Patent Publication Number: US-6340059-B1

Title: Threadless sprinkler head assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fluid transfer system, and more particularly, to a fluid transfer system having sprinkler heads attached to a fluid distribution pipe whereby the sprinkler heads may be attached to the pipe without the use of screw threads. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sprinkler heads or spray nozzles are used in a variety of industrial, agricultural, and commercial applications in which it is necessary to space multiple sprinkler heads at intervals along a fluid distribution pipe. Examples of prior art sprinkler head assemblies are discussed herein, with references made to prior art figures FIG. 6 a  and FIG. 6 b . In determining placement of the sprinkler heads, the distribution pipes  1  are typically first cut into predetermined lengths based on the dimensions of the structure in which the fluid transfer system is to be installed and then holes are cut through the pipe sidewalls at predetermined intervals. The pipe ends are typically externally threaded or grooved for purposes of subsequent installation in the structure. A pipe fitting  2  is typically welded to the distribution pipe  1  about each hole such that the longitudinal axis through each pipe fitting is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the distribution pipe (see FIG. 6 a ). Accordingly, the passageway in each pipe fitting  2  is in fluid communication with the passageway in the distribution pipe  1  through the hole in the pipe. After the distribution pipes  1  with attached pipe fittings  2  have been properly prepared, the pipes are delivered to the installation site. 
     During installation of the fluid transfer system, the distribution pipes  1  are commonly interconnected by pipe coupling members  3  having ends which are internally threaded or grooved. The pipe coupling members  3  can be, for example, linear, T-shaped, X-shaped, or L-shaped, depending on the number of distribution pipes  1  to be joined at any particular junction. Thus, the distribution pipe ends are simply screwed into the coupling members or attached with groove fittings. After the distribution pipes  1  are installed, the sprinkler heads  4  are screwed into the pipe fittings  2 . Each pipe fitting  2  is typically internally threaded for receiving an externally threaded extension member  5  formed at one end of each sprinkler head  4 . The sprinkler heads  4  are typically not attached to the pipe fittings  2  until the distribution pipes  1  are installed in the structure to prevent damage to the sprinkler heads during shipping and handling. For example, fire sprinkler heads having fusible links should only be attached to the pipe fittings after installation because the fusible links are fragile and susceptible to displacement during shipping and handling. 
     In an alternate embodiment (see FIG. 6 b ), the pipe coupling members  3  can be cast such that the coupling members include an extension  6  equivalent to the pipe fittings  2 . In this embodiment, the distribution pipes  1  are typically short segments and the pipe coupling members  3  are installed between distribution pipe segments at each interval where a sprinkler head  4  is required. Accordingly, a section of distribution pipe  1  is installed, followed by a pipe coupling member  3  with extension  6 , then another section of distribution pipe  1 , then another pipe coupling member  3  with extension  6 , and so on. After the distribution pipes  1  and pipe coupling members  3  with extensions  6  have been properly prepared, the items are delivered to the installation site. As in the previously described embodiment, after the distribution pipes  1  are installed, the sprinkler heads  4  are screwed into the internally threaded extensions  6  of the pipe coupling members  3 . 
     Problems with these prior art embodiments include the expense of using pipe fittings  2  or casting pipe coupling members  3  with extensions  6 , and the time and expense associated with threading the pipe fittings  2  or pipe coupling member extensions  6 , welding the pipe fittings  2  to the distribution pipes  1 , threading the extension members  5  of the sprinkler heads  4 , and screwing the sprinkler heads  4  into the pipe fittings  2  or pipe coupling member extensions  6 . 
     Other problems include the time and expense associated with on-site removal of the sprinkler heads  4  from the pipe fittings  2  or pipe coupling member extensions  6  for cleaning, inspection, relocation, or replacement. For relocating sprinkler heads  4 , present assemblies require the sprinkler heads  4  be unscrewed from the pipe fittings  2  or extensions  6  and replaced with caps to seal the openings through the pipe fittings or extensions. Then, to relocate or add sprinkler heads  4 , present assemblies require holes be cut in the distribution pipes  1  and threaded pipe fittings  2  be welded about the holes, a process which incurs an additional expense due to the requirement of specialists in the field, after which, the sprinkler heads  4  can be screwed into the pipe fittings  2 . 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a sprinkler head assembly that overcomes the foregoing problems encountered with prior art sprinkler head assemblies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a sprinkler head assembly that provides for quick and easy on-site installation, relocation, and removal of the sprinkler head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a sprinkler head assembly that eliminates the need for pipe fittings and thereby the time and expense associated therewith. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a sprinkler head assembly that eliminates the need for casting pipe coupling members with extensions and thereby the time and expense associated therewith. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a sprinkler head assembly that eliminates the need for threading the extension members of the sprinkler heads. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a sprinkler head assembly for attaching a sprinkler head to a distribution pipe, the pipe having at least one opening in its peripheral surface such that fluid may flow through the pipe and be distributed through the opening and expelled through the sprinkler head attached to the opening. The sprinkler head includes an extension member or stem connected to the sprinkler head, the stem having an appropriate size to fit into the opening in the peripheral surface of the pipe substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the stem being sufficient to deliver fluid from the pipe to the sprinkler head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a means for securing the sprinkler head to the distribution pipe. One such securing means includes a flange connected to the sprinkler head stem, a first clamp portion substantially curved to approximate the curvature of the pipe so that the first clamp portion will fit around a section of the peripheral surface of the pipe, an opening within the first clamp portion whereby the flange is secured such that the first clamp portion may be used to affix the sprinkler head to the opening of the pipe, and a second clamp portion being designed to fit around the section of the peripheral surface of the pipe that is not covered by the first clamp portion, with the second clamp portion being connectable to the first clamp portion to form a substantially secure connection. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred sprinkler head assembly embodying the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is the lower portion of the sprinkler head assembly shown in FIG. 1 wherein the flange is shown within the lower clamp portion. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler head assembly embodying the present invention, fully assembled with the fluid distribution pipe. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamp assembly of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 a  is a partially exploded perspective view of a prior art sprinkler head connection wherein the sprinkler head is attached to a fluid distribution pipe. 
     FIG. 6 b  is a partially exploded perspective view of a prior art sprinkler head connection wherein the sprinkler head is attached to a pipe coupling member. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the invention has been shown and will be described in some detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, there is no intention that the invention be limited to such detail. On the contrary, the invention is intended to include all modifications, alternatives and equivalents which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     Turning now more particularly to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the threadless sprinkler head assembly is shown. The sprinkler head assembly comprises a sprinkler head  10  having a stem  12  extending therefrom, the stem acting as a conduit to carry water or other fluid from the pipe  1  to the sprinkler head  10 . The sprinkler head may be any type of commonly used sprinkler heads used in the industry for a wide variety of purposes. The stem  12  of the sprinkler head is intended to fit into a hole  20  cut through the peripheral surface of the pipe  1 . In this regard, the diameter of hole  20  is preferably only slightly larger than the outside diameter of stem  12  to reduce the threat of fluid leakage. The stem  12  and hole  20  are preferably threadless since the primary objective of this invention is to secure the sprinkler head  10  and stem  12  to the pipe  1  and hole  20  without the use of threaded screw attachments or welding. Once the sprinkler head  10  is in place, then pressurized fluid may be run longitudinally through pipe  1  such that some of the fluid will flow down stem  12  and be expelled through the spray nozzle of sprinkler head  10 . 
     For the purpose of securely mounting the sprinkler head  10  to the pipe  1 , a first clamping element  30  is fitted around the sprinkler head stem  12 . As show in FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of the first clamping element  30  provides a slot  32  which is substantially the same width as the outside diameter of stem  12 . The slot  32  allows for the first clamping element  30  to be easily slipped into place around the exterior of stem  12 . Flange  15  is attached to stem  12 , which enables the extended portions  33  of the first clamping element  30  to engage flange  15  in order to hold the sprinkler head  10  in abutment with pipe  1 . Flange  15  is preferably substantially curved to match the curvature of the pipe  1 , which will assist in providing a secure fit. Other means for connecting first clamping element  30  and stem  12  are easily envisioned. For example, first clamping element  30  may be designed with a hole rather than slot  32  and will still secure the sprinkler head  10  to the pipe  1  by engaging flange  15 , or the first clamping element  30  may be attached to stem  12  in the manufacturing, and simply replace flange  15 . 
     Once the first clamping element  30  is in place around stem  12 , then the sprinkler head  10  may be secured to pipe  1  by joining the first clamping element  30  to the second clamping element  40 . An O-ring or gasket  18  is preferably placed around stem  12  to prevent leakage and then stem  12  is placed within hole  20 . Care should be taken that stem  12  does not extend too far into the interior of pipe  1 , or the intended flow of fluid into the stem  12  may be hampered. Flange  15  is preferably placed at an interval along stem  12  such that it and the optional gasket  18  keep stem  12  from extending too far into hole  20 , while still providing a secure connection to the pipe. Flange  15  can be designed to fit a range of pipes having different diameters and the gaskets  18  can be designed in a variety of shapes and thicknesses to accommodate the flange  15  to a particular size pipe. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first clamping element  30  is substantially the same shape as one portion of the pipe  1 . This allows the ends  34 ,  36  of the first clamping element  30  to extend along the pipe contour (see FIG.  3 ). The first clamping element ends  34 ,  36  will then be connected with the ends  42 ,  44  of a second clamping element  40  to secure the sprinkler head  10  to the pipe  1 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the preferred means for connecting the first and second clamping elements  30 ,  40  is the use of a hook connection, wherein the ends of one clamping element hook outward, and the ends of the other clamping element hook inward. In FIGS. 1 and 3, ends  34  and  36  hook outward while ends  42  and  44  hook inward. Such hook connections are preferred because they are easy to assemble in the field, and yet become quite sturdy once stress is added to the hook ends, causing them to grip tightly. In the preferred embodiment, stress is added to the hook connections by means of a set screw  46  within the second clamping element  40 . The set screw  46  is preferably in the approximate center of second clamping element  40 , so that it provides equal stress to both end connections. The set screw braces against the peripheral surface of pipe  1 . As the set screw is “tightened” against the pipe  1  peripheral surface, the portion of the second clamping element  40  adjacent the set screw will move further away from the pipe surface. This movement of the second clamping element  40  will create stress in the hook connections, and thereby firmly secure the entire assembly in place. 
     FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the entire assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, set screw  46  has been tightened sufficiently so that gasket  18  and flange  15  are held securely against the peripheral surface of the pipe  1 , thereby allowing fluid to reach the sprinkler head  10  while preventing leakage. The amount of stem  12  that will extend through hole  20  may vary depending upon the application. 
     FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the preferred clamping assembly described above in the absence of the pipe  1  and sprinkler head  10 . As can bee seen in FIG. 4, first clamping element  30  is preferably curved to approximate the shape of pipe  1  and thereby provide a secure fit for the sprinkler head  10 . The second clamping element  40  is more angular, to provide proper stress to the preferred hook connections of the clamping element ends. One of skill in the art will readily notice other possible shapes for the clamping elements, and perhaps alter the configuration to provide more than two clamping elements in the assembly. 
     FIG. 5 shows a cross section of an alternative clamping assembly. In this embodiment, the clamping assembly has just a single hook connection  50  connecting first clamping element  52  to second clamping element  54 . The clamping assembly is tightened about the pipe by set screw  56 , which passes through overlapping portions of elements  52  and  54 . Further, the clamping assembly could include a hinge, for example at location  58 , to allow a clamping element to pivot open to assist in installation about the pipe. Where the clamping assembly includes a hinge, the clamping assembly may comprise only a single clamping element which fully circumscribes the pipe. 
     The above embodiments have been described by way of illustration only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The invention is intended to include any alternative or equivalent embodiments of the invention that may readily be envisioned by one of skill in the art, so long as the alternatives remain within the spirit and scope of the invention as above-described and as further set forth in the following claims: