Patent ID: 12186608

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain examples, it is noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

The present disclosure generally refers to a fire protection sprinkler. The present disclosure refers to a dry pendent fire protection sprinkler assembly configured to disperse water from a sprinkler over a desired area.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure is a sprinkler system to provide fire protection. The sprinkler system includes a dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly generally includes a tubular outer structure, a deflector portion, a head portion, a thermal trigger portion, and a trigger seat. The outer structure defines an internal water flow channel extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. The trigger seat includes a tubular exterior positioned parallel with the outer structure. The tubular exterior includes a component to block a flow of fluid through the system and maintain the thermal trigger portion in positon when the system is not activated. The system generally includes at least one portion of the tubular exterior protruding into the water flow channel at an angle towards the longitudinal axis.

During activation, the thermal trigger portion can be ejected from the system as a response to fire conditions so that fluid can flow through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The fluid can flow through the internal water flow channel from the inlet towards the outlet. This fluid can make contact or engage with the portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat protruding into the water flow channel at an angle. This engagement can cause the trigger seat to be ejected from the system in a lateral direction.

Referring generally to the figures, fire protection systems include sprinklers which are configured to inhibit or permit flow of fluid (typically water, but also in some applications fire suppressant fluid) depending upon conditions. In the instance of a fire or detected conditions that may be indicative of a fire (e.g., increased heat, smoke, or other indications), the sprinklers are configured to permit the flow of fluid such that the fluid may contact a deflector and be dispersed so as to provide protection to an area.

FIG.1depicts a sprinkler system100. For example, the sprinkler system100can provide fire protection. The sprinkler system100can include or can be coupled with a fluid supply to provide fire exposure protection fluid. The sprinkler system100can include at least one dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly105can include at least one deflector portion110. The deflector portion110can be various shapes (e.g., rectangular, triangular, round). The deflector portion110can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). For example, the deflector portion110can be shaped to control the spray pattern of the fire exposure protection fluid.

The dry pendent sprinkler assembly105can include at least one head portion115. The head portion115can be various shapes (e.g., rectangular, triangular, round). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly105can include at least one thermal trigger portion120. The thermal trigger portion120(e.g., thermal element) can respond to a fire condition. For example, the thermal trigger portion120can include a glass tube that includes fluid that expands responsive to a temperature increase (e.g., temperature rise due to a fire), such that the glass tube breaks responsive to the temperature meeting or exceeding a threshold temperature. The thermal trigger portion120can include a fusible link that includes at least two pieces coupled using a solder that can melt responsive to the temperature meeting or exceeding a threshold temperature, as another example.

The dry pendent sprinkler assembly105can include at least one trigger seat125. The trigger seat125can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The trigger seat125can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly105can include at least one outer structure130. The outer structure130can be tubular in shape. The outer structure130can define an internal water flow channel135. The internal water flow channel135can extend along a longitudinal axis140between an inlet145and an outlet150. For example, the internal water flow channel135can receive fire exposure protection fluid from the inlet145and distribute the fluid to the outlet150when the system is activated.

The trigger seat125can couple with the outer structure130. The trigger seat125can be coupled with the outer structure130in various ways. For example, the trigger seat125can be positioned against the outer structure130. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly105can include one or more fasteners to couple the trigger seat125with the outer structure130. For example, the trigger seat125can be secured with the outer structure130by one or more load screws disposed between the deflector portion and the thermal trigger portion120that maintains the thermal trigger portion120in position relative to the outer structure130, which further causes the trigger seat125to maintain in position relative to the outer structure130. The trigger seat125can be welded to the outer structure130. The trigger seat125can couple with the outer structure130in various ways such that the internal water flow channel135extends continuously through the trigger seat, as depicted inFIG.1.

The trigger seat125can include a tubular exterior155. For example, the trigger seat125can include an exterior155that extends radially about the longitudinal axis140. The tubular exterior155can extend radially parallel with the outer structure130of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. The trigger seat125can include at least one component160to prevent a flow of fluid through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. For example, the trigger seat125can include at least one surface (e.g., a flat or curved surface) extending laterally from the tubular exterior155to prevent a flow of fluid through the internal water flow channel135, as depicted throughout the figures. For example, the trigger seat125can include several surfaces that extend from the tubular exterior155to prevent a flow of fluid. The trigger seat125can include at least one element (e.g., stopper, cap, plug) coupled with the tubular exterior155to prevent a flow of fluid, as another example.

The trigger seat125can maintain the thermal trigger portion120in position or the thermal trigger portion120can maintain the trigger seat125in position. For example, the one or more components160(e.g., surfaces) of the trigger seat125can include a feature205(e.g., an aperture, groove, raised surface, or an insert) to maintain the thermal trigger portion120in position, as depicted in at leastFIGS.1-4B,8, and9. The component160can include any amount of apertures, grooves, surfaces, or other components to maintain the thermal trigger portion120in position. For example, the one or more components160can include an aperture or groove to maintain a glass tube in place while the system is not in activation. For example, the one or more components160can include at least one feature (e.g., fastener, clasp, clamp, aperture, groove, surface) to maintain a fusible link in position.

The feature205can extend from the surface of the trigger seat125in various directions. For example, as depicted in at leastFIGS.2,4A,4B,7,8, and9, the feature205can protrude from a portion of the surface (e.g., from component160). The feature205can protrude in an upward direction, in a downward direction, in a sideways direction, or at an angle. The feature205can include one or more angled portions, as depicted in at leastFIG.9. For example, the feature205can include a cup portion905(e.g., angled, flat, stepped, counterbored) that can receive a portion of the thermal trigger portion120. The cup portion905can be disposed on a first or second side of the trigger seat125(e.g., on a side exposed to the exterior or on a side exposed to the internal water flow channel135). The feature205can protrude at various heights dependent on a load of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105, for example. The feature205can lie flush with the surface of the trigger seat125. For example, the feature205can include a hole or other opening to receive a portion of the thermal trigger portion120, as depicted in at leastFIG.3. The feature205can be formed directly with the trigger seat125during manufacturing of the trigger seat125or the feature205can attach with the trigger seat125via one or more adhesives, fasteners, welded joints, or other components.

As depicted in at leastFIGS.4A and4B, the trigger seat125can include at least one hole405, such as a weep hole. The trigger seat125can include any amount of holes405. For example, the trigger seat125can include one hole405. The trigger seat125can include two holes405, as depicted inFIG.4A, and among others. The trigger seat125can include three holes405, four holes405, as depicted inFIG.4B, or more than four holes405. The trigger seat125can include zero holes405. The trigger seat125can include the holes405at various positions. For example, at least one hole405can position along a flat surface of the trigger seat125(e.g., along a flat region of the component160), as depicted in at leastFIG.2. At least one hole405can position along a curved surface of the trigger seat125(e.g., along a curved region of the trigger seat125between the flat region and a side of the exterior155), as depicted in at leastFIG.3. The trigger seat125can include at least one hole405positioned adjacent to the feature205. The trigger seat125can include at least one hole405positioned at a distance from the feature205, as another example. The trigger seat125can include holes405at any point along the component about the longitudinal axis140. For example, the holes405can align substantially parallel with one or more frame arms of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. The holes405can align substantially parallel with a flap or protrusion of the trigger seat125(e.g., portion165described herein), as another example. The holes405can include a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the holes405can be circular, triangular, rectangular, symmetrical, unsymmetrical, oblong, crescent, trapezoidal, any combination, or another shape. The holes405can lie flush with the component160or the holes405can protrude from the component160.

As depicted inFIGS.1-8, the trigger seat125can include at least one portion protruding into the internal water flow channel135. For example, the trigger seat125can include a portion165of the tubular exterior155protruding into the internal water flow channel135. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle towards the longitudinal axis140. For example, a portion165of the tubular exterior155can extend from the tubular exterior155towards the longitudinal axis140of the internal water flow channel135at an angle of at least 5 degrees. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle of 6 degrees. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle of 7 degrees. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle of 8 degrees. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle larger than 8 degrees. The portion165can include a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, rectangular, circular, triangular, symmetrical, unsymmetrical, oblong, crescent, trapezoidal, any combination, or another shape.

The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle greater than or equal to 43 degrees from the trigger seat tubular exterior155towards the longitudinal axis140. For example, the portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle of 43 degrees from the exterior155. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle of 44 degrees from the exterior155. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle greater than 44 degrees from the exterior155.

The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle less than or equal to 125 degrees from the trigger seat tubular exterior155. For example, the portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle of 125 degrees from the exterior155. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle of 124 degrees from the exterior155. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135at an angle less than 124 degrees from the exterior155.

The trigger seat125can include at least one component160to secure the thermal trigger portion120in place until the system100is activated. For example, when fire protection fluid is not flowing through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105, the component160can secure the thermal trigger portion120in position, as depicted inFIG.1. The component160can secure the thermal trigger portion120in position until the thermal trigger portion120is activated or ejected from the system100.

The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel135such that the portion165of the tubular exterior155engages with a flow of fluid from the inlet145when the thermal trigger portion120is activated. For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet145can make contact with the portion165of the tubular exterior155to eject the trigger seat125from the system100.

The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel135such that the portion165of the tubular exterior155makes contact with a flow of fluid from the inlet145to eject the trigger seat125in a direction to clear the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet145can create a downward force against the angled portion165of the tubular exterior155such that a moment of force directs the trigger seat125in a direction to eject from the system100and clear the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105.

The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel135such that the portion165of the tubular exterior155makes contact with a flow of fluid from the inlet145to eject the trigger seat125in a direction to clear the deflector portion110of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet145can create a downward force against the angled portion165of the tubular exterior155such that a moment of force directs the trigger seat125in a lateral direction to eject from the system100and clear the deflector portion110of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. For example, the trigger seat125can clear any fastening components of the deflector portion110of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105when ejected from the system100.

A diameter705can be defined by a lateral extension of the internal water flow channel135from a side of an outer surface710of the tubular exterior155of the trigger seat125to an opposing side of the outer surface710of the tubular exterior155, as depicted in at leastFIG.7. The portion165of the tubular exterior155protruding into the water flow channel135can penetrate the diameter705of the internal water flow channel135. For example, the portion165of the tubular exterior155can penetrate at least 1% of the diameter705. For example, if the diameter705is 5 inches, the portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the internal water flow channel135to penetrate at least 0.05 inches of the diameter705. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the water flow channel135to penetrate 0.5 inches of the diameter705, as another example. The portion165of the tubular exterior155can protrude into the water flow channel135to penetrate 2.5 inches, as yet another example.

The portion165of the tubular exterior155of the trigger seat125can protrude into the internal water flow channel135to penetrate up to 100% of the internal water flow channel diameter705. For example, the portion165can protrude into the water flow channel135to penetrate 75% of the internal water flow channel diameter705. For example, if the diameter is 3 inches, the portion165can protrude into the water flow channel135to penetrate 2.25 inches of the diameter705. The portion165can protrude into the water flow channel135to penetrate 50% of the internal water flow channel diameter705. For example, if the diameter is 3 inches, the portion165can protrude into the water flow channel135to penetrate 1.5 inches of the diameter705. The portion165can protrude into the water flow channel135to penetrate less than 50% of the diameter705in another example.

As depicted for example inFIG.8, the trigger seat125can include at least one aperture805positioned on the tubular exterior155. For example, the tubular exterior155can include a plurality of apertures805. The apertures805can extend circumferentially about the tubular exterior155(e.g., about the longitudinal axis140). The tubular exterior155can include apertures805that extend circumferentially along the entire exterior155, as an example. As another example, the tubular exterior155can include apertures805only along a portion of the exterior155(e.g., along half the exterior155, along 25% of the exterior, or along another portion). The apertures805can include a variety of shapes or sizes. For example, each aperture805can include the same shape or size. The apertures805can differ in shape or size, as another example. The apertures805can facilitate reducing an overall weight of the trigger seat125. For example, at least one aperture805can be a through hole of the trigger seat125such that the trigger seat125includes less material than if the trigger seat125did not include any apertures805. The trigger seat125can include any number of apertures805. For example, the trigger seat125can include 0 apertures805, 1 aperture, 2 apertures, 3 apertures, 4 apertures, 5 apertures, or more.

The trigger seat125can include at least one visual indicator. For example, the trigger seat125or another component of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105can include one or more different colors (e.g., via colored dyes, black oxide, different materials such as steel or copper) to indicate different components of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105. The trigger seat125can include at least one marking810, as another example. For example, the marking810can be disposed on the component160and between one or more of the holes405. The marking810can include a stamping indicating a property of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly105.

FIG.10depicts a method1000of providing a sprinkler system to provide fire protection. The method1000can include providing a dry pendent sprinkler assembly, as depicted in act1005. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one deflector portion. The deflector portion can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The deflector portion can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one head portion. The head portion can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The head portion can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one thermal trigger portion. The thermal trigger portion (e.g., thermal element) can respond to a fire condition. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one trigger seat. The trigger seat can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The trigger seat can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one outer structure. The outer structure can be tubular in shape. The outer structure can define an internal water flow channel. The internal water flow channel can extend along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet.

The method1000can include disposing a portion of a tubular exterior of the one or more trigger seats of the dry pendent assembly to protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle, as depicted in act1010. For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can extend from the tubular exterior towards the longitudinal axis of the internal water flow channel at an angle of at least 5 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 6 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 7 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 8 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle larger than 8 degrees.

The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel at an angle greater than or equal to 43 degrees. For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 43 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 44 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle greater than 44 degrees from the exterior.

The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel at an angle less than or equal to 125 degrees. For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 125 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 124 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude the internal water flow channel at an angle less than 124 degrees from the exterior.

The method1000can include securing the one or more thermal trigger portions in position with the trigger seat, as depicted in act1015. For example, at least one component of the trigger seat can include an aperture or groove to maintain the thermal trigger portion in position. For example, the one or more components can include an aperture or groove to maintain a glass tube in place while the system is not in activation. For example, the one or more components can include at least one feature to maintain a fusible link in position.

The method1000can include configuring the portion of the tubular exterior of the one or more trigger seats protruding at an angle to engage with a flow of fluid form an inlet, as depicted in act1020. The engagement with the flow of fluid can cause the trigger seat to eject from the system. For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel such that the portion makes contact with a flow of fluid from the inlet to eject the trigger seat in a direction to clear the deflector portion of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet can create a downward force against the angled portion of the tubular exterior such that a moment of force directs the trigger seat in a direction to eject from the system and clear the deflector portion of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly.

The method1000can include configuring the portion of the tubular exterior of the one or more trigger seats protruding at an angle to penetrate a diameter of the internal water flow channel, as depicted in act1025. The diameter can be defined by the lateral extension of the internal water flow channel from a side of an outer surface of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat to an opposing side of the outer surface of the tubular exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior protruding into the water flow channel can penetrate at least 1% of the diameter of the internal water flow channel. For example, if the diameter is 5 inches, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel to penetrate at least 0.05 inches of the diameter. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel to penetrate 0.5 inches of the diameter, as another example. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel to penetrate 2.5 inches of the diameter, as yet another example.

FIG.11depicts a method1100of providing fire protection. The method1100can include providing a dry pendent sprinkler assembly, as depicted in act1105. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one deflector portion. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one head portion. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one thermal trigger portion (e.g., thermal element) to respond to a fire condition. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one trigger seat. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one outer structure. The outer structure can define an internal water flow channel. The internal water flow channel can extend along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. At least one portion of a tubular exterior of the trigger seat can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle towards the longitudinal axis.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to include any given ranges or numbers+/−10%. These terms include insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

The term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the assembly as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.