HK1124003B - Residential flat plate concealed sprinkler - Google Patents

Description

Flat plate concealed spray head for residence

Priority data and incorporation by reference

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.60/686,971, filed on 3/6/2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to residential sprinklers (sprinkler), systems, and methods of use. More particularly, the present invention relates to residential concealed flat plate sprinklers and methods of using the same in a residential sprinkler system.

Background

Residential automatic fire sprinklers are typically designed to perform specifically on criteria or standards that have been accepted by the industry. The performance criteria establish minimum performance criteria for a particular sprinkler deemed sufficient for use as a residential fire protection product. For example, underwriters laboratories association (UL) "safety standard for residential sprinklers for fire service" (month 10 2003) (hereinafter "UL 1626"), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety and is believed to be an accepted industry standard.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has also published fire protection standards relating to residences, such as (i) NFPA standard 13(2002) (hereinafter "NFPA 13"); (ii) NFPA standard 13D (2002) (hereinafter referred to as "NFPA 13D"); and (iii) NFPA standard 13R (2002) (hereinafter referred to as "NFPA 13R") (collectively "NFPA standards"), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In order for a residential sprinkler to be approved for installation under the NFPA standard, the sprinkler typically must pass various tests, such as the tests published by UL in UL 1626, in order to be placed on a list that can be used as a residential sprinkler. In particular, UL 1626 generally requires a sprinkler, as described in table 6.1 of section 6, for a given coverage area (square feet or "ft")²") minimum flow rate (gallons per minute or" gpm ") so as to provide at least 0.05gpm/ft²The desired average density. For example, for a belt with 256ft²A room size of 16ft by 16ft of coverage area, a residential sprinkler that provides the minimum density in an optimal manner will utilize thirteen gallons per minute (13gpm) of water flow. Thus, for 256ft²13gpm is the minimum flow rate listed in the table. In addition to the sprinkler configuration providing the minimum density at the minimum flow rate tabulated, the sprinkler advantageously achieves the minimum flow rate tabulated at the lowest possible pressure. The minimum flow rates tabulated in table 6.1 may be used to calculate the predicted minimum fluid pressure required to operate the sprinkler, depending on the rated K-factor of the sprinkler. The rated K-factor of the nozzle provides a nozzle runner discharge coefficient defined as follows:

where Q is the flow rate in GPM and p is the pressure in pounds per square inch ("psi") gauge (gauge). Thus, for a nominal K-factor of 4.9 and a minimum flow of 13gpm, the remaining or calculated minimum pressure is seven pounds per square inch (7 psi).

However, to pass the sprinkler through the actual fluid distribution test as described in sections 26 and 27 of UL 1626, the actual minimum pressure of the test sprinkler may differ from the calculated or predicted minimum pressure, which may be calculated using the minimum flow rate specified in table 6.1 in UL 1626 and the rated K-factor of the sprinkler. Furthermore, the actual minimum fluid flow for a given coverage area to pass these allocation tests of UL 1626 may even be higher than the tabulated minimum flow given in table 6.1 of UL 1626. Thus, any attempt to provide the listed sprinklers (i.e., operational sprinklers suitable for protection of a dwelling unit) cannot be predicted by applying the known formula for sprinklers of known dwellings.

To provide an aesthetically appealing configuration for a sprinkler in a residence, the sprinkler can be configured to use the flat plate concealed sprinkler itself until the sprinkler is actuated. This type of sprinkler is known as a residential flat plate concealed sprinkler. It is believed that known residential flat plate concealed sprinklers configured for use in a pendant manner have K factors ranging from 4.1 to 5.6 (gpm/psi)^1/2) May be varied within the range of (1).

To operate residential flat plate concealed sprinklers, two operational steps occur when a fire is to be addressed. First, the lid of the concealed sprinkler must be disengaged from the sprinkler. Second, the spray head must operate to allow water to flow. Because of these two operational steps of the residential flat plate concealed sprinkler, and the fact that such residential sprinklers are typically completely recessed in the ceiling, residential flat plate concealed sprinklers have an increased flow rate beyond the minimum flow rate tabulated to successfully pass the UL 1626 fire test.

We believe that known residential flat plate concealed sprinklers have failed to successfully pass the UL 1626 test standard at minimum flow (13gpm) and at the lowest operating pressure (7psi) for the 16ft x 16ft room size fire test. Furthermore, we also believe that known residential flat plate concealed sprinklers have not been able to successfully achieve a minimum flow rate of seventeen gallons per minute (17gpm) for an 18ft x 18ft room size and twenty gallons per minute for a 20ft x 20ft room size in accordance with UL 1626.

Disclosure of Invention

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is believed to successfully accomplish the first residential automatic sprinkler with a concealed sprinkler plate for UL 1626 distribution with both minimum flow (13gpm) and minimum pressure (7psi) for an area as large as 16ft by 16ft and fire tests. In addition, the sprinkler of the preferred embodiment is believed to be the first known sprinkler that has successfully completed distribution and fire tests with minimum flow rates of 17gpm and 20gpm in the 18ft x 18ft and 20ft x 20ft room sizes, respectively. More specifically, the sprinkler can provide a minimum flow rate of seventeen gallons per minute (17gpm) at about twelve pounds per square inch (12psi) for a 324 square foot area (18ft x 18ft) and further provide a minimum flow rate of twenty gallons per minute (20gpm) at less than seventeen pounds per square inch and even more preferably at about 16.7psi for a 400 square foot test area (20ft x 20ft) in smooth fluid distribution and fire tests. The preferred embodiment utilizes a discharge with a nominal discharge coefficient (K factor) of 4.9gpm/psi^1/2The spray head of (1). By a specific combination of deflector (reflector) and convex cone geometry, the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler has reached a list of designated residences for both flow and pressure.

One preferred embodiment provides a residential flat plate concealed sprinkler for fire protection in an area ranging from about 144 square feet to about 400 square feet. The spray head preferably includes a housing having an interior surface defining a chamber and a body at least partially disposed within the chamber. The body preferably has an inlet and an outlet spaced along the longitudinal axis, the outlet having a minimum design fluid flow rate ranging from about thirteen gallons per minute to about twenty gallons per minute (13-20gpm) and the inlet having a minimum design input fluid pressure ranging from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17 psi). The body further preferably includes an inner surface defining a passage for communicating between the inlet and the outlet. At least one guide member has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is preferably coupled to the body and the distal end has telescopic relative movement with respect to the outlet in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The spray head further preferably comprises a deflector plate assembly (deflector plate) for distributing the fluid flow over the protected area. The deflector assembly is preferably coupled to the distal end of the at least one guide member such that the deflector has a first position distal to the outlet and a second position distal to the first position. The deflector assembly includes a plate member and a boss member coupled to the plate member to define a proximal surface (proximal surface) generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and axially spaced from the outlet and a distal surface distal to the proximal surface and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The distal surface preferably defines an elliptical perimeter circumscribed about the longitudinal axis and further includes a plurality of grooves generally equiradially spaced about the longitudinal axis. Each groove has a substantially straight portion beginning from the perimeter and extending radially toward the longitudinal axis to define a groove length and further has a groove width. The plurality of grooves further defines a first groove set having a first groove length and at least a second groove set having a second groove length less than the first groove length.

In another preferred embodiment, a hanging concealed sprinkler is provided that includes an outer housing and an inner housing coaxially aligned along a longitudinal axis. The spray head further includes a body having at least a portion disposed within the inner and outer shells. The body preferably has an inner surface defining a channel including an inlet and outlets spaced along the longitudinal axis and defining a K-factor of about 5. The sprinkler further preferably includes a latch assembly to enclose the outlet and a thermally responsive trigger element having a first state aligned with the longitudinal axis to support the latch assembly proximate the outlet and a second state to translate the latch assembly from the outlet. The spray head further preferably provides a deflector assembly distal to the outlet. The deflector assembly preferably has a plurality of deflecting surfaces generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of grooves in at least one of the deflecting surfaces so as to be flat at from about 144Providing a fluid distribution over a protection area ranging from square feet to about 400 square feet with at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft) and minimum operating fluid flow rates for a corresponding protection area²) The density of (c). The minimum operating pressure ranges from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17psi) and the minimum operating fluid flow ranges from about thirteen gallons per minute to about twenty gallons per minute (13-20 gpm). Preferably, the showerhead further comprises a plate assembly having a cover plate and a thermally responsive fastener coupling the plate assembly to the housing such that the cover plate engages the deflector plate assembly and contains the deflector plate assembly within the housing.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the spray head preferably includes a body having an inner surface defining a channel for carrying fluid. The channel includes an inlet and an outlet spaced along the longitudinal axis and defines a K-factor of about 5. The showerhead also includes a latching assembly proximate the outlet to enclose the outlet and a thermally responsive support mechanism to maintain the latching assembly proximate the outlet. The preferred sprinkler also provides a mechanism for distributing a fluid flow having at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft) to a protective area ranging from about 144 square feet to about 400 square feet²) To define a minimum operating pressure range of from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17psi) and a minimum operating fluid flow range of from about thirteen gallons per minute to about twenty gallons per minute (13-20 gpm). In addition, the spray head preferably includes a thermal reaction plate mechanism to maintain a minimum spacing between the outlet and the mechanism for dispensing.

Another embodiment according to the present invention provides a method of fire protecting an area with a sprinkler having a coverage area of no greater than 256 square feet. The coverage area is preferably about 256 square feet and further about 196 square feet or further in the alternative about 144 square feet. The method includes primary feeding a showerhead having a K-factor of about 5 and more preferably about 4.9 at a flow rate of about thirteen gallons per minute (13gpm)The body discharges the fire suppression fluid. The method further includes measuring at about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft)²) The designed density of the fluid distributes the fluid over the area. The method also preferably includes introducing the fluid to the body at an operating pressure of about seven pounds per square inch (7 psi).

Another preferred embodiment provides a method of fire protecting an area with a sprinkler having a coverage area measuring greater than 256 square feet but not greater than 324 square feet. The method preferably includes discharging fire suppression fluid from a sprinkler body having a K factor of about 5 at a flow rate of about seventeen gallons per minute (17gpm) and at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft)²) Further distributing the fluid over the area. The fluid is preferably introduced to the spray head at an operating pressure of about twelve pounds per square inch (12 psi).

In yet another alternative method embodiment, a method is provided for protecting an area having a showerhead footprint measuring greater than 324 square feet but no greater than 400 square feet. The method includes discharging fire suppression fluid at a flow rate of about twenty gallons per minute (20gpm) from a sprinkler body having a K factor of about 5 and at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft)²) The designed density of the fluid distributes the fluid over the area. Preferably, the fluid is introduced to the body at an operating pressure of about seventeen pounds per square inch (17psi), and more preferably about 16.7 psi.

In yet another embodiment of any of the above methods, distributing the discharged fluid comprises distributing the fluid according to section 26 of UL 1626 and applying the fluid to the coverage area such that the application rate is at least 0.02 gallons per minute per square foot (0.02 gpm/ft)²) Four zones in which only one square foot is measured have at least 0.015 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft)²) The application rate of (c). Any of the above methods may further define a minimum sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of about eight feet (8 ft).

Another preferred aspect of the invention provides a residential sprinkler system,it preferably includes a fluid supply, a maximum coverage area in the residential dwelling that is no greater than 256 square feet; and residential sprinklers having a body with an inlet and an outlet and a K-factor rating of about 5, and more preferably about 4.9. The spray head is preferably coupled to a fluid supply source such that the supply provides a minimum operating pressure to the inlet at about seven pounds per square inch (7psi) and the outlet provides a discharge flow rate having a flow rate of about thirteen gallons per minute. The sprinkler preferably includes a deflector plate assembly to deflect the discharge flow and define a flow rate of about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft)²) Provides a distribution pattern onto the coverage area.

In yet another embodiment of the system, a maximum coverage area in a residential dwelling greater than 256 square feet and less than about 324 square feet is preferably included. The preferred system further includes a residential sprinkler having a body with an inlet and an outlet and a K-factor rating of about 5. The spray head is coupled to a fluid supply source such that the supply provides a minimum operating pressure of about twelve pounds per square inch (12psi) to the inlet and the outlet provides a discharge flow having a flow rate of about seventeen gallons per minute (17 gpm).

In another alternative embodiment of the system, the maximum coverage area is preferably greater than about 324 square feet and less than about 400 square feet. The system further preferably includes at least one residential sprinkler having a body with an inlet and an outlet and a K-factor rating of about 5. The spray head is preferably coupled to a fluid supply source such that the supply provides a minimum operating pressure of about seventeen pounds per square inch (17psi) to the inlet, while the outlet provides a discharge flow rate having a flow rate of about twenty gallons per minute (20 gpm). The sprinkler includes a deflector assembly to deflect a discharge flow rate and define a distribution pattern that provides at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft) of coverage area²) The fluid density of (a).

Drawings

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 invention.

FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred residential flat plate concealed sprinkler.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the spray head of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a preferred plate assembly for the sprinkler head of fig. 1.

Fig. 4A is a plan view of a preferred deflector plate assembly for the showerhead of fig. 1.

Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the deflector plate assembly taken along line IVB-IVB of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A is a preferred boss member in the deflector plate assembly of fig. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the projection member along line VB-VB in FIG. 5A.

Fig. 6A is an alternative plan view of a preferred plate in the deflector plate assembly of fig. 4A.

Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the plate taken along line IVB-IVB in fig. 6A.

FIG. 6C is another cross-sectional view of the panel taken along line VIC-VIC in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is yet another cross-sectional view of the plate taken along line VID-VID in FIG. 6A.

Fig. 7A-7C are schematic illustrations of fluid dispensing test zones per UL 1626.

Detailed Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-2 show an illustrative embodiment of a concealed, suspended residential fire sprinkler 10, such as may be used in residential applications to protect the residential area of a compartment (component) in a residential dwelling unit. As used herein, the term "home" is a "dwelling unit" as defined in NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R, 2002 edition, which may include commercial dwelling units (e.g., rented apartments, dormitories and apartments, facilities providing accommodation and care, hospitals, motels or restaurants) to represent one or more rooms arranged for individual living together as a single housekeeping unit, typically having cooking, living, hygiene and sleeping facilities. The dwelling unit of a dwelling typically includes a plurality of compartments as defined in the NFPA standard, where each compartment is generally a space enclosed by walls and a ceiling. Accordingly, the sprinkler 10 can be configured for use in a residential sprinkler system, preferably a wet pipe residential sprinkler system, for: (i) one and two home dwellings and mobile homes in accordance with NFPA 13D; (ii) reach and include four floors height per NFPA 13R dwelling; or (iii) any other use according to NFPA 13.

Referring to fig. 1, a partial, partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a residential sprinkler 10 is shown, the residential sprinkler 10 coupled to a sprinkler system, preferably a wet sprinkler system 100, located in a pressurized space above a ceiling 200, such as gypsum wallboard or ceiling tile, of a known structure. The sprinkler 10 preferably includes a body 12 configured to couple the sprinkler 10 to the sprinkler system 100. Preferably, the sprinkler 10 is coupled to a branch line of the sprinkler system 100 via a threaded connection between the body 12 and a corresponding fitting (fitting) on the branch line of the sprinkler system 100. Alternative connections are possible to provide a connection to facilitate fluid communication between showerhead system 100 and showerhead 10 in the manner described herein below.

The sprinkler 10 preferably includes a support cup or housing 14 disposed about the body 12. The housing 14 provides a chamber for housing showerhead operating components, such as a trigger and a deflector assembly. Attached below the housing 14 is a removable cover plate assembly 16 that provides a mechanism to hide the head components from view below the ceiling 200. The cover plate assembly 16 preferably includes a generally flat plate 18 that presents an unobtrusive appearance relative to the ceiling 200. The panel 18 may include a decorative or textured surface treatment or coloring such that it aesthetically blends or blends with the surrounding environment. In operation, a portion of the plate assembly 16 is configured to be separated from the housing 12 and/or operational components of the sprinkler head 10, thereby allowing the sprinkler head 10 to activate and discharge a fire suppression fluid over an area below the ceiling 200.

A cross-sectional view of the sprinkler head 10 is provided in fig. 2. The illustrated body 12 is preferably externally threaded 11 for coupling to the sprinkler system 100 and preferably further includes a multi-planar region 13 for engagement with an installation tool, such as a socket-type wrench (not shown). Multi-planar region 13 may include, for example, six connected planar sides to form a hexagonal outer perimeter of body 12 that an installation tool may grip around body 12 to thread spray head 10 into or out of spray head system 100.

The sprinkler 10 is preferably embodied as a concealed sprinkler. Therefore, preferably threadedly engaged with the external threads 11 of the body 12 is the housing 14. The housing 14 preferably includes a peripheral edge defining an interior of the central aperture 42. Body 12 may be disposed through central bore 42 and a peripheral edge of the interior of housing 14 may engage external threads 11 of body 12 so as to be coupled to and received by the body. The multi-planar portion 13 of the body 12 may be dimensioned to form a stop that engages an inner surface of the housing 14 to limit axial engagement of the body 12 through the central bore 42 of the housing 14.

The inner surface of the housing 14 is preferably radially spaced from the longitudinal axis a-a to define a chamber 44 for preferably surrounding and containing the operational components of the sprinkler head 10. The interior surface of the housing 14 may include a mating mechanism 46 for mating with the cover assembly 16. Preferably, the housing 14 includes rolled threads 46a along an inner surface to engage a portion of the plate assembly 16 to mate the components together.

A cross-sectional view of the preferred removable panel assembly 16 is shown in fig. 3. The cover plate assembly 16 preferably includes a retaining sleeve portion 48 having a plurality of protrusions 46B for threadingly engaging the internal threads 46A of the outer housing 14 to mate the plate assembly 16 and the outer housing 14A together. Alternatively, the retaining sleeve portion 48 may include a threaded portion to interengage with the internal threads 46a of the outer housing 14. The sleeve preferably includes a mounting surface 50 for engaging a surface of the ceiling 200 to limit axial engagement of the panel assembly 16 with the housing 14.

The cover plate member is attached to the retaining sleeve 48 such that it substantially conceals the chamber of the outer housing 14 and thus the operational components of the sprinkler 10, such as the deflector assembly 42 shown in fig. 2. The cover plate member is preferably attached to the retaining sleeve by a thermally reactive fitting 52, such as a tab or solder strip 52, the thermally reactive fitting 52 being rated to clamp the plate member to the retaining sleeve 48 depending on the desired temperature. Beyond the threshold temperature, the solder 52 melts to release the cover plate member and expose the operating elements of the sprinkler head 10 to address the heat source. Solder 52 is preferably at 115To about 140And more preferably from about 117To about 137And even more preferably about 135Is nominal. More preferably, three tabs of solder 52 are applied radially about the longitudinal axis. To facilitate separation of the cover member and the retaining sleeve 48, the plate assembly 16 preferably further includes a pop-up spring 53, the pop-up spring 53 biasing the cover member away from the retaining sleeve 48. The ejection spring 53 may be, for example, a compression spring member disposed between the deflector assembly 42 and the plate member 18. As mentioned above, the cover plate member is preferably a substantially flat plate 18 to provide a low profile relative to the ceiling 200. Alternatively, the cover member 18 may include a stepped or curved profile such that it presents a surface that is concave, for example, with respect to the view below the ceiling 200.

The operational components of the sprinkler 10 may individually and collectively define sprinkler performance, i.e., water distribution, and comply with known sprinkler standards such as october 2003 edition UL 1626. More preferably, the operational components of the sprinkler 10, along with the water distribution characteristics, provide heat sensitivity or heat reactivity, which can effectively address a residential fire and thereby increase the chances of occupants escaping or being evacuated. The body 12 is an operative component having an inner surface 20 defining a channel or conduit 22 as shown in fig. 2. The passage 22 provides communication between a body inlet 24 and a body outlet 26 spaced along the longitudinal axis A-A of the spray head. The inlet 24 is configured to receive fluid from the sprinkler system 100, while the outlet 26 is configured to discharge the fluid for distribution over a protected area beneath the sprinkler 10. The body 12 is preferably configured to define a discharge coefficient or K-factor of about 5 and more preferably at least 4.9. The K-factor is related in part to the shape of the channel 22 and other dimensions of the channel 22, inlet 24, and/or outlet 26. As used herein, the discharge coefficient or K-factor of sprinkler 10 is quantified or rated as the flow rate Q of water in gallons per minute (gpm) from passageway 22 of body 12 of sprinkler 10, where K is Q/(p)1/2, divided by the square of the pressure p of the water in pounds per square inch gauge (psig) injected into body 12.

The sprinkler head 10 is partially shown in a non-actuated state, i.e., with the outlet 26 closed by a latch assembly 28. A latch assembly 28 is preferably disposed proximate the outlet 26 to close the passageway 22 to prevent fluid from being discharged from the outlet. The latch assembly 28 preferably includes a plug 30 coupled to a gasket 32, the gasket 32 having a perimeter that joins the inner surface 20 of the body 12 forming the outlet 26. The gasket 32 is preferably Teflon with about 0.02 inchCoated Bellville type, beryliumnickel washers. The plug 30 is preferably coupled to the base member 34 by compression screws or other fasteners 36.

The latching assembly further includes a thermally responsive trigger assembly or lever 38 that provides a mechanism for controlling the displacement of the gasket 32 from the outlet 26 in order to operate the sprinkler 10. More specifically, the control lever 38 is preferably operableA fused connection assembly having two bisected connections held together by a solder connection element 40 to maintain the sprinkler head 10 in a non-actuated state. When exposed to a sufficient level of heat, the solder member melts and the two bisected connections separate from each other causing the latch assembly to translate, operate the spray head 10 and allow fluid to discharge from the outlet 26. An alternative lockout assembly 28 and thermal trigger 38 may be provided, so long as the alternative structure is capable of sufficiently enclosing the passage 22 when the sprinkler is in a non-activated state and sufficiently thermally reacting to activate the sprinkler when desired. The trigger assembly 38 is preferably configured such that the sprinkler head 10 has a weight of from about 135To about 170 and more preferably about 160Temperature rating of. Higher showerhead temperature ratings may provide additional flexibility in showerhead selection beyond the range of mounting configurations and system designs.

Distal to the outlet 26 is a deflector assembly 42, the deflector assembly 42 providing a mechanism for distributing fluid discharged from the outlet 26 over the area below the outlet. The deflector assembly 42 preferably includes a deflector plate assembly 42a, one or more guide members 42b, and an inner or guide member housing 42c disposed about a distal portion of the body 12. In fig. 2, the deflector assembly 42 is shown in both its non-deployed (solid line) and deployed (dashed line) states. More specifically, the deflector assembly 42 has a first retracted position distal to the spray head outlet 26 and a second deployed position distal to the first position. Preferably, the plate 18 supports the deflector assembly 42 in its first position such that at least the deflector plate assembly 42a is positioned at a minimum distance from the outlet 26.

In a preferred embodiment, inner shell 42c is disposed about a flange at distal end 27 of body 12. The inner shell 42c preferably extends coaxially within the outer shell 14. The inner housing 42c includes an inner surface at least partially circumscribed (circumferentially) about the longitudinal axis and to which one or more guide members 42b are secured. Preferably, the deflector assembly 42 includes a pair of elongated guide members 42b spaced parallel to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a and preferably extending distally in the direction of the longitudinal axis a-a inside the inner housing 42 c. Each guide member 42b preferably includes a proximal end that is coupled to a portion of the interior of inner housing 42 c. Coupled to the distal end of the guide member 42b is the deflector plate assembly 42a, thereby positioning the deflector plate assembly 42a in a first position distal to the outlet 26. The guide member 42b is preferably a telescoping member relative to the inner housing 42c, thus allowing the deflector plate assembly 42a to extend distally from a first position to a second position distal of the first position.

The deflector plate assembly 42a is partially shown in phantom corresponding to a second or deployed position. In this preferred operating position, the deflector plate assembly 42a presents an upper surface 56 and an opposite lower surface 58, each generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis a-a for distributing fluid discharged from the outlet 26. In particular, the upper surface 56 provides a distribution surface for distributing a minimum flow rate discharged from the outlet 26.

Operation of the sprinkler head 10 is provided on exposure to a heat source, such as a fire, that generates sufficient heat to melt the solder tabs 52 and the panel 18 away from the retaining sleeve 48. The deflector assembly 42 then falls from its first or non-deployed position to a second or deployed position. The solder holding the fusible link 38 melts upon exposure to the increased heat, bisecting the link separation to activate the spray head and translate the latch assembly. Following displacement of the latch assembly, fluid is discharged from the outlet 26 onto the protected area.

Thus, the sprinkler 10 may be tested in accordance with UL 1626, section 26 to identify an acceptable minimum operating flow discharged from the sprinkler 10 that is capable of distributing fluid flow onto a horizontal surface in a rectangular test area, such as that schematically shown in fig. 7C, such that for any one square foot area (1 ft) of the test area²) Should be at least 0.02 gallons per minute per square foot, provided that there is only four times one square foot area (4 x 1 ft)²) In the test areaAt least 0.015 gallons per minute per square foot in any given quadrant (quadrant). More preferably, a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 10 may be satisfactorily tested according to UL 1626 to identify a minimum operating flow of thirteen gallons per minute (13gpm), which results in a fluid distribution to a 256 square foot area (16ft by 16ft) having 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft)²) The density of (c). Even more preferably, the test is conducted so as to identify the actual minimum operating pressure for the preferred sprinkler 10, which has a nominal K factor of 4.9 and a minimum operating flow rate of thirteen gallons per minute (13gpm) that can be at 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft), for example²) A density above 256 square feet of test area (16ft x 16ft) yields a fluid distribution of about seven pounds per square inch (7 psi). Moreover, the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 10 further provides a minimum flow rate of seventeen gallons per minute (17gpm) in a smooth fluid distribution test for a 324 square foot area (18ft x 18ft), and a minimum flow rate of twenty gallons per minute (20gpm) for a 400 square foot test area (20ft x 20 ft).

Additionally, the sprinkler 10 may be tested in accordance with UL 1626, section 27 to identify acceptable levels of fluid distribution from the sprinkler 10 capable of distributing fluid flow onto a vertical surface within a rectangular test area, such as schematically shown in fig. 7A and 7B, such that walls in the test coverage area are wetted within twenty-eight inches (28in) of the ceiling with water discharged by the sprinkler 10 at a design flow rate specified in a uniform manner. In a square coverage or test area, each wall in the coverage area will be wetted with at least five percent (5%) of the sprinkler flow. For a rectangular coverage or test area, each wall in the coverage area will wet within a proportional amount of water based on twenty percent (20%) of the total sprinkler discharge according to the following formula:

WW＝20％(D/P)

wherein:

WW ═ the amount of water required to collect on a wall in percent

D is the wall length (ft), and

p-total perimeter of coverage area (ft)

It is believed that the various features of the sprinkler 10 and its operating components allow compliance with UL 1626 at the minimum flow rates and pressures described above. The deflector plate assembly 42a and the upper surface 56 preferably include or define one or more surfaces that are generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. More preferably, the deflector plate assembly 42a includes a first central surface 43 axially spaced from the outlet 26, such as shown in fig. 4B, and preferably a second surface 45 circumscribing the first surface 43 and spaced distally from the first surface 43. Even more preferably, the deflector plate assembly 42a includes a third surface 47 circumscribing the first and second surfaces 43, 45 and spaced distally from the second surface 45. The plurality of surfaces 43, 45, 47 provide a surface upon which fluid discharged from the outlet 26 may impact, deflect and flow for distribution under the sprinkler head 10.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, a preferred embodiment of the deflector plate assembly 42a preferably includes a generally flat plate member 78 and a boss member 60. The flat plate member 78 and the raised member 60 preferably cooperate to form the upper surface 56 and the lower surface 58 of the deflector plate assembly 42a to distribute fluid flow from the outlet 26. For example, water discharged from the outlet 26 is deflected away from the surfaces of the plate member 78 and the raised member 60 to deflect the water axially and radially to further impact other elements of the sprinkler 10, such as the inner surface of the outer housing 14, the inner housing 42c, and/or the guide member 42b to provide acceptable sprinkler performance and water distribution characteristics in accordance with UL 1626.

The projection member 60 is preferably centrally located with respect to the plate member 78 and aligned with the longitudinal axis a-a. As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the boss member 60 has a central portion (core)62 that preferably has a generally planar proximal tip 63 and a generally cylindrical body extending axially therefrom. The boss member 60 may include a member 64 extending radially from the central portion 62. More preferably diametrically disposed about the central portion 62 are radially extending members 64. Alternatively, a plurality of extension members may be radially disposed about central portion 62 or, in a further alternative, the enlarged flange may be confined about central portion 62. The boss member 60 preferably includes an inclined or angled surface 66 that extends continuously from the central portion 62 to the radially extending member 64. The surface 66 may define an angle in a range from about twenty to thirty degrees (20 ° -30 °) relative to the generally planar surface and more preferably about twenty-three degrees (23 °) relative to the generally planar surface. More preferably, the projection member 60 is a complete or unitary structure with the angled surface 66 circumscribed about the longitudinal axis so as to define a generally frustoconical plane and further define a projection cone geometry. The planar tip 63 and the radially extending member 64 provide, respectively and preferably, the first central surface 43 and the second surface 45 as described above.

The central portion 62 of the boss member 60 preferably engages the plate member 78. More preferably, the plate member 78 preferably includes a central aperture 80 disposed about the generally cylindrical body of the central portion 62. The plate member 78 preferably includes at least two lateral apertures 82a and 82b disposed about the central aperture 80. More preferably, the lateral apertures 82a and 82b are aligned and laterally spaced outside the radially extending member 64, as more clearly shown in fig. 4A. The lateral apertures 82a, 82b preferably engage or couple to the preferably parallel guide members 42b to centrally locate the deflector plate assembly 42a distally of the outlet 26 along the longitudinal axis a-a, as shown in fig. 2. More specifically, guide member 42b may include a pin element that is preferably fixedly disposed in lateral bores 82a, 82 b. The radially extending members 64 and the adjacent pin elements of the guide members 42b preferably provide a fluid flow surface or path therebetween to distribute fluid flow for the flow distribution characteristics of the plate member 78. This flow path may provide smooth flow concentration and wall wetting during UL 1626 testing. Referring again to fig. 4A, the radially extending member 64 may include an aperture (void)65 defined at an end of a side thereof near the guide member 42c, through which aperture 65 the discharged fluid may flow.

The plate member 78 is preferably generally elliptical or oval in shape, preferably disposed generally in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A and defined by orthogonal plate axes IVB-IVB and VIC-VIC, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 4A. More specifically, the plate member 78 has a perimeter defining at least one arcuate edge 84 and one substantially straight edge 86. Preferably, the plate member 78 has a perimeter that defines two diametrically opposed arcuate edges 84 that intersect the plate major axis IVB-IVB and two substantially parallel straight edges 86 that are opposed about the plate major axis IVB-IVB and orthogonal to the plate minor axis VIC-VIC. Preferably, the maximum spacing between the two parallel straight edges 86 along the minor axis VIC-VIC is in the range of about 1.1 inches to about 1.5 inches and is preferably about 1.25 inches.

In a preferred embodiment of the plate member 78, a point along the defined arcuate edge 84 may further define a circumference circumscribed about the longitudinal axis A-A. The straight edges 86 defined by the plate member 78 each further preferably define a chord length of the circumference. Accordingly, the plate diameter defined by diametrically opposed points along the arcuate edge 84 and merging axis IVB-IVB is preferably in the range of about 1.25 inches to about 1.5 inches and more preferably about 1.35 inches. Alternatively, the diameter defined by the plate member 78 may be a function of the showerhead height such that the ratio of the plate diameter to the showerhead height is in the range of about 0.5 to about 0.75 and preferably about 0.70.

A preferred plate member 78 without the projection member 60 engaged therewith is shown in fig. 6A-6D. The plate member 78 includes an upper surface 78a and a lower surface 78b, each preferably parallel to a plane defined by the intersection of the major axis IVB-IVB and the minor axis VIC-VIC. More preferably, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces 78a, 78b has an angled portion, such as shown in fig. 6C and 6D, that is angled at an angle α relative to a plane defined by the intersection of the major axis IVB-IVB and the minor axis VIC-VIC. The angle α may range from about five to about ten degrees (5 ° -10 °) and more preferably about six degrees (6 °). The angle alpha is preferably such that the lower surface is generally concave with respect to a view from below the ceiling 200. More preferably, the angled portion is disposed at an outer perimeter of the plate member 78 to provide an angled lip to the plate member 78. Even more preferably, the angle α of the upper surface 78a or the lower surface 78b is provided to only a portion of the plate member 78, such as a span of a radius centered about the minor axis VIC-VIC of about sixty degrees. More specifically, the angled portions are preferably limited to the surfaces of the plates defining the diametrically opposed straight edges 86. Thus, preferably, the two angled portions of the plate member 78 are diametrically spaced about the major axis IVB-IVB and more preferably define bend lines 79a and 79 b. Bend lines 79a and 79b are preferably spaced diametrically from one another by about one inch or more, alternatively by a straight edge to straight edge width equal to about eighty-three percent (83%) in length.

The angled portion of the plate member 78 is preferably configured to provide compliance with UL 1626 section 27 wall wetting requirements. Also, the angled portions of the plate member 78 are preferably configured to reduce spray overturning and thus provide a cold braze test consistent with operation UL 1626 section 22, where a first preferred sprinkler 10 is activated proximate to a non-activated second preferred sprinkler 10 positioned about 8 feet from the activated sprinkler 10. In particular, the straight edge 86 of the plate member 78 of the first showerhead 10 can be spaced parallel to the straight edge 86 in the plate member 78 of the second showerhead 10. To meet the test requirements, when the first sprinkler 10 is discharging fluid at 100psig or more, the first sprinkler 10 cannot prevent activation of the second sprinkler 10 due to the second sprinkler being exposed to heat and flame, as specified in subsection 22.2 of UL 1626. At approximately 100psig or greater, it is believed that the fluid flowing radially along the surface of the plate member 78 has sufficient velocity to create a downward flow separation at the angled portion of the plate member 78 as well as the straight edge 86. While the plate member 78 is preferably shown with straight edges 86 and angled portions, any surface deformation, surface geometry or surface treatment may be incorporated into the plate member 78 provided that the surface deformation can cause flow separation at a fluid pressure of 100psig or greater so as to prevent wetting of an area 8 feet or more positioned proximate the showerhead in the direction of the plane defined by the a-a and IVB-IVB axes without reducing the effectiveness of the fluid distribution pattern provided by the deflector assembly 42. Thus, the sprinkler 10 provides a minimum sprinkler spacing of about eight feet. The maximum spacing between adjacent jets is preferably equal to the length of the coverage area covered by the jets. Thus, where the sprinkler 10 is configured for coverage areas of 16ft × 16ft, 18ft × 18ft, and 20ft × 20ft, the maximum spacing is: 16ft, 18ft, and 20 ft.

Shown generally in fig. 4A and in more detail in fig. 6A is plate member 78, which further includes one or more channels 88 defining openings or apertures extending from upper surface 78a to lower surface 78b to provide fluid flow distribution features. Additionally, the groove 88 preferably begins at the perimeter of the plate member 78 and extends radially toward the center of the plate member 78 to define a groove length L_s. Each groove 88 is preferably defined by a pair of spaced walls extending in the direction of elongation of the groove to define a groove width W_s. Trench width ratio W_S∶L_SAnd may range from about 0.1 to about 0.15. Width W of groove_sCan vary along the length of the groove, along the length L of the groove_sBecoming wider or smaller at any portion of the trench. The walls defining the groove 88 may be further tapered relative to one or both of the upper and lower surfaces 78a, 78b, or alternatively and more preferably orthogonal to the upper and lower surfaces. Preferably, the one or more grooves 88 include a chamfer along at least a portion of at least one of the upper and lower surfaces 78a, 78 b. The angled face of the sprinkler 10 may facilitate compliance with the flow collection requirements of the UL 1626 test.

Any one of the grooves 88 preferably includes a linearly extending portion so as to define a straight portion. The groove 88 may further include a non-linear portion, such as defining a curved portion. More specifically, the spaced walls defining the channel 88 may be curved in a parallel fashion along the channel length to define a curved channel. Alternatively, the walls defining the channel 88 may variably curve and face each other to generally define an oval shaped aperture in the plate member 78. Preferably, a portion of the walls defining the channel 88 are curved relative to each other so as to define a circular hole or aperture along the channel 88. Accordingly, the groove 88 may be formed so as to include a linear portion and a non-linear portion that communicates or is continuous with the linear portion. Thus, the groove 88 may include a circular bore portion in communication with a straight portion. Also, the circular hole portion of the groove 88The segments may define a trench width that is greater than, or alternatively less than, the trench width of the straight segments. For example, as shown in fig. 6A, the groove 88 may include a straight portion 88a in communication with the circular bore portion 88b and terminating radially inward at a top end defined by the circular bore portion 88 b. The circular bore portion 88b may include a counter sink or alternatively a counter bore. And the groove 88 may include a series of sections of varying geometry along its groove length. For example, a preferred groove 94, such as shown in fig. 6A and 6D, may include a first straight portion 94a defining a groove axis, a second circular bore portion 94b having a center along the groove axis, and a third circular bore portion 94c having a center along the groove axis spaced from the center of the second circular bore portion 94 b. Circular bore portion 94c preferably has a smaller diameter than second circular bore portion 94 b. Further, either circular apertures 94b and 94c may include a counterbore or a counterbored hole. Thus, the trench width W_sMay follow the length L of the trench₃Variations such as where the first straight portion 94a has a groove width, the second circular aperture portion 94b has a second groove width greater than the first groove width and the third circular aperture portion 94c has a third groove width less than the groove widths of the first and second circular aperture portions 94a, 94 b.

The preferred plate member 78 includes one or more pairs of diametrically opposed grooves 88. More preferably, the plate member 78 includes one or more sets of diametrically opposed grooves, such as groove sets 90, 92, 94, and 96. The sets of trenches 90, 92, 94, 96 may be varied from one another by varying any of the previously described trench characteristics. For example, the groove sets 90, 92, 94, 96 may each have a groove length L that each defines a maximum radius ratio relative to the plate member 78_s. In one preferred embodiment of the plate member 78, for example, the first set of grooves 90 defines a first ratio of about 0.25, the second set of grooves 92 defines a second ratio of about 0.41, the third set of grooves 94 defines a third ratio of about 0.23, and the fourth set of grooves each defines a fourth ratio of about 0.29. Additional features may distinguish the sets of grooves, for example, where the grooves 94 of the third set include circular hole portions as described above. Any given set of trenches is preferredPeriodically disposed radially about the plate member 78. The angular spacing between the grooves may range from about 15 ° to about 120 ° depending on the number of grooves in the group and/or the desired spacing relative to the major axis IVB-IVB and minor axis VIC-VIC. More preferably, the sets of grooves are further uniformly interleaved among each other such that one groove of one set is angularly spaced about fifteen degrees (15 °) from one groove of the other set.

The various components of the sprinkler head 10, including the body 12, housing 14, cover plate assembly 16, and deflector assembly components, may be made of any material capable of being machined, formed, shaped, or otherwise manufactured, provided that the material provides the requisite thermal reactivity and fluid distribution characteristics. Preferably, the material used for the construction of the nozzle part comprises brass, bronze, nickel, copper, steel, stainless steel or any combination thereof.

Thus, the preferred deflector plate assembly 42a and its features described above can be incorporated, alone or in combination with the remainder of the deflector assembly 42 and/or the housing 14, as part of a mechanism for distributing fluid into a residential dwelling unit, such that the sprinkler 10 can meet the test requirements of UL 1626. In the horizontal distribution test, section 26 of UL 1626 requires that the selected sprinkler 10 be placed over a protective area subdivided into four quadrants, with the sprinkler 100 being placed in the center of quadrants I-IV. A detailed layout of one quadrant is shown in fig. 7C. In this quadrant, the water collection tray is placed over a quadrant of the protected area (e.g., quadrant III) such that every square foot of the quadrant is covered by a one-square foot area of the water collection tray. For a pendant sprinkler, the top of the water collection tray is eight feet below the generally planar ceiling of the test area, such as shown in fig. 7A. The coverage area CA is approximately the product of the coverage width CW and the length CL, as shown in fig. 7C, and may be, for example, 16 feet by 16 feet, 18 feet by 18 feet, or 20 feet by 20 feet. The length L of quadrant III is approximately one half of the coverage length CL and the width W is approximately one half of the coverage width CW, where each square foot of the quadrant is covered by a one-square foot area of water collection pans, the top of each water collection pan is approximately eight feet below the ceiling of the substantially flat coverage area and the amount of fluid collected for any water collection pan is at least 0.02 gallons per minute per square foot, except that no more than four water collection pans for each quadrant receive at least 0.015 gallons per minute per square foot.

According to this test, water or another suitable fire suppression fluid is supplied at a desired rate to a selected sprinkler 10 for the test sprinkler 10 via a one inch inner diameter pipe with a tee fitting having an outlet that is approximately the same inner diameter as the inlet 24 of the selected sprinkler 100. The duration of the test was twenty minutes and at the completion of the test, the water collected by the water collection tray CP (as depicted by the grid-like squares) was measured to determine if the amount deposited met the minimum density requirement for each coverage area.

As disclosed in section 27 of UL 1626, the vertical fluid distribution test provides an arrangement to determine the vertical fluid distribution of any sprinkler suitable for the protection of a living unit. In this test arrangement for a residential pendent sprinkler 100, the sprinkler 100 is placed over the center of the coverage area CA at half the coverage length CL or width CW of the coverage area (FIGS. 7A and 7B). A suitable fire fighting fluid, such as water, is delivered to the sprinkler 10 at a specified flow rate for the test sprinkler 10 via a one inch inner diameter pipe. A one-foot area water collection tray is placed on the floor against the test area walls such that the top of the tray is six feet and ten inches below the nominal eight feet height H of the generally planar ceiling. The duration of the test was ten minutes, at which point the walls within the coverage area would wet at the specified design flow rate within 28 inches of the ceiling. In the case of a square footprint, each of the four walls must be wetted with at least five percent of the sprinkler flow. In the case of a rectangular coverage area, each of the four walls must be wetted with a proportional amount of water collected that is approximately equal to 20 percent (times) sprinkler 10 multiplied by the total discharge of the rated flow rate of the residential fire sprinkler multiplied by the length of the wall divided by the perimeter of the coverage area CA.

As utilized in this test, the deflector group comprising the grooves 88 of the plate member 78Member 42 is believed to allow the flow stream extending from outlet 26 perpendicular to frame arm 14 to be split to meet a maximum of 20 feet spacing between sprinklers in the operational test of section 22 of UL 1626. The preferred plate member 78 in combination with the projection member 60 is believed to provide adequate fluid distribution over the test coverage area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a-a. Further, it is believed that the above-described features associated with the deflector assembly 42 allow the sprinkler 10 to provide an operating flow of thirteen gallons per minute (13gpm) of water at an operating pressure of about seven pounds per square inch gauge (7psig) supplied to the inlet 26 so that at least 0.05gpm/ft will be at least under the horizontal dispensing test of UL 1626²Provides a 16 foot by 16 foot coverage area.

Moreover, the above-described features provide sprinkler performance in a preferred sprinkler 10 having a minimum operating flow rate of seventeen gallons per minute (17gpm) for a 324 square foot area (18ft × 18ft) in a smooth fluid distribution and fire test, and twenty gallons per minute (20gpm) for a 400 square foot test area (20ft × 20 ft). More preferably, the sprinkler 10 can provide a minimum flow of seventeen gallons per minute (17gpm) for 324 square foot area (18ft x 18ft) at an operating pressure of about twelve pounds per square inch (12psi) in smooth fluid distribution and fire tests, and further provide a minimum flow of twenty gallons per minute (20gpm) for 400 square foot test area (20ft x 20ft) at an operating pressure of less than seventeen pounds per square inch and even more preferably at about 16.7 psi.

In addition to the fluid distribution tests described above, actual fire tests according to section 28 of UL 1626 may be similarly performed for the preferred embodiments. In particular, fire tests may be completed with the sprinkler 10 to limit the temperature in a particular area (location) of the test area in order to meet the criteria of section 28.1 of UL 1626. More specifically, the test area may be constructed with the preferred sprinkler 10 installed in accordance with section 28.2 of UL 1626. Actual fire tests conducted with sprinkler 10 may limit the temperature as specified by installation requirements with only two sprinklers 10 operating at each nominal interval such that: (i) on the day of the specified area of the testThe maximum temperature of three inches under the pattern plate is not more than 600%(316 ℃ C.); (ii) maximum temperatures of five and one-quarter feet (5-1/4ft) above the floor will not exceed 200Nor exceeds 130 at any successive period greater than two minutes(ii) a And (iii) the maximum ceiling temperature one-quarter inch after the finished ceiling surface will not exceed 500 deg.f(260℃)。

As a preferred hidden pendant sprinkler, the sprinkler 10 provides a vertical adjustment ranging from about one-quarter inch to about three-quarters inch and preferably about one-half inch down relative to fixed piping when the sprinkler is installed in the sprinkler system 100. This vertical adjustment can reduce the accuracy with which the fixed pipe descent of the system 100 must be intercepted to ensure proper installation.

Finally, because the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 100 can pass all of the performance testing requirements of UL 1626, the preferred embodiment can be listed, for example, as an authoritative list of UL, as a residential fire sprinkler for design and installation as defined in section 3.6.2.10 of NFPA 13. In a residential fire protection system, the above-described features of the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 10 can provide optimized fire protection in accordance with NFPAs 13, 13D, and 13R at a lower minimum design pressure for designing a protective area of 144 square feet or more. Thus, the deflector assembly 42, at least alone or in combination with other operational components of the sprinkler 10, preferably provides a mechanism for distributing fluid over the footprint of a residential dwelling unit. Thus, the sprinkler 10 according to NFPA standards may be installed in a preferably wet residential sprinkler system to provide a suitable fluid density to 256 square feet orWith the sprinkler 10 having a minimum discharge flow of about thirteen gallons per minute (13gpm) and a minimum design or operating pressure of about seven pounds per square inch delivered to the sprinkler. In addition, the preferred sprinkler 10 may be installed in a sprinkler system for a residence having a maximum coverage area of about 324 square feet, assuming (given) the sprinkler 10 can deliver a minimum flow rate of about seventeen gallons per minute (17gpm) at a minimum design pressure of about twelve pounds per square inch (12psi), and further providing a minimum flow rate of about four hundred square feet (400 ft)²) Assuming that the sprinkler 10 can deliver a minimum flow of about twenty gallons per minute (20gpm) at a minimum design pressure of about seventeen pounds per square inch (17 psi). More specifically, for this lower minimum operating design pressure, the preferred embodiments may be utilized in fire protection system designs for coverage areas of 324 square feet or greater at design pressures that are approximately fifteen percent lower than known residential fire sprinklers. Thus, sprinkler 10 provides a preferred apparatus and method for protecting a coverage area that may range from about 144 square feet to about 400 square feet by directing fire suppression fluid to sprinkler body 12 at a minimum operating pressure ranging from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17 psi). The preferred apparatus and method further provides for discharging fluid from the sprayer body 12 at a flow rate ranging from about thirteen gallons per minute to about 20 gallons per minute (13-20gpm) and about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft) of fluid²) The density of (a) distributes the fluid over the coverage area.

One preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 10 is in Tyco fire fighting&A building product List series LFII residential concealed pendant sprinkler, flat panel 4.9K (1 month 2006), is shown and described and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Shown below is a base having 160 for various coverage areasA tabulation of the minimum flow and residual pressure for the preferred sprinkler for a temperature rating of (71 c) is summarized. Additionally, the preferred showerhead may provide a maximum operating pressure of about 175 pounds per square inch (175 psi).

TABLE 1

Maximum area of coverage	Maximum nozzle spacing (foot)	Minimum flow (gpm) and residual pressure (psi)
			12ft×12ft	12ft	13gpm/7(psi)
14ft×14ft	14ft	13gpm/7(psi)
			16ft×16ft	16ft	13gpm/7(psi)
18ft×18ft	18ft	17gpm/12(psi)
			20ft×20ft	20ft	20gpm/16.7(psi)

Table 1 provides various maximum coverage areas for the preferred sprinkler 10 and further provides preferred minimum flow rates and operating fluid pressures. The minimum flow rates and operating pressures provided may also be used for protecting a sprinkler 10 having a coverage area of dimensions less than or between those indicated to ensure adequate distribution density for the actual coverage area.

Although the present invention has been disclosed with respect to certain preferred embodiments, many modifications, variations and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims (7)

1. A residential flat plate concealed sprinkler (10) for fire protection of an area ranging from 144 square feet to 400 square feet, the sprinkler comprising:

a housing (14) having an inner surface defining a chamber (44);

a removable cover assembly (16) attached to the underside of the housing (14);

a body (12) disposed at least partially within the chamber (44), the body (12) having an inlet (24) and outlets (26) spaced along a longitudinal axis (A-A), the outlets (26) having a minimum design fluid flow rate ranging from thirteen gallons per minute to twenty gallons per minute, and the inlet (24) having a minimum design input fluid pressure ranging from seven pounds per square inch to seventeen pounds per square inch, the body (12) including an inner surface (20) defining a passage (22) for communication between the inlet (24) and the outlets (26);

a plurality of guide members (42b) having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the body (12) and the distal end having a telescopic movement relative to the outlet (26) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A); and

a deflector plate assembly (42a) for distributing fluid flow over a protected area, the deflector plate assembly (42a) coupled to distal ends of the plurality of guide members (42b) such that the deflector plate assembly (42a) has a first position distal to the outlet (26) and a second position distal to the first position, the deflector plate assembly (42a) comprising:

a plate member (78) comprising two lateral holes (82a, 82b) arranged around said longitudinal axis (A-A), said two lateral holes (82a, 82b) being joined to said parallel guide members (42 b);

an elliptical perimeter confined around the longitudinal axis (A-A) and further defining a major axis (IVB-IVB) and a minor axis (VIC-VIC) both intersecting the longitudinal axis (A-A), the two lateral apertures (82a, 82b) being disposed along the major axis (IVB-IVB), the elliptical perimeter including a pair of spaced parallel straight edges (86) and two diametrically opposed arcuate edges (84), the plate member (78) including a plurality of grooves (88) equally radially spaced about the longitudinal axis (A-A), each groove (88) having a straight portion, beginning at the perimeter and extending radially toward the longitudinal axis (A-A) to define a groove length and further having a groove width, the plurality of grooves (88) further defining:

a first groove group (92) having a first groove length; and

at least a second groove group (96) having a second groove length smaller than the first groove length, the grooves of the second groove group (96) being uniformly inserted between the grooves of the first groove group (92); characterized in that said deflector plate assembly (42a) comprises a boss member (60), said boss member (60) being coupled to said plate member (78) so as to define a proximal surface orthogonal to said longitudinal axis (A-A) and axially spaced from said outlet (26) and a distal surface distal to said proximal surface and orthogonal to said longitudinal axis (A-A), said plate member (78) further comprising a central aperture (80) disposed about the cylindrical body of a central portion (62) of said boss member (60), said two lateral apertures (82a, 82b) being disposed about said central aperture (80); and is

The spaced parallel straight edges (86) are opposed about the major axis (IVB-IVB) and orthogonal to the minor axis (VIC-VIC), and the two diametrically opposed arcuate edges (84) intersect the major axis (IVB-IVB).

2. The spray head (10) of claim 1, wherein the plate member (78) and the boss member (60) define a surface disposed between the proximal and distal surfaces, the surface including a second surface (45) circumscribing the proximal surface and spaced distally from the proximal surface and a third surface (47) circumscribing the proximal and second surfaces (45) and spaced distally from the second surface (45), and/or at least a portion of the plate member (78) forms the distal surface.

3. The spray head (10) of claim 2, wherein the raised member (60) has a central portion (62) aligned with the longitudinal axis (a-a), the central portion (62) having an apex (63) forming a plane of the proximal surface, the raised member (60) further including at least one radially extending member (64), the at least one radially extending member (64) defining the surface between the proximal and distal surfaces, the raised member including a surface (66) that is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (a-a).

4. The spray head (10) of claim 1, wherein the plate member (78) has an upper surface (78a) and an opposing lower surface (78b), the plurality of grooves (88) being formed in the plate member (78) and each groove (88) extending from the upper surface (78a) to the lower surface (78b), at least one of the plurality of grooves (88) including a straight portion (88a) and a circular portion (88b) in communication with the straight portion (88a), the circular portion (88b) including at least one of a counterbored and a counter-bored hole.

5. The spray head (10) of claim 1, wherein the plate member (78) defines a center point along the longitudinal axis (a-a) and a maximum radius circumscribed about the center point to define a circumference, the plate member (78) having a first pair of diametrically opposed edges (84) disposed along the circumference and a second pair of diametrically opposed edges (86) each defining a chord of the circumference.

6. The showerhead (10) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of grooves includes a first portion having a first groove width and a second portion having a second groove width greater than the first groove width; or, at least one of the plurality of grooves includes a straight portion and a circular portion in communication with the straight portion, the circular portion having a width greater than the straight portion.

7. The spray head (10) of claim 1, wherein the cover plate assembly (16) has a first state coupled to the housing (14) to retain the deflector plate assembly (42a) in a non-deployed position and a second state separated from the housing (14) to release the deflector plate assembly (42a) to a second deployed state, the cover plate assembly (16) comprising:

a retention sleeve (48) having a coupling mechanism (46b) that couples the cover plate assembly (16) to the housing (14), the retention sleeve (48) having an inner surface defining a channel with an inlet (24) and outlets (26) spaced along the longitudinal axis (A-A);

a plate (18) disposed proximate to the outlet of the retaining sleeve (48) to support and conceal at least a portion of the deflector plate assembly (42a) within the passage of the retaining sleeve (48), the plate (18) includes a thermally reactive mating head (52) that couples the plate (18) to the retaining sleeve (48) proximate the outlet, and more particularly, the thermally responsive fitting (52) is at least one solder member having a 135 DEG F rating, and/or the cover plate assembly (16) further includes an ejection spring, so as to bias the plate (18) away from the retaining sleeve (48), and/or an inner surface of the housing (14) includes threads (46a), the mating means of the retaining sleeve (48) is a protrusion (46b) that engages threads (46a) on the inner surface of the housing (14).