Patent Publication Number: US-2023142713-A1

Title: Dry horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler for residential fire protection

Description:
PRIORITY DATA AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/003,628, filed Apr. 1, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to dry sprinkler assemblies and in particular, dry horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinklers for residential fire protection. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Generally, automatic fire protection sprinklers include a sprinkler frame and/or housing having an inlet, an outlet and internal passageway through which firefighting fluid flows and discharged to impact a fluid deflection member that is coupled to the sprinkler frame and spaced from the outlet. Fluid flow through the sprinkler is controlled by a thermally responsive trigger which supports a sealing assembly in a position that seals the internal passageway of the sprinkler. The trigger has a nominal operating temperature and thermal sensitivity to define the thermal responsiveness of the sprinkler at which the sprinkler actuates in response to a fire. Upon thermal actuation of the trigger in response to a fire, the trigger fractures or collapses thereby releasing the sealing assembly to allow the flow of fluid through the sprinkler internal passageway, out the outlet and toward the fluid deflection member. Fluid deflection members can be formed to a variety of geometries to suit a given fire protection application. The deflector geometries can be categorized into one of two types. One type of fluid deflection member presents a central abutment to the fluid discharge from the outlet opening and fans the fluid discharge radially. Such a deflector geometry is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,252. An alternate type of deflection geometry defines an unencumbered fluid flow path. As used herein, an “unencumbered fluid flow path” provides for a fluid discharge column in which its central core is not impacted by any sprinkler structure and fanned radially. Instead, the fluid deflection member geometry acts on the periphery of the discharge column to direct the fluid stream in a desired manner Such a deflector geometry is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,218. 
     One type of automatic sprinkler is the dry sprinkler assembly. An example of a dry sprinkler is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,075. Dry sprinklers can be configured for installation in a variety of orientations depending upon the application. Dry sprinklers can be configured for an upright installation, a pendent installation or a horizontal installation. An example of a horizontal dry sprinkler is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,928. A dry sprinkler assembly generally includes a tubular sprinkler housing with an inlet end fluid opening and a discharge outlet opening axially spaced from the inlet opening with an internal passageway extending therebetween. An internal fluid control assembly is supported within the housing between the inlet and outlet openings by a frangible thermally responsive glass bulb trigger to seal the sprinkler at the fluid inlet. When the bulb fractures in response to a fire, a component of the fluid control assembly is ejected from the outlet of the housing allowing the remainder of the fluid control assembly to axially translate out of its sealed position thereby opening the fluid inlet and sprinkler internal passageway. To ensure proper opening and operation of a dry sprinkler assembly, it is important that the ejected member completely clear the sprinkler structure and fluid flow path between the housing and the fluid deflection member. Accordingly, there remains a need for dry sprinkler assemblies and in particular for dry horizontal sidewall sprinkler assemblies that can properly eject the fluid control component for a variety of housing member and deflection member configurations. 
     Fire protection sprinklers are generally subject to industry accepted fire code requirements and the approval of the “authority having jurisdiction” (AHJ) ensure compliance with applicable codes and requirements. One applicable standard is “NFPA 13: Standard for the installation of Sprinkler Systems” (2019) (“NFPA 13”) from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 13 provides minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems based upon the area to be protected, the anticipated hazard and the type of protection performance to be provided. One manner of satisfying the applicable requirements, is by identification of fire protection sprinklers capable of a particular thermal response or sensitivity through appropriate industry accepted operational testing. To facilitate the AHJ approval process, fire protection equipment can be “listed,” which as defined by NFPA 13, means that the equipment is included in a list by an organization that is acceptable to the AHJ and whose list states that the equipment “meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.” One such listing organization includes, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (“UL”). In its standard, “UL 1626: Standard for Residential Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service” (2008 4th ed.), UL provides fluid distribution and fire test criteria for “residential sprinklers” including horizontal sidewall fire sprinklers intended for residential fire protection. Generally, the fluid distribution tests verify or certify the suitability of a horizontal sidewall sprinkler to satisfactorily distribute water forward, vertically and laterally over a test area to a prescribed density, i.e., volumetric rate per area measured in GPM/SQ. FT.). In the tests, a sprinkler is installed below a ceiling at a prescribed deflector-to-ceiling distance and the test sprinkler is supplied fluid at a prescribed operating pressure to generate a fluid flow that is distributed and collected to determine the density. Based on the results, a horizontal sidewall sprinkler at a particular nominal operating temperature can be certified for providing a prescribed coverage area of residential protection at a prescribed deflector-to-ceiling installation when provided with a minimum flow pressure and flow. There are currently two deflector-to-ceiling installation ranges: (i) 4 inches to 6 inches (4-6 in.) and (ii) 6 inches to 12 inches (6-12 in.) for five prescribed coverage areas (width×length): (i) 12 ft.×12 ft.; (ii) 14 ft.×14 ft.; (iii) 16 ft.×16 ft.; (iv) 16 ft.×18 ft.; and (v) 16 ft.×20 ft. Known residential dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers include: (i) the Model F3Res44 Dry K4.4 Residential Dry Horizontal Sidewall Sprinkler from Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. of Elmsford, N.Y., which is shown and described in Reliable® Bulletin 052 (November 2019); and (ii) the Tyco Rapid Response Series LFII Dry Type Residential 4.4 K-factor Horizontal Sidewall Sprinkler from Johnson Controls of Lansdale, Pa., which is shown and described in technical data sheet publication, TFP461 (December 2018). These known residential dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers have operational limitations either in their available coverage areas and/or nominal operating temperatures. Accordingly, there remains a need for dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers that are capable of providing residential performance coverage areas at a range of nominal operating temperatures. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of an automatic dry horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler assembly for residential fire protection are provided. The preferred sprinkler assembly generally includes an elongate tubular outer housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. Within the tubular housing, an internal conduit extends from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal sprinkler axis. The first end of the housing defines a fluid intake end of the sprinkler assembly having an inlet opening and an internal sealing surface proximate the inlet opening. The second end of the housing defines a fluid discharge end of the sprinkler assembly having an outlet opening. A fluid deflection member is coupled to the housing at a preferably fixed distance from the outlet opening to define a fluid flow path therebetween. 
     The sprinkler is preferably an automatic sprinkler in which fluid flow through the sprinkler is regulated by a thermally responsive trigger assembly and a preferred internal fluid control assembly disposed within the housing. The trigger defines an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly in which the trigger supports the internal fluid control assembly within the housing to form a fluid tight seal with the internal sealing surface. Upon thermal operation of the trigger, an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly is defined in which the internal fluid control assembly axially translates out of contact with the internal sealing surface. Preferred embodiments of the fluid control assembly include an ejectable member that is ejected out the outlet opening in the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly and displaced out of the fluid flow path between the housing and the fluid deflection member. Embodiments of the fluid control assembly include an ejectable support subassembly for seating the trigger and which provides the preferred ejectable member of the fluid control assembly. A preferred structural and dynamic relationship is defined by a preferred mechanical interface between the ejectable member of the fluid control assembly and the housing which ensures proper and complete ejection of the ejectable member. More specifically, upon trigger actuation, the sprinkler assembly and mechanical interface cause the ejectable member to pivot out clear of the sprinkler housing and the fluid flow path between the housing and the deflection member. 
     In preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly, the tubular outer housing includes a pair of frame arms diametrically opposed about the outlet opening extending axially from the second end of the housing and defining a frame window therebetween. The sprinkler assembly further includes a fluid deflection member coupled to the frame arms at a fixed distance from the outlet opening. In one particular embodiment, the pair of frame arms can converge toward one another to form a deflector boss centrally aligned along the central longitudinal sprinkler axis and the fluid deflection member can be affixed to the deflector boss to define a central portion coaxially centered with and coupled to the deflector boss. 
     Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly and its fluid deflection member define an unencumbered fluid flow path for a column of fluid discharge from the outlet opening of the housing. In one preferred alternate embodiment, the fluid deflection member includes a first tab and a second tab opposed from one another about a first plane that includes the central longitudinal sprinkler axis to act on an unencumbered column of fluid discharge from the outlet opening in a radially inward direction. In preferred embodiments, each of the first and second tabs are symmetrical about a second plane that is perpendicular to and intersects the first plane along the central longitudinal sprinkler axis with the pair of frame arms being aligned with one another in the second plane. The pair of frame arms preferably terminate at an annular boss centered about the central longitudinal sprinkler axis with the preferred fluid deflection member being affixed to the annular frame boss. 
     Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly include a trigger embodied as a frangible glass bulb having a first end seated against the support subassembly and an opposite second end seated against a yoke member to align the glass bulb along the central sprinkler axis. The yoke includes a crossbar portion with a central region for seating the second end of the glass bulb and two end regions disposed about the central region that are each subject to a load force to axially load the glass bulb and fluid control assembly, the yoke member including an extension member extending between the two end regions of the yoke member to define a center of gravity that is off-set from the central longitudinal sprinkler axis. 
     Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly provide for automatic residential dry horizontal sidewall sprinkler assembly that includes a tubular outer housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end with an internal conduit extending from the first end to the second end along a central longitudinal sprinkler axis. The first end defines a fluid intake end of the sprinkler assembly having an inlet opening and an internal sealing surface proximate the inlet opening, the second end defining a fluid discharge end of the sprinkler assembly having an outlet opening. A fluid control assembly is disposed coaxially within the internal conduit of the outer housing and defines a nominal K-factor ranging from 4.0 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ] to 14.0 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ]. A horizontal fluid deflection member affixed to the outer housing at a fixed distance from the outlet opening; and a thermally responsive trigger seated at a fixed distance from the outlet between the outlet and the horizontal fluid deflection member to define an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly, the trigger having a nominal operating temperature of up to 200° F. and a thermal response defining an actuated state of the sprinkler that provides a plurality of sprinkler coverage areas suitable for residential fire protection performance Each coverage area is defined by a minimum operating pressure of firefighting fluid delivered to the inlet opening and a minimum fluid flow from the outlet opening, the coverage areas ranging from (12 ft.×12 ft) to (16 ft.×20 ft) for the nominal operating temperature. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and together, with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are some examples of the invention as provided by the appended claims. 
         FIGS.  1 ,  1 A and  1 B  are various cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment of a dry horizontal sidewall sprinkler assembly. 
         FIG.  2    is a preferred fluid deflection member for use in the sprinkler assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  are various detailed partial cross-sectional views at the fluid discharge end of the sprinkler assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a support subassembly used in the sprinkler assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4 A  is an exploded perspective view of the support subassembly of  FIG.  4   . 
     
    
    
     MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  1 A and  1 B  is a preferred embodiment of a dry horizontal sidewall automatic dry assembly  10 . The sprinkler assembly generally includes an elongate tubular outer housing  12  having a first end  14  and a second end  16  opposite the first end  14 . Within the tubular housing  12 , an internal conduit  18  extends from the first end  14  to the second end  16  along a central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X. The first end  14  of the housing  12  defines a fluid intake end  10   a  of the sprinkler assembly  10  having an inlet opening  20  and an internal sealing surface  22  proximate the inlet opening  20 . The second end  16  of the housing  12  defines a fluid discharge end  10   b  of the sprinkler assembly  10  having an outlet opening  24 . Installed, the first end  14  of the sprinkler assembly  10  is coupled to a fluid supply pipe of a sprinkler system with the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X in a horizontal orientation parallel to the floor or ceiling for fluid discharge from the outlet opening  24  directed horizontally in the direction of the sprinkler axis X-X toward a fluid deflection member  30  affixed to the housing  12 . Preferred embodiments of the fluid deflection member  30  direct the flow of fluid outwardly and downwardly, with some of the fluid lifted to project the fluid across a room, for example, and some of the fluid directed laterally downward to provide wall wetting. 
     The sprinkler  10  is an automatic sprinkler in which fluid flow through the sprinkler is regulated by a thermally responsive trigger assembly  39  and a preferred internal fluid control assembly  100  disposed within the housing  12 . The trigger  39  defines an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly  10  in which the trigger  39  supports the internal fluid control assembly  100  within the housing  12  to form a fluid tight seal with the internal sealing surface  22  to seal the rest of the sprinkler assembly from the supply pipe. Upon thermal operation of the trigger  39  in response to a level of heat indicative of a fire, an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly  10  is defined in which support of the fluid control assembly  100  has been removed which permits the internal fluid control assembly  100  to axially translate out of contact with the internal sealing surface  22  under the fluid pressure in the fluid supply pipe of the system and/or an internal spring (not shown) that biases the fluid control assembly out of contact with the internal sealing surface  22 . Firefighting fluid delivered to the intake end  10   a  of the sprinkler assembly flows through the internal conduit  18  and the internal fluid control assembly  100  and is discharged out of the outlet opening  24  of the housing  12  along a fluid flow path for effective horizontal fluid distribution fire protection by the fluid deflection member  30  affixed to the housing  12  preferably at a fixed distance from the outlet opening  24  which defines a frame window therebetween. 
     The fluid control assembly  100  includes an ejectable member that is translated out of the internal conduit  18  of the housing, ejected out the outlet opening  24  and displaced out of the fluid flow path between the outlet opening  24  and the fluid deflection member  30 . In the preferred sprinkler assembly  10 , a preferred structural and dynamic relationship between the ejectable member and the housing ensure proper guided and complete ejection and displacement of the ejectable member out of the fluid discharge fluid flow path. Generally, the ejectable member preferably defines a preferred mechanical interface with the housing, which facilitates ejection of the ejectable member through the housing outlet opening and out of the fluid flow path upon thermal actuation of the sprinkler. More specifically, upon trigger actuation, preferred embodiments of the mechanical interface include a surface contact between the ejectable member of the fluid control assembly  100  and an internal surface of the housing  12  to guide the ejectable member out of the housing  12  and pivot out of the frame window and clear of fluid flow path. The member is ejected into the frame window with the member initially coaxially aligned with the central sprinkler axis and then skewed with respect to the central longitudinal sprinkler axis upon the member contacting the internal contact surface. Moreover, the preferred structural and dynamic relationship between the ejectable member and the housing  12  define a spatial and temporal coordination between the axial translation of the ejectable member and its pivot out of the fluid flow path by axially guiding the ejectable member and inhibiting or otherwise preventing its angular rotation about the central longitudinal axis X-X. 
     In preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly  10 , the fluid deflection member  30  is located at a fixed distance from the outlet opening  24 . To locate the deflector, the sprinkler housing  12  preferably includes a pair of frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  that are diametrically opposed about the outlet opening  24  and extend axially away therefrom. The frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  can converge toward the central longitudinal axis X-X and form a coaxially aligned fluid deflection boss, for example as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,075, to which the fluid deflection member  30  can be affixed. In such an embodiment, the deflection member  30  can include or define a central portion that, together with the deflection boss, presents an abutment to the fluid discharge from the outlet opening  24  to redirect and spread the discharged fluid from its center to fan the fluid radially outwardly to provide for an effective horizontal fluid distribution. 
     In alternate preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly  10 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  1 A and  1 B , the sprinkler housing  12 , frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  and fluid deflecting member  30  provide for an unencumbered fluid flow path from the outlet opening  24  to the fluid deflection member  30 . For a fluid column discharged from the outlet opening  24 , the fluid column is acted on at its outer surface or periphery by the fluid deflection member  30  to direct the fluid stream in a desired manner to produce the fluid distribution for effective horizontal sidewall sprinkler fire protection. 
     In the preferred embodiments of the sprinkler housing  12  the pair of frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  terminate at and more preferably form an annular boss  28 . The annular boss  28  extends between the frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  and is preferably centered about the sprinkler axis X-X. The fluid deflection member  30  is preferably affixed to the annular frame boss  28  to locate the fluid deflection member  30  at the preferred fixed distance from the outlet opening  24 . With specific reference to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , preferred embodiments of the fluid deflection member  30  generally include a first tab  32   a  and a second tab  32   b . The first and second tabs  32   a ,  32   b  are opposed from one another about a first plane P 1  defined by the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X and a lateral axis Y-Y extending perpendicular to the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X to define the preferred unencumbered fluid flow path extending from the outlet opening  24  through the horizontal fluid deflection member  30  along the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X. The preferred fluid deflection member  30  can be configured similarly to the flow-shaping member as shown and described in any one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,662,190; 8,151,462 and 7,712,218. 
     As seen in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  2   , each of the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  are preferably angled with respect to the sprinkler axis X-X to present inwardly facing fluid flow surfaces to the outlet  24 . With particular reference to  FIG.  2   , each of the preferred first and second tabs  32   a ,  32   b  have a leading edge  34   a ,  34   b  and a trailing edge  36   a ,  36   b  with the fluid flow surfaces  38   a ,  38   b  extending therebetween. Each of the first and second tabs  32   a ,  32   b  are angled and more preferably skewed with respect to the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X so that the leading edge  34   a ,  34   b  is radially inward of the trailing edge  36   a ,  36   b . The angle of the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  preferably taper the unencumbered fluid flow path. Each of the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  define a preferred included angle with the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X that ranges from thirty degrees to sixty degrees)(30°-60°. The included angles of the tabs can be the same or different. In one preferred embodiment, the first tab  32   a  defines a preferred included angle ranging from 35°-40° and is more preferably 37 degrees. The second tab  32   b  defines a different included angle ranging from 30°-50° and more preferably being any one of 33° and 48° with the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X. 
     The tabs  32   a ,  32   b  and their edges each define a preferably polygon-shaped geometry with features that can be similar to one another. For example, each of the preferred tabs  32   a ,  32   b , can have parallel lateral edges that extend perpendicularly between the leading and trailing edges. The spacing between the lateral edges define the width of the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  with the length of the lateral edges defining the length of the tabs  32   a ,  32   b . The widths of the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  may similarly or variably range between 0.300 inch 3.000 inches and lengths of the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  can similarly or variably range between 0.200 to 1.300 inches. More preferably, the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  are geometrically configured differently. In the preferred embodiment of the fluid deflection member  30  of  FIG.  2   , the leading edge  34   a  of the first tab  32   a  preferably defines a width ranging between 0.5 inch to 0.66 inch with a plurality of spaced apart open-end slots  40 . Each of the open-end slots  40  initiate from and extend from the leading edge  34   a  in a direction perpendicular to the leading edge  34   a  to terminate at a terminal end of the slot  40 . The plurality of open-end slots  40  preferably includes a central slot with two lateral slots disposed equidistantly about the central slot. The lateral slots each have a slot length that is preferably greater than the slot length of the central slot. 
     In a preferred fluid deflection member  30 , the leading edge  34   b  of the second tab  32   b  preferably defines a width smaller than the leading edge  34   a  of the first tab  32   a  with a central linear edge portion and two lateral linear edge portions disposed about the central portion. The leading edge  34   b  of the second tab  32   b  is preferably configured such that the central linear edge portion is closer to the leading edge  34   a  of the first tab  32   a  than the two lateral linear edge portions of the second leading edge  34   b . The second tab  32   b  also preferably includes a central closed formed slot  42  extending in a direction perpendicular to the leading edge. Moreover, in another preferred aspect, the trailing edge  36   b  of the second tab  32   b  includes a pair of open-ended slots  44  disposed about the central linear edge portion at the leading edge  34   b  and the central slot  42 . The open-ended slots  44  initiate from the trailing edge  36   b  toward the leading edge  34   b  of the second tab  32   b.    
     The tabs  32   a ,  32   b  can be affixed to or integrally formed with the preferred annular boss  28 . More preferably, the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  are formed with an extend from an annular base  46  which is preferably affixed internally to the annular boss  28  of the housing  12 . Accordingly, the annular base  46  of the fluid deflection member  30  is dimensioned to be centered within the annular boss  28  and moreover is preferably dimensioned to define and maintain the unencumbered fluid flow path of the sprinkler assembly  10 . With reference to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the fluid deflection member  30  is oriented with respect to the frame arms  27   a ,  27   b . In particular, the tabs  32   a ,  32   b  are preferably located so as be perpendicular to the frame arms  27   a ,  27   b . The frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  are preferably disposed in and aligned with one another along a second plane P 2  that is defined by the central longitudinal axis X-X and a vertical axis Z-Z which extends perpendicular to the first plane P 1 . Accordingly, the fluid deflection member  30  is oriented such that the first and second planes P 1 , P 2  are perpendicular to one another with their intersection aligned along the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X. In the preferred geometry of the fluid deflection member  30 , the deflection member  30  is symmetrically bisected by the second plane P 2 . In the preferred installation of the sprinkler assembly  10 , the first plane P 1  is oriented parallel to the floor or ceiling with the first tab  32   a  above the second tab  32   b  and the frame arms  27  vertically aligned with one another and the second plane P 2  disposed perpendicular to the floor or ceiling. 
     The housing  12  and the fluid control assembly  100  define and maintain the preferred unencumbered fluid flow path of the preferred assembly  10  by keeping operational components clear of the fluid flow path upon sprinkler operation. Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , a preferred embodiment of the fluid control assembly  100  includes a seal subassembly  102  and a fluid flow tube  104  which forms a discharge orifice end  106  opposite the seal subassembly  102 . Abutting the discharge orifice end  106  is a support subassembly  110  which forms the preferred ejectable member of the fluid control assembly  100 . Generally, the ejectable support subassembly  110  includes a post member  112  with a projection member  114  affixed to the post member  112  that extends radially outward from the post member  112 . Within the housing  12  is an internal contact surface or shelf  26  formed proximate the outlet opening  24 . Adjacent the contact shelf  26 , the internal surface of the housing  12  preferably includes a formed axially extending channel  62  proximate the outlet opening  24  contiguous with the internal shelf  26 . The projection member  114  is received within the channel  62  to axially and rotationally guide the support subassembly  110  and the rest of the fluid control assembly  100  toward the internal contact shelf  26  upon thermal actuation of the sprinkler assembly. The post member  112  is ejected out of the outlet opening  24  to bring the projection member  114  in contact with the internal shelf  26  so as to impart a rotation on the support subassembly  110  and pivot the support subassembly  110  out of the fluid flow path from the outlet opening  24  to the fluid deflection member  30 . 
     Shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are detailed partial cross-sectional views of the fluid discharge end  10   b  of the sprinkler assembly  10  of  FIGS.  1 ,  1 A and  1 B  showing a preferred structural and dynamic relationship defined by the preferred mechanical interface between the support subassembly  110  and the internal surface of the housing  12 . Although the tubular housing  12  can be formed as a single unitary structure, the tubular housing is more preferably formed by the interconnection of two or more tubular housing components. For example, the housing  12  preferably includes an externally threaded body  50  forming the fluid discharge end  10   b , another externally threaded tubular component  52  forming the fluid intake end  10   a , with an intermediate internally threaded tubular component  54  interconnecting the fluid inlet and discharge end components  50 ,  52 . The components of the housing  12  can be joined by alternate means or configurations provided the assembly provides for the internal conduit  18  and fluid intake and discharge ends  10   a ,  10   b  as described herein. The fluid discharge end  10   b  of the housing  12  preferably includes the preferred externally threaded body  50 , as shown in FIGS.  3 A and  3 B, with an internal surface  60  in which the preferred axially extending channel  62  is formed with the preferred internal contact shelf  26  between the channel  62  and the outlet opening  24 . The channel  62  is dimensioned and configured to accommodate the projection member  114  of the support subassembly  110  and guide its axial translation toward the internal contact shelf  26  and otherwise constrain angular rotation of the support subassembly  110  about the sprinkler axis X-X. In an alternate embodiment of the sprinkler  10 , the internal surface  60  can include the affixed projection member and the support assembly  110  can include the channel formation with an appropriately located contact shelf or surface. In an inverse cooperative relationship, the projection member and channel would axially guide the support subassembly  110  and its shelf formation toward the projection member and resist angular rotation of the support subassembly  110  about the sprinkler axis X-X for its ejection and pivot out of the fluid flow path in a manner as previously described. 
     In the preferred embodiments shown, the recessed channel region  62  is defined by a depth DP measured in the radial direction preferably from the central axis X-X, a width WD 1  measured perpendicular to the radial direction between a pair of channel sidewalls  64  and its axial length LD which is preferably 3.5 to 4 times greater than the width WD 1 . The width WD 1  is sufficiently broad to permit axial translation of the projection member  114  within the channel  62  to contact the internal contact surface  26  and sufficiently narrow to limit or otherwise inhibit and more preferably prevent rotation of the support subassembly  110  about the sprinkler axis X-X and the relative rotation between the support subassembly  110  and the outer housing  12 . The channel  62  is preferably located so as to be centered between the frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  to locate the pivot for the support subassembly  110  that is centered between the frame arms  27   a ,  27   b . The width WD 1  of the channel  62  is greater than a width WD 2  of the projection member  114  and preferably 10-30% greater than the width of the projection member  114  and more preferably 10-15% greater than the width WD 2  of the projection member  114 . In a preferred embodiment in which the channel width WD 1  is preferably no more than 1.25 times the width WD 2  of the projection member  114  and more preferably 1.2 to 1.15 times the width WD 2  of the projection member  114 . The depth DP of the channel  62  preferably increases in the axial direction toward the internal shelf  26 . In another preferred aspect, the preferred channel  62  defines one or more dimensional relationships with other features of the externally threaded body  50 , for example, the channel width and length define preferred respective ratios with the diameter DIA of the outlet opening  24 . For example, a preferred outlet diameter-to-channel width ratio (DIA:WD 1 ) preferably ranges from 3.5:1 to 4:1 and is preferably 3.75:1. A preferred channel length-to-outlet diameter ratio (LD:DIA) preferably ranges from 1:1 to 1.1:1. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet diameter DIA is 0.75 inch. 
     Shown in  FIGS.  4  and  4 A  are various views of a preferred support subassembly  110  for use in the flow control assembly  100 . The post member  112  preferably includes a cylindrical body portion  120  having a first diameter D 1  and a cylindrical head portion  122  of a second diameter D 2  smaller than the first diameter with a neck portion  124  formed between the body and head portions  120 ,  122  having a third diameter D 3  greater than the second diameter D 2 . Alternatively, the diameters post member  112  can be equal to one another or vary from one another in any manner provided the post member  112  provides for the support and ejection of the support assembly  110  in a manner as described herein. The body portion  120  is preferably a right circular cylinder but can define alternate geometries. For example, a preferred embodiment of the body portion can include a chamfered portion  126  as shown in  FIG.  4   , which can offset the center of gravity of the post member from the sprinkler axis X-X to facilitate the pivoted rotation of the subassembly  110 . More preferably, the chamfer is diametrically aligned opposite the projection  114  of the subassembly. The support subassembly  110  remains generally coaxially centered with respect to the sprinkler axis X-X from its position in the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly  10  through the axial displacement of the support subassembly  110  in the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly  10  until the projection member  114  contacts the internal contact surface  26 . In a preferred aspect of the structural and dynamic relationship between the housing  12  and the support subassembly  110 , the diameter D 1  of the body portion  120  defines a maximum external diameter of the post member  112  and is smaller than the internal diameter DIA of the outlet opening  24  to define an internal diameter-to-maximum external diameter ratio (DIA:D 1 ) that ranges from 1.1:1 to 1:1. 
     In the support subassembly  110 , the projection member  114  preferably extends radially from the post member  112  and more preferably from the neck portion  124 . As shown, the projection member  114  is preferably a separate component disposed and secured about the head and neck portions  122 ,  124  of the post member  112 . The preferred projection member  114  includes an arcuate portion  116   a  that at least partially circumscribes and more preferably completely circumscribes the neck portion  124  of the post member  112  and a rectilinear portion  116   b  extending radially from the arcuate portion. The support subassembly  110  preferably includes a pip cap  130  centered within the cylindrical body  120  to support the thermally responsive trigger  39  in the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly. The support subassembly  110  is seated against the thermally responsive trigger  39  to locate the fluid flow assembly  100  within the housing  12  such that the projection member  114  is within the channel  62  and axially spaced from the internal contact surface  26 . In the unactuated state of the assembly, the seal subassembly  102  forms a fluid-tight sealed engagement with the internal sealing surface  22 . Together, the post member  112  and the pip cap  130  preferably substantially fill the outlet opening  24  substantially concealing the internal conduit  18  of the housing  12 . In the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly  10  upon thermal actuation of the trigger  39  and ejection of the support subassembly  110 , the remainder of the fluid control assembly  100  is axially translated in which the seal subassembly  102  is spaced from the sealing surface  22 . 
     In the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly  10 , the thermally responsive trigger  39  is seated preferably at a fixed distance from the outlet opening  24  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  1 A  to transfer a compressive load to the fluid control assembly  100  and form the sealed engagement at the internal sealing surface  22 . In the preferred embodiment, the trigger  39  comprises a frangible glass bulb having one end preferably seated at or proximate the frame boss  28  under load from one or more screw members  41  threadedly engaged with the frame boss  28 . Alternatively, the trigger  39  can be configured as a soldered mechanical assembly seated proximate the frame boss  28 . The trigger  39  has a nominal operating temperature and thermal sensitivity to define the thermal responsiveness of the sprinkler at which the sprinkler actuates in response to a fire. In preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly  10 , the trigger  39  has a preferred nominal operating temperature rating that ranges between 125° F. to 225° F. (52° C.-107° C.) and more preferably is any one of: 155° F. (68° C.); 175° F. (79° C.) or 200° F. (93° C.). The thermal sensitivity of a trigger assembly and sprinkler is measured or characterized by Response Time Index (“RTI”), measured in units of (ft·s) 1/2  [(m·s) 1/2 ]. An RTI of 145-635 (ft·s) 1/2  [80 (m·s) 1/2  to 350 (m·s) 1/2 ] defines a “Standard Response Sprinkler and an RTI equal to or less than 90 (ft·s) 1/2  [50 (m·s) 1/2 ] defines a “Quick Response Sprinkler.” Preferred embodiment of the sprinkler assembly are configured as a quick response sprinkler. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler assembly  10  shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  1 A- 1 B and  3 A , the glass bulb trigger  39  is seated against a preferred yoke member  200  to align the glass bulb trigger  39  along the central sprinkler axis X-X and the preferred unencumbered fluid flow path. Generally, the preferred yoke member  200  is configured in a manner similar to the yoke shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,238,903. The preferred yoke member  200  includes a crossbar portion  202  with a central region  204  for seating the end of the glass bulb trigger  39  opposite the support subassembly  110 . The crossbar portion  202  also include two end regions  206   a ,  206   b  disposed about the central region  204  that are each subject to a load force to axially load the glass bulb  39  and fluid control assembly  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the crossbar portion  202  is preferably formed with the central region  204  located axially further away from the outlet opening  24  than the two end regions  206   a ,  206   b . The crossbar portion  202  is preferably aligned with the frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  in the vertically extending plane P 2 . The assembly includes two load screws  41  threadedly engaged with the annular boss  28  to apply a compressive force respectively to the end regions  206   a ,  206   b  of the crossbar portions  202 . The yoke member  200  preferably includes an extension member  208  extending between the two end regions  206   a ,  206   b  of the yoke member  200 . The extension member  208  preferably extends from the crossbar portion  202  so as to be skewed with respect to the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X as shown in  FIG.  1 B . The extension member  208  can define a center of gravity of the yoke member  200  that is off-set from the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X to facilitate rotation and clearance of the yoke member  200  out of the fluid flow path upon sprinkler actuation. 
     Upon sprinkler thermal actuation in which the trigger  39  ruptures, the preferred support subassembly  110  is ejected horizontally parallel to the floor and the seal subassembly  102  and fluid flow tube  104  translate horizontally toward the outlet opening  24 . When the projection member  114  contacts the internal contact surface  26 , the support assembly  110  pivots between the frame arms  27   a ,  27   b  about an axis parallel to Z-Z axis and clear of any sprinkler structure to avoid any lodgment of the support subassembly  110 . With the support subassembly  110  ejected clear of the sprinkler assembly  10 , the inlet opening  20  and the discharge orifice are fully open and the fluid flow path are clear for flow of firefighting fluid therethrough to impact the horizontal fluid deflection member  30 . 
     The remaining components of the preferred fluid control assembly  100 , including the seal assembly  102  and the fluid flow tube  104  can each be configured and assembled using multiple components. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1 A , the seal assembly  102  preferably includes a spring disc  101  affixed about a base  103  having an array of legs  103   a  extending therefrom. In the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly, the spring disc  101  forms the fluid tight sealed contact with the internal seal surface  22  of the housing. The seal assembly  102  can be configured as any one of the embodiments of “spring support assembly” shown and described in the dry sprinkler assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,075. The fluid flow tube can be a single tube or made from multiple tubes. The supporting subassembly  110  is preferably received within the discharge orifice  106  in an abutting engagement. The seal assembly can be biased in a direction away from the sealing surface  22  by an internal spring member disposed about the first tubular member (not shown). 
     In the actuated and open state of the sprinkler assembly  10 , the translation of the fluid control assembly  100  locates the discharge orifice  106  within the body  50  at the fluid discharge end  10   b  of the housing  12  proximate the outlet opening  24 . Fluid flowing through the inlet opening  20  flows at a preferred operating pressure, through the fluid flow tube  104 , out the discharge orifice  106  and the outlet opening  24  to define the fluid discharge column that is acted upon by the axially spaced fluid deflection member  30 . The discharge orifice is preferably configured and dimensioned to define the desired discharge characteristics of the sprinkler. Accordingly, the discharge orifice  106  can be quantified by a preferred nominal K-factor. The discharge or flow characteristics from the sprinkler body is defined by the internal geometry of the sprinkler including its internal passageway, inlet and outlet (the orifice). As is known in the art, the K-factor of a sprinkler is defined as K=Q/P 1/2 , where Q represents the flow rate (in gallons/min GPM) of water from the outlet of the internal passage through the sprinkler body and P represents the pressure (in pounds per square inch (psi.)) of water or firefighting fluid fed into the inlet end of the internal passageway though the sprinkler body. Generally, the discharge characteristics of the sprinkler body define a preferred nominal K-factor in a range of 4 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ] to 50 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ]. Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler body define a nominal K-factor which preferably ranges from a nominal 4.0 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ] to 14.0 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ]. More preferably, the sprinkler body defines a K-factor of any one of 4.0 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ]; 4.2 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ] or 4.4 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ]. Alternatively, the sprinkler body can define K-factors smaller or larger than the preferred range depending upon the application. 
     Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly, when installed in its preferred horizontal position as described herein provide a preferred fluid distribution for residential fire protection. In particular, preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly  10  provide for a range of coverage areas that satisfy residential fire protection requirements for a given nominal operating temperature, fluid flow, fluid pressure, and/or deflector-to-ceiling position installation which are either: (i) not currently available in any known dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers at an equivalent or higher nominal operating temperature; (ii) not currently available in any known dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers at equivalent or lower fluid lows or pressures; and/or (iii) not currently available in any known dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers at equivalent deflector-to-ceiling position. Preferred embodiments of the horizontal sidewall sprinkler assembly  10 , satisfy the vertical and horizontal fluid distribution tests of industry standard UL1626 for residential fire protection sprinklers. Summarized in the two tables below are the required minimum operating fluid flow (GPM) discharged from the sprinkler outlet and/or pressure (PSI) of firefighting fluid to be supplied to the sprinkler inlet to generate prescribed maximum coverage areas (width×throw) using preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly  10  configured with a preferred nominal K-factor of no more than 4.0 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ] and preferably is 4.0 [GPM/(psi) 1/2 ] any one of three different nominal operating temperature ratings when installed at one of two deflector-to-ceiling distances: i) 4 in.-6 in.; and ii) 6 in.-12 in. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Coverage Areas, Fluid Flows &amp; Pressures for 
               
               
                 4 in.--6 in. Deflector-to-Ceiling Distance 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Coverage Area 
                 155° F. (68° C.) 
                 175° F. (79° C.) 
                 200° F. (93° C.) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 (width (ft.) × 
                 Flow 
                 Pressure 
                 Flow 
                 Pressure 
                 Flow 
                 Pressure 
               
               
                 throw (ft.)) 
                 (GPM) 
                 (PSI) 
                 (GPM) 
                 (PSI) 
                 (GPM) 
                 (PSI) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 12 
                 12 
                 13 
                 10.6 
                 13 
                 10.6 
                 13 
                 10.6 
               
               
                 14 
                 14 
                 14 
                 12.3 
                 14 
                 12.3 
                 14 
                 12.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 16 
                 18 
                 20.3 
                 18 
                 20.3 
                 18 
                 20.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 18 
                 21 
                 27.6 
                 21 
                 27.6 
                 21 
                 27.6 
               
               
                 16 
                 20 
                 25 
                 39.1 
                 25 
                 39.1 
                 25 
                 39.1 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Coverage Areas, Fluid Flows &amp; Pressures for 
               
               
                 6 in. --12 in. Deflector-to-Ceiling Distance 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Coverage Area 
                 155° F. (68° C.) 
                 175° F. (79° C.) 
                 200° F. (93° C.) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 (width (ft.) × 
                 Flow 
                 Pressure 
                 Flow 
                 Pressure 
                 Flow 
                 Pressure 
               
               
                 throw (ft.)) 
                 (GPM) 
                 (PSI) 
                 (GPM) 
                 (PSI) 
                 (GPM) 
                 (PSI) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 12 
                 12 
                 13 
                 10.6 
                 14 
                 12.3 
                 14 
                 12.3 
               
               
                 14 
                 14 
                 15 
                 14.1 
                 15 
                 14.1 
                 15 
                 14.1 
               
               
                 16 
                 16 
                 19 
                 22.6 
                 19 
                 22.6 
                 19 
                 22.6 
               
               
                 16 
                 18 
                 21 
                 27.6 
                 21 
                 27.6 
                 21 
                 27.6 
               
               
                 16 
                 20 
                 25 
                 39.1 
                 25 
                 39.1 
                 25 
                 39.1 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly in the actuated state provide sprinkler coverage areas suitable for residential fire protection, preferably in accordance with UL 1626, that are otherwise not available using known sprinklers. In particular, the preferred sprinkler assembly  10  provides a coverage area that ranges from 12 ft.×12 ft to 16 ft.×20 ft. with a trigger  39  having a nominal operating temperature rating of up to 200° F. Moreover, the 200° F. sprinkler provides for each sprinkler coverage area over the increase in the two deflector-to-ceiling distance ranges with an increase in flow and pressure being no more than 20% and more preferably, the increase in flow ranges from 5-10% and the increase in pressure ranges from 10-16%. Generally, in known dry sidewall sprinklers an increase in deflector-to-ceiling distance requires an increase in pressure and flow to satisfy the fluid distribution requirements for residential protection. Notably, in preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly  10  at the two largest coverage areas (16 ft.×18 ft. and 16 ft.×20 ft.), there is no increase in either of the requisite pressure or flow when increasing the deflector-to-ceiling distance from 4-6 in. to 6-12 in. Alternate embodiments of the sprinkler assembly  10  configured with a lower operating temperature of 175° F. provides for an effective residential coverage area of 12 ft.×12 ft. that is not available using known sprinklers. Moreover, the 175° F. sprinkler provides for each sprinkler coverage area over the increase in the two deflector-to-ceiling distance ranges with an increase in flow and pressure being no more than 20% and more preferably, the increase in flow ranges from 5-10% and the increase in pressure ranges from 10-16%. Again notably, at the two largest coverage areas (16 ft.×18 ft. and 16 ft.×20 ft.), there is no increase in either of the requisite pressure or flow. In another alternative embodiment of the sprinkler assembly  10  with a nominal operating temperature of 155° F., the sprinkler provides for each sprinkler coverage area over the increase in the two deflector-to-ceiling distance ranges with an increase in flow and pressure being no more than 20% and more preferably, the increase in flow ranges from 5-8% and the increase in pressure ranges from 10-15%. Notably, in three coverage areas: (i) 12 ft.×12 ft.; (ii) 16 ft.×18 ft. and 16 ft.×20 ft.), there is no increase in either of the requisite pressure or flow. 
     While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.