Coat-in-place assemblies and methods to provide an aesthetically pleasing sprinkler assembly

Abstract

Coat-in-place assemblies and methods to provide an aesthetically pleasing sprinkler assembly. A coat-in-place assembly includes a sprinkler body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a thermally responsive trigger disposed adjacent the distal portion; and an escutcheon centered about the distal portion of the sprinkler body to define a void between the sprinkler axis and the escutcheon. A coating-inhibiting-cap encloses and protects the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap. The cap extends into the void and is radially spaced inward relative to the escutcheon so as expose surfaces of the escutcheon for coating.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly, the sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler and an escutcheon, the sprinkler including a body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the method comprising:
 locating a coating-inhibitor about the thermally responsive trigger;   mounting the escutcheon about the sprinkler;   disposing a coating on at least a portion of the first surface, the second surface and the transition surface of the escutcheon while the coating-inhibitor is located about the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is mounted about the sprinkler; and   removing the coating-inhibitor after disposing the coating.   
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 2 , wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the coating-inhibitor includes a cap having a base defining a center and a periphery, the cap having a cap wall extending along the periphery of the base to surround a cap axis extending through the center perpendicular to the base, wherein locating the cap includes spacing the cap wall from the transition surface. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the cap includes at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the at least one tab with one of the sprinkler body or the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one tab includes three tabs extending axially from the cap wall and angularly spaced about the cap axis, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the three tabs with three slots correspondingly spaced and formed about the sprinkler body to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one tab extends axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes inserting the at least one tab in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein mounting includes mounting the escutcheon in an operative position which locates the second end of the escutcheon against a wall, the escutcheon comprising a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage a distal portion of the sprinkler body. 
     
     
       10. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the escutcheon being disposed about the sprinkler body to define a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon, the method comprising:
 obtaining a coating-inhibitor; and   distributing the coating-inhibitor to use in a coat-in-place assembly that includes the sprinkler assembly and the coating-inhibitor being engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger to expose at least a portion of the first surface, the transition surface, and the second surface of the escutcheon for coating while the coating-inhibitor is engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is disposed about the sprinkler body.   
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein obtaining the coating-inhibitor includes obtaining a cap having a base defining a center point and a periphery about the center point; a cap wall extending along the periphery of the cap base about the center point and extending axially from the base substantially parallel to a cap axis passing through the center point perpendicular to the base; and at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes obtaining three tabs extending axially from the cap wall, the three tabs being angularly spaced about the cap axis with two adjacent tabs being angularly spaced apart by 130 degrees. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the distributing includes distributing the cap for insertion of each of the tabs in a slot formed along an outer surface of the sprinkler body so as to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , wherein obtaining the coating-inhibiting-cap includes each of the three tabs defining a tab length to thickness ratio ranging from about 6:1 to 12:1. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 11 , wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 11 , wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes extending the at least one tab axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein distributing the cap is for insertion of the at least one tab for insertion in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 11 , wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a handle portion extending from the base axially in a direction opposite the cap wall. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 11 , wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a first portion of the base disposed orthogonal to the cap axis, and a second portion of the base disposed between the cap wall and the first portion extending obliquely with respect to the cap axis. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the escutcheon of the sprinkler assembly comprises a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage an annular wall of a distal portion of the sprinkler body. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the coating-inhibitor being engaged with the annular wall of the distal portion of the sprinkler body. 
     
     
       23. A sprinkler assembly, comprising:
 an internal passageway having an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal sprinkler axis;   a thermally responsive trigger disposed adjacent the outlet along the longitudinal axis;   an outer wall around the internal passageway and the thermally responsive trigger;   an escutcheon having a first end and a second end spaced apart along an escutcheon axis, the escutcheon having a first surface circumscribed about the escutcheon axis to define a central escutcheon opening for receiving the outer wall, the escutcheon having a second surface extending radially with respect to the first surface and circumscribed about the central escutcheon opening; and   a removable cap for engaging with, via at least one of a friction fit and an interference fit, at least one of the outer wall, the thermally responsive trigger, and the escutcheon to enclose and protect the thermally responsive trigger, the cap including a handle portion for manipulation of the cap, the cap radially spaced inward relative to the first surface of the escutcheon so as to expose the first surface of the escutcheon.    
     
     
       24. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap comprises a base that includes the handle portion and a cap wall extending from the base.    
     
     
       25. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap comprises a base that includes the handle portion and a cap wall extending from the base, the handle portion extends centrally along a cap axis of the cap in a direction opposite the cap wall.    
     
     
       26. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 one more receiving slots that receive one or more engagement tabs of the cap.    
     
     
       27. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap is made of a plastic material.    
     
     
       28. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap includes a cap wall having an outer diameter and a thickness, a ratio of the outer diameter to the thickness is greater than or equal to twenty to one and less than or equal to forty five to one.    
     
     
       29. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 a transition surface contiguous with and between the first surface and the second surface.    
     
     
       30. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 a transition surface contiguous with the first surface and the second surface, the transition surface is curved or radiused.    
     
     
       31. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 an external thread that couples the internal passageway to a fluid source.    
     
     
       32. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 an external thread that couples the internal passageway to a fluid source, the external thread orients the internal passageway for a pendent orientation or a sidewall orientation.    
     
     
       33. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the thermally responsive trigger conceals the outlet of the internal passageway.    
     
     
       34. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 an outer diameter of the cap is less than an outer diameter of the escutcheon.    
     
     
       35. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the handle portion comprises an elongate member.    
     
     
       36. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the handle portion comprises a hook or eyelet for engagement by a tool.    
     
     
       37. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the first surface is angled relative to the second surface.    
     
     
       38. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap comprises a cap wall sized to be positioned inward of the first surface responsive to the cap engaging the at least one of the outer wall, the thermally responsive trigger, and the escutcheon.    
     
     
       39. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap comprises a central tab that extends from an inner surface of a base of the cap towards the escutcheon.    
     
     
       40. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap engages a portion of the first surface.    
     
     
       41. The sprinkler assembly of claim 23, comprising:
 the cap defines a cap axis, the cap comprises a base and a cap wall extending from the base, the base includes a first portion orthogonal to the cap axis and one or more second portions disposed between the cap wall and the first portion and extending obliquely with respect to the cap axis.    
     
     
       42. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly, the sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler and an escutcheon, the sprinkler including a body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the method comprising:
 locating a coating-inhibitor about the thermally responsive trigger;   mounting the escutcheon about the sprinkler;   disposing a coating on at least a portion of the first surface, the second surface and the transition surface of the escutcheon while the coating-inhibitor is located about the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is mounted about the sprinkler; and   removing the coating-inhibitor after disposing the coating.    
     
     
       43. The method of claim 42, wherein the locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon.  
     
     
       44. The method of claim 43, wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon.  
     
     
       45. The method of claim 43, wherein locating includes locating the coating-inhibitor in a void between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon.  
     
     
       46. The method of claim 43, wherein the coating-inhibitor includes a cap having a base defining a center and a periphery, the cap having a cap wall extending along the periphery of the base to surround a cap axis extending through the center perpendicular to the base, wherein locating the cap includes spacing the cap wall from the transition surface.  
     
     
       47. The method of claim 46, wherein the cap includes at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the at least one tab with one of the sprinkler body or the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.  
     
     
       48. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one tab includes three tabs extending axially from the cap wall and angularly spaced about the cap axis, wherein locating the cap includes engaging the three tabs with three slots correspondingly spaced and formed about the sprinkler body to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.  
     
     
       49. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one tab extends axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall, wherein locating the cap includes inserting the at least one tab in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to locate the cap wall about the thermally responsive trigger.  
     
     
       50. The method of claim 42, wherein mounting includes mounting the escutcheon in an operative position which locates the second end of the escutcheon against a wall, the escutcheon comprising a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage a distal portion of the sprinkler body.  
     
     
       51. A method of coating an escutcheon of a sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler body defining a sprinkler axis and a thermally responsive trigger supported by the body, the escutcheon including a first surface circumscribing an escutcheon axis, a second surface extending radially with respect to the escutcheon axis and a transition surface contiguous with the first and second surfaces, the escutcheon being disposed about the sprinkler body to define a void between the sprinkler axis and the first surface of the escutcheon, the method comprising:
 obtaining a coating-inhibitor; and   distributing the coating-inhibitor to use in a coat-in-place assembly that includes the sprinkler assembly and the coating-inhibitor being engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger to expose at least a portion of the first surface, the transition surface, and the second surface of the escutcheon for coating while the coating-inhibitor is engaged with one of a distal portion of the sprinkler body and the thermally responsive trigger and the escutcheon is disposed about the sprinkler body.    
     
     
       52. The method of claim 51, wherein obtaining the coating-inhibitor includes obtaining a cap having a base defining a center point and a periphery about the center point; a cap wall extending along the periphery of the cap base about the center point and extending axially from the base substantially parallel to a cap axis passing through the center point perpendicular to the base; and at least one tab extending axially from one of the base or the cap wall.  
     
     
       53. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes obtaining three tabs extending axially from the cap wall, the three tabs being angularly spaced about the cap axis with two adjacent tabs being angularly spaced apart by 130 degrees.  
     
     
       54. The method of claim 53, wherein the distributing includes distributing the cap for insertion of each of the tabs in a slot formed along an outer surface of the sprinkler body so as to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap.  
     
     
       55. The method of claim 53, wherein obtaining the coating-inhibiting-cap includes each of the three tabs defining a tab length to thickness ratio ranging from about 6:1 to 12:1.  
     
     
       56. The method of claim 52, wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the sprinkler body and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon.  
     
     
       57. The method of claim 52, wherein distributing the cap includes distributing the cap wall for location within an annular gap formed between the thermally responsive trigger and the first surface of the escutcheon, the cap wall being spaced from the transition surface of the escutcheon.  
     
     
       58. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the at least one tab includes extending the at least one tab axially from the center point of the base so as to be surrounded by the cap wall.  
     
     
       59. The method of claim 58, wherein distributing the cap is for insertion of the at least one tab for insertion in a central slot formed in the thermally responsive trigger to enclose the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap.  
     
     
       60. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a handle portion extending from the base axially in a direction opposite the cap wall.  
     
     
       61. The method of claim 52, wherein obtaining the cap includes obtaining a first portion of the base disposed orthogonal to the cap axis, and a second portion of the base disposed between the cap wall and the first portion extending obliquely with respect to the cap axis.  
     
     
       62. The method of claim 51, wherein the escutcheon of the sprinkler assembly comprises a push-on escutcheon having a plurality of radially disposed barbs that engage an annular wall of a distal portion of the sprinkler body.  
     
     
       63. The method of claim 62, wherein the coating-inhibitor being engaged with the annular wall of the distal portion of the sprinkler body.