Patent Grant
9108076
The present invention relates generally to fire hydrants and, more particularly, to a sprinkler cap, a lubrication system for the operating nut and improved seal systems and methods for a fire hydrant.
Firefighters need quick and reliable access to water to fight fires safely and effectively. Fire hydrants are often tampered with to provide water for recreational purposes such as spraying on the sidewalk or street on a hot summer day. Typical fire hydrants are susceptible to damage due to this tampering. Fire hydrants also often fail due to failed valve seals and seized operating nuts. Such damage and failures can prevent firefighters from accessing water via the fire hydrant when called upon to fight a fire.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a fire hydrant that has a locking sprinkler cap that can allow authorized personnel to easily access the fire hydrant to provide a water sprinkler. There is also need for a fire hydrant with improved seals and a fire hydrant with an operating nut that is easier to lubricate.
Broadly speaking, the present invention fills these needs by providing a fire hydrant including a locking sprinkler cap, a fire hydrant with improved seals and a fire hydrant with an operating nut that is easier to lubricate. It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, or a device. Several inventive embodiments of the present invention are described below.
One embodiment provides a method for delivering water through a fire hydrant. The method includes unlocking a sprinkler cap control lock on the fire hydrant, removing the sprinkler cap control lock to access an operating nut of the fire hydrant and activating the operating nut to deliver water through a plurality of sprinkler ports in at least one of a plurality of caps on the fire hydrant.
The method can also include deactivating the operating nut to stop delivering water through the sprinkler ports in at least one of the plurality of caps on the fire hydrant. The method can also include installing the sprinkler cap control lock on the fire hydrant to prevent access to the operating nut of the fire hydrant and locking the sprinkler cap control lock on the fire hydrant.
Another embodiment provides a fire hydrant including a sprinkler cap having a plurality of sprinkler ports and a sprinkler cap control lock, wherein the sprinkler cap control lock covers and prevents access to an operating nut. The sprinkler cap can be a locking cap. The sprinkler cap control lock can also lock to a tongue in the locking cap. The sprinkler cap can be a side cap.
Another embodiment provides a fire hydrant including a fire hydrant body and an operating nut coupled to an operating stem. The operating nut includes a lubricant port, a top chamber and one or more side ports in fluid communication with the top chamber and a lubricant channel between the operating nut and the fire hydrant body.
The fire hydrant can also include an operating nut sleeve between the operating nut and the fire hydrant body. The fire hydrant can also include a first seal and a second seal between the operating nut and the fire hydrant body. The first seal can define an upper boundary to the lubricant channel and the second seal can define a lower boundary to the lubricant channel.
Yet another embodiment provides a method of lubricating a fire hydrant operating nut. The method includes accessing a lubricant port in the operating nut, connecting a lubricant source to the lubricant port, delivering pressurized lubricant through the lubricant port and into a top chamber inside the operating nut and through the top chamber to at least one side port, the at least one side port providing fluid communication between the top chamber and a lubricant channel between the operating nut and a fire hydrant body.
Accessing the lubricant port in the operating nut includes removing at least one access point for the locking cap. Removing at least one access point for the locking cap can include removing the locking cap. Removing at least one access point for the locking cap can include removing a sprinkler cap control lock.
Another embodiment provides a fire hydrant valve control device including a valve top plate, a valve bottom plate, a seat valve seal secured between the valve bottom plate and a bottom surface of the valve top plate, the seat valve seal having a sealing face that corresponds to a valve seat, wherein the seat valve seal is formed of a resilient material from one of a group consisting of an acetal polyoxymethylene copolymer, a polyethelyne oxide, a poly-dimethyl acetal resin, and a ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.
The valve top plate can include a plurality of stabilizer arms that correspond to slots of a valve seat ring and wherein each of the plurality of stabilizer arms includes a replaceable insert of the resilient material.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention, as claimed.
Several exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Also as shown in
The standpipe 195 is coupled to the inlet elbow 300 using bolts 196. A saturation ring 199, a drain ring 198 and an inlet flange seal 197 are captured between the inlet flange on the standpipe 195 and the inlet elbow 300.
Head 100C defines a hollow interior and has a generally rounded outer configuration that includes a number of recessed portions that are configured to protect components mounted thereon. In particular, head 100C includes main cap recess 100C-1, side cap recess 100C-2, and valve access channel 100C-3. Main cap recess 100C-1 surrounds cylinder 112, which has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of cylinder 112 defines a main outlet port of head 100C and the outer surface is threaded so that a complementarily threaded coupling member of a fire hose can be fastened thereon, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
Side cap recesses 100C-2 surround cylinders 114A and 114B, each of which has an inner surface and an outer surface. The respective inner surfaces define auxiliary side outlet ports of head 100C and the respective outer surfaces are threaded so that either a complementarily threaded coupling member of a fire hose or a threaded side cap (e.g., side cap 108A) can be fastened thereon.
Valve access channel 100C-3 is formed in the upper portion of head 100C and is configured to receive tongue 106A that extends from cap body 106C of locking cap 106. The tongue 106A prevents access to valve control device 200 (described in more detail below with reference to
The locking mechanism 124 is surrounded by an optional lock cover 122, which has a generally cylindrical configuration. Lock cover 122 is provided to minimize the degree to which the locking mechanism is exposed to potentially harmful elements, e.g., dirt, foreign objects, etc. Lock cover 122 can be made from any suitable material. By way of example, lock cover 122 can be made of stainless steel or plastic. Gasket 126 is provided on the inner surface of locking cap 106 to provide a seal around the main outlet port when the locking cap is mounted on fire hydrant body 100.
The locking mechanism 124 includes top plate 128, which has a central hole and three peripheral holes formed therethrough. The outer surface of top plate 128 is configured to receive spring support 130, and the inner surface of the top plate is provided with three mounting anchors. Three pairs of support arms 132 connect top plate 128 to the inner surface of locking cap 106. Each support arm 132 has three holes formed therethrough. One end of each support arm 132 is fastened to one of the mounting anchors on the inner surface of top plate, and the opposite end of each support arm is fastened to one of mounting anchors 106C provided on the inner surface of locking cap 106. Support arms 132 are fastened using bolts 134 and hex nuts 136; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable fasteners can be used. A cam gear 138 is rotatably fastened between each pair of support arms 132. Each cam gear 138 has a cam surface at one end thereof and a set of gear teeth at the opposite end thereof.
Three springs 140 are disposed between top plate 128 and cap plate 142, which has a central hole formed therethrough. In one embodiment, springs 140 are heavy duty die springs (at least about 2,500 pounds total spring pressure); however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any suitable springs can be used. Each spring 140 is disposed on a spring shaft 144, which has a hollow interior that receives a screw 146. Each screw 146 is threaded into spring support 130. Washers 148 are disposed between the head of each screw 146 and the outer surface of cap plate 142.
Actuator pin 150 extends through a central aperture defined in locking cap 106. Rack 152 has a generally cylindrical configuration and a hollow interior and receives extension portion of actuator pin 150. The outer surface of rack 152 is provided with a number of cylindrical gears, which are configured to mate with the gear teeth provided at one end of each of cam gears 138.
To enable locking mechanism 124 to operate when lock cover 122 is in place, slots are provided in the locking cover. Each slot is located so that the cam surface of a cam gear 138 can extend therethrough and interface with a mating surface inside the fire hydrant body to lock and unlock locking mechanism 124.
Additional details of the fire hydrant 100 are described in co-pending, co-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 12/787,328, entitled “Fire Hydrant Control Valve” and filed on May 25, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety for all purposes.
The sprinkler cap 106′ includes a tongue 106A′ that includes a hole 312 (see
Referring now to
Removing the sprinkler cap control lock 310 from the tongue 106A′ uncovers the operating nut 202. Once the operating nut 202 is uncovered, an operating tool can be used to turn the operating nut and thereby deliver water through the sprinkler ports 302 of sprinkler cap 106′.
In this way an authorized person can use the key 332 to remove the sprinkler cap control lock 310 and activate the operating nut 202. If desired, after operating nut 202 has been activated, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 can be secured to tongue 106A′ so that the operating nut cannot be tampered with while the sprinkler cap 106′ is in operation. At some later time, the authorized person can again remove the sprinkler cap control lock 310, deactivate the operating nut 202, and then secure the sprinkler cap control lock to tongue 106A′ once again so that the operating nut is protected from tampering.
The sprinkler cap control lock 310 sides 301A, 310B are substantially parallel and close-fitting to the respective sides 100C-3A, 100C-3B of the channel 100C-3. Having the sprinkler cap control lock 310 sides 301A, 310B substantially parallel and close-fitting to the respective sides 100C-3A, 100C-3B of the channel 100C-3 prevents tampering by not providing any substantial surface or edge into which a tool such as a prying tool or a wedging tool can be forced. This substantially prevents an unauthorized person from tampering with the sprinkler cap control lock 310.
The sprinkler cap control lock 310 includes a lock mechanism channel 602 for receiving the locking mechanism 330. The sprinkler cap control lock 310 is formed from a durable material similar to the materials used in the fire hydrant 100. Using a similar durable material reduces the opportunity for tampering with the sprinkler cap control lock 310. Using similar materials also reduces the opportunity for electrolytic corrosion due to dissimilar materials being in close contact. In one embodiment, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 is a solid construction, e.g., a solid casting. Alternatively, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 can be machined from a solid blank.
Referring again to
The sprinkler cap control lock 310A includes a lock mechanism channel 602 for receiving the locking mechanism 330. The sprinkler cap control lock 310A is formed from a durable material similar to the materials used in the fire hydrant 100. Using a similar durable material reduces the opportunity for tampering with the sprinkler cap control lock 310A. Using similar materials also reduces the opportunity for electrolytic corrosion due to dissimilar materials being in close contact. In one embodiment, the sprinkler cap control lock 310A is a solid construction, e.g., a solid casting. Alternatively, the sprinkler cap control lock 310A can be machined from a solid blank.
An approximate vertical reference line 502 is provided to illustrate the approximate angle α and α′ formed between the sprinkler ports 302 and the vertical reference line. The angle α and α′ can be between about 30 and about 60 degrees. The angle α can vary from one sprinkler port 302 to another. In one embodiment, the angle α and/or α′ is about 45 degrees.
In one embodiment, the sprinkler ports 302 have an inner diameter of between about 0.125 inch and about 0.375 inch. It is to be understood, however, that the use of larger and smaller diameters could be appropriate in certain instances. By way of example, a sprinkler port 302, 302′ could have a built-in diffuser nozzle. Alternatively, sprinkler ports 302, 302′ could have respective inner or outer tapers to act as a nozzle or diffuser as may be desired.
In an operation 805, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 is unlocked. In an operation 810, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 is removed from the tongue 106A′ to provide access to the operating nut 202.
In an operation 815, the operating nut 202 is activated to deliver water through the sprinkler ports 302. In optional operations 820 and 825, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 is reinstalled and secured the tongue 106A′. This prevents unauthorized access to the operating nut 202 while the sprinkler cap 106′ is delivering water through the sprinkler ports 302.
If the sprinkler cap control lock 310 was reinstalled after the operating nut was activated, then in an operation 835, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 is unlocked and in an operation 810, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 is removed from the tongue 106A′ to again provide access to the operating nut 202.
In an operation 840, the operating nut 202 is de-activated to stop delivery of water through the sprinkler ports 302. In operations 845 and 850, the sprinkler cap control lock 310 is reinstalled and secured to the tongue 106A′. This prevents unauthorized access to the operating nut 202. In the method operations can end.
In operation 1005, the lubricant port 902 is accessed. This may require removing one or more access points for the locking cap 106 as described elsewhere within the application. By way of example, the locking cap 106 can be removed to access the lubricant port 902 in the operating nut. 202A. In another example, the sprinkler cap control lock 310, 310A, if present, can be removed to access the lubricant port 902 in the operating nut. 202A.
In operation 1010, the lubricant source 910 is connected to lubricant port 902. Important to note that while the lubricant port 902 is shown as a substantially what standard grease fitting this is merely an exemplary embodiment and any suitable type of lubricant port could be utilized. The lubricant port 902 can also include a check valve mechanism. The check valve mechanism allows a lubricant to flow into the lubricant port 902 but does not allow the lubricant to flow in a reverse flow direction from the lubricant port.
In an operation 1015, the lubricant 912 is pressurized and thus delivered into the lubricant port 902. In an operation 1020, the pressurized lubricant 914 flows through the lubricant port 902 and into the top chamber 904 of the operating nut 202A, in an operation 1025. The top chamber 904 of the operating nut 202A forms a housing around the end of the operating stem 210. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the top chamber 904 is not threaded on the operating stem 210 and that a relatively small space or gap 906 remains between the threads of the operating stem and the wall of the top chamber. In other embodiments, one or more channels or grooves can be provided in the operating nut 202A or the operating stem 210 or both, for communicating the lubricant from the top chamber 904 to one or more side ports 908.
In an operation 1030, the pressurized lubricant 916 flows from the top chamber 904 through the relatively small space or gap 906 to the one or more side ports 908 in the operating nut 202A, in an operation 1035.
In an operation 1040, the pressurized lubricant 919 flows into a lubricant channel 909 between the operating nut 202A and the operating nut sleeve 206 in the fire hydrant 100. Seals 932 and 934 form respective upper boundary and lower boundary, to the lubricant channel 909 between the operating nut 202A and the operating nut sleeve 206, and the method operations can end. It should be understood that the operating nut sleeve 206 is an optional component and the lubricant channel 909 can be formed between the fire hydrant body 100 and the operating nut 202A.
The seals 932 and 934 can be o-rings or other suitable sealing mechanisms (e.g., compressible packing, grease or wax type seals and combinations thereof). The seals 932 and 934 can fit in corresponding grooves in the operating nut 202A and/or the operating nut sleeve 206. The seals 932 and 934 can be moved from the positions illustrated. By way of example, the top seal 932 can be moved to near the top of the operating nut in one or more alternate locations 932A, 932B. Similarly, the lower seal 934 can be moved to near the bottom of the operating nut in one or more alternate locations 934A, 934B. It should also be understood that more that two seals and/or seal types can be utilized. By way of example, tandem top seals can be provided in location 932A (e.g., rubber dust cap) and 932 (e.g., O-ring) and a compressible packing seal can be provided in location 934A.
The pressurized lubricant 919 can thus provide a lubricant film in the lubricant channel 909 between the operating nut 202A the operating nut sleeve 206. This lubricant film substantially prevents water from entering the lubricant channel 909. Thus substantially preventing the operating nut 202A from seizing, binding or corroding in the operating nut sleeve 206. As a result the operating nut 202A is more likely to remain operational (e.g., remain able to rotate and thus operate the operating stem 210) through various severe conditions such as freezing, pressurized water, hot and cold climates etc.
The valve top plate 230 includes three substantially equally spaced stabilizer arms 406. It should be understood that the valve top plate 230 can include two, three, four or more stabilizer arms 406 and the three stabilizer arms represent only an exemplary embodiment and should not be viewed as being restrictive to only embodiments having three stabilizer arms.
The three stabilizer arms 406 can be spaced at angle β of between about 90 degrees and about 135 degrees between the respective centerlines of the stabilizer arms (see
The stabilizer arms 406 have a substantially flat outer surface 408. The outer surfaces 408 fit into slots 502 of the valve seat ring 222 as will be described in more detail below. The stabilizer arms 406 have a substantially triangular cross section shape having an inner angle Ω that is opposite to the outer surfaces 408 (see
The valve top plate 230 includes replaceable inserts 228 installed on the outer surfaces 408 of the stabilizer arms 406 (see
The replaceable inserts 228 can be formed of a flexible and/or compressible resilient material. An exemplary resilient material is able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. Exemplary flexible and/or compressible resilient materials include Delrin (i.e., acetal polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM)), polyethelyne oxide, poly-dimethyl acetal resin, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) (e.g., a polyolefin with polymer chains having a parallel orientation of about 90% and a level of crystallinity of up to 90 percent) and other suitable flexible and/or compressible resilient materials.
When the operating stem 220 moves in direction 942B which also moves the valve control device 200 in direction 942B to a closed position, the valve top plate 230 fully uncovers the drain holes 504 in the valve seat ring 222. Uncovering the drain holes 504 in the valve seat ring 222 allows water in the standpipe 195 to drain from the standpipe and out a 902. By way of example, the water flows out the drain holes 504 and the drain ports 806 in the drain ring 198 and the notches 704, outlet notches 706 and drain channel 710 in the saturation ring 199, thus draining the standpipe 195.
When the operating stem 220 moves in direction 942A which also moves the valve control device 200 in direction 942A to an open position, the valve top plate 230 fully covers the drain holes 504 in the valve seat ring 222 and the water from the inlet elbow 300 pressurizes the standpipe 195. Covering the drain holes 504 in the valve seat ring 222 prevents water in the standpipe 195 from draining from the standpipe. Thus more water is delivered to the fire hydrant user and less water is wasted.
The valve bottom plate 236 also includes a valve bottom plate central channel 606. The lower operating stem 220 (see
The valve control device 200 moves in directions 942A and 942B as the lower portion of the operating stem 220 moves in the corresponding direction. By way of example the operating stem 220 moves in direction 942A which also moves the valve control device 200 in direction 942A to an open position (e.g., forms a gap between the seat valve seal 234 and the valve seat 510 in the valve seat ring 222). Similarly, when the operating stem 220 moves in direction 942B which also moves the valve control device 200 in direction 942B to a closed position (e.g., closes the gap between the seat valve seal 234 and the valve seat 510 in the valve seat ring 222).
The seat valve seal 234 is formed of a flexible and/or compressible resilient material and can therefore be somewhat deformed as it seats in the valve seat 510 thus forming a very tight seal. Thus preventing leakage of pressurized water from the inlet elbow 300 to the standpipe 195. Typically, if water leaks across the valve seat 510, the standpipe 195 can become pressurized. A pressurized standpipe 195 can prevent the locking cap 106 and/or the side caps 108A and 108B from being removed from the fire hydrant body 100. Exemplary flexible and/or compressible resilient materials include Delrin (i.e., acetal polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM)), polyethelyne oxide, poly-dimethyl acetal resin, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) (e.g., a polyolefin with polymer chains having a parallel orientation of about 90% and a level of crystallinity of up to 90 percent) and other suitable flexible and/or compressible resilient materials.
In summary, the present invention provides a sprinkler cap for a fire hydrant that includes, among other features, sprinkler ports and a sprinkler cap control lock. The present invention provides a system and method for lubricating the operating nut and improved sealing surfaces in the fire hydrant valves. The invention has been described herein in terms of several exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention. The embodiments and preferred features described above should be considered exemplary, with the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/356,427 filed on Jun. 18, 2010 and entitled “Fire Hydrant Locking Sprinkler Cap,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
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