Patent Application
20210146178
The present invention relates generally to fire protection devices and, more specifically, to sprinkler assemblies and the arrangement and operation of their components.
Sprinklers employing drop down deflector assemblies are well-known. U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,353,356; 5,664,630 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20100263883 show a water distributing deflector member coupled to a sprinkler frame body in which the deflector translates relative to the sprinkler frame from an unactuated position to an actuated position. In the actuated state of the sprinkler, water is discharged from the sprinkler frame outlet and impacts the deflector member. In these known sprinklers, a pair of guide pins is attached or affixed to the deflector member. The pins are disposed within through holes or bores formed in the sprinkler frame body or other structure mounted about the sprinkler frame body which supports the deflector under the load of the discharging water to provide the desired water distribution to address a fire. The through holes are positioned and dimensioned about the sprinkler frame body to allow the guide pins to slide and provide the desired deflector translation. Accordingly, known drop down deflector assemblies involve multiple interconnected components including the separate guide pins. It would be desirable to provide a more simplified assembly that eliminates the use of guide pins.
Preferred embodiments of a sprinkler assembly provide for a pendent sprinkler assembly that includes a sprinkler frame, preferably formed from a plastic material, having an outlet for the discharge of a fire fighting fluid, such as water. The sprinkler assembly includes a deflector assembly that translates with respect to the sprinkler frame upon actuation of the sprinkler from an unactuated state. The sprinkler frame includes a support member having an annular member spaced from the outlet to limit or control the axial translation of the deflector assembly relative to the outlet. Moreover, the annular member includes a region to support a closure assembly and a thermally responsive trigger assembly under a fluid static load.
One preferred embodiment includes a sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler frame body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface defines an internal passageway extending from an inlet formed in the proximal portion to an outlet formed in the distal portion to define a longitudinal sprinkler axis of the sprinkler assembly. A support member is preferably formed about the distal portion of the body for supporting a deflector assembly. The support member preferably includes a ring and a pair of stanchions disposed about the outlet. Each of the stanchions has a proximal end and a distal end with a lateral surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lateral surface preferably defines an axial channel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the stanchions are preferably formed about the distal portion of the body and the distal end of the stanchions are preferably formed with the ring so as to space the ring distally from the outlet with the ring circumscribing and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The ring has a proximal surface and a distal surface preferably with a pair of closed-form apertures with each aperture extending from the distal surface to the proximal surface and in communication with the channel.
A deflector assembly is preferably engaged with the support member for translation from a first location relative to the outlet in an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly to a second location relative to the outlet in an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly. The deflector assembly includes a deflector member and a pair of elongate members extending from the deflector member. Each elongate member is disposed in one of the axial channels and includes a projection member that engages the proximal surface of the ring in the second location of the deflector assembly. The proximal surface of the ring preferably includes a pair of engagement surfaces disposed about the longitudinal axis for engaging the projection members of the deflector assembly. The engagement surface preferably extends proximally into one of the channels from the proximal surface of the annular member and oblique to the lateral surface of the stanchion.
Another preferred embodiment of the sprinkler assembly includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface defines an internal passageway extending from an inlet formed in the proximal portion to an outlet formed in the distal portion to define a longitudinal sprinkler axis of the sprinkler assembly. A pair of stanchions are disposed about the body defining a pair of spaced apart lateral channels. An annular member is spaced distally from the outlet by the stanchion and has a proximal surface, a distal surface and a peripheral surface extending between the proximal and distal surfaces. The peripheral surface preferably circumscribes the pair of lateral channels. A deflector assembly including a deflector member is disposed distally of the annular member for translation relative to the outlet of the body. The deflector assembly preferably engages the distal surface of the annular member to define a first location of the deflector assembly in an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly. The deflector assembly engaging the proximal surface of the annular member in an actuated state.
Another preferred embodiment of a sprinkler assembly includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface preferably defines an internal passageway extending from an inlet formed in the proximal portion to an outlet formed in the distal portion to define a longitudinal sprinkler axis of the sprinkler assembly. A closure assembly and a thermally responsive trigger maintains the closure assembly in the outlet in the unactuated state of the sprinkler. A preferred support member is formed about the distal portion of the body for supporting a deflector assembly. The support member preferably includes an annular member spaced distally from the outlet and defining a central axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The annular member has a proximal surface including a first portion and a second portion diametrically opposed about the central axis, the first and second portions extending radially toward the central axis. A bridge has a first end engaged with the first portion and a second end engaged with the second portion of the proximal surface of the annular member to support the closure assembly and the thermally responsive trigger aligned along the longitudinal axis.
Another preferred embodiment of a sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler assembly that includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface defines an internal passageway extending from an inlet formed in the proximal portion to an outlet formed in the distal portion to define a longitudinal sprinkler axis of the sprinkler assembly. A pair of stanchions are preferably disposed about the body and define a pair of spaced apart lateral channels. A deflector assembly is provided for translation from a first location relative to the outlet in an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly to a second location relative to the outlet in an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly with the second location being distal of the first location. The deflector assembly includes a deflector member and a pair of elongate members extending from the deflector member. Each elongate member is preferably disposed in one of the axial channels and includes a projection member. A support surface is preferably spaced distally from the outlet by the stanchions and disposed about the pair of lateral channels. The support surface includes a pair of engagement surfaces for engaging the projection members of the deflector assembly in its second location. Each engagement surface extends proximally into one of the channels from the proximal surface of the annular member and oblique to the lateral surface of the stanchion.
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 exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Shown in
The preferred sprinkler frame 12 includes a body 11 having internal and external surfaces which individually or together define the proximal portion 14, the distal portion 16 and the internal passageway 18 to further define the longitudinal axis A-A of the sprinkler assembly 10. The sprinkler frame 12 is preferably formed from a plastic body. The sprinkler frame is preferably formed from a plastic material, such as for example, Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) material, more specifically CPVC material per ASTM F442 and substantially similar to the material used to manufacture the BLAZEMASTER® CPVC sprinkler pipe and fittings as shown and described in the technical data sheet, TFP1915: “Blazemaster CPVC Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings Submittal Sheet” (June 2008).
In order to couple the sprinkler assembly 10 to an end of a pipe or pipe fitting of a fluid supply line in the piping network, the proximal portion 14 can include an external thread, such as for example, nominally sized tapered National Pipe Thread (NPT). The external thread preferably ranges in nominal sizes: ½ inch to 1 inch NPT. Alternatively, in one preferred configuration and installation of the sprinkler assembly, the proximal portion 14 can include an external coarse pipe thread for engagement with a corresponding internal threaded pipe fitting such as for example a plastic pipe fitting or component as shown and described in PCT Application Publication No. WO 2013/010098 of PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/046717, filed 13 Jul. 2012. Preferably, the external thread is a straight pipe thread such as, for example, American Standard straight pipe thread (NPS) or a cylindrical thread such as, for example, Whitworth-pipe thread, DIN/ISO 228.
The distal portion 16 of the sprinkler body 11 preferably includes and is more preferably formed with a support member 20. The support member is preferably configured to engage and support the deflector assembly 100 in order to: (i) support the trigger assembly 60 and seal assembly 70 in an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10; and (ii) permit, control and or limit the deflector assembly 100 to translate from a first location at a first distance relative to the outlet 18b in an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly to a second location at a second distance relative to the outlet 18b and distal of the first location in an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10. The support member 20 is preferably integrally formed at the distal end portion 16a of the sprinkler frame 12, although the support member may be formed axially anywhere along the sprinkler frame 12 provided it can support and affix the deflector assembly 40 as described herein.
The support member 20 is preferably continuously formed about the sprinkler frame to surround and more preferably circumscribe the sprinkler axis A-A. With reference to
Each of the stanchions 22a, 22b has a proximal end and a distal end with a lateral surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lateral surface defines an axial channel 24 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. More preferably, the lateral surface of the stanchions preferably includes three adjacent and orthogonally oriented surfaces to define a preferably three-sided open channel 24. The proximal ends of the stanchions 22a, 22b are preferably formed about the distal portion of the body. Preferably formed about the distal end of the stanchions is an annular member or ring 40 defining a central axis. Accordingly, the stanchions 22 preferably space the annular member 40 distally from the outlet with the annular member circumscribing and disposed preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A-A.
The annular member 40 includes a proximal surface 42 and a distal surface 44 with a peripheral surface 46 and an internal surface 47 extending between the proximal and distal surfaces 42, 44. In one embodiment of the sprinkler assembly 10, a plurality of projection members 48 can be formed about the peripheral surface 46 for supporting a preferably outer metallic jacket described in greater detail below. As seen in
A preferred deflector assembly 100 includes a deflector member 102 with a pair of extension members 104a, 104b disposed about and extending orthogonally to the deflector member 102. Referring to
Each of the extension members 104a, 104b are preferably formed with a flexible projection member 106 located preferably proximal of the deflector member 102. In one preferred embodiment, the projection member 106 is a tab cut from the extension members 104a, 104b and bent to extend from the extension members and form an included angle therebetween. The flexible projections members 106 of the extension members 104a, 104b are preferably resilient to permit axial insertion into the apertures 50 and the channel 24 of the stanchions 22a, 22b. Once located proximal of the aperture 50, the flexible projection 106 preferably extends laterally to form the included angle with the axially extending extension member 104a, 104b. With the preferred orientation of the closed-form apertures 50 in communication with the lateral channels 24 of the stanchions 22a, 22b, the apertures 50 locate the extension members 104a, 104b within the lateral channels 24.
In one preferred aspect, the deflector assembly 100 engages the support member 20 for translation from a first location relative to the outlet 18b in an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10 to a second location relative to the outlet in an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10, the second location being distal of the first location. Preferably, the annular member 40 limits or controls the axial translation of the deflector assembly 100. Specifically, the distal surface 44 limits or defines the first location of the deflector assembly in the unactuated sprinkler by defining the minimum distance between the deflector member 102 and the outlet 18b when the deflector member 102 is supported in the proximal direction so as to abut or contact the distal surface 44 of the annular member 40. The deflector assembly 100 can be supported in the unactuated position by a thermally sensitive cover plate assembly, such as for example as shown in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0126950. More preferably, the deflector assembly 100 is supported in the first unactuated location by a preferred cover plate assembly 300 described in greater detail below. Upon thermal activation of the sprinkler, the cover plate assembly 300 disengages, thereby removing support for the deflector assembly. Under the force of gravity and/or the water discharge from the outlet 18b, the deflector assembly 100 and its deflector member 102 axially and distally translate to its second position relative to the outlet 18b.
In the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10, the deflector assembly 100 is permitted to drop down or translate in the distal direction. In the preferred embodiment, the extension members 104a, 104b translate within the lateral channels 24 and the preferred projection member 106 of the extension members engages the proximal surface 42 of the annular member which acts as a stop or limit to locate the deflector member 102 and the deflector assembly 100 in its second most distal location relative to the sprinkler outlet 18b and the first location. Accordingly, the axial spacing of the projection member 106 and the deflector member 102 can define the amount of the translation of the deflector assembly 100.
The proximal surface 42 of the annular member 40 includes a surface for engagement with the projection members 106 of the deflector assembly. Preferably, the proximal surface defines a pair of engagement surfaces 52 disposed about the longitudinal axis for engaging the projection members 106 of the deflector assembly. Each of the engagement surfaces 52 are preferably disposed laterally of the aperture 50 along the proximal surface 42. Moreover, the engagement surfaces 52 extend proximally into the adjacent channels 24 from the proximal surface 42 of the annular member and oblique to the lateral surface of the stanchions 22a, 22b defining the channels 24. The angle of the engagement surfaces 52 limits the translation of the deflector assembly 100 by facilitating surface engagement with the projection member 106 of the extension members and provides a wedge engagement between the projection member 106 and the extension members 104a, 104b as seen, for example, in
Referring to
Preferably, the annular member 40, as seen in
To further strengthen the support member 20 in each of the actuated and unactuated states of the sprinkler assembly, a preferably metallic annular jacket 90, as seen in
Referring again to
Referring to
Provided the deflector member can be coupled to the sprinkler frame 12 in a manner and operation shown and described herein, the deflector member 102 and/or its deflecting projection member 103 may be defined by a known deflector geometry which satisfies one or more known industry performance standards. For example, residential automatic fire protection sprinklers are typically designed to specific performance criteria or standards that have been accepted by the industry. The performance criteria establishes the minimum performance standards for a given sprinkler to be considered sufficient for use as a residential fire protection product. For example, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) “Standard for Safety for Residential Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service” (March 2008) (Rev. April 2012) (hereinafter “UL 1626”) is an accepted industry standard. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also promulgates standards relating to residential fire protection such as, for example, NFPA Standard 13 (2013) (hereinafter “NFPA 13”). In order for a residential sprinkler to be approved for installation under NFPA Standards, such a sprinkler typically must pass various tests, for example, tests promulgated by UL under UL 1626, in order to be listed for use as a residential sprinkler. Specifically, UL 1626 generally requires a sprinkler to deliver a minimum flow rate (gallons per minute or “gpm”) for a specified coverage area (square feet or “ft2”) so as to provide for a desired average density of at least 0.05 gpm/ft2. In one particular embodiment, the deflector member 102 may be configured as a known residential deflector. Exemplary deflectors are shown and described in: U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,074,725; 7,201,234; 8,151,897; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20090126950 and 20100263883.
Referring again to the illustrative cross-sectional view of the sprinkler assembly 10 in
The fluid passage 18, inlet 18a and outlet 18b preferably define a sprinkler constant or K-factor which approximates the flow rate to be expected from an outlet of a sprinkler based on the square root of the pressure of fluid fed into the inlet of the sprinkler. As used herein and in the sprinkler industry, the K-factor is a measurement used to indicate the flow capacity of a sprinkler. More specifically, the K-factor is a constant representing a sprinkler's discharge coefficient that is quantified by the flow of fluid in gallons per minute (GPM) through the sprinkler passageway divided by the square root of the pressure of the flow of fluid fed to the sprinkler in pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG). The K-factor is expressed as GPM/(PSI)1/2. Industry accepted standards such as, for example, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard entitled, “NFPA 13: Standards for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” (2010 ed.) (“NFPA 13”), provide for a rated or nominal K-factor or rated discharge coefficient of a sprinkler as a mean value over a K-factor range. As used herein, “nominal” describes a numerical value, designated under an accepted standard, about which a measured parameter may vary as defined by an accepted tolerance ranging, i.e., plus or minus 5%. Exemplary industry accepted nominal K-factors (with the K-factor range shown in parenthesis) include the following: (i) 1.4 (1.3-1.5) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (ii) 1.9 (1.8-2.0) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (iii) 2.8 (2.6-2.9) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (iv) 4.2 (4.0-4.4) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (v) 5.6 (5.3-5.8) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (vi) 8.0 (7.4-8.2) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (vi) 8.0 (7.4-8.2) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (vii) 11.2 (10.7-11.7) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (viii) 14.0 (13.5-14.5) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (ix) 16.8 (16.0-17.6) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (x) 19.6 (18.6-20.6) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (xi) 22.4 (21.3-23.5) GPM/(PSI)1/2; (xii) 25.2 (23.9-26.5) GPM/(PSI)1/2; and (xiii) 28.0 (26.6-29.4) GPM/(PSI)1/2. The sprinkler frame and its internal passage 18 and outlet 18b can be configured to define a K-factor preferably ranging from a nominal 4.2 to a nominal 5.6 GPM/(PSI)1/2, although other K-factors outside the preferred range can be possible.
While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/117,732, filed Aug. 30, 2018, titled “CPVC SPRINKLER ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORT MEMBER,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/774,618, filed Sep. 10, 2015, titled “CPVC SPRINKLER ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORT MEMBER,” which is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 application of International Application No. PCT/US2014/025034 filed Mar. 12, 2014, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/780,840, filed Mar. 13, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61780840 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16117732 | Aug 2018 | US |
| Child | 17161372 | US | |
| Parent | 14774618 | Sep 2015 | US |
| Child | 16117732 | US |
