Abstract:
A tool and a method for installing a sprinkler head in a threaded fitting of a fire suppression system is disclosed. The sprinkler head is protected by a cover. The tool is formed from an elongated body having a cavity that is sized to receive the cover. One end of the body interfaces with a wrench, the other end has one or more axially extending slots sized to receive the fingers of a torque plate affixed to the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head has a threaded nipple that engages the threaded fitting. The nipple is engaged with the fitting and torque is applied to it by engaging the slots of the tool with the fingers and turning the tool with the wrench. The tool has an external index allowing the sprinkler head to be angularly oriented to direct its discharge stream.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention relates to sprinkler heads used for fire suppression and to a tool and a method for installing sprinkler heads in a piping network.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Fire suppression systems are used extensively in office buildings, warehouses, factories, hotels, homes and other buildings and structures to provide a reliable and effective means to suppress the spread of fire throughout the building or structure. Such systems may comprise a piping network extending throughout the building. The piping network is connected to a source of fire suppressing fluid, for example, water, and is in fluid communication with sprinkler heads distributed throughout the building which will discharge the fire suppressing fluid in the event of a fire.  
         [0003]     Each sprinkler head has a discharge orifice with a valve that is biased into a normally open position, but is held in a closed position against the biasing force by a frangible glass bulb that contains a heat-sensitive fluid. The bulb is elongate in design and the biasing force places it under compression along its long axis. The bulb is very strong in compression along its long axis but easily breaks when force is applied transverse to this axis. During a fire, the heat-sensitive fluid expands within the bulb and when a predetermined temperature is reached the heat-sensitive fluid applies hydraulic pressure outwardly against the bulb normal to the long axis, causing the bulb to shatter, and thereby allow the valve to open and discharge the fire suppressing fluid.  
         [0004]     The bulb is designed to break at the predetermined temperature and, when installed properly, is very reliable. However, the bulb must be frangible to operate effectively and is typically made of glass which is susceptible to damage. Damage which can compromise the performance of the bulb may be caused during packing, shipping or installation of the sprinkler head and may comprise a scratch or nick in the bulb caused by a tool or another sprinkler head, as well as a crack or a small hole which allows the heat-sensitive fluid to escape. If such damage is not prevented or at least mitigated, then it is possible that the bulb may fail prematurely at a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature, thus, triggering discharge from the sprinkler head in the absence of a fire condition. This may result in extensive water damage to the building and its contents. More seriously, the damage may prevent the sprinkler head from discharging at all, as may happen if the heat-sensitive fluid is permitted to leak out. This condition will compromise the fire safety of the building and should be avoided. It is, therefore, desirable to protect such frangible items during handling, packing, shipping and installation of the sprinkler heads to ensure that they function properly when the fire suppression system is brought on line.  
         [0005]     Proper functioning of the sprinkler head may also be prevented by foreign matter, such as paint, plaster, drywall joint compound and spackle, covering the bulb and/or discharge orifice. If the sprinkler heads are not covered when the ceiling or walls from which they protrude are being finished, for example by painting or plastering, then it is likely that paint will be sprayed or brushed onto some sprinkler heads or plaster may coat the bulb or the orifice. This must be avoided if the sprinkler heads are to operate as intended. The problem is further complicated when recessed sprinkler heads are used, because for recessed installations, there is a greater likelihood of contamination of the sprinkler head since, being partially recessed, it is closer to the surfaces being finished.  
         [0006]     While covers have been proposed to solve the aforementioned problems, some covers only protect the bulb from damage and leave the discharge orifice exposed to contaminants. Other covers, which protect the entire sprinkler head, do not make any provisions for using tools to install the sprinkler heads. Therefore, the installation procedure is cumbersome because the cover, initially installed over the sprinkler head for protection during shipping and handling, must be removed to allow the use of tools (typically a wrench to apply torque to a threaded nipple) for installation of the sprinkler head into the piping network. Removal of the cover to provide access for tools leaves the bulb vulnerable during installation. Furthermore, to provide protection to the sprinkler head during later finishing of the ceiling or wall, the cover must be replaced over the sprinkler head. This is often not done, the covers being lost or deliberately discarded.  
         [0007]     There is clearly a need for an apparatus that will protect the sprinkler head from damage during shipping, and handling, will not interfere with installation or inhibit tools from being used, and will further protect the sprinkler head during finishing work, such as painting or plastering, and be readily removable to expose the sprinkler to the ambient, ready for proper operation.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The invention concerns a sprinkler head assembly attachable to a piping network by using a tool for applying torque to the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head assembly comprises a sprinkler head having a discharge orifice and a threaded nipple for attachment to the piping network. A torque plate is fixedly attached to the sprinkler head between the nipple and the orifice. The torque plate comprises a base portion having an aperture therethrough for receiving the sprinkler head, and a plurality of fingers projecting transversely outwardly from the base portion. The fingers are engageable with the tool and transmit torque to the sprinkler head for rotating the threaded nipple when the tool is engaged with the fingers and turned.  
         [0009]     Preferably, the sprinkler head assembly also includes a removable cover for protecting the sprinkler head. The cover has an elongated sidewall positionable surrounding the discharge orifice. The cover has a plurality of lengthwise extending slots at one end, the slots being positioned to receive the transversely projecting fingers of the torque plate. The fingers projecting outwardly through the slots beyond the sidewall for engagement with the tool when the cover is positioned surrounding the discharge orifice.  
         [0010]     The sprinkler head assembly may also include a collar having a plate member attached in overlying relation to the base portion of the torque plate. The plate member has an opening therethrough aligned with the aperture for receiving the sprinkler head. The plate member also has a circumferential sidewall surrounding the base portion, the sidewall being engageable with an escutcheon for attaching the escutcheon to the sprinkler head. The fingers of the torque plate extend outwardly through the sidewall.  
         [0011]     The escutcheon, also part of the assembly, has an axially extending sleeve adapted to co-axially surround the sidewall of the collar for attaching the escutcheon to the sprinkler head. The sleeve has a plurality of lengthwise extending slots adapted to receive the fingers thereby permitting axial adjustment of the escutcheon relatively to the collar.  
         [0012]     The invention further concerns a tool for installing the above described sprinkler head assembly into a piping network. The tool comprises an elongated body defining a cavity sized to receive the cover. The body has a first end adapted to engage a wrench and a second end having a plurality of lengthwise extending slots sized and positioned to receive the fingers of the torque plate when the body is positioned with the cover within the cavity. The slots engage the fingers and apply torque to the sprinkler head when the elongated body is turned.  
         [0013]     Preferably, one of the slots is narrower than other of the slots. The narrower slot is adapted to receive one of the fingers that is narrower than other of the fingers. The narrower slot and finger provide an indicator for rotatably orienting the sprinkler head, the sprinkler head having a preferred orientation for directing discharge therefrom.  
         [0014]     The invention also concerns a method of installing the above-described sprinkler head in a piping network using the aforementioned tool. The method comprises the steps of:  
         [0015]     (A) providing a sprinkler head having a discharge orifice, a threaded nipple and at least one finger projecting transversely outwardly therefrom;  
         [0016]     (B) providing a removable cover having an elongated sidewall positioned surrounding the discharge orifice, one end of the cover having a lengthwise extending slot at one end positioned to receive the finger, the finger projecting outwardly through the slot;  
         [0017]     (C) providing a tool comprising an elongated body defining a cavity sized to receive the cover, the body having a first end adapted to engage a wrench and a second end having one or more lengthwise extending slots sized and positioned to receive the finger or fingers when the body is positioned with the cover within the cavity;  
         [0018]     (D) engaging the nipple with the threaded fitting;  
         [0019]     (E) positioning the tool with the cover received within the cavity and the finger or fingers received within the slot or slots;  
         [0020]     (F) engaging a wrench with the first end of the tool;  
         [0021]     (G) turning the tool with the wrench thereby applying torque to the nipple, the sprinkler head being attached to the piping network by screw action between the threaded nipple and the threaded fitting;  
         [0022]     (H) removing the tool from the sprinkler head.  
         [0023]     In an additional step, the cover is removed from the sprinkler head. Preferably, this occurs after all work in the area of the sprinkler head, such as painting and plastering, is complete.  
         [0024]     The method may also include the step of using a locating index on the tool to rotate the sprinkler head to a predetermined angular position. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the component parts of a sprinkler head assembly and an installation tool according to the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the engagement of the installation tool with a sprinkler head assembly;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a longitudinal sectional view taken at line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a longitudinal sectional view taken at line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal sectional view taken at line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken at line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is an end view of a component of the sprinkler head assembly. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]      FIG. 1  illustrates the components of the sprinkler head assembly  10  according to the invention. Assembly  10  includes a sprinkler head  12  having a threaded nipple  14  for installing the head into a fitting of a piping network  16 , partially shown in  FIG. 3 . Nipple  14  extends from a valve  18  having a discharge orifice  20  (see  FIG. 6 ). With reference again to  FIG. 3 , valve  18  is normally biased into an open configuration but is held closed by a frangible glass bulb  22 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , bulb  22  is supported by two opposed arms  24  that extend from the valve  18  and also support a deflector plate  26 . The bulb is held under compression by the valve biasing force, thereby keeping the valve  18  closed. Heat sensitive liquid within bulb  22  expands and causes the bulb to fracture when the ambient temperature surrounding the bulb reaches a predetermined elevated value indicative of a fire condition. When the bulb fractures, it allows the valve to open and discharge water through the discharge orifice  20 .  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a collar  28  is positioned between nipple  14  and valve  18 . Collar  28  includes a plate member  30  having an opening  32  that receives the sprinkler head  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the opening  32  has a polygonal perimeter  34  that accommodates a complementary perimeter  36  on the sprinkler head  12 . The opening perimeter in the preferred embodiment is hexagonal to prevent the collar  28  from turning independently of the sprinkler head  12  when torque is applied, as described below. Attachment of the collar  28  to the sprinkler head  12  is effected by tabs  38  positioned on the perimeter  34 , the tabs being crimped into a circumferential groove  40  positioned on the sprinkler head adjacent to the nipple  14 . A sidewall  42  defines the outer perimeter of the plate member  30 . The sidewall  42  is preferably discontinuous, formed by a plurality of segments  42   a  that are bent at a right angle to the plate member  30 . Sidewall  42  engages the escutcheon  44 , shown in  FIG. 1  and described below.  
         [0034]     Again with reference to  FIG. 3 , a torque plate  46  is positioned overlying the collar  28 . Torque plate  46  is formed from a base portion  48  that is attached to the plate member  30  of the collar  28 . Attachment is effected preferably by welding for metal parts. Base portion  48  has an aperture  50  for receiving the sprinkler head  12 . Aperture  50  is aligned with opening  32  in collar  28 , and preferably also has a perimeter  52  complementary to the interfacing perimeter of the sprinkler head, preferably hexagonal, as shown. One or more fingers  54  project transversely outwardly from base portion  48 . Fingers  54  are preferably co-planar with base portion  48  and, when more than one are present, are spaced at equal angular intervals around the base portion. The fingers  54  project outwardly beyond the sidewall  42  and provide engagement points for a tool used to apply torque to the assembly  10  as described below. Preferably, fingers  54  project substantially radially from an axis centered in the aperture  50 . It is noted that the torque plate  46  is attached to the sprinkler head through the collar  28 . However, it is clear that the torque plate could also be attached directly to the sprinkler head  12  without the collar. For example, tabs  38  could easily extend from perimeter  52  of base portion  48  for attachment of the torque plate directly to the sprinkler head.  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , sprinkler head assembly  10  may also include a removable protective cover  56 . Cover  56  is preferably molded from a resilient, flexible plastic and, as shown in  FIG. 4 , has a bottom  58  and an elongated sidewall  60  that enclose the valve  18 , discharge orifice  20 , glass bulb  22 , arms  24  and deflector plate  26  when the cover is mounted on the sprinkler head. The cover  56  is preferably mounted on the sprinkler head at the factory and remains in place during packing, shipping, handling, assembly of the sprinkler head into the piping network  16  and throughout painting and other finishing work such as plastering that is performed on the ceiling  62  or other structure through which the sprinkler head projects. The closed cover  56  is particularly effective at protecting the bulb  22  from damage or breakage and also protects the bulb, valve  18  and the discharge orifice  20  from contaminants such as dust, dirt, paint, plaster, drywall joint compound and the like which may be encountered during manufacture and at the construction site. The end of the cover  56  opposite bottom  58  is open and sized to engage the sidewall  42  of the collar  28 . Attachment may be by a friction fit between the cover and the sidewall, or by inclusion of an inwardly projecting retaining lip  64  that engages the sidewall  42  to provide a positive locking action to prevent inadvertent removal of the cover. One or more slots  66  are positioned at the open end of cover  56  (see also  FIG. 1 ) to accommodate fingers  54  of the torque plate  46 . The fingers project beyond the cover sidewall  60  so that they may be engaged by a tool with the cover in place. Because it is flexible, the cover can be readily deformed and removed from the sprinkler head at the appropriate time when there is no longer a significant threat of damage or contamination.  
         [0036]     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , sprinkler head assembly  10  may also include an escutcheon  44 . Escutcheon  44  mounts on the collar  28  after the cover  56  is removed. Mounting of the escutcheon, as shown in  FIG. 5 , is typically the last step in the installation of the sprinkler head  12 , and is used to hide the hole  68  in the ceiling  62  through which the sprinkler head projects. As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the escutcheon  44  includes an axially extending sleeve  70  adapted to co-axially surround the sidewall  42  of the collar  28  for attachment of the escutcheon to the sprinkler head. Attachment is preferably by a friction fit between the sleeve  70  and the sidewall  42 . The sleeve has a plurality of lengthwise extending slots  72  adapted to receive the fingers  54  of the torque plate  46 . The slots permit axial adjustment of the escutcheon  44  relatively to the collar  28  to account for variations in the position of the sprinkler head  12  with respect to ceiling  62 .  
         [0037]     Installation of the sprinkler head assembly is effected using the tool  74  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Tool  74  is formed from an elongated body  76  that defines a cavity  78  sized to receive the cover  56 . The body  76  has a first end  80  adapted to engage a wrench, for example, a rachet wrench  82  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The opposite end  84  of the body  76  is open to receive the cover and has a plurality of lengthwise extending slots  86  sized and positioned to receive the fingers  54  when the body  76  is positioned with the cover within the cavity (see  FIG. 3 ). The slots  86  engage the fingers  54  and apply torque to the sprinkler head when the tool  74  is rotated.  
         [0038]     Installation of the sprinkler head  12  into a piping network  16  through a hole  68  in a ceiling  62  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the sprinkler head assembly  10  with cover  56  in place is threaded into a threaded fitting  88  of piping network  16  using threaded nipple  14 . The initial assembly may be by hand to prevent cross threading, but once significant rotational resistance is encountered, tool  74  is used. Wrench  82  is engaged with end  80  of tool  74  and the tool body  76  is slipped over cover  56 , the cover being received within the cavity  78 . The tool is advanced axially until slots  86  engage the fingers  54  of torque plate  46 . The wrench  82  may then be turned, applying torque to the sprinkler head  12  through the torque plate  46 , which may be attached to the sprinkler head directly, or as shown, through the collar  28 .  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , once the nipple  14  is properly engaged with fitting  88  the tool  74  is removed. At this point, the cover  56  may remain in place so that ceiling  62  may be finished by painting or plastering for example. The sprinkler head  12  is fully protected from damage and contaminants by the cover.  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , once the finishing tasks are completed the cover  56  may be manually removed and the escutcheon  44  installed to hide the hole  68  and provide a finished appearance to the installation.  
         [0041]     It is often desired to orient the sprinkler head so that its spray pattern  90 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , is directed along a particular line of action indicated by a line  94 . Spray pattern  90  exits the sprinkler head substantially perpendicularly to a plane passing through arms  24 . Thus it is desirable to orient the sprinkler head  12  so that the plane containing arms  24  faces in a desired predetermined direction. To enable the desired orientation of the sprinkler head to be achieved during installation when the sprinkler head is hidden beneath the cover  56  and the tool  74  (which rotates the sprinkler head to effect the desired orientation) a locating index  92  is placed on the outside surface of body  76  of the tool as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The locating index  92  always maintains a known relationship with the plane of arms  24 . In a preferred embodiment, the index  92  is aligned with the plane of the arms  24 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , coordination of the locating index  92  with the plane of arms  24  is ensured by positioning one of the fingers  54   a  of torque plate  46  along line  94  and making the width D 1  of this finger different from the widths D 2  of the other fingers, when present. Preferably, width D 1  is narrower than widths D 2 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the slots  86  in the tool  74  are also made having different widths, with the slot  86   a  being narrower than the remaining slots. Thus, the tool  74  may only engage the fingers  54  of the torque plate  46  with narrower width slot  86   a  engaging the narrower width finger  54   a . Locating index  92  is positioned at an angular separation of about 90 degrees from slot  86   a , and this ensures that the locating index  92  will always align properly with respect to arms  24  and thus may be used to “aim” the sprinkler head so that its spray pattern  90  projects along a desired line of action.  
         [0042]     In another embodiment, the index  92 , shown in phantom line in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is aligned with slot  86   a  and corresponds substantially to the predominant direction of the spray pattern  90 . In this embodiment the sprinkler head is aimed by positioning the locating index along the desired direction of the spray pattern.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , cover  56  may also be used to align the sprinkler head. This is advantageous when the sprinkler head is wall mounted in a horizontal orientation, as there is not only a desired direction for the spray pattern, there is also a preferred up-side and down-side of the sprinkler head that should be observed. To that end the cover  56  has an orienting index  96 , preferably in the form of a raised bar that identifies the plane of the arms  24 . Further indicia, such as arrow  98  indicate the up-side of the sprinkler. Alignment of the cover appropriately with the sprinkler is ensured by varying the widths of slots  66  (see  FIG. 1 ) so that the cover may only engage the fingers  54  in a way that ensures its appropriate orientation relatively to the sprinkler head. It is further noted that the cover  56  is not round in cross section, but may have one or more flat surfaces  100  which also aid in alignment of the sprinkler prior to removal of the cover.  
         [0044]     Sprinkler assemblies according to the invention installed using a tool according to the invention provide for protection of the sprinkler head and its delicate glass bulb during handling, shipping, installation and post installation finishing while also enabling an efficient installation to be effected.