System And Method Of Assembly Of CPVC Fire Sprinkler System Employing Mechanical Couplings And Supports

Abstract

Fire sprinkler system comprising a network of CPVC pipe lengths in which at least some of the pipe lengths are interconnected with mechanical devices having resilient sealing members that are chemically compatible with the CPVC composition. Repairs and system modifications can be made without the use of solvent cement. In-line joints are formed with a coupling device including a pair of arcuate coupling segments having a first end, a second end, and an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal channel extends along the concave surface. At least one mechanical fastener is operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments. A resilient annular seal is located within the longitudinal channel of each segment. A branching device connects a branch pipe to a main pipe through an orifice in the main pipe utilizing a saddle-like sealing member. The pipe assemblies are able to pass UL testing protocols for wet fire sprinkler systems.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . An assembly comprising:
 first and second pipe lengths comprising a CPVC composition; and   a mechanical fixture operative to sealingly engage the first and second pipe lengths, wherein when assembled, the assembly is operative to pass a first predetermined testing protocol.   
     
     
         29 . The assembly of  claim 28  wherein the first predetermined testing protocol comprises at least one member of the group consisting of a Fire Exposure Test, UL 1821, Sec 13; a Bending Moment Test, UL 213, Sec. 12; a Vibration Test, UL 1821, Sec. 19; an Assembly Test, UL 1821, Sec. 22; a Hydrostatic Pressure Test, UL 1821, Sec. 23; a Pressure Cycling Test, UL 1821, Sec. 24; a Temperature Cycling Test, UL 1821, Sec. 25; a Long Term Hydrostatic Pressure Test, UL 1821, Sec. 27; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         30 . The assembly of  claim 28  wherein:
 each of the pipe lengths includes a continuous annular groove formed in the pipe wall at a predetermined distance from an end thereof, wherein the portion of the pipe wall on each pipe length between the pipe end and the groove comprises a sealing surface, and wherein the first and second pipe lengths are in close end to end relationship with each other; and   wherein the mechanical fixture comprises a coupling device including a resilient seal, wherein the resilient seal is operative to annularly engage the sealing surfaces and to span the ends of the pipe lengths, wherein the seal comprises a material chemically compatible with the CPVC composition.   
     
     
         31 . The assembly of  claim 28  wherein:
 the first pipe length is a main pipe length and the second pipe length is a branch pipe length, wherein the main pipe length and the branch pipe length are in close perpendicular relationship with each other, wherein the main pipe length includes at least one orifice therein at a branch location; and   the mechanical fixture comprises a branching device including a first arcuate section, wherein the first arcuate section includes a concave saddle surface generally corresponding to the outer circumference of the main pipe length, a branch pipe opening dimensioned to extend in the orifice, a spigot wall surrounding the branch pipe opening wherein the spigot wall terminates inwardly at a contoured lip generally corresponding to the saddle surface contour, and a sealing recess encircling the spigot wall wherein the sealing recess is open at the saddle wall and terminates in the direction of the branch pipe; a second arcuate section having a surface operative to embrace the main pipe length; a resilient sealing member positioned in the sealing recess, wherein the sealing member is annularly engaged with the pipe length about the orifice, and wherein the resilient sealing member is chemically compatible with the CPVC composition;   and at least one mechanical fastener operative to engage the first arcuate section with the second arcuate section.