Patent Grant
11964289
Buildings and other areas commonly include sprinklers configured to provide fire exposure protection. In the event of a fire, the sprinklers are configured to dispense a fluid so as to suppress or extinguish the fire or to protect building elements from exposure to heat radiating from the fire.
At least one aspect of the present disclosure is a fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly configured to provide fire exposure protection for an area. The fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly includes a fluid supply line configured to provide fire exposure protection fluid to the fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly, and a fire exposure protection sprinkler including a body coupled to the fluid supply line and configured to receive the fire exposure protection fluid, a sealing assembly configured to unseal in response to a fire such that fire exposure protection fluid may flow from the fluid supply line to the fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly, and a housing including a pair of legs arranged opposite the housing of each other, with each of the legs having an aperture. The fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly also includes a deflection assembly including a pair of guide pins rigidly coupled to a deflector, with each of the guide pins slidably coupled to the housing and disposed within each of the apertures of the legs, wherein the deflection assembly is configured to extend from the housing, wherein, upon the deflection assembly receiving the flow of the fire exposure protection fluid and extending from the housing, the pair of guide pins are arranged at a first oblique angle relative to a horizontal axis and the deflector is arranged at a second oblique angle relative to a vertical axis.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the first oblique angle relative to the horizontal axis being equal to the second oblique angle relative to the vertical axis.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the first oblique angle relative to the horizontal axis being of a different measure than the second oblique angle relative to the vertical axis.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflector having a first surface configured to receive the fire exposure protection fluid from the fluid supply line, and a back wall adjacent the first surface, with the first surface extending from a base of the back wall, wherein the back wall is configured to direct the fire exposure protection fluid to the area.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflection assembly configured to extend below the ceiling upon the first surface of the deflector receiving the flow of the fire exposure protection fluid.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflection assembly configured to extend below the ceiling upon the release of a cover plate configured to cover the recess.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes each of the guide pins having a substantially cylindrical geometry and the apertures of the housing have a geometry configured to accommodate and permit movement of the each of the guide pins.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes each of the guide pins having a head configured opposite the guide pins from the deflector, wherein the head of each of the guide pins has a diameter greater than the diameter of the apertures of the housing.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflector having a pair of arms extending laterally from opposite sides of the deflector.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a baffle configured to surround at least a portion of the deflector.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the body having a hexagonal portion coupled to the housing, wherein the housing is coupled to the hexagonal portion of the body such that each of the apertures of the legs of the housing have a footprint on the hexagonal portion adjacent opposite sides of the hexagonal portion.
At least one aspect of the present disclosure is a fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly configured to provide fire exposure protection for an area. The fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly includes a fluid supply line configured to provide fire exposure protection fluid to the fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly and a fire exposure protection sprinkler. The fire exposure protection sprinkler includes a body coupled to the fluid supply line and configured to receive the fire exposure protection fluid, a sealing assembly configured to unseal in response to a fire such that fire exposure protection fluid may flow from the fluid supply line to the fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly, a housing having a pair of legs each of the legs having an aperture, and a deflection assembly including a pair of guide pins rigidly coupled to a deflector, with each of the guide pins slidably coupled to the housing and disposed within each of the apertures of the legs, wherein the deflection assembly is configured to extend from the housing upon the deflector receiving a flow of the fire exposure protection fluid from the fluid supply line, wherein at least a portion of the deflection assembly is surrounded by a baffle.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the baffle having one or more vents configured to permit airflow therethrough.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflector having a first surface configured to receive the fire exposure protection fluid from the fluid supply line, and a back wall adjacent the first surface, with the first surface extending from a base of the back wall, wherein the back wall is configured to direct the fire exposure protection fluid to the area.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflection assembly configured to extend below the ceiling upon the first surface of the deflector receiving the flow of the fire exposure protection fluid.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflection assembly configured to extend below the ceiling upon the release of a cover plate configured to cover the recess.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes each of the guide pins having a substantially cylindrical geometry and the apertures of the housing having a geometry configured to accommodate and permit movement of the each of the guide pins.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes each of the guide pins having a head configured opposite the guide pins from the deflector, wherein the head of each of the guide pins has a diameter greater than the diameter of the apertures of the housing.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes the deflector comprises a pair of arms extending laterally from opposite sides of the deflector.
At least one aspect of the present disclosure is a fire exposure protection sprinkler including a body coupled to a fluid supply line and configured to receive fire exposure protection fluid, a sealing assembly configured to unseal in response to a fire such that fire exposure protection fluid may flow from the fluid supply line to the fire exposure protection sprinkler, a housing including a pair of legs, each of the legs having an aperture, a deflection assembly having a pair of guide pins rigidly coupled to a deflector, with each of the guide pins slidably coupled to the housing and disposed within each of the apertures of the legs, wherein the deflection assembly is configured to extend from the housing upon the deflector receiving a flow of the fire exposure protection fluid from the fluid supply line, and a baffle configured to surround at least a portion of the deflector and the deflection assembly.
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 sprinkler. The present disclosure refers to a concealed fire sprinkler configured to disperse water from a sprinkler over a desired area.
Referring generally to the figures, fire exposure 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, etc.), 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 exposure protection to a window and/or wall. In some aspects, the sprinklers may be configured to disperse water or fire exposure protection fluid over a specific area, for example a window and/or wall. In order to accomplish fire exposure protection for a given area (e.g., a window and/or wall), sprinklers can include components configured to direct and deflect fire exposure protection fluid accordingly. For example, if a sprinkler were configured to provide fire exposure protection for a window, then the sprinkler may include components configured to deflect fire exposure protection fluid 180° over the given window surface.
In some aspects, concealed sprinklers are configured to discharge and deflect a fluid over a desired area, which may include a window and/or wall. In the instance of a window, the implementation of one or more concealed sprinklers allows for use of a less expensive window with a lower fire rating, and can ultimately lower costs for construction as well as replacement or installation of windows. Various different concealed sprinklers may be configured to direct fluid in different directions through various means. Additionally, concealed sprinklers are often implemented in near proximity one another. In order for adjacent concealed sprinklers to function properly, it is critical that fluid only be deflected over the desired area (e.g., the desired window and/or wall) as errant fluid spray (also known as fluid impingement) may cause adjacent sprinklers to malfunction or not function. Accordingly, concealed sprinklers often implement components configured to deflect fluid spray to a desired area (e.g., window and/or wall) as well as components to contain any errant fluid spray and prevent fluid impingement on adjacent sprinklers.
Referring now to
In some aspects, the activation of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 may include a fire or other circumstances causing components within or adjacent the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 to initiate the activation process. For example, a fire within a given area may cause a cover to the recess housing the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 to be displaced, followed by one or more components of the concealed sprinkler assembly to deploy ad extend from the recess. The displacement of the cover of the recess may correspond to an increase in temperature within a given area (e.g., from a fire), or from a Subsequently, a fire may cause a sealing assembly to break or rupture (e.g., a link melting), thus initiating the flow of a fluid from a fluid supply line and to the concealed sprinkler assembly 100. Accordingly, the flow of the fluid may contact one or more components of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 deployed below the recess.
The concealed sprinkler assembly 100 is shown to include a body 110. The body 110 defines an opening 112 configured concentrically about the central axis 114. In some aspects, the opening 112 may be of a cylindrical geometry, and may extend into and/or through the body 110 along the central axis 114. The opening 112 of the body 110 may be configured to receive fluid from a fluid supply line, according to some aspects. The body 110 may also be configured to couple with a fluid supply line or other supply means such that fluid may reach the concealed sprinkler assembly 100. The body 110 may also have various geometries according to some aspects, with the various geometries configured such that the body, and subsequently the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 may be accommodated by various recesses. For example, the opening 112 of the body 110 may be configured in different sizes or geometries so as to accommodate various fire exposure protection fluid flow or coupling to various fluid supply lines depending on space constraints within a recess or other concealed space.
The body 110 is further shown to include a sealing assembly 130, as shown in
The body 110 is shown to be coupled to a housing 120, with an upper portion of the housing 120 coupled to a lower portion of the body 110 (the lower portion of the body 110 being opposite the body 110 from the portion that can be configured to couple with a fluid supply line or other components). The housing 120 is configured to have an opening 121 such that at least a portion of the body 110 may extend into and/or through the opening 121 of the housing 120. For example, in some aspects, a portion of the body 110 may include components of the sealing assembly 130, and as mentioned previously may be configured within the footprint of the body 110 (e.g., as the sealing assembly 130 is shown in
The housing 120 is shown to include a pair of legs 122 extending in a direction opposite that of the housing 120 that is engaged to couple with the body 110. As shown and described, the legs 122 are configured substantially opposite the housing 120 and the opening 121 from one another (e.g., 180° opposite the housing one another). However, in some aspects the legs 122 may be configured alternatively such that the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 may have a size and geometry compatible with a recess or other concealed space. Each of the legs 122 is shown to have a foot 124 (also referred to as feet 124) with one foot 124 arranged at the proximal end of each leg 122. The feet 124 are configured substantially perpendicular to the legs 122, with the feet 124 extending toward the central axis 114 of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 (e.g., the feet extend substantially toward the opposite leg 122 and foot 124). In some aspects, the feet 124 and the legs 122 from which the feet 124 extend may have alternate configurations and/or geometries. For example, the feet 124 may be configured such that fluid dispensed by the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 does not contact the legs 122 or the feet 124. Additionally, the legs 122 and the feet 124 may be sized and have geometries configured so as to accommodate and function cooperatively with additional components of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 as shown and subsequently described.
Each of the feet 124 are shown to include an aperture 123, with the aperture 123 configured in a substantially central portion of the feet 124. The apertures 123 of the feet 124 are shown to have a substantially circular geometry, but may also have alternative geometries in some examples. The apertures 123 are shown to retain guide pins 144, with each aperture 123 configured to retain one guide pin 144. The apertures 123 and guide pins 144 are sized such that linear movement of the guide pins 144 is permitted within the apertures 123, with the linear movement such that the guide pins 144 extend substantially straight as movement of the guide pins 144 occurs while retained by the apertures 123. As described previously, movement of the guide pins 144 within the apertures 123 may be driven by activation of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 (following the displacement of any cover of the recess) or due to gravity. Such activation of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 may include a mechanical release in which components are decoupled such that movement of the guide pins 144 is permitted within the apertures 123, followed by components of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 contacted by a flow of fire exposure protection fluid after decoupling of the sealing assembly 130. In some aspects, the length and thickness of the guide pins 144 may vary according to various aspects of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 and the recess in which the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 is disposed, such as longer guide pins 144 implemented for a deeper recess. Additionally, in some aspects the apertures 123 may have alternate geometries, for example elliptical, and may also be pitched to as to angle the guide pins 144 at an oblique angle to the central axis 114. The apertures 123 may also be sized so as to permit movement of the guide pins 144 within the apertures 123, for example to pitch the guide pins 144 so as to form an oblique angle with the central axis 114.
Each of the guide pins 144 can include a head (not shown), with the head having a size and geometry such that movement of the head through the apertures 123 is not mechanically permitted. Accordingly, each of the guide pins 144 is retained within the each of the apertures 123 thus preventing dissociation from the housing 120 of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100. In some aspects, the head of the guide pins 144 is configured such that the head has a greater diameter (or other geometry with a greater width that than of the apertures 123) than other portions of the guide pins 144 that of a size that movement thereof is permitted within the apertures 123. Accordingly, the head of each of the guide pins 144 can define the deployed position of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100, which includes the guide pins 144 extending from the apertures 123 as far as mechanically permitted. Although not shown, the deployed position is thus defined as the guide pins 144 positioned such that the head of each of the guide pins 144 contacts the feet 124 of the legs 122 of the housing 120 such that no further movement of the guide pins 144 in the direction opposite the body 110 is permitted. The guide pins 144 are coupled to a deflector 142 as shown in
The deflector 142 is coupled to each of the guide pins 144. As shown in
Upon activation of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100, the deflector 142 is configured to transition from the retracted state of the inactivated position (as shown in
In the deployed position, the deflector 142 is configured to extend from the recess in which the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 is configured. For example, if the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 is configured within a recess in a ceiling, the deployed position includes the deflector extending from the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 within the recess below the surface of the ceiling. Accordingly, upon activation of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 (e.g., following displacement of the cover of the recess), the sealing assembly 130 is configured to unseal (for example, decouple or rupture) such that the flow of fluid from the fluid supply line is permitted. The flow of the fluid is configured to proceed substantially along the central axis 114. For example, if the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 is configured vertically within a recess of a ceiling, the unsealing of the sealing assembly 130 would permit the flow of fluid in a substantially vertical direction moving from the body 110 (with the body 110 and/or the opening 112 thereof coupled to and/or otherwise accommodating the fluid supply line) toward the deflector 142 deployed below the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 and extending from the recess. The deflector 142 is configured to continuously receive the flow of fluid and disperse said fluid over a desired window and/or wall corresponding with the geometry of the deflector 142.
The flow of fluid along the central axis 114 is configured to contact the deflector 142, with the origin of the flow within the recess (e.g., the coupling point of the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 with the fluid supply line) and the flow proceeding along the central axis 114 from within the recess to beyond the recess, where the flow contacts the top surface of the deflector 142. The flow of the fluid, upon contact with the deflector 142, is dispersed so as to provide fire exposure protection for a desired window and/or wall. The dispersal of the fluid by the deflector 142 is dependent upon the pressure and velocity of the flow of the fluid as well as the geometry of the deflector 142. Generally, the deflector 142 is configured at an oblique angle (e.g., in some aspects, approximately 74° relative to the central axis 114 (and the direction of the flow of the fluid). Additionally, in some aspects the guide pins 144 may form an oblique angle with the central axis 114. For example, the flow of fluid contacting the deflector 142 may manipulate the deflector (and accordingly the guide pins) such that the guide pins for the oblique angle with the central axis 114. Additionally, in some aspects the guide pins 144 and/or the deflector 142 may have a geometry or other structure (e.g., a weighted portion) configured to manipulate the guide pins 144 such that an oblique angle is formed with the central axis 114. The geometry of the deflector 142 determines the dispersal of the fluid for a given window and/or wall. For example, in some aspects the deflector 142 may be configured to deflect and ultimately disperse the fluid to a window and/or wall. In such an example, the window and/or wall is not within the footprint of the recess accommodating the concealed sprinkler assembly 100, and thus direct flow of fluid from the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 within the recess would not be dispersed to the window and/or wall without deflection via the deflector 142.
The deflector 142 may have various geometries in order to provide fire exposure protection (via dispersal of fire exposure protection fluid) to different windows and/or walls. For example, the deflector may include one or more surfaces that are substantially flat and form approximately 90° angles with various surfaces and/or walls of the deflector 142. Such angles may be configured to prevent fluid from being dispersed in various directions, with the dispersal of the fluid contained across a smaller area. Conversely, in some aspects the deflector 142 is not substantially flat as that of the deflector 142 of
The body 110 is shown to have a hexagonal portion 131, with the hexagonal portion 131 of the body 110 contacting the housing 120 in the coupling between the housing 120 and the body 110. As shown in
As shown in
For example, in some aspects a specific tool may be implements in order to install the concealed sprinkler assembly 100 within a recess of a given wall or ceiling. In some aspects, the hexagonal geometry of the hexagonal portion 131 of the body 110 may be configured to interface with a corresponding geometry of one or more installation tools. Various configurations of the housing 120 about the hexagonal portion 131 of the body 110 may be necessary in order to ensure proper interfacing between and tools or instruments and the concealed sprinkler assembly 100. In order to complete necessary installation steps, a tool may be required to manipulate the concealed sprinkler assembly 100. Such a tool may require a specific interface with the concealed sprinkler assembly 100, for example two corners of the hexagonal portion 131 of the body 110. As shown in the example of
The arrangement of the housing 120 relative to the hexagonal portion 131 of the body 110 as shown in
Implementation of various processes, procedures, and methods to control the orientation of the housing 120 and the legs 122 relative to the body 110 and the hexagonal portion 131 thereof may include various strategies. For example, similar to shown in the example of
Referring now to
The concealed sprinkler assembly 500 includes a body 510, which may be similar to the body 110 as shown and described previously. The body 510 may be configured to couple with a fluid supply line such that a fluid may be provided to the concealed sprinkler assembly 500 and ultimately dispersed over an area to provide fire exposure protection. The body 510 may have a cylindrical central portion centered on the vertical axis 512, with said cylindrical portion configured to provide fluid communication between an interface of the body 510 with a fluid supply line and other components of the concealed sprinkler assembly 500. Additionally, the body 510 includes a hexagonal portion 531, with the hexagonal portion arranged on a lower portion of the body 510 (e.g., a portion of the body 510 opposite the interface between the body 510 and a fluid supply line). The hexagonal portion 531 may be configured the same as and/or similarly to the hexagonal portion 131 of the body 110 as shown in
The body 510 is coupled to a housing 520, with the housing 520 coupled to a lower portion of the body 510 adjacent the hexagonal portion 531. In some aspects, a portion of the body 510 may be configured to be received by a central portion of the housing 520, for example one or more components of a sealing assembly such as the sealing assembly 130 as shown as described in
The housing 520 is shown to include a pair of legs 522 extending from an upper portion of the housing 520 (e.g., the portion of the body coupled to the body 510), with each of the legs 522 having a foot 524 on a distal end thereof. The legs 522 are configured substantially opposite the housing 520 from one another (e.g., 180° opposite the cylindrical geometry of the housing 520), with the feet 524 extending toward the vertical axis 512. The feet 524 each include an aperture configured in a central portion of each foot 524 (not shown), with the apertures of the feet 524 configured the same as or similar to the apertures 123 as shown and described previously with reference to
Similar to the concealed sprinkler assembly of
In activating the concealed sprinkler assembly 500, a cover of the recess housing the concealed sprinkler assembly 500 is displaced and the deflector 542 and the guide pins 544 deploy to extend from the recess below the concealed sprinkler assembly 500. Upon decoupling of a sealing assembly (e.g., solder or a heat link melting as a result of heat from a fire), a fluid is permitted to flow and subsequently contact the deflector 542 while the deflector 542 is in the deployed position (e.g., extending below the housing 520) and is dispersed and deflected. The dispersal pattern of the fluid from the deflector 542 is influenced by the geometry of the deflector 542, which includes a back wall 541 as well as a top surface 540. In some aspects, the deflector 542 may include additional components or modifications to the geometry of the top surface 540 and/or back wall 541. For example, the deflector 542 may include one or more downward angled portions and/or bends configured to direct the flow of fluid in a desired direction. Accordingly, the guide pins 544 move within the apertures 523 to facilitate the movement of the deflector 542. The deployed position is reached when a proximal portion of the guide pins 544 (not shown) contacts the feet 524, with said proximal portion of the guide pins 544 having a circumference greater than that of the apertures 523. The proximal portion of the guide pins 544 contacts the feet 524 and defines the range of motion of the guide pins 544 and the deflector 542 in the deployed position.
Once the deflector 542 reaches the deployed position as shown in
As shown in
Referring now to
The concealed sprinkler assembly 700 is shown to include an enclosure 761. The enclosure 761 is shown to include a threaded portion on an exterior surface thereof, and in some aspects may be implemented in the installation of the concealed sprinkler assembly 700 within a recess. Additionally, the enclosure 761 is shown to enclose at least a portion of the body 710 and the housing 712, as shown in
The housing 712 may include one or more components the same as and/or similar to the housing of the concealed sprinkler assemblies as shown and described previously. For example, the housing 712 may include legs, feet, and apertures disposed within the feet to accommodate the guide pins 744. Additionally, the guide pins 744 may include a proximal portion having a geometry with a circumference greater than that of the apertures, as well as a head disposed on a distal end of the guide pins 744 similarly having a geometry with a circumference greater than that of any apertures disposed within the deflector 742. The guide pins 744 are shown to be coupled to the deflector 742, and may be loosely (e.g., the deflector may be moved along the guide pins 744) or rigidly (fixed at a distal portion of the guide pins 744) coupled thereto. The deflector 742 is shown to include a pair of arms 743 extending from a back wall 741. The arms 743 may be configured to provide a dispersal pattern such that fluid contacts the deflector 742 and is dispersed over a desired window and/or wall. In some aspects, the deflector 742, the back wall 741, and the arms 743 may have alternate geometries configured to disperse fluid over various windows and/or walls after said fluid contacts the deflector. The deflector 742 may also be configured as shown and described with respect to the concealed sprinkler assembly 500 and the concealed sprinkler assembly 100, according to some aspects.
In some aspects, concealed sprinklers configured to provide fire exposure protection for a window and/or wall such as the concealed sprinkler assembly 700 require a baffle if spaced within six feet of other sprinklers (e.g., concealed sprinklers). Concealed sprinklers such as those shown and described previously may direct the flow of a fluid near other concealed sprinklers if implemented without a baffle, and may accordingly prevent other concealed sprinklers in near proximity from activating. Accordingly, it is critical that fluid directed by concealed sprinklers only reach the desired window and/or wall so as to ensure concealed sprinklers in near proximity activate under proper circumstances and any such circumstances are not incorrectly influenced by other concealed sprinklers. Such baffles typically extend from the window and/or wall to a rear portion of the deflector (e.g., the back wall 741 of the deflector 742). Additionally, such baffles also extend from an upper portion of the window and/or wall for which fire exposure protection is provided to a lower portion thereof, and commonly obstruct view of said window and/or wall. The concealed sprinkler assembly 700 is shown to include a baffle 762. The baffle 762 is configured to eliminate the need for such baffles required for concealed sprinklers as described previously without obstructing any view of the window and/or wall for which fire exposure protection is provided.
The baffle 762 may comprise plastic, metal or other rigid materials, according to some aspects. The baffle 762 is shown to have a substantially cylindrical geometry, and is further shown to receive at least a portion of the housing 712 (e.g., the legs of the housing 712), as well as the guide pins 744 and the deflector 742. Additionally, with regard to the obstruction of views common to traditional baffles of concealed sprinklers such as the concealed sprinkler assembly 700, the baffle 762 does not contact the window and/or wall for which fire exposure protection is provided, nor does the baffle 762 obstruct views of the window and/or wall. The baffle 762 is shown to be coupled to other components of the concealed sprinkler assembly 700, which may include the body 710, the housing 712, and the enclosure 761. Additionally, the baffle 762 is configured to at least partially surround the deflector 742 and the guide pins 744 when the concealed sprinkler assembly 700 is in the deployed position, as shown in
The baffle 762 is configured to prevent fluid supplied by a fluid supply line and contacting the deflector 742 in the extended position form spraying out parallel to the window and/or wall for which fire exposure protection is provided. Additionally, the baffle 762 is configured to prevent said fluid from spraying onto adjacent sprinklers (some or all of which may be concealed sprinklers), as errant fluid spray may cause solder failures and may ultimately prevent components from adjacent sprinklers from functioning properly. For example, if an adjacent sprinkler were the same as or similar to that of the concealed sprinkler assemblies shown and described previously, the sealing assembly (e.g., sealing assembly 130) may include solder configured to melt when said solder reaches a specific temperature. The melting of the solder may permit flow of a fluid from a fluid supply line to a deflector (e.g., deflector 742) with the fluid then dispersed to provide fire exposure protection for a desired window and/or wall. However, errant fluid spray from the concealed sprinkler assembly 700 (e.g., water impingement) may prevent the solder of the adjacent sprinkler from reaching a melting point, and thus prevent the adjacent sprinkler from activating and providing necessary fire exposure protection by dispersing fluid over the desired window and/or wall.
As utilized herein, 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.
It should be noted that 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 fitting 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.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/591,090, filed Oct. 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210101161 A1 | Apr 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16591090 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 17097398 | US |
