Coat-in-place assemblies and methods to provide an aesthetically pleasing sprinkler assembly

Abstract

Coat-in-place assemblies and methods to provide an aesthetically pleasing sprinkler assembly. A coat-in-place assembly includes a sprinkler body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a thermally responsive trigger disposed adjacent the distal portion; and an escutcheon centered about the distal portion of the sprinkler body to define a void between the sprinkler axis and the escutcheon. A coating-inhibiting-cap encloses and protects the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap. The cap extends into the void and is radially spaced inward relative to the escutcheon so as expose surfaces of the escutcheon for coating.

Description

PRIORITY DATA AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

12b. The proximal portion 12a of the sprinkler body preferably includes an external thread for coupling the sprinkler body to the branch or fluid supply line 40 of a sprinkler system containing a fire fighting fluid. Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler body 12 include an inlet, an outlet with an internal passageway extending therebetween from the proximal portion 12a to the distal portion12b. The distal portion 12b preferably includes an annular wall 30 defining an opening preferably at the distal end of the body 12. The annular wall 30 includes an outer surface and an inner surface to define an internal chamber accessible by the opening. The chamber is preferably configured for housing internal operational components of the sprinkler body 12, including for example, a deflector assembly 24 for distribution of the firefighting fluid discharged from the sprinkler body outlet in an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly. As previously described the outer surface of the annular wall 30 preferably includes one or more and preferably three or more tool engaging notches, as seen for example in FIG. 4B, which preferably define the preferred engagement slots 32 for receiving the one or more tabs 106 of a preferred cap as previously described.

In a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler assembly 10, the preferred thermally responsive trigger 14 includes a first plate member and a second plate member coupled to the first plate member to further form a thermally responsive cover plate assembly. The cover plate assembly 14 is preferably supported by the sprinkler body adjacent the opening at the distal et d of the sprinkler body. In an unactuated state of the sprinkler body 12, the preferred thermally responsive trigger 14 conceals the distal opening and components of the sprinkler body 12 contained within its chamber.

A particular sprinkler body 12 and thermally responsive cover plate assembly 14 for use in the methods and assemblies described herein is the sprinkler body and thermally responsive link shown and described in TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS, LP Technical Data Sheet, TFP651. Further details of the preferred sprinkler body 12 and thermally responsive trigger 14 are shown and described in PCT International Patent Application Publications WO2008/067421 and WO2010/141948, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Exemplary installation and operation of a preferred sprinkler body 12 is shown and described in the referenced materials.

Still referring to FIG. 4A, a preferred push-on escutcheon 16 includes a plurality of radially disposed barbs 230 that engages the distal portion of the sprinkler body 12 and more preferably engages the annular wall 30 of the preferred sprinkler body 12 in the sprinkler assembly 10. The barbs 230 are preferably resilient with a central portion that is biased inward to engage the sprinkler body 12. In one preferred embodiment, the resilient barbs 230 can present a convex profile such that, collectively, the barbs 230 define an internal circumference that forms an interference fit about the sprinkler body 12. The escutcheon 16 can be alternatively configured to provide the self-centering arrangement about the sprinkler body.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly, the sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler and an escutcheon, the sprinkler including a body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the method comprising:

locating a coating-inhibitor about the thermally responsive trigger;

mounting the escutcheon about the sprinkler;

disposing a coating on at least a portion of the first surface, the second surface and the transition surface of the escutcheon while the coating-inhibitor is located about the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is mounted about the sprinkler; and

removing the coating-inhibitor after disposing the coating.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the coating-inhibitor includes a cap having a base defining a center and a periphery, the cap having a cap wall extending along the periphery of the base to surround a cap axis extending through the center perpendicular to the base, wherein locating the cap includes spacing the cap wall from the transition surface.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the cap includes at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the at least one tab with one of the sprinkler body or the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one tab includes three tabs extending axially from the cap wall and angularly spaced about the cap axis, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the three tabs with three slots correspondingly spaced and formed about the sprinkler body to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one tab extends axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes inserting the at least one tab in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein mounting includes mounting the escutcheon in an operative position which locates the second end of the escutcheon against a wall, the escutcheon comprising a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage a distal portion of the sprinkler body.

10. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the escutcheon being disposed about the sprinkler body to define a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon, the method comprising:

obtaining a coating-inhibitor; and

distributing the coating-inhibitor to use in a coat-in-place assembly that includes the sprinkler assembly and the coating-inhibitor being engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger to expose at least a portion of the first surface, the transition surface, and the second surface of the escutcheon for coating while the coating-inhibitor is engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is disposed about the sprinkler body.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein obtaining the coating-inhibitor includes obtaining a cap having a base defining a center point and a periphery about the center point; a cap wall extending along the periphery of the cap base about the center point and extending axially from the base substantially parallel to a cap axis passing through the center point perpendicular to the base; and at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes obtaining three tabs extending axially from the cap wall, the three tabs being angularly spaced about the cap axis with two adjacent tabs being angularly spaced apart by 130 degrees.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the distributing includes distributing the cap for insertion of each of the tabs in a slot formed along an outer surface of the sprinkler body so as to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein obtaining the coating-inhibiting-cap includes each of the three tabs defining a tab length to thickness ratio ranging from about 6:1 to 12:1.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes extending the at least one tab axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein distributing the cap is for insertion of the at least one tab for insertion in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a handle portion extending from the base axially in a direction opposite the cap wall.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a first portion of the base disposed orthogonal to the cap axis, and a second portion of the base disposed between the cap wall and the first portion extending obliquely with respect to the cap axis.

21. The method of claim 10, wherein the escutcheon of the sprinkler assembly comprises a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage an annular wall of a distal portion of the sprinkler body.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the coating-inhibitor being engaged with the annular wall of the distal portion of the sprinkler body.

23. A sprinkler assembly, comprising:

an internal passageway having an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal sprinkler axis;

a thermally responsive trigger disposed adjacent the outlet along the longitudinal axis;

an outer wall around the internal passageway and the thermally responsive trigger;

an escutcheon having a first end and a second end spaced apart along an escutcheon axis, the escutcheon having a first surface circumscribed about the escutcheon axis to define a central escutcheon opening for receiving the outer wall, the escutcheon having a second surface extending radially with respect to the first surface and circumscribed about the central escutcheon opening; and

a removable cap for engaging with, via at least one of a friction fit and an interference fit, at least one of the outer wall, the thermally responsive trigger, and the escutcheon to enclose and protect the thermally responsive trigger, the cap including a handle portion for manipulation of the cap, the cap radially spaced inward relative to the first surface of the escutcheon so as to expose the first surface of the escutcheon.

24. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap comprises a base that includes the handle portion and a cap wall extending from the base.

25. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap comprises a base that includes the handle portion and a cap wall extending from the base, the handle portion extends centrally along a cap axis of the cap in a direction opposite the cap wall.

26. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

one more receiving slots that receive one or more engagement tabs of the cap.

27. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap is made of a plastic material.

28. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap includes a cap wall having an outer diameter and a thickness, a ratio of the outer diameter to the thickness is greater than or equal to twenty to one and less than or equal to forty five to one.

29. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

a transition surface contiguous with and between the first surface and the second surface.

30. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

a transition surface contiguous with the first surface and the second surface, the transition surface is curved or radiused.

31. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

an external thread that couples the internal passageway to a fluid source.

32. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

an external thread that couples the internal passageway to a fluid source, the external thread orients the internal passageway for a pendent orientation or a sidewall orientation.

33. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the thermally responsive trigger conceals the outlet of the internal passageway.

34. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

an outer diameter of the cap is less than an outer diameter of the escutcheon.

35. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the handle portion comprises an elongate member.

36. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the handle portion comprises a hook or eyelet for engagement by a tool.

37. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the first surface is angled relative to the second surface.

38. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap comprises a cap wall sized to be positioned inward of the first surface responsive to the cap engaging the at least one of the outer wall, the thermally responsive trigger, and the escutcheon.

39. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap comprises a central tab that extends from an inner surface of a base of the cap towards the escutcheon.

40. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap engages a portion of the first surface.

41. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:

the cap defines a cap axis, the cap comprises a base and a cap wall extending from the base, the base includes a first portion orthogonal to the cap axis and one or more second portions disposed between the cap wall and the first portion and extending obliquely with respect to the cap axis.

42. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly, the sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler and an escutcheon, the sprinkler including a body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the method comprising:

locating a coating-inhibitor about the thermally responsive trigger;

mounting the escutcheon about the sprinkler;

disposing a coating on at least a portion of the first surface, the second surface and the transition surface of the escutcheon while the coating-inhibitor is located about the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is mounted about the sprinkler; and

removing the coating-inhibitor after disposing the coating.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the coating-inhibitor includes a cap having a base defining a center and a periphery, the cap having a cap wall extending along the periphery of the base to surround a cap axis extending through the center perpendicular to the base, wherein locating the cap includes spacing the cap wall from the transition surface.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the cap includes at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the at least one tab with one of the sprinkler body or the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one tab includes three tabs extending axially from the cap wall and angularly spaced about the cap axis, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the three tabs with three slots correspondingly spaced and formed about the sprinkler body to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one tab extends axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes inserting the at least one tab in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.

50. The method of claim 42, wherein mounting includes mounting the escutcheon in an operative position which locates the second end of the escutcheon against a wall, the escutcheon comprising a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage a distal portion of the sprinkler body.

51. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the escutcheon being disposed about the sprinkler body to define a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon, the method comprising:

obtaining a coating-inhibitor; and

distributing the coating-inhibitor to use in a coat-in-place assembly that includes the sprinkler assembly and the coating-inhibitor being engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger to expose at least a portion of the first surface, the transition surface, and the second surface of the escutcheon for coating while the coating-inhibitor is engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is disposed about the sprinkler body.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein obtaining the coating-inhibitor includes obtaining a cap having a base defining a center point and a periphery about the center point; a cap wall extending along the periphery of the cap base about the center point and extending axially from the base substantially parallel to a cap axis passing through the center point perpendicular to the base; and at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes obtaining three tabs extending axially from the cap wall, the three tabs being angularly spaced about the cap axis with two adjacent tabs being angularly spaced apart by 130 degrees.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the distributing includes distributing the cap for insertion of each of the tabs in a slot formed along an outer surface of the sprinkler body so as to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein obtaining the coating-inhibiting-cap includes each of the three tabs defining a tab length to thickness ratio ranging from about 6:1 to 12:1.

56. The method of claim 52, wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon.

57. The method of claim 52, wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon.

58. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes extending the at least one tab axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein distributing the cap is for insertion of the at least one tab for insertion in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap.

60. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a handle portion extending from the base axially in a direction opposite the cap wall.

61. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a first portion of the base disposed orthogonal to the cap axis, and a second portion of the base disposed between the cap wall and the first portion extending obliquely with respect to the cap axis.

62. The method of claim 51, wherein the escutcheon of the sprinkler assembly comprises a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage an annular wall of a distal portion of the sprinkler body.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the coating-inhibitor being engaged with the annular wall of the distal portion of the sprinkler body.