WO2025224583A1

WO2025224583A1 - Sprinkler assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2025224583A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/054086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Thomas Macomber; Johan M. DURAN; Nicholas ROSA
Original assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
Current assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
Priority date: 2024-04-23
Filing date: 2025-04-17
Publication date: 2025-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-23

Abstract

A sprinkler assembly includes an outer structure assembly having an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway defined between the inlet and the outlet. The sprinkler assembly includes an inner structural assembly disposed within the passageway. The sprinkler assembly includes a button disposed in the passageway, the button defining an axis. The button includes a center of mass that is offset from the axis.

Description

SPRINKLER ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/637,664, filed April 23, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/685,926, filed August 22, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Sprinkler systems can be provided in buildings to address fire conditions. Sprinkler systems can include fire protection sprinklers that connect with piping systems to receive fluid to address the fire conditions.

SUMMARY

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly includes an outer structure assembly having an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway defined between the inlet and the outlet. The sprinkler assembly includes an inner structural assembly disposed within the passageway. The sprinkler assembly includes a button disposed in the passageway, the button defining an axis. The button includes a center of mass that is offset from the axis.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a button of a dry sprinkler. The button includes a first portion forming a chamber. The first portion is cylindrical. The button includes a second portion coupled with the first portion. The second portion is conical. The button includes a slot formed at a first end of the second portion opposite a second end of the second portion contiguous with the first portion. The button includes at least one channel extending through the second portion to face the chamber.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to a dry sprinkler. The dry sprinkler includes a passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The dry sprinkler includes a sprinkler frame coupled with the outlet. The dry sprinkler includes a tube in the passageway between the inlet and the outlet. The dry sprinkler includes a button coupled with the outlet. The button defines an axis, and includes a center of mass that is offset from the axis. [0006] At least one aspect relates to a method. The method includes providing a body of a button, the body including a first portion that is cylindrical and a second portion contiguous with the first portion, the body forming a chamber. The method includes forming at least one channel through the second portion such that a center of mass of the button is offset from a central axis of the first portion.

[0007] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an example of a sprinkler assembly having a threaded connection with a fluid supply pipe.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of an example of a grooved-type coupling connection of a sprinkler assembly with the fluid supply pipe.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example of a sprinkler assembly in an unactuated sprinkler state.

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example of a sprinkler assembly in an actuated state.

[0013] FIG. 5A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a sprinkler assembly installed in an insulated wall with a seal.

[0014] FIG. 5B depicts an isometric, partial cross-sectional, and exploded view of an example of a sprinkler assembly installed in an insulated wall with a seal. [0015] FIG. 5C depicts an isometric and exploded view of an example of an insulating assembly.

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example of a sprinkler assembly in an unactuated sprinkler state.

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of a sprinkler assembly that includes a button.

[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an example of a button.

[0019] FIG. 9 depicts a top view of an example of a button.

[0020] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-section view of an example of a button.

[0021] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram of an example of a method of providing a button of a sprinkler.

[0022] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the button, according to another example.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the button of FIG. 12.

[0024] FIG. 14 is another sectional view of the button of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure relates to fire protection sprinklers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to sprinkler assemblies, such as sprinkler assemblies that include buttons and/or button assemblies. Sprinkler systems can be implemented as a dry-pipe system, in which branch lines and other distribution pipes have a dry gas (air or nitrogen) under pressure. The gas pressure in the distribution pipes can be used to hold closed a dry pipe valve at the riser to control the flow of fire-fighting liquid to the distribution piping. When heat from a fire activates a sprinkler, the gas escapes and the dry-pipe valve trips, water enters branch lines, and firefighting (e.g., addressing a fire condition) begins as the sprinkler distributes the fluid.

[0026] Dry pipe systems can be used to protect unheated open areas, cold rooms, buildings in freezing climates, cold-storage room passageways, storage or other occupancies exposed to freezing temperatures. A dry sprinkler can be a sprinkler secured to an extension nipple that has a seal at the inlet end to prevent water from entering the nipple until the sprinkler operates.

[0027] A dry sprinkler can include an inlet that has a closure assembly, some length of tubing connected to the inlet, an outlet having an ejectable button assembly, and a fluid deflecting structure located proximal to the outlet. There can also be a mechanism that connects a thermally responsive component to the ejectable button assembly in an unactuated state of the sprinkler. Upon activation of the thermally responsive component, the dry sprinkler is actuated, the button assembly is ejected from the outlet, and the closure assembly is displaced to permit the flow of fluid through the sprinkler.

[0028] In an unactuated state, an outlet of a sprinkler can have an ejectable button assembly engaged with a thermally responsive component of the sprinkler. Responsive to activation of the thermally responsive component, the button assembly can be ejected from the outlet to permit flow of fluid through the sprinkler. The button assembly failing to eject or getting stuck within the sprinkler frame at the outlet can impede discharge of fire-fighting fluid, resulting in potential delays or diminished intended effectiveness in fire suppression measures. For example, disrupting uniform distribution of fire-fighting fluid, causing uneven dispersion of water, and reducing intended coverage area.

[0029] The present disclosure provides a button for a sprinkler that can ensure reliable ejection upon sprinkler actuation, such as for the button to have a reduced likelihood of impeding the flow of fluid out of the sprinkler. The button can be or include a sprinkler button. The button can include a body defining an axis, the body structured to have a center of mass offset from the axis. The body can have a slot aligned with the axis, the slot to couple with a thermal trigger of the sprinkler. The body can define at least one hole to offset the center of mass of the body from the axis. For example, each at least hole can be formed on a same side of a plane through the axis. The slot can be at a first end of the body, and the body can have a second end opposite the first end. The second end can have a diameter corresponding to a tube of the sprinkler (e.g., of a dry sprinkler assembly). The second end can form an opening facing the tube.

[0030] The button can be coupled with the thermal trigger such that the at least one hole is on an opposite side of the axis from one or more off-axis portions of the thermal trigger. The at least one hole can include one or more through-holes that are defined through the body (e.g., through a wall forming the body). The at least one hole can be parallel with the axis or angled relative to the axis, and can include at least a subset of one or more holes that extend less than entirely through the body. The at least one hole can have various shapes to allow for the center of mass of the body to be offset from the axis, e.g. and without limitation, cylindrical, conical, slotted.

[0031] FIG. l is a diagram that illustrates a sprinkler assembly having a threaded connection with a fluid supply pipe. FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates a grooved-type coupling connection of a sprinkler assembly with a fluid supply pipe.

[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a sprinkler 10 installed and coupled to a pipe fitting of a piping network, which is supplied with a fire-fighting fluid (e.g., fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source). The sprinkler 10 can be used to implement a dry pipe system (e.g., at least a portion of the system is not exposed to freezing temperatures in an unheated portion of a building). Fluid supply piping systems can be installed in accordance with the NFPA 13. FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams that illustrate cross-sectional views of the sprinkler assembly 10 in an unactuated sprinkler state and an actuated state, respectively.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, among, others, the sprinkler 10 includes an outer structure assembly 18, an inner structural assembly 50, a thermal trigger assembly 80, and a button assembly 82. The outer structure assembly 18 defines an internal passageway 18a that extends along a central longitudinal sprinkler axis A-A between a proximal inlet end 12 (e.g., inlet) and a distal outlet end 14 (e.g., outlet). The outer structure assembly 18 can include an inlet fitting 20 at the proximal inlet end 12, and an outlet frame 30 defining the sprinkler outlet at the distal outlet end 14. The outer structure assembly 18 can further include a tube 22 (e.g., casing tube) in between the inlet fitting 20 to the outlet frame 30, thus coupling the inlet fitting 20 to the outlet frame 30. The sprinkler outlet frame 30 and the outlet 14 can define a discharge coefficient or K-factor defining a nominal K-factor of 16.8. Nominal K- factors greater than 16.8 can be achieved.

[0034] The inner structural assembly 50 includes a closure assembly 50a disposed within the inlet fitting 20 for controlling the flow of fluid through the internal passageway 18a. The inlet fitting 20 can, as shown respectively in FIGS. 1 and 2, couple with the pipe fitting by either a threaded or grooved-type coupling. [0035] A free end of the outlet frame 30 can include at least one frame arm 38 that is coupled to a fluid deflecting structure 40. The outlet frame 30 and the frame arm 38 can be formed as a unitary member. The outlet frame 30, the frame arm 38, and the fluid deflecting structure 40 can be made from rough or fine casting, and/or machined. The fluid deflecting structure 40 can include an adjustment screw 42 and a planar surface member 44 coupled to the frame arm 38 and fixed at a spaced axial distance from the outlet frame 30.

[0036] The outlet frame 30 and the deflecting structure 40 provide for a pendent sprinkler configuration. The planar surface member 44 is configured to deflect the fluid flow to form an appropriate spray pattern. Instead of the planar surface member 44, other configurations could be employed to provide the target fluid deflection pattern. The adjustment screw 42 is provided with external threads that can be used to adjust an axial spacing between the seal assembly 82 and the thermal trigger 80 such that that the thermal trigger 80 engages with the seal assembly 82 that supports the inner structural assembly 50 in the unactuated state of the sprinkler 10. The adjustment screw 42 can include a seat portion that engages the thermal trigger 80. Although the adjustment screw 42 and the planar surface member 44 have been described as separate parts, they can be formed as a unitary member.

[0037] Upon thermal actuation and release of the thermal trigger 80, the seal assembly 82 ejects from the internal passageway 18a through the outlet frame 30, causing the inner structural assembly 50 to slide axially to an actuated state of the sprinkler as shown in FIG. 4 to permit the flow of fluid or water through the internal passageway 18a and out the outlet at the distal end 14. The thermal trigger 80 can define a thermal sensitivity or RTI of 80 meter^Al/2 second^Al/2 or less, such as 50 meter^Al/2 second^Al/2 or less. Where the sprinkler 10 is configured as an ESFR sprinkler, the thermal trigger 80 can define an RTI ranging between 19 and 36 meter^Al/2 second^Al/2.

[0038] FIG. 5 A is a partial cross-sectional view of the sprinkler assembly 10 installed in an insulated wall with a seal. FIG. 5B is an isometric, partial cross-sectional, and exploded view of the sprinkler assembly 10 installed in an insulated wall with a seal. FIG. 5C is an isometric and exploded view of an insulating assembly.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 5 A and 5B, the sprinkler 10 can be used in the protection of cold storage occupancies and in particular refrigerated storage occupancies. Typically, in a dry pipe sprinkler installation for a cold environment, the sprinkler supply piping or its casing penetrates and extends through a hole or opening in the ceiling of the cold or refrigerated environment in which the sprinkler is disposed to protect the occupancy. Generally, warm air outside the cold environment has a higher relative humidity than the cold air within the cold or refrigerated environment. If the warm outside air mixes with the refrigerated environment, the cold temperatures can cause the moisture in the warm air to condense. As the moisture condenses, water droplets form and can accumulate around and on the sprinkler head. As these droplets freeze, ice can accumulate on the sprinkler head.

[0040] A significant accumulation of ice on the sprinkler head can impair the operability of the sprinkler head such as to delay or prevent operation of the sprinkler head in the event of a fire or effect premature operation of the sprinkler head in absence of a fire. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an insulating seal around the sprinkler supply piping or casing at the location of the penetration into the refrigerated occupancy to eliminate or minimize the heat exchange between the warmer outer environment and the cold interior of the occupancy.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, shown is an insulated refrigerated storage installation for the sprinkler 10, which is shown coupled to a fluid supply main pipe P with the sprinkler casing 22 penetrating the wall or ceiling C of the refrigerated occupancy through an opening O formed in the ceiling C. In an installation, the opening O defines a diameter of about three inches with a clearance or annular void about the casing 22.

[0042] To provide an insulated seal between the warm external environment A and the cold and more particularly freezing interior environment B, an insulation assembly 500 is disposed about the sprinkler casing 22 at the exterior surface of the ceiling C of the refrigerated occupancy. A first insulation assembly 500a can be located adjacent the exterior surface of the ceiling C and a second insulation assembly 500b is located adjacent the interior surface of the ceiling C so as to insulate and seal about the sprinkler 10 on each side of the ceiling C of the opening O.

[0043] With reference to the perspective view of FIGS. 5B and 5C, each of the insulation sealing assemblies 500a, 500b includes an insulation ring 502, an insert member 504 and a housing 506 with securing means 508 to secure the insulation scaling assembly to the ceiling C. The insulation ring 502 can be wrapped about and engaged about the sprinkler casing 22. The insulation ring 502 is further located adjacent to and engaged with the surface of the ceiling C. The insulation ring 502 can include a slit 503 to facilitate wrapping of the insulation ring about the casing 22 to abut interior or exterior surfaces of the ceiling C.

[0044] The insulation ring 502 can be a flexible member made of an insulating material such as for example, polyethylene foam rubber. Although other materials can be used, they provide sufficient sealing and insulation. With the insulation ring 502 installed, the insert member 504 is placed over or atop the ring 502. The insert member 504 can be a plate or planar member that includes a radially extending slot 505 and is formed and sized for engaging or locating the insert member 504 about the casing 22. Laterally disposed or formed about the slot 505 can be a pair of voids 509 to expose a surface of the insulation ring 502 in order to secure the assembly 500a, 500b to the ceiling C as described in greater detail below.

[0045] In the assembly 500a, 500b, the housing 506 is disposed over the insert member 504 and the insulation ring 502. The housing 506 can be disc or cylindrical in shape having a planar top or cap 506a and an annular wall 506b. A housing slot 507 can be formed in the cap 506a to engage or locate the housing 506 about the casing 22. The housing slot 507 extends radially inward from the annular wall 506b to define an aperture in the annular wall.

Accordingly, as seen in the assembled view of insulating assembly 500b in FIG. 5B, a portion of the insulation ring 502 is visible from the side of the assembly at the aperture formed along the annular wall 506b at the housing slot 507. The housing 506 can be sized and made of a sufficiently hard and stiff material to protect and compact the insulation ring 502 and insert 504 about the sprinkler casing 22 and ceiling surface. A pair of through holes 510 disposed about the housing slot 507 can be formed in the cap 506a of the housing are to facilitate installation of the assembly.

[0046] In the assembly, 500a, 500b, the slit 503 of the insulation ring 502 and the slots 505, 507 and voids 509 of the insert member 504 and housing 506 can be oriented with respect to one another to facilitate the installation of the assembly and eliminate or otherwise minimize pinching of the insulation ring 502. In the installation, the insulation ring is wrapped about the casing 22 of the sprinkler 10 and engaged or disposed against the interior/exterior surface of the ceiling C. The insert member 504 is disposed atop the insulation ring 502 such that the slot 505 is located offset relative to the slit 503 of the insulation ring 502, such as to be located such that the slit 503 is radially aligned between the slot 505 and one of the voids 509 of the insert member 504. The housing 506 can be disposed or located over the insert member 504 and insulation ring 502 such that the first housing slot 507 and the aperture formed in the annular wall 506b are offset, such as about 180 degrees offset from the second slot 505 of the insert member 504.

[0047] The insert member 504, disposed between the housing 506 and the insulation ring 502, provides protection over the insulation ring 502 where there is a gap in the cap 506a defined by the housing slot 507; and the aperture formed in the annular wall 506b can allow the side of the insulation ring 502 to be visible from the side of the assembly. The through holes 510 of the housing 506 can be axially aligned over the voids 509 of the insert member 504 and the surface of the insulating ring 502 exposed by the voids 509. To secure the insulation sealing assembly 500 to the ceiling C, securing means 508, such as for example, self-threading screws, nails or other types of mechanical fasteners, extend through the through holes 510 and can penetrate the insulation ring 502 at the portions exposed by the voids 509 of the insulating member. The securing means 508 can anchor to the ceiling C to secure the insulation sealing assembly 500a, 500b to the ceiling C.

[0048] FIG. 6 and 7 depict an example of a sprinkler assembly 600 (also referred as sprinkler 600) in an unactuated sprinkler state. The sprinkler assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-5C can be implemented using the sprinkler assembly 600. The sprinkler assembly 600 can be installed (for example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C) and coupled to a pipe fitting of a piping network, which is supplied with a fire-fighting fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source. The sprinkler 600 can include an outer structure assembly 602, an inner structural assembly 604, a thermal trigger assembly 606, and a button 608.

[0049] The outer structure assembly 602 defines an internal passageway 610 that extends along a central longitudinal sprinkler axis 601 between an inlet (e.g., inlet 20 of FIG. 1) and an outlet 614. The outer structure assembly 602 can include an inlet fitting (not shown) at the inlet 612 and an outlet frame 616 defining the sprinkler outlet 614. The outer structure assembly 602 can include a casing tube 618 (e.g., the tube 22 shown in FIG. 1) that couples the inlet fitting to the outlet frame 616.

[0050] The inner structural assembly 604 can include a closure assembly (not shown in FIG. 6) disposed within the inlet fitting for controlling the flow of fluid through the passageway 610. A free end 620 of the outlet frame 616 can include at least one frame arm 622 that is coupled to a fluid deflecting structure 624 (e.g., deflector, deflector assembly). The outlet frame 616 and the frame arm 622 can be formed as a unitary member. The outlet frame 616, the frame arm 622, and the fluid deflecting structure 624 can be made from rough or fine casting, and can be machined, if required.

[0051] The fluid deflecting structure 624 can include an adjustment screw 626 and a deflector 628 coupled to the frame arm 622. The deflector 628 can be provided at a spaced axial distance from the outlet frame 616. The outlet frame 616 and the fluid deflecting structure 624 can provide for a pendent sprinkler configuration. The deflector 628 can be configured to deflect the fluid flow to form an appropriate spray pattern. The adjustment screw 626 can be provided with external threads that can be used to adjust an axial spacing between the button 608 and the thermal trigger assembly 606 such that the thermal trigger assembly 606 engages with the button 608 to support the button 608 in the unactuated sprinkler state. The button 608 supports the inner structural assembly 604 in the unactuated state of the sprinkler 600. The adjustment screw 626 can include a seat portion that engages with the thermal trigger assembly 606. The adjustment screw 626 and the deflector 628 can be formed as a unitary member.

[0052] Responsive to thermal actuation and release of the thermal trigger assembly 606, the button 608 can be ejected from the passageway 610, which can cause the inner structural assembly 604 to slide axially along the passageway 610 towards the outlet 614 to an actuated state of the sprinkler 600. This can allow the flow of fluid or water through the passageway 610 and out the outlet 614. The button 608 can ensure proper ejection upon actuation of the sprinkler 600.

[0053] Responsive to actuation of the thermal trigger assembly 606, a contact between the button 608 and the thermal trigger assembly 606 breaks, thus freeing the button 608. Due to asymmetrical weight distribution profile and/or off-center center of mass, the button 608 can rotate within the passageway 610 and move in a direction away from the inlet towards the outlet 614. Due to the movement of the button 608 towards the outlet 614, the inner structural assembly 604, which was earlier supported by the button 608, can slide axially along the passageway 610 towards the outlet 614, permitting the fluid flow through the passageway 610.

[0054] As depicted in FIGS. 7-10, the button 608 can include a body 800, which can include or be formed from one or more walls, such as in a machining process for forming the body 800. The body 800 can include a first portion 804. The first portion 804 can form a chamber 1004, and can terminate at an end 1008. The end 1008 can be shaped to contact the tube 22, such as to have a same outer diameter as the tube 22. The first portion 804 can be cylindrical, such as to be received in the internal passageway 18a. As described further herein, the body 800 can be structured to have an offset center of mass, such as a center of mass that is offset from a geometric center of the body 800 and/or from one or more planes or axes in which the geometric center lies.

[0055] The body 800 can include a second portion 808, which can be contiguous with the first portion 804. The second portion 808 can be conical, or can be spherical. The second portion 808 can extend from the first portion 804 to an end 812. The end 812 can include a slot 640. The slot 640 can couple with the thermal trigger 606, such as to receive a strut of the thermal trigger 606.

[0056] The body 800 can define an axis 802. The axis 802 can be a central axis of the body 800, such as to be centrally disposed relative to the outer diameter of at least one of the first portion 804, the second portion 808, and the end 1008. The button 608 can be coupled with the outlet frame 616 such that the axis 802 is aligned with the axis 601 of the internal passageway 610. The slot 640 can be intersected by the axis 802, and can extend along the second portion 808 in a direction transverse to the axis 802. The second portion 808 can include an end surface 816 into which the slot 640 is formed; for example, the end surface 816 can be flat relative to the angled surface of the second portion 808.

[0057] As depicted in FIG. 9, the body 800 can define a first plane 904 in which the axis 802 lies. As depicted in FIG. 9, the slot 640 can extend longitudinally in the first plane 904. The body 800 can have a first side 908 (e.g., first portion) on a first side of the plane 904, and a second side 912 (e.g., second portion) on a second side of the plane 904 relative to the first side 908. The body 800 can define a second plane 916 perpendicular to the first plane 904.

[0058] As depicted in FIGS. 7-10, the button 608 can define at least one hole 704. For example, the button 608 can include at least one channel 820 that defines the at least one hole 704. By defining the hole 704, the button 608 can have a center of mass that is offset from the axis 802. For example, the button 608 can have greater mass on the first side 908 than the second side 912. This can allow for more effective ejection of the button 608 from the internal passageway 610 responsive to actuation of the thermal trigger assembly 606, such as to reduce the likelihood that the button 608 is ejected along the axis 601 and/or within the bounds of the sprinkler assembly 600 and/or increase the likelihood that the button 608 undergoes rotation responsive to actuation of the thermal trigger assembly 606.

[0059] The hole 704, such as where provided as a through hole such as depicted in FIGS. 7- 10, can also facilitate more effective ejection by allowing a stream of water to be formed through the hole 704, which can allow for an imbalanced flow during activation. Such functionality can allow for the button 608 to be ejected in a direction that clears the outlet frame 616, deflector assembly 624, and/or other components of the sprinkler assembly 600.

[0060] The at least one hole 704 can have various shapes. For example, the at least one hole 704 can be cylindrical, and can have an axis 1012 parallel with the axis 802, such as where the hole 704 extends through the second portion 808 to couple with the chamber 1004. The holes 704 can have various widths or diameters, such as based on factors such as effective manufacturing of the button 608 and/or an amount of offset of the center of mass. The holes 704 can have diameters that vary along their axial length, or can have constant diameters over their axial lengths.

[0061] The body 800 can be shaped such that the chamber 1004 has various shapes (e.g., to allow for various distributions of mass of the body 800 and/or the first portion 804) to facilitate an offset center of mass of the body 800. For example, the body 800 can extend inward towards the axis 802 to various inner diameters, such as to have a greater inner diameter on the first side 908 than the second side 912.

[0062] The hole 704 can have be sized to allow for effective movement of the button 608 and/or formation of a stream for driving the button 608 away from the sprinkler assembly 600. For example, the hole 704 can have a diameter greater than or equal to one eighth inch and less than or equal to one half inch. The diameter can be greater than or equal to 0.3 inches and less than or each to 0.4 inches. The diameter can be about three eighths of an inch. A ratio of the diameter to a diameter of the button 608 can be between 1 : 10 and 1 :2. The hole 704 can be larger than a drain passageway or drain opening.

[0063] Each hole 704 of the at least one hole 704 can be arranged on the second side 912, as depicted in FIG. 9. The holes 704 can be distributed around the axis 802 such that the center of mass of the button 608 is offset from the axis 802. One or more holes 704 can extend partially through the body 800. The holes 704 (e.g., the channels 820 that define the holes 704) can be arranged in an uneven distribution around the second portion 808 (e.g., a distance between a first pair of holes 704 can be different than a second pair of holes 704).

[0064] The holes 704 can be distributed around more than half of the circumference of the body 800 while providing an offset center of mass for the body 800. For example, the holes 704 can have a first count of hole(s) on the first side 908, and a second count of holes on the second side 912, the first count less than the second count.

[0065] As depicted in FIGS. 6-10, the button 608 can be oriented so that the first side 908 (having greater mass) is on a same side of the axis 601 as a member 708 of the trigger 606 (e.g., a lever and/or link of the trigger 606). This can allow for the button 608 to be effectively ejected due to the direction in which the trigger 606 applies force on the slot 640.

[0066] FIG. 11 depicts an example of a method 1100 of providing a button of a sprinkler. The method 1100 can be performed for manufacturing the button. The method 1100 can be performed for installation of the button in the sprinkler, such as where the sprinkler is a dry sprinkler.

[0067] At 1105, a body of a button can be provided. The body can include a first portion that is cylindrical and a second portion contiguous with the first portion. The body (e.g., the first portion and the second portion) can form a chamber. The body can be made of various materials, such as metal or polymeric materials. The second portion can be conical. The second portion can have a slot to couple with a trigger of the sprinkler, such as a strut of the trigger.

[0068] At 1110, at least one channel can be formed through the second portion such that a center of mass of the button is offset from a central axis of the first portion. The at least one channel can be formed to form corresponding through hole(s) in the body. The channel can be outward from the central axis. The channel can extend through the second portion to have openings outward from the second portion and facing the chamber, such as to allow for fluid flow through the channel.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, examples of structures of the button 608 are shown. FIG.

12 is an isometric view of the button 608. FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the button 608, wherein the section is taken along the first plane 904. FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the button 608, wherein the section is taken along the second plane 916. [0070] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the body 800 on the first side 908 may extend inwards (e.g., from an outer surface of the body 800) towards the axis 802 to form a solid block 1006. The chamber 1004 can be defined in the second side 912. The solid block 1006 may extend up to the axis 802, for example.

[0071] The first side 908 can partially define the chamber 1004. The body 800 in the first side 908 can extend inwards up to a given distance towards the axis 802. The solid block 1006 can terminate prior to the axis 802, and the chamber 1004 can extend beyond the axis 802 towards the first side 908.

[0072] The solid block 1006 can extend beyond the axis 802 towards the second side 912. The solid block 1006 can extend up to circumferential limits of the hole 704. For example, the chamber 1004 can be limited to circumferential limits of the hole 704.

[0073] The button 608 as depicted in FIGS. 12-14 has a center of mass offset from the axis 802, e.g., in the solid block 1006 rather than along the axis 802, such as due to the greater amount of mass and/or material of the button 608 on the side of the axis 802 where the solid block 1006 is formed than where the hole 704 is formed. For example, the center of mass, being in the solid block 1006, can facilitate ejection of the button 608 and passing of the button 608 through the frame 30. When subjected to water pressure, the button 608 shown in FIGS. 12-14 ejects out and falls towards the side of increased mass, such as the first side 908. Further, the button 608 can eject out easily and passed through the frame 30 for all (low as well as high) pressure ranges during testing prescribed by authorities/approval agencies.

[0074] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0080] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the pipe coupling 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.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sprinkler assembly, comprising: an outer structure assembly having an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway defined between the inlet and the outlet; an inner structural assembly disposed within the passageway; and a button disposed in the passageway, the button defining an axis, the button comprising a center of mass that is offset from the axis.

2. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the button has a first side of the axis and a second side of the axis opposite the first side relative to the axis; and the button defines at least one hole on the first side such that a mass of the button is less on the first side than the second side such that the center of mass of the button is offset from the axis away from the first side.

3. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the button comprises a wall forming a chamber and at least one hole extending through the wall.

4. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the button is disposed in the passageway so that the axis is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the passageway.

5. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: a trigger coupled with the button to hold the button in the outlet, the trigger to activate, responsive to a fire condition, to release the button from the outlet, the button comprising a first portion on a first side of the axis and a second portion on a second side of the axis, the first portion comprising a greater mass than the second portion, and a center of mass of the trigger is on the first side of the axis.

6. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the button comprises a slot intersected by the axis, the slot to couple with a trigger that changes state responsive to a fire condition to release the button from the outlet.

7. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the button comprises a first portion on a first side of the axis and a second portion on a second side of the axis, the first portion having a greater mass than the second portion such that the center of mass is on the first side of the axis.

8. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the button comprises a slot to couple with a trigger of the sprinkler assembly and with an end wall on an opposite end of the button from the slot, the end wall sized to contact the inner structural assembly.

9. A button of a dry sprinkler, comprising: a first portion forming a chamber, the first portion is cylindrical; a second portion coupled with the first portion, the second portion is conical; a slot formed at a first end of the second portion opposite a second end of the second portion contiguous with the first portion; and at least one channel extending through the second portion to face the chamber.

10. The button of claim 9, comprising: each channel of the at least one channel is on a same side of the second portion relative to an axis through the slot.

11. The button of claim 9, comprising: the at least one channel is cylindrical.

12. The button of claim 9, comprising: the at least one channel is arranged in an uneven distribution around the second portion.

13. The button of claim 9, comprising: the first portion is asymmetrical with respect to an axis through the chamber.

14. The button of claim 9, comprising: the second portion has a greater mass on a side of the second portion opposite the at least one channel.

15. The button of claim 9, comprising: the at least one channel extends in a direction parallel with an axis through the slot and the chamber.

16. A dry sprinkler, comprising: a passageway between an inlet and an outlet; a sprinkler frame coupled with the outlet; a tube in the passageway between the inlet and the outlet; and a button disposed in passageway at the outlet, the button defining an axis, the button comprising a center of mass that is offset from the axis.

17. The dry sprinkler of claim 16, comprising: a trigger coupled with a slot of the button to hold the button in the outlet, the trigger to activate, responsive to a fire condition, to release the button from the outlet, the button comprising a first portion on a first side of the axis and a second portion on a second side of the axis, the first portion comprising a greater mass than the second portion, and a center of mass of the trigger is on the first side of the axis.

18. The dry sprinkler of claim 16, comprising: the button defines at least one hole on a first side of the axis such that a mass of the button is less on the first side of the axis than on a second side of the axis opposite the first side.

19. The dry sprinkler of claim 16, comprising: the button defines at least one hole extending through the button and parallel with the axis.

20. The dry sprinkler of claim 16, comprising: the button comprises a conical portion contiguous with a cylindrical portion, the conical portion comprising a slot intersected by the axis and at least one hole extending through the conical portion and outward from the axis.

21. A method, comprising: providing a body of a button, the body comprising a first portion that is cylindrical and a second portion contiguous with the first portion, the body forming a chamber; and forming at least one channel through the second portion such that a center of mass of the button is offset from a central axis of the first portion.