Flexible assembly for sprinklers

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/873,505, filed Apr. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,594, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/709,313, filed Dec. 10, 2012, now abandoned, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/877,357, filed Sep. 8, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,920, which is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/241,615 filed Sep. 11, 2009, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002This invention relates to a flexible assembly for connecting sprinklers to branch lines in a fire suppression system.

BACKGROUND

0004Fire suppression sprinkler systems used, for example, in structures such as office buildings, hotels, warehouses and private residences have a piping network comprising a riser pipe connected to a source of pressurized fire suppressing fluid, for example, a liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as halon. Branch pipe lines are connected to the riser pipe at each floor of the structure and extend throughout each floor so that fire suppressing fluid may be delivered through the branch lines to any location on each floor. The branch lines are usually suspended on hangers attached to the structural ceiling of each floor. Sprinklers, which serve to discharge the fluid in the event of a fire, are connected to the branch lines by flexible conduits. The use of flexible conduits provides a great advantage as it allows the position of the sprinklers to be easily adjusted, both laterally and vertically, in relation to the decorative ceiling which may be suspended beneath the structural ceiling of each floor. The flexible conduit saves time during installation, as it obviates the need for the technician to install a rigid pipe assembly, comprised of couplings and pipe segments, to connect the branch line to each sprinkler head on the floor. With a rigid pipe assembly even a minor miscalculation, either in the design or installation, can be aesthetically and functionally unacceptable, and require a redesign and reinstallation.

0005Although advantageous, flexible conduits used to connect sprinklers to branch lines of fire suppression systems have certain drawbacks. For example, one disadvantage which occurs when flexible conduits are used is the problem of over-torquing the conduit. The sprinklers may have threaded connections and torque is applied to connect them to the end of the flexible conduit. Torque inadvertently applied to the conduit during installation of the sprinkler may cause leaks to occur, for example, at the fitting where the conduit is connected to the branch line. Additionally, torque may be applied to the flexible conduit as a result of a seismic event such as an earthquake due to relative motion between the branch line and the sprinkler. If the applied torque damages the flexible conduit, causing it to leak, that may prevent fire suppressing fluid from reaching other parts of the system where a fire has broken out as a result of the event. It is advantageous to avoid applying torque to the flexible conduit to avoid damage. There is clearly a need for a flexible assembly which avoids the disadvantages associated with known flexible conduit.

SUMMARY

0006The invention concerns an assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system. In one example embodiment the assembly comprises a flexible conduit having a first end connectable to the branch line, and a second end connectable to the sprinkler. The conduit provides fluid communication between the branch line and the sprinkler. A first adapter is positioned between the sprinkler and the second end of the conduit for effecting attachment of the sprinkler to the conduit. The first adapter has a bore providing fluid communication between the sprinkler and the conduit. The first adapter has a first adapter portion attachable to the sprinkler and a second adapter portion attached to the second end of the conduit. The first and second adapter portions are rotatable relatively to one another. A bracket has an opening which receives the first adapter portion. The bracket has a locking unit movably mounted on the bracket. The locking unit engages and retains the first adapter portion within the opening. A cross beam is received by the bracket for securing the bracket in relation to the branch line.

0007In a specific example embodiment the second adapter portion comprises a tube attached to the second end of the conduit. The tube is received within the bore of the adapter in the first adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between an outer surface of the tube and an inner surface of the bore in the first adapter portion for effecting a fluid-tight connection between the first and second adapter portions. A split ring is positioned between the outer surface of the tube and the inner surface of the bore in the first adapter portion. The split ring has an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the tube. The split ring further has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the inner surface of the bore in the first adapter portion. The split ring prevents relative axial movement between the first and second adapter portions but permits relative rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the bore.

0008In another example embodiment the first adapter portion comprises a concave spherical surface positioned at an end thereof and surrounding the bore. The second adapter portion comprises a convex spherical surface surrounding the bore and positioned at one end thereof. An opposite end of the second adapter portion is attached to the second end of the conduit. The convex spherical surface fits within the concave spherical surface thereby permitting the first and second adapter portions to rotate relatively to one another. A retainer has a concave spherical surface. The retainer surrounds the convex spherical surface of the second adapter portion and is attached to the first adapter portion. The second adapter portion is captured between the retainer and the first adapter portion.

0009By way of example a first seal is positioned between the second adapter portion and the retainer, and a second seal is positioned between the retainer and the first adapter portion. Further by way of example the retainer comprises a nut which threadedly engages the first adapter portion.

0010In a specific example embodiment the assembly comprises the sprinkler.

0011In another example the assembly further comprises a second adapter positioned between the branch line and the first end of the conduit for effecting attachment of the conduit to the branch line. The second adapter has a second bore providing fluid communication between the branch line and the conduit. The second adapter has a third adapter portion attachable to the branch line and a fourth adapter portion attached to the first end of the conduit. The third and fourth adapter portions are rotatable relatively to one another.

0012Further by way of example the fourth adapter portion comprises a second tube attached to the first end of the conduit. The second tube is received within the bore of the second adapter in the third adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between an outer surface of the second tube and an inner surface of the bore in the third adapter portion for effecting a fluid-tight connection between the third and fourth adapter portions. A split ring is positioned between the outer surface of the second tube and the inner surface of the bore in the third adapter portion. The split ring has an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the second tube. The split ring further has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the inner surface of the bore in the third adapter portion. The split ring prevents relative axial movement between the third and fourth adapter portions but permitting relative rotation between the third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the second bore.

0013In another example embodiment the third adapter portion comprises a concave spherical surface positioned at an end thereof and surrounding the bore in the third adapter portion. The fourth adapter portion comprises a convex spherical surface surrounding the bore in the fourth adapter portion and positioned at one end thereof. An opposite end of the fourth adapter portion is attached to the first end of the conduit. The convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter portion fits within the concave spherical surface of the third adapter portion thereby permitting the third and fourth adapter portions to rotate relatively to one another. A second retainer has a concave spherical surface; the second retainer surrounds the convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter portion and is attached to the third adapter portion. The fourth adapter portion is captured between the second retainer and the third adapter portion.

0014Another example assembly further comprises a third seal positioned between the second retainer and the fourth adapter portion and a fourth seal positioned between the second retainer and the third adapter portion. In another example the second retainer comprises a nut which threadedly engages the third adapter portion.

0015By way of example the bracket comprises a plurality of sidewalls attached to one another in spaced relation to define a U-shaped opening. In a specific embodiment the locking unit comprises a wire bale pivotably attached to the bracket. In another embodiment the locking unit comprises a finger pivotably attached to the bracket.

0016Another example embodiment of an assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system comprises a flexible conduit having a first end connectable to the branch line, and a second end connectable to the sprinkler. The conduit provides fluid communication between the branch line and the sprinkler. A first adapter has a first adapter portion attachable to the branch line and a second adapter portion attached to the first end of the conduit. The first and second adapter portions are rotatable relatively to one another. The first adapter has a bore providing fluid communication between the branch line and the conduit. A second adapter is positioned between the sprinkler and the second end of the conduit for effecting attachment of the conduit to the sprinkler. The second adapter has a bore providing fluid communication between the sprinkler and the conduit. A bracket has an opening that receives the second adapter and a locking unit movably mounted on the bracket. The locking unit engages and retains the second adapter within the opening. Across beam is received by the bracket for securing the bracket in relation to the branch line.

0017In one example embodiment the assembly comprises the sprinkler.

0018In another example embodiment the second adapter portion comprises a tube attached to the first end of the conduit. The tube is received within the bore of the first adapter in the first adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between an outer surface of the tube and an inner surface of the bore in the first adapter portion for effecting a fluid-tight connection between the first and second adapter portions. A split ring is positioned between the outer surface of the tube and the inner surface of the bore in the first adapter portion. The split ring has an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the tube. The split ring further has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the inner surface of the bore in the first adapter portion. The split ring prevents relative axial movement between the first and second adapter portions but permits relative rotation between the first and second adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the bore of the first adapter.

0019By way of example, the first adapter portion comprises a concave spherical surface positioned at an end thereof and surrounding the bore of the first adapter in the first adapter portion. The second adapter portion comprises a convex spherical surface surrounding the bore in the first adapter portion and positioned at one end thereof. An opposite end of the second adapter portion is attached to the first end of the conduit. The convex spherical surface fits within the concave spherical surface thereby permitting the first and second adapter portions to rotate relatively to one another. A retainer has a concave spherical surface. The retainer surrounds the convex spherical surface of the second adapter portion and is attached to the first adapter portion. The second adapter portion is captured between the retainer and the first adapter portion.

0020In another example embodiment a first seal is positioned between the second adapter portion and the retainer, and a second seal is positioned between the retainer and the first adapter portion. In a specific example, the retainer comprises a nut which threadedly engages the first adapter portion.

0021In a further example the second adapter has a third adapter portion attachable to the sprinkler and a fourth adapter portion attached to the second end of the conduit. The third and fourth adapter portions are rotatable relatively to one another. The third adapter portion is received within the bracket.

0022In another example the fourth adapter portion comprises a second tube attached to the second end of the conduit. The second tube is received within the bore of the second adapter in the third adapter portion. A ring seal is positioned between an outer surface of the second tube and an inner surface of the bore in the third adapter portion for effecting a fluid-tight connection between the third and fourth adapter portions. A split ring is positioned between the outer surface of the second tube and the inner surface of the bore of the third adapter portion. The split ring has an inner portion sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the outer surface of the second tube. The split ring further has an outer portion sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove positioned in the inner surface of the bore in the third adapter portion. The split ring prevents relative axial movement between the third and fourth adapter portions but permits relative rotation between the third and fourth adapter portions about a longitudinal axis concentric with the bore of the second adapter.

0023In an example embodiment the third adapter portion comprises a concave spherical surface positioned at an end thereof and surrounding the bore in the third adapter portion. The fourth adapter portion comprises a convex spherical surface surrounding the bore in the fourth adapter portion and positioned at one end thereof. An opposite end of the fourth adapter portion is attached to the second end of the conduit. The convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter portion fits within the concave spherical surface of the third adapter portion thereby permitting the third and fourth adapter portions to rotate relatively to one another. A second retainer has a concave spherical surface. The second retainer surrounds the convex spherical surface of the fourth adapter portion and is attached to the third adapter portion. The fourth adapter portion is captured between the second retainer and the third adapter portion.

0024A specific example embodiment further comprises a third seal positioned between the second retainer and the fourth adapter portion and a fourth seal positioned between the second retainer and the third adapter portion. In a particular example embodiment the second retainer comprises a nut which threadedly engages the third adapter portion.

0025By way of example the bracket comprises a plurality of sidewalls attached to one another in spaced relation to define a U-shaped opening. IN a particular example the locking unit comprises a wire bale pivotably attached to the bracket. In another example the locking unit comprises a finger pivotably attached to the bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> is an isometric/partial sectional view of an example embodiment of an assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system according to the invention;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b>A</figref> is a partial view of an alternate embodiment of the assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref> is an exploded view of an example embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b></figref> is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the embodiment of the assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref> is a partial sectional view taken at line <b>4</b>-<b>4</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b></figref>;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref> is an exploded isometric view of a portion of an example embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b></figref> is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the embodiment of the assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref>;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>7</b></figref> is a partial sectional view taken at line <b>7</b>-<b>7</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b></figref>;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref> is an isometric view of a portion of an example embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b></figref> is an isometric view of a portion of an example embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b></figref> is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b></figref>;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>11</b></figref> is an isometric view of a portion of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; and

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>12</b></figref> is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>11</b></figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> shows an assembly <b>10</b> for connecting a branch line <b>12</b> of a fire suppression system to a sprinkler <b>14</b>. Note that sprinkler is defined herein as any device which discharges a fire suppression fluid, and includes, but is not limited to, items such as sprinklers, heads, nozzles, emitters and the like, whether they be open or closed and open in response to a fire. Assembly <b>10</b> comprises a flexible conduit <b>16</b> which has a first end <b>18</b> connected to the branch line <b>12</b>, and a second end <b>20</b> which is connected to the sprinkler <b>14</b>. The branch line <b>12</b> is supported by a pipe hanger <b>22</b> attached to a portion of the structure in which the fire suppression system is mounted, in this example, to the structural ceiling <b>24</b> of a building. Branch line <b>12</b> is one of many branch lines connected to a riser pipe <b>26</b> in fluid communication with a pressurized source of a fire suppressing fluid, such as water (not shown). A portion of the assembly <b>10</b> near the second end <b>20</b> of the flexible conduit <b>16</b> is engaged by a bracket <b>28</b> that is mounted on a cross beam <b>30</b> which extends between and is mounted on support rails <b>32</b> which support a decorative ceiling, such as a suspended ceiling or a drop ceiling (not shown) intended to hide the structural ceiling <b>24</b>. Bracket <b>28</b> has various embodiments; the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,746, hereby incorporated by reference herein. Bracket <b>28</b> includes sidewalls <b>34</b> and <b>36</b> connected to a back wall <b>38</b> in spaced relation to one another so as to receive cross beam <b>30</b>. Bracket <b>28</b> also has a u-shaped opening <b>40</b> which receives the portion of the assembly <b>10</b>. A locking unit, in this example, a wire bail <b>42</b> is pivotably attached to the sidewalls <b>34</b> and <b>36</b> and cooperates with them to affix the assembly to the cross beam <b>30</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b>A</figref> illustrates another example bracket <b>44</b> which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,787 and hereby incorporated by reference herein. Bracket <b>44</b> comprises sidewalls <b>46</b> and <b>48</b> each attached to a back wall <b>50</b> in spaced relation to one another so as to receive cross beam <b>30</b>. Bracket <b>44</b> also has a u-shaped opening <b>52</b> which receives the portion of the assembly <b>10</b>. A locking unit, in this example, a finger <b>54</b> is pivotably attached at one end to the sidewalls <b>46</b> and <b>48</b>. The opposite end is secured to the sidewalls <b>46</b> and <b>48</b> by a pivoting wing nut assembly <b>55</b> to affix the assembly to the cross beam <b>30</b>.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref> illustrates in detail an example embodiment of the assembly <b>10</b>, wherein the flexible conduit <b>16</b> comprises a corrugated stainless steel hose <b>56</b> which provides a flexible yet robust fluid tight member which resists corrosion. At the first end <b>18</b> of the assembly <b>10</b>, the conduit <b>16</b> (hose <b>56</b>) is connected to a saddle fitting <b>58</b>. The saddle fitting comprises a saddle <b>60</b> which sealingly engages one side of the branch line <b>12</b> through an opening therein and is attached to the branch line by a strap <b>62</b> which wraps around the opposite side of the branch line <b>12</b> and is bolted to the saddle <b>60</b>. Although various means, such as direct welding using an adapter, or using a threaded “tee” fitting, for connecting conduit <b>16</b> to the branch line <b>12</b> are also feasible, use of the saddle fitting <b>58</b> provides an advantage over these other connection means because the saddle fitting can be installed anywhere along the length of the branch line <b>12</b> merely by drilling the appropriate size opening in the branch line at a desired location, engaging the saddle <b>60</b> with the opening, and bolting the strap <b>62</b> to the saddle <b>60</b>. The saddle fitting <b>58</b> thus eliminates welding as well as the need to determine the exact position of the connection point in a design, and allows the installer to position the connection where it is best suited relative to the desired position of the sprinkler <b>14</b> and the length of the conduit <b>16</b>. This feature saves time in both the design phase of a project as well as during installation, as the designer need not calculate and specify the exact location of a large number of tee fittings in a system, and obvious errors in design can be avoided during installation since the installer is not constrained to make the connection where a tee fitting is located but is permitted greater freedom of action.

0041With reference again to the exploded view of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>, the connection of the conduit <b>16</b> to the sprinkler <b>14</b> (as well as to the branch line <b>12</b> via saddle fitting <b>58</b>) may be effected by a rotatable adapter <b>64</b>. As shown in detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b> and <b>4</b></figref>, the example adapter <b>64</b> is positioned between the sprinkler <b>14</b> and the conduit <b>16</b>. The adapter <b>64</b> has a longitudinal bore <b>66</b> and is formed of a first adapter portion <b>68</b> which is attachable to the sprinkler <b>14</b>, and a second adapter portion <b>70</b> which is attached to the end <b>20</b> of conduit <b>16</b>. In this example, attachment of the sprinkler <b>14</b> to the adapter portion <b>68</b> is effected using internal screw threads <b>72</b> (NPT threads, for example) at one end which receive compatible external screw threads <b>74</b> of the sprinkler <b>14</b>. Other attachment means, such as brazing, welding, soldering and threadless connections such as bayonet mounts, are of course also feasible.

0042Adapter portions <b>68</b> and <b>70</b> are rotatable relatively to one another about a longitudinal axis <b>74</b> concentric with the bore <b>66</b>. By allowing the adapter portions to rotate relatively to one another, application of torque to the conduit <b>16</b> about axis <b>74</b> is prevented, for example, when attaching the sprinkler <b>14</b> to the adapter, or when mounting the adapter onto a bracket or other support (see also <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>), as well as torque caused by seismic activity or vibrations.

0043As shown in detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref>, relative rotation between the adapter portions <b>68</b> and <b>70</b> is permitted through the use of a split ring <b>76</b>. Second adapter portion <b>70</b> comprises a tube <b>78</b> attached to the end <b>20</b> of the conduit <b>16</b>. The bore <b>66</b> of the first adapter portion <b>68</b> is sized to receive the tube <b>78</b>. The split ring <b>76</b>, commercially known as a “snap ring”, is used to prevent relative axial movement between the adapter portions and thereby join the conduit <b>16</b> to the sprinkler <b>14</b> while allowing relative rotation between those parts. Split ring <b>76</b> has an inner portion <b>80</b> sized to fit within an outwardly facing circumferential groove <b>82</b> positioned in the outer surface <b>84</b> of tube <b>78</b>. Split ring <b>76</b> further has an outer portion <b>86</b> sized to fit within an inwardly facing circumferential groove <b>88</b> positioned on an inner surface <b>90</b> of the first adapter portion <b>68</b>. Engagement between the split ring <b>76</b> and the circumferential grooves <b>82</b> and <b>88</b> does not inhibit relative rotation between the adapter portions <b>68</b> and <b>70</b>, but prevents relative axial motion. The fact that the ring <b>76</b> is split allows it to be compressed or expanded into a smaller or larger diameter by forcing the free ends of the ring toward or away from one another as is well understood for split rings. This permits the ring portions to be disengaged from the circumferential grooves in the adapter portions and thereby allow assembly and disassembly of the adapter portions <b>68</b> and <b>70</b> as is well understood for split rings. One or more ring seals <b>92</b>, for example elastomeric O-rings, are positioned between the outer surface <b>84</b> of tube <b>78</b> and the inner surface <b>90</b> of the adapter portion <b>68</b> for effecting the fluid tight connection between the adapter portions. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>, the example rotatable adapter <b>64</b> may be used between the conduit <b>16</b> and the sprinkler <b>14</b>, and/or between the conduit <b>16</b> and the saddle fitting <b>58</b> (or other attachment means).

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>5</b>-<b>7</b></figref> illustrate another example of a rotatable adapter <b>94</b> which can be used to isolate conduit <b>16</b> from torsional forces imposed about any axis. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref>, the adapter <b>94</b> may be positioned between a sprinkler <b>14</b> and the conduit <b>16</b> and/or between the conduit and the attachment means to the branch line (in this example a saddle fitting <b>58</b>). As shown in detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>6</b> and <b>7</b></figref> for the attachment of the sprinkler <b>14</b> to the conduit <b>16</b>, the rotatable adapter <b>94</b> comprises a first adapter portion <b>96</b> having a concave spherical surface <b>98</b> positioned at one end and surrounding a bore <b>100</b>. The sprinkler <b>14</b> may be mounted on the opposite end of the first adapter portion <b>96</b>. A second adapter portion <b>102</b> has, at one end, a convex spherical surface <b>104</b> surrounding bore <b>100</b>. The opposite end of the adapter portion <b>102</b> is attached to the conduit <b>16</b>. The convex spherical surface <b>104</b> is sized to fit within the concave spherical surface <b>98</b> of adapter portion <b>96</b>, thereby creating a ball joint which allows relative rotation between the adapter portions about any three mutually perpendicular axes, thus isolating the conduit <b>16</b> from any torsional force imposed by relative motion between the sprinkler and the branch line, as well as from forces applied to the sprinkler or adapter portion <b>96</b>, for example, when the sprinkler is installed or the assembly is mounted on a support. The adapter portions <b>96</b> and <b>102</b> are held together by a retainer <b>106</b>. Retainer <b>106</b> has a concave spherical surface <b>108</b> which surrounds the convex spherical surface <b>104</b> of the second adapter portion <b>102</b>. The retainer is attached to the first adapter portion <b>96</b>. In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>7</b></figref> the retainer comprises a nut <b>110</b> which engages the first adapter portion <b>96</b> using screw threads <b>112</b>. Other attachment means are also feasible. To ensure fluid tightness of the adapter <b>94</b> a seal <b>114</b> may be positioned between the second adapter portion <b>102</b> and the retainer <b>106</b> and another seal <b>116</b> may be positioned between the retainer <b>106</b> and the first adapter portion <b>96</b>. The seals may be elastomeric rings, such as O-rings.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref> shows another example assembly embodiment which comprises a sleeve <b>115</b> that co-axially surrounds a portion of the flexible conduit <b>16</b> proximate to an adapter <b>117</b>. Adapter <b>117</b> is joined to the conduit <b>16</b> in this example by a union fitting <b>118</b> positioned at one end of the adapter and receives the external threads of the sprinkler (not shown) with internal threads <b>120</b> at the other end to effect attachment. Sleeve <b>115</b> may be made of a durable material, such as stainless steel, and may have a plurality of outwardly facing flat surfaces <b>122</b> allowing it to be easily captured by a mounting bracket, such as bracket <b>28</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>. In the example sleeve shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref> there are six flat surfaces <b>122</b> which form a hexagonal sleeve cross section.

0046In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref>, the sleeve <b>115</b> is formed of a split unitary body <b>124</b> having a first longitudinally extending edge <b>126</b> in facing relation with a second longitudinally extending edge <b>128</b>. The edges <b>126</b> and <b>128</b> may be in spaced relation to one another so as to define a gap <b>130</b>. This configuration allows the sleeve <b>115</b> to act as a collet with the ability to expand contract radially. In this embodiment the sleeve <b>115</b> is free to rotate about the conduit <b>16</b> but axial motion is prevented by a pair of fixed radially projecting shoulders <b>132</b> and <b>134</b>. Shoulder <b>132</b> is mounted on the conduit <b>16</b> positioned between the sleeve <b>115</b> and the adapter <b>117</b> and shoulder <b>134</b> is positioned at the opposite end of the sleeve from shoulder <b>132</b>. The shoulders <b>132</b> and <b>134</b> project radially outwardly from the conduit <b>16</b> and capture the sleeve <b>115</b> between them by engaging the ends of the sleeve.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>9</b> and <b>10</b></figref> illustrate another assembly embodiment having a sleeve <b>136</b> mounted on a flexible conduit <b>16</b> with a corrugated outer surface <b>138</b>. The corrugated outer surface is comprised of a plurality of crests <b>140</b> and troughs <b>142</b> which extend helically around and define a central space <b>144</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b></figref>, sleeve <b>136</b> has a corrugated inwardly facing surface <b>146</b> comprising a plurality of crests <b>148</b> and troughs <b>150</b> which extend helically and are sized and spaced so as to fit within the crests <b>140</b> and troughs <b>142</b> of the corrugated outer surface <b>138</b> of the flexible conduit <b>16</b>. Engagement between the crests and troughs of the sleeve <b>136</b> and the conduit <b>16</b> prevents axial sliding motion of the sleeve relatively to the conduit, but screw action upon rotation of the sleeve <b>136</b> relative to the conduit <b>16</b> allows the sleeve to be positioned as required along the conduit so that the sprinkler (not shown) is at the proper location relative to the decorative ceiling when the sleeve <b>136</b> is received by a support such as bracket <b>28</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>). The threaded engagement between the sleeve <b>136</b> and the corrugated surface <b>138</b> of conduit <b>16</b> allows limited rotation of the conduit relative to the sleeve (thereby preventing torque from being applied to the conduit <b>16</b>) without significant axial motion of the conduit relative to the sleeve. In the example embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b></figref>, an adapter <b>152</b> is connected to the conduit <b>16</b> by a union fitting <b>154</b>, the adapter having internal threads <b>156</b> to receive the external threads of a sprinkler.

0048In another assembly embodiment, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>11</b> and <b>12</b></figref>, the crests and troughs <b>140</b> and <b>142</b> forming the corrugated surface <b>138</b> of the conduit <b>16</b> are not helically arranged, but extend circumferentially around and define the central space <b>144</b>. In this embodiment a sleeve <b>158</b> also has a plurality of crests <b>160</b> and troughs <b>162</b> which extend circumferentially around the sleeve inner surface <b>164</b>. The crests <b>160</b> and troughs <b>162</b> of the sleeve <b>158</b> are sized and spaced to engage the crests <b>140</b> and troughs <b>142</b> of the conduit <b>16</b> and thus prevent sliding axial motion of the sleeve <b>158</b> relatively to the conduit <b>16</b> while permitting relative rotational motion between the two parts. In this embodiment, the sleeve <b>158</b> is split, as evidenced by the gap <b>166</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>11</b></figref>). This allows the sleeve <b>158</b> to be positioned axially along the conduit by elastically deforming the sleeve outwardly to disengage its crests and troughs from the troughs and crests of the conduit <b>16</b>, moving the sleeve along the conduit to the desired position, and then releasing the sleeve, allowing it to return to its undeformed shape engaging the crests and troughs by virtue of its resilient characteristics.

0049The embodiments provided herein show union joints by way of example, it being understood that other types of connections, such as fixed NPT sprinkler outlets, swivel sprinkler outlets as well as NPT adapters are also feasible for use with the assembly according to the invention.

0050The assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system according to the invention will provide numerous advantages over the prior art. The assembly is easy to install on a branch line and provides great adjustability of the final position of the sprinkler, thereby simplifying design and installation tasks. It is much more difficult to over-torque the assembly due to the rotational freedom afforded by the rotatable adapter or the sleeve, resulting in a significantly decreased potential for damage upon installation or during a seismic event. Additionally, the assembly can be pressure loss tested as a unit (with or without the sprinkler installed) thereby providing the system designer one equivalent length number indicative of head loss instead of resorting to calculating the equivalent length as the sum of equivalent lengths for each component of the assembly. This should improve the accuracy of hydraulic calculations. Furthermore, the entire assembly, including the sprinkler head, may be K-factor tested which will provide a single, simplified K-factor number of increased accuracy, the K-factor being a constant of proportionality used to determine the flow rate of a nozzle as a function of the square root of the pressure at the nozzle.

0051While the example assembly embodiments disclosed herein are described in the context of a fire suppression system, it is understood that the descriptions are examples and that the assembly embodiments disclosed herein may also be used with other systems, such as hydronic systems, where a fluid is conveyed by a flexible conduit which it is desired to isolate from unwanted and potentially damaging applied torques.