Patent Publication Number: US-8118109-B1

Title: Roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/123,569, filed Apr. 10, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a fire protection system attachable to a building structure and, more particularly, to said system providing a protection means thereto said structure utilizing interconnecting roofing shingles incorporating an integral fire suppression system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Protecting homes and other building structures from fire is a daunting task for homeowners and firefighters. While fire fighters have experience and equipment to stop fires once they have begun, they provide very little preventive protection and they must be notified and travel to the location of the structural fire. Integrated sprinkler systems and other fire prevention methods are commonly used in large commercial structures, but are rarely seen in residential structures due to the complexity and cost. 
     Additionally, wildfires frequently threaten people and property in residential areas. These fires can become so large and uncontrolled that there may be no professional firefighting assistance available in time to safe a home. Oftentimes, homeowners try to save their residences by using a garden hose to protect their roofs from falling embers. Disadvantageously, the homeowner can only cover a small portion of the total roof at one time and the water pressure may also be reduced due to other nearby fire fighting activities. Attempts to cover more area include U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,968, issued in the name of Orrange et al., describes a wildfire protection system comprising a plurality of rotating sprinklers which are temporarily places on roofs as needed and U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,072, issued in the name of Brown, which describes a roof soaking device and method comprising a base support for a sprinkler which is mounted to the roof of the building structure and is in fluid communication with a home water supply. Unfortunately, this places the homeowner at risk since they must remain outside until the threat of fire has passed and requires the placement and positioning of the sprinklers as identified. 
     Attempts to provide more permanent directed amounts of streaming water onto roof areas in order to cool the structure or extinguish fire include; U.S. Pat. No. 2,865,674, issued in the name of Jelmeland, which describes a combination of sprinkling and fire extinguishing apparatus and guttering which re-circulates water flow from a roof back through the sprinklers and U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,703, issued in the name of Valiant, which describes a spray cooling system for gamble roofs comprising a conduit mounted atop a roof area adjacent to the roof summit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,618, issued in the name of Hayes, describes a bush fire protection for a building comprising a sprinkler system which is installed around the perimeter of the building structure. These attempts can be cumbersome to install and be unsightly when compared to the backdrop of a home and manicured yard. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,379, issued in the name of Crowley, describes an exterior fire suppression system and method for installation comprising sprinkler system connected to a water supply which is mounted with the roof structure and substantially hidden from view when the system is inactive. Although the Crowley system provides a discreet method of fire protections it still suffers from various disadvantages as described above. 
     Other attempts have been made in the past to overcome these disadvantages and provide a means of protecting structures from fire, although the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so provides a means by which the building structure can be protected from fire and other hazards without the aforementioned problems. Among the relevant attempts to address these problems are several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,754,600; 4,991,657; 5,165,482; 5,263,543; 5,732,511; and 6,065,546. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for sprinklers and vents exist, particularly, U.S. Pat. No. D 542,407 and D 542,886. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means to protect houses, buildings and other structures from adjacent flames or falling embers from nearby forest fires, wildfires. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to protect houses, buildings and other structures from adjacent flames or falling embers from nearby forest fires, wildfires, or even nearby structure fires in an automatic and simple manner and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide roof elements comprising an integral fire suppression system which is operably incorporated onto a roof area of a building structure designed to deliver a water spray which provides a fire protection means to the building structure and also a simple means to clean a roof area. The invention provides a means to completely soak the roof and end wall areas of the building structure, thereby making it very difficult for ignition from an external source to take place. 
     Another object of the present system is to provide a system comprising a plurality of end cap sprinkler units, a plurality of sprinkler shingle units, a plurality of sprinkler ridge units, and an interconnected network of supply plumbing. The sprinkler units utilize mechanical and fluid communication with each other to form an interconnected water dispersing means to the building structure such that the roof area and vertical end wall areas are kept wet during times of exposure to possible ignition sources. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the sprinkler units comprising internal unit conduit comprising internally molded circular water distribution means forming an integrated matrix of ports which provides a means of containing internal fluid pressures and a water-tight connection between the units. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the plurality of interconnected sprinkler units. The connected sprinkler shingle units form a linear assembly which is integrated within a conventional roofing system between parallel rows of standard shingles. The connected sprinkler ridge units form a linear assembly which is integrated within a conventional roofing system at a roof apex area. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the sprinkler shingle unit comprising a sprinkler shingle housing, a sprinkler shingle nozzle, a fastening tab, an internal shingle unit conduit, a male connector, an “O”-ring, a male conduit connector, and a corresponding female connector at an opposing end position. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the sprinkler ridge unit comprising a plurality of sprinkler ridge nozzles, a sprinkler ridge housing, an integral ridge unit conduit, a male connector, an “O”-ring, a male conduit connector, and a corresponding female connector at an opposing end position. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the end cap unit comprising an end cap nozzle, an internal end cap conduit, a female connector for the right-hand end cap unit and a male connector for the left-hand end cap unit which provides left-hand and right-hand installation means to an assembly of sprinkler shingle units along opposing end portions of a roof area. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the internal shingle unit conduit formed within the sprinkler shingle housing comprising an attachment means to the sprinkler shingle nozzle and provides a means of fluid communication. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the sprinkler shingle nozzle located on the front surface of the sprinkler shingle unit which provides a conical or fan-shaped water spray pattern along the roof area. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the sprinkler ridge nozzle located along opposing upper surfaces of the sprinkler ridge units extending in a generally horizontal plane which provides a conical or fan-shaped water spray pattern along the roof area. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the end cap nozzle which is mounted and directed toward a respective end wall of the building structure. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the fastening tab which provides a means of attaching the sprinkler shingle unit to the roof area using common fasteners. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the end cap units comprising plumbing connections to the shingle units which provide a protective water spray to end wall portions of the building structure. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the supply plumbing which receives a water supply obtained from an available water supply such as a municipal water supply, a reservoir, a well, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the sprinkler units comprising a low-profile and aerodynamic design with tapered upper and lower edges so as to allow high velocity winds to move freely over the sprinkler units during extreme weather conditions and storms without causing damage to the system or surrounding roof area. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide the shingles and ridge units which are provided in sectional pieces that interconnect together to form a desired length as needed. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide a system which may be incorporated into both new construction or installed to existing building structures with equal benefit. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide a method of utilizing the system which provides a quick means of preventing nearby any type of fire from igniting a roof in a manner that is safe and efficient as well. 
     Yet still another object of the present system is to provide a method of utilizing the system which provides a means to perform periodic cleaning of the roof area to remove dirt and debris and may also offer relief and protection from chemical, biological, or radiological threats by rinsing contaminates off of the roof and wall areas. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present system will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system  10  operably incorporated thereonto a roof area  110  of a housing structure  120 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a front perspective view of a sprinkler shingle unit portion  30  of roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a section view taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 2   a ), of a sprinkler shingle unit  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a perspective view of connecting portions of adjacent sprinkler shingle units  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a front perspective view of a sprinkler ridge unit  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is an upward-looking perspective view of a sprinkler ridge unit  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   c  is a section view taken along section B-B (see  FIG. 3   a ), of a sprinkler shingle unit  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   d  is a perspective view of connecting portions of adjacent sprinkler ridge units  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a front perspective view of a right-hand end cap unit portion  20  of roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a section view of the right-hand end cap unit portion  20  taken along section line C-C (see  FIG. 4   a ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   c  is a perspective view of a right-hand end cap unit portion  20  of roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4   d  is a perspective view of a left-hand end cap unit portion  25  of roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  roof elements comprising integral fire suppression system 
               20  right-hand end cap sprinkler unit 
               21  end cap nozzle 
               23  end cap sprinkler nozzle 
               25  left-hand end cap sprinkler unit 
               30  sprinkler shingle unit 
               31  sprinkler shingle nozzle 
               32  sprinkler shingle housing 
               34  fastening tab 
               35  first male connector portion 
               36  first female connector portion 
               37  “O”-ring 
               38  second male connector portion 
               39  second female connector portion 
               40  sprinkler ridge unit 
               41  sprinkler ridge nozzle 
               42  sprinkler ridge housing 
               50  shingle unit conduit 
               51  ridge unit conduit 
               52  end cap conduit 
               58  male conduit connector 
               100  water flow 
               105  water spray pattern 
               110  roof area 
               112  end wall area 
               115  water supply plumbing 
               120  building structure 
               130  system supply plumbing 
               135  valve 
               140  plug 
               150  common fastener 
               155  fastener aperture 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the  FIGS. 1 and 4   d . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes roof elements comprising an integral fire suppression system (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides protection thereto a building structure  120  from wildfires, adjacent structure fires, and similar disasters while also affording a method to clean a roof area  110  using a plurality of water dispersing shingles  30 , right-hand end caps  20 , left-hand end caps  25 , and ridge units  40  designed to deliver a water spray  105 . The shingles  30  and ridge units  40  would be provided in sectional pieces that interconnect together to form a desired length. The end cap units  20  comprise plumbing connections thereto the shingle units  30  to provide a protective water spray thereto end wall portions of said building structure  120 . The system  10  is envisioned to completely soak the roof  110  and end wall areas  112  of the building structure  120 , thereby making it very difficult for ignition therefrom an external source to take place. A water supply  115  thereto the system  10  is obtained therefrom an available water supply such as a municipal water supply, a reservoir, a well, or the like. Additionally, the system  10  can be used to perform periodic cleaning of said roof area  110  to remove dirt and debris and may also offer relief and protection from chemical, biological, and/or radiological (CBR) threats by rinsing contaminates off said roof  110  and wall  112  areas. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the system  10  operably incorporated thereonto a roof area  110  of a housing structure  120 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a plurality of end cap sprinkler units  20 ,  25 , a plurality of sprinkler shingle units  30 , a plurality of sprinkler ridge units  40 , and an interconnected network of system supply plumbing  130 . Said sprinkler units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40  comprise mechanical and fluid communication therewith each other to form an interconnected water dispersing  105  means thereto a building structure  120  such that a roof area  10  and vertical end wall areas  112  are kept wet during times of exposure thereto possible ignition sources. The system  10  may be incorporated thereinto both new construction as well as installed thereto existing building structures  120  with equal benefit. The system  10  is envisioned to work in conjunction with, and during installation of, conventional roofing materials common in the industry. The system  10  is to be affixed and integrated thereinto a conventional roofing project along a roof area  110  using common roofing fasteners  150  such as roofing nails, screws, or the like. The system  10  is depicted here utilizing a linear assembly of sprinkler shingle units  30  and corresponding end cap sprinkler units  20 ,  25  located at both end portions thereof; however, any number of sprinkler shingle units  30  and end cap units  20 ,  25  may be arranged in a linear fashion or in a parallel manner along said roof area  110  based upon a particular roof size, roof pitch, or desired protective water spray pattern  105 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . 
     The end cap sprinkler units  20 ,  25 , shingle sprinkler units  30 , and ridge sprinkler units  40  provide low-profile and aerodynamic designs comprising tapered upper and lower edges so as to allow high velocity winds to move freely over said units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40 , such as during extreme weather conditions and storms, without causing damage to the system  10  or surrounding roof area  110 . Said units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40  comprise solid injection-molded plastic members using preferably made using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or equivalent plastic material. The units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40  further comprise respective internal shingle unit conduit  50 , ridge unit conduit  51 , and end cap conduit  52 . Said conduits  50 ,  51 ,  52  comprise an internally molded circular water distribution means forming an integrated matrix of ports approximately one-half (½) inch in diameter being capable of containing internal fluid pressures of approximately one-hundred fifty (150) pounds per square inch. The interconnecting conduits  50 ,  51 ,  52  are envisioned to provide water-tight connections therebetween said units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40  and water supply plumbing  115  preferably utilizing common PVC cement joining of male and female features or equivalent sealing means. 
     A plurality of connected sprinkler shingle units  30  form a linear assembly to be discreetly integrated therewithin a conventional roofing system therebetween parallel rows of standard shingles (see  FIG. 2   c ). A plurality of interconnected sprinkler shingle units  30 , each being approximately 2 feet wide, comprise a continuous lateral row extending therebetween opposing outer edges of a roof area  110  being esthetically integrated therebetween parallel rows of conventional shingles. The sprinkler ridge units  40  are also incorporated discreetly therein a conventional roofing system thereat a roof apex area and are envisioned to be introduced in convenient lengths of approximately six (6) to ten (10) feet in length. Adjacent sprinkler shingle units  30  are in mechanical and fluid communication via interconnecting portions to form a desired overall length (see  FIG. 2   c ). The sprinkler ridge units  40  are to be assembled in like manner as the sprinkler shingle unit  30  to form a continuous lateral row of interconnected portions extending between opposing outer edges of a roof area  110 . 
     Said sprinkler units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40  provide a water dispersing means via a plurality of sprinkler nozzles (see  FIGS. 2   a ,  3   a , and  5   a ). Each sprinkler shingle unit  30  is depicted here comprising a single centered sprinkler shingle nozzle  31 , whereas each sprinkler ridge unit  40  comprises a plurality of sprinkler ridge nozzles  41  arranged at approximately 2 foot centers, thereby providing complete water coverage of a roof area  110 . The right-hand end cap sprinkler units  20  and left-hand end cap sprinkler units  25  comprise generally mirrored versions of each other comprising a single end cap nozzle  21  along a bottom portion thereof being directed theretoward respective end wall areas  112 . 
     A pressurized water flow  100  is supplied thereto the system  10  having originated therefrom an available water source such as a municipal water supply, a reservoir, a well, or the like, and being conveyed therethrough a building structure  120  via a network of system supply plumbing  130 . Said system supply plumbing  130  is routed within the building structure  120  having various arrangements based upon specific characteristics of said building structure  120  as well as quantity and location of the sprinkler units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40 . 
     Said system supply plumbing  130  is envisioned to comprise common metal or PVC piping and fittings. Control of said water flow  100  thereto the system  10  is accomplished by a user operated shut-off valve  135  being located at a remote location therefrom the system  10  thereat a ground-floor or basement area. Said water flow  100  is initiated as needed to protect or clean the roof  110  and end wall  112  areas. 
     The sprinkler shingle units  30  and sprinkler ridge units  40  are to be provided in a variety of lengths to create a desired assembled length of the system  10 . 
     The system  10  is envisioned to be made using rugged corrosion-resistant PVC members being capable of withstanding harsh thermal and environmental conditions associated with a roof area  110 . The system  10  would be fabricated preferably using a molding or plastic extrusion process. The system  10  is further envisioned being introduced in a variety of colors and patterns so as to aesthetically match a surrounding shingles being installed in conjunction therewith said system  10 . Additionally, the system  10  is envisioned to be sealed using various flexible adhesives, calking compounds, and the like, as needed to prevent damage due to leaking. 
     In addition to utilization of the system  10  thereto a common residential structure  120 , as seen here, said system  10  is envisioned to be adapted for use thereupon various free-standing structures such as, but not limited to, office buildings, apartment complexes, warehouses, garages, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , a front perspective view and a section view of the sprinkler shingle unit  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Each sprinkler shingle unit  30  further comprises a sprinkler shingle nozzle  31 , a sprinkler shingle housing  32 , a fastening tab  34 , and an internal shingle unit conduit  50 . The sprinkler shingle housing  32  comprises a solid roofing component having a generally triangular cross-section made using rugged waterproof PVC material. Each sprinkler shingle unit  30  comprises an internal shingle unit conduit  50  formed therein a thick portion thereof along a long axis which provides a fluid communication means thereto a water flow  100 . Each shingle unit conduit  50  further provides a threaded attachment means thereto a sprinkler shingle nozzle  31  centered thereupon a front surface of said sprinkler shingle unit  30 . The threaded removable attachment of the sprinkler shingle nozzle  31  allows installation of different sprinkler shingle nozzles  31  which provide various spray patterns thereupon the roof area  110 . The sprinkler shingle nozzles  31  comprise water dispersing devices providing a conical or fan-shaped water spray pattern  105  along a roof area  110 . Said sprinkler shingle nozzles  31  are envisioned to be angled so as to provide maximum surface area coverage of a water spray pattern  105 : 
     The fastening tab  34  comprises an integral flat extension of the sprinkler shingle housing  32  along an entire upper edge facing toward the peek or the roof area  110 . The fastening tab  34  takes a form of conventional flashing material, thereby providing an attachment means of the sprinkler shingle unit  30  thereto said roof area  110  using common fasteners  150  such as nails or screws. Said fastening tab  34  allows for attachment of the sprinkler shingle unit  30  thereto the roof surface  100  in a similar manner as a conventional shingle so as to provide a flat and aesthetic appearance when integrated thereinto a roofing shingle installation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   c , a perspective view of connecting portions of adjacent sprinkler shingle units  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A connection therebetween adjacent sprinkler shingle units  30  provides sealing and joining features further comprising a first male connector portion  35 , an “O”-ring  37 , a male conduit connector  58 , and corresponding portions thereat an opposing end position including a first female connector portion  36  and the shingle unit conduit  50 . The first male connector portion  35  and the first female connector portion  36  are integrally molded thereinto opposing end portions of each sprinkler shingle unit  30 . The first male connector portion  35  comprises an elongated triangular shape extending horizontally therefrom an end portion of the sprinkler shingle unit  30 . Said first male connector portion  35  protrudes therefrom said sprinkler shingle unit  30  approximately one (1) inch having an outer surface which is indented therefrom and parallel thereto an end portion of said sprinkler shingle unit  30 . Said first male connector portion  35  further comprises an “O”-ring  37  which is affixed therearound an outer surface to provide a continuous sealing means. Correspondingly, the first female connector portion  36  is sized so as to slidingly receive said first male connector portion  35  therein, thereby forming a water-tight seal via contact therewith the “O”-ring  37 . The male conduit connector  58  and female shingle unit conduit  50  are integrally molded thereinto the respective first male  35  and first female  36  connector portions and provide a conventional PVC plumbing attachment therebetween adjacent sprinkler shingle units  30  using a standard inserted and cemented joint. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a  through  3   d , various views of a sprinkler ridge unit  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Each sprinkler ridge unit  40  comprises a plurality of sprinkler ridge nozzles  41 , a sprinkler ridge housing  42 , and an integral ridge unit conduit  51 . The sprinkler ridge unit  40  comprises an inverted “V”-shaped form. The sprinkler ridge unit  40  provides mechanical and fluid communication therewith an adjacent sprinkler ridge unit  40  along a horizontal axis via a second male connector portion  38  and a second female connector portion  39  being located along opposing end portions. The second male  38  and second female  39  connector portions utilize an “O”-ring  37  to provide a similar sealing function as the aforementioned first male  35  connector portion while comprising a profile shape similar thereto the sprinkler ridge unit  40 . The sprinkler ridge unit  40  comprises similar form and function as a conventional roof ridge member; however, each sprinkler ridge unit  40  provides additional fire-suppression functionality by dispersing a water spray pattern  105  which is emitted therefrom said sprinkler ridge unit  40  therefrom an apex portion of a roof area  110  of a building structure  120 . Said sprinkler ridge units  40  are attached thereto the roof area  110  using a plurality of common fasteners  150 . The roof area  110  is illustrated here as a typical “A”-frame design; however, the sprinkler ridge units  40  may be introduced having various included angles, thereby matching various roof pitch angles incorporated thereinto different roofs. 
     Each sprinkler ridge unit  40  comprises a ridge unit conduit  51  providing an internal network of ports along a length of said sprinkler ridge unit  40 . The ridge unit conduit  51  provides a plumbing connection means thereto water supply plumbing  115  via a conventional PVC inserted plumbing connections therealong a lower surface adjacent thereto each end portion. Said water supply plumbing  115  is envisioned to extend therefrom the sprinkler ridge unit  40  and penetrate the roof area  110  and make subsequent connection therewith a network of water supply plumbing system  115  located therewithin an internal space of the building structure  120 , thereby utilizing an available pressurized water flow  100 . During installation, one (1) of the two (2) openings of the ridge unit conduit  51  may be plugged using a standard PVC pipe cap  140 , if not needed. Said ridge unit conduit  51  further provides a fluid communication port therealong side surfaces thereto a plurality of sprinkler ridge nozzles  41  via standard threaded connections. Each sprinkler ridge unit  40  is positioned along the roof apex area  100 , thereby providing an even distribution of said pressurized water flow  100  thereto both sides of the roof area  110  for optimum moisture propagation. It is envisioned that the sprinkler ridge unit  40  may also be introduced having integral ventilation features similar thereto conventional ridge vent units common in the roofing industry. 
     The sprinkler ridge nozzles  41  are arranged along opposing upper surfaces of said sprinkler ridge units  40  extending therefrom in a generally horizontal plane. The sprinkler ridge nozzles  41  are arranged in an equally-spaced pattern being similar in construction, materials, and interchangeable functionality as the aforementioned sprinkler shingle nozzles  31  (see  FIG. 2   a ), thereby providing maximum surface area coverage therefrom a water spray pattern  105  thereupon a roof area  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a  through  4   d , various views of the end cap unit portions  20 ,  25  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The end cap units  20 ,  25  further comprises an end cap nozzle  21  and an internal end cap conduit  52 . The end cap units  20 ,  25  provide left-hand  20  and right-hand  25  configurations, thereby facilitating an installation means thereto an assembly of sprinkler shingle units  30  along opposing end portions thereof along a roof area  110  (see  FIG. 1 ). The internal end cap conduit portion  52  of the end cap units  20 ,  25  provide a plumbing connection therewith water supply plumbing  115  in a similar manner as the aforementioned sprinkler ridge units  40 . Said end cap conduit  52  provides a PVC plumbing connection therewith said water supply plumbing  115  within the building structure  120 , thereby providing a water flow  100  thereto said end cap units  20 ,  25  and affixed sprinkler shingle units  30  (see  FIG. 3   b ). During installation, any openings of the ridge unit conduit  52  not used for fluid connection thereto the water supply plumbing  115  may be plugged using a standard adhesive-type PVC pipe cap  140 . The water supply plumbing  115  is envisioned to be an extension thereof an existing water system within the building structure  120 . Said plumbing connection therebetween the end cap conduit  52  and the water supply plumbing  115  is envisioned to occur via a penetration therethrough the roof area  110 . The end cap units  20 ,  25  further comprise an end cap nozzle  21  being mounted and directed theretoward a respective end wall area  112  of the building structure  120 . The end cap nozzle  21  provides similar construction, materials, and interchangeable function as the aforementioned sprinkler shingle nozzles  31  (see  FIG. 2   a ). The right-hand end cap unit  20  illustrated in  FIG. 4   a  depicts a single end cap nozzle  21 ; however, it is understood that any number of end cap nozzles  21  and corresponding end cap conduit  52  arrangements may be provided based upon specific applications of the system  10  and a desired water spray pattern  105 . 
     The end cap units  20 ,  25  comprise an “L”-shaped form being in mechanical and fluid communication therewith an affixed sprinkler shingle unit  30  by utilizing an integral first female connector portion  36  for the right-hand end cap unit  20  and a first male connector portion  35  for the left-hand end cap unit  25  (see  FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d ). A proximal end portion of the right-hand end cap unit  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 4   a , extends in a downward direction at a right angle to conform thereto an edge or fascia portion of a roof area  110 , thereby providing a water spray pattern  105  thereupon the end wall area  112  therefrom the end cap nozzle  21 . The end cap unit  20  comprises an internal end cap conduit  52 , thereby providing a threaded plumbing attachment means thereto the end cap nozzle  21  along a lower surface in a similar manner as the aforementioned shingle unit conduit portion  50  of the sprinkler shingle unit  30 . Said end cap nozzle  21  provides a dispersing orifice envisioned to provide a fan or conical-shaped water spray pattern  105  thereto said end wall area  112 , thereby providing maximum water coverage and protection thereto the structure  120 . Both end cap units  20  provide a secure attachment means thereto the roof area  110  via insertion of common fasteners  150  such as nails, screws, or the like, therethrough integrally-molded fastener apertures  155 . The end cap units  20 ,  25  are envisioned to comprise an identically-contoured upper surface as the adjacent adjoining sprinkler shingle units  30 , thereby providing a smooth and aesthetic transition therebetween (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. Installation of the system  10  is envisioned to be accomplished by trained professional craftsmen. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the preferred embodiment of the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: beginning a roofing project in a normal manner by fastening rows of conventional shingles starting therefrom a lower edge region; integrating and mounting a desired number of sprinkler shingle units  30  in a linear fashion across a roof area  110  by connecting the first male  35  and first female  36  connector portions; inserting and cementing the male conduit connectors  58  thereto corresponding shingle unit conduits  50 ; fastening the fastening tabs  34  using common fasteners  150 ; connecting a right-hand end cap sprinkler unit  20  and left-handed end cap sprinkler unit  25  thereto end portions of the previously fastened sprinkler shingle units  30  in like manner; securing said right-hand  20  and left-hand  25  end cap sprinkler units thereto the roof area  110  using the fastener apertures  155  and common fasteners  150 ; preparing a roof area  110  therewith properly positioned plumbing penetration holes in anticipation therewith connection thereto water supply plumbing  115  within the building structure  120 ; repeating the previous steps to install additional rows of sprinkler shingle units  30  and corresponding end caps  20 ,  25  as desired therebetween a lower edge and apex portion of a roof area  110  while alternately installing rows of normal roofing shingles; connecting and fastening a plurality of sprinkler ridge units  40  therealong an apex portion of the roof area  110  in a linear fashion by cementing and inserting the ridge conduit portions  51  and male conduit connectors  58  while inserting respective second male  38  and female  39  connector portions; preparing a roof area  110  therewith properly positioned plumbing penetration holes in anticipation therewith connection of the sprinkler ridge units  40  thereto water supply plumbing  115  within the building structure  120 ; fastening said sprinkler ridge units  40  thereto the roof area  110  using the integral fastener apertures  155  and common fasteners  150 ; continuing to install sprinkler ridge units  40  until an entire apex portion of the roof area  110  is covered; installing water supply plumbing  115  and water valve  135  by expanding an existing water supply plumbing system  115  therewithin the building structure  120  thereto a location therewithin the building structure  120  thereto a corresponding portions of the system  10  to be connected; connecting the water supply plumbing  115  thereto the ridge unit conduits  51  and end cap conduits  52  by utilizing standard PVC plumbing joining techniques while accessing said connection therefrom an inside space of said building structure  120 ; initiating a water flow  100  therethrough the system  10  using a remotely located water valve  135 ; dispersing the resultant water spray pattern  105  therefrom the sprinkler units  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  40  thereonto the roof area  110  to suppress possible air-borne ignition sources such as glowing ashes or embers therefrom a nearby wild fire or structure fire; deactivating the system  10  after a threat of fire thereto the building structure  120  passes by turning off the valve  135 ; initiating said water spray pattern  105  thereonto the roof area  110  to protect said building structure  120  therefrom chemical, biological, and/or radiological (CBR) attacks by rinsing contaminates off said roof  110  and wall  112  areas; utilizing the system  10  and said water spray patterns  105  thereupon the roof area  110  and end wall areas  112  to clean and remove accumulated dirt and debris, as desired; and, benefiting from increased protection of the building structure  120  using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.