFIG. 2B, the tool100is brought into engagement with the fitting10having an empty gasket chamber24such that the fitting10is received in the receptacle116. Within the exposed portion of the passageway111between the housing component110aand the ring component110b, the gasket member20is loaded and engaged by the rod member120with the centering post124within the gasket member20and the first stage or shelf126supporting the gasket member in an axial centered orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A so as to be preferably perpendicular and disposed about the longitudinal axis A-A. The rod member is then axially advanced to introduce the gasket member20into the tapered portion of the passageway111of the housing component110ato radially compress the gasket member. With the gasket compressed, the rod member120is further advanced to eject the gasket member20from the outlet111bof the housing and introduce the gasket into the fitting10. The rod member120continues to axially advance preferably by threaded engagement with the ring member110b. The axial advancement is limited and stopped by the engagement or contact between the ring member110band the second shelf or stage130. Given the preferred spacing between the housing component and the ring member110a,110b, the termination of the rod axial advancement locates the gasket member20within the chamber24of the fitting10, as seen for example, inFIG. 1. Therein the gasket member20radially expands to form a fluid tight seal with a sprinkler head installed received within the adapter.

For the preferred installation tool100, the axial travel of the rod member120is controlled by the axial spacing between the housing and ring components110a,110bof the tubular assembly110. For the preferred embodiment, the axial spacing is defined by the geometry of both the adapter10and the rod member120. With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the adapter10defines an entrance distance E which is the minimum distance the gasket20must clear to be located within the gasket chamber24. Generally, the distance E is measured from the end face of the fitting10to the floor of the gasket chamber24. In the rod member120, each of the first and second shelves126,130are shown as being at a fixed location with respect to the remainder of the rod member120to define a shelf separation distance L1. When the rod member is fully advanced, the first shelf126is preferably even with the floor of the gasket chamber24and the second shelf130is in contact with the ring member110b. As seen inFIG. 1, given the entrance distance E and the shelf separation distance L1, the floor of the receptacle116about the outlet111band the end face of the ring member110babout the inlet111ain the tubular assembly are preferably linearly spaced by a distance L2to be equivalent to the differential between the shelf separation distance L1of the rod member120and the fitting entrance distance E. Thus, for the preferred tool100, the difference between the shelf separation distance L1and the receptacle floor-to-inlet end face distance L2is preferably equal to the entrance E distance of the fitting10into which the gasket member20is to be installed: L1−L2=E. For the preferred tubular assembly110, the desired receptacle floor-to-inlet end face distance L2is preferably defined or controlled in part by the axial length of the spacers150a,150bof the assembly110. In an alternate arrangement, the first and second shelves126,130could be adjustably located along the length of the rod member120and secured in place using a fastener such as a set screw provided the adjustment limits the axial advancement of the rod member120within the fitting10to avoid over travel.

Referring again toFIGS. 6A and 6B, shown is a preferred embodiment of a plastic adapter10for use with the installation tool100. Preferred embodiments of the adapter10are shown in PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO2017/214418, entitled “Sprinkler Head Adapter,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The preferred adapter10is preferably formed by the assembly of two components or members12a,12b. The first member12aincludes the first gasket bearing surface28and the second member12bincludes the second gasket bearing surface30. When the second member12bis coupled to the first member12a, the first and second gasket bearing surfaces28,30are axially spaced apart to form the preferred internal gasket chamber24. One end of the first member12adefines the first end14of the adapter10for connection to the fluid supply8. At the opposite end of the first member12ais a narrowed or stepped portion preferably having an external thread. The second member12bincludes an internal bore for receiving and engaging the narrowed portion of the first member12ato couple the adapter members12a,12bto one another preferably by threaded engagement. The external end face13of the second member12babuts the installation tool100receptacle116. Formed in the end face is an internally threaded discharge opening for receipt and securement of a sprinkler head6partially shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B.

For the preferred adapter shown, the axial distance between the end face13and the second gasket bearing surface30defines the preferred entrance distance E over which the gasket20is to be axially advanced for desired location within the gasket chamber24. With the gasket20properly installed in a holding portion24aof the gasket chamber24, the sprinkler head6is inserted and secured to the adapter10to compress the gasket thereby forcing the gasket20to fill a preferred expansion portion of the gasket chamber24band form the fluid tight seal.

The first member12aprovides a body of the preferred fitting10and the second member12bprovides a cap threaded about the body12a. Each of the body12aand the cap12bhave a first end portion and a second end portion with a through hole or passageway extending from the first end portion to the second end portion along respective central axes of the body12aand cap12b. Preferably each component12a,12bis a monolithic plastic from the external surface to the internal surface without the need for any internal support or structure of a dissimilar material such as metal.