Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
- 205915~
TITLE: QUICR CONNECT BRANCH CONNECTOR
This invention relates to a ~uick connect branch
connector for use in plumbing systems. While not limited
thereto, the invention relates to a quick connect branch
connector of particular utility in assembling a fire
extinguishing sprinkler system. ~hilc of particular
utility in that application, the quick connect branch
connector of the invention finds ul;ility in any other
application in which it i~ desired to connect ~ plumbing
branch to a main pipe line.
Back~round of the Art
Branch connections as commonly known are provided by
a plumbing tee and by threading pipes into the branches of
the tee.
Also known in the art are branch connectors that can
be secured to a main plumbing line bJ~ straps or cthcr
fittings, and which communicate with the main plumbing line
through a hole drilled through the exterior surfacc of the
main pipe line, the branch connector being sealed to the
outer surface of the main line.
Such branch connectors have been successfully cmployed
in the fabrication of fire extinguishing sprinkler systems.
However, the known branch connectors arc encumbered with
the disadvantage that two hands must be employed for
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assembling the branch connector onto the main pipe, this
involving the holding of the branch connector in one hand
while the securing strap is attached to the branch
connector. While this poses no particular problem in
locations that are readily accessible, it does pose
considerable problems in the assembly of such branch
connectors in difficult locations, such as high above a
workshop floor, which is a typical location of such
sprinkler heads.
Branch connectors that are a snap-fit onto thc main
pipeline have been prcviously proposed. Typical of such
snap-on branch connectors are ones manufactured by Spraying
Systems Co. of Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.A. and by Uni-Spray
of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
The snap-fit branch connectors manufactured by those
firms are employed for the securement of spray nozzles to
a low pressure pipeline. While the snap-fit branch
connectors referred to are eminently suited to their
intended purpose, which is one in which relati~ely low
pressures exist in the pipeline, they are not suited to
their employment in fire cxtinguishing systems.
In a fire extinguishing system, the sprinkler heads
are exposed to a continuous high static prcssure within the
pipeline, which exists at all times and possibly for many
years, and until such time that thc sprin~lcr heads are
actuated by a fire condition.
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The prior known quick connect branch connectors each
employ spring clips that can bc snapped over the main
pipeline, and, which maintain the ~uick conncct branch
connector attached to the main pipeline exclusively by thc
stored spring force in the spring clips.
As will be apparent, the pressurc at ~hich the
connection will fail is determined by the spring force that
can be exerted on the connectors by the spriny clips.
Thus, the use of such known quick connect branch connectors
is limited to relatively low pressure applications for
supporting spray nozzles that are exposcd to dynamic
pressure loading. In a fire extinguishing system the
sprinkler heads are continuously exposcd to a high static
pressure loading of a much greater magnitude than that
encountered in a spraying systcm.
Further considerations present themselves in the
assembly of fire extinguishing sprinklcr systems. A major
one of those considerations is that the sprinkler heads
must be attached to the main pipeline in a manner that
prohibits accidental or intentional removal of the
sprinkler head at the time the main pipcline is under
pressure. This consideration, of course, applics in all
other plumbing applications in which the pipeline is under
pressure, particularly in the evcnt that noxious or
hazardous fluids are bcing convcycd by thc pipeline.
~ 2059150
Object of the Invention
The object of this invention is to provide a quick
connect branch connector for usc in any plumbing
application, and in particular for use in the construction
of fire extinguishing systems, in which thc branch
connector is capable of withstanding high static pre~.sur~s
without failing, and is incapable of accidcntal and
unintentional release from the pipelinc wi.th which it is
associated. Anothcr object of this invention is to
prescrve the advantages of known quick connect branch
connectors in their ability for them to be snap-fitted onto
the main pipeline in a mancuver that casily can bc effcctcd
by a singlé hand, even in difficult locations. The branch
connector can thcn be permanently affixcd to the associatcd
pipeline, any attempts at removal o~ thc connector then
requiring the premeditated use of an appropriate tool.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invcntion, a quick connect
branch connector is provided by a saddle for attachment to
an associated pipeline, the saddle incorporating a nipple
for penetration into the associated pipeline throu~h a holc
formed therein, the nipple being surroundcd by a scaling
gasket.
The saddle is provided with a spring clip that is
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hingedly conn~cted to the saddle and which is configured
for it to snap over and closely cmbracc the associated
pipeline in order to maintain the saddlc initially attached
to the associated pipeline.
The end of the spring clip remotc from the hingcd
interconnection with the saddle is then permanently secured
to that side of the saddle oppositc to the hinged
connection in a manner that rcquires a tool in order to
effect the securemcnt. As a consequence, the use of a
similar or idcntical tool is required in ordcr to effect
the release of the branch connector from the associated
pipeline, thus prohibiting accidental and unintentional
release of the branch connector.
The securcment of both ends o~ the spriny clip to thc
saddle acts to draw the spring clips into clamping
engagement with the associated pipe, thus providing a
permanent interconnection betwecn thc pipe and the branch
connector th~t relies on the tensional strc~s produccd in
the spring clip, and which does not in any way rely on thc
compressive spring strength thereof.
In this manner, a positive and pcrmanent
interconnection can bc made between the branch connector
and the associated pipc, with thc advantagcs of initially
securins the branch connector to the associatcd pipc in an
entirely stable manner, thus frceing both o~ the hands of
the installer for cffecting the subsequcnt final connection
2~59150
of the branch connector to thc associated pipc.
Conveniently, the main supply pipe is pre-drilled
prior to it's installation in the sprinklcr systcm,
subsequcnt to which the quick conncct conncctors can be
permanently affixed to thc main.supply pipe.
Preferably, but not cssentially, sprinkIer heads are
formed integrally with thc branch connectors, or, are
preassembled onto the branch connectors prior to their
installation on the main supply pipe, thus eliminating the
skill ~nd dcxterity required in installing thc sprinkler
heads in difficult locations, such as in ele~ated or
cramped conditions.
Description of thc Draw;~s
The invention will now be describ~d with reference to
the accompanying drawings, which illustr~tc preferred
embodiments of thc invention, and in which:
Figure 1 is a front clevation of one
embodimcnt of the quicls connect branch
conncctor of the invcntion;
Figurc ~ is a sidc clc~vation thereof, thc
quick connect branch conncctor bcing sho~n
assembled with ~ convcn~io~ l sprinklcr
hcad;
~ 2059I~0
Figure 3 is a side elevation of the quiek
conneet braneh eonneetor shown in an opened
position, preparatory to its being snapped
over a eonventional pipe;
Figure 4 is an underside plan view of
another embodiment of quiek eonneet braneh
eonneetor of the invention;
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the braneh
eonneetor of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspeetive view of
~nother cmbodimcnt of quicl~ connect braneh
eonneetor of the invention;
Figure 7 is a sidc view of the eonncetor of
Figure 6 whcn in an assembled eondition;
Figure 8 is a plan view of another
embodiment of quie]~ ccnncet branch
conneetor of the invention;
Figure 9 is a side view of thc eonnector of
Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a perspeetive view of the
conneetor of Figurcs 8 and g when in an
open eondition prior to assembly onto a
~ 20~9150
pipe; and,
Figure 11 is a perspectivc view of the
spring clip takcn from a different
position.
Description of the Prefcrred Embodimcnt
Referring firstly to Figure 1, the quick connect
branch connector of the present invcntion includcs a s~ddle
10 having a central through borc 12 that extends from the
lower faee 13 of the connector to thc uppcr facc thcrcof
where it emerges at 14 between a pair of arcuate lugs 16
that are adapted to bc received within a lateral bore
formed in a pipe (not shown).
The upper ~urfacc 18 of the saddle is configured for
it to embrace thc outer surfacc of thc pipe, the upper
surface bcing rccessed for it to reeeive a ~7caling gasket
20 for engagement with the pipe periphcry to provide a
fluid tight scal betwcen the saddle uppcr surface and the
exterior of the pipe. As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the
upper portion of the saddlc extends latcrally to both sides
thereof in ordcr to providc a hinge post ~2 on one side
thereof and a bolting pad 24 on thc oppositc side.
A spring elip 26 is pivotally mountcd on thc hinge
posts 22 by means of loops 28, the spring clip being
generally of U-shape whcn vicwcd in plan, thc respcctive
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arms of the spring clip mcrging into an cyelet portion 30.
The spring clip 26 is formcd of one continuous length of
stiff but resilient wire that pro~idcs for sripping
engagement o~er a pipe.
As will be observed more particularly in Figure 3, the
spring clip 26 is of greater arcuate extent than one half
of the periphery of the pipe, whose axis is indicated at
32, in order that the spring clip must be forccd over thc
pipe and clipp~d thereon, the spring clip at that time
providing a hanger for the saddlc 10. The s3ddle can then
be released by the workman in preparation for the step of
assembly, the saddle at that time remaining suspended from
the pipe by means of the spring clip ~6.
The workman is then free to use both hands in order to
rotate the spring clip around the pipe axis to bring the
lugs 16 of the saddle into proper alignmen~ with the holc
borcd in the pipe, subsequent to which the saddlc can be
rotated upwardly about the hinge post 22, to bring the lugs
16 into cngagemcnt within thc holc formcd in thc pipe.
~nce the lugs are engaged within the hole in thc pipe,
then, further movement of the saddle 10 is prccluded, in
that it is held against rotation around the pipe by the
engagement of the lugs 16 within the hole.
The spring clip 25 and saddle 10 are then mo~cd to
position the eyelet 30 and thc bolt hole 34 in alignment.
A bolt 36 is then inserted through the cyclet 30 and is
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threaded into the bolt hole 34, at whieh time the bolt ean
be finger tightened until the head of the bolt tightcns
down on the ~yelet 30. The bolt can then be tightened down
fully by the u~e of a wrench in order to bring the sealing
gasl~et 20 into intimatc sealing contnct ~it:h thll pipc
exterior, and, to tension the spring clip 26 about the pipe
periphery, thus placing the spring clip 26 under a tensile
hoop stress, that is translated into a comprcssive seating
engasement of the saddle 10 on the pipe periphery and final
eompression of the sealing gasket 20.
In this condition of asscmbl , removal of the braneh
connector from the pipe cannot occur accidentally or
unintentionally. Removal of the branch connectol from the
pipe only can be aceomplished by the us-~ of a wreneh
employed to loosen and rcmove the bclt 36.
Thus, all of the advantages of the known quick
eonneetors are accomplished, and, in addition, ~11 of the
disadvantages of the known eonneetors are eliminated, it
being impossible to dislodge the braneh eonneetor from the
pipe without having first intentionally removed the bolt.
The quiek eonnect braneh conneetor of the present
invention, when in a fully asssssembled condition does not
rely on the compressive spring strength of thc spring clip
26 to hold it in position and provide the required seating
pressure for the sealins gasket. The spring clip ~5, when
plaeed under a tensile hoop stress by the bolt 36, c~ases
~059150
I1
to function in the capaciti~ of a spring clip, and instead,
functions in the capacit of a rigid tic ~trap.
In Figure 2 of thc drawings- thc quick conncct branch
connector of the invention is shown in combination with a
conventional sprinkler head 38.
Conveniently, the sprinkler head 3~ can be fully
assembled onto the saddle 10 prior to the branch conncctor
being applied and sccured to thc pipe. This eliminates
assembly of the sprinkler head 38 onto the saddlc 10 after
it has bcen applied to the pipe, thc location of the saddlc
10 at that time possibly bcing a most incon~enient one in
which to eFfcct an asscmbly operation.
While the quick conncct branch connector of the
invention ha~ bcen shown in association with a ~prinkler
head, it will be fully understood that any othcr fitting
could be used in association with thc branch connector, for
examplc, a spray nozzle, a prcssure rclcase valvc, a
pressure indicating gauge, a faucct, or, a branch line of
piping.
Conveniently the saddle 10 is formed as a one-piece
casting of ductile iron. For othcr applications it can be
formed from brass or copper, or, as a ~olding of rcinforced
plastics material, depcnding upon the application to which
it is to be subjectcd.
~_ Z059150
12
While the hinged posts 22 have been shown as being
cast integrally with the saddle 10, thcy could be provided
by a rod inserted into a bore in the~ saddle.
P~eferring now to Figures 4 and 5, thc saddle is
indicated at 40 and the spring clip at 42. The saddlc and
the spring clip are similar to those employed i21 thc
embodimcnt of Figures 1, 2, 3, the manncr of securemcnt of
thc spring clip 42 being somewhat different. Instead of
providing a thrc~dcd bore, such as the threaded bore 34 in
Figures 2 and 3, the saddle is provided with a bifurcated
lug 44 having a slot dimensioncd to recei~e thc shank of a
bolt 46. The shank of the bolt 46 passcs through a nut 48
having laterally extcnding po~ts 50 that extcnd over a
looped portion 52 of the spring clip.
In this manncr, the nut 48 and thc bolt 46 can bc
preassembled to the spring clip 4~, which holds the nut and
bolt captive, while allowing the nut and the bolt to swing
about the axis of the posts 50. This permits the spring
clip 42 to be snapped over the pipc periphcry, thc nut and
the bolt thcn swung outwardly about thc axis of the posts
50, and, the saddle 40 then swung upwardly and the bolt 46
passed into the bifurcatcd lug 44. This m.7neu~cr also can
be performed using a single hand. The nut 46 is then
tightencd down using a wrcnch in ordcr to draw thc spring
clip 4~ into clamping cngagcment with the pipe, further
tightening down of the bolt resulting in thl spring clip 42
being placcd under a tensile hoop strcss, and in this
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manner providing a permanent securement of the branch
connector to the pipe that only bc released by the use of
a wrench in a premeditated manner.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a modification of the
embodiment of Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the
saddle 60 is provided with posts 62 that extend laterally
of the saddle.as in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5.
The spring clip, indicated generally at 64, includes
arcuate portions 65 that are interconnected by a laterally
extending portion 66 that extends between looped portions
67 providing transitions between the portion~ 66 and the
portions 65. The spring clip 64 is assemblcd onto the
saddle 60 by passing the arcuate portions 65 downwardly on
opposite sides of the saddle and then rotating thc spring
clip 64 to bring the longitudinally extending portion 66
into overlying relation with the upper surface of the
saddle, at which point the spring clip membcr 64 becomes
captive on the saddle but swingable about the axis of the
posts 62.
The free ends 68 of the spring clip 64 extend
outwardly and generally parallel to the longitudinally
extending portion 66. The ends 68 are then moved towards
each other and passed through the bore of a nut 70 having
axially extending channels 72 formed therein at
diametrically oppositc positions. The cnds 68 are then
allowed to spring outwardly for them to bccome captive
~_ 2059150
14
under the lowcr surface of the nut 70, subsequent to which
a bolt 74 i5 threaded into the bore of the nut, in this
manner preventing removal of the ends of the sprins clip.
The bolt 74 is then swung into a bifurcated lug 76 in the
saddle 60 and the bolt tightened down to placc thc spring
clip under tension and in clamping engagement with the
exterior of the pipe.
Figures, 8-11 illu~trate anothcr embodiment of the
invention in which the required tensilc hoop stress in the
spring clip is produced by means other than a bolt.
In this embodiment the saddle 8Q is similarli~ formed
with posts 82 providing hinged conncctions for thc cnds 84
of a spring clip 86.
At its opposite lateral side, the saddle 80 i 5 formed
with camming lugs 88 that definc ~ ch~nnel 90 for the
reception of a transver~.ely extending portion 92 of the
spring clip 86.
At each of its axial ends, thc intermediate portion 92
is formed as a V-shaped spring member ha~ins arms 94 and 96
that are capab'~ of producing a consider~ble tensile stress
in the spring clip 86 upon assembly of thc connector.
Assembly of the connector onto a pipe is ~'fected by
swinging the spring clip upwardly to position the
intermediate portion 92 in front of the camming lugs 88,
20~915~
subsequent to which a scrcwdri~er or flat mctal bar is
inserted bcneath the intermedi~t.- portion 92 and into a
slot 98 pro~idcd bctween the camming 'ugs 88. Thc
screwdriver is thcn employed to lcvcr the intermediate
portion 92 upwardly and over thc camming lugs 88, at which
time the intermediate portion 92 snap~ into thc channcl 9Q
under the infl~ence of the spring forcc excrted by the
spring arms 94 and 96. In accomplishing this operation,
the spring arms 94 and 96 w~ll be moved to a somewhat
straightened position in which thcy provide a considerable
spring force which acts both to maintain thc intermediate
portion 92 clamped within the channel 90, and also, to
place the arcuate portions 86 of the spring clip under very
considerable tensile hoop stress acting to clamp thc spring
clip and the saddle directly onto the outcr surfacc of the
associated pipe, shown at 100 in Figure 8.
In all instances the spring clip membcrs ~6, 42, 54
and 86 are formed from a high-strength rod or thick wire of
a spring stcel material of considerable tensile strength,
thus enabling the spring clip mcmbcrs to perform the dual
function of a spring clip that initially clips the branch
connector onto the pipe prior to sccuremcnt of the branch
connector to the pipe, and which thcn, upon securcment of
the spring clip to the opposite end of the saddle acts as
a clamping member capable of accommodating considcrable
tensile hoop stress in order to effcct a permanent
securement of the branch connector to the pipe.
2059~50
16
In all instances a tool must be employed in order to
detach the branch connector from the pipe, thus climinating
the possibility of accident~l and unintentional detachment
of the branch connector from the pipe.
