Patent Publication Number: US-2023158352-A1

Title: Fire protection nozzle, fire protection sprinkler, fire protection systems, and methods of manufacturing a fire protection nozzle and a fire protection sprinkler

Description:
This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/132,418, filed Dec. 23, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/333,964, filed Mar. 15, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,898,746, issued Jan. 6, 2021, which is a U.S. national stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/051881, filed Sep. 15, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/395,409, filed on Sep. 16, 2016, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates generally to a fire protection nozzle, a fire protection sprinkler, systems comprising a fire protection nozzle, systems comprising a fire protection sprinkler, and methods of manufacture. 
     Storage facilities that store goods, such as warehouses, require fire protection systems designed to minimize damage and to prevent loss of the stored goods in the event of a fire. A fire protection system for use in a storage facility may include one or more pendent fire protection sprinklers connected to a fire extinguishing fluid supply via a fluid supply conduit (i.e., piping). A fire protection system is activated when a thermally responsive element, such as a glass bulb or a soldered link, fails, releasing a seal and opening an output orifice of the fire protection sprinkler. When the output orifice is opened, the fire extinguishing fluid, such as water, flows through the piping and the fire protection sprinkler and strikes a deflector mounted to the fire protection sprinkler. The deflector may be a circular planar disk having a number of slots arranged along the periphery of the disk, thereby producing a circular spray pattern of the fire extinguishing fluid. To meet the requirements for supply of fire extinguishing fluid over a given area to be protected, the particular arrangement of the slots on the deflector may be changed. Available fire protection systems meet the requirements for storage facilities having ceiling heights of up to thirty-five feet (10.67 meters). These systems, however, are not adequate for protection of storage facilities having heights up to forty feet (12.19 meters) or more. 
     In addition to the ceiling height of a storage facility, these fire protection systems are also designed based on the type of hazard (i.e., the commodity) stored in the storage facility. As an example, a fire protection system may be designed to protect an occupancy hazard including classes I-IV and Group A cartoned, unexpanded plastics, as defined by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13 (“NFPA 13”), and as defined in the Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 8-1 and 8-9, published by Factory Mutual (FM) Global Insurance of Johnston, R.I. 
     Fire protection systems are also required in tunnels, such as those serving highway or railroad systems, to limit the destruction of fires involving passenger road vehicles, cargo trucks, or railroad cars. These systems must also be designed for exposure to freezing temperatures, since tunnels do not typically include heating systems. Fire protection systems designed for use in tunnels include nozzles that are connected to a fluid supply via a fluid supply conduit (i.e., piping). The fire protection system may activate using an automatic detection unit or a manual activation unit. A deflector is mounted to each nozzle so that, when the fluid is supplied to the nozzle, the fluid strikes the deflector. The deflector may be a circular planar disk having a number of slots arranged on a periphery of the disk, thereby producing a circular spray pattern. In the fire protection sprinklers described, the circular spray pattern of adjacent sprinklers and nozzles may overlap, reducing the efficiency of the fire protection sprinkler system. In addition, the spacing provided between adjacent sprinklers and nozzles in these systems may be relatively small to ensure that the fire protection system meets the requirements for protection of a given area to be protected. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of our invention is to provide a fire protection system, including a nozzle, for use in tunnels for highways or railroads. The nozzle produces a spray pattern that improves the efficiency of the nozzle in delivering the fluid to the area to be protected. Another object of our invention is to provide a fire protection system in which nozzles may be provided at an increased spacing of up to 20 feet (6.096 meters) from each other, reducing the number of nozzles required by the system and, therefore, reducing the overall cost of the system. 
     It is another object of our invention to provide a fire protection sprinkler for protection of an occupancy hazard including classes I-IV and Group A cartoned, unexpanded plastics, as defined by NFPA 13 and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 8-1 and 8-9, stored in a storage area having a ceiling height of greater than thirty five feet. 
     Yet another object of our invention is to provide a fire protection sprinkler that produces a rectangular spray pattern, improving the efficiency of the fire protection sprinkler in delivering the fluid to the area to be protected. 
     Still another object of our invention is to provide a fire protection sprinkler system in which adjacent fire protection sprinklers may be provided at an increased spacing of up to 14 feet (4.27 meters) from each other, reducing the number of sprinklers required by the system and, therefore, reducing the overall cost of the system. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a fire protection nozzle for providing fire protection in a tunnel comprises a body comprising an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice defining a body axis and a flow passage for a fluid that flows through the body in an output direction, two frame arms having proximal ends connected to the outlet and distal ends, the two frame arms defining a frame arm plane, and a junction formed by the distal ends of the frame arms at a distance from the outlet orifice, the junction including a central bore and a cylindrical outer wall. The nozzle further comprises a circular deflector configured to be mounted to the body of the nozzle. The circular deflector comprises a planar disk having a mounting hole in a center of the planar disk, the mounting hole configured to receive the cylindrical outer wall of the junction, and a plurality of slots on a periphery of the circular planar disk that define a plurality of tines. The plurality of slots includes four radial first slots each having a first slot axis that is at an angle of about 45° relative to the frame arm plane, and at an angle of about 90° relative to an adjacent first slot, each of the first slots having a first slot depth. Four radial second slots are also provided on the circular planar disk, each having a second slot axis that is at an angle of about 0° or 90° relative to the frame arm plane, and at an angle of about 90° relative to an adjacent second slot, each of the second slots having a second slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. Eight radial third slots are provided, each being adjacent to a second slot, and each having a third slot axis that is less than about 45° relative to the second slot axis of the adjacent second slot. Each third slot has a third slot depth that is less than the second slot depth. In addition, eight fourth slots are provided, each being adjacent to a first slot, and each having a first slot portion having a radial axis, and a second slot portion, extending outward from the first slot portion relative to a center of the planar disk, the second slot portion having a non-radial axis, and a width that increases from an inner end of the second slot portion toward an outer, peripheral end of the second slot portion. Each fourth slot has a fourth slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. The nozzle has a K-factor of at least 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . 
     In another embodiment, the circular deflector is secured to the junction by rolling the cylindrical outer wall of the junction over an edge of the mounting hole on a surface of the circular deflector opposite to a surface that faces the output orifice. In yet another embodiment, the central bore of the junction has a threaded surface, and the circular deflector is secured to the junction by a securing portion that includes a securing screw having a head and a threaded portion that contacts the threaded surface of the central bore of the junction, and a retaining nut that is mounted to the head of the securing screw. 
     In yet another embodiment, a fire protection nozzle further comprises comprising at least two body deflectors that extend from each of the two frame arms in the frame arm plane at an angle relative to the body axis, each of the at least two body deflectors having an inner planar surface that faces the junction, the inner planar surface having a depth in the frame arm plane and a width, perpendicular to the depth, wherein the body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 10° to about 80° from the body axis. In another embodiment, the width of the inner planar surface of the body deflectors is about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the circular deflector. In yet another embodiment, the body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 450 from the body axis. 
     In still another embodiment, a fire protection system for providing fire protection in a tunnel comprises a fluid supply for supply of a fluid, piping connected to the fluid supply, and a plurality of fire protection nozzles, each nozzle being connected to the piping. Each nozzle comprises a body comprising an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice defining a body axis and a flow passage for a fluid that flows through the body in an output direction, two frame arms having proximal ends connected to the outlet and distal ends, the two frame arms defining a frame arm plane, and a junction formed by the distal ends of the frame arms at a distance from the outlet orifice, the junction including a central bore and a cylindrical outer wall. Each nozzle further comprises a circular deflector configured to be mounted to the body of the nozzle. The circular deflector comprises a planar disk having a mounting hole in a center of the planar disk, the mounting hole configured to receive the cylindrical outer wall of the junction, and a plurality of slots on a periphery of the circular planar disk that define a plurality of tines. The plurality of slots includes four radial first slots each having a first slot axis that is at an angle of about 45° relative to the frame arm plane, and at an angle of about 90° relative to an adjacent first slot, each of the first slots having a first slot depth. Four radial second slots are also provided, each having a second slot axis that is at an angle of about 0° or about 90° relative to the frame arm plane, and at an angle of about 90° relative to an adjacent second slot, each of the second slots having a second slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. Eight radial third slots are provided, each being adjacent to a second slot, and each having a third slot axis that is less than about 45° relative to the second slot axis of an adjacent second slot, the third slots having a third slot depth that is less than the second slot depth. Eight fourth slots are provided, each being adjacent to a first slot, and each having a first slot portion having a radial axis, and a second slot portion, extending outward from the first slot portion relative to a center of the planar disk, the second slot portion having a non-radial axis, and a width that increases from an inner end of the second slot portion toward an outer, peripheral end of the second slot portion, and each of the fourth slots having a fourth slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. The fire protection system further comprises an actuation valve connected to the fluid supply, wherein, when the actuation valve is operated, the fluid supply supplies the fluid to the piping and the plurality of nozzles and the fluid is delivered by the nozzles to the area to be protected in a spray pattern. In addition, the nozzles are positioned at a spacing of up to 20 feet by 20 feet, and each nozzle has a K-factor of at least 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . 
     In another embodiment, the body of each nozzle of the fire protection system has external threads on an outer surface near the inlet orifice, wherein the piping includes connection portions having threads on an inner surface, and wherein the external threads on the outer surface of the body of each nozzle contact the threads on the inner surface of the piping. In another embodiment, the circular deflector on each nozzle is secured to the junction of each nozzle by rolling the cylindrical outer wall of the junction over an edge of the mounting hole on a surface of the circular deflector opposite to a surface that faces the output orifice. In another embodiment, the central bore of the junction of each nozzle has a threaded surface, and the circular deflector is secured to the junction by a mounting portion that includes a securing screw having a head and a threaded portion that contact the threaded surface of the central bore of the junction a retaining nut that is mounted to the head of the securing screw. 
     In another embodiment, each nozzle of a fire protection system further comprises at least two body deflectors that extend from each of the two frame arms in the frame arm plane at an angle relative to the body axis, each of the at least two body deflectors having an inner planar surface that faces the junction, the inner planar surface having a depth in the frame arm plane and a width, perpendicular to the depth. In this embodiment, the width of the inner planar surface of the body deflectors is about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the circular deflector. In another embodiment, the body deflectors of each nozzle of the fire protection system extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 10° to about 80° from the body axis. In another embodiment, the body deflectors of each nozzle of the fire protection system extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 45° relative to the body axis. 
     In another embodiment, an extended coverage fire protection sprinkler for storage applications including protection of an occupancy hazard including classes I-IV and Group A cartoned, unexpanded plastics, as defined by NFPA 13 and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 8-1 and 8-9, stored in a storage area having a ceiling height of greater than thirty five feet is provided. The sprinkler comprises a body comprising an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice defining a body axis and a flow passage for a fluid that flows through the body in an output direction, two frame arms having proximal ends connected to the outlet and distal ends, the two frame arms defining a frame arm plane, and a junction formed by the distal ends of the frame arms at a distance from the outlet orifice, the junction including a central bore having threads on an inner surface, and a cylindrical outer wall. The sprinkler further comprises a circular deflector configured to be mounted to the body of the sprinkler, the circular deflector comprising a disk having a mounting hole in a center of the disk, the mounting hole configured to receive the cylindrical outer wall of the junction, and a plurality of slots on a periphery of the disk that define a plurality of tines. The plurality of slots includes two radial first slots each having a first slot axis that is at an angle of about 90° relative to the plane defined by the frame arms, each of the first slots having a first slot depth. Four radial second slots are provided having a second slot axis that is at an angle of about 45° relative to the frame arm plane, each of the second slots having a second slot depth. Two third slots are provided, each having a third slot axis that coincides with the frame arm plane, the third slots having a third slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. Four fourth slots are provided, each being adjacent to third slot, and each having a fourth slot axis that is less than about 45° relative to the third slot axis of an adjacent third slot, the fourth slots having a fourth slot depth that is less than the third slot depth. Four fifth slots are provided, each being adjacent to one of the two first slots, and each fifth slot having a fifth slot axis that at an angle relative to the first slot axis of an adjacent first slot, and each of the fifth slots having a fifth slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. The sprinkler further comprises a securing portion configured to secure the circular deflector to the junction of the body. The securing portion includes a securing screw having a head and a threaded portion that contacts the threaded surface of the central bore of the junction when the securing screw is inserted into the central bore, and a retaining nut that is mounted to the head of the securing screw. The sprinkler further comprises an actuation mechanism including a thermally responsive element supported by the threaded portion of the securing screw that extends through the central bore of the junction, the thermally responsive element being configured to fail when ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and an outlet seal that is supported by the thermally responsive element and that seals the outlet orifice until the thermally responsive element fails. The sprinkler has a K-factor of at least 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . 
     In another embodiment, each side of each of the third slots of the circular deflector of the sprinkler includes an inner point, and an outer point near the periphery of the circular disk, and each side of each of the fourth slots of the circular deflector includes an inner point, and an outer point near the periphery of the circular disk. In this embodiment, of the plurality of tines, a tine that is defined by a third slot and a fourth slot is bent about two axes defining a plane of the disk, so that the outer point on one side of the third slot is below a plane defined by the inner point on the one side of the third slot, the inner point on one side of the fourth slot, and the outer point on the one side of the fourth slot. 
     In yet another embodiment, the extended coverage fire protection sprinkler further comprises at least two body deflectors that extend from each of the two frame arms in the frame arm plane at an angle relative to the body axis, each of the at least two body deflectors having an inner planar surface that faces the junction, the inner planar surface having a depth in the frame arm plane and a width, perpendicular to the depth. In this embodiment, the body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 10° to about 80° from the body axis. In another embodiment, the width of the inner planar surface of the body deflectors is about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the circular deflector. In another embodiment, the body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 45° from the body axis. 
     In another embodiment, a fire protection system for storage applications including protection of an occupancy hazard including classes I-IV and Group A cartoned, unexpanded plastics, as defined by NFPA 13 and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 8-1 and 8-9, stored in a storage area having a ceiling height of greater than thirty five feet is provided. The system comprises a fluid supply for supply of a fluid, piping connected to the fluid supply, and a plurality of fire protection sprinklers, each sprinkler being connected to the piping. Each sprinkler comprises a body comprising an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice defining a body axis and a flow passage for a fluid that flows through the body in an output direction, two frame arms having proximal ends connected to the outlet and distal ends, the two frame arms defining a frame arm plane, and a junction formed by the distal ends of the frame arms at a distance from the outlet orifice, the junction including a central bore and a cylindrical outer wall. Each sprinkler further comprises a circular deflector configured to be mounted to the body of the sprinkler, the circular deflector comprising a planar disk having a mounting hole in a center of the planar disk, the mounting hole configured to receive the cylindrical outer wall of the junction, and a plurality of slots on a periphery of the circular planar disk that define a plurality of tines. The plurality of slots includes two radial first slots each having a first slot axis that is at an angle of about 90° relative to the plane defined by the frame arms, each of the first slots having a first slot depth. Four radial second slots are provided, having a second slot axis that is at an angle of about 45° relative to the frame arm plane, each of the second slots having a second slot depth. Two third slots are provided, each having a third slot axis that coincides with the frame arm plane, the third slots having a third slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. Four fourth slots are provided, each being adjacent to a third slot, and each having a fourth slot axis that is less than about 45° relative to the third slot axis of an adjacent third slot, the fourth slots having a fourth slot depth that is less than the third slot depth. Four fifth slots are provided, each being adjacent to one of the two first slots, and each fifth slot having a fifth slot axis that at an angle relative to the first slot axis of an adjacent first slot, and each of the fifth slots having a fifth slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. Each sprinkler further comprises an actuation mechanism including a thermally responsive element supported by the threaded portion of the securing screw that extends through the central bore of the junction, the thermally responsive element being configured to fail when ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and an outlet seal that is supported by the thermally responsive element and that seals the outlet orifice until the thermally responsive element fails. When the thermally responsive element of at least one of the sprinklers fails, the fluid supply supplies the fluid to the at least one sprinkler through the piping, and the fluid is delivered by the at least one sprinkler to the area to be protected in a spray pattern. In addition, the sprinklers are positioned at a spacing of up to 14 feet by 14 feet, and the sprinkler has a K-factor of at least 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . 
     In another embodiment, body of each sprinkler has external threads on an outer surface near the inlet orifice, and the piping includes connection portions having threads on an inner surface. In this embodiment, the external threads on the outer surface of the body of each sprinkler contact the threads on the inner surface of the piping. In another embodiment, the circular deflector on each sprinkler is secured to the junction of each sprinkler by rolling the cylindrical outer wall of the junction over an edge of the mounting hole on a surface of the circular deflector opposite to a surface that faces the output orifice. 
     In yet another embodiment, each side of each of the third slots of the circular deflector of each sprinkler includes an inner point, and an outer point near the periphery of the circular disk, and each side of each of the fourth slots of the circular deflector includes an inner point, and an outer point near the periphery of the circular disk. In this embodiment, of the plurality of tines, a tine that is defined by a third slot and a fourth slot is bent about two axes defining a plane of the disk, so that the outer point on one side of the third slot is below a plane defined by the inner point on the one side of the third slot, the inner point on one side of the fourth slot, and the outer point on the one side of the fourth slot. 
     In another embodiment, each sprinkler further comprises at least two body deflectors that extend from each of the two frame arms in the frame arm plane at an angle relative to the body axis, each of the at least two body deflectors having an inner planar surface that faces the junction, the inner planar surface having a depth in the frame arm plane and a width, perpendicular to the depth. In this embodiment, the width of the inner planar surface of the body deflectors is about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the circular deflector. In another embodiment, the body deflectors of each sprinkler extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 10° to about 80° from the body axis. In another embodiment, the body deflectors of each sprinkler extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 45° from the body axis. 
     In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a fire protection nozzle for providing fire protection in a tunnel comprises providing a body, the body comprising an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice defining a body axis and a flow passage for a fluid that flows through the body in an output direction, two frame arms having proximal ends connected to the outlet and distal ends, the two frame arms defining a frame arm plane, and a junction formed by the distal ends of the frame arms at a distance from the outlet orifice, the junction including a central bore and a cylindrical outer wall. The method further comprises mounting a circular deflector to the body of the nozzle, the circular deflector comprising a planar disk having a mounting hole in a center of the planar disk, the mounting hole configured to receive the cylindrical outer wall of the junction, and a plurality of slots on a periphery of the circular planar disk. The plurality of slots includes four radial first slots each having a first slot axis that is at an angle of about 45° relative to the frame arm plane, and at an angle of about 90° relative to an adjacent first slot, each of the first slots having a first slot depth. Four radial second slots are provided, each having a second slot axis that is at an angle of about 0° or 90° relative to the frame arm plane, and at an angle of about 90° relative to an adjacent second slot, each of the second slots having a second slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. Eight radial third slots are provided, each being adjacent to a second slot, and each having a third slot axis that is less than about 45° relative to the second slot axis of the adjacent second slot, each of the third slots having a third slot depth that is less than the second slot depth. Eight fourth slots are provided, each being adjacent to a first slot, and each having a first slot portion having a radial axis, and a second slot portion, extending outward from the first slot portion relative to a center of the planar disk, the second slot portion having a non-radial axis, and a width that increases from an inner end of the second slot portion toward an outer, peripheral end of the second slot portion, and each of the fourth slots having a fourth slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. In addition, the nozzle has a K-factor of 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprises securing the circular deflector to the junction by rolling the cylindrical outer wall of the junction over an edge of the mounting hole on a surface of the circular deflector opposite to a surface that faces the output orifice. In another embodiment, the central bore of the junction has a threaded surface, and the method further comprises securing the circular deflector to the junction by a securing portion that includes a securing screw having a head and a threaded portion that contacts the threaded surface of the central bore of the junction, and a retaining nut that is mounted to the head of the securing screw. 
     In yet another embodiment, the nozzle provided in the method further comprises at least two body deflectors that extend from each of the two frame arms in the frame arm plane at an angle relative to the body axis, each of the at least two body deflectors having an inner planar surface that faces the junction, the inner planar surface having a depth in the frame arm plane and a width, perpendicular to the depth. In this embodiment, the body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 10° to about 800 from the body axis. In another embodiment, the width of the inner planar surface of the body deflectors is about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the circular deflector. In another embodiment, the body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 450 from the body axis. 
     In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an extended coverage fire protection sprinkler for storage applications including protection of an occupancy hazard including classes I-IV and Group A cartoned, unexpanded plastics, as defined by NFPA 13 and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 8-1 and 8-9, stored in a storage area having a ceiling height of greater than thirty five feet, comprises providing a body having an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice defining a body axis and a flow passage for a fluid that flows through the body in an output direction, two frame arms having proximal ends connected to the outlet and distal ends, the two frame arms defining a frame arm plane, and a junction formed by the distal ends of the frame arms at a distance from the outlet orifice, the junction including a central bore having threads on an inner surface, and a cylindrical outer wall. The method further comprises mounting a circular deflector to the body of the sprinkler. The circular deflector comprises a disk having a mounting hole in a center of the disk, the mounting hole configured to receive the cylindrical outer wall of the junction, and a plurality of slots on a periphery of the disk. The plurality of slots includes two radial first slots each having a first slot axis that is at an angle of about 90° relative to the plane defined by the frame arms, each of the first slots having a first slot depth. Four radial second slots are provided, having a second slot axis that is at an angle of about 45° relative to the frame arm plane, each of the second slots having a second slot depth. Two third slots are provided, each having a third slot axis that coincides with the frame arm plane, the third slots having a third slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. Four fourth slots are provided, each being adjacent to a third slot, and each having a fourth slot axis that is less than about 45° relative to the third slot axis of an adjacent third slot, the fourth slots having a fourth slot depth that is less than the third slot depth. Four fifth slots are provided, each being adjacent to one of the two first slots, and each fifth slot having a fifth slot axis that is at an angle relative to the first slot axis of an adjacent first slot, and each of the fifth slots having a fifth slot depth that is less than the first slot depth. The method further comprises securing the circular deflector to the junction of the body using a securing portion that includes a securing screw having a head and a threaded portion that contacts the threaded surface of the central bore of the junction when the securing screw is inserted into the central bore, and a retaining nut that is mounted to the head of the securing screw. The method further comprises providing an actuation mechanism including a thermally responsive element supported by the threaded portion of the securing screw that extends through the central bore of the junction, the thermally responsive element being configured to fail when ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and an outlet seal that is supported by the thermally responsive element and that seals the outlet orifice until the thermally responsive element fails. In addition, the sprinkler has a K-factor of 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . 
     In another embodiment, each side of each of the third slots of the circular deflector of the sprinkler, provided as a part of the method, includes an inner point, and an outer point near the periphery of the circular disk, and each side of each of the fourth slots of the circular deflector includes an inner point, and an outer point near the periphery of the circular disk. In this embodiment, of the plurality of tines, a tine that is defined by a third slot and a fourth slot is bent about two axes defining a plane of the disk, so that the outer point on one side of the third slot is below a plane defined by the inner point on the one side of the third slot, the inner point on one side of the fourth slot, and the outer point on the one side of the fourth slot. 
     In another embodiment, the body of the sprinkler, provided as a part of the method, further comprises at least two body deflectors that extend from each of the two frame arms in the frame arm plane at an angle relative to the body axis, each of the at least two body deflectors having an inner planar surface that faces the junction, the inner planar surface having a depth in the frame arm plane and a width, perpendicular to the depth. The body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 10° to about 80° from the body axis. In another embodiment, the width of the inner planar surface of the body deflectors is about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the circular deflector. In another embodiment, the body deflectors extend in the frame arm plane at an angle of about 45° from the body axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Examples of certain embodiments of a fire protection nozzle and a fire protection sprinkler, according to the present invention, are illustrated in the accompanying figures, which form a part of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric view of a fire protection nozzle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a bottom view of the fire protection nozzle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of a fire protection sprinkler according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the fire protection sprinkler according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  5    is an isometric view of the fire protection sprinkler according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view of a deflector for a fire protection sprinkler in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of the deflector for a fire protection sprinkler in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of the deflector for a fire protection sprinkler in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a sectional view of the deflector for a fire protection sprinkler in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a detail view of the deflector for a fire protection sprinkler in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In a preferred embodiment, a fire protection nozzle  100 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , may be used in a fire protection system for a tunnel that serves a highway or a railroad. The fire protection system includes a fluid supply that supplies a fluid, such as water, a network of piping connected to the fluid supply, and a plurality of fire protection nozzles  100  connected at various positions to the network of piping. In these systems, the nozzles  100  are actuated centrally, such that, in a case in which fire valves controlling the pipes are operated (e.g., automatically or manually) in response to a fire, fluid is supplied to some or all of the nozzles  100 , and is delivered by the nozzles  100  to control or to suppress the fire. In this application, temperature-sensitive actuation elements are not required in the nozzles  100 . In addition, because the supply of the fluid to the nozzles  100  is controlled centrally within the fire protection system, the nozzles  100  do not require closure seals. 
     As shown, the nozzle  100  has a body  105  with an inlet orifice  110  and an outlet orifice  115  defining a flow passage  120  for the fluid along an axis of the body  105 . The nozzle  100  connects to the piping network of the fire protection system using external threads  125  that are provided on an outer surface of the body  105  at an inlet end of the nozzle  100 . 
     The body  105  has two frame arms  130  that extend from the outlet end of the nozzle  100  in a downward direction (i.e., in the general direction of flow of the fluid, or an output direction). The two frame arms  130  meet at a junction  135  that is a distance from the outlet orifice  115 . The junction  135  has a central bore  140  that extends through the junction  135  in the output direction, and a cylindrical wall portion  145  on a lower end of the junction  135 . An inner surface of the junction  135  may be threaded. A first deflector  160  is mounted to the body  105  at the junction  135  by, for example, positioning a mounting hole  165  of the deflector  150  over the junction  135 , and rolling the cylindrical wall portion  145  of the junction  135  over the surface of the first deflector  160  defining the mounting hole  165 . That is, when the first deflector  160  is mounted on the junction  135 , the cylindrical wall portion  145  extends through the mounting hole  165  of the first deflector  160 , so that rolling of that cylindrical wall portion  145  over the surface of the first deflector  160  serves to secure the first deflector  160  to the body  105  of the nozzle  100 . Alternatively, the first deflector  160  may be mounted to the junction  135  using a securing screw  150  that is inserted through the mounting hole  165  of the first deflector  160  and is threaded into the central bore  140  of the junction  135 , and may be secured to the body  105  using a retaining nut  155 . In one embodiment, second deflectors  205  may also be provided, each second deflector  205  being mounted on a respective one of the frame arms  130 . When the fluid is supplied to the nozzle  100 , the fluid enters the inlet orifice  110  of the body  105 , exits through the outlet orifice  115  of the body  105 , and impacts the junction  135  and the first deflector  160 . The first deflector  160  directs the fluid downward and outward in a spray pattern, in order to quickly and efficiently control a fire. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the first deflector  160  is a circular planar disk  160   a  having the mounting hole  165  in the center for mounting the first deflector  160  to the junction  135  of the nozzle  100 . The first deflector  160  includes a plurality of slots  170 ,  175 ,  180 ,  185  of varying depths and shapes, that define a plurality of tines  190 ,  195 , and  200  of the first deflector  160 . In particular, four first slots  170  are provided at equally-spaced positions on the first deflector  160 , and each extends along a first slot axis that is at an angle, for example, of about 45°, relative to a plane defined by the frame arms  130  of the nozzle  100 . Each of the first slots  170  is a straight slot that extends radially on the planar disk (i.e., the first slot axis coincides with a radius of the circular planar disk  160   a ), and has a constant width. In addition, each of the first slots  170  has a depth a, measured from the outer periphery toward the center of the circular planar disk  160   a.    
     Four second slots  175  are provided at equally-spaced positions on the circular planar disk  160   a , each second slot  175  being equally-spaced between two first slots  170 . That is, each second slot  175  has a second slot axis that is at an angle, for example, of about 45°, relative to the first slot axis of two first slots  170 . Two diametrically opposing slots of the second slots  175  have axes that coincide with the plane defined by the frame arms  130  of the nozzle  100 . Each of the second slots  175  is a straight slot having a radial axis (i.e., the second slot axis coincides with a radius of the circular planar disk  160   a ), and has a constant width. The second slots  175  have a slot depth b that is shorter than the slot depth a of the first slots  170 . 
     Eight third slots  180  are provided on the circular planar disk  160   a . Each of the second slots  175  is adjacent to two of the third slots  180 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . Each of the third slots  180  is a straight slot having a radial axis (i.e., a third slot axis coincides with a radius of the circular planar disk  160   a ), and has a constant width. The third slots  180  have a slot depth c that is less than the slot depth b of the second slots  175 . 
     Eight fourth slots  185  are provided on the circular planar disk  160   a . Each of the first slots  160  is adjacent to two of the fourth slots  185 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . In addition, each of the fourth slots  185  is also adjacent to a third slot  180 . Each fourth slot  185  has a first portion  185   a , having a constant width and a radial axis (i.e., a first portion axis coincides with a radius of the circular planar disk  160   a ). In addition, each fourth slot  185  has a second portion  185   b , having a varying width, with an inner end of the second portion  185   b  being narrower than an outer end of the second portion  185   b , the outer end being the end near the periphery of the circular planar disk  160   a . In addition, an axis of the second portion  185   b  of the fourth slot  185  does not coincide with a radius of the circular planar disk  160   a . That is, the fourth slots  175  are non-radial, at least in part, relative to the circular planar disk  160   a.    
     First tines  190  of the first deflector  160  are defined by a first slot  170  and an adjacent fourth slot  185 . Second tines  195  are defined by a second slot  175  and an adjacent third slot  180 . Third tines  200  are defined by a third slot  180  and an adjacent fourth slot  185 . In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the first deflector  160  has eight first tines  190 , eight second tines  195 , and eight third tines  200 . Of course, additional or fewer slots and tines may be provided on the deflector  160 , depending on the application or design criteria. 
     When the first deflector  160  is mounted to the junction  135  of the nozzle  100 , and the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply to the piping network, and through the outlet orifice  115  of the nozzle  100 , some of the fluid flows downward through the slots  170 ,  175 ,  180 , and  185 , and some of the fluid is redirected by the tines  190 ,  195 , and  200  of the first deflector in outward and upward directions. By this arrangement, the fluid can be sprayed in a generally circular spray pattern to an area below the nozzle  100 . 
     In addition, in the embodiment including the second deflectors  205 , the nozzle  100  can further shape the spray pattern of the fluid to direct the fluid toward a fire below the nozzle  100 . That is, at least some of the fluid that is redirected by the tines  190 ,  195 , and  200  of the first deflector  160  strikes the second deflectors  205 . The second deflector  205  is shaped and positioned so as to intercept some or all of this fluid, and to redirect the fluid at least partly in the downward direction toward the fire. Additionally, the second deflectors  205  aid in shaping the spray pattern provided by the first deflector  160  of the nozzle  100 . That is, as noted herein, the first deflector  160  may tend to produce a generally circular spray pattern, and, by redirecting some of the fluid that strikes the tines  190 ,  195 , and  200  of the first deflector  160 , the second deflectors  205  cause the spray pattern to have a more oblong, and preferably, a generally rectangular, shape. 
     The second deflectors  205  are diametrically opposed to each other relative to a center of the first deflector  160 . In addition, the second deflectors  205  are provided in the plane defined by the frame arms  130 , and are provided integrally with the frame arms  130  on the body  105  of the nozzle  100 . Alternatively, the second deflectors  205  may be welded to the frame arms  130 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the second deflectors  205  are joined to the frame arms  130  at positions between the outlet orifice  115  of the body  105  and the junction  135 . Each of the second deflectors  205  extends from the respective frame arm  130  at an angle, for example, of about 10° to about 80°, and more preferably, of about 30° to about 60°, and, even more preferably, of about 45° relative to the axis of the body  105  of the nozzle  100 . That is, as shown in  FIG.  1   , each of the second deflectors  205  extends from the respective frame arm  130  in a downward and outward direction relative to the axis of the body  105  of the nozzle  100 . 
     Each of the second deflectors  205  has an inner planar surface  210 , and has a depth (i.e., a distance from the edge of the second deflector  205  joined to the frame arm  130  to a free edge) of 1 inch (25.4 mm), and a width (i.e., a distance between edges of the planar surface  210  of the second deflector  205  that is perpendicular to the depth) of 0.95 inch (24.13 mm). The depth and width of each of the second deflectors  205  are not limited to these values. Indeed, in another embodiment, the depth of each of the second deflectors  205  may be sufficient to intersect the plane of the circular planar disk  160   a  of the first deflector  160 . The width of each of the second deflectors  205  may be defined relative to a diameter of the first deflector  160 . For example, the width of each of the second deflectors  205  may be about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the first deflector  160 . 
     Some of the fluid that strikes the tines  190 ,  195 , and  200  of the first deflector  160 , and that is redirected in an upward and outward direction relative to the axis of the body  105  of the nozzle  100 , impacts the inner planar surface  210  of each of the second deflectors  205 . The fluid that strikes the inner planar surfaces  210  of the second deflectors  205  is thus redirected downward and/or outward from the nozzle  100 , in an oblong and, preferably, a generally rectangular spray pattern. By virtue of the relative dimensions and angle of the second deflectors  205  relative to the first deflector  160  and to the axis of the body  105  of the nozzle  100 , the efficiency of the nozzle  100  can be improved. That is, using the first deflector  160  and the second deflectors  205 , the spray pattern of the fluid can be shaped to be approximately rectangular, thereby reducing overlap between spray patterns of adjacent nozzles. 
     A fire protection nozzle may be characterized by size according to a K-factor defined by K=Q/√{square root over (p)}, where Q is the flow rate in gallons per minute from the outlet of the nozzle, and p is the residual pressure at the inlet of the sprinkler in pounds per square inch. According to one embodiment, the nozzle  100  has a nominal K-factor of approximately 28.0 gpm/(psi) 1/2 , and may provide coverage for a tunnel with the nozzles  100  provided at a spacing of 20×20 feet (6.10×6.10 meters). The nozzle  100  may have a K-factor of up to 33.6 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . While particular K-factor values are listed, higher and lower values are also within the scope of the invention (i.e., the K-factor may be a value of 15 to 60 gpm/(psi) 1/2  and, more particularly, from 25 to 45 gpm/(psi) 1/2 ). 
     In another embodiment, the first deflector  160  may include a different pattern of slots. In addition, the tines  190 ,  195 , and  200  of the first deflector  160  between slots may be torsioned (i.e., twisted) relative to the plane of the circular planar disk  160   a . This particular type of deflector is more suitable for use in a fire protection sprinkler, rather than a nozzle. It is, however, within the scope of the invention to use either of the deflector shapes disclosed herein in a fire protection sprinkler or a fire protection nozzle. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a fire protection sprinkler  300  may be used in a fire protection system for a storage facility having a ceiling height of forty feet (12.19 meters) or more. The fire protection system includes a fluid supply that supplies a fluid, such as water, a network of piping connected to the fluid supply, and a plurality of fire protection sprinklers  300  connected at various positions to the network of piping. In these systems, the sprinklers  300  are individually activated by a thermally responsive element, such as a fusible link  385 , as a part of an actuation mechanism  365 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  to  5   , the fire protection sprinkler  300  has a body  305  with an inlet orifice  310  and an outlet orifice  315 , the inlet orifice  310  and the outlet orifice  315  defining a flow passage  320  along an axis of the body  305 , and defining an output direction from the inlet orifice  310  toward the outlet orifice  315 . The sprinkler  300  connects to the piping network of the first protection system using external threads  325  provided on an outer surface of the body  305  at an inlet end of the sprinkler  300 . 
     The body  305  has two frame arms  330  that extend from the inlet end of the sprinkler  300  to the outlet end (i.e., in the general direction of flow of the fluid). The two frame arms  330  meet at a junction  335  having an upper surface at a distance from the outlet orifice  315 , and a lower surface, opposite to the upper surface in the output direction. The junction  335  may have a central bore  340  with threads on an inner surface of the central bore  340 . The junction  335  may also have a cylindrical wall portion  345  that extends in the outlet direction. A first deflector  370 , including a circular disk  375 , is mounted to the body  305  at the junction  335  by, for example, positioning a mounting hole  380  of the first deflector  370  over the junction  335 , and rolling the edges of the cylindrical wall portion  345  of the junction  335  over the surface of the first deflector  370  defining the mounting hole  380 . That is, when the first deflector  370  is mounted on the junction  335 , the cylindrical wall portion  345  of the junction  335  extends through the mounting hole  380  of the first deflector  370 , so that rolling of that cylindrical wall portion  345  of the junction  235  over the surface of the first deflector  370  serves to secure the first deflector  370  to the body  305  of the sprinkler  300 . Alternatively, the first deflector  37  may be mounted to the junction  335  using a securing screw  350  that is inserted through the mounting hole  380  of the first deflector  370  and is threaded into the central bore  340  of the junction  335 , and may be secured to the body  305  using a retaining nut  355 . 
     As noted, the actuation mechanism  365  is used to actuate the sprinkler  300 . The actuation mechanism  365  maintains a sealed state of an outlet seal assembly  360  in the outlet orifice  315  of the sprinkler  300 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  5   , the actuation mechanism  365  may include the fusible link  385  as a thermally responsive element that is supported by the securing screw  350  when the retaining nut  355  is inserted into the central bore  340  of the junction  335 . In response to ambient temperature reaching a predetermined temperature, the fusible link  385  fails, releasing the actuation mechanism  365  and, therefore, releasing the outlet seal assembly  360  from the outlet orifice  315 . Upon release of the outlet seal assembly  360 , the fluid is permitted to flow through the flow passage  320  of the sprinkler  300 . After the fluid exits through the outlet orifice  315 , some of the fluid strikes the first deflector  370  mounted to the junction  335  and is redirected in an outward and/or an upward direction relative to an axis of the body  305  of the sprinkler  300 . 
     In this embodiment, second deflectors  345  are also provided, each second deflector  435  being mounted on a respective one of the frame arms  330 . When the fluid is supplied to the sprinkler  300 , the fluid enters the inlet orifice  310  of the body  305 , exits through the outlet orifice  315  of the body  305 , and impacts the junction  335  and the first deflector  370 . The first deflector  370  directs the fluid downward and outward in a spray pattern, in order to quickly and efficiently control a fire. 
     The first deflector  370  will be described with reference to  FIGS.  6  to  10   . The first deflector  370  is a circular, mostly planar disk  375  having a mounting hole  380  in a center for mounting the first deflector  370  to the junction  335  of the sprinkler  300 . The first deflector  370  includes a plurality of slots  390 ,  395 ,  400 ,  405 , and  410  of varying depths and shapes, that define a plurality of tines  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430  of the first deflector  370 . In particular, as shown in  FIG.  6   , two first slots  390  are provided at positions so as to extend along a first slot axis that is at an angle, for example, about 90° relative to the plane defined by the frame arms  330  of the sprinkler  300 . Each of the first slots  390  is a straight slot that extends radially on the circular disk  375  (i.e., the first slot axis coincides with a radius of the circular disk  375 ) and has a constant width m. In addition, each of the first slots  390  has a depth a, measured from the outer periphery toward the center of the circular disk  375 . 
     Four second slots  395  are provided at positions so as to extend along a second slot axis that is at an angle, for example, of about 45° relative to the plane defined by the frame arms  330  of the sprinkler  300 . Each of the second slots  295  is a straight slot that extends radially on the circular disk  375  (i.e., the second slot axis coincides with a radius of the circular disk  375 ) and has a constant width m. In addition, each of the second slots  395  has the same depth a as the first slots  390 . 
     Two third slots  400  are provided at diametrically opposing positions on the circular disk  375 , and each third slot  400  extends along a third slot axis that coincides with the plane defined by the frame arms  330  of the sprinkler  300 . Each of the third slots  400  is a straight slot having a radial axis (i.e., the second slot axis coincides with a radius of the circular disk), and has a constant width n. The third slots  400  have a slot depth b that is shorter than the slot depth a of the first and second slots  390 ,  395 . In addition, as shown in the detail view of  FIG.  10   , each third slot  400  has an inner point  400   a , on an inner surface, that demarcates the beginning of a torsioned tine  430  (described below) of the first deflector  370 , and an outer point  400   b  on the inner surface that coincides with the outer periphery of the circular disk  375  and demarcates the end of the torsioned tine  430  of the first deflector  370 . 
     Four fourth slots  405  are provided on the circular disk  375 . Each of the two third slots  400  is adjacent to a third slot  405 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . Each of the third slots  405  has a non-radial axis (i.e., the third slot axis does not coincide with a radius of the circular disk), the non-radial axis being at an angle α relative to a radius of the circular disk  375 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . The angle α may be about 15°. The fourth slots  405  have a constant width and a slot depth c that is less than the slot depth b of the third slots  400 . In addition, each of the fourth slots  405  has an inner point  405   a , on an inner surface, that demarcates the beginning of the torsioned tine  430  of the first deflector  370 , and an outer point  400   b  on the inner surface that coincides with the outer periphery of the circular disk  375  and demarcates the end of the torsioned tine  430  of the first deflector  370 . 
     Four fifth slots  410  are provided on the circular disk  375 . Each of the first slots  390  is adjacent to two fifth slots  410 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . Each of the fifth slots  410  has a constant width and a non-radial axis (i.e., the fifth slot axis does not coincide with a radius of the first deflector  370 ). The non-radial axis of each of the fifth slots  410  is at an angle β relative to a radius of the circular disk  375 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , the angle β is between 0° and 90°. 
     The first to fifth slots  390 ,  395 ,  400 ,  405 , and  410  have radiused ends (i.e., at an inner extremity, the end of each slot is radiused), as shown in  FIG.  6   . In addition, first tines  415  of the first deflector  370  are defined by a first slot  390  and an adjacent fifth slot  410 . Second tines  420  are defined by a second slot  395  and an adjacent fifth slot  410 . Third tines  425  are defined by a second slot  395  and an adjacent fourth slot  405 . Fourth tines  430  are defined by a third slot  400  and a fourth slot  405 . In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  6   , the first deflector  370  has four first tines  415 , four second tines  420 , four third tines  425 , and four fourth tines  430 . Of course, additional slots and tines may be provided on the deflector  370 . 
     Each of fourth tines  430  between the third slot  400  and the fourth slot  405  are torsioned (i.e., bent in multiple planes). As shown in  FIGS.  7  to  9   , the fourth tine  430  is bent about at least two axes in three-dimensional space (in  FIGS.  7  to  9   , the fourth tine  430  is bent about an x-axis and a y-axis). The bending of the fourth tine  430  is also illustrated by the relative positions of the inner point of the third slot  400   a , the outer point of the third slot  400   b , the inner point of the fourth slot  400   a , and the outer point of the fourth slot  400   b . The inner point of the third slot  400   a  lies in the plane of the circular disk  375 , and demarcates a point of the fourth tine  430  at which the fourth tine  430  is bent about a horizontal axis so that the outer point of the third slot  400   b  is below the plane of the circular disk  375  (i.e., the fourth tine  430  is bent about the x-axis, as shown in  FIGS.  7  to  9   ). In addition, the inner point of the fourth slot  405   a  lies in the plane of the circular disk  375 , and demarcates a point of the fourth tine  430  at which the fourth tine  430  is bent. The outer point of the fourth slot  405   b  is positioned within the plane of the circular disk  375  as with the inner point of the fourth slot  400   a . The outer point of the third slot  400   b  is positioned lower than the inner point of the third slot  400   a  along a vertical axis (i.e., the z-axis in  FIGS.  7  to  9   ), representing the bending of the fourth tine  430  about the y-axis. In addition, the outer point of the third slot  400   b  is positioned lower than the outer point of the fourth slot  405   b  along the vertical axis (z-axis), representing bending of the fourth tine  430  about a normal axis (i.e., the z-axis in  FIGS.  7 - 9   ). The bending of the fourth tine  430  between the third slot  400  and the fourth slot  405  about multiple axes generates a curvilinear, torsioned surface on the fourth tine  430 , as shown at least in  FIGS.  7  to  9   , and as shown schematically in  FIG.  10   . 
     When the first deflector  370  is mounted to the junction  335  of the sprinkler  300 , and the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply to the piping network, and through the outlet orifice  315  of the sprinkler  300 , some of the fluid flows downward through the slots  390 ,  395 ,  400 ,  405 , and  410 , and some of the fluid is redirected by the tines  415 ,  420 ,  425 , and  430  of the first deflector  370  in outward and upward directions. By this arrangement, the fluid can be sprayed in a generally circular spray pattern to an area below the sprinkler  300 . 
     In addition, the second deflectors  435  also serve to direct the fluid toward a fire below the sprinkler  300 . That is, at least some of the fluid that strikes the tines  415 ,  420 ,  425 , and  430  of the first deflector  370  and is redirected in outward and upward directions strikes the second deflectors  435 . The second deflectors  435  are shaped and positioned so as to intercept some or all of this fluid, and to redirect the fluid at least partly in the downward direction toward the fire. Additionally, the second deflectors  435  aid in shaping the spray pattern provided by the first deflector  370  of the sprinkler  300 . That is, as noted herein, the first deflector  370  may tend to produce a generally circular spray pattern, and, by redirecting some of the fluid that strikes the tines  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430  of the first deflector  370 , the second deflectors  435  cause the spray pattern to have a more oblong, and preferably, a generally rectangular, shape. 
     The second deflectors  435  are diametrically opposed to each other relative to a center of the first deflector  370 . In addition, the second deflectors  435  are provided in the plane defined by the frame arms  330 , and are provided integrally with the frame arms  330  on the body  305  of the sprinkler  300 . Alternatively, the second deflectors  435  may be welded to the frame arms  330 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the second deflectors  435  are joined to the frame arms  330  at positions between the outlet orifice  315  of the body  305  and the junction  335 . Each of the second deflectors  435  extends from the respective frame arm  330  at an angle, for example, of about 10° to about 80°, and more preferably, of about 30° to about 60°, and, even more preferably, of about 45° relative to the axis of the body  305  of the sprinkler  300 . That is, as shown in  FIG.  3   , each of the second deflectors  435  extends from the respective frame arm  330  in a downward and outward direction relative to the axis of the body  305  of the sprinkler  300 . 
     Each of the second deflectors  435  has an inner planar surface, and has a depth (i.e., a distance from the edge of the second deflector  435  joined to the frame arm  330  to a free edge) of 1 inch (25.4 mm), and a width (i.e., a distance between edges of the planar surface of the second deflector  435  that is perpendicular to the depth) of 0.95 inch (24.13 mm). The depth and width of each of the second deflectors  435  are not limited to these values. Indeed, in another embodiment, the depth of each of the second deflectors  435  may be sufficient to intersect the plane of the circular disk of the first deflector  370 . The width of each of the second deflectors  435  may be defined relative to a diameter of the first deflector  370 . For example, the width of each of the second deflectors  435  may be about 0.3 to about 1.2 times the diameter of the first deflector  370 . 
     Some of the fluid that strikes the tines  415 ,  420 ,  425 , and  430  of the first deflector  370 , and that is redirected in an upward and outward direction relative to the axis of the body  305  of the sprinkler  300 , impacts an inner planar surface  440  of each of the second deflectors  435 . The fluid that strikes the inner planar surface  440  of the second deflectors  435  is thus redirected downward and/or outward from the sprinkler  300 , in an oblong and, preferably, a generally rectangular spray pattern. By virtue of the relative dimensions and angle of the second deflectors  435  relative to the first deflector  370  and the axis of the body  305  of the sprinkler  300 , the efficiency of the sprinkler  300  can be improved. That is, using the first deflector  370  and the second deflectors  435 , it is possible to refine the spray pattern of the fluid to be almost “squared off,” allowing avoidance of overlap between spray patterns of adjacent nozzles. 
     Further, the curvilinear, torsioned surface of the fourth tine  430  between the third slots  400  and the fourth slots  405  of the first deflector  370  creates a path of least resistance for fluid that strikes the first deflector  370  after exiting the outlet orifice  315  of the sprinkler  300 . As a result, when the fluid is output by the sprinkler  300 , a jet of fluid forms through the third slots  400  and the fourth slots  405 , in a direction corresponding to the plane defined by the frame arms  330 . The jet of fluid then strikes the second deflectors  435 , and is directed in a squared off, or rectangular spray pattern. In a fire protection sprinkler system including sprinklers  300  having the above-described first deflector  370  that generates a jet of fluid by virtue of the torsioned fourth tine  430 , and second deflectors  435  that create a rectangular spray pattern, it is possible to increase the spacing between sprinklers  300 , thereby minimizing overlap between sprinklers  300 . 
     In another embodiment, the first deflector may have at least one, and preferably four, apertures extending through the thickness of the deflector disk. These apertures may be located symmetrically around the center of the disk, and may be generally curvilinear in form, e.g., oval. 
     The sprinkler of this embodiment is designed for use in a sprinkler system for protection of an occupancy hazard including classes I-IV and Group A cartoned, unexpanded plastics, as defined by NFPA 13 and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 8-1 and 8-9, stored in a storage area having a ceiling height of greater than 35 feet (10.67 meters). 
     As noted above with respect to a fire protection nozzle, a fire protection sprinkler may be characterized by size according to a K-factor defined by K=Q/√{square root over (p)}, where Q is the flow rate in gallons per minute from the outlet of the sprinkler, and p is the residual pressure at the inlet of the sprinkler in pounds per square inch. According to one embodiment, the sprinkler  300  has a nominal K-factor of 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2  up to 33.6 gpm/(psi) 1/2 . While particular K-factor values are listed, higher and lower values are also within the scope of the invention (i.e., the K-factor may be a value of 15 to 60 gpm/(psi) 1/2  and, more particularly, from 25 to 45 gpm/(psi) 1/2 ). 
     The sprinkler  300  having a nominal K-factor of 28 gpm/(psi) 1/2  up to 33.6 gpm/(psi) 1/2  may provide coverage for a storage occupancy with a ceiling height of 40 feet (12.19 meters), with the sprinklers provided at a spacing of over 10×10 feet (3.05×3.05 meters), and in particular, at a spacing or 12×12 feet (3.66×3.66 meters), or of 14×14 feet (4.27×4.27 meters). In addition, the sprinklers  300  are extended coverage sprinklers, as defined in NFPA 13 section 3.6.4.3, having a maximum coverage area of up to 196 square feet (18.21 square meters) for an extra hazard occupancy, as provided in NFPA 13 sections 8.8 and 8.9. 
     The descriptions of the embodiments herein are not limiting. For example, it is within the broad scope of the invention to vary the number of each type of slot or tine, as well as the exact dimensions of each type of slot or tine. Further, features of the first deflector, as described in the embodiments herein, may be combined. In addition, the second deflector need not be mounted directly on the frame arms, but may be supported directly by the nozzle or sprinkler body. Of course, other systems of support may be adopted as found to be convenient. Although the second deflector is shown as having two symmetric portions, the second deflector may instead be formed as a single element extending from one side of the apparatus to the other, or largely or entirely encircling the apparatus (i.e., the nozzle or the sprinkler), and neither the second deflector nor portions of the second deflector need to be generally planar as shown, but may be curved if preferred. 
     While the present invention has been described with respect to what are, at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.