Joint and gasket

Abstract

The fitting has a conduit with a bore defined by an axially facing surface located coaxially with the bore. The surface may have three portions including a conical portion located proximate the inlet of the conduit, a threaded portion located proximate the outlet of the conduit, and a cylindrical portion located between the conical portion and the threaded portion. A gasket is positioned within the conduit. The gasket has an outer surface and an axially facing inner surface. The inner surface of the gasket has angularly oriented lands. One of the lands faces the outlet and is engaged by a threaded component that is received by the threaded portion. The engagement between the component and the land compresses the gasket radially outward and longitudinally within the conduit. The angularly oriented shoulder guides the gasket into a turnaround space (if present) defined by the conical portion as it is deformed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 171,103, filed on April 6, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to gaskets and threaded joints for forming fluid - tight joints.

Background Art

[0003] (Background) The connection of threaded fluid - control components, such as sprinklers, to tapered - threaded joints within a fire - suppression system has conventionally required that a sealing composition (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 joint and the component. A more modern approach to ensuring a fluid - tight joint involves wrapping the male threads within a sealing tape that includes polytetrafluoroethylene before engaging the component with the joint. Some persons of ordinary skill in the art even apply pipe dope to joints held with tape.

[0004] These steps, which are intended to produce a fluid - tight joint, require additional time, labor, and expense to effect. Further, even when care is taken in the implementation of these steps, the installation of a sprinkler onto a joint still results in a certain percentage of leaking joints, which requires correction. There is clearly an opportunity to improve the arrangement of threaded components while still maintaining a fluid - tight joint without eliminating such steps.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Abstract The present invention relates to a joint. An exemplary joint may include a reducing joint, an elbow joint, a T-shaped joint, or a cross-shaped joint. In one exemplary embodiment, the joint includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet that are interconnected via a bore extending therebetween. The conduit includes a surface that surrounds and defines the bore. A first portion of the surface is positioned adjacent to the outlet. The first portion includes threads that extend along the bore. The threads may include straight threads, and the straight threads may include, for example, NPSL threads. In another example, the threads may include tapered threads. A second portion of the surface is positioned between the first portion and the inlet. The second portion defines a frustum of a cone. The base of the frustum is positioned adjacent to the inlet. The frustum defines a direction-changing space within the bore. A shoulder surface is positioned at the inlet. The shoulder surface projects into the bore. The shoulder surface is oriented transversely and non-vertically with respect to an axis that is opposed to the outlet and coaxial with the bore.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the joint further includes a third portion of the surface positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The third portion defines a cylindrical shape.

[0007] In one embodiment, the joint further comprises a gasket positioned within the bore between the first and second portions of the surface. The gasket has 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 that is longer than the length of the third portion of the surface. The outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned adjacent to the first portion of the surface. The first land is angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point proximate to the first portion of the surface than at a point distal thereto. Further, as an example, the inner surface of the gasket may further comprise a second land positioned adjacent to the second portion of the surface. The second land is angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point proximate to the inlet than at a point distal thereto. In one exemplary embodiment, the second land has a surface area that is larger than the surface area of the first land.

[0008] As an example, the joint according to the present invention further comprises a sprinkler or other fluid control component that is threadedly received within the bore at the outlet, and the end of the sprinkler may engage the first land. The sprinkler or other fluid control component may comprise straight threads, and the straight threads may comprise NPSL threads. In another embodiment, the sprinkler or other fluid control component may comprise tapered threads. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of the sprinkler may comprise 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 joint according to the present invention comprises a conduit having an inlet and an outlet that are interconnected 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 and comprises threads that extend 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 projects into the bore. The shoulder surface is oriented transverse and non-perpendicular to an axis that is opposed to the outlet and coaxial with the bore. The exemplary joint may comprise a reducing joint and a reinforcing washer positioned at the outlet of the joint.

[0010] The present invention also encompasses a method of sealing a threaded sprinkler to a joint defining a conduit having a threaded outlet using a gasket positioned within the conduit. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises rotating the threaded sprinkler within the threaded outlet such that the sprinkler is advanced into engagement with a land that is oriented at an angle to the gasket, and continuing to rotate the threaded sprinkler to compress the gasket both longitudinally within the conduit and radially outwardly with respect to the conduit. and includes.

[0011] The method may further include engaging the threads of the threaded sprinkler with the land. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A joint, wherein the joint is 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 conduit; a first portion of the surface, provided with a thread, extending along the bore and positioned proximate to the outlet; a second portion of the surface positioned between the first portion and the inlet defining a frustum, the base of the frustum being positioned proximate to the inlet, the frustum defining a direction-changing space within the bore; a shoulder surface positioned at the inlet and protruding into the bore, the shoulder surface facing the outlet and being oriented transversely and non-vertically with respect to an axis arranged coaxially with the bore; A joint comprising. (Item 2) The joint according to 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) The joint according to item 1, wherein the thread comprises a straight thread. (Item 4) The joint according to item 3, wherein the straight thread comprises an NPSL thread. (Item 5) The joint according to item 1, wherein the thread comprises a tapered thread. (Item 6) The joint according to item 1, further comprising a gasket positioned within the bore between the first portion and the second portion of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis. (Item 7) The joint according to item 6, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. (Item 8) The joint according to item 6, wherein the inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned proximate to the first portion of the surface, the first land being angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point proximate to the first portion of the surface than at a point distal therefrom. (Item 9) The inner surface of the gasket further comprises a second land positioned proximate to the second portion of the surface, the second land being angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point proximate to the inlet than at a point distal therefrom, the fitting according to item 8. (Item 10) The fitting according to item 9, wherein the second land has a surface area larger than the surface area of the first land. (Item 11) The fitting according to item 8, further comprising a sprinkler or other fluid control component threadedly received within the bore at the outlet, the end of the sprinkler engaging the first land. (Item 12) The fitting according to item 11, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises straight threads. (Item 13) The fitting according to item 12, wherein the straight threads comprise NPSL threads. (Item 14) The fitting according to item 11, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises tapered threads. (Item 15) The fitting according to item 11, wherein the end of the sprinkler comprises a chamfer having the same angular orientation as that of the first land. (Item 16) The fitting according to item 11, wherein the engagement between the sprinkler and the first land compresses the gasket against the shoulder surface. (Item 17) The fitting according to item 2, further comprising a gasket positioned within the bore between the first portion and the second portion of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis. (Item 18) The fitting according to item 17, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. (Item 19) The fitting according to item 18, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a length longer than the length of the third portion of the surface. (Item 20) The fitting according to item 1, comprising a reducing fitting, an elbow fitting, a T-fitting, or a cross fitting. (Item 21) A fitting 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; and a first portion of the surface positioned proximate to the outlet and comprising threads extending along the bore. A second portion of the surface positioned between the first portion and the inlet defining a cylindrical shape A shoulder surface positioned at the inlet and protruding into the bore, the shoulder surface being oriented laterally and non-vertically with respect to an axis that faces the outlet and is arranged coaxially with the bore A fitting comprising (Item 22) The fitting according to item 21, wherein the thread comprises a tapered thread (Item 23) The fitting according to item 21, wherein the thread comprises a straight thread (Item 24) The fitting according to item 23, wherein the straight thread comprises an NPSL thread (Item 25) The fitting according to item 21, further comprising a gasket positioned within the bore between the first portion and the second portion of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis (Item 26) The fitting according to item 25, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape (Item 27) The fitting according to item 25, wherein the inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned adjacent to the first portion of the surface, the first land being angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point closer to the first portion of the surface than at a point distal therefrom (Item 28) The fitting according to item 27, wherein the inner surface of the gasket further comprises a second land positioned adjacent to the second portion of the surface, the second land being angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point closer to the inlet than at a point distal therefrom (Item 29) The fitting according to item 28, wherein the second land has a larger surface area than the surface area of the first land (Item 30) The fitting according to item 27, further comprising a sprinkler or other fluid control component threadedly received within the bore at the outlet, an end of the sprinkler engaging the first land (Item 31) The fitting according to item 30, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises a straight thread (Item 32) The fitting according to item 31, wherein the straight thread comprises an NPSL thread (Item 33) The sprinkler or other fluid control component is the fitting according to item 30, comprising a tapered thread. (Item 34) The end of the sprinkler comprises a chamfer, and the chamfer has the same angular orientation as that of the first land. The fitting according to item 30. (Item 35) The engaging portion between the sprinkler and the first land compresses the gasket against the shoulder surface. The fitting according to item 30. (Item 36) The fitting is the fitting according to item 21, comprising a reducing fitting. (Item 37) The fitting according to item 36, further comprising a reinforcing washer positioned at the outlet of the fitting. (Item 38) 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 so as to advance the sprinkler into an engagement portion with a land that is angularly oriented with the gasket; continuing to rotate the threaded sprinkler so as to compress the gasket both longitudinally within the conduit and radially outwardly with respect to the conduit; A method. (Item 39) The method according to item 38, further comprising engaging the threads of the threaded sprinkler with the land.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] (Detailed Description) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a joint 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the joint 10 is "T - shaped" for connecting a fluid control device such as an exemplary sprinkler 12 within a pipe extension area (not shown). The exemplary joint 10 includes a conduit 14 having an inlet 16 and an outlet 18 that are 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, positioned proximate to the outlet 18, includes a female thread 26 that extends along the bore 20. In this embodiment, the thread 26 is a straight thread such as an NPSL thread, which may advantageously be used to connect the joint 10 to a fluid control device such as a sprinkler that may have a straight male thread. However, the thread 26 can 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. The base 34 of the frustum 32 is positioned proximate to the inlet 16. When present, the third portion 30 defines a generally cylindrical shape 36.

[0018] The 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-vertically with respect to the axis 40 which is arranged coaxially with the bore 20, whereby, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when viewed in a longitudinal cross-section, it is in the second portion 28 of the surface 22 and provides the following shape. This angular orientation of the shoulder surface 38 induces the deformation behavior of the gasket 42 which is positioned within the bore 20 between the first and second portions (24 and 28) of the surface 22, as will be explained below.

[0019] The gasket 42 is preferably formed from an elastomer such as EPDM and comprises an outer surface 44 which faces away from the axis 40 and an inner surface 46 which faces the axis, as shown in FIG. 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 44 has a cylindrical shape with a radius of curvature which substantially matches 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 seats between the shoulder surface 38 and the undercut 48 which marks the boundary between the first and third portions (24 and 30) of the surface 22. It should be noted that the frustum 32 defined by the second portion 28 defines a direction-changing space 50 in which the gasket can deform when compressed.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface 46 of the gasket 42 comprises a first land 52 which is positioned adjacent to the first portion 24 of the surface 22 when disposed within the bore 20. The first land 52 is oriented at an angle with respect to the axis 40 such that the inner diameter 54 of the gasket is larger at the point where it is close to the first portion 24 than at points distal thereto. For a practical design, the orientation angle 56 of the first land 52 is in the range of 25° to 50°, and an angle of about 30° to 45° may be 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 adjacent to the second portion 28 of the surface 22. In this embodiment, the second land 58 is also oriented at an angle with respect to the axis 40, but with an inclination opposite to that of the first land such that the inner diameter 60 of the gasket 42 is larger at a point closer to the inlet 16 than at a point distal therefrom. To provide pressure responsiveness to the gasket 42, the second land 58 has a surface area 62 that is larger than the surface area 64 of the first land 52. The orientation angle 66 of the second land ranges from 20° to 60°, and an angle of about 25° may be considered advantageous for a practical design.

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

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

[0024] An exemplary method of sealing a tapered-threaded sprinkler 12 to the fitting 10 according to the present invention is initiated by rotating the threaded sprinkler 12 within the straight-threaded outlet 18 such that the sprinkler is advanced into engagement with a first land 52 that is oriented at an angle of the gasket 42, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG. 4 shows in detail 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] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, rotation of the threaded sprinkler 12 continues to compress the gasket 42 both longitudinally (compression against the shoulder surface 38) and radially outwardly against the surface 22 of the conduit 14 within the conduit 14. The angular orientation of the first land 52 is involved in the radial compression of the gasket 42 as the sprinkler 12 advances, as is apparent from the resolution of the force vectors at the sprinkler-gasket interface. FIG. 5 illustrates one full rotation of the sprinkler 12 after the first contact of FIG. 4.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows the sprinkler 12 seated within the conduit 14 and within the sealing engagement. Note that the gasket 42, which is substantially non-compressible, is deformed into a diversion space 50 defined by the conical portion 32 of the inner surface 22. The deformation of the gasket 42 into the diversion space 50 is induced by the angular orientation of the shoulder surface 38 against which the gasket is compressed. Further, it is 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] FIG. 7 shows the sprinkler 12, the gasket 42, and the conduit 14 during three complete rotations after the first contact of FIG. 4. An effective seal is achieved during or before one rotation after the first contact, but it is expected that the joint 10 and the gasket 42 according to the present invention will maintain a fluid-tight seal past the first contact and up to at least three rotations, and may even provide an additional sealing effect within this range of rotations. The seal and joint according to the present invention are thus expected to allow for an advantageous adjustability of the angular position of the sprinkler 12, resulting in the desired orientation of the frame arms and deflectors of the sprinkler without compromising the integrity of the seal. The axial position of the sprinkler relative to the joint 10 is also adjustable using the seal and joint according to the present invention.

[0028] FIGS. 8 - 12 show additional exemplary embodiments of joints according to the present invention, including a T-shaped joint 72 (FIG. 8) having two conduits 14 and a gasket 42, a 90° elbow joint 74 (FIG. 9) having one conduit 14 and one gasket 42, and a cross joint 76 (FIG. 10) having two conduits 14 and two gaskets 42 facing each other. FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of a reducing joint 78 that can receive the sprinkler 12 at one of its ends 80. The opposite end 82 of the reducing joint 78 may be connected to a flexible conduit.

[0029] Regarding the exemplary embodiments of the joint shown in FIGS. 1 - 12, while it is advantageous to include a diversion space 50, the exemplary gasket 42 may in fact be used in combination with a joint that has virtually no diversion space. An exemplary embodiment of such a joint 84 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The exemplary joint 84 is a stepped joint that is likely to be used in combination with a reinforcing washer 86 when receiving the sprinkler 12, as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 13 shows the stepped joint 84, and as described above, the exemplary gasket 42 having lands 52 and 58 is received within the bore 88 of the joint 84. A surface 90 that defines a portion of the bore 88 surrounds the gasket 42. The surface 90 includes a first portion 92 that is positioned proximate to the outlet 94 of the joint 84. The surface portion 92 includes threads 96 for receiving the threaded sprinkler 12, as shown in FIG. 14. Unlike the exemplary embodiments described above, 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 - vertically with respect to an axis 106 that is coaxial with the bore 88 and opposite the outlet 94. The shoulder surface 104 thus provides an abutting shape in the longitudinal cross - section as viewed in FIGS. 13 and 14 and is in the second portion 98. As shown in FIG. 14, the angular orientation of the shoulder surface 104 induces the deformation behavior of the gasket 42 when engaged by the sprinkler 12.

[0030] FIG. 14 shows the sprinkler 12 seated sealingly against the gasket 42, and the chamfer 70 of the sprinkler engages the first land 52 of the gasket. The gasket 42 is thus compressed against the shoulder surface 104, and the gasket is fixed and held in place between the shoulder surface 104 and the sprinkler 12.

[0031] The seals and joints according to the present invention are expected to provide a more reliable joint with a lower tendency to leak, while being usable in combination with both tapered and straight threads without the use of sealing tape or pipe dope. Further, it is expected that less preparatory work is involved and less torque is required to secure the components in a fluid-tight manner, so that less time and effort will be needed to form the joint.

[0032] All of the embodiments of the claimed invention described herein are provided merely by way of example. Numerous variations and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure. Additionally, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any modifications and combinations of all elements, features, and aspects described in this specification and the claims and shown in the drawings. Any such modifications and combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A joint, wherein the joint is a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being interconnected via a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, the conduit comprising a surface surrounding and defining the bore, a conduit; a first portion of the surface, the first portion of the surface being positioned adjacent to the outlet, the first portion of the surface comprising a thread extending along the bore, the first portion of the surface; a second portion of the surface, the second portion of the surface being positioned between the first portion and the inlet, the second portion of the surface defining a frustum of a cone, the base of the frustum of the cone being positioned adjacent to the inlet, the frustum of the cone defining a direction-changing space within the bore, the second portion of the surface; a shoulder surface positioned at the inlet, the shoulder surface protruding into the bore, the shoulder surface facing the outlet, the shoulder surface being oriented laterally and non-vertically with respect to an axis coaxial with the bore, the shoulder surface comprising, the second portion of the surface being positioned between the first portion and the shoulder surface, the joint.

2. The joint further comprises a third portion of the surface, the third portion of the surface being positioned between the first portion of the surface and the second portion of the surface, the third portion defining a cylindrical shape, the joint according to claim 1.

3. The thread comprises a straight thread, the joint according to claim 1.

4. The straight thread comprises an NPSL thread, the joint according to claim 3.

5. The thread comprises a tapered thread, the joint according to claim 1.

6. The joint further comprises a gasket positioned within the bore between the first portion of the surface and the second portion of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis, the joint according to claim 1.

7. The outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape, the joint according to claim 6.

8. The inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned so as to be close to the first portion of the surface, and the first land is angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point closer to the first portion of the surface than at a point more distal therefrom. The joint according to claim 6.

9. The inner surface of the gasket further comprises a second land positioned so as to be close to the second portion of the surface, and the second land is angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point closer to the inlet than at a point more distal therefrom. The joint according to claim 8.

10. The second land has a surface area larger than the surface area of the first land. The joint according to claim 9.

11. The joint further comprises a sprinkler or other fluid control component that is threadedly received within the bore at the outlet, and an end of the sprinkler engages the first land. The joint according to claim 8.

12. The sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises straight threads. The joint according to claim 11.

13. The straight threads comprise NPSL threads. The joint according to claim 12.

14. The sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises tapered threads. The joint according to claim 11.

15. The end of the sprinkler comprises a chamfer, and the chamfer has the same angular orientation as the chamfer of the first land. The joint according to claim 11.

16. The engagement portion between the sprinkler and the first land compresses the gasket against the shoulder surface. The joint according to claim 11.

17. The joint further comprises a gasket positioned within the bore between the first portion of the surface and the second portion of the surface, and the gasket comprises an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis. The joint according to claim 2.

18. The outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape. The joint according to claim 17.

19. The outer surface of the gasket has a length longer than the length of the third portion of the surface. The joint according to claim 18.

20. The joint according to claim 1, comprising a reducing joint, an elbow joint, a T-shaped joint, or a cross-shaped joint.

21. A joint, wherein the joint is a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being interconnected via a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, the conduit comprising a surface surrounding the bore and defining the bore, a conduit; a first portion of the surface, the first portion of the surface being positioned adjacent to the outlet, the first portion of the surface comprising a thread extending along the bore, the first portion of the surface; a second portion of the surface, the second portion of the surface being positioned between the first portion and the inlet, the second portion of the surface defining a cylindrical shape, the second portion of the surface; a shoulder surface positioned at the inlet, the shoulder surface protruding into the bore, the shoulder surface facing the outlet, the shoulder surface being oriented transversely and non-vertically with respect to an axis coaxial with the bore, the shoulder surface; a gasket positioned within the bore between the first portion of the surface and the second portion of the surface, the gasket comprising an outer surface facing away from the axis and an inner surface facing the axis, the gasket comprising The inner surface of the gasket comprises a first land positioned adjacent to the first portion of the surface, the first land being angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point adjacent to the first portion of the surface than at a point more distal therefrom. The joint.

22. The joint according to claim 21, wherein the thread comprises a tapered thread.

23. The joint according to claim 21, wherein the thread comprises a straight thread.

24. The joint according to claim 23, wherein the straight thread comprises an NPSL thread.

25. The joint according to claim 21, wherein the outer surface of the gasket has a cylindrical shape.

26. The inner surface of the gasket further comprises a second land positioned so as to be close to the second portion of the surface, and the second land is angled with respect to the axis such that the inner diameter of the gasket is larger at a point closer to the inlet than at a point more distal therefrom. The joint according to claim 21.

27. The joint according to claim 26, wherein the second land has a surface area larger than the surface area of the first land.

28. The joint according to claim 21, further comprising a sprinkler or other fluid control component threadedly received within the bore at the outlet, the end of the sprinkler engaging the first land.

29. The joint according to claim 28, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises straight threads.

30. The joint according to claim 29, wherein the straight threads comprise NPSL threads.

31. The joint according to claim 28, wherein the sprinkler or other fluid control component comprises tapered threads.

32. The joint according to claim 28, wherein the end of the sprinkler comprises a chamfer, and the chamfer has the same angular orientation as the chamfer of the first land.

33. The joint according to claim 28, wherein the engagement between the sprinkler and the first land compresses the gasket against the shoulder surface.

34. The joint according to claim 21, comprising a reducing joint.

35. The joint according to claim 34, further comprising a reinforcing washer positioned at the outlet of the joint.

36. A method of sealing a threaded sprinkler to a joint 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 so as to advance the sprinkler into engagement with an angled land of the gasket; and continuing to rotate the threaded sprinkler so as to compress the gasket both longitudinally and radially outwardly with respect to the conduit within the conduit. A method comprising.

37. The method according to claim 36, further comprising engaging the thread of the threaded sprinkler with the land.

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