Patent Publication Number: US-2016228734-A1

Title: Flexible dry sprinkler

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation Application of application Ser. No. 13/480,786, filed May 25, 2012, which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/619,899 filed Apr. 3, 2012 and entitled “X-Brace Valve and Flexible Connection for Fire Sprinklers,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/490,737 filed May 27, 2011 and entitled “Flexible or Straight Dry Pendent Fire Sprinkler Hose with X-brace,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to fire sprinkler systems, and in particular, to an X-brace valve and flexible dry sprinkler assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Prior art conventional dry barrel sprinklers for use in commercial fire sprinkler systems are sold to fire system installers in fixed lengths. The installer has to first install branch line piping for a sprinkler system and then measure a suitable length for dry barrel fire sprinklers for installation. An installer will order fire sprinklers for the installation according to the lengths measured. Delivery typically takes seven to ten business days, which delays installation and completion of construction projects. Longer delays occur if mistakes are made in measuring and the fire sprinklers have to be reordered in a different length. 
     Dry fire sprinkler systems often deteriorate rapidly due to condensation being trapped in such systems. With rigid dry sprinkler systems, an increased number of fittings is often required to route rigid piping from a branch line to a desired fire sprinkler assembly location. This increase in the number of fittings results in providing additional places where condensation may collect without being able to drain. Additionally, dry fire sprinkler systems can be filled with air or inert gas, which is expelled during operation of such systems. The response time for expelling air or inert gas from the system and providing water to a fire zone is critical for containing a fire. With additional piping and fittings required for routing dry fire sprinkler systems, the volume required for evacuation and filling with water is increased. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a flexible dry sprinkler assembly system. 
     An X-brace valve and flexible connection for fire sprinklers are disclosed. The X-brace is included in a flexible fire sprinkler assembly, but may also be used in rigid sprinkler installations. The flexible fire sprinkler assembly is a pendent dry fire sprinkler assembly, which has a flexible body structure, constructed of corrugated or braided hose similar to that commonly used for plumbing household clothes washing machines. A sprinkler nozzle can be secured to a first end of the conduit, which is provided by a flexible hose. The sprinkler nozzle has a first fitting, a sprinkler orifice and fusible element. The fusible element is provided by a fluid filled glass bulb, which will break when ambient temperatures reach a predetermined temperature. A second fitting is secured to a second end of the flexible conduit, and a valve is mounted to the second fitting. The valve includes a valve element, which is pivotally mounted to the second fitting and moveable from a latched position to an unlatched position. Breaking of the fusible element releases any inert gas inside the conduit. Upon depressurization, the X-brace configuration releases the valve element to open and allow water flow through the flexible sprinkler assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view and partial cut-away view of a dry flexible fire sprinkler assembly made according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the flexible fire sprinkler assembly of  FIG. 1 , taken along section  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , and shows a frontal elevation view of an X-brace valve latch in a latched position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view and partial cut-away view of a dry flexible fire sprinkler assembly made according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the flexible fire sprinkler assembly of  FIG. 3 , taken along section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 3 , and shows a frontal elevation view of an) X-brace valve latch in an unlatched position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a slider lock of the X-brace valve latch of  FIG. 4 , and shows the slider lock in a released position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the flexible fire sprinkler assembly of  FIG. 3 , taken along section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 3 , and shows a frontal elevation view of the X-brace valve latch in a latched position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the slider lock of the X-brace valve latch of  FIG. 6 , and shows the slider lock in a locked position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the slider lock of  FIG. 7  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of a lock pin according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally provides an X-brace valve and a flexible hose connection for fire sprinklers. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a dry flexible fire assembly system  10  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that system  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system  10  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In an embodiment, system  10  may comprise a valve  11  with an X-brace latch  13 , a conduit  15  and an insert pipe  17 . 
     In an embodiment, the valve  11  is a swing check valve, such as a clapper valve, and includes a swing-type valve element  19 , such as a clapper, for angularly moving to engage a seal  21  against a seal seat  23 . An X-brace valve latch  13  may be used to secure the valve element  19  in a latched position until the system is exposed to a predetermined temperature. 
     In an embodiment, the conduit  15  may be flexible and formed with an outer cover of braided metal. A sprinkler nozzle  25  may be mounted to a first end of the conduit  15  and a connector fitting  43  is mounted to a second end of the conduit  15 . The sprinkler nozzle  25  may include a fitting  27 , a sprinkler orifice  29  and a fusible element  31 , such as a fluid filled glass bulb, as is conventionally used in other sprinkler assemblies. 
     Valve  11  is provided between the connector fitting  43  and the conduit  15 . The connector fitting  43  is secured to the second end of the conduit  15  with an elbow fitting therebetween. The connector fitting  43  connects or otherwise couples the system  10  to a pipe T  45  in a sprinkler branch line  47 . A connector coupling  49  secures the connector fitting  43  to the pipe T  45 . 
     System  10  may further comprise an insert pipe  17 . In an embodiment the insert pipe  17  may be connected to or otherwise coupled to system  10  through the conduit  15  or a sprinkler nozzle  25 . In other embodiments, the insert pipe  17  may be integrally formed with system  10 . 
     System  10  may also include a diffuser  33 , or spray plate, and support arms  35 . 
     In one embodiment, air, nitrogen, other suitable inert gases, or a combination thereof may be introduced into system  10  through the insert pipe  17  to inflate and pressurize the conduit  15 . The pressure created by the introduction of a suitable gas would cause pressure to be exerted on the valve  11 , which would hold closed the X-brace valve latch  13  and the valve element  19 . 
     The valve  11 , which engages the pressurized gas, may have an interior surface area larger than the seal seat  23 , which engages the pressurized water. In such embodiments, a surface differential method (utilizing pressure×surface area=force) is employed to operate the system  10 . The seal seat  23 , having less interior surface area, requires increased force of fluid pressure to open. 
     In operation, when the system  10  is exposed to a predetermined temperature, the fusible element  31  will break and expel the pressurized inert gas, thereby unlatching X-brace valve latch  13  and valve element  19  and allowing the pressurized water to flow from system  10 . 
     In operation, air, nitrogen, other suitable inert gases, or a combination thereof may be introduced into system  10  prior to installation or after installation through insert pipe  17  or by other suitable method. Additionally, air, nitrogen, other suitable inert gases, or a combination thereof may be reintroduced into system  10  through insert pipe  17  as desired to achieve the desired pressure. 
     In alternative embodiments, antifreeze solution, other suitable liquids, or a combination thereof may be introduced into system  10  through insert pipe  17 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the X-brace valve latch  13  and/or the valve element  19  of the present disclosure may also be used in wet sprinkler installations and in rigid sprinkler assemblies. For rigid sprinkler assemblies, the conduit  15  may be replaced with a rigid tubular member, such as a pipe or tubing. 
     In operation, employing the mechanics of system  10  in rigid sprinkler assemblies may allow a less expensive manufacturing option. 
     In an embodiment, sprinkler nozzle  25 , fusible element  31 , diffuser  33  and support arms  35  (the “sprinkler head  37 ”) may be replaceable without having to replace other elements of system  10 . After the pressurized inert gas is released, the sprinkler head  37  may be replaced. The system  10  may then be re-pressurized to the desired pressure by introducing air, nitrogen, other inert gases, or a combination thereof through insert pipe  17 . 
     In other embodiments, the sprinkler head  37  may be replaced without having to release the pressurized gas from system  10 . 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the flexible sprinkler assembly  12  of  FIG. 1 , taken along the section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , and shows a frontal elevation view of an X-brace type valve latch  13  in an unlatched position. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a dry flexible fire assembly system  12  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the system  12  shown in  FIG. 3  is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system  12  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, system  12  could generally be similar to system  10  shown in and described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-2  above (with like parts having similar numbers). 
     In an embodiment, system  12  may comprise a valve  42  with an X-brace latch  54 , and a flexible conduit  14 . 
     Flexible conduit  14  may be formed with an outer cover of braided metal. In an embodiment, a sprinkler nozzle  16  is mounted to a first end of the flexible conduit  14  and a connector fitting  32  is mounted to a second end of the conduit  14 . The sprinkler nozzle  16  may include a fitting  18 , a sprinkler orifice  20  and a fusible element  22 , such as a fluid filled glass bulb, as is conventionally used in other sprinkler assemblies. In an embodiment, the fusible element  22  breaks when exposed to a predetermined temperature. 
     The connector fitting  32  is secured to the second end of the flexible conduit  14  with an elbow fitting  40  therebetween. The connector fitting  32  connects or otherwise couples the sprinkler assembly  12  to a pipe T  34  in a sprinkler branch line  36 . A connector coupling  38  secures the fitting  32  to the pipe T  34 . 
     Valve  42  is provided between the connector fitting  32  and the flexible conduit  14 . In an embodiment, the valve  42  is a swing check valve, such as a clapper valve, and includes a swing-type valve element  44 , such as a clapper, mounted by means of a pivot  46  for angularly moving to engage a seal  48  against a seal seat  50 . An X-brace valve latch  54  may be used to secure the valve element  44  in a latched position until the system is exposed to a predetermined temperature. When the system is exposed to a predetermined temperature, the fusible element  22  will break engaging the sprinkler assembly  12  and initiating water flow. 
     In an embodiment, a flexible link  56  extends from the valve latch  54  to the sprinkler nozzle  16 . The flexible link  56  may be used in conjunction with or separate and apart from system  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
     A first end of the flexible link  56  has a link pin  58  for fitting into the valve latch  54 , as described herein, to secure the valve latch  54  in a latched position. A second end of the flexible link  56  has a plug adapter  60  for securing the flexible link  56  to the sprinkler plug  24 . An intermediate portion  62  of the flexible link  56  connects the plug adapter  60  to the link pin  58 , and centralizer braces  64  may be used to center the flexible link  56  within the flexible conduit  14 . 
     When the fusible element  22  breaks and engages the system, sprinkler plug  24  will release and allow downward movement of the flexible link  56 . 
     A bias member  66 , provided by a torsion spring, may be connected between the fitting  18  and the orifice  20  and the flexible link  56 . A coupler  68  secures the flexible link  56  to a run-out end of the bias member  66 . The bias member  66  provides a motive force for moving the flexible link  56  downward to pull the link pin  58  from within the valve latch  54 . 
     A portion of the fitting  40  adjacent the valve latch  54  has an undercut  70 . The undercut  70  may be provided by a circumferentially extending groove, or by apertures formed radially into a first end of the fitting  40  to extend along a circumference of the fitting  40 , in an angularly spaced, diametrically opposed arrangement. 
     In an embodiment, system  12  may further comprise vent holes  98  in the fitting  18  and the elbow fitting  40 . Vent holes  98  may be employed to allow moisture to drain from within the system  12 . 
     In some embodiments, air, nitrogen, other inert gases, or a combination thereof may be sealed within the system  12  to prevent moisture from being retained within the system  12 , rather than employing the vent holes  98 . 
     The air, nitrogen, other inert gases, or a combination thereof introduced and sealed within the system  12  may be pressurized. The pressurized inert gas may operate and function similarly to the pressurized inert gas described in system  10  of  FIG. 1 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the pressurized inert gas and the flexible link  56  may act as a primary actuation and a secondary actuation for system  12 . 
     Air, nitrogen, other inert gases, or a combination thereof may be introduced into system  12  prior to installation or after installation. 
     System  12  may also include a diffuser  26 , or spray plate, and support arms  28 . 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the flexible sprinkler assembly  12  of  FIG. 3 , taken along the section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 3 , and shows a frontal elevation view of an X-brace type valve latch  54  in an unlatched position.  FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a slider lock  72  of  FIG. 4 , and shows the lock pin  74  in a released position. 
     The valve latch  54  is shown having eight slider locks  72  arranged with respective longitudinal axes  86  in an angularly spaced alignment, with the longitudinal axes disposed at equally angular distances about a central point of a brace eye  94 . In alternative embodiments, the number of slider locks  72  may be increased or decreased as desired. 
     The brace eye  94  defines a centrally disposed section of the valve latch  54 , defined within a link pin guide  96  to which first ends of the brace arms  88  are fixedly secured. 
     The slider locks  72  each may have a brace arm  88  and lock pin  74 . In some embodiments, the brace arms  88  may be integrally formed as part of the valve element  44 . 
     The lock pins  74  have an elongate stem  80 , with a follower end  82  and a protuberant end  84 . In an embodiment, the follower end  82  and the protuberant end  84  are round. A fixed shoulder  78  is connected to the protuberant end  84  of the slider lock  72 . A bias member  76  is provided by a wound coil spring for extending between the fixed shoulder  78  and a stop  92  provided on the brace arm  88 , such that the lock pin  74  is urged to move away from the protuberant end  84  toward the follower end  82 . 
     The brace arms  88  may further include retainers  90  for slidably securing the lock pins  74  to the brace arms  88 . When the link pin  58  is not disposed within the brace eye  94 , the lock pins  74  are free to move towards follower ends  82  of respective ones of the slider locks  72  and the associated brace arms  88 , such that follower ends  82  protrude into the brace eye  94 . 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the flexible sprinkler assembly  12  of  FIG. 3 , taken along section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 3 , and shows a frontal elevation view of the X-brace valve latch  54  in a latched position.  FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a slider lock  72  of  FIG. 6 , and shows the lock pin  74  in a locked position.  FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a brace arm  88  and lock pin  74  of the X-brace latch  54  of  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the flexible link  56  is shown in an initial position, as shown previously in  FIG. 3 , with the link pin  58  engaged within the brace eye  94  of the valve latch  54 . In such a position, the link pin  58  pushes the lock pins  74  of the slider locks  72  radially outward from the brace eye  94 , which moves the protuberant ends  84  to radially extend into the undercut  70  and secure the valve element  44  in a closed position. 
     When the link pin  58  is released from within the brace eye  94 , the bias members  76  will urge the lock pins  74  to move from locked positions to the released positions, as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 . The valve element  44  will open under the force of fluid pressure within the sprinkler branch  36 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of an alternative lock pin  100 . The lock pin  100  has a bias member  102  provided by wound coil spring. The lock pin  100  may comprise an elongate stem  106 , a follower end  108  and a protuberant end  110 . In an embodiment, the follower end  108  and the protuberant end  110  may have rounded ends. A fixed shoulder  104  is provided spaced apart from the protuberant end  110 , for receiving the bias member  102  therebetween. 
     It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
     While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.