Patent Description:
Generally, automatic fire protection sprinklers include a frame for connection to a supply pipe of firefighting fluid and a deflector member coupled to the frame for distribution of the fluid to address a fire. The frame includes a formed body having an internal passageway with a fluid inlet for receipt of the fluid and a fluid outlet defining a discharge orifice from which the fluid is discharged. The deflector member is generally affixed at a fixed distance from the fluid outlet by a pair of frame arms that extend from the frame body. Externally formed about the sprinkler body proximate the outlet is a boss or enlarged formation for engagement by an installation tool such as a wrench to facilitate sprinkler installation. In an automatic sprinkler, the fluid discharge is automatically controlled by operation of a thermally responsive trigger or actuator that maintains a fluid tight seal at the discharge orifice by, for example, exertion of pressure on a sealing assembly disposed within the outlet. When the temperature surrounding the sprinkler is elevated within a range of the nominal temperature rating of the trigger, the trigger operates thereby permitting ejection and release of the sealing assembly and the discharge of fluid through the discharge orifice. The discharged fluid impacts the fluid deflection member and is distributed in a designed spray pattern and density in order to effectively address a fire and wet the surrounding area. Several factors can influence the water distribution patterns of a sprinkler including, for example, the installation orientation and the geometry of the fluid deflection member, the distance between the deflection member and the discharge orifice, and/or the shape of the sprinkler frame to which the deflection member is coupled. Accordingly, the fluid control, distribution and performance of an automatic sprinkler is dependent upon the integrity of the sprinkler assembly and its individual components.

Automatic sprinklers are installed in a variety of environments which can expose the sprinklers to accidental impact and subject them to mechanical damage such as in low elevation or low clearance areas and/or near a high degree of human or mechanical activity. For example, storage type automatic sprinklers can be installed in a storage warehouse beneath the warehouse ceiling and above the storage area and commodities to be protected. In the storage environment, stored commodities are stacked and moved by operating personnel or material handling equipment such as forklifts. The movement of material or mechanical equipment proximate to an installed automatic sprinkler exposes the sprinkler to possible accidental impact and damage. If the trigger of the sprinkler is damaged, water may discharge from the sprinkler; or if the deflector or frame is damaged, the sprinkler may not distribute fluid in the proper pattern.

It is well known to use a sprinkler guard to protect an installed sprinkler. Sprinkler guards are configured for protecting sprinklers installed in an upright orientation, in which fluid is discharged from the sprinkler body toward the ceiling and then redirected downward by the fluid deflection member toward the protection area. Sprinkler guards are also configured for protecting sprinklers installed in a pendent orientation, in which fluid is discharged downward to impact the fluid deflection member for distribution below the sprinkler over the protection area. Generally, the sprinkler guard includes a cage-like enclosure with one open-ended base. The guard is installed by sliding the guard over the sprinkler through the base so that the sprinkler is coaxially centered within the cage. The guard includes a securement assembly that secures the open-ended base of the cage about the sprinkler body against the enlarged boss of the sprinkler body. Illustrative examples of these known sprinkler guards are shown and described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>. Other known sprinkler guards are known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

Although these cage-like enclosures can protect a sprinkler, the guards are bulky with a profile that is large relative to the sprinkler being protected so as to present an overall guarded sprinkler assembly that can complicate sprinkler installation particularly in low clearance areas and/or or otherwise visibly detract from the surrounding environment. In the known sprinkler guards of <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>, the cage volume is relatively large as compared to the securement assembly. For example, the sprinkler guards in each of <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT> have a cage that encompasses or circumscribes the deflector member, frame arms and wrench boss. In each of the known sprinkler guards of <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>, the cage of the sprinkler guard extends axially from a distance spaced from the deflector member to a location aligned with the frame body at or below the fluid outlet. Accordingly, for these known sprinkler guards, the internal volume of the cage is relatively large with respect to the sprinkler to encompass or circumscribe the deflector and most if not all of the frame arms. There thus remains a need for a sprinkler guard and guarded sprinkler assembly with a compact profile that sufficiently protects the critical operating components of a fire protection sprinkler and that can be used in low clearance areas and/or otherwise minimize any visible detraction from the surrounding environment. Moreover, there remains a need for sprinkler guards that can be assembled over a fire protection sprinkler either prior to sprinkler installation or thereafter.

Preferred embodiments of a sprinkler guard and guarded sprinkler assembly are provided in which the sprinkler guard includes a preferred cage and securement arrangement that facilitates assembly, handling and installation. Moreover, the preferred sprinkler guard provides for one or more preferred dimensional relationships with respect to the fire protection sprinkler being protected to present a compact assembly that can facilitate installation of a guarded sprinkler assembly in a low clearance area and minimize the space occupied by the guarded sprinkler assembly.

Preferred embodiments of a sprinkler guard protect a fire protection sprinkler having a frame body and a fluid deflector member affixed to the frame body. The sprinkler guard includes a preferred securement assembly and a preferred cage affixed to the securement assembly having a plurality of guard members defining an internal volume centered about a central vertical axis. The plurality of guard members having a first portion traversing about the internal volume to define a preferred upper boundary of the cage. The plurality of guard members also has a second portion traversing about internal volume to define a preferred lower boundary of the cage. The plurality of guard members defining a preferred insertion passageway proximate the lower boundary for receipt of the sprinkler to locate the fluid deflector member of the sprinkler within the internal volume and centered along the vertical axis. The preferred sprinkler guard defines one or more dimensional relationships with the sprinkler. Preferred dimensional relationships can be defined: (i) wherein a fixed distance between the fluid deflector member and the frame body and a clearance distance from the upper boundary of the cage to the deflector define a ratio of fixed distance-to-clearance distance (H1:H2) that ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>; (ii) wherein a deflector diameter of the fluid deflector member and the clearance distance define a ratio of defector diameter-to-clearance distance (Dia:H2) that ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>; (iii) wherein a cage diameter of the cage and the deflector diameter define a ratio of cage diameter-to-deflector diameter (WCGE:Dia) that ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>; and (iv) wherein the fluid deflector member is affixed to the frame body by a pair of frame arms having an arm width therebetween and an opening width of the insertion passageway and the arm width define a ratio of opening width-to-arm width (WOPN:WARM) that ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Preferred embodiments of a sprinkler guard include a cage and a clamp assembly secured to and preferably riveted to the cage to define a preferred hinged arrangement. In preferred guarded sprinkler assemblies, the preferred clamp assembly locates operational components of a sprinkler within the cage. The preferred hinge arrangement maintains the cage and clamp assembly connected to one another when handling and installing the guard about a sprinkler thereby minimizing the number of separate components to be handled during an installation of the guard about a sprinkler. In addition to securing the cage about the sprinkler, the clamp assembly engages the sprinkler in a preferred manner that provides rigidity to the guarded sprinkler assembly. The cage defines a preferred profile about the sprinkler that is compact and in close proximity to the fluid deflecting components of the sprinkler without negatively impacting the firefighting and water distribution functions of the sprinkler.

A preferred embodiment of a fire protection sprinkler guard includes a wire cage that defines an internal volume centered about a central axis. The cage includes a plurality of terminal wire free end portions that are preferably aligned in a plane. A clamp assembly is affixed to the cage in which the clamp assembly has a first clamp member and a second clamp member which define a hinged relationship aligned in the first plane. The hinged relationship has an open state to define an opening to the cage for locating operational components of the sprinkler in the internal volume. The hinged relationship has a closed state to define a plurality of compartments for housing the wire free end portions.

According to the invention, the guarded sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler having a frame with a body defining an inlet, an outlet and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and outlet along a sprinkler axis. The body includes a wrench boss formed about the outlet with an external thread about the body for coupling to fluid supply pipe. The frame includes a pair of frame arms formed about the sprinkler body and disposed in a first plane. The frame arms extend from the sprinkler body away from the outlet in the direction of the sprinkler axis and a deflector member is coupled to the frame arms to be located axially from the body at fixed distance and centered on the sprinkler axis. The deflector has a periphery defining an outer diameter of the deflector. A wire cage is disposed about the sprinkler to define an internal volume axially aligned with the sprinkler axis with operational components of the fire sprinkler located within the internal volume. The cage includes a plurality of terminal wire free end portions aligned in the first plane. A clamp assembly is affixed to the cage. The clamp assembly has a first clamp member and a second clamp member which define a hinged relationship with the cage that is aligned in the first plane such that at least one of the first and second clamp members pivot with respect to the first plane to provide access to a cage opening. The hinged relationship has an open state to define access for locating the operational components of the sprinkler in the internal volume and the hinged relationship has a closed state to restrict the cage opening and define a plurality of compartments for housing the wire free end portions.

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.

Shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are various views of a guarded sprinkler assembly that includes a preferred embodiment of a sprinkler protective housing or guard <NUM>. The guard <NUM> includes a preferred cage <NUM> and a securement assembly preferably embodied as a clamping assembly <NUM> for securely placing the protective housing about a fire protection sprinkler as illustrated, for example, in <FIG>. The cage <NUM> defines an internal volume <NUM> about a central vertical axis A--A for housing operational components of the fire sprinkler. The cage <NUM> includes a plurality of guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b arranged and affixed to one another about the central vertical axis A--A with a circumscribing member <NUM> to define the perimeter and bounds of the internal volume <NUM> of the cage <NUM> including a lower boundary 12a and an upper boundary 12b. The geometry and spacing between the guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b define a preferred insertion passageway or opening 10a proximate the lower boundary 12a of the cage <NUM> for inserting a sprinkler <NUM> into the cage <NUM> to locate operational components of the sprinkler within the protective internal volume <NUM> of the cage <NUM>. In preferred embodiments of the cage <NUM>, the guard member spacing minimizes or eliminates the stress, distortion or deflection on the guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b when inserting the sprinkler into the cage <NUM>.

The preferred clamp assembly <NUM> is preferably secured to the cage <NUM> to define a preferred hinged arrangement or relationship that limits or restricts the insertion passageway to secure the sprinkler guard <NUM> to the sprinkler. The preferred hinge arrangement maintains the cage <NUM> and clamp assembly <NUM> connected to one another when handling and installing the guard about a sprinkler thereby minimizing the number of separate components to be handled during an installation process. In addition to securing the cage <NUM> about the sprinkler, the clamp assembly <NUM> engages the frame of the sprinkler in a preferred manner that provides rigidity to the guarded sprinkler assembly. Because the sprinkler guard <NUM> provides protection to an installed sprinkler, the guard <NUM> does not negatively impact the fluid distribution and firefighting function of the sprinkler. In addition, the cage <NUM> defines a preferred profile that is compact and in close proximity to the fluid deflecting components of the sprinkler without negatively impacting the function of the sprinkler.

In the preferred embodiments of the cage <NUM>, the first guard member <NUM> is disposed in a first plane P1 with the second guard member 30a and the third member 30b extending parallel to a second plane P2 which extends perpendicular to and intersects the first plane P1 to define a central vertical axis A--A of the guard <NUM>. Each of the guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b and the circumscribing member <NUM> are preferably formed from a metal wire or rod member of suitable gauge to provide protection to the sprinkler. A preferred wire metal wire is about <NUM> inch (<NUM>) and more preferably <NUM> inch (<NUM>) in diameter steel wire. The first guard member <NUM> is preferably formed with a central portion <NUM> having a pair of terminal end portions 24a, 24b equidistantly spaced apart from one another about and extending to one side of the central portion <NUM>. In the guard <NUM>, the central horizontal portion <NUM> intersects the central axis A--A in the first plane P1 with the pair of terminal end portions 24a, 24b equidistantly spaced apart from one another about the central vertical axis A--A. The first guard member <NUM> includes two portions disposed about the central vertical axis A--A with each of the two portions extending between the horizontal portion <NUM> and one of the terminal end portions 24a, 24b to define a first pair of perimeter posts 26a, 26b of the cage.

In the cage <NUM>, the second guard member 30a and a third guard member 30b are in a preferably fixed spaced apart relationship from one another equidistantly about the central vertical axis A--A to define the preferred cage insertion passageway or opening 10a for inserting operational components of a sprinkler into the cage. The wire forming second and third guard members 30a, 30b preferably define a closed form with the ends of the wire being brought and affixed together to form a central post <NUM> of the guard members 30a, 30b. As seen in <FIG>, the closed form of each guard member 30a, 30b is preferably bent out of plane to define an included angle between the outer edges of the closed form to define an included angle α of <NUM>°-<NUM>°. In the cage <NUM>, each of the second and third guard members 30a, 30b are affixed to the horizontal portion <NUM> of the first guard member <NUM> by welding or brazing such that the central posts <NUM> of the second and third guard members 30a, 30b are disposed in the first plane P1 in general planar alignment with the terminal end portions 24a, 24b of the first guard member <NUM>.

In the cage formation, portions of the second and third guard members 30a, 30b are disposed radially from the central vertical axis A--A to define a second pair of perimeter posts 38a, 38b and a third pair of perimeter posts 38c, 38d. Preferably each of the perimeter posts 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d extends axially parallel to the central vertical axis A--A with the first pair of perimeter posts 26a, 26b preferably disposed in the first plane P1. Alternatively, the perimeter posts can define alternate geometries in traversing about the internal volume <NUM> in the direction from the clamp assembly <NUM> toward the preferred central horizontal portion <NUM> of the first guard member <NUM>. The perimeter of the cage <NUM> is preferably circular with the perimeter posts 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d or portions thereof spaced equidistantly from the central vertical axis A--A of the cage <NUM>. In such a preferred embodiment of the cage <NUM>, the circumscribing member <NUM> is preferably of a circular geometry and consists of a single circular member in tangential contact with the perimeter posts 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d.

The preferred clamp assembly <NUM> affixed to the cage <NUM> preferably includes a first clamp member 14a and a second clamp member 14b to define a preferred hinged relationship or arrangement <NUM> with respect to one another about one of the terminal end portions 24b of the first guard member <NUM>. More preferably, the terminal end portion 24b forms a pin about which each of the clamp member 14a, 14b rotate. In a preferred embodiment, the terminal end portion 24b is preferably deformed or staked to form a rivet to secure the clamp members 14a, 14b in the hinged relationship. The hinged relationship has an open state, shown in <FIG>, to provide access to the cage opening 10a and the internal volume <NUM> for insertion, removal or adjustment of a sprinkler within the cage <NUM>. The hinged relationship <NUM> has a closed state, as seen in <FIG>, to restrict the cage opening 10a and define a plurality of compartments 15a, 15b, 15c for housing the central posts <NUM> of the second and third guard members 30a, 30b and the other of the terminal end portions 24a of the first guard member <NUM> opposite the hinged relationship <NUM>.

In the closed state of the clamp assembly <NUM>, the first and second clamp members 14a, 14b include bearing plates 60a, 60b opposed to one another about the first plane P1. In the clamp members 14a, 14b and the bearing plates 60a, 60b defining a preferred arched or arcuate geometry for securement about a fire sprinkler body. Preferably respectively formed at one end of each of the clamp members 14a, 14b is a knuckle 52a, 52b for receipt of the terminal end portion 24b of the first guard member <NUM> as a pin to form the preferred hinged relationship <NUM>. In the preferred configuration of the sprinkler guard <NUM>, the hinge arrangement <NUM> is axially disposed between the arcuate bearing plates 60a, 60b and the horizontal portion <NUM> of the first guard member <NUM>. Each of the opposed arcuate bearing plates include one or more clip formations or members <NUM> to secure the arcuate bearing plates to the sprinkler body. Preferred embodiments of the arcuate bearing plates 60a, 60b also include a plurality of bracing members that extend from each of the bearing plates in the direction of the vertical central axis to contact the sprinkler frame in a preferred manner as described herein to stiffen and provide rigidity to the guarded sprinkler assembly. The plurality of bracing members <NUM> preferably has four bracing members in which each arcuate bearing plate 60a, 60b includes two bracing members about the second plane P2 intersecting and perpendicular to the first plane P1. As seen in <FIG>, the configuration of the clamp assembly <NUM> locates the compartments 15b, 15c for receipt of the central posts <NUM> of the second and third guard members 30a, 30b laterally about the respective arcuate bearing plates 60a, 60b and in alignment with the first plane P1.

Shown in <FIG> and the open state of the clamp assembly <NUM>, the guard <NUM> can be disposed over and about an illustrative embodiment of a fire protection sprinkler <NUM> having a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a frame body <NUM> having an inlet <NUM>, an outlet <NUM> aligned with one another along a longitudinal sprinkler axis X--X. The preferred frame <NUM> includes a pair of frame arms <NUM> to support and locate a deflector <NUM> at a fixed distance along the longitudinal sprinkler axis from the sprinkler body <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>.

Firefighting fluid is delivered to the sprinkler inlet <NUM> at a working pressure and discharged from the outlet <NUM> to impact the deflector for distribution in an expected density and/or geometry about the guarded sprinkler assembly. The outer surface of the sprinkler body <NUM> is configured for connecting the sprinkler <NUM> to a fluid supply pipe. For example, the body <NUM> can include an external male pipe thread <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the external male pipe thread <NUM> include a nominal <NUM>/<NUM> inch-<NUM> NPT. Larger threaded connection can include nominal <NUM>/<NUM> inch-<NUM> NPT pipe. To facilitate securement of the sprinkler <NUM> to a fluid pipe fitting such as, for example a tee fitting or union, the sprinkler body <NUM> includes a wrench boss <NUM> with a preferably hexagonal perimeter disposed about the outlet <NUM> and centered about the sprinkler axis X--X to provide two or more flat surfaces for engagement by an installation tool, such as for example, a sprinkler installation wrench.

To secure the sprinkler guard <NUM> to the sprinkler <NUM>, the clamp assembly <NUM> and its arcuate bearing plates 60a, 60b can wrap about and preferably bear against the sprinkler body <NUM> between the wrench boss <NUM> and the external thread <NUM>. Moreover, the clip members <NUM> are preferably dimensioned to define a recess sufficient to accommodate the thickness or height of the wrench boss <NUM> and secure the clamp assembly <NUM> about the sprinkler body <NUM> as seen, for example, in <FIG>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the pair of frame arms <NUM> of the sprinkler frame <NUM> extend from the body <NUM> at diametrically opposed sides of the outlet <NUM> and converge toward one another to form and/or support a deflector boss <NUM> that is centered along the sprinkler axis X--X for support of the deflector <NUM> at the fixed distance from the outlet <NUM>. Each of the frame arms <NUM> has a peripheral surface <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM> with respect to the sprinkler axis X--X with the interior surface <NUM> being closest to or confronting the longitudinal axis X--X. The peripheral and interior surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the body <NUM> to the boss <NUM> to define the frame arm profile. Each of the frame arms <NUM> includes a transition surface <NUM> that extends between the peripheral surface <NUM> and the interior surface <NUM>. Individually and/or collectively the peripheral and transition surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> define one or more surfaces against which the bracing members <NUM> of the clamp assembly <NUM> can form a surface contact engagement or embrace to stabilize the sprinkler guard <NUM> about the sprinkler frame <NUM> and provide rigidity to the assembly as seen for example in <FIG>.

In the closed state of the clamp assembly <NUM> about the sprinkler <NUM>, the ends 24a, <NUM> of the guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b are received in the compartments of the closed compartments 15a, 15b, 15c of the clamp assembly <NUM>. The clamp members 14a, 14b can be secured to one another by an appropriate fastening device <NUM> such as for example a screw and nut assembly (not shown). In the preferred guarded sprinkler assembly, the clamp assembly <NUM> engages the sprinkler frame arms <NUM> in a manner that orients the frame <NUM> to locate the frame arms <NUM> in the first plane P1 of the guard <NUM> aligned with the compartments 15a, 15b, 15c and hinge <NUM>. The spaced apart bracing members <NUM> expose a sufficient portion of the wrench boss <NUM> to allow for tool access in order to adjust connection of the sprinkler to a fluid supply pipe with the guard <NUM> installed.

The sprinkler guard <NUM> protects the operative components of the sprinkler <NUM> in the installed and operative position of the sprinkler. The operative components can include a fluid deflecting member or deflector <NUM> and/or a thermally responsive actuating device <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler <NUM>, are preferably configured as automatic sprinklers such that fluid discharge from the connected sprinkler <NUM> and its outlet <NUM> is controlled by a seal assembly <NUM> that is disposed within the passageway <NUM> proximate the outlet <NUM> as seen in <FIG> to occlude the outlet <NUM>. The seal assembly <NUM> is maintained within outlet <NUM> of the sprinkler body <NUM> by the thermally responsive element or trigger <NUM> preferably aligned along the sprinkler axis X--X between the sealing assembly <NUM> and the deflector <NUM>. The guard <NUM> preferably engages the sprinkler <NUM> such that the sprinkler axis X--X coaxially aligns with the sprinkler guard axis A--A so as to center the thermally responsive element <NUM> in the cage <NUM> and maximize the protection about the trigger <NUM>.

The thermally responsive element <NUM> is preferably embodied as a thermally responsive frangible glass bulb, as seen in <FIG>, but can be alternatively embodied as a thermally responsive soldered assembly, or mechanical or electrically actuated assembly provided the assembly can seat and unseat the seal assembly <NUM> in respective unactuated and actuated states of the sprinkler. In the presence of a sufficient level of heat, the thermally responsive element <NUM> operates or triggers to release the sealing assembly <NUM> and permit the supplied firefighting fluid to discharge from the outlet <NUM> to impact the deflector <NUM> for distribution of the fluid in a desired manner to address a fire. Accordingly, the guard <NUM> engages a sprinkler in its installed and operative position in a manner that protects the deflector <NUM> but minimizes or eliminates any negative impact on the fluid distribution function.

The deflector <NUM> is illustratively shown bent or formed for installation in an upright orientation in which supplied firefighting fluid is discharged from the outlet <NUM> to impact the deflector <NUM> in an upward direction. Alternatively, the affixed deflector can be formed or configured for a pendent orientation in which fluid is discharged in a downward direction or in a sidewall orientation in which water is discharged horizontally. The deflector <NUM> is affixed to the boss <NUM> to locate the deflector <NUM> at a first fixed distance from the body <NUM>. For example, the deflector <NUM> is located at a fixed distance H1 from the region between the boss <NUM> and the external thread <NUM> against which the bearing plates 60a, 60b bear of the clamp assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, in the guarded sprinkler assembly, the deflector <NUM> is located at a preferred fixed distance from one or more features or structures of the sprinkler guard <NUM>. For example, the deflector <NUM> is located at a preferred second fixed distance H2 from the central portion <NUM> of the first guard member <NUM>. In one preferred aspect, the second fixed distance H2 defines the clearance above the deflector <NUM> and indirectly defines the clearance below the deflector <NUM> within the internal volume <NUM> of the cage <NUM> to manipulate and position the sprinkler <NUM> and its deflector to secure the guard <NUM> about the sprinkler <NUM>. In another preferred aspect, the second fixed distance H2 defines a preferred profile of the cage <NUM> about the deflector <NUM> that is compact enough to protect the deflector yet not interfere with the distribution function of the deflector while exposing the other portions of the sprinkler frame <NUM> to install or loosen the sprinkler <NUM> from the fluid supply piping with the sprinkler guard <NUM> on. Moreover, the cage <NUM> and the perimeter posts 26a, 26b, 38a, 38c, 38d define the preferably circular perimeter and preferred radial clearance about the deflector <NUM>.

Accordingly, in the preferred guarded sprinkler assembly, the sprinkler <NUM> and the guard <NUM> define one or more preferred dimensional relationships. For example, in one preferred embodiment with reference to <FIG>, the sprinkler guard <NUM> defines a preferred overall or maximum height HGT of about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) preferably measured from the central portion <NUM> to the bearing plates 60a, 60b of the clamp assembly <NUM>. The clamp assembly <NUM> has a preferred height HCLMP of about <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to provide for a cage height HCAG of about <NUM> inch (<NUM>).

Thus, a preferred cage height-to-clamp height ratio (HCAG:HCLMP) is about <NUM>:<NUM> with the maximum guard height-to-cage height ratio (HGT:HCAG) being about <NUM>:<NUM>. Any approximated preferred dimension as an about value herein could vary up to <NUM>%. The clearance distance H2 can be equal to the deflector-to-body distance H1 and is more preferably less than the deflector-to-body distance H1. In a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler <NUM> in which the deflector-to-body distance H1 is about <NUM> (<NUM>), the clearance distance H2 is preferably about <NUM> inch (<NUM>).

Accordingly, a preferred deflector-to-body distance H1-to-clearance H2 ratio (H1:H2) is about <NUM>:<NUM>. Alternate embodiments can provide for a deflector-to-body distance H1-to-clearance H2 ratio (H1:H2) that can be any one of <NUM>:<NUM> or <NUM>:<NUM> or any ratio in between <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. In another preferred relationship of the guarded sprinkler assembly, the deflector <NUM> defines a preferred deflector diameter Dia to clearance H2 ratio (Dia:H2) that preferably ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM> and is preferably about <NUM>:<NUM> where preferred deflectors <NUM> define an outer diameter Dia that ranges from <NUM>-<NUM> inch (<NUM>-<NUM>).

As seen in <FIG>, the preferably circular cage <NUM> defines a cage diameter or width WCGE. For the preferred deflector diameter Dia, the cage diameter WCGE is about <NUM> inches (<NUM>).

Accordingly, a preferred cage-to-deflector diameter ratio (WCGE:Dia) ranges from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>.

As previously noted and with reference to <FIG>, the spacing between the second and third guard members 30a, 30b preferably define the cage opening 10a for insertion of the sprinkler operational components. With the clamp assembly <NUM> in its open state, the opening 10a defines a preferred maximum width WOPN, as seen in <FIG>, between the central posts <NUM> of the second and third guard members 30a, 30b. In the open state of the clamp assembly <NUM>, the central posts <NUM> can be free for displacement to define a resiliently variable width WOPN in order to expand the cage opening for sprinkler insertion. Alternatively, the central posts <NUM> of the second and guard members can be fixed with respect to one another to define a fixed width WOPN opening in which to insert a sprinkler. For example, the central posts <NUM> can be fixed to one of the clamp members 14a, 14b.

With reference to <FIG>, shown are additional preferred dimensional relationships between the sprinkler <NUM> and the guard <NUM>. For the deflector <NUM> and its outer perimeter or periphery defining an outer diameter Dia, the width WOPN of the cage opening 10a is preferably equal to or smaller than the deflector diameter Dia. More preferably, the width WOPN of the cage opening 10a is preferably equal to or slightly greater than the span or width WARM between the maximum peripheral surfaces <NUM> of the frame arms <NUM> of the sprinkler <NUM> to stiffen and/or compact the guarded assembly in the closed state of the clamp assembly <NUM>. In one preferred dimensional relationship between the sprinkler <NUM> and the guard <NUM>, the ratio of the cage opening-to-arm width (WOPN:WARM) preferably ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Preferably, each of the guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b traverse about the internal volume <NUM> in a manner to define the lower end perimeter or boundary 12a of the preferred profile of the cage <NUM> and the opposite upper end perimeter or boundary 12b of the preferred profile of the cage <NUM> with the upper boundary opposite the clamp assembly <NUM> and the lower boundary between the upper boundary 12a and the clamp assembly <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b have portions that traverse about the internal volume <NUM> between the deflector <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> of the sprinkler frame <NUM> just outside the frame arms <NUM> to define the lower boundary 12a of the cage <NUM>. Moreover, portions of the guard members 30a, 30b traverse the internal volume <NUM> below the deflector <NUM> inside the deflector perimeter and diameter Dia. The traversing portions extend preferably perpendicular to the first plane P1. Accordingly, in a preferred profile embodiment of the cage <NUM>, the lower end perimeter or boundary 12a of the cage <NUM> is axially located between the deflector member <NUM> and the frame body <NUM> of the sprinkler <NUM> and more preferably axially spaced from the fluid outlet <NUM> of the frame body <NUM>.

At the upper boundary 12b of the cage, each of the guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b have portions that traverse the internal volume <NUM> above the deflector <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the traversing portion of each guard members <NUM>, 30a, 30b that extends between central horizontal portion <NUM> and their respective vertical perimeter posts is preferably sloped or skewed with respect to the first and second planes P1, P2. Accordingly, the upper boundary 12b of the cage defines a preferably frustoconical framework. Referring now to <FIG>, the upper boundary 12b of the cage <NUM> can support a water shield <NUM> for shielding a guarded sprinkler from water discharge from surrounding sprinklers in a fire protection installation. More specifically, a guarded sprinkler assembly can be in an installed operative location that is below sprinklers located at a higher elevation. Fire protection applications that may require water shielding include in-rack storage sprinkler systems, under grating, on pilot sprinklers for deluge systems, and outdoors as a weather shield. Water discharged from the higher sprinklers may impact the thermally responsive trigger <NUM> of the guarded sprinkler and prevent its proper thermal response. Accordingly, a water shield disposed atop the sprinkler guard <NUM> can prevent higher elevation water droplets from impacting the guarded sprinkler and its trigger <NUM>. The water shield <NUM> is preferably frustoconical in shape to fit atop the frustoconical upper boundary 12b of the cage <NUM>. To secure the shield <NUM> to the cage <NUM>, the inner surface of the shield <NUM> includes one or more preferably integrally formed hooks or clips <NUM> for engaging guard members of the cage <NUM> of the sprinkler guard.

Claim 1:
A guarded sprinkler assembly comprising:
a sprinkler (<NUM>) including:
a frame (<NUM>) including a body (<NUM>) defining an inlet (<NUM>), an outlet (<NUM>) and an internal passageway (<NUM>) extending between the inlet (<NUM>) and outlet (<NUM>) along a sprinkler axis, the body (<NUM>) including a wrench boss (<NUM>) formed about the outlet (<NUM>) and an external thread (<NUM>) about the body (<NUM>) for coupling to fluid supply pipe, the frame (<NUM>) including a pair of frame arms (<NUM>) formed about the sprinkler body and disposed in a first plane (P1), the frame arms (<NUM>) extending from the sprinkler body away from the outlet (<NUM>) in the direction of the sprinkler axis; and
a deflector member (<NUM>) coupled to the frame arms (<NUM>) located axially from the body (<NUM>) at fixed distance and centered on the sprinkler axis, the deflector (<NUM>) having a periphery defining an outer diameter of the deflector (<NUM>);
a wire cage (<NUM>) disposed about the sprinkler (<NUM>) defining an internal volume (<NUM>) axially aligned with the sprinkler axis with operational components of the fire sprinkler (<NUM>) located within the internal volume (<NUM>), the cage (<NUM>) including a plurality of terminal wire free end portions (24a, 24b, <NUM>) and
a clamp assembly (<NUM>) affixed to the cage (<NUM>),
the clamp assembly (<NUM>) having a first clamp member (14a) and a second clamp member (14b) which define a hinged relationship (<NUM>) with the cage (<NUM>) aligned in the first plane (P1) such that at least one of the first and second clamp members (14a, 14b) pivot with respect to the first plane (P1) to provide access to a cage opening (10a),
the hinged relationship (<NUM>) having an open state to define access for locating the operational components of the sprinkler (<NUM>) in the internal volume (<NUM>), the hinged relationship (<NUM>) having a closed state to restrict the cage opening,
characterized in that
the plurality of terminal wire free end portions is aligned in the first plane, and
the closed state of the hinged relationship defines a plurality of compartments (15a, 15b, 15c) for housing the wire free end portions.