Patent Description:
Fire protection sprinklers can be utilized to protect various occupancies and commodities from fire. In certain occupancies, the area to be protected is surrounded by walls and ceilings. Typically, the fire protection sprinklers are located proximate the openings in the walls and ceiling. In preferred arrangements, a fire protection sprinkler assembly includes the fire protection sprinkler, a concealment member, such as an escutcheon and/or cover plate, and a support member, e.g. a support cup, secured to the fire protection sprinkler that positions the concealment member proximate the wall or ceiling. The wall and/or ceiling serves as a mounting surface for the concealment member. As such, the assembly provides for a decorative arrangement for the fire protection sprinkler exposed to the area to be protected.

Opposite the mounting surface and behind the wall or ceiling is a structure, such as structural framing, to which the wall or ceiling is mounted and supported. The framing and the areas between parallel walls or adjacent ceilings and floor decks define a confined space for the location of firefighting fluid supply piping for the fire protection sprinkler assembly. In order to secure the fire protection sprinkler assembly to the firefighting fluid supply piping, a piping component, such as a pipe fitting, is also located in the confined space. Generally, the pipe fitting is located within the confined space so that when the fire protection sprinkler is secured to the fitting, the sprinkler or a portion thereof is located within a prescribed distance from the mounting surface. The prescribed distance or clearance is the distance from the mounting surface needed for a fluid distribution portion of the sprinkler, typically a deflector, to be in an operative position to provide a desired fluid distribution pattern to effectively address a fire in the area and/or over a commodity in the area to be protected. Thus, in order to properly position the fire protection sprinkler assembly, users must configure the firefighting fluid supply piping and locate its fittings in the confined space to orient the fire protection sprinkler in its prescribed operative position relative to the mounting surface of the wall and/or ceiling.

A fire protection sprinkler of the assembly is typically provided with a externally threaded body that is received within a threaded portion of the pipe fitting. While the respective threaded portions allow for relative positional adjustment between the components, the amount of adjustability is minimal because the components need to be sufficiently threadedly engaged to ensure a fluid tight connection. Thus, locating the fire protection sprinkler at its prescribed operative distance or position is dependent on the ability of the user to locate the supply piping and fitting in the confined space in an appropriate location. With a pipe fitting in the confined space, behind walls, above ceilings or obscured by other structures, securing and/or removing the threaded member of the fire protection sprinkler to and from the thread portion of the pipe fitting requires special tools and operator dexterity.

With the fire protection sprinkler secured to the firefighting fluid supply piping via the fitting, a support member retained on the fire protection sprinkler can be used to secure and support a concealment member of the fire protection sprinkler assembly. The presence of the support member can increase the complexity of threading the fire protection sprinkler to the fitting that is located within the confined space. In some instances removing and/or securing a threaded fire protection sprinkler, with or without the support structure, to a pipe fitting can, in some conditions, require removal of the wall and/or ceiling.

The fittings within the confined space that receive the sprinkler are typically connected to the fluid supply piping via various intermediate fittings. These intermediate fittings include and are not limited to, unions, tee fittings, elbow fittings or fitting of various angular configurations. The installation of certain known fire protection sprinklers in confined spaces with intermediate fittings using a threaded connection can be logistically challenging. To address this challenge, special intermediate fittings have been developed that include an integrated threaded sprinkler. Despite having the availability of a special intermediate fitting, securing a fire protection sprinkler to a threaded fitting in a confined space remains a challenge to properly position the special intermediate fitting to locate the fire protection sprinkler in its prescribed operative range relative to the mounting surface of the wall and/or ceiling. Examples of known threaded recessed and concealed sprinkler assemblies are shown in the following product data sheets from Tyco Fire Products, LP of Lansdale, PA: (i) TFP181: "Series RFII-<NUM>-factor 'Royal Flush IT' Concealed Pendent Sprinklers Quick & Standard Response, Standard Coverage (Mar. <NUM>); (ii) TFP151: "Series TY-B-<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>-factor Upright, Pendent, and Recessed Pendent Sprinklers Standard Response, Standard Coverage (Nov. <NUM>); (iii) TFP400: "RAPID RESPONSE Series LFII Residential <NUM>-factor Pendent Sprinkler Wet Pipe and Dry Pipe Systems (Jan. <NUM>); and (iv) TFP443: "RAPID RESPONSE Series LFII Residential Sprinklers <NUM>-factor Flat-Plate Concealed Pendent Wet Pipe and Dry Pipe Systems" (Jan.

Alternative non-threaded connection technology for securing a fire protection sprinkler to a fitting appropriate for confined spaces exist. Such alternative connectors are shown and described in <CIT>. Shown therein is a threadless sprinkler and fitting arrangement in which a sprinkler is pressed into a fitting to engage a fire suppressant or extinguishing supply pipe. The threadless fitting includes an internal engagement member having tabs or prongs that grip the outer surface of the sprinkler. An internally secured disengagement member can be slid relative to the engagement member to disengage the prongs from the body. Accordingly, <CIT> shows and describes a threadless fitting arrangement for installing and removing a sprinkler. Although <CIT> shows the sprinkler installation in or near a ceiling or sidewall, the patent publication does not expressly teach adjusting the sprinkler to locate the deflector at a prescribed or operative distance from the mounting surface. Instead, <CIT> shows the sprinkler piping outlet near the wall or ceiling with the threadless fitting disposed or engaged with the sprinkler piping outlet. This at least suggests that for supply piping in confined areas, the location of the sprinkler with respect to the mounting surface of the wall or ceiling requires adjustment of the supply pipe and its outlet location near the wall or ceiling.

<CIT> shows and describes sprinkler assemblies joined by push-connect and press-connect fittings in which sprinkler assemblies are joined to sprinkler pipes by either a push-connect or press-connect fitting without the use of heat or sealant. One disadvantage of the press-connect fitting is that it forms a permanent joint between the sprinkler assembly and the sprinkler system pipe and therefore does not provide for adjustment. The push-connect fitting allows for separation of the formed joint between the sprinkler assembly and the sprinkler pipe. However, in the case of a sprinkler assembly installation in which the sprinkler piping is in a confined space, the push-connect fitting taught in <CIT> appears to require that the adjustment be made on the sprinkler piping side thereby making the location of the sprinkler deflector with respect to a mounting surface logistically difficult.

Other push fitting assemblies for joining and disjoining pipe elements are shown in <CIT>. However, the patent publication again does not teach or suggest the use of the fittings in the adjusted installation of sprinklers for connection to piping in confined spaces. Moreover, none of the known alternatives of the cited patent documents teach or address the needs of an adjustable recessed or concealed sprinkler installation from pipe fitting located in confined spaces. <CIT> discloses a means of installing a fire sprinkler system before or after a ceiling has been fixed in a building.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a sprinkler assembly comprising:.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of providing fire sprinkler protection, the method comprising:.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and together, with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are some examples of the invention as provided by the appended claims.

Shown in <FIG> is a preferred recessed sprinkler assembly <NUM> for the protection of an area, i.e., the protection area PA. The sprinkler assembly <NUM> is mounted to a barrier <NUM>, such as for example, a ceiling barrier <NUM>, through a through hole opening <NUM> and located proximate a mounting surface <NUM> of the ceiling barrier <NUM> for connection to a firefighting fluid supply pipe or pipe fitting (not shown) in the confined area or space CA to which the back surface <NUM> of the ceiling barrier is exposed. The preferred recessed sprinkler assembly <NUM> includes a fire protection sprinkler <NUM> connected to the fluid supply piping or fitting by a preferred threadless connection fitting, i.e., a preferred "push-to-connect" fitting <NUM>. More particularly, the sprinkler <NUM> is inserted and threadlessly pushed into the fitting <NUM> which forms a fluid tight seal and grip connection about the sprinkler <NUM>. Operation of the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> allows for the sprinkler <NUM> to be adjusted to locate a fluid distribution deflector <NUM> of the sprinkler <NUM> in an operative position relative to the mounting surface <NUM> to define a deflector-to-mounting surface DD or other installation structures.

The recessed assembly <NUM> includes a preferred escutcheon <NUM> centered about the sprinkler <NUM> and more preferably centered about the push-to-connect fitting <NUM>. As described herein, the preferred push-to-connect fitting <NUM> includes a releasing member <NUM> to release the grip about the sprinkler <NUM>. The releasing member <NUM> preferably traverses the annular space AA between the sprinkler <NUM> and the inner surface of the escutcheon <NUM>. In the preferred recessed arrangement, the releasing member <NUM> continuously circumscribes the sprinkler <NUM> and provides for a concealment element which covers the confined area CA from view from the perspective of the protection area PA. In another preferred aspect, the releasing member <NUM> forms a contact engagement with the inner surface of the escutcheon <NUM> that preferably adjustably and completely supports the escutcheon <NUM> to locate the escutcheon <NUM> in a desired location relative to the sprinkler <NUM>, the deflector <NUM> and/or the mounting surface <NUM>.

Shown in <FIG> is one preferred recessed installation in which the preferred push-to-connect fitting <NUM> is inserted in and depends from a tee fitting <NUM> in the firefighting fluid supply piping running in the concealed area CA above the ceiling barrier <NUM>. The pipe fitting <NUM> defines a pipe fitting-to-mounting surface distance FD measured from the end face of the pipe fitting to the mounting surface <NUM> of the barrier <NUM>. For preferred installations and assemblies, the supply piping and pipe fittings are constructed from thermoplastic material and more preferably constructed from Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) material suitable for use in fire sprinkler systems. Alternatively, the supply pipe or fittings can be formed from metallic material, such as for example, steel or brass, etc..

The push-to-connect fitting <NUM> are preferably constructed from similar materials. Moreover, the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> is preferably inserted and affixed within the receiving portion or receptacle of the pipe fitting <NUM> by appropriate chemical cementing used in CPVC fire sprinkler piping. Generally, the pipe fittings <NUM> includes a first pipe end <NUM> for connection to a fluid supply pipe and at least a second pipe end <NUM> with an internal flow path connecting the first and at least second pipe ends <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the pipe ends <NUM>, <NUM> have an internal surface and a shoulder <NUM> preferably formed therein circumscribing the flow path to define a receptacle at the pipe end <NUM>, <NUM> having an insertion depth ID from the pipe end <NUM>, <NUM> to the internal shoulder <NUM> at which pipe ends and the preferred push-to-connect fitting <NUM> can be inserted into the fitting <NUM>. For preferred push-to-connect fittings <NUM> described herein defining an assembly height H that is preferably no more than <NUM>% of the insertion depth ID. As a tee fitting, the pipe fitting <NUM> can include more than two pipe ends with receptacles formed therein and can include a third pipe end <NUM> with a receptacle formed therein. Alternatively, the pipe fitting <NUM> can be embodied as an elbow or any other type of fitting for connecting fluid supply piping to the preferred connection fitting <NUM>.

The fire protection sprinkler <NUM> of the assembly <NUM> has a body <NUM> that includes an internal surface extending along a longitudinal axis A- A defining an internal passageway having an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes an outer or encasing surface <NUM> which surrounds at least a portion of and more preferably circumscribes the internal surface and the internal passageway. The fluid distribution deflector <NUM> is preferably axially spaced from the outlet <NUM> and supported by the body <NUM>. As shown, the deflector <NUM> is preferably secured to a pair of frame arms <NUM> which depend from the sprinkler body <NUM>. As shown, the frame arms <NUM> locate the deflector <NUM> at the desired fixed axial distance from the outlet <NUM>. In an alternate arrangement show in <FIG>, the frame arms can provide for a "drop down" arrangement in which the arms deploy from an unactuated concealed position to an actuated deployed position.

The escutcheon <NUM> includes a cylindrical receiver <NUM> for receiving the sprinkler <NUM> and the push-to-connect fitting <NUM>. The cylindrical receiver <NUM> is preferably annular and more preferably a circular cylindrical wall having an outer surface 132a defining an outer radius Rl for insertion within the through hole <NUM> of the ceiling barrier <NUM>. In the preferred recessed arrangement, the circular cylindrical receiver <NUM> has an inner surface 132b that defines an inner radius R2 sized to be disposed about and in supporting contact with the releasing member <NUM> of the connection fitting <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> preferably surrounds the sprinkler <NUM> to define the annular aperture AA. between the receiver <NUM> and the sprinkler <NUM>. The escutcheon <NUM> has a first end 130a and a second end 130b with a rim <NUM> preferably formed about the second end 130b. The receiver <NUM> is preferably supported by the releasing member <NUM> between the first and second ends 130a, 130b of the escutcheon <NUM> to adjustably locate a rim <NUM> of the escutcheon <NUM> axially with respect to the mounting surface <NUM> of the barrier <NUM> and/or the deflector <NUM> of the sprinkler <NUM>. The rim <NUM> limits the axial insertion of the cylindrical receiver <NUM> in the through hole <NUM> and forms a preferred surface contact engagement with the mounting surface <NUM> of the ceiling barrier <NUM>. The rim <NUM> preferably continuously circumscribes the through hole <NUM> at the mounting surface <NUM>. In a preferred configuration, the rim <NUM> is formed integrally with the cylindrical receiver <NUM> and is circular. The rim <NUM> can form alternate geometries provided it can form the preferred surface contact engagement and limit insertion of the cylindrical receiver <NUM>.

The preferred push-to-connect fitting <NUM> is generally tubular with one end having an exterior surface preferably for connection to the fluid supply pipe or fitting and an opposite end with an interior surface for receipt of the fire protection sprinkler <NUM>. The preferred push-to-connect fitting <NUM> includes a tubular member <NUM> having the exterior surface disposed within the end of a pipe fitting. In the preferred recessed installation for example, shown in <FIG>, the end of the pipe fitting <NUM> can be located in the annular aperture between the receiver <NUM> and the tubular member <NUM>.

The tubular member <NUM> has an internal surface defining an internal conduit <NUM> housing internal components for coaxial receipt and threadless retention of the fire sprinkler <NUM>. The tubular member <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> with the internal conduit <NUM> extending from the first end to the second end for receipt of the sprinkler body <NUM>. Disposed within the internal conduit <NUM> are one or more internal annular seal member(s) <NUM> to contact the encasing surface <NUM> and form a fluid tight seal about the sprinkler body <NUM>. A retaining ring <NUM> is disposed preferably adjacent the annular seal member <NUM>. The preferred retaining ring <NUM> includes a group of angularly disposed gripping fingers or prongs <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>, which bend or splay outward upon insertion of the sprinkler body <NUM>. The prongs <NUM> then resist and preferably frictionally contact and grip the encasing surface <NUM> of the sprinkler body <NUM> and resist the slide of the sprinkler <NUM> out of the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> against the weight of the inserted sprinkler <NUM> and/or or fluid force delivered to the sprinkler <NUM>.

In order to release the sprinkler <NUM> from the preferred fitting <NUM> for removal or adjustment, the prongs <NUM> of the retention ring <NUM> must be outwardly displaced to release their grip on the sprinkler <NUM>. Coupled to the tubular member <NUM> and more preferably coupled to the exterior or periphery of the tubular member <NUM> at its second end <NUM> is the releasing member <NUM> which can translate in the axial direction with respect to the tubular member <NUM>. A central portion of the releasing member <NUM> extends into the conduit <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM>. Upon axial translation of the releasing member <NUM> in the direction preferably toward the first end <NUM> of the fitting <NUM>, the central portion of the releasing member translates within the conduit <NUM> to contact and outwardly displace the prongs <NUM> thereby releasing the sprinkler <NUM>.

A preferred embodiment of the releasing member <NUM> is preferably configured as a disc-like member having a central opening <NUM> for alignment with the internal conduit <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> and sized to receive the body <NUM> of a sprinkler <NUM>. Forming the central opening <NUM> is an inner wall <NUM> that is inserted into the conduit <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> that circumscribes and preferably engages the periphery of the tubular member <NUM> to secure the releasing member <NUM> to the tubular member <NUM>. The outer wall <NUM> is radially spaced from the inner wall <NUM> with one or more radially extending portions <NUM> interconnecting and more preferably integrally formed with the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM>. As previously noted, with the sprinkler body <NUM> coaxially inserted in the tubular member <NUM>, the inner surface 132b of the receiver <NUM> forms an annular space or aperture AA with the sprinkler <NUM>. The one or more radially extending portion(s) <NUM> traverse the aperture AA with the peripheral exterior surface of the outer wall <NUM> in supporting contact with the inner surface 132b of the receiver <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment the releasing member <NUM>, the traversing portion <NUM> is continuously circumscribed about the central axis A-A. In such a configuration, the traversing portion <NUM> provides for the concealment portion, cover surface or end face <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> to cover and more particularly conceal the confined area CA from the perspective of the protection area PA, as seen in <FIG>. In a preferred aspect, the traversing portion <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> traverse the annular aperture AA between the tubular member <NUM> and the inner surface 132b of the receiver <NUM>.

In a preferred method of axially adjusting the location of the sprinkler and its deflector <NUM>, a hand or tool is inserted into the annular aperture AA to push and translate the releasing member <NUM> in the direction preferably toward the first end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM>. As a result, the inner wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> contacts the retaining ring <NUM> and splays apart the prongs <NUM> which releases the grip on the sprinkler body <NUM>. With the sprinkler body <NUM> free, the installer/adjuster can rotate and/or axially locate the sprinkler <NUM> and its deflector <NUM> at an operative position with respect to either the mounting surface <NUM> or the rim <NUM> of the escutcheon, provided the seal(s) <NUM> form the fluid tight seal about the sprinkler body <NUM>. With the sprinkler <NUM> properly located, the releasing member <NUM> is translated toward the second end <NUM> of tubular member <NUM> thereby permitting the prongs <NUM> to reengage and grip the encasing surface <NUM> of the sprinkler body <NUM> and hold the sprinkler <NUM> in position.

The preferred recessed sprinkler assembly also allows the escutcheon <NUM> to be adjustably located. Shown in <FIG> is an alternate arrangement in which a second barrier 10b overlays the first barrier 10a with the through hole opening <NUM> extending through each of the first and second barriers 10a, 10b with the supply pipe fitting <NUM> in the confined area CA defining the same fitting-to-mounting distance FD with respect to the first mounting surface 14a of <FIG>. As with the prior installation, the sprinkler <NUM> can be axially translated with respect to the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> by push-release action to axially locate the sprinkler <NUM> within the connection fitting <NUM> and define the same desired deflector-to-mounting surface distance DD with respect to the second mounting surface 14b of the added second barrier 10b. Additionally, the contact engagement between the peripheral surface of the outer wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> and the inner surface 132B of the receiver <NUM> allows the escutcheon <NUM> to be axially translated and adjusted with respect to the releasing member <NUM> to locate the rim <NUM> against the second mounting surface 14b of the second barrier 10b. Accordingly, the adjustability of the sprinkler <NUM> and the escutcheon <NUM> with the preferred fitting and releasing member assembly <NUM>, <NUM> allows for maintenance of a desired deflector-to-rim distance RD despite the addition of the second barrier 10b and the constant fitting-to-mounting distance FD with respect to the first mounting surface 14a. Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly <NUM> provide for one or more complimentary contact surfaces or contact zones over which the sprinkler <NUM> and/or the escutcheon <NUM> can be axially translated and adjusted to provide for the desired relative spacing between the deflector <NUM>, the escutcheon rim <NUM> and/or other mounting surfaces or structures.

<FIG> show details and manner of operation of the preferred push-to-connect fitting <NUM> and its internal sealing and gripping components. <FIG> shows the releasing member <NUM> fully translated toward the first end <NUM> of the fitting <NUM> with the sprinkler body <NUM> released from the grip of the retaining ring <NUM>. As previously described, the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> is preferably embodied as an insert fitting that is preferably affixed within the end receptacle of a tee, elbow, union or other pipe fitting. Accordingly, tubular member <NUM> and its first end <NUM> are a preferably circular cylindrical having a preferably constant outer diameter sized for insertion into a pipe fitting. More particularly, the tubular member has a constant outer diameter over a substantial axial length of the tubular member <NUM> for close fit within the receptacle of the pipe fitting, for example, as seen in <FIG>. The constant outer diameter is sufficiently sized and tolerance for affixing within the receptacle of the pipe fitting using, for example, chemical bonding or welding. Thus, the exterior surface of the tubular member <NUM> provides for a preferred securement portion to affix the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> to a pipe fitting. Preferably, the outer diameter of the securement portion is constant over an axial length that is at least equal to the insertion depth ID of the pipe fitting into which the securement portion is inserted.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> is preferably enlarged as compared to the securement portion to form a limit or stop the insertion of the tubular member <NUM> within the pipe fitting. The second end <NUM> is preferably formed as an annular flange <NUM> integral with the rest of the tubular member <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is sized to abut or engage the end of the pipe or pipe fitting into which the tubular member <NUM> is inserted, as seen for example, in <FIG>. The annular flange <NUM> is formed with a central opening axially aligned and in communication with the internal conduit <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM>.

As shown, the outer or exterior surface of the tubular member <NUM> is preferably configured at its second end <NUM> to retain the releasing member <NUM>. More particularly, the outer surface of the flange <NUM> preferably includes a peripheral and preferably circumferential groove <NUM> to engage the preferred releasing member <NUM>. The outer wall <NUM> of the releasing member preferably includes a projection <NUM> and more preferably an annular projection <NUM> that is directed radially inward and engages the peripheral groove <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> to secure the releasing member <NUM> to the tubular member <NUM>. The groove <NUM> additionally defines a groove height GH which provides sufficient relative axial travel of the releasing member <NUM> in the direction of the first end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> to splay the gripping fingers <NUM> of the retaining ring <NUM> and release the sprinkler <NUM>. Alternatively to a continuous circumferential groove <NUM>, the groove <NUM> can discontinuous having an alternate geometry provided the releasing member <NUM> has a complimentary projection <NUM> to engage and translate within the groove <NUM>.

To prevent inadvertent translation of the releasing member <NUM>, for example, when adjusting the escutcheon <NUM>, and thereby maintain the grip of the retaining ring <NUM> about the sprinkler body <NUM>, the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> includes an arrangement to resist or control relative translation between the releasing member <NUM> and the tubular member <NUM>. The preferred formation of the releasing member <NUM> provides an annular channel <NUM> between the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM> with the annular flange <NUM> of the tubular member housed within the channel <NUM>. Preferably disposed within the annular channel <NUM> is a resistance element <NUM>, such as for example, a leaf spring, coil spring, pliable member, ball detent and spring arrangement or any other resilient member or arrangement member which preferably acts to control the relative axial translation of the releasing member with respect to the tubular member <NUM> and its contact with the retaining ring <NUM>. More specifically, the resistance element <NUM> controls translation by providing a force sufficient to translate or bias the releasing member <NUM> away from the first end <NUM> of the tubular member and out of contact with the retaining ring <NUM>, yet apply a sufficiently small force that can be overcome by a hand or tool operation to translate the releasing member <NUM> toward the first end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the resistance element <NUM> can form a positive lock between the releasing element <NUM> and the tubular member <NUM>. <FIG> shows the resistance of element <NUM> overcome by a translation force by hand or tool (not shown); and <FIG> shows the resistance element <NUM> in its uncompressed and housed positon within the annular channel <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the resistance element <NUM>.

Shown in <FIG> is the preferred assembled push-to-connect fitting <NUM> in cross-section. Disposed within the conduit <NUM> is the annular sealing member <NUM> and retaining ring <NUM> preferably respectively positioned within the fitting tube <NUM> against a first annular seat <NUM> and a second annular seat <NUM>. By locating the sealing member <NUM> within the internal conduit <NUM> of a tubular member that is externally cemented, the sealing member <NUM> and the sealing area is protected from the chemical cement. Both or either of the first and second seat <NUM>, <NUM> can be integrally formed with the internal surface of the fitting <NUM> or alternatively be embodied as separate annular member disposed and affixed along the conduit <NUM> to provide the seat. An annular wedge <NUM> surrounds the retaining ring <NUM> and is disposed between the first seat <NUM> and the retaining ring <NUM> to limit the outward flex of the fingers <NUM>. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the fitting <NUM>, the first seat <NUM> and second seat <NUM> are axially spaced apart to define a gap region G for housing the annular sealing member and retaining ring <NUM>, <NUM>.

By preferably coupling the releasing member <NUM> to the periphery of the tubular member <NUM>, the insertion depth from the end face <NUM> of the translating release member <NUM> to the seal <NUM>, i.e., the "mechanism length" ML can be minimized and is believed to be comparatively smaller than other insertion depths of known push-on type threadless fittings. Preferably, the mechanism length ML is preferably no more than <NUM>% (<NUM>:<NUM>) of the total axial height H of the assembled connection fitting <NUM> and more preferably no more than <NUM>%. In a preferred embodiment of the push-to-connect fitting, the total axial height ranges from <NUM> - <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inches) and the mechanism length ML preferably ranges from <NUM> - <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inches). Minimizing the insertion depth at which the sprinkler body <NUM> engages the seal <NUM> maximizes the amount of the encasing surface <NUM> i.e., the contact zone of the sprinkler body, for seal formation. The increased contact zone for sealing increases the range of axial adjustment for the sprinkler <NUM> with respect to the rim <NUM> or mounting surface <NUM>. Moreover, by preferably coupling the releasing member <NUM> to the periphery of the tubular member <NUM>, the minimum deflector-to-mounting surface distance can also be minimized. With reference to <FIG>, the minimum deflector-to-mounting surface DD can be preferably determined by the contact between the sprinkler frame arms <NUM> and the releasing member <NUM>.

Because the outer wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> engages and secures to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member <NUM>, the axial gap G between the seats <NUM>, <NUM> of the fitting <NUM> can also be minimized because the axial gap G does not need to provide space for the projection <NUM> or other securement for the releasing member <NUM>. Moreover, the peripheral securement of the releasing member <NUM> provides that inner wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> can be otherwise freely centered in the central opening of the retaining ring seat <NUM>, as seen for example in <FIG>, which further simplifies the assembly. In a preferred aspect, where the axial spacing between the annular seal member <NUM> and the retaining ring seat <NUM> define an axial distance L1 for housing the retaining ring <NUM>, the axial distance L1 is preferably no more than <NUM>% of the mechanism length ML.

The conduit <NUM> defines an internal diameter DIA1 that is sufficiently large to receive the sprinkler body <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM>. In a preferred aspect, the inner wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> defines an outer diameter DIA2 that is less than the inner diameter DIA <NUM> of the conduit <NUM> and less than the central opening of the annular seat <NUM>. Other than its contact with the retaining ring <NUM>, the inner wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> is preferably free of contact within the conduit <NUM> even when a sprinkler <NUM> is secured therein. Accordingly, the connection fitting <NUM> does not need any internal space for any internal supporting structure to affix the releasing member <NUM> to the fitting <NUM>.

The push-to-connect fitting <NUM> defines other preferred dimensional relationships to facilitate its simplified assembly and operation as a connector between the received sprinkler <NUM> and the pipe fitting. For example, the releasing member <NUM> and its outer wall <NUM> define an outer diameter DIA3 that is sufficiently large to support an escutcheon and overlay or traverse apertures and openings as described herein. The smaller preferred securement portion of the tubular member <NUM> and its first end <NUM> define the preferred constant outer diameter to allow for insertion and securement of the connection fitting <NUM> within a pipe fitting. A preferred ratio of the releasing member <NUM> outer diameter DIA3 to securement portion outer diameter DIA4 is <NUM>: <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the releasing member <NUM> outer diameter DIA3 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and the securement portion at the first end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> defines an outer diameter DIA4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> are preferably configured to form the preferred channel <NUM> and secure the releasing member <NUM> to the periphery of the tubular member <NUM> at the annular flange <NUM>. The annular flange <NUM> defines a preferred outer diameter of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) with a peripheral annular groove <NUM> having a groove depth of about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to define a groove diameter of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) with a preferred groove height GH of about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to determine the axial translation of the releasing member <NUM>. Accordingly, the preferred annular projection <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> extends radially inward from the periphery of the outer wall <NUM> to engage the peripheral groove <NUM>. In a preferred aspect, the ratio of the outer diameters of the annular flange <NUM> and the larger release member <NUM> is about <NUM>:<NUM>. The outer wall <NUM> is radially spaced about the inner wall <NUM> to define with their preferred ratio of outer diameters DIA2: DIA3. In a preferred example in which the outer wall <NUM> peripheral diameter DIA3 is preferably <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and more preferably <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the outer diameter DIA2 of the inner wall <NUM> is preferably about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The inner wall <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> defines a preferred internal diameter to receive the sprinkler body <NUM> and in a preferred embodiment preferably defines a internal diameter DIA5 of over <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The first end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> is smaller than the annular flange <NUM> at the second end of the tubular member <NUM> for preferred insertion in a pipe or pipe fitting. In the preferred connection fitting assembly, the outer diameter DIA3 of the releasing member <NUM> to the outer diameter DIA4 at the first end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> defines a preferred ratio DIA3:DIA4 that is about <NUM>:<NUM>. Accordingly, a preferred ratio of the outer diameter DIA3 of the outer wall <NUM> to the inner diameter DIA5 of the inner wall <NUM> is <NUM>:<NUM>.

The retaining ring <NUM> grips the sprinkler body <NUM> to retain the sprinkler <NUM> within the connection fitting <NUM>. Shown in <FIG> is the preferred retaining ring <NUM> having a base <NUM> about which the group of prongs <NUM> are angularly disposed. The prongs <NUM> bend with respect to the base <NUM> and more preferably are integrally formed with the base <NUM> with a living hinge in between that allow the fingers <NUM> to bend with respect to the base <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring <NUM> and its fingers <NUM> define a preferred internal diameter DIA6 of less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches (<NUM>/<NUM> in. )) and is preferably about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). In one particular preferred embodiment related to the insertion depth of the connection fitting to the seal <NUM>, the internal diameter DIA6 of the retaining ring <NUM> defines a preferred ratio of mechanism length-to-minimum internal diameter ML:DIAG6 that ranging from <NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>. The fingers <NUM> further preferably define an obtuse angle β with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. The obtuse angle β preferably ranges from <NUM>° in an unloaded state to <NUM>° in a loaded state in which the fingers <NUM> grip an inserted sprinkler body.

To facilitate the adjustability of the sprinkler installation, the sprinkler body <NUM> and its encasing surface <NUM> are of a preferred axial length which can provide a contact zone over which a fluid tight seal can be formed and the deflector <NUM> can be properly located. Shown in <FIG> is a preferred sprinkler body <NUM>' which can be formed integrally with the sprinkler frame outlet and frame arms. Alternatively, the sprinkler body <NUM>' can be formed as a sprinkler adapter body for connection to a sprinkler frame having an outlet and frame arms. In either construction, the frame arms <NUM> are configured for connection to a deflector (not shown). The body <NUM>' defines a body length BL in the axial direction and a body diameter BD which can engage the annular seal member <NUM> of the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> previously described. The body diameter BD preferably define the maximum diameter of the sprinkler body <NUM>' and is constant over a substantial length of the body length BL. In a preferred embodiment, the body diameter BD ranges from to <NUM> - <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inch) and is more preferably22. <NUM> - <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch). Thus, for preferred embodiments of the sprinkler body, the outer diameter is slightly larger than the minimum internal diameter of the retaining ring <NUM>.

The body length BL is preferably determined as the axial length between the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> and preferably ranges from over <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch) and more preferably ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) and even more preferably ranges from <NUM> - <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inches) to provide a sufficiently long contact zone for adjustable sealing and gripping as described. The body length of the body <NUM> is also preferably related to the internal passageway <NUM> of the sprinkler <NUM>. The nominal K-Factor provides a discharge characteristic of the sprinkler <NUM> and is determined by the flow of fluid in gallons per minute (GPM) through the internal passageway <NUM> and outlet <NUM> divided by a square root of pressure of water fed into the inlet end of the internal passageway in pounds per square inch gauge (psig): Q=K√P where P represents the pressure of water fed into the inlet end of the internal passageway through the body of the sprinkler, in pounds per square inch gauge (psig); Q represents the flow of water from the outlet end of the internal passageway through the body of the sprinkler, in gallons per minute (GPM); and K represents the nominal K-factor constant in units of gallons per minute divided by the square root of pressure expressed in psig.

Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler body <NUM>' and outlet <NUM> define a nominal K-factor (with the K-factor range shown in parenthesis) of less than <NUM> (<NUM> - <NUM>1Pm/(bar)½ (<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>) GPM/(PSI) ½) and preferably less than <NUM> (<NUM> - <NUM>) lPm/(bar)½ (<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>) GPM/(PSI)½) such as for example, any one of <NUM> lPm/(bar)½ (<NUM> GPM/(PSI)½), <NUM> lPm/(bar)½ (<NUM> GPM/(PSr)½), <NUM> lPm/(bar)½ (<NUM> GPM/(PSI)½). The sprinkler <NUM> and its internal passageway and outlet <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured with smaller or larger K-factors detailed herein provided the sprinkler body can be coupled into an appropriately sized or scaled push-to-connect fittings to provide for fluid connections and sprinkler installations as described herein with the appropriate discharge characteristics to effectively address a fire. In a preferred aspect, the body length BL preferably ranges directly with the K-factor. The sprinkler body and its internal passageway define a preferred K-factor-to-body length ratio ranging from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. For the preferred K-Factors of <NUM> lPm/(bar)½ (<NUM> GPM/(PSI)½), <NUM> lPm/(bar)½ (<NUM> GPM/(PSr)½), <NUM> lPm/(bar)½ (<NUM> GPM/(PSI)½), the body <NUM>' defines preferred respective body lengths BL of <NUM> (<NUM> inch); <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch). With the sprinkler <NUM> received within the connection fitting <NUM> and fluid supplied to the tubular member <NUM>, the sprinkler <NUM> discharges the fluid to define a rated K-factor that is at least <NUM>% of the nominal K-factor and is more preferably <NUM>% of the rated K-factor.

The preferred body lengths BL are longer than previously known sprinkler body lengths for similar sized K-factors. Accordingly, the internal passageways <NUM>' of the preferred body is longer than known passageways for similar sized K-factors. As shown in <FIG>, the internal passageway <NUM>' includes a preferred first passageway portion <NUM>'a of a constant diameter adjacent the inlet <NUM> and a second passageway portion <NUM>'b of a variable diameter adjacent and downstream of the first passageway portion <NUM>'a preferably adjacent the outlet <NUM>'. The first passageway portion <NUM>'a preferably has a greater axial length than the length of the second passageway portion <NUM>'b and the length of the first passageway portion <NUM>'a is preferably less than <NUM>% of the total body length BL, preferably ranging from <NUM>-<NUM>% of the body length and preferably about <NUM>% of the body length BL. Accordingly, the first body portion defines a preferred body length-to-axial length ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>. The second passageway portion <NUM>'b is preferably defined by a narrowing taper in the direction from inlet-to-outlet. The taper can be defined by the included angle α between the converging interior surface of the sprinkler body which preferably ranges between five and twenty degrees (<NUM>°-<NUM>°) and more preferably between five and ten degrees (<NUM>°-<NUM>°) and even more preferably between seven to eight degrees (<NUM>°-<NUM>°). In addition to the first and second passageway portion <NUM>'a, <NUM>'b the passageway can include other portions having differentiating dimensional characteristics including different axial lengths, internal diameters and/or tapers. In a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler body <NUM>, the internal passageway <NUM>' includes a third portion between the first and second portion defining a variable diameter that narrows in the direction of flow, the third portion defined by an included angle that ranges from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

As shown for example in <FIG>, the annular seal member <NUM> preferably includes at least two sealing surfaces 148a, 148b to provide two sealing surfaces 148a, 148b preferably axially spaced apart in the seal member <NUM> for formation of a fluid tight sea) about the sprinkler encasing surface <NUM> particularly under high fluid pressures, such as for example, pressures as a high as 9652kPa (<NUM> pounds per square inch (psi. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, it is preferred to integrate the two sealing surfaces 148a, 148b in a single seal member <NUM> supported by a base <NUM> to facilitate easy assembly and removal by requiring only one sealing member to be inserted or extracted by hand or with an assembly tool.

The prior embodiments show the fire protection sprinkler in a pendent-type recessed installation. The recessed sprinkler assembly can be alternatively installed in a sidewall or horizontally oriented installation. For example, shown in <FIG> are two recessed sprinkler assemblies l00'a, <NUM>'b in a sidewall back-to-back installation arrangement. The assemblies each include a fire protection sprinkler body <NUM> inserted in a preferred push-to-connect fitting <NUM> as previously described with an appropriately configured side wall deflector <NUM>'. Accordingly, the preferred assemblies described herein can be used with any type of deflector, such as those shown in <FIG>, provided the deflector can be properly located from the mounting surface or escutcheon rim in order to distribute a firefighting fluid in a desired manner for effective surface wetting and/or addressing of a fire. Shown in <FIG> are perspective views of an exemplary sidewall deflector <NUM>' and a flat plate pendent deflector <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, a fluid supply pipe tee fitting <NUM> is located within a confined space or area CA between two spaced apart and parallel wall barriers 10a, 10b. The two axially aligned pipe ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the tee fitting <NUM> are aligned with the through hole openings 12a, 12b formed in each of the walls 10a, 10b. The central inlet <NUM> of the tee fitting <NUM> is connected to a fluid supply pipe. Centered in each opening 12a, 12b is an escutcheon <NUM> with the rim <NUM> of the escutcheon circumscribing the openings. A preferred assembled push-to-connect fitting <NUM>, as previously described, is inserted into each end <NUM>, <NUM> of the tee fitting <NUM>. Pushed into each connection fitting <NUM> is the sidewall sprinkler <NUM>'a, <NUM>'b about which an internal seal <NUM> and retaining ring <NUM> form a fluid tight sealing grip about the sprinkler bodies <NUM>. Each sprinkler <NUM>'a, <NUM>'b is pushed into the connection fitting <NUM> to locate the sidewall deflector <NUM>' at an operative distance from the rim <NUM> of the escutcheon to effectively protect the protection area PA.

Shown in <FIG> is an alternate assembly and installation in which the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> provide for a preferred concealed sprinkler installation. In the prior embodiments, the push-to-connect fitting <NUM> and its releasing member <NUM> are at least partially located inside of the escutcheon <NUM> to conceal the supply piping from view of the protective area PA. In <FIG>, the releasing member <NUM> is disposed completely outside of the escutcheon <NUM> and is instead located completely within the concealed area CA side of the barriers <NUM>. In the final installation, the receiver <NUM> of the escutcheon <NUM> is preferably coupled to a support cup <NUM> to form a housing about the sprinkler <NUM>. The support cup <NUM> includes a central hole through which the sprinkler body <NUM> extends such that the support cup <NUM> rests upon the sprinkler frame with the receiver <NUM> of the escutcheon surrounding the sprinkler to define the aperture AA about the sprinkler <NUM>. The support cup <NUM> includes one or more apertures or openings <NUM> about the central hole in communication with the aperture AA. The releasing member <NUM> overlays the one or more openings <NUM> of the support cup <NUM>. The escutcheon <NUM> includes a rim <NUM> to which a cover <NUM> is secured by thermally responsive material for concealing the housing space within the escutcheon assembly <NUM>'. In the event of a fire, the thermally responsive material melts permitting the cover <NUM> to fall away and expose the deflector <NUM>, permitting the deflector <NUM> to drop for distribution of firefighting fluid discharged from the sprinkler body <NUM> in the protected area PA.

To form the preferred concealed installation, the enclosed fire protection sprinkler <NUM> and support cup <NUM> are inserted into the through hole <NUM> from the protection area PA to locate the sprinkler body within the internal conduit <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> and engage the internal sealing member <NUM> and retaining ring <NUM> in a manner as previously described. The releasing member <NUM> is translated toward the first end <NUM> of the tubular member <NUM> to contact the retaining ring and allow the sprinkler body <NUM> to freely slide and adjust into an operative position. With the sprinkler <NUM> and support cup <NUM> installed, the releasing member <NUM> is returned to a position out of contact with the retaining ring <NUM> allowing the internal seal member and retaining ring <NUM>, <NUM> to grip the sprinkler <NUM> with a fluid tight seal. Moreover, the releasing member <NUM> overlays the support cup <NUM> and its apertures or opening(s) <NUM> to obscure or cover the concealed area CA from view.

As shown, an elbow fitting <NUM> is located in the concealment area CA above the barrier <NUM> with the preferred push-to -connect <NUM> and releasing member <NUM> inserted in the receptacle at the end of the elbow <NUM>'. The elbow <NUM>' can be connected to a fluid supply pipe (not show) extending parallel to the mounting surface <NUM>. The concealed area CA can be an attic space above a ceiling <NUM> or alternatively be located between a ceiling <NUM> and a floor deck (not shown) above the ceiling <NUM>. To complete the concealed installation the escutcheon <NUM> is engaged with the support cup <NUM>. The receiver of the escutcheon <NUM> and the support cup <NUM> preferably include one or more appropriately cooperating coupling structures <NUM>, such as for example, cooperating grooves and a projections to join the two components.

The cover <NUM> of the escutcheon conceals the housed sprinkler <NUM> and the deflector <NUM> from view. The fire protection sprinkler <NUM> is shown embodied as a drop down automatic sprinkler with an axially translating deflector <NUM> supported in its unactuated and retracted position by the cover <NUM> embodied as a flat plate. In an alternative embodiment, the deflector <NUM> can be fixed with respect to the sprinkler body <NUM> and the cover <NUM> can be embodied as a domed cover. The sprinkler <NUM>' is housed and centered within the housing of the support cup and escutcheon <NUM>, <NUM> with the annular aperture AA sufficiently sized to access the releasing member from the rim <NUM> of the escutcheon and through the openings <NUM> of the support cup <NUM> using a hand or tool. To provide the desired aperture and access, the sprinkler frame arms <NUM> or the deflector <NUM> define the widest portion of the sprinkler <NUM> to control the annular aperture AA access. In the preferred embodiments, where the fire protection sprinkler or deflector defines a maximum width within the housing, the releasing member <NUM> defines a diameter that is greater than the maximum width of the sprinkler components.

The fire protection sprinklers <NUM> of the various embodied assemblies are preferably automatic sprinklers, but can alternatively be normally open. As seen in <FIG>, the preferred automatic sprinkler <NUM> includes a seal member <NUM> disposed in the outlet <NUM> supported in place by a thermally responsive element <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the thermally responsive element <NUM> is a glass bulb trigger supported between the seal member <NUM> and a deflector <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the compression screw <NUM> engaged in a threaded bore of the frame arms loads the seal member <NUM> through the thermally responsive element <NUM> to form a fluid tight seal in the outlet <NUM>. With the seal member <NUM> supported and loaded, the seal member inhibits fluid flow through the passageway <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Alternative thermally responsive elements <NUM> can include a strut and lever with thermally responsive link, as seen for example in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A sprinkler assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a fire protection sprinkler (<NUM>) having a body (<NUM>) defining an inlet (<NUM>) and an outlet (<NUM>) with a passageway extending between the inlet (<NUM>) and the outlet (<NUM>) along a longitudinal axis (A-A), a deflector (<NUM>) supported by the body (<NUM>) and spaced from the outlet (<NUM>), the body (<NUM>) having an outer encasing surface (<NUM>) surrounding at least a portion of the passageway having an axial length in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A-A) to define a first contact zone;
an escutcheon (<NUM>) having a receiver (<NUM>) and a rim (<NUM>) surrounding the fire protection sprinkler (<NUM>) to define an aperture (A-A) between the receiver (<NUM>) and the sprinkler (<NUM>), the receiver (<NUM>) having a surface defining a second contact zone; and
a push-to-connect fitting (<NUM>) including:
a tubular member (<NUM>) with an end for connection to a pipe (<NUM>), the tubular member (<NUM>) including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an internal conduit (<NUM>) that receives the body (<NUM>) of the sprinkler (<NUM>);
a seal member (<NUM>) and a retaining ring (<NUM>) disposed within the internal conduit (<NUM>), the seal member (<NUM>) forming a fluid tight seal about the first contact zone with the retaining ring (<NUM>) engaged in a grip about the first contact zone to form an adjustable seal and grip about the outer encasing surface of the body of the sprinkler along the first contact zone; and
a releasing member (<NUM>) that translates with respect to the tubular member (<NUM>) to disengage the grip of the retaining ring (<NUM> about the first contact zone, the second contact zone of the escutcheon (<NUM>) translating with respect to the tubular member (<NUM>) to define an adjustable deflector-to-rim distance (RD) between the rim (<NUM>) of the escutcheon (<NUM>) and the deflector (<NUM>) of the sprinkler (<NUM>).