Fitting and gasket

Abstract

To provide a fitting and a gasket.SOLUTION: A fitting has a conduit with a bore defined by a surface facing an axis coaxially located with respect to the bore. The surface may have three portions including a conical portion located proximate to the inlet of the conduit, a threaded portion located proximate to the outlet of the conduit and a cylindrical portion located between the conical and threaded portions. A gasket is positioned within the conduit. The gasket has an outer surface and an inner surface facing the axis. The gasket inner surface has angularly oriented lands. One of the lands faces the outlet and is engaged by a threaded component received by the threaded portion. Engagement between the component and the land compresses the gasket radially outwardly and longitudinally within the conduit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 171,103, filed April 6, 2021, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a gasket and threaded joint for forming a fluid-tight joint. [Background technology]

[0003] (background) The connection of a threaded fluid control component, such as a sprinkler, to a tapered threaded fitting in a fire suppression system traditionally requires that a sealing compound (known as "pipe dope") be applied to the male threads of the component to ensure a fluid-tight joint at the threaded engagement between the fitting and the component. A more modern approach to ensuring a fluid-tight joint involves wrapping the male threads in a sealing tape, including polytetrafluoroethylene, prior to engaging the component with the fitting. Some practitioners have even gone so far as to apply pipe dope to taped fittings.

[0004] These steps, intended to produce fluid-tight joints, require additional time, effort, and expense to produce results. Moreover, even when care is taken in the implementation of these steps, the attachment of sprinklers to the joints still results in a percentage of leaking joints that require correction. There is clearly an opportunity to improve the arrangement of threaded components by eliminating such steps while still maintaining a fluid-tight joint. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (summary) The present invention relates to a fitting. Exemplary fittings may include reducers, elbows, T-joints, or cruciform fittings. In an exemplary embodiment, the fitting includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet that are connected to each other via a bore extending therebetween. The conduit includes a surface that surrounds and defines the bore. A first portion of the surface is positioned proximate to the outlet. The first portion includes a thread that extends along the bore. The thread may include a straight thread, which may include, for example, an NPSL thread. In another example, the thread may include a tapered thread. A second portion of the surface is positioned between the first portion and the inlet. The second portion defines a truncated cone. A base of the cone is positioned proximate to the inlet. The cone defines a turnaround space within the bore. A shoulder surface is positioned at the inlet. A shoulder surface projects into the bore, the shoulder surface facing the outlet and oriented transversely and non-perpendicular to an axis aligned coaxially with the bore.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the fitting further comprises a third portion of the surface positioned between the first and second portions, the third portion defining a cylindrical shape.

[0007] In an example, the fitting further comprises a gasket positioned within the bore between the first and second portions of the surface. The gasket comprises an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis. The outer surface of the gasket may have a length greater than a length of a third portion of the surface. The outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. In an example embodiment, the inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned proximate the first portion of the surface. The first land is oriented at an angle with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is greater at a point proximate the first portion of the surface than at a point distal thereto. Further, by way of example, the inner surface of the gasket may further comprise a second land positioned proximate the second portion of the surface. The second land is oriented at an angle with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is greater at a point proximate the inlet than at a point distal thereto. In an example embodiment, the second land has a surface area greater than the surface area of ​​the first land.

[0008] As an example, the fitting according to the present invention may further include a sprinkler or other fluid control component at the outlet that is threadably received within the bore, and an end of the sprinkler may engage the first land. The sprinkler or other fluid control component may include a straight thread, and the straight thread may include an NPSL thread. In another example, the sprinkler or other fluid control component may include a tapered thread. In an exemplary embodiment, the end of the sprinkler may include a chamfer. The chamfer may have the same angular orientation as that of the first land. The engagement between the sprinkler and the first land compresses the gasket against the shoulder surface.

[0009] Another exemplary fitting according to the present invention comprises a conduit having an inlet and an outlet connected to each other via a bore extending therebetween. The conduit comprises a surface surrounding and defining the bore. A first portion of the surface is positioned proximate the outlet, the outlet comprising a thread extending along the bore. A second portion of the surface positioned between the first portion and the inlet defines a cylindrical shape. A shoulder surface is positioned at the inlet and protrudes into the bore. The shoulder surface faces the outlet and is oriented transversely and non-perpendicularly to an axis aligned coaxially with the bore. The exemplary fitting may comprise a reducer and a reinforcing washer positioned at the outlet of the fitting.

[0010] The present invention also encompasses a method of sealing a threaded sprinkler to a fitting defining a conduit having a threaded outlet using a gasket positioned within the conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: rotating a threaded sprinkler within the threaded outlet port to advance the sprinkler into engagement with the angularly oriented land of the gasket; continuing to rotate the threaded sprinkler so as to compress the gasket both longitudinally within the conduit and radially outwardly relative to the conduit; Includes.

[0011] The method may further include engaging the threads of a threaded sprinkler with the land. The present invention provides, for example, the following items. (Item 1) A joint, the joint comprising: a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being interconnected via a bore extending therebetween, the conduit comprising a surface surrounding and defining the bore; a first portion of the surface positioned proximate the outlet, the first portion including a thread extending along the bore; a second portion of the surface located between the first portion and the inlet defining a truncated cone, the base of the cone being located proximate the inlet, the second portion defining a turning space within the bore; a shoulder surface located at the inlet and projecting into the bore, the shoulder surface facing the outlet and oriented transversely and non-perpendicularly with respect to an axis aligned coaxially with the bore; A fitting. (Item 2) Item 1. The fitting of item 1, further comprising a third portion of the surface positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion defining a cylindrical shape. (Item 3) Item 2. The fitting of item 1, wherein the thread comprises a straight thread. (Item 4) 4. The fitting of claim 3, wherein the straight thread comprises a NPSL thread. (Item 5) Item 2. The fitting of item 1, wherein the threads comprise tapered threads. (Item 6) Item 1. The fitting of item 1, further comprising a gasket positioned in the bore between the first and second portions of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis. (Item 7) 7. The fitting of claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. (Item 8) 7. The fitting of claim 6, wherein the inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned proximate the first portion of the surface, the first land being oriented at an angle relative to the axis such that an inner diameter of the gasket is greater at a point proximate the first portion of the surface than at a point distal thereto. (Item 9) Item 9. The fitting of item 8, wherein the inner surface of the gasket further comprises a second land located proximate the second portion of the surface, the second land being oriented at an angle relative to the axis such that an inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point proximate the inlet than at a point distal thereto. (Item 10) 10. The fitting of claim 9, wherein the second land has a surface area greater than a surface area of ​​the first land. (Item 11) 9. The fitting of claim 8, further comprising a sprinkler or other fluid control component threadably received within the bore at the outlet, an end of the sprinkler engaging the first land. (Item 12) Item 12. The fitting of item 11, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises a straight thread. (Item 13) Item 13. The fitting of item 12, wherein the straight thread comprises a NPSL thread. (Item 14) Item 12. The fitting of item 11, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component includes a tapered thread. (Item 15) Item 12. The fitting of item 11, wherein the end of the sprinkler includes a chamfer, the chamfer having the same angular orientation as that of the first land. (Item 16) Item 12. The fitting of item 11, wherein the engagement between the sprinkler and the first land compresses the gasket against the shoulder surface. (Item 17) Item 3. The fitting of item 2, further comprising a gasket positioned in the bore between the first and second portions of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis. (Item 18) Item 18. The fitting of item 17, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. (Item 19) Item 19. The fitting of item 18, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a length that is greater than a length of the third portion of the surface. (Item 20) 2. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the fitting comprises a reducer, an elbow fitting, a T-fitting, or a cruciform fitting. (Item 21) A joint, a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being interconnected via a bore extending therebetween, the conduit comprising a surface surrounding and defining the bore; a first portion of the surface positioned proximate the outlet, the first portion including a thread extending along the bore; a second portion of the surface positioned between the first portion and the inlet, the second portion defining a cylindrical shape; a shoulder surface located at the inlet and projecting into the bore, the shoulder surface facing the outlet and oriented transversely and non-perpendicularly with respect to an axis aligned coaxially with the bore; A fitting. (Item 22) 22. The fitting of claim 21, wherein the threads comprise tapered threads. (Item 23) 22. The fitting of claim 21, wherein the threads comprise straight threads. (Item 24) Item 24. The fitting of item 23, wherein the straight thread comprises a NPSL thread. (Item 25) 22. The fitting of claim 21, further comprising a gasket positioned in the bore between the first and second portions of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis. (Item 26) Item 26. The fitting of item 25, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. (Item 27) 26. The fitting of claim 25, wherein the inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned proximate the first portion of the surface, the first land being oriented at an angle relative to the axis such that an inner diameter of the gasket is greater at a point proximate the first portion of the surface than at a point distal thereto. (Item 28) Item 28. The fitting of item 27, wherein the inner surface of the gasket further comprises a second land positioned proximate the second portion of the surface, the second land being oriented at an angle relative to the axis such that an inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point proximate the inlet than at a point distal thereto. (Item 29) Item 29. The fitting of item 28, wherein the second land has a surface area greater than a surface area of ​​the first land. (Item 30) Item 28. The fitting of item 27, further comprising a sprinkler or other fluid control component threadably received within the bore at the outlet, an end of the sprinkler engaging the first land. (Item 31) 31. The fitting of claim 30, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises a straight thread. (Item 32) Item 32. The fitting of item 31, wherein the straight thread comprises a NPSL thread. (Item 33) 31. The fitting of claim 30, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component includes a tapered thread. (Item 34) Item 31. The fitting of item 30, wherein the end of the sprinkler includes a chamfer, the chamfer having the same angular orientation as that of the first land. (Item 35) Item 31. The fitting of item 30, wherein the engagement between the sprinkler and the first land compresses the gasket against the shoulder surface. (Item 36) 22. The fitting of claim 21, wherein the fitting comprises a reducing fitting. (Item 37) Item 37. The fitting of item 36, further comprising a reinforcing washer positioned at the outlet of the fitting. (Item 38) 1. A method of sealing a threaded sprinkler to a fitting defining a conduit having a threaded outlet using a gasket positioned within the conduit, the method comprising: rotating the threaded sprinkler within the threaded outlet port to advance the sprinkler into engagement with an angularly oriented land of the gasket; continuing to rotate the threaded sprinkler to compress the gasket both longitudinally within the conduit and radially outwardly relative to the conduit; A method comprising: (Item 39) 40. The method of claim 38, further comprising engaging the threads of the threaded sprinkler with the land. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary fitting and gasket according to the present invention engaged with a sprinkler.

[0013] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the joint shown in FIG.

[0014] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the exemplary gasket shown in FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale.

[0015] [Figure 4] 4-7 are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the arrangement of components into a joint according to the present invention shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4-7 are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the arrangement of components into a joint according to the present invention shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 4-7 are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the arrangement of components into a joint according to the present invention shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 4-7 are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the arrangement of components into a joint according to the present invention shown in FIG.

[0016] [Figure 8] 8-14 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of different exemplary embodiments of couplings according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 8-14 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of different exemplary embodiments of couplings according to the present invention. [Figure 10] 8-14 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of different exemplary embodiments of couplings according to the present invention. [Figure 11] 8-14 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of different exemplary embodiments of couplings according to the present invention. [Figure 12] 8-14 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of different exemplary embodiments of couplings according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 8-14 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of different exemplary embodiments of couplings according to the present invention. [Figure 14] 8-14 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of different exemplary embodiments of couplings according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] (Detailed Description) FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fitting 10 according to the present invention. In this example, the fitting 10 is a "T-shaped" for connecting a fluid control device, such as an exemplary sprinkler 12, within a piping run (not shown). The exemplary fitting 10 includes a conduit 14 having an inlet 16 and an outlet 18 interconnected via a bore 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the conduit 14 includes a surface 22 that surrounds and defines the bore 20. A first portion 24 of the surface 22, located proximate the outlet 18, includes a female thread 26 that extends along the bore 20. In this example, the thread 26 is a straight thread, such as an NPSL thread, which may be advantageously used to connect the fitting 10 to a fluid control device, such as a sprinkler, which may have a straight male thread. However, the thread 26 may also be a tapered thread. A second portion 28 of the surface 22 is positioned between the first portion 24 and the inlet 16. A third portion 30 of the surface 22 may be positioned between the first and second portions (24 and 28). The second portion 28 of the surface 22 advantageously defines a frustum 32. A base 34 of the cone 32 is positioned adjacent the inlet 16. When present, the third portion 30 defines a generally cylindrical shape 36.

[0018] A shoulder surface 38 is positioned at the inlet 16. The shoulder surface 38 projects into the bore 20 and faces the outlet 18. The shoulder surface 38 is oriented transversely and non-perpendicularly to an axis 40 that is aligned coaxially with the bore 20, thereby providing a dovetail shape to the second portion 28 of the surface 22 when viewed in longitudinal cross section, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. This angular orientation of the shoulder surface 38 guides the deformation behavior of a gasket 42, which is positioned in the bore 20 between the first and second portions (24 and 28) of the surface 22, as described below.

[0019] The gasket 42 is advantageously formed from an elastomer such as EPDM and includes an outer surface 44 facing away from the axis 40 and an inner surface 46 facing the axis, as shown in FIG. 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 44 has a cylindrical shape with a radius of curvature that is substantially matched to that of the third portion 30 of the surface 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface 44 overlaps both the third and second portions (30 and 28) of the surface 22, and the length of the outer surface 44 of the gasket 42 is longer than the length of the third portion 30 of the surface 22. The gasket 42 sits between the shoulder surface 38 and an undercut 48 that marks the boundary between the first and third portions (24 and 30) of the surface 22. It is noted that the truncated cone 32, defined by the second portion 28, defines a turnaround space 50 within which the gasket can deform when compressed.

[0020] 3, the inner surface 46 of the gasket 42 includes a first land 52 that is positioned proximate the first portion 24 of the surface 22 when disposed within the bore 20. The first land 52 is oriented at an angle relative to the axis 40 such that the inner diameter 54 of the gasket is larger at a point proximate the first portion 24 than at a point distal thereto. In terms of practical design, the orientation angle 56 of the first land 52 ranges from 25° to 50°, with an angle of about 30° to 45° being considered advantageous.

[0021] As further shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface 46 of the gasket 42 may further comprise a second land 58 positioned proximate the second portion 28 of the surface 22. In this embodiment, the second land 58 is also oriented at an angle relative to the axis 40, but with an opposite inclination to the first land such that the inner diameter 60 of the gasket 42 is greater at a point proximate the inlet 16 than at a point distal thereto. To provide pressure responsiveness to the gasket 42, the second land 58 has a surface area 62 that is greater than a surface area 64 of the first land 52. The orientation angle 66 of the second land may range from 20° to 60°, with an angle of about 25° being considered advantageous for practical designs.

[0022] 1, fitting 10 and gasket 42 may be used to mount a tapered-threaded sprinkler 12 or another fluid control component, for example, in a piping network of a fire suppression system. Sprinkler 12 is threadably received within bore 20 at outlet 18, with end 68 of the sprinkler engaging first land 52. End 68 of sprinkler 12 typically includes a chamfer 70, and it is considered advantageous if the chamfer has the same angular orientation as that of first land 52.

[0023] When arranged as described below, it is expected that a fluid-tight seal between the tapered threaded sprinkler 12 and the fitting 10 will be achieved with the straight threads 26 without the need for pipe tape or pipe dope.

[0024] An exemplary method of sealing a tapered-threaded sprinkler 12 to a fitting 10 according to the present invention begins by rotating the threaded sprinkler 12 within the straight-threaded outlet 18 to advance the sprinkler into engagement with the angularly oriented first land 52 of the gasket 42, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. Figure 4 details the first contact between the sprinkler 12 and the gasket 42. Note that in this embodiment, the chamfer 70 engages the first land 52 at substantially the same orientation angle.

[0025] Rotation of the threaded sprinkler 12 then continues to compress the gasket 42 within the conduit 14 both longitudinally (compression against the shoulder surface 38) and radially outwardly against the surface 22 of the conduit, as shown in Figure 5. The angular orientation of the first land 52 contributes to the radial compression of the gasket 42 as the sprinkler 12 advances, as is evident from the force vector solution at the sprinkler-gasket interface. Figure 5 illustrates one full rotation of the sprinkler 12 after the first contact of Figure 4.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows the sprinkler 12 seated within the conduit 14 and in the sealing engagement. Note that the gasket 42, which is substantially incompressible, is deformed into the turnaround space 50 defined by the cone 32 of the inner surface 22. The deformation of the gasket 42 into the turnaround space 50 is guided by the angular orientation of the shoulder surface 38 against which the gasket is compressed. It is further observed that the threads 26 of the sprinkler 12 engage the first land 52, providing an additional sealing effect. FIG. 6 illustrates two full rotations of the sprinkler 12 after the first contact of FIG. 4.

[0027] 7 shows the sprinkler 12, gasket 42, and conduit 14 at three complete revolutions after the first contact of FIG. 4. Although an effective seal is achieved at or before one revolution after the first contact, it is anticipated that the fitting 10 and gasket 42 of the present invention will maintain a fluid-tight seal for at least three revolutions past the first contact and may even provide additional sealing effect in this range of revolutions. The seal and fitting of the present invention is therefore anticipated to allow advantageous adjustability of the angular position of the sprinkler 12 to provide a desired orientation of the sprinkler frame arms and deflectors without compromising the integrity of the seal. The axial position of the sprinkler relative to the fitting 10 is also adjustable using the seal and fitting of the present invention.

[0028] 8-12 show additional exemplary embodiments of fittings according to the present invention, including a T-shaped fitting 72 (FIG. 8) having two conduits 14 and a gasket 42, a 90° elbow fitting 74 (FIG. 9) having one conduit 14 and one gasket 42, and a cross fitting 76 (FIG. 10) having two opposing conduits 14 and two gaskets 42. FIG. 11 shows a cross section of a reducer 78 at one end 80 thereof that may receive a sprinkler 12. An opposite end 82 of the reducer 78 may be connected to a flexible conduit.

[0029] With respect to the exemplary embodiment of the fitting shown in FIGS. 1-12, it is advantageous to include a turn space 50, but the exemplary gasket 42 may be used with a fitting that does not have a turn space in effect. An exemplary embodiment of such a fitting 84 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The exemplary fitting 84 is a reducer that may be used with a reinforcing washer 86 when receiving a sprinkler 12, as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 13 illustrates a reducer 84 in which an exemplary gasket 42, having lands 52 and 58 as described above, is received within a bore 88 of the fitting 84. A surface 90, which defines a portion of the bore 88, surrounds the gasket 42. The surface 90 includes a first portion 92 positioned proximate an outlet 94 of the fitting 84. The surface portion 92 includes threads 96 for receiving a threaded sprinkler 12, as shown in FIG. Unlike the previously described exemplary embodiment, the surface 92 does not include a frustoconical portion, but includes a second portion 98 that defines a cylindrical shape 100 positioned between the first portion 92 and the inlet 102. A shoulder surface 104 is positioned at the inlet 102 and projects into the bore 88. The shoulder surface 104 is oriented transversely and non-perpendicularly with respect to an axis 106 that faces the outlet 94 and is aligned coaxially with the bore 88. The shoulder surface 104 thus provides the second portion 98 with a dovetail shape when viewed in longitudinal cross section, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. As shown in Figure 14, the angular orientation of the shoulder surface 104 guides the deformation behavior of the gasket 42 when engaged by the sprinkler 12.

[0030] 14 shows the sprinkler 12 sealingly seated against the gasket 42, with the chamfer 70 of the sprinkler engaging the first land 52 of the gasket. The gasket 42 is thus compressed against the shoulder surface 104, and the gasket is fixedly secured between the shoulder surface 104 and the sprinkler 12.

[0031] The seals and fittings according to the present invention are expected to provide a more reliable joint with less tendency to leak while being compatible with both tapered and straight threads without sealing tapes or pipe dopes. Additionally, it is expected that less time and effort will be required to form the joint because there is less prep work and less torque is required to secure the components in a fluid-tight manner.

[0032] All of the embodiments of the claimed invention described herein are expressly provided by way of example only. Numerous variations and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the concept of the disclosure. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to encompass all modifications and combinations of all elements, features, and aspects described in the specification and claims and shown in the drawings. All such modifications and combinations are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described in this specification.

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