US4071266A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable drop nipple
Assignee: Scott Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1976-11-01
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Granted: 1978-01-31
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Expires: 1996-11-01
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable drop nipple is disclosed for connecting a pendant sprinkler to a sprinkler system. The nipple includes outer and inner telescoped pipes with a gripping means therebetween which permits an adjustment of the telescoped relation of the pipes for a desired position of the pendant sprinkler below a drop ceiling.
Inventors
- 👤 George S. Mountford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 02:04
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L27/00; F16L27/12; F16L27/127
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
An adjustable drop nipple for a fire extinguishing sprinkler system to connect a sprinkler at the underside of a room ceiling with a nipple in water distributing piping above the room ceiling, said adjustable drop nipple comprising a sealing coupling having one end engaging said nipple, an elongated sleeve on the exterior of said sealing coupling extending toward said distributing piping and partially overlying said nipple, a tube telescopically arranged in said sealing coupling and nipple and extending outwardly of the other end of said sealing coupling, a tapered surface formed in said sealing coupling with the largest diameter of said tapered surface being adjacent said other end thereof, a rotatable lock nut on said sealing coupling through which said tube extends and enclosing a split ring movable toward and away from said tapered surface upon rotation of said rotatable lock nut, said split ring arranged for wedging action between said tube and said tapered surface of said coupling and resilient seal means in said sealing coupling engaging said tube and spaced with respect to said tapered surface and said split ring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
An adjustable drop nipple for a fire extinguishing sprinkler system to connect a sprinkler at the underside of a room ceiling with a nipple in water distributing piping above the room ceiling, said adjustable drop nipple comprising a sealing coupling having one end engaging said nipple, an elongated sleeve on the exterior of said sealing coupling extending toward said distributing piping and partially overlying said nipple, a tube telescopically arranged in said sealing coupling and nipple and extending outwardly of the other end of said sealing coupling, a tapered surface formed in said sealing coupling with the largest diameter of said tapered surface being adjacent said other end thereof, a rotatable lock nut on said sealing coupling through which said tube extends and enclosing a split ring movable toward and away from said tapered surface upon rotation of said rotatable lock nut, said split ring arranged for wedging action between said tube and said tapered surface of said coupling and resilient seal means in said sealing coupling engaging said tube and spaced with respect to said tapered surface and said split ring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 1 and wherein the distributing piping includes a fitting and the nipple is engaged therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 1 and wherein the tube is of a known length and the overall length of the sealing coupling, the sleeve and minimum length of the nipple are substantially the same length as said tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 1 and wherein the sleeve on the exterior of the sealing coupling is apertured to permit drainage of water therefrom.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 1 and wherein an annular rib is formed on the inner surface of the sealing coupling adjacent said resilient seal means therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 1 and wherein an annular channel is formed in the inner surface of said sealing coupling and said resilient seal means comprises an O-ring disposed in said channel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 1 and wherein a thread pattern is formed within the outer end of said tube and arranged to receive a sprinkler.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 5 and wherein the inner end of said tube is enlarged so as to form means engagable with said annular rib in said sealing coupling to prevent passage thereby upon release of said rotatable lock.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 8 and wherein said enlargement comprises a heavy knurl formed circumferentially of said tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The adjustable drop nipple set forth in claim 8 and wherein said rotatable lock comprises a nut having an inwardly extending annular collar defining the aperture therethrough and acting to cage said split ring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-01-30 | 1981-08-01 | 1982-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-30 | 1985-08-01 | 1986-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-30 | 1989-08-01 | 1990-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |