Patent ID: 6918545

Claim:
A trigger assembly for an automatic sprinkler head having a sprinkler body having a central orifice defining an outlet for dispensing a fluid, a frame extending from the sprinkler body in a direction beyond said outlet, and a sealing assembly for releasably sealing the central orifice, said trigger assembly selectively maintaining the sealing assembly in a sealed condition, said trigger assembly comprising: a compression element positioned between the frame and the sealing assembly; and a thermally sensitive element surrounding at least in part said compression element and joined at least in part to said compression element by a fusible material, said thermally sensitive element comprising at least two portions, wherein each portion comprises: an attachment section shaped to substantially correspond to at least a section of said compression element, at least one connection section projecting from said attachment section in a direction away from said compression element, said at least one connection section having a distal end spaced from said attachment section, and at least one fin projecting from said distal end of said connection section, said at least one fin having a portion thereof defining a plane forming an angular relationship to at least a portion of said at least one connection section, whereby said thermally sensitive element enhances the magnitude of compression of said compression element when joined thereto and releases said sealing assembly when said thermally sensitive element is removed from said compression element.