| |
| United States Patent
|
6,076,545 |
| Cooper |
June 20, 2000 |
Fire-control sprinkler system riser means
Abstract
This invention provides a fire-control sprinkler system riser for
a residence, including a unitary manifold for porting to system
components. The longitudinal manifold has pipe threads on its ends
to connect to an inlet water pipe and an outlet sprinkler system;
and it has ports all to one side of the manifold for mounting the
riser system components in the following order from inlet to outlet:
flow switch means; test and drain valve means; pressure gauge means;
and relief valve means. On the other side of the manifold are
support connections, as for attachment to a beam of the residence.
The manifold may be connected facing either way, i.e., left support
or right support, and it has indicia on both manifold facing sides
for indicating flow direction and port identifications to a user
from either side. Dimensions provide high efficiency in use of
space, etc.
| Inventors: |
Cooper; Michael S.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
08/840,421 |
| Filed: |
April 29, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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604732 |
Feb., 1996 |
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
137/360 ;
137/552; 137/561A; 169/16; 200/81.9R |
| Current
International Class: |
A62C
35/68 (20060101); A62C 35/58 (20060101); A62C 035/60 ();
A62C 035/68 () |
| Field of
Search: |
137/360,551,557,559,561A,561R,552 73/861.74,861.76 169/16,17
200/81.9R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Rivell; John
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
This application is a C-I-P of application Ser. No. 08/604,732 filed
Feb. 21, 1996, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A riser manifold unitary means for connecting a water supply pipe
of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of said structure
comprising, in combination:
a. longitudinal pipe means for guiding water flow from said water
supply pipe to said sprinkler system pipe; and
b. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means and all
aligned in parallel relation along a first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, multiple attachment means for attaching sprinkler system
components selected from the group consisting of
i) safety components
ii) test components
iii) monitoring components;
c. wherein said multiple attachment means comprise pipe threads.
2. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 1, further
comprising:
a. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a
second side of said longitudinal pipe means about 180 degrees
opposed to said first side, support means, directly attached to said
longitudinal pipe means, for assisting attachment of said riser
manifold unitary means to said structure.
3. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 1 wherein said
multiple attachment means comprise ports for attachment to said
longitudinal pipe means of at least three of the following said
system components:
a. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
b. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
c. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
d. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system.
4. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 1 wherein said
multiple attachment means comprise ports for attachment to said
longitudinal pipe means of at least the following said system
components:
a. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
b. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
c. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
d. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system.
5. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 1 wherein said
longitudinal pipe means comprises:
a. a first pipe thread at a first end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an inlet from said water supply
pipe; and
b. a second pipe thread at a second end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an outlet to said sprinkler system
pipe.
6. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 5 wherein said
multiple attachment means comprise ports for attachment to said
longitudinal pipe means of the following said system components, in
the following order with respect to a direction from said first pipe
thread to said second pipe thread:
a. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
b. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
c. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
d. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system.
7. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 6 wherein a
said attachment means of a said port for attachment of a said system
component, test and drain valve means, comprises an external pipe
thread.
8. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 7 wherein:
a. said longitudinal pipe means is about sixteen inches long;
b. said port for said flow switch means comprises
i. a center about three inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one inch N.P.T.;
c. said port for said test and drain valve means comprises
i. a center about eight inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. external pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.;
d. said port for said pressure gauge means comprises
i. a center about eleven inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; and
e. said port for said relief valve means comprises
i. a center about fourteen inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.
9. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 7 wherein:
a. said longitudinal pipe means is about sixteen inches long;
b. said port for said flow switch means comprises
i. a center about three inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. flange means for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a said flow
switch means to said riser manifold unitary means;
c. said port for said test and drain valve means comprises
i. a center about eight inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. external pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.;
d. said port for said pressure gauge means comprises
i. a center about eleven inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; and
e. said port for said relief valve means comprises
i. a center about fourteen inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.
10. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 9 wherein said
flange means is constructed and arranged for direct no-pipe-thread
attachment of a said flow switch of the type comprising a housing
including a face plate, a sensing switch within said housing, a
sensing paddle outside said housing and connected by a connector
member through said face plate to said sensing switch, screw
attachments for connecting said face plate to a flange member, and a
cylindrical seal member, co-axial with said sensing paddle and
encircling said connector member, for sealing said
face-plate-to-flange-member connection.
11. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 8 wherein said
riser manifold unitary means is constructed essentially of a
material selected from the following group:
a. a brass cast alloy;
b. a bronze cast alloy;
c. a copper cast alloy;
d. a molded plastic.
12. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 1 further
comprising:
a. at about 90 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, first indicia indicating a water flow direction and
second indicia indicating port identifications; and
b. at about 270 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, third indicia indicating a water flow direction and
fourth indicia indicating port identifications;
c. said indicia comprising symbols raised above a surface level of
said riser manifold unitary means.
13. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 2 wherein said
support means comprises pedestal means including mounting flange
means comprising a mounting hole for assisting attachment of said
unitary means to said structure.
14. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 13 wherein
said mounting hole is slanted away at an acute angle from a
direction perpendicular to said longitudinal pipe means.
15. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 14 wherein
said acute angle is about 20 degrees.
16. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 1 further
comprising:
a. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means and
aligned in parallel relation along said first side of said
longitudinal pipe means, flow switch attachment means for attaching
a flow switch.
17. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 16 wherein
said flow switch attachment means comprises flange means for direct
no-pipe-thread attachment of a said flow switch to said riser
manifold unitary means.
18. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 17 wherein
said flange means is constructed and arranged for direct
no-pipe-thread attachment of a said flow switch of the type
comprising a housing including a face plate, a sensing switch within
said housing, a sensing paddle outside said housing and connected by
a connector member through said face plate to said sensing switch,
screw attachments for connecting said face plate to a flange member,
and a cylindrical seal member, co-axial with said sensing paddle and
encircling said connector member, for sealing said
face-plate-to-flange-member connection.
19. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 3 further
comprising:
I. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a
second side of said longitudinal pipe means about 180 degrees
opposed to said first side, support means for assisting attachment
of said riser manifold unitary means to said structure;
ii. wherein said support means comprises pedestal means including
mounting flange means comprising a mounting hole for assisting
attachment of said unitary means to said structure.
20. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 19 wherein:
a. said mounting hole is slanted about twenty degrees away from a
direction perpendicular to said longitudinal pipe means.
21. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 20 wherein:
a. a control means for operation of said test and drain valve means
is facing a direction selected from the following:
I. about 90 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal pipe
means, and
ii. about 270 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal pipe
means; and
b. a readable face of said pressure gauge means is facing in the
same direction as said control means.
22. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 1 wherein said
multiple attachment means comprise ports for attachment to said
longitudinal pipe means of at least three of the following said
system components, in the following order with respect to a
direction from said first pipe thread to said second pipe thread:
a. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
b. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
c. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
d. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system.
23. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 22 wherein:
a. said port for said flow switch means comprises
I. a center about three inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads suitably sized;
b. said port for said test and drain valve means comprises
I. a center about eight inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. external pipe threads suitably sized;
c. said port for said pressure gauge means comprises
I. a center about eleven inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads suitably sized.
24. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 22 wherein
said port for said flow switch means comprises flange means for
direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a said flow switch means to said
riser manifold unitary means.
25. A sprinkler system riser unit for supplying water from a water
supply pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of said
structure comprising, in combination:
a. a riser manifold unitary means comprising
i. longitudinal pipe means for guiding water flow from said water
supply pipe to said sprinkler system pipe;
ii. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means and all
aligned in parallel relation along a first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, multiple attachment means for attaching sprinkler system
components;
iii. at about 90 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, first indicia indicating a water flow direction and
second indicia indicating port identifications;
iv. at about 270 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, third indicia indicating a water flow direction and
fourth indicia indicating port identifications;
v. a first pipe thread at a first end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an inlet from said water supply
pipe; and
vi. a second pipe thread at a second end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an outlet to said sprinkler system
pipe; and
b. attached to said attachment means of said riser manifold unitary
means, in the following order with respect to a direction from said
first pipe thread to said second pipe thread, the following said
sprinkler system components:
i. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
ii. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
iii. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
iv. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system.
26. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 25 wherein said
attachment means comprises pipe threads.
27. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 26 wherein said
attachment means to said flow switch means comprises flange means
for direct no-pipe-thread attachment.
28. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 25 further
comprising:
a. drain connection means attached to said test and drain valve
means; and
b. a drain hose attached from a first hose attachment means of said
relief valve means to a second hose attachment means of said drain
connection means;
c. wherein said first and second hose attachment means comprise
external-barb-type nipples.
29. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 28 further
comprising:
i. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a
second side of said longitudinal pipe means about 180 degrees
opposed to said first side, support means for assisting attachment
of said riser manifold unitary means to said structure;
ii. wherein said support means comprises pedestal means including
mounting flange means comprising a mounting hole for assisting
attachment of said unitary means to said structure.
30. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 29 further
comprising:
a. inlet means connected to said first pipe thread at said first end
of said longitudinal pipe means;
b. outlet means connected to said second pipe thread at said second
end of said longitudinal pipe means;
c. drain means connected to said drain connection means; and
d. structure connection means connecting said mounting hole to said
structure.
31. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 30 wherein:
a. said mounting hole is slanted about twenty degrees away from a
direction perpendicular to said longitudinal pipe means.
32. A sprinkler system riser according to claim 30 wherein:
a. a control means for operation of said test and drain valve means
is facing a direction selected from the following:
i. about 90 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal pipe
means, and
ii. about 270 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal pipe
means; and
b. a readable face of said pressure gauge is facing in the same
direction as said control means.
33. A riser manifold unitary means for connecting a water supply
pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of said structure
comprising, in combination:
a. longitudinal pipe means for guiding water flow from said water
supply pipe to said sprinkler system pipe;
b. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means and
aligned in parallel relation along a first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, multiple attachment means for attaching sprinkler system
components;
c. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a
second side of said longitudinal pipe means opposite to said first
side, support means for assisting attachment of said riser manifold
unitary means to said structure;
d. at about 90 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, first indicia indicating a water flow direction and
second indicia indicating port identifications;
e. at about 270 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, third indicia indicating a water flow direction and
fourth indicia indicating port identifications;
f. wherein said indicia comprise symbols raised above a surface
level of said riser manifold unitary means;
g. a first pipe thread at a first end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an inlet from said water supply
pipe;
h. a second pipe thread at a second end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an outlet to said sprinkler system
pipe;
i. wherein said multiple attachment means provide ports for
attachment to said longitudinal pipe means of the following said
system components, in the following order with respect to a
direction from said first pipe thread to said second pipe thread,
i. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
ii. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
iii. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
iv. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system;
j. wherein said multiple attachment means comprises a male pipe
thread for attachment to said test and drain valve means;
k. wherein said support means comprises pedestal means including
mounting flange means comprising a mounting hole for assisting
attachment of said unitary means to said structure; and
l. wherein said mounting hole is slanted about twenty degrees away
from a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal pipe means.
34. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 33 wherein:
a. said longitudinal pipe means is about sixteen inches long;
b. said first and second pipe threads are external pipe threads;
c. said port for said flow switch means comprises
i. a center about three inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one inch N.P.T.;
d. said port for said test and drain valve means comprises
i. a center about eight inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. external pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.;
e. said port for said pressure gauge means comprises
i. a center about eleven inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; and
f. said port for said relief valve means comprises
i. a center about fourteen inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.
35. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 33 wherein:
a. said longitudinal pipe means is about sixteen inches long;
b. said first and second pipe threads are external pipe threads;
c. said port for said flow switch means comprises
i. a center about three inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. flange means for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of said flow
switch means to said riser manifold unitary means;
d. said port for said test and drain valve means comprises
i. a center about eight inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. external pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.;
e. said port for said pressure gauge means comprises
i. a center about eleven inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; and
f. said port for said relief valve means comprises
i. a center about fourteen inches from said first end of said
longitudinal pipe means, and
ii. internal pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.
36. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 33 wherein
said riser manifold unitary means is constructed essentially of a
molded plastic material.
37. A riser manifold unitary means for connecting a water supply
pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of said structure
comprising, in combination:
a. longitudinal pipe means, attachable to said water supply pipe,
for guiding water flow from said water supply pipe to said sprinkler
system pipe; and
b. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a
first side of said longitudinal pipe means, attachment means for
attaching flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water
flow to sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
c. wherein said attachment means comprises flange means for direct
no-pipe-thread attachment of said flow switch means to said riser
manifold unitary means.
38. A riser manifold unitary means according to claim 37 wherein
said flange means comprises:
a. multiple hole means for providing attachment sites for a said
flow switch means; and
b. counterbore means for receiving a seal for said direct
no-pipe-means attachment of said flow switch means to said riser
manifold means.
39. In a structure for containing water flow:
a. longitudinal pipe means for guiding said water flow; and
b. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a
first side of said longitudinal pipe means, attachment means for
attaching flow monitoring means for monitoring said water flow;
c. wherein such attachment means comprises flange means for direct
no-pipe-thread attachment of said flow monitoring means to said
longitudinal pipe means;
d. wherein said flange means comprises an attachment pipe extending
transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a first side of
said longitudinal pipe means, said attachment pipe comprising, at an
outer end of said attachment pipe, a flange, said flange
I. comprising a cylindrical counterbore co-axial with said
attachment pipe, and
ii. being constructed and arranged for assisting direct
no-pipe-thread attachment of said flow switch to said attachment
pipe in such manner that said flow switch may monitor water flow
through said longitudinal pipe means.
40. A sprinkler system riser unit for supplying water from a water
supply pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of said
structure comprising, in combination:
a. a riser manifold unitary means comprising
I. longitudinal pipe means for guiding water flow from said water
supply pipe to said sprinkler system pipe;
ii. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means and all
aligned in parallel relation along a first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, multiple attachment means for attaching sprinkler system
components;
iii. at about 90 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, first indicia indicating a water flow direction and
second indicia indicating port identifications;
iv. at about 270 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, third indicia indicating a water flow direction and
fourth indicia indicating port identifications;
v. a first pipe thread at a first end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an inlet from said water supply
pipe; and
vi. a second pipe thread at a second end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an outlet to said sprinkler system
pipe; and
b. attached to said attachment means of said riser manifold unitary
means, in the following order with respect to a direction from said
first pipe thread to said second pipe thread, at least three of the
following said sprinkler system components:
I. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
ii. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
iii. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
iv. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system.
41. A riser manifold unitary means for connecting a water supply
pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of said structure
comprising, in combination:
a. longitudinal pipe means for guiding water flow from said water
supply pipe to said sprinkler system pipe;
b. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means and
aligned in parallel relation along a first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, multiple attachment means for attaching sprinkler system
components;
c. extending transversely from said longitudinal pipe means along a
second side of said longitudinal pipe means opposite to said first
side, support means for assisting attachment of said riser manifold
unitary means to said structure;
d. at about 90 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, first indicia indicating a water flow direction and
second indicia indicating port identifications;
e. at about 270 degrees from said first side of said longitudinal
pipe means, third indicia indicating a water flow direction and
fourth indicia indicating port identifications;
f. wherein said indicia comprise symbols raised above a surface
level of said riser manifold unitary means;
g. a first pipe thread at a first end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an inlet from said water supply
pipe;
h. a second pipe thread at a second end of said longitudinal pipe
means for assisting connection to an outlet to said sprinkler system
pipe;
I. wherein said multiple attachment means provide ports for
attachment to said longitudinal pipe means of at least three of the
following said system components, in the following order with
respect to a direction from said first pipe thread to said second
pipe thread,
I. flow switch means for monitoring delivery of said water flow to
sprinklers of said sprinkler system;
ii. test and drain valve means for testing and draining said
sprinkler system;
iii. pressure gauge means for monitoring water pressure in said
sprinkler system; and
iv. relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for said
sprinkler system;
j. wherein said multiple attachment means comprises a male pipe
thread for attachment to said test and drain valve means;
k. wherein said support means comprises pedestal means including
mounting flange means comprising a mounting hole for assisting
attachment of said unitary means to said structure; and
l. wherein said mounting hole is slanted about twenty degrees away
from a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal pipe means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing a fire-control sprinkler system
riser means. More particularly, this invention concerns a such a
sprinkler system riser means including an efficient unitary manifold
system for porting to system components and support stability.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, in plumbing fire-control sprinkler connections to a
building water supply, the lower end of a riser pipe will be
connected to a water supply pipe and the upper end will be connected
to an outlet pipe to the sprinkler system, the riser pipe being
stabilized in position by connecting it to the building structure,
as by tying it to a beam. And certain useful components will be
attached by porting to the riser pipe, usually the following: a flow
switch to ascertain whether or not there is a flow in the riser pipe
to the fire sprinkler system and to relay this information where
needed, as to fire departments; a test and drain valve to open the
riser pipe to a drain for the purposes of testing, bleeding, etc.; a
pressure gauge to deliver a read out of the water pressure in the
riser pipe; and a relief valve to open the riser pipe to a drain in
the event a certain (usually settable) water pressure is exceeded in
the riser pipe.
To avoid doing the above as on-the-spot plumbing labor, it has been
attempted for commercial uses to pre-make a steel, epoxy-coated
riser manifold containing ports for the component attachments. Then
such manifold, with or without components attached, may be plumbed
on site for connection to a water inlet and sprinkler outlet. But
there are still many unsolved problems, especially for residential
uses where the sprinkler system is part of a drinkable water system.
Manifolds for riser purposes, especially for residential risers, are
not available with minimum lengths and costs, with efficient
arrangement of ports and of pipe threads for component connection,
with efficient means for supporting the riser in connecting to a
structure, with abilities for safe and efficient use in all
locations in any direction, etc.
Additionally, flow switches are normally manufactured for connection
plumbing by way of pipe threads, usually tapered pipe threads;
however, there are many inefficiencies in such a connection.
Eliminating such a connection would permit elimination of: an
unnecessary joint which may be a point of current or future
leakages; a large brass adapter fitting which
is supplied with the flow switch for threaded pipe mounting; the use
and need for thread sealing materials such as Teflon tape or pipe
dope; the need for a large size wrench or pipe wrench (To tighten a
1" N.P.T. tapered fitting requires a large amount of torque which in
turn puts a great stress upon the entire manifold and pipe system.
This stress could work loose the mounting brackets, screws etc.);
and the need to carefully orient the final positioning of the flow
switch when rotating (tightening) the switch onto a threaded port
for proper switch operation. Thus, a threaded attachment means,
utilizing tapered pipe thread, provides a potential point of
leakage, additional labor to assemble, unnecessary componentry and
added cost. There is a need in the industry for an improved method
and product for flow switch connection and for lower overall cost.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned needs by the provision of a sprinkler riser system
having an efficient unitary manifold construction. A further object
is to provide an improved method of component connection. A further
primary object of the present invention is to provide such a
manifold system which is efficient and inexpensive, as well as
overcoming the other above-mentioned problems. Other objects of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a riser manifold unitary means for connecting a
water supply pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of such
structure comprising, in combination: longitudinal pipe means for
guiding water flow from such water supply pipe to such sprinkler
system pipe; extending transversely from such longitudinal pipe
means and all aligned in parallel relation along a first side of
such longitudinal pipe means, multiple attachment means for
attaching sprinkler system components; wherein such multiple
attachment means comprise pipe threads; and, further, extending
transversely from such longitudinal pipe means along a second side
of such longitudinal pipe means about 180 degrees opposed to such
first side, support means for assisting attachment of such riser
manifold unitary as means to such structure. This invention further
provides such a riser manifold unitary means wherein such multiple
pipe thread attachment means comprise ports for attachment to such
longitudinal pipe means of at least three of the following such
system components: flow switch means for monitoring delivery of such
water flow to sprinklers of such sprinkler system; test and drain
valve means for testing and draining such sprinkler system; pressure
gauge means for monitoring water pressure in such sprinkler system;
and relief valve means for providing over-pressure relief for such
sprinkler system. And, it further provides such a riser manifold
unitary means wherein such multiple attachment means comprise ports
for attachment to such longitudinal pipe means of at least the
following such system components: flow switch means; test and drain
valve means; pressure gauge means; and relief valve means.
Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention,
this invention provides such a riser manifold unitary means wherein
such longitudinal pipe means comprises: a first pipe thread at a
first end of such longitudinal pipe means for assisting connection
to an inlet from such water supply pipe; and a second pipe thread at
a second end of such longitudinal pipe means for assisting
connection to an outlet to such sprinkler system pipe. Also, it
provides such a riser manifold unitary means wherein such multiple
attachment means comprise ports for attachment to such longitudinal
pipe means of the following such system components, in the following
order with respect to a direction from such first pipe thread to
such second pipe thread: flow switch means; test and drain valve
means; pressure gauge means; and relief valve means; and, further
wherein a such attachment means of a such port for attachment of a
such system component, test and drain valve means, comprises an
external pipe thread.
Yet further, this invention provides such a riser manifold unitary
means wherein: such longitudinal pipe means is about sixteen inches
long; such first and second pipe threads are external pipe threads
preferably sized one-inch N.P.T.; such port for such flow switch
means comprises a center about three inches from such first end of
such longitudinal pipe means, and internal pipe threads sized one
inch N.P.T.; such port for such test and drain valve means comprises
a center about eight inches from such first end of such longitudinal
pipe means, and external pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.;
such port for such pressure gauge means comprises a center about
eleven inches from such first end of such longitudinal pipe means,
and internal pipe threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; and such
port for such relief valve means comprises a center about fourteen
inches from such first end of such pipe means, and internal pipe
threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.; and, further, wherein such port
for flow switch means comprises no pipe thread but instead flange
means for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a such flow switch
means to such riser manifold unitary means. And it even further
provides such a riser manifold unitary means wherein such riser
manifold unitary means is constructed essentially of a cast alloy
material selected from the following group: brass, bronze, copper.
Even additionally, the present invention provides such a riser
manifold unitary means further comprising: at about 90 degrees from
such first side of such longitudinal pipe means, first indicia
indicating a water flow direction and second indicia indicating port
identifications; and at about 270 degrees from such first side of
such longitudinal pipe means, third indicia indicating a water flow
direction and fourth indicia indicating port identifications; such
indicia comprising symbols raised above a surface level of such
riser manifold unitary means. And it provides such a riser manifold
unitary means wherein such support means comprises pedestal means
including mounting flange means comprising a mounting hole for
assisting attachment of such unitary means to such structure; and,
further, wherein such mounting hole is slanted away at an acute
angle from a direction perpendicular to such longitudinal pipe
means; and, further, wherein such acute angle is about 20 degrees.
Yet even further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides a sprinkler system riser unit for
supplying water from a water supply pipe of a structure to a
sprinkler system pipe of such structure comprising, in combination:
(1) a riser manifold unitary means comprising longitudinal pipe
means for guiding water flow from such water supply pipe to such
sprinkler system pipe; extending transversely from such longitudinal
pipe means and aligned in parallel relation along a first side of
such longitudinal pipe means, multiple pipe thread attachment means
for attaching sprinkler system components; extending transversely
from such longitudinal pipe means along a second side of such
longitudinal pipe means about 180 degrees opposed to such first
side, support means for assisting attachment of such riser manifold
unitary means to such structure; at about 90 degrees from such first
side of such longitudinal pipe means, first indicia indicating a
water flow direction and second indicia indicating port
identifications; at about 270 degrees from such first side of such
longitudinal pipe means, third indicia indicating a water flow
direction and fourth indicia indicating port identifications;
wherein such indicia comprise symbols raised above a surface level
of such riser manifold unitary means; and wherein such support means
comprises pedestal means including mounting flange means comprising
a mounting hole for assisting attachment of such unitary means to
such structure; a first pipe thread at a first end of such
longitudinal pipe means for assisting connection to an inlet from
such water supply pipe; and a second pipe thread at a second end of
such longitudinal pipe means for assisting connection to an outlet
to such sprinkler system pipe; and (2) attached to such pipe thread
attachments of such riser manifold unitary means, in the following
order with respect to a direction from such first pipe thread to
such second pipe thread, flow switch means, test and drain valve
means, pressure gauge means; and relief valve means.
Moreover, this invention provides such a sprinkler system riser
further comprising: drain connection means attached to such test and
drain valve means; and a drain hose attached from a first hose
attachment means of such relief valve means to a second hose
attachment means of such drain connection means; wherein such first
and second hose attachment means comprise external-barb-type
nipples. And it provides such a sprinkler system riser further
comprising: inlet means connected to such first pipe thread at such
first end of such longitudinal pipe means; outlet means connected to
such second pipe thread at such second end of such longitudinal pipe
means; drain means connected to such drain connection means; and
structure connection means connecting such mounting hole to such
structure. Also, it provides such a sprinkler system riser wherein:
such mounting hole is slanted about twenty degrees away from a
direction perpendicular to such longitudinal pipe means; and,
preferably, such structure connection means is threaded. And it
further provides such a sprinkler system riser wherein: a control
means for operation of such test and drain valve means is facing a
direction selected from the following--about 90 degrees from such
first side of such longitudinal pipe means, and about 270 degrees
from such first side of such longitudinal pipe means; and a readable
face of such pressure gauge is facing in the same direction as such
control means.
In addition, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a riser manifold unitary means for connecting a
water supply pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of such
structure comprising, in combination: longitudinal pipe means for
guiding water flow from such water supply pipe to such sprinkler
system pipe; extending transversely from such longitudinal pipe
means and all aligned in parallel relation along a first side of
such longitudinal pipe means, multiple pipe thread attachment means
for attaching sprinkler system components; extending transversely
from such longitudinal pipe means along a second side of such
longitudinal pipe means opposite to such first side, support means
for assisting attachment of such riser manifold unitary means to
such structure; at about 90 degrees from such first side of such
longitudinal pipe means, first indicia indicating a water flow
direction and second indicia indicating port identifications; at
about 270 degrees from such first side of such longitudinal pipe
means, third indicia indicating a water flow direction and fourth
indicia indicating port identifications; wherein such indicia
comprise symbols raised above a surface level of such riser manifold
unitary means; a first pipe thread at a first end of such
longitudinal pipe means for assisting connection to an inlet from
such water supply pipe; a second pipe thread at a second end of such
longitudinal pipe means for assisting connection to an outlet to
such sprinkler system pipe; wherein such multiple pipe thread
attachment means provide ports for attachment to such longitudinal
pipe means of the following such system components, in the following
order with respect to a direction from such first pipe thread to
such second pipe thread, flow switch means, test and drain valve
means, pressure gauge means, and relief valve means; wherein such
multiple pipe thread attachment means comprises a male pipe thread
for attachment to such test and drain valve means; wherein such
support means comprises pedestal means including mounting flange
means comprising a mounting hole for assisting attachment of such
unitary means to such structure; and wherein such mounting hole is
slanted about twenty degrees away from a direction perpendicular to
such longitudinal pipe means.
Yet in addition, this invention provides such a riser manifold
unitary means wherein: such longitudinal pipe means is about sixteen
inches long; such first and second pipe threads are external pipe
threads; such port for such flow switch means comprises a center
about three inches from such first end of such longitudinal pipe
means, and internal pipe threads sized one inch N.P.T.; such port
for such test and drain valve means comprises a center about eight
inches from such first end of such longitudinal pipe means, and
external pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.; such port for such
pressure gauge means comprises a center about eleven inches from
such first end of such longitudinal pipe means, and internal pipe
threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; and such port for such relief
valve means comprises a center about fourteen inches from such first
end of such longitudinal pipe means, and internal pipe threads sized
one-half inch N.P.T. And it provides such a riser manifold unitary
means wherein such riser manifold unitary means is constructed
essentially of a molded plastic material.
Yet further, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, the
present invention provides a riser manifold unitary means for
connecting a water supply pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system
pipe of such structure comprising, in combination: longitudinal pipe
means for guiding water flow from such water supply pipe to such
sprinkler system pipe; and, extending transversely from such
longitudinal pipe means along a first side of such longitudinal pipe
means, attachment means for attaching flow switch means for
monitoring delivery of such water flow to sprinklers of such
sprinkler system; wherein such attachment means comprises flange
means for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of such flow switch means
to such riser manifold unitary means; and, further, wherein such
flange means comprises multiple hole means for providing attachment
sites for a such flow switch means, and counterbore means for
receiving a cylindrical seal for such direct no-pipe-means
attachment of such flow switch means to such riser manifold means.
Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides, in a structure for containing water flow:
longitudinal pipe means for guiding such water flow; and extending
transversely from such longitudinal pipe means along a first side of
such longitudinal pipe means, attachment means for attaching flow
monitoring means for monitoring such water flow; wherein such
attachment means comprises flange means for direct no-pipe-thread
attachment of such flow monitoring means to such longitudinal pipe
means.
And, even further, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides, in a system for connecting a flow switch to a
longitudinal pipe for monitoring water flow through such
longitudinal pipe, such flow switch being of the type comprising a
housing including a face plate, a sensing switch within such
housing, a sensing paddle outside such housing and connected by a
connector member through such face plate to such sensing switch,
screw attachments for connecting such face plate to a flange member,
and a cylindrical seal member, co-axial with such sensing paddle and
encircling such connector member, for sealing such
face-plate-to-flange connection, the steps of: providing an
attachment pipe extending transversely from such longitudinal pipe
along a first side of such longitudinal pipe, such attachment pipe
comprising, at an outer end of such attachment pipe, a flange,
comprising a cylindrical counterbore co-axial with such attachment
pipe, for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of such flow switch to
such attachment pipe in such manner that such flow switch may
monitor water flow through such longitudinal pipe; disassembling
such flow switch to remove such face plate, such sensing paddle and
connector member, and such seal member; inserting such sensing
paddle through such counterbore into such attachment pipe in such
manner that such seal member rests essentially within such
counterbore; connecting such face plate to such flange with such
screw attachments in such manner as to seal such
face-plate-to-flange connection with such sensing paddle in place
for such monitoring and permit such connector member to pass through
such face plate in position for connection to such sensing switch;
reconnecting such connector member to such sensing switch; and
reconnecting such housing to reassemble such flow switch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a the preferred embodiment of the
sprinkler system riser unit of the present invention connected in a
residential structure.
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the illustrated sprinkler system
riser unit.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the illustrated sprinkler system
riser unit.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
riser manifold unitary means of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the illustrated riser
manifold unitary means.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the section 6--6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of an alternate
embodiment of the riser manifold unitary means of the present
invention.
FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the lower portion (at the flow switch
attachment location) of yet another alternate embodiment of a riser
manifold unitary means of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of a flow switch and its
attachment means to the alternate embodiment of the riser manifold
unitary means of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a flow switch and its
attachment means to the alternate embodiment of the riser manifold
unitary means of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the sprinkler system riser unit of the present invention connected
in a residential structure; and FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the
illustrated sprinkler system riser unit. With particular reference
to FIG. 1, the riser unit 10 is a component of a water sprinkler
system for a residential fire protection system. The riser unit 10
includes components used for monitoring delivery of water to the
sprinklers (not shown), monitoring water pressure, providing system
over-pressure relief, and testing and draining the water sprinkler
system. Riser unit 10 incorporates a riser manifold unitary means
embodied by the one-piece manifold 11 to assist in making
connections to the above-mentioned components as well as water
system connections, all as hereinafter described.
Manifold 11 incorporates support means (for assisting attachment of
the riser manifold unitary means to the structure) embodied by two
pedestals 12 for stabilizing of the riser unit 10 by attachment of
the riser unit 10 to a convenient location of the residence's
structure (such as beam 13, as shown). The riser unit 10 connects
the residence's water piping to the sprinkler system by two
connections onto manifold 11: to connect to inlet means embodied by
water supply pipe 14 and standard pipe coupling 18 at the inlet 15;
and to connect to outlet means embodied by sprinkler plumbing pipe
16 and standard pipe coupling 18 at the outlet 17. Other suitable
fittings may be used. Manifold 11 includes pipe thread attachment
locations (on its side facing direction E, as shown, see especially
FIGS. 4 and 6) for system components as illustrated: flow switch
means embodied by flow switch 19; test and drain valve means
embodied by test and drain valve 20; pressure gauge means embodied
by pressure gauge 21; and relief valve means embodied by relief
valve 22. There are also connections to riser unit 10 of a drain 23
at drain connection means embodied by T-fitting 24 and electrical
connection wiring 33 (see FIG. 2) to the flow switch 19.
With particular reference to FIG. 2 and the schematic diagram of
FIG. 3, the riser unit 10 includes means for conveniently grouping,
connecting and securely mounting various components of a fire
prevention water sprinkler system. Although water sprinkler systems
are custom tailored for each application with a varying quantity of
sprinkler heads and a varying layout of interconnecting plumbing,
the system components of riser unit 10 remain reasonably consistent
with most applications; and the teachings of the present invention
will apply even if in a particular application ports for only three
of the described system components are cast into manifold 11. The
functioning of all the preferred components is as follows. A
pressure gauge 21 indicates the pressure within the system and is
monitored for indication that ample pressure is available in the
event that the sprinklers will be activated. Over-pressurization of
a closed system can occur, from thermal expansion or other reasons,
and relief valve 22 is provided as a prevention against excess
pressure. Relief valve 22 is variably adjustable and limits the
water pressure within the entire sprinkler system to the pressure at
which the relief valve 22 is set. In the event that relief valve 22
opens to release water, the water exits from outlet port 25 of
relief valve 22. When installing, testing, bleeding or draining the
system, test and drain valve 20 is used to vent or open the system
to atmospheric pressure. Shown is a conventional lever-operated
manual ball valve which, when actuated, releases water from the
system. Connected to its outlet 26 are fittings to which a drain 23
will be attached at time of installation. Pipe nipple 27 and pipe
tee 28 provide this connection as well as incorporating a means for
receiving a relief line 29 from the outlet port 25 of relief valve
22. Relief line 29 consists of us flexible hose 30, barbed
hose-connection fittings 31 at outlet port 25 and pipe tee 28, and
hose clamps 32. This arrangement provides an easy-disconnect
structure for the hose 30 attached from a first hose attachment
fitting of relief valve 22 to a second hose attachment fitting 31 of
drain-connection pipe tee 28 in that fittings 31 comprise
external-barb-type nipples, all as shown.
Also incorporated on riser unit 10 is a flow switch 19 which
utilizes its included sensing paddle 34 to monitor water flow within
the interior of manifold 11. In the event of sprinkler activation
(or testing), water flow through riser unit 10 is recognized by flow
switch 19 which activates its integral electrical contacts and sends
an electrical signal through attached wiring 33. This electrical
signal may typically then be used to actuate an alarm or bell within
the residence and may additionally be used to notify a fire station.
To functionally connect these components together, manifold 11 is
provided. Manifold 11 is a one-piece casting with standard pipe
thread connections at inlet 15, outlet 17, relief valve port 35,
pressure gauge port 36, flow switch port 37, and test and drain port
38. The two pedestals 12 for mounting are cast integrally with
mounting holes 42 provided. Illustrated is how mounting holes 42 of
pedestals 12 might be attached with structure connection means
embodied by screws 43 to a sturdy portion of the residence structure
13. The longitudinal pipe means for guiding water flow from the
water supply pipe to the sprinkler system pipe is embodied by run 44
which extends from a first end 15a at inlet 15 and a second end 17a
at outlet 17, both of which outlets have standard male, external
pipe threads sized one inch N.P.T. Located on run 44 (on its side
facing direction F, see especially FIG. 4), at about 90 degrees from
the first-mentioned side (facing direction E, hereinafter sometimes
called side E) of run 44, are first indicia, embodied by arrow 40,
indicating a water flow direction, and second indicia, embodied by
port identifications 39, indicating port identifications. Also
located on run 44 (on its side facing in direction H, sometimes
hereinafter called side H), at about 270 degrees from first side E
of run 44, are third indicia (similar to said first indicia)
indicating a water flow direction and fourth indicia (similar to
said second indicia) indicating port identifications. All these
just-mentioned indicia comprise symbols raised above a surface level
of run 44. Port identifications 39 are worded PRESSURE RELIEF,
GAUGE, TEST & DRAIN, and FLOW. Port identification 39 located at
flow switch port 37 additionally has adjacent to it arrow 40
indicating direction of water flow within the manifold 11, as shown.
Additional indicia 41 cast into manifold 11 might include trade name
and mark, part numbering, patent numbering, manufacturer, and phone
number, etc.
A perspective view of manifold 11 is shown in FIG. 4. The run 44 is
tubular in cross-section and hollow its full length. Extending
transversely (perpendicularly) from the longitudinal pipe means of
run 44 and aligned in parallel relation along a first side E of run
44 are multiple pipe thread attachment means for attaching sprinkler
system components to the interior 45 of run 44, such attachment
means being embodied by: relief valve port 35 which has internal
pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T.; pressure gauge port 36
which has internal pipe threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; flow
switch port 37 which has internal pipe threads sized one inch
N.P.T.; and test and drain valve port 38 which has external pipe
threads sized one-half inch N.P.T. It is noted that, although such
test and drain valve ports are usually female and internal, the
casting in manifold 11 of male, external threads for such port
provides an efficient and direct connection to the usual test and
drain valve (i.e., it saves requiring a nipple to be added to the
port).
It is highly preferred that the system components be attached to the
pipe thread attachments of the ports of run 44 in the following
order with respect to a direction from the first end 15a at the pipe
threads of inlet 15 to the second end 17a at the pipe threads of
outlet 17: flow switch means; test and drain valve means; pressure
gauge means; and relief valve means. Also preferred in combination,
for the reasons herein, are the following dimensions: for the length
of run 44, about sixteen inches; for the location of the center of
port 37 for flow switch 19, about three inches from first end 15a of
run 44; for the location of the center of port 38 for test and drain
valve 20, about eight inches from first end 15a of run 44; for the
location of the center of port 36 for pressure gauge 21, about
eleven is inches from first end 15a of run 44; and, for the location
of the center of port 35 for relief valve 22, about fourteen inches
from first end 15a of run 44.
The above preferred dimensions provide high efficiency in use of
space, etc. The largest diameter system component is usually the
pressure gauge, usually about three and one-half inches in diameter.
And the system component usually having longest longitudinal
extension for its port center line is the flow switch, usually about
three and 11/16 inches. Furthermore, the choice of efficient hoses
30 to connect the relief valve to the drain connection of the test
and drain valve is much improved by spacing the components to allow
a smooth bend in hose 30, as shown in the drawings. Considering all
of the above and the importance and efficiency (in cost and space)
of a minimum length riser while preserving the ability to install
the riser manifold for support to either side, the herein
illustrated and disclosed arrangement and dimensions are an
important part of the present invention, according to a preferred
embodiment thereof.
Since the ports for the system components are all to one side (side
E) of the manifold 11 (and of run 44), and since the support
connections, as for attachment to a beam of the residence, are all
on the other side (the side facing in the direction G, hereinafter
sometimes called side G) of the manifold 11 (and of run 44), the
manifold 11 may be connected facing either way, i.e., to a left
support beam/wall or to a right support beam/wall. Furthermore, as
indicated elsewhere herein, manifold 11 has indicia on both manifold
"facing" sides for indicating flow direction and port
identifications to a user from either side. Also, it is noted that a
control means, embodied by handle 20a, for operation of test and
drain valve 20 may be attached so that handle 20a is facing in the
illustrated direction, i.e., on the side F of run 44, or it may
alternatively be attached so that handle 20a is facing in the
opposed direction, i.e., on the side H of run 44. Thus, the test and
drain valve control means will face in a direction selected from the
following: about 90 degrees from side E of run 44; and about 270
degrees from side E of run 44. And the readable face of pressure
gauge 21 will preferably be attached to face in the same direction
as the handle 20a, thus providing user accessibility in either
direction of attachment of manifold 11.
Pedestals 12 are located on the side G (180 degrees from side E) of
run 44 and are oriented 180 degrees from the above-mentioned system
component ports, as shown. Each pedestal 12 includes a mounting
flange 46 attached to the run 44 by two stand-offs 47. Also shown is
the preferred positioning of the indicia port identifications 39 and
arrow 40 on side F (and side H, not shown but looks like side F
indicia) of run 44.
FIG. 5 shows manifold 11 in cross section its full length. Manifold
11 is preferably cast in one piece (with all of its features
included in the casting) preferably of a cast alloy material
selected from the following group: brass, bronze, copper.
Alternatively, a suitable plastic material, for example, the
material called "CPVC Orange" approved for such uses, may be used.
Wall thickness "A" is generally relatively the same through-out and
suitable for the water pressure used. Relief valve port 35, pressure
gauge port 36 and flow switch port 37 incorporate increased wall
thickness "B" as a reinforcing ring 48 giving added strength to
their internal portions. Pedestal 12 mounting flanges 46 are each
connected to run 44 with two stand-offs 47, for rigidity. Offset "C"
of flow switch port 37 is suitably dimensioned to provide correct
insertion depth of a preferred flow switch into the interior 45 of
run 44 into the water flow path to allow for flow monitoring.
FIG. 6 shows manifold 11 in cross section at a pedestal 12, and is
typical for both pedestal locations. Mounting flange 46 is attached
to run 44 with stand-offs 47. Mounting Flange 46 contains two
mounting holes 42 which are each slanted away at an acute angle from
a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of run 44,
as shown. It is preferred, especially for the illustrated relative
dimensions, that such acute angle be about 20 degrees. The surface
of mounting flange 46, as shown, is also tapered on the run 44 side
to be approximately perpendicular to the slanted mounting holes.
Screws (or bolts) 43 are then angled inward as they are tightened
into their mounting location. This outward angling allows tightening
of screw 43 with suitable clearance room for a screwdriver 49 (or
wrench) to the side of run 44, as shown.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of manifold 11, molded of plastic
as an alternate method of manufacture. Features and functions of a
plastic manifold remain identical excepting any modifications
necessitated by differing material strengths.
In FIG. 8, shown in an elevation view, is the lower portion of the
alternate embodiment 60 of riser unit 10 which utilizes manifold 61.
Manifold 61 incorporates a flanged port 62 for the mounting of flow
switch 63, as an alternate to the threaded flow switch port 37 of
manifold 11 and flow switch 19 as previously detailed in FIGS. 1, 2,
4, 5 and 7. The location of flanged port 62 on manifold 61 remains
identical to the location of the flow switch port 37 of manifold 11.
Flow switch 63, as used with the alternate embodiment 60 of riser
unit 10, does not incorporate the adapter portion 50, which is shown
threaded into flow switch port 37 of FIG. 2. This adapter portion 50
of the prior art incorporated 1" male pipe threads for installation
to the 1" N.P.T. threaded flow switch port 37 of manifold 11, and a
mounting flange 51 (see FIG. 9) compatible for attachment of the
flow switch 19. The adapter portion 50 of the prior art is fully
illustrated in FIG. 9 as part of adapter 66 and is represented with
dotted lines. Flanged port 62 of manifold 61 includes a mounting
flange 64, with some features as incorporated with the prior art
adapter 66, as shown, and is designed for direct mounting of flow
switch 63, as shown. Mounting flange 64 of flanged port 62 is
unitarily connected to run 44 of manifold 61 with extension 65.
Offset "D", the distance from the mounting face 71 of the mounting
flange 64 to the center of run 44 is appropriately dimensioned to
provide correct geometry of the installed flow switch 63 for
accurate flow monitoring.
In the perspective exploded view of FIG. 9 are illustrated the basic
components of flow switch 63 and how they install to manifold 61 at
flanged port 62. The interface of flow switch 63 to the flanged port
62 of manifold 61 is mounting flange 64 which is incorporated to
replace the prior art adapter 66 which is illustrated with dotted
lines. Mounting flange 64 incorporates essentially the same
interface mounting features as previously provided with the prior
art adapter 66, which is typically the flow switch manufacturer's
provided mounting means. Base plate or face plate 70 of flow switch
63 mates and secures to mounting face 71, of mounting flange 64,
with screws 72, as shown. Threaded holes 73 are provided in mounting
flange 64 and are appropriately sized, spaced, and oriented, to be
compatible with the mounting requirements of flow switch 63.
Mounting flange 64 also includes an equivalent and appropriately
sized
counterbore recess 74 and internal bore 75 with depths and diameters
required for accepting the sensing paddle 34 and seal 76 of the flow
switch 63. When mounting the flow switch 63 to the manifold 61, the
flow switch 63 must first be disassembled, removing the cover 81 and
switch mechanism 82 from the face plate 70. The sensing paddle 34
with seal 76 is inserted into the internal bore 75 and recess 74 of
the mounting flange 64 with the sensing paddle 34 oriented
perpendicular to the axis of the run 44. The face plate 70 is then
installed onto the mounting face 71 of the mounting flange 64, which
firmly sandwiches the seal 76 between the mounting flange 64 and the
base plate 70, thus retaining the sensing paddle 34. The switch
mechanism 82 may then be re-installed, electrical wiring to the
switch completed, and the cover 81 re-installed, all in a
straightforward manner to those with ordinary skill in the art.
Thus, it is seen that the method of the present invention comprises
the steps of: providing an attachment pipe extending transversely
from a longitudinal pipe along a first side of such longitudinal
pipe, such attachment pipe comprising, at an outer end, a flange,
comprising a cylindrical counterbore co-axial with such attachment
pipe, for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a flow switch of the
type illustrated to such attachment pipe in such manner that such
flow switch may monitor water flow through such longitudinal pipe;
providing a such disassembled such flow switch with a face plate, a
sensing paddle and connector member, and a seal member; inserting
such sensing paddle through such counterbore into such attachment
pipe in such manner that such seal member rests essentially within
such counterbore; connecting such face plate to such flange with
such screw attachments in such manner as to seal such
face-plate-to-flange connection with such sensing paddle in place
for such monitoring and permit such connector member to pass through
such face plate in position for connection to such sensing switch;
reconnecting such connector member to such sensing switch; and
reconnecting such housing to reassemble such flow switch. FIG. 10 is
a cross-sectional elevation view of flow switch 63 installed on the
flanged port 62 of manifold 61. Face plate 70 of flow switch 63 is
attache to the mounting face 71 of mounting flange 64 with screws
72. The seal 76 is firmly clamped into the recess 74 of mounting
flange 64 by the base plate 70 of flow switch 63. Paddle 34 of flow
switch 63 thus positioned through the internal bore 75 of extension
65 and projects into the interior 45 of run 44, for sensing water
flow through the manifold 61.
This last-discussed alternate preferred embodiment of this
invention, using a flanged mounting, provides many advantages over a
pipe-threaded mounting. E.g., it provides a simple "bolt on"
mounting, not requiring large wrenches or pipe thread sealing means,
such as Teflon tape or pipe dope; it eliminates an unnecessary
joint; it eliminates the need for the large specialty
adapter/mounting fitting which is typically supplied with the flow
switch; proper orientation of the flow switch is automatically
established, as the flange is permanently located; and the switch
does not need to be rotated to be installed, therefore its large
housing doesn't require "extra" clearance from other nearby
obstructions.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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