This disclosure relates to dry sprinklers that are used in fire protection systems in buildings and other structures, and more particularly to dry sprinklers having a flexible conduit that extends between a sprinkler head and a sprinkler valve. The dry sprinkler can be connected to a branch fluid supply line that distributes fire suppression fluid, such as water.
Dry sprinklers are used in fire protection systems to extinguish or suppress fires. Dry sprinklers can be connected to a fluid distribution system that is installed in buildings or other structures. The fluid distribution system is connected to a fluid supply, specifically water or another fire suppression fluid. Dry sprinklers usually include a sprinkler head and a rigid, inflexible conduit connecting the sprinkler head to a connector fitting on a branch fluid supply line. The conduit includes a valve that is positioned at the connector fitting end, and the valve remains closed under normal conditions so that no fluid enters the sprinkler conduit until the sprinkler is actuated to release the fire suppression fluid. Dry sprinklers have sprinkler heads that are equipped with a thermally responsive component that is designed to be activated in the event of fire.
The thermally responsive component of the fire sprinkler head rapidly triggers the valve to open and release fluid through the sprinkler to extinguish the fire. As the triggering mechanism, dry sprinklers usually employ a rigid, inflexible link member that is positioned between the valve and the fire sprinkler head and is pressed against the fire sprinkler head by the force of fluid that is incident on the valve. When the thermally responsive element reacts in response to a fire, the link member is pushed out of the way of the valve by the fluid pressure or gravity, which causes the valve to open.
Dry sprinklers can be particularly useful in unconditioned (e.g., unheated) spaces such as attics, balconies, breezeways, and walkways, because the conduit of a dry sprinkler contains no fluid under normal conditions and there is therefore less risk of freeze breakages or other damage. Accordingly, in contrast to wet sprinkler systems, there is no need to take countermeasures to prevent freezing of the fluid in the sprinkler. For similar reasons, dry sprinklers are useful in spaces that are maintained under refrigerated (including freezing) conditions.
Installation of dry sprinklers can be difficult. During installation of the sprinkler system, the fluid distribution system is usually first installed, including the network of pipes with the branch fluid supply lines. Once the branch lines are installed, the installer determines the lengths of the dry sprinkler that is needed based on the distance from the desired sprinkler head location to the connector fitting on the branch line. The dry sprinklers are ordered at the specific length and configuration determined by the installer, and the dry sprinklers are then made-to-order and shipped to the installer, which can cause delays in construction of up to two weeks or more. Such delays are undesirable and can greatly increase construction expense. Alternatively, the system designer and/or specifications may mandate the sprinkler lengths. However, even in those circumstances, adjustments may have to be made in the field, which may cause undesired delays.
Also, once the branch line piping has been installed, it is difficult to move the location of the sprinkler head. Likewise, in some cases, the location of the sprinkler head will be limited by the construction based on where the branch line pipe can be installed.
According to one aspect, a dry sprinkler is provided that includes a fluid conduit that is configured to couple to a fluid supply, a valve that is positioned proximate to a first end of the conduit, the valve having a closed state that prevents fluid from the fluid supply from flowing through the conduit and an open state that allows fluid from the fluid supply to flow through the conduit, a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition, and an unbiased tie positioned within the conduit that is operably coupled to the valve, where the unbiased tie has at least an unengaged state and an engaged state. The unbiased tie is not biased towards the sprinkler head in the unengaged state, the reaction of the thermally responsive element to the elevated temperature condition causes the tie to change from the unengaged state to the engaged state, and changing the tie to the engaged state from the unengaged state allows the valve to change from the closed state to the open state.
According to another aspect, a dry sprinkler is provided that includes a flexible conduit that is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply, a valve positioned proximate to a first end of the conduit, the valve having a sealing member that is urged to a closed position in which fluid from the fluid supply is prevented from flowing through the conduit, the sealing member being movable to an open position in which fluid from the fluid supply flows through the conduit, a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that is configured to react to an elevated temperature condition, an unbiased tie positioned within the flexible conduit and being present in the flexible conduit in a state such that the unbiased tie is not biased toward the fire sprinkler head, a first portion of the unbiased tie being operably coupled to the sealing member to urge it to the open position when the unbiased tie is engaged, an engagement action connected to the second portion of the unbiased tie, the engagement action being operably coupled to the thermally responsive element so that when the thermally responsive element reacts to the elevated temperature condition, the engagement action is triggered to apply tension to the unbiased tie thereby causing the tie to move the sealing member to the open position.
According to another aspect, a dry sprinkler is provided that includes a flexible conduit that is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply line, a valve positioned proximate to a first end of the conduit, the valve having a closed state in which fluid from the fluid supply is prevented from flowing through the conduit and an open state in which fluid from the fluid supply is allowed to flow through the conduit, an unbiased tie having a first portion that is operably coupled to the valve to open the valve when the unbiased tie is engaged, the unbiased tie being present in a state such that the tie is not biased toward the second end of the conduit, a sheath member that is located within the conduit and surrounds the unbiased tie over most of the length of the unbiased tie, and a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition. The unbiased tie is operably connected to the thermally responsive element so that the reaction of the thermally responsive element to the elevated temperature condition causes the tie to be engaged.
According to another aspect, a dry sprinkler is provided that includes a flexible conduit, a valve located proximate to a first end of the flexible conduit, a fire sprinkler head located proximate to a second end of the flexible conduit, an unbiased tie located within the flexible conduit and being present in a state such that the unbiased tie is not biased toward the fire sprinkler head, a first portion of the unbiased tie being operably coupled to the valve such that tensioning the tie allows the valve to move to an open position, and tensioning means for applying tension to the unbiased tie.
According to another aspect, a fire protection sprinkler system is provided that includes a network of pipes connected to a fluid supply, a control valve in fluid communication with the network of pipes and the fluid supply, the control valve configured to control the flow of fluid between the fluid supply and the network of pipes, at least one dry sprinkler fluidly connected to the network of pipes, the dry sprinkler including a conduit, a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to the fluid outlet of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition, a sprinkler valve positioned proximate the fluid inlet and having a closed state preventing flow of fluid through the conduit, and an open state allowing flow of fluid through the conduit, an unbiased tie positioned within the conduit and being present in the conduit in a state such that the unbiased tie is not biased toward the fire sprinkler head, a first portion of the unbiased tie being operably coupled to the sprinkler valve such that engaging the unbiased tie allows the valve to move to the open state, and an engagement action that is coupled to a second portion of the unbiased tie, and reaction of the thermally responsive element to the elevated temperature condition causes the engagement action to apply tension to the unbiased tie.
According to another aspect, a dry sprinkler is provided that includes a flexible conduit that is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply line, a valve positioned proximate to a first end of the conduit, the valve having a closed state in which fluid from the fluid supply is prevented from flowing through the conduit and an open state in which fluid from the fluid supply is allowed to flow through the conduit, an unbiased tie having a first portion that is operably coupled to the valve such that engaging the unbiased tie allows the valve to open, the unbiased tie being present in a state such that the tie is not biased toward the second end of the conduit, and a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition. The unbiased tie is operably connected to the thermally responsive element so that the reaction of the thermally responsive element to the elevated temperature condition causes the tie to be engaged.
According to another aspect, a dry sprinkler is provided that includes a flexible conduit that is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply, a valve positioned proximate to a first end of the conduit, the valve having a closed state in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the conduit and an open state in which fluid is allowed to flow through the conduit, an uncompressed tie having a first portion that is operably coupled to the valve such that engaging the uncompressed tie allows the valve to open, the uncompressed tie being present in a state such that it is not under compressive force, and a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition, wherein the uncompressed tie is operably connected to the thermally responsive element.
According to another aspect, a dry sprinkler is provided that includes a flexible conduit that is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply, a valve positioned proximate to a first end of the conduit, the valve having a closed state in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the conduit and an open state in which fluid is allowed to flow through the conduit, a substantially non-rigid tie having a first portion that is operably coupled to the valve such that engaging the non-rigid tie allows the valve to open, and a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition, wherein the non-rigid tie is operably connected to the thermally responsive element.
According to yet another aspect, a method of triggering a dry sprinkler in the event of a fire is provided, where the dry sprinkler includes (i) a conduit that is coupled to the fluid supply, (ii) a valve that is positioned proximate to a first end of the conduit and is urged to a closed state to prevent fluid from the fluid supply from flowing through the conduit, (iii) a fire sprinkler head that is positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit and includes a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition, and (iv) a nontensioned tie that is operably coupled to the valve such that engaging the nontensioned tie allows the valve to open, and the method includes the steps of engaging the tie upon reaction of the thermally responsive element to the elevated temperature condition and applying tension to the tie at least until the valve opens and allows fluid from the fluid supply to flow through the conduit.
According to still another aspect, a method of installing a flexible dry sprinkler on a branch fluid line is provided. The method includes (i) providing a flexible dry sprinkler, which includes a flexible conduit, a valve disposed proximate to the inlet end of the flexible conduit, the valve having a closed state that prevents flow of fluid from the fluid supply through the conduit and an open state that allows flow of fluid from the fluid supply through the conduit, a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to the outlet end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition, and a tie positioned within the flexible conduit, the tie having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being operably connected to the valve to urge the valve to an open position when the tie is engaged, and the second portion being operably connected to the thermally responsive element to engage the tie when the thermally responsive element reacts to an elevated temperature condition, (ii) connecting the flexible dry sprinkler to the branch fluid line, (iii) bending the flexible conduit to locate the fire sprinkler head, and (iv) securing the flexible dry sprinkler in a fixed position with a bracket. The flexible dry sprinkler is installed on the branch line and secured with the bracket without engaging the tie and without opening the valve.
Exemplary embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
The dry sprinklers provided by this disclosure can be used in connection with fire protection sprinkler systems that are installed in buildings or on other structures.
The fluid supply line 14 connects to a control valve 16 that controls fluid supply to a network of pipes 18. The control valve 16 is in fluid communication with a main fluid supply line 17 that supplies fire suppression fluid to a plurality of branch lines 19 that extend from the main line 17. Each of the branch lines 19 supplies the fire suppression fluid to a plurality of dry sprinklers 15. In the event of a fire (or other similar elevated temperature event), the dry sprinklers 15 are configured to distribute the fire suppression fluid within the structure 12 to extinguish or suppress the fire.
Although
The connection of the dry sprinkler 250 to the branch line 272 forms a connection axis Y in the center of the branch line connector 275 along the length of the conduit 210 in its unbent shape (see e.g.,
The dry sprinkler 250 can include a valve (not illustrated in
A fire sprinkler head 240 is coupled to the second end portion 235 of the dry sprinkler 250. The fire sprinkler head is configured to react to the elevated temperature condition in the event of fire to trigger the valve to open. The fire sprinkler head 240 can be coupled to the conduit in any suitable way, for example, by connecting a threaded end of the sprinkler head to a threaded end of the conduit or by mechanically coupling the sprinkler head into the second end of the conduit.
The dry sprinkler 250 includes a tie 220 that is positioned within the conduit 210 in this embodiment. The tie 220 generally extends from the first end portion 225 of the conduit to the second end portion 235 of the conduit and operably connects to the valve to open the valve after the fire sprinkler head reacts to the elevated temperature condition.
The tie 220 has an unengaged state and an engaged state.
The tie 220 can be characterized by one or more of the following:
By way of example, the tie 220 can include a cord, a rope, a string, a loop, a chain, a chain-like member where chain link portions connect once the tie is engaged, a cable, a ribbon, a tube, a wire, a monofilament line, and a multifilament line. In the illustrated embodiments, the tie 220 is positioned entirely within the conduit. However, in some configurations, only a portion of the tie 220 can be positioned within the conduit or the entire tie 220 can be positioned outside of the conduit or in a sidewall of the conduit.
A first portion of the tie 220 can be connected to the valve catch and a second portion of the tie 220 can be connected to the engagement action. The tie 220 thus can extend from the valve catch to the engagement action, and typically extends along at least 40 percent of the length of the conduit 210, at least 60 percent of the length of the conduit 210, or at least 90 percent of the length of the conduit 210. The tie is typically positioned to cross the midpoint of the conduit 210. The size and cross-sectional dimension of the tie 220 are not particularly important so long as the tie is operable to open the valve within a desired response time.
As shown in
The flexible conduit 210 can be used with a tie 220 having one or more of the characteristics described above, and the tie 220 can be configured with the conduit 210 so that the tie 220 is not inadvertently engaged during installation. In this regard, the tie 220 can be configured so that the fire sprinkler head can be positioned and secured at the desired location without inadvertently engaging the tie 220 and opening the valve.
As shown in
As also shown in
As shown in
The tie 220 is provided in or along the conduit 210 with enough slack such that (i) the tie 220 has a free length that is greater than the length of the conduit 210 that extends between the points where the tie is attached in the dry sprinkler; (ii) the fire sprinkler head can be laterally displaced with respect to the first end of the conduit by the maximum combination distance and angle (e.g., the DLAT distances and angles α discussed above) without a load being applied to the tie 220 that would open the valve. The presence of that slack in the tie 220 minimizes the risk that the valve will be accidentally opened when the sprinkler is transported, installed or used.
The flexible conduit 210 can include a flexible portion that comprises, for example, a corrugated tube, a hose, or a braided tube, which can be made from known materials including metal, rubber, etc. The flexible conduit 210 can include one or more flexible portions along at least 20 percent of the conduit length (DLEN), along at least 40 percent of the conduit length, along at least 60 percent of the conduit length, along at least 80 percent of the conduit length, from 50 to 95 percent of the conduit length, or along its entire length. The flexible conduit 210 can have a low elasticity so that when it is bent into a desired position it maintains its bent shape and does not return to its original position.
In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 210 includes an inflexible portion proximate to the first end 225 (fluid inlet end) that surrounds the valve and enables the conduit to be connected to branch line 272. The flexible conduit 210 can also include an inflexible portion that is proximate to the second end 235 (fluid outlet end) of the conduit that enables the fire sprinkler head to be connected to the conduit. The inflexible portion proximate to the second end 235 can also include a reducer that is formed to have at least one flat surface so that the second end of the conduit can be secured into place by affixing a bracket to the flat surface. The other end of the bracket can be affixed to a secure structure. The bracket and inflexible portion of the conduit can be configured so that the sprinkler head is secure and resists torsional forces. In general, the installation of the sprinkler system including the bracing should comply with applicable codes and guidelines that are used in this field.
The dry sprinklers can have discrete lengths of, for example, 1 ft., 2 ft., 4 ft., 6 ft., or any length there between.
In some embodiments, the dry sprinkler can be rigid and inflexible.
Referring to
Referring to
In this embodiment, the thermally responsive element 442, pip cap 448 and spacer 441 are operably coupled to the engagement action 455. A tubular support 472 is supported by spacer 441, which is in turn supported by the pip cap 448. The tubular support 472 includes pin 470 that fits in the detent 459 of shaft 454.
Shaft 454 is rotatably mounted in the flexible conduit 410. That shaft 454 is rotatably biased in one direction with a torsion spring 456 that is provided on the outside of reducer 438 within housing 452. In normal conditions, the pin 470 engages the detent 459 and prevents the shaft 454 from rotating. The shaft 454 includes a tie connection 457 that connects the tie 420 to the shaft 454.
As shown in
The engagement action that engages the tie 420 to apply a load thereto is not particularly limited to the disclosed embodiments. In general, the engagement action can store energy in the form of mechanical energy, potential energy, hydraulic energy, chemical energy, etc., and can release the energy to engage the tie and apply a load when the engagement action is triggered by the reaction of the thermally responsive element of the sprinkler head. Moreover, where the engagement action operates to apply tension to the tie, it may do so by winding (as in the embodiment shown in
The engagement action 755 can include a weight to which one end of the tie 720 is connected. The weight is supported by plug 748 of the fire sprinkler head 740. As shown in
The engagement action of a flexible dry sprinkler according to yet another embodiment is illustrated by
The flexible dry sprinkler can include a fire sprinkler head 840 at its second end, which includes a body 847 defining an opening 849 therethrough. The fire sprinkler head 840 further includes a thermally responsive bulb 842, and a pip cap 848 and a spacer 841 that are positioned in opening 849.
As can be seen, the spacer 841 supports the bushing 858, which in turn supports the pin 854 that is connected to the tie 820. The compression spring 856 is present in the conduit under compression between detents 857 and the bushing 858, thereby biasing the bushing 858 and pin 854 toward the sprinkler head 840. The tie 820 in this embodiment is a string or string-like member that is provided with slack in its unengaged state, and is not affected by the compression of the spring in this state. The tie 820 remains unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head until the thermally responsive element 842 reacts to an elevated temperature condition.
As can be seen in
Similar to the
The tie 920 in this embodiment is a string or string-like member that is provided with slack in its unengaged state, and is not affected by the compression of the spring in this state. As shown in
Referring to
The engagement action of a flexible dry sprinkler according to still another embodiment is illustrated in connection with
As shown in
The engagement action of a dry sprinkler according to yet another embodiment of this invention is illustrated in
Also, the engagement action 1855 is designed to be used with a tie that is slidably encased by a sheath, as illustrated in
An enlarged member, such as a cylinder 1896, is affixed to the lower end of the sheath 1830. The cylinder 1896 includes a circular groove 1893. Similarly, an enlarged member, such as a cylinder 1895 with a circular groove 1892, is affixed to the lower end of the tie 1820.
The engagement action 1855 includes a tubular support cap or bushing 1872 defining an orifice 1873, a compression spring 1856, and a detent ring 1857 received in a slot or groove 1899 in the inner wall of the reducer 1838.
The tubular support cap 1872 includes a circumferential ledge 1898 and a slot 1897. The slot 1897 receives the cylinder 1895.
When the dry sprinkler is in the inactive state with the thermally responsive element 1842 intact, the spacer 1841 supports tubular support cap or bushing 1872. The compression spring 1856 is in compression between the circumferential ledge 1898 and the detent ring 1857. The force of the compression spring 1856 is resisted by the thermally responsive element 1842.
The cylinder 1896 is held in place as follows. The spring clip 1894 is placed in the groove 1893 of the cylinder 1896 such that the free ends of the spring clip 1894 are received between the detent ring 1857 and the top end of the compression spring 1856. The force of compression spring 1856 pushes the free ends of the spring clip 1894 against the detent ring 1857, and thus retains the spring clip 1894 and the cylinder 1896 in place.
In other embodiments, other apparatus and methods can be employed to retain the cylinder and the cable sheath in place.
The cylinder 1895 is “attached” to the engagement action 1855 by a spring clip 1891 and the force of the compression spring 1856 on the spring clip 1891. Specifically, the spring clip 1891 is placed in the groove 1892 of the cylinder 1895 such that its free ends are received between the circumferential ledge 1898 and the lower end of the compression spring 1856. The force of compression spring 1856 pushes the free ends of the spring clip 1891 against the circumferential ledge 1898, such that the spring clip 1891 and the cylinder 1895 move with the circumferential ledge 1898.
In other embodiments, other apparatus and methods can be employed to “attach” the cylinder and the lower end of the tie to the engagement action.
As shown in
Because the spring clip 1891 is affixed to the cylinder 1895 and the ends of the spring clip 1891 are fixedly received between the lower end of the compression spring 1856 and the circumferential ledge 1898, the cylinder 1895 is also driven downward. The movement of the cylinder 1895 downward first tensions the tie 1820 and then causes the tie 1820 to open the valve at the uppermost end of the tie 1820. The sheath 1930 remains largely stationary because it is retained between the detent ring 1957 and the top of the compression spring 1856.
While, in this embodiment, the sheath 1830 and tie 1820 are attached to the engagement action 1855 by cylinders and spring clips, any other attachment mechanisms can be used to fixedly attach (1) the sheath to the engagement action (or the reducer or another component of the dry sprinkler) such that the sheath does not move when the engagement action is activated and (2) the tie to a component of the engagement action that moves when the engagement action is activated.
As discussed above, the first end of the tie in each of the above embodiments is operably coupled to the valve by a valve catch that is configured to allow or cause the valve to move to an open state and preferably maintain the valve in the open state once the tie is engaged. In general, the valve can be biased into a closed state (e.g., biased by interference or by mechanical energy) in which fluid does not flow through the valve. The valve has an open state in which the bias is removed and fluid is allowed to flow through the valve. The valve catch can be operable to translate the load applied to the tie to release the valve bias to open the valve, as well as to maintain the valve in an open position. Exemplary embodiments illustrating the operation of the valve and valve catch are described below in connection with
As can be seen in
The valve catch 1270 includes a compression spring 1213, retention ring 1257, support balls 1233, and outer housing 1277. The support balls are positioned in groove 1235 and extend partially through housing 1277. As can be seen in
The valve catch 1470 includes retaining ring 1457, which prevents the short pivot arm 1438 from rotating outwardly when the valve 1460 in a closed position. The retaining ring 1457 is supported by compression spring 1413. The tie 1420 is connected to the retaining ring 1457.
The lever 1551 includes an extending portion 1547 that is supported on notch 1546 of the sprinkler housing when the valve 1560 is in a closed state. On the other end, the lever 1551 includes a clip end 1562 that is held by clip 1521 when the valve 1560 is closed. The valve catch 1570 also includes a second clip end 1561 that is held by the clip 1521 when the valve 1560 is closed. The clip 1521 holds the lever 1551 in a horizontal position and prevents the lever 1551 from rotating about pivot point 1549. The clip 1521 is connected to tie 1520.
The flexible dry sprinklers can optionally include a tie sheath as shown in
The tie sheath 1630 can be a hollow tubular member that extends within the conduit substantially from the valve catch to the engagement action. The tie sheath 1630 can extend substantially the length of the conduit, i.e., at least 80% of the conduit length. The tie sheath 1630 can have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) that is less than half of the cross-sectional dimension of the flexible conduit 1610.
As shown in
As stated,
The end cap 1950 includes an internal fluid passageway 1952 and a top ring 1951 that extends inwardly. The top ring 1951 forms a valve opening 1981 and a ledge 1982.
The valve catch 1970 is configured to alternatively (1) retain the valve 1960 such that it blocks the valve opening 1981 and (2) permit the valve 1960 to be moved from blocking the valve opening 1981. The valve 1960 includes a cap 1962 and a sealing ring 1965. The sealing ring 1965 engages the ledge 1982 when the valve 1960 blocks the valve opening 1981.
The valve catch 1970 is also designed to be used with a tie that is slidably encased in a sheath, as illustrated by
The valve catch 1970 includes a support 1901, a threaded member 1902, a horizontal support bar 1903 and a vertical support bar 1904 (the references to “horizontal” and “vertical” are in applications in which the dry sprinkler is a pendant dry sprinkler as shown in
The support 1901 includes a body 1905, supporting arms 1906, an orifice 1907, an orifice 1908, and an orifice 1909. The supporting arms 1906 are integral with the body 1905 and extend upwardly and outwardly to engage the inner surface of the end cap 1950 and the lower surface of the ledge 1892.
The threaded member 1902 threadedly engages the orifice 1907 and has a pointed end 1911. The position of the threaded member 1902 can be adjusted relative to the body 1905 by rotating the threaded member 1902.
The cylinder 1931 is received in the orifice 1908. The cylinder 1931 includes a reduced diameter section 1932. A spring clip 1933 is placed on the reduced diameter section 1932. The free ends of the spring clip 1933 extend into the orifice 1909 to fixedly attach the cylinder 1931, and thus the sheath 1930, to the body 1905. In other embodiments of this invention, the sheath can be attached to the valve catch by any other type of fastening mechanism
The horizontal support bar 1903 includes a circular opening 1925 at one end, and a groove 1926 and a dimple 1927 at the other end. The groove 1926 and the dimple 1927 are aligned, but in opposite faces of the horizontal support bar 1903.
The cylinder 1921 includes a reduced diameter section 1922. The reduced diameter section 1922 is received in circular opening 1925, to affix the cylinder 1921, and thus the tie 1920, to the horizontal support bar 1903. That is, the upper and lower surfaces of the end of the horizontal support bar 1903 that includes the circular opening 1925 engage the lateral faces of the cylinder 1921 that form the reduced diameter section 1922. In other embodiments of this invention, the tie 1920 can be “attached” to the horizontal support bar 1903 by any other type of engagement mechanism.
The tip of the pointed end 1911 of the threaded member 1902 is received in the dimple 1927. The bottom of the vertical support bar 1904 is received in the groove 1926.
The vertical support rod 1904 extends between the horizontal support bar 1903 and the valve cap 1962. The top end of the vertical support rod 1904 is received in a groove 1966 in the bottom of the valve cap 1962.
When the valve catch 1970 retains the valve 1960 in the “closed” position, i.e., blocking the valve opening 1981 such that fluid cannot pass through the valve opening 1981, there is a fluid force on valve 1960. The horizontal support bar 1903 is held in place by being sandwiched between the pointed end 1911 of the threaded member 1902 and the lower end of the vertical support bar 1904.
Because the end of the horizontal support bar 1903 with the circular opening 1925 engages the cylinder 1921 by the engagement of the reduced diameter portion 1922 and the circular opening 1925, the downward movement of the cylinder 1921 pulls that end of the horizontal support bar 1903 downward, which upsets the equilibrium at the other end of the horizontal support bar 1903. That causes the vertical support bar 1904 to become dislodged. When the vertical support bar 1904 is dislodged, the valve cap 1962 is forced from its “closed” position by the fluid pressure on the valve cap 1962, which permits fluid to flow through the valve opening 1981.
A screen 1975 can be provided in the conduit 1910 to prevent the horizontal support bar 1903, the vertical support bar 1904, and/or the valve cap 1962 from passing through the conduit 1910.
Each of the valves and valve catches described above can be used in connection with any other embodiment, including any of the engagement actions, ties and/or tie sheaths described above. The type of valve and valve catch is likewise not particularly limited, and a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that alternative structures would be operable to control the flow of fluid through the conduit. Moreover, although the valve is illustrated to be positioned within the conduit, the valve can be configured to be placed outside of the conduit upstream of the fluid inlet end of the conduit, for example, within the branch line.
The dry sprinklers described herein can be used with fire suppression systems to provide fire protection in unheated or refrigerated spaces. In some embodiments, the portion of the dry sprinkler that is upstream of the valve can be “wet.” The portion of the dry sprinkler that includes the valve can be positioned in a heat-controlled space where the temperature is controlled so that it does not drop below a predetermined temperature. For example, the heat-controlled space can be controlled so that the temperature does not drop below 70° F., below 40° or below freezing. The “dry” portion of the sprinkler that is positioned downstream of the valve can be subjected to lower temperature conditions because there is no risk that the fire suppression fluid will freeze and rupture the conduit or otherwise disrupt the normal operation of the sprinkler. Thus, in some embodiments, the portion of the dry sprinkler that includes the fire sprinkler head is located in an unheated space where the temperature is not controlled. Such unheated spaces may include garages, attics, outdoor walkways, breezeways, parking garages, balconies, decks, loading docks, ducts, and the like. In still other embodiments, the portion of the dry sprinkler that includes the fire sprinkler head can be located in a refrigerated space where fire protection is desired (e.g., such as freeze lockers or walk-ins) and where temperatures are maintained at near or below a freezing temperature.
In other embodiments, the entire dry sprinkler can be located in unheated or refrigerated space if the flow of water is stopped upstream of the valve, e.g., at a main control valve. In this configuration, the entire sprinkler and connecting branch line remain dry and only the portion of the pipe network upstream of the control valve is wet. The control valve can then be triggered to open in the presence of a fire by a smoke detector or heat activated sensor.
While the disclosed dry sprinklers, sprinkler systems, methods of operation and methods of installing have been described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, these embodiments should be viewed as illustrative, not limiting. It should be understood that various modifications, substitutes, or the like are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 13/722,571 filed on Dec. 20, 2012 and entitled “Dry Sprinkler.”
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Child | 14554604 | US |