US 2003/0209353 A1 · Sprinkler head trigger assembly

Abstract

A quick response trigger assembly for an automatic sprinkler head comprises an inherently unstable compression element positioned between the frame of the sprinkler body and sealing assembly. A thermal sensor surrounds the periphery of the compression element and includes at least one heat gathering element positioned a preselected distance from the compression element. The thermal sensor maintains the compression element in compression when the sprinkler head is in the non-activated condition. The presence of a heat gathering member spaced a preselected distance from the compression element increases the surface area through which conduction occurs, and thus, enables the trigger assembly to exhibit sufficient thermal sensitivity necessary to classify the sprinkler head as a quick response. Additionally, the thermal sensor is formed of two or more members which are substantially identical in configuration to thereby decrease manufacturing costs.

Claims56

Dependent claims

A trigger assembly for an automatic sprinkler head having a sprinkler body having a central orifice defining an outlet for dispensing a fluid, a frame extending from the sprinkler body in a direction beyond said outlet, and a sealing assembly for releasably sealing the central orifice, said trigger assembly selectively maintaining the sealing assembly in a sealed condition, said trigger assembly comprising:

a compression element positioned between the frame and the sealing assembly;
and
a thermally sensitive element surrounding at least in part said compression element and joined at least in part to said compression element by a fusible material, said thermally sensitive element comprising at least two portions, wherein each portion comprises:
an attachment section shaped to substantially correspond to at least a section of said compression element,
at least one connection section projecting from said attachment section in a direction away from said compression element, said at least one connection section having a distal end spaced from said attachment section, and
at least one fin projecting from said distal end of said connection section, said at least one fin having a portion thereof defining a plane forming an angular relationship to at least a portion of said at least one connection section,
whereby said thermally sensitive element enhances the magnitude of compression of said compression element when joined thereto and releases said sealing assembly when said thermally sensitive element is removed from said compression element.

4 more elements

A trigger assembly for an automatic sprinkler head having a sprinkler body having a central orifice forming an outlet for dispensing a fluid, a frame extending beyond said outlet, an adjustable compression member mounted on said frame to adjustably exert compression on said trigger assembly, and a sealing assembly for releasably sealing the central orifice, said trigger assembly comprising:

a compression element positioned between the sealing assembly and the compression member, said compression element extending longitudinally with respect to the sprinkler frame and having a center axis, wherein said compression element is inherently unstable when subjected to a compressive force along said center axis by adjustment of the compression member;
and
a thermally sensitive element comprising an attachment section surrounding at least a portion of said compression element and joined at least in part to said compression element by a fusible material, said fusible material having a pre-selected fusing temperature, said thermally sensitive element configured to maintain said compression element in a stable position between the compression member and the sealing assembly when said fusible material is below said fusing temperature and to release said compression element to an unstable condition when said fusible material is above said fusing temperature, said thermally sensitive element further comprising at least one heat gathering member spaced from said attachment section, said at least one heat gathering member defining at least one plane, wherein said at least one plane is not co-planar with a plane defined by said center axis of said compression element.

A quick response sprinkler head comprising:

a sprinkler body having a central orifice defining a fluid outlet;
a sealing assembly for releasably sealing said outlet to prevent the flow of fluid through said outlet;
a frame extending from said sprinkler body beyond said outlet;
a boss carried by said frame and having an aperture;
a compression member movably positioned in said aperture;
a direct load trigger assembly for releasably retaining said sealing assembly in said outlet, said direct load trigger assembly comprising:
a compression element extending longitudinally with respect to the sprinkler head and having a first end abutting said compression member and having a second end abutting said sealing assembly;
and
a thermally sensitive element attached at least in part to the exterior of said compression element by a fusible material, wherein said fusible material has a fusing temperature, said thermally sensitive element maintaining said compression element in compression between said compression member and said sealing assembly when said fusible material is below said fusing temperature, said thermally sensitive element comprising an attachment section surrounding at least a section of said compression element and at least one heat gathering member spaced from said attachment section, and said at least one heat gathering element extending in a direction away from said compression element and having at least a portion thereof forming a plane angularly related to the longitudinal axis of said compression element.

6 more elements

A quick response sprinkler head comprising:

a sprinkler body having a central orifice forming an outlet;
a sealing assembly for releasably sealing said outlet;
a frame extending from said sprinkler body beyond said outlet;
a compression member movable mounted on said frame;
and
an externally activated direct load trigger assembly disposed between said compression member and said sealing assembly for releasably retaining said sealing assembly in said outlet, said externally activated direct load trigger assembly having a response time index (RTI) of less than or equal to approximately 50 (meter·seconds)1/2.

3 more elements

A quick response sprinkler head comprising:

a sprinkler body having a central orifice forming an outlet;
a sealing assembly for releasably sealing said outlet;
a frame extending from said sprinkler body beyond said outlet;
a boss carried by said frame, said boss having an aperture;
a compression member movably positioned in said aperture;
and
an externally activated direct load trigger assembly disposed between said compression member and said sealing assembly for releasably retaining said sealing assembly at said outlet, wherein said quick response sprinkler head has an RTI as defined by Approval Standard, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, May 1998, equal to or less than 90 (ft s)1/2 [50(m s)1/2] and a C-factor defined by Approval Standard Automatic Sprinklers for Fire Protection, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, May 1998, equal to or less than 1.8 (ft s)1/2 [1.0(m s)1/2], and complies with the criteria outlined in Section 4.30 of Approval Standard, Automatic Sprinklers for Fire Protection, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, May 1998.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sprinkler head trigger assembly

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Sprinkler head trigger assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims56