Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02640735 2013-10-22
A ROOF MOUNT FOR A HYDRANT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system for
interconnecting a hydrant to the roof of a building or other structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a growing need for a convenient and robust water source for, among
other things, cleaning condenser coils and washing windows in buildings. Often
hydrant
and faucets are used on roofs but suffer from leaking and possess little
structural support
to accommodate the movement of a hose, for example. To try to address this
issue, water
faucets or hydrants are currently integrated into rooftop penthouses, secured
to a box, or
secured to a bollard, methods of providing a water source that have many
drawbacks.
For example, the penthouse structure may not offer sufficient support, the
attachment
scheme may be prone to leaks, freeze protection may be insufficient, and/or
the
attachment location may not be in close proximity to the required areas of
use. In
addition, the prior art systems are often heavy and difficult to interconnect
and they also
provide unacceptable leak paths into the structure. Therefore, a need exists
for a hydrant
that can be sealingly mounted generally on a roof and yet substantially
impervious to
freezing.
Thus it is a long felt need to provide a water access system to the roof of a
building
that is easy to install and that is substantially leak and freeze proof. The
following
disclosure describes a device that provides structural support to roof-top
hydrant system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one aspect to provide a support for interconnection to a roof that
secures a
hydrant. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a
hydrant
support that interconnects to a roof deck of a building that includes a
weather-tight
sealing system that interfaces with the standpipe of a traditional hydrant.
The
contemplated mount includes a vertically-oriented hydrant support having a
flange for
interconnection to the roof. A boot is also employed by embodiments of the
present
invention that helps ensure that fluids, for example, are prevented from
entering the
building. Embodiments of the present invention employ a boot constructed of
material
suitable to seal the structure when in use and to provide weather resistance,
e.g.
ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber with UV protection. The hydrant
support may also be fitted with flashing material to mask the hydrant support.
1
CA 02640735 2008-07-29
WO 2008/021992 PCT/US2007/075636
It is also envisioned that at least one shim may be included to facilitate
interconnection between the hydrant support and the roof Preferably, a two
degree shim
is employed that is placed under the hydrant support to help ensure that the
hydrant
support is generally oriented vertically. One skilled in the art, however,
will appreciate
that the flange that is associated with the hydrant support may be constructed
of varying
thicknesses to compensate for roof pitch.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a system for
supporting a
hydrant that is easy to install. More specifically, embodiments of the present
invention
allow for the interconnection of a hydrant to a roof via a hydrant support
wherein the
hydrant support and associated boot are separable and easily interconnect to
the
standpipe. In addition, it is contemplated that a flange be used in
conjunction with the
hydrant support that is located under the roof that is used to sandwich the
roof between
the flange of the hydrant support and the flange located beneath the roof This
under
deck flange may be constructed of a single piece of material with a plurality
of holes
incorporated therein, thereby making it light and easy to install.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a tight seal
between the
standpipe and the hydrant support. When interfacing the standpipe to the
hydrant
support, a series of seals may be employed wherein the tightening of at least
one bolt
increases the compression on an intermediate seal, thereby squeezing it
tightly between
the standpipe and the inner diameter of the hydrant support. As alluded to
above, the
sealing system may be enhanced by the use of a boot that covers the seals and
that
interfaces with the standpipe and the outer diameter of the hydrant support.
The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as
being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention.
The present
invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the
Invention as well
as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and
no
limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the
inclusion or
non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent
from the
Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
2
CA 02640735 2008-07-29
WO 2008/021992 PCT/US2007/075636
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of
the
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the
general
description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the
drawings given
below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hydrant roof mount;
Fig. 2 is a partial perspective of one embodiment of the hydrant roof mount;
Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of the hydrant roof mount shown in Fig 2;
Fig. 4 is a left elevation view of the hydrant roof mount shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 are partial front elevation views of alternative configurations of the
hydrant
roof mount;
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the hydrant roof mount shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the hydrant roof mount shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 8 is an exploded view showing components associated with a hydrant
support of one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is an exploded view showing a boot of one embodiment of the present
invention with associated seals and hardware;
Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view of Fig. 5;
Fig. 11 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a boot; and
Fig. 12 is a top plan view of Fig. 11.
To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of
components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:
# Components
2 Hydrant
4 Outlet
6 Roof deck
Standpipe
14 Water source
16 Handle
18 Hydrant support
3
CA 02640735 2013-10-22
22 Boot
26 Tube
30 Flange/First flange
34 Aperture
38 Mounting bolt
42 Roof underside
46 Under deck flange/Second flange
50 Nut
54 Slot
58 Space
62 Shim
66 Boss
70 Screw
74 Washer
78 Lockwash
82 Cylindrical boot portion
84 Seal assembly/Seal system
86 Upper well seal/Upper seal
90 Lip
94 Rubber seal/Intermediate seal
98 Bottom well seal/Lower seal
102 Bolt
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In
certain
instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the
invention or that
render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be
understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the
particular
embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to Figs. 1-12, a mounting system for securing a hydrant 2 to a
roof
deck 6 is provided. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention
are used
4
CA 02640735 2013-10-22
with a common hydrant 2 having a standpipe 10 that leads to a water supply 14.
In the
illustrated embodiment, the standpipe 10 is eventually interconnected to a
water supply
14 that selectively is opened via a handle 16 of the hydrant 2. A hydrant
support 18
provides rigidity to the standpipe 10. In order to ensure that substantially
no fluid
infiltrates into the inside of the building, a seal assembly/seal system 84,
which includes
an upper well seal/upper seal 86, an intermediate seal/rubber seal 94, and a
bottom well
seal /lower seal 98, is employed that interfaces with the standpipe 10 and the
hydrant
support 18. A boot 22 may also be included to further provide leak resistance.
Referring now to Figs. 1-6, the hydrant support of one embodiment of the
present
invention is shown that includes a tube 26 and a flange/first flange 30.
Although shown
herein, the tube 26 and flange 30 possess generally circular cross-sections,
one skilled in
the art will appreciate that any shape of tube 26 and flange 30 may be
employed without
departing from the scope of the invention. One purpose of the hydrant support
18 is to
provide rigidity to the standpipe 10, thereby preventing angular motions of
the standpipe
relative to the roof deck 6. In order to prevent air, moisture and other
outside
contaminants from entering the building between any gaps that may exist
between the
standpipe 10 and the tubular portion 26 of the hydrant support 18, a boot 22
is provided.
The boot 22 is positioned on the standpipe 10 and the tube 26 of the hydrant
support 18.
The flange 30 of the hydrant support 18 includes a plurality of apertures 34
that define a
hole pattern for receipt of mounting bolts 38 that help ensure a rigid
interconnection
between the hydrant support 18 and the roof deck 6.
With specific reference to Figs. 3 and 4, interconnection of the hydrant
support 18 is preferably achieved via the plurality of mounting bolts 38 that
are
placed through the apertures 34 of the flange 30, through the roof deck 6 and
a roof
underside 42 (which may include a plurality of corrugations) and through an
under
deck flange/second flange 46. The roof deck 6 and the roof underside 42 are
thus
sandwiched between the flange 30 of the hydrant support 18 and the under deck
flange 46 and held in place via a plurality of nuts 50 that are interconnected
to the
mounting bolts 38. As will be described in further detail below, after the
hydrant
support 18 is interconnected to the roof deck 6, the standpipe 10 and
associated
hydrant 2 are placed within an inner diameter of the tube 26
5
CA 02640735 2008-07-29
WO 2008/021992 PCT/US2007/075636
and interconnected to the water supply 14. The boot may also be associated
with the
standpipe 10, thereby obstructing any gaps between the standpipe 10 and the
tube 26.
Referring now to Fig. 5, various views of alternative interconnection schemes
are
shown. More specifically, one skilled in the art will appreciate that,
although a tube 26
interconnected to a flange 30 is shown in an upright position other
interconnection
methods may be contemplated by embodiments of the present invention. For
example,
as shown in Fig. 5A, the tube is omitted entirely, wherein the standpipe 10 is
associated
with the flange 30 and the under deck flange 46. This interconnection scheme
allows for
added stability to the standpipe 10 since it is held in at least two
positions. However, the
added benefit of the tube is omitted, thereby reducing the stability of the
hydrant from
that shown in Fig. 3. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various
seals may also be
included with the flanges 30 and 46 to reduce the chances of leaking.
Referring now to Fig. 5B, another method of interconnecting the hydrant mount
to a roof deck 6 is shown. Here, the system of Fig. 3 is inverted wherein the
tube 26 is
positioned within the roof The remainder of the mount is similar to that shown
in Fig. 3,
wherein the under deck flange 46 is used in conjunction with a flange 30 of
the hydrant
support to provide the necessary structure to hold the standpipe in place. The
seal
assembly 84 is also included that interconnects the tube to the standpipe 10.
Referring now to Fig. 5C, yet another interconnection method is shown that is
very similar to Fig. 5B. More specifically, in this configuration, the under
deck flange is
omitted wherein the seal assembly 84 provides most of the structural support
to the
standpipe 10.
Referring now to Fig. 5D, yet another interconnecting method is shown wherein
an elongated tube is provided. The tube 26 is designed to extend above the
roof deck 6
and below the roof underside 42. However, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that the
tube 26 may extend in only one direction. The tube 26 is held in place via the
flange 30
and the under deck flange 46, which are interconnected via a plurality of
mounting bolts
38 and associated nuts 50. The standpipe 10 is affixed within the tube 26 by
at least one
seal assembly 84. Here it is shown that the flange 30 and the tube 26 are
separable
elements. This concept can be carried on to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 as
well. In
6
CA 02640735 2008-07-29
WO 2008/021992 PCT/US2007/075636
addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the seal assembly 84,
the tube 26, the
flange 30 and the under deck flange 46 of any of the embodiments contemplated
herein
may be made of a one or more pieces such as a clamshell configuration that may
be used
with sealing elements such as o-rings to facilitate assembly.
Referring now specifically to Figs. 6and 7, the hydrant support flange 30 and
the under deck flange 46 is shown. More specifically, of some embodiments so
the
present invention, the flange 30 employs a plurality of about 3/4 inch
diameter apertures
34 positioned approximately in an 8 inch bolt circle. One skilled in the art
will
appreciate, however, that the flange 30 may possess any shape, be any size and
have
apertures of any size and number. In addition, each aperture 34 may be
associated with a
slot 54 that allows for adjustments of the hydrant support 18 prior to rigid
interconnection of the hydrant support 18 to the roof deck 6. Preferably, the
flange 30
employs hex-shaped countersunk holes that allow an individual installer to
mate the
under deck flange 46 with the mounting bolts 38 without having to secure the
mounting
bolt heads at the same time. The under deck flange 46 may include a plurality
of
weight-reducing spaces 58 that allow for easier interconnection to the
mounting bolts 38.
The under deck flange 46 may also include a plurality of slots 54 to allow for
rotational
alignment of the under deck flange 46 with respect to the hydrant support
flange 30. As
one of skill in the art will appreciate, the under deck flange 46 may be
omitted wherein
the nuts 50 interface with the mounting bolts 38 and abut the roof underside
42.
Referring now to Fig. 8, an exploded perspective view of the hydrant support
18
of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the hydrant support
18
includes the hollow cylindrical tube 26 interconnected to the flange 30 having
four
apertures 34 in a previously described hole pattern. The hydrant support 18 is
preferably
constructed of cast iron, however, it is contemplated that other similar rigid
materials
may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. According
to
embodiments of the present invention, the tube is preferably about 11.25
inches long and
the flange has a diameter of about 10 inches. Again, those skilled in the art
will
appreciate that the tube and flange may be any size. When interconnecting the
flange 30
to the roof deck 6, a shim 62 may be employed, which also may include slotted
apertures
7
CA 02640735 2008-07-29
WO 2008/021992 PCT/US2007/075636
54, to help ensure that the tube 26 is oriented generally vertical. The shim
62 preferably
possesses an angle of about two degrees, however, it is foreseeable that shims
62 of other
angles may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The
under
deck flange 46 is shown having a plurality of spaces 58 to decrease its
weight. The
under deck flange 46 may also include a boss 66 emanating therefrom that
provides a
location for a plurality of screws 70. In operation, the screws 70 interface
with the
standpipe 10 to enhance angular and vertical rigidity. As one skilled in the
art will
appreciate, a plurality of washers 74, lock washers 78 and nuts 50 are used in
conjunction with the mounting bolts 38.
Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, the boot 22 and associated hardware used to
connect the boot 22 to the hydrant support 18 is provided. More specifically,
the boot 22
of embodiments of the present invention includes a cylindrical portion 82 that
is
associated with the standpipe 10 and a larger diameter portion that is
associated with the
tube 26 of the hydrant support 18. As shown herein, the boot 22 is comprised
of a
plurality of circumferential and/or conical sections, however, one skilled in
the art will
appreciate that the boot may include various individual interconnected pieces
and may
be of any shape that generally prevents fluids or other items from entering
between the
standpipe 10 and the tube 26. Preferably, the boot is made of EPDM and has at
least
some ultraviolet protection, thereby maximizing the life of the boot material.
Referring now to Figs. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the boot is shown. As
one skilled in the art will appreciate, boots as contemplated herein can be
configured in a
variety of shapes and sizes. Here, the boot 22 is similar to that described
above, however
it is more succinctly described as a cap that blocks the seal assembly.
Assemblage of the
boot, as described in more detail below is also very similar to that described
above.
With specific reference to Fig. 12, the concept of a multiple pieced boot is
shown. Here,
the boot is comprised of two separable pieces that are clam shelled around the
standpipe
and interconnected. Interconnection can be achieved by adhesives, fasteners, a
snap
fit (which may be integrally molded into the boot halves), tying, or any other
similar
method. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the boot may be comprised
of two or
more pieces, thereby facilitating interconnection of the boot 22 to the
hydrant assembly
8
CA 02640735 2008-07-29
WO 2008/021992 PCT/US2007/075636
in the field. As shown in Fig. 10, embodiments of the present invention employ
an
upper well seal 86 having a lip 90 for interconnection to the upper end of the
tube 26.
Beneath the upper well seal 86, preferably a rubber seal 94 is located that is
followed by
a bottom well seal 98. The bottom well seal 98 also includes a threaded inner
diameter
such that a bolt 102 is used to interconnect all three seals. The upper
cylindrical portion
82 of the boot 22 is then slid down on the assemblage of seals to complete the
sealing
system. The remaining portion of the boot 22 then drapes over the bolts 102
and seals
and engages the tube 26. Thus, a system is provided where fluids, air, smoke,
or other
outside contaminants are prevented from infiltrating into the space between
the tube 26
of the hydrant support 18.
Referring now again to Figs. 1-12, the roof mounting system of embodiments of
the present invention is shipped in a kit that preferably includes a pre-
assembled hydrant
assembly, with seal assembly 84 and boot 22 interconnected thereto, along with
the
hydrant support 18 and associated hardware. Alternatively, the kit may just
include the
seal assembly 84, hydrant support 18, boot 22 and associated hardware for
retrofitting
existing hydrant mountings. To install the hydrant support 18 of one
embodiment the
hole pattern of the hydrant support flange 30 is initially used to provide
locations for
drilling the mounting bolt 38 holes through the roof deck 6 and the roof
underside 42.
The tube 26 of the hydrant support is also used to locate the standpipe
penetration. More
specifically, the installer places the hydrant support 18 on top of the roof
deck 6 and
assess the need for any shimming. If, in fact, shimming is required, the
proper shim(s)
may be placed upon the roof deck 6 along with the hydrant support to ensure
that the
hydrant support 18 will be aligned generally vertically after installation.
Next, the
location of the mounting holes and the hole that accommodates the standpipe 10
are
marked. The hydrant support 18 and associated shims 62 are then removed and
the
appropriate holes are drilled into the roof deck 6 and through the roof deck
under surface
42. The hydrant support 18 and associated shims 62 are then placed over the
hole and a
plurality of mounting bolts 38 are then threaded through the apertures of the
flange 30,
through the apertures of any shims included, through the roof deck 6 and
through the
roof deck underside 42. The under deck flange 46 is then brought up and
interconnected
9
CA 02640735 2008-07-29
WO 2008/021992 PCT/US2007/075636
to the mounting bolts 38 via a plurality of washers 70 and 74 and nuts 50.
Finally, a
plurality of screws 70 are used that interface with threaded holes in the boss
66 that
protrudes from the under deck flange 46, thereby generally preventing rotation
and
translation of the standpipe. Instead of screws 70, another seal assembly 84
can be used
to interface the standpipe 10 with the boss 66 or a clamp or bracket may be
employed to
interconnect the standpipe 10 with the under deck flange 46. For example, a
split ring
with or without seals is contemplated.
After the hydrant support 18 is located, the installer inserts the standpipe
10 (with
the associated seal assembly 84 positioned toward the hydrant 2) through the
tube 26 of
the hydrant support 18. The upper well seal 86, rubber seal 94 and associated
well seal
98 are then slid between the standpipe 10 and the hydrant support 18. One
skilled in the
art will appreciate that the seal assembly 84 may alternatively be clam
shelled around the
standpipe 10 to facilitate on site interconnection and retrofitting. It is
important to note
the amount of standpipe 10 exposed out of the hydrant support 18 may be
selectively
altered in the vertical direction at this time. Once the desired height of the
hydrant 2 is
achieved, the other end of the standpipe 10 is interconnected to the water
supply 14. The
seal assembly 84, which includes the upper well seal 86, the rubber seal 94
and the
bottom well seal 98, is then tightened via the bolts 102 such that the lower
well seal 98 is
drawn upward towards the upper well seal 86, thereby bulging the rubber seal
94 to form
a tight seal between the standpipe 10 and the tube 26.
At this time, roofing material may be integrated around the hydrant support
18.
For example, flashing, a weather proofing shielding used to prevent intrusion
of water
into buildings, may be wrapped around the tube 26 of the hydrant support 18.
Roof
flashing is often placed around discontinuities or objects which protrude from
the roof of
a building to deflect water away from seams or joints. Here, one skilled in
the art will
appreciate that all sealing methods generally used to accommodate other roof
protrusions
may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention.
The optional boot 22, which was previously located near the hydrant 2 is then
slid onto the standpipe 10 and associated with the tubular portion of the
hydrant support
18. Boots 22 of alternative embodiments that possess multiple pieces could, of
course, be
CA 02640735 2013-10-22
. .
. .
integrated onto the hydrant support 18 at any time. Some boots 22 contemplated
herein
are designed to be easily movable away from the hydrant support 18 or removed
from
the hydrant support 18 to allow selective access to the seal assembly bolts
102, thereby
allowing quick access to the seal assembly 84 for servicing and/or
replacement. Finally, .
the standpipe 10 is interconnected to the hydrant 2 at one end and the water
supply 14 on
the other end.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in
detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments
will occur
to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that
such
modifications and alterations are within the scope of the present invention,
as set forth in
the following claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
aspects of
other inventions may be incorporated in or added in combination to the
embodiments of
the present invention disclosed herein. For example, aspects of inventions
disclosed in
U.S. Patent and Published Patent Application Nos. 5632303, 5590679, 7100637,
5813428, and 20060196561, which concern backflow prevention may be
incorporated
into embodiments of the present invention. Aspects of inventions disclosed in
U.S.
Patent Nos. 5701925 and 5246028, which concern sanitary hydrants may be
incorporated into embodiments of the present invention. Aspects of inventions
disclosed
in U.S. Patent Nos. 6532986, 6805154, 6135359, 6769446, 6830063, RE39235,
6206039, 6883534, 6857442 and 6142172, which concern freeze-proof hydrants may
be
incorporated into embodiments of the present invention. Aspects of inventions
disclosed
in U.S. Patent and Published Patent Application Nos. D521113, D470915,
7234732,
7059937, 6679473, 6431204, 7111875, D482431, 6631623, 6948518, 6948509,
20070044840, 20070044838, 20070039649, 20060254647 and 20060108804, which
concern general hydrant technology may be incorporated into embodiments of the
present invention.
11
