Spray assembly

Abstract

A spray assembly includes an outer structural assembly having an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway defined between the inlet and the outlet. The spray assembly includes an inner structural assembly disposed within the passageway. The spray 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

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims the benefit and priority of 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 entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Sprinkler systems can be installed within buildings to address fire situations. A sprinkler system may include fire sprinklers connected to a piping system to receive fluids in response to a fire. Summary of the Invention

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a spray assembly. The spray assembly includes an external structural component having an inlet, an outlet, and a passage defined between the inlet and the outlet. The spray assembly includes an internal structural component disposed within the passage. The spray assembly includes a button disposed in the passage, the button defining an axis. The button includes a center of mass offset from the axis.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a button for a dry sprinkler. The button includes a first portion forming a chamber. The first portion is cylindrical. The button includes a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion is conical. The button includes a slot formed at a first end of the second portion, the first end of the second portion facing a second end of the second portion, the second end of the second portion being adjacent to the first portion. The button includes at least one channel extending through the second portion toward the chamber.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to a dry sprinkler. The dry sprinkler includes a passage between an inlet and an outlet. The dry sprinkler includes a sprinkler frame connected to the outlet. The dry sprinkler includes a pipe in the passage between the inlet and the outlet. The dry sprinkler includes a button connected to the outlet. The button defines an axis and includes a center of mass offset from the axis.

[0006] At least one aspect relates to a method. The method includes providing a body of a button, the body comprising a cylindrical first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the body forming a cavity. The method includes forming at least one channel through the second portion such that the center of mass of the button is offset from the central axis of the first portion.

[0007] These and other aspects, as well as embodiments, are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of the aspects and embodiments, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed aspects and embodiments. The accompanying drawings provide illustration and further understanding of the aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Similar reference numerals and names in the various drawings indicate similar elements. For clarity, not every component can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1 An illustration depicts an example of a spray assembly having a threaded connection to a fluid supply pipe.

[0009] Figure 2 A diagram depicting an example of a spray assembly connected to a grooved coupling in a fluid supply pipe.

[0010] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view depicting an example of a spray assembly in an unactivated sprayer state is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view depicting an example of a spray assembly in an actuated state is shown.

[0012] Figure 5A A partial cross-sectional view depicts an example of a spray assembly installed in an insulating wall with a seal.

[0013] Figure 5B An isometric partial cross-sectional exploded view depicting an example of a spray assembly installed in an insulating wall with a seal.

[0014] Figure 5C An isometric exploded view depicting an example of an insulating component.

[0015] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view depicting an example of a spray assembly in an unactivated sprayer state is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 A perspective view depicting an example of a spray assembly including a button.

[0017] Figure 8 A perspective view depicting an example of a button.

[0018] Figure 9 A top view depicting an example of a button.

[0019] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view depicting an example of a button.

[0020] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for providing a button for a sprinkler.

[0021] Figure 12 This is an isometric view of the button based on another example.

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the button.

[0023] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 Another cross-sectional view of the button. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure relates to fire sprinklers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to sprinkler assemblies, such as sprinkler assemblies including pushbuttons and / or pushbutton assemblies. The sprinkler system can be implemented as a dry piping system, wherein branch lines and other distribution lines have dry gas (air or nitrogen) under pressure. The gas pressure in the distribution lines can be used to keep the dry piping valve at the riser closed to control the flow of extinguishing fluid to the distribution lines. When heat from a fire activates the sprinkler, the gas escapes and the dry piping valve trips, water enters the branch lines, and as the sprinkler distributes the fluid, firefighting (e.g., responding to a fire situation) begins.

[0025] Dry piping systems can be used to protect unheated open areas, cold storage rooms, buildings in freezing climates, cold storage passages, storage rooms exposed to freezing temperatures, or other rooms. Dry sprinklers can be sprinklers fixed to an extension joint with a seal at the inlet end to prevent water from entering the joint until the sprinkler is operated.

[0026] The dry sprayer may include an inlet with a sealing assembly, a length of tubing connected to the inlet, an outlet with a pop-out button assembly, and a fluid deflection structure located proximal to the outlet. A mechanism may also be present to connect a thermally responsive component to the pop-out button assembly in the sprayer's inactive state. When the thermally responsive component is activated, the dry sprayer is actuated, the button assembly pops out from the outlet, and the sealing assembly is displaced to allow fluid flow through the sprayer.

[0027] In its unactivated state, the sprinkler outlet may have a pop-out button assembly that engages with a thermally responsive element of the sprinkler. In response to activation of the thermally responsive element, the button assembly pops out from the outlet to allow fluid flow through the sprinkler. Failure of the button assembly to pop out at the outlet or jamming within the sprinkler frame can impede the discharge of extinguishing fluid, potentially delaying or reducing the intended effectiveness of fire suppression measures. For example, it can disrupt the uniform distribution of the extinguishing fluid, leading to uneven water dispersion and reducing the intended coverage area.

[0028] This disclosure provides a button for a sprayer that ensures reliable ejection upon sprayer actuation, such as by reducing the likelihood of obstructing fluid flow from the sprayer. The button may be or includes a sprayer button. The button may include a body defining an axis, the body being configured to have a center of mass offset from the axis. The body may have a slot aligned with the axis for engagement with a thermal trigger of the sprayer. The body may define at least one orifice to offset the center of mass of the body from the axis. For example, each orifice may be formed on the same side of a plane passing through the axis. The slot may be at a first end of the body, and the body may have a second end opposite the first end. The second end may have a diameter corresponding to the conduit of the sprayer (e.g., a dry spray assembly). The second end may form an opening facing the conduit.

[0029] The button can be coupled to a thermal trigger such that at least one hole is located on the side of the axis opposite to one or more off-axis portions of the thermal trigger. The at least one hole may include one or more through-holes defined by a body (e.g., by a wall forming the body). The at least one hole may be parallel to or angled relative to the axis and may include at least one subset of one or more holes that do not fully extend through the body. The at least one hole may have various shapes to allow the center of mass of the body to deviate from the axis, such as, but not limited to, cylindrical, conical, or slotted shapes.

[0030] Figure 1 This is an illustration of a spray assembly having a threaded connection to a fluid supply pipe. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the connection between a spray assembly and a grooved connector in a fluid supply pipeline.

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A sprinkler 10 is depicted installed on and connected to a piping fitting in a piping network, the sprinkler being supplied with extinguishing fluid (e.g., fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source). The sprinkler 10 can be used to implement a dry piping system (e.g., a system in which at least a portion is not exposed to freezing temperatures in unheated parts of a building). The fluid supply piping system can be installed according to NFPA 13. Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are cross-sectional views illustrating the spray assembly 10 in both the unactivated and activated states.

[0032] Now for reference Figures 1 to 4The sprayer 10 includes an external structural assembly 18, an internal structural assembly 50, a thermal trigger assembly 80, and a button assembly 82. The external structural assembly 18 defines an internal passage 18a extending along a central longitudinal sprayer axis AA between a proximal inlet end 12 (e.g., an inlet) and a distal outlet end 14 (e.g., an outlet). The external structural assembly 18 may include an inlet fitting 20 at the proximal inlet end 12 and an outlet frame 30 defining a sprayer outlet at the distal outlet end 14. The external structural assembly 18 may also include a conduit 22 (e.g., a sleeve) between the inlet fitting 20 and the outlet frame 30, thereby connecting the inlet fitting 20 to the outlet frame 30. The sprayer outlet frame 30 and outlet 14 may define an emission factor, or K-factor, which defines a nominal K-factor of 16.8. A nominal K-factor greater than 16.8 can be achieved.

[0033] The internal structural component 50 includes a closure component 50a disposed within the inlet fitting 20 for controlling the flow of fluid through the internal passage 18a. (As shown in...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inlet fitting 20 can be connected to the pipe fitting via a threaded or grooved connector.

[0034] The free end of the outlet frame 30 may include at least one frame arm 38 connected to the fluid deflection structure 40. The outlet frame 30 and frame arm 38 may be formed as an integral component. The outlet frame 30, frame arm 38, and fluid deflection structure 40 may be made of rough casting or precision casting, and / or machined. The fluid deflection structure 40 may include an adjusting screw 42 and a planar surface member 44 connected to the frame arm 38 and fixed at an axial distance spaced from the outlet frame 30.

[0035] The outlet frame 30 and deflection structure 40 provide a suspended sprayer configuration. The planar surface member 44 is configured to deflect the fluid flow to form a suitable spray pattern. Alternatively, other configurations can be used to provide a target fluid deflection pattern instead of the planar surface member 44. The adjusting screw 42 is provided with external threads for adjusting the axial clearance between the sealing assembly 82 and the thermal trigger 80, such that the thermal trigger 80 engages with the sealing assembly 82, which supports the internal structural assembly 50 in the unactuated state of the sprayer 10. The adjusting screw 42 may include a base portion that engages the thermal trigger 80. Although the adjusting screw 42 and the planar surface member 44 have been described as separate components, they can be considered as a single integral component.

[0036] Upon thermal actuation and release of the thermal trigger 80, the sealing assembly 82 ejects from the internal passage 18a via the outlet frame 30, thereby causing the internal structural assembly 50 to slide axially to... Figure 4The actuation state of the sprayer shown allows fluid or water to flow through the internal passage 18a and out through the outlet at the distal end 14. The thermal trigger 80 may define a thermal sensitivity or RTI of 80 m / s² or less (such as 50 m / s² or less). In the case where the sprayer 10 is configured as an ESFR sprayer, the thermal trigger 80 may define an RTI ranging between 19 and 36 m / s².

[0037] Figure 5A This is a partial cross-sectional view of the spray assembly 10 installed in an insulating wall with a seal. Figure 5B It is an equidistant partial cross-sectional exploded view of the spray assembly 10 installed in an insulating wall with a seal. Figure 5C It is an isometric exploded view of the insulating components.

[0038] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B Sprayer 10 can be used to protect cold storage rooms, and more specifically, frozen storage rooms. Typically, in dry-pipe sprayer installations for cold environments, the sprayer supply pipe or its sleeve penetrates and extends through a hole or opening in the ceiling of the cold or refrigerated environment, in which the sprayer is positioned to protect the room. Typically, warm air outside a cold environment has a higher relative humidity than the cold air inside. If warm outside air mixes with the refrigerated environment, the cold temperature can cause moisture in the warm air to condense. When moisture condenses, water droplets form and can accumulate around and on the sprayer head. When these droplets freeze, ice accumulates on the sprayer head.

[0039] Excessive ice buildup on sprinkler heads can impair their operability, such as delaying or preventing operation in the event of a fire, or causing premature operation in the absence of a fire. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an insulating seal around the sprinkler supply pipes or sleeves at the point of penetration into the cold storage room to eliminate or minimize heat exchange between the warmer external environment and the cold interior of the room.

[0040] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B An insulated refrigerated storage installation for the sprayer 10 is shown, which is shown connected to the fluid supply main P, wherein the sprayer sleeve 22 penetrates the wall or ceiling C of the refrigerated room through an opening O formed in the ceiling C. In the installation, the opening O defines a diameter of approximately three inches, wherein there is a gap or annular void around the sleeve 22.

[0041] To provide an insulating seal between the warm external environment A and the cold, and more specifically, frozen, internal environment B, an insulating assembly 500 is provided around the sprayer sleeve 22 on the outer surface of the ceiling C of the cold storage room. A first insulating assembly 500a may be located near the outer surface of the ceiling C, while a second insulating assembly 500b is located near the inner surface of the ceiling C, so as to provide insulation and sealing around the sprayer 10 on each side of the ceiling C with opening O.

[0042] refer to Figure 5B and Figure 5C According to the perspective view, each of the insulating sealing assemblies 500a and 500b includes an insulating ring 502, an insertion member 504, and a housing 506 having a securing device 508 for securing the insulating sealing assembly to the ceiling C. The insulating ring 502 can be wound around and engaged around the sprayer sleeve 22. The insulating ring 502 is further located near and engaged with the surface of the ceiling C. The insulating ring 502 may include a slit 503 to facilitate winding the insulating ring around the sleeve 22 to abut an inner or outer surface of the ceiling C.

[0043] The insulating ring 502 can be a flexible member made of an insulating material such as polyethylene foam rubber. While other materials may be used, they provide sufficient sealing and insulation. With the insulating ring 502 installed, an insertion member 504 is placed above or on top of the ring 502. The insertion member 504 can be a plate or planar member that includes a radially extending slot 505 and is formed and sized to engage or position the insertion member 504 around the sleeve 22. A pair of gaps 509 may be laterally disposed or formed around the slot 505 to expose the surface of the insulating ring 502 for securing components 500a, 500b to the ceiling C, as described in more detail below.

[0044] In components 500a and 500b, a housing 506 is disposed above the insertion member 504 and the insulating ring 502. The housing 506 may be a disc or cylindrical shape having a flat top or a cover 506a and an annular wall 506b. A housing slot 507 may be formed in the cover 506a to engage or position the housing 506 around the sleeve 22. The housing slot 507 extends radially inward from the annular wall 506b to define an aperture in the annular wall. Thus, as... Figure 5B As seen in the assembled view of the insulating assembly 500b, a portion of the insulating ring 502 is visible from the side of the assembly through a hole formed in the annular wall 506b along the housing slot 507. The housing 506 can be sized and made of a sufficiently rigid and stiff material to protect and compress the insulating ring 502 and insert 504 surrounding the sprinkler sleeve 22 and the ceiling surface. A pair of through holes 510 disposed around the housing slot 507 can be formed in the cover 506a of the housing to facilitate the installation of the assembly.

[0045] In components 500a and 500b, the slit 503 of the insulating ring 502 and the slots 505, 507 and gaps 509 of the insert member 504 and housing 506 may be oriented relative to each other to facilitate assembly installation and eliminate or otherwise minimize compression of the insulating ring 502. During installation, the insulating ring is wound around the sleeve 22 of the sprayer 10 and engaged or positioned against the inner / outer surface of the ceiling C. The insert member 504 is positioned on top of the insulating ring 502 such that the slot 505 is offset relative to the slit 503 of the insulating ring 502, for example, positioned such that the slit 503 is radially aligned between the slot 505 and one of the gaps 509 of the insert member 504. The housing 506 may be positioned or located above the insert member 504 and the insulating ring 502 such that the first housing slot 507 and the hole formed in the annular wall 506b are offset, for example, offset by approximately 180 degrees from the second slot 505 of the insert member 504.

[0046] An insertion member 504 disposed between the housing 506 and the insulating ring 502 provides protection for the insulating ring 502 in the presence of a gap defined by the housing slot 507 in the cover 506a; and a hole formed in the annular wall 506b allows the side of the insulating ring 502 to be visible from the side of the assembly. A through-hole 510 in the housing 506 allows axial alignment of the gap 509 in the insertion member 504 with the surface of the insulating ring 502 exposed by the gap 509. To secure the insulating sealing assembly 500 to the ceiling C, a fastening device 508 (such as a self-tapping screw, nail, or other type of mechanical fastener) extends through the through-hole 510 and penetrates the insulating ring 502 at the portion exposed by the gap 509 in the insulating member. The fastening device 508 can be anchored to the ceiling C to secure the insulating sealing assemblies 500a, 500b to the ceiling C.

[0047] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of a spray assembly 600 (also referred to as a sprayer 600) in an unactivated sprayer state is depicted. Figures 1 to 5C The spray assembly 10 can be implemented using the spray assembly 600. The spray assembly 600 can be installed (e.g., as...) Figures 5A to 5C (As shown) and connected to a piping fitting in a piping network supplied with extinguishing fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source. The sprinkler 600 may include an external structural assembly 602, an internal structural assembly 604, a thermal trigger assembly 606, and a button 608.

[0048] External structural component 602 defines an internal passage 610 that runs along the central longitudinal sprayer axis 601 at the inlet (e.g., Figure 1The external structural assembly 602 may extend between the inlet 612 (not shown) and the outlet 614. The external structural assembly 602 may include an inlet fitting (not shown) at the inlet 612 and an outlet frame 616 defining the sprayer outlet 614. The external structural assembly 602 may include a sleeve 618 (e.g., Figure 1 The pipe 22 shown connects the inlet fitting to the outlet frame 616.

[0049] Internal structural component 604 may include a closed component disposed within the inlet fitting. Figure 6 (Not shown in the diagram) for controlling the flow of fluid through passage 610. The free end 620 of outlet frame 616 may include at least one frame arm 622 coupled to fluid deflection structure 624 (e.g., deflector, deflector assembly). Outlet frame 616 and frame arm 622 may be formed as an integral component. Outlet frame 616, frame arm 622 and fluid deflection structure 624 may be made of rough casting or precision casting and may be machined if necessary.

[0050] The fluid deflection structure 624 may include an adjusting screw 626 and a deflector 628 coupled to the frame arm 622. The deflector 628 may be positioned at an axial distance spaced from the outlet frame 616. The outlet frame 616 and the fluid deflection structure 624 can provide a suspended spray configuration. The deflector 628 may be configured to deflect the fluid flow to form a suitable spray pattern. The adjusting screw 626 may be provided with external threads for adjusting the axial distance 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 un-actuated spray state. The button 608 supports the internal structural assembly 604 in the un-actuated state of the sprayer 600. The adjusting screw 626 may include a base portion that engages with the thermal trigger assembly 606. The adjusting screw 626 and the deflector 628 may be formed as a single integral component.

[0051] In response to thermal actuation and release of the thermal trigger assembly 606, button 608 can be ejected from passage 610, which causes internal structural assembly 604 to slide axially along passage 610 toward outlet 614 into the actuated state of sprayer 600. This allows fluid or water to flow through passage 610 and out of outlet 614. Button 608 ensures proper ejection when sprayer 600 is actuated.

[0052] In response to actuation of the thermal trigger assembly 606, the contact between the button 608 and the thermal trigger assembly 606 is broken, thereby releasing the button 608. Due to its asymmetrical weight distribution profile and / or eccentric center of mass, the button 608 can rotate within the passage 610 and move in a direction away from the inlet toward the outlet 614. As the button 608 moves toward the outlet 614, the internal structural assembly 604 previously supported by the button 608 can slide axially along the passage 610 toward the outlet 614, thereby allowing fluid flow through the passage 610.

[0053] like Figures 7 to 10 As depicted, button 608 may include a body 800, which may include or be formed of one or more walls, as in the machining process used to form body 800. Body 800 may include a first portion 804. First portion 804 may form a cavity 1004 and may terminate at an end 1008. End 1008 may be shaped to contact conduit 22 so as to have the same outer diameter as conduit 22. First portion 804 may be cylindrical so as to be received in internal passage 18a. As further described herein, body 800 may be configured to have an offset center of mass, such as a center of mass offset from the geometric center of body 800 and / or from one or more planes or axes in which the geometric center is located.

[0054] The body 800 may include a second portion 808 that may be adjacent to the first portion 804. The second portion 808 may be conical or spherical. The second portion 808 may extend from the first portion 804 to an end portion 812. The end portion 812 may include a slot 640. The slot 640 may be coupled to a thermal trigger 606 to receive a support of the thermal trigger 606.

[0055] The body 800 may define an axis 802. Axis 802 may be a central axis of the body 800, centered relative to the outer diameter of at least one of the first portion 804, the second portion 808, and the end portion 1008. Button 608 may be coupled to outlet frame 616 such that axis 802 is aligned with axis 601 of internal passage 610. Slot 640 may intersect axis 802 and may extend along the second portion 808 in a direction transverse to axis 802. The second portion 808 may include an end surface 816 in which slot 640 is formed; for example, end surface 816 may be flat relative to an angled surface of the second portion 808.

[0056] like Figure 9 As depicted, the main body 800 may define a first plane 904 in which the axis 802 is located. For example... Figure 9As depicted, the slot 640 may extend longitudinally within the first plane 904. The body 800 may have a first side 908 (e.g., a first portion) on a first side of the plane 904, and a second side 912 (e.g., a second portion) on a second side of the plane 904 opposite to the first side 908. The body 800 may define a second plane 916 perpendicular to the first plane 904.

[0057] like Figures 7 to 10 As depicted, button 608 may define at least one hole 704. For example, button 608 may include at least one channel 820 defining at least one hole 704. By defining the hole 704, button 608 may have a center of mass offset from axis 802. For example, the mass of button 608 on the first side 908 may be greater than the mass on the second side 912. This may allow button 608 to eject more effectively from the internal passage 610 in response to actuation of thermal trigger assembly 606, thereby reducing the likelihood of button 608 ejecting along axis 601 and / or ejecting within the boundary of spray assembly 600 and / or increasing the likelihood of button 608 rotating in response to actuation of thermal trigger assembly 606.

[0058] Hole 704, such as when set as such Figures 7 to 10 In the case of the through-hole depicted, more efficient jetting can also be facilitated by allowing water flow through the hole 704, which allows for unbalanced flow during activation. This functionality allows the button 608 to pop out in a direction away from the outlet frame 616, deflector assembly 624, and / or other components of the spray assembly 600.

[0059] At least one hole 704 may have various shapes. For example, at least one hole 704 may be cylindrical and may have an axis 1012 parallel to axis 802, such as in which hole 704 extends through second portion 808 to engage with chamber 1004. Hole 704 may have various widths or diameters, such as based on factors such as the effective manufacturing of button 608 and / or the offset of the center of mass. Hole 704 may have a diameter that varies along its axial length, or may have a constant diameter along its axial length.

[0060] The body 800 may be shaped such that the chamber 1004 has various shapes (e.g., to allow for various mass distributions of the body 800 and / or the first portion 804) to facilitate the offset of the center of mass of the body 800. For example, the body 800 may extend inward toward axis 802 with various inner diameters such that the inner diameter on the first side 908 is larger than the inner diameter on the second side 912.

[0061] The size of the orifice 704 can be designed to allow effective movement of the button 608 and / or to create a flow for actuating the button 608 away from the spray assembly 600. For example, the orifice 704 may have a diameter greater than or equal to one-eighth of an inch and less than or equal to one-half an inch. The diameter may be greater than or equal to 0.3 inches and less than or equal to 0.4 inches. The diameter may be approximately three-eighths of an inch. The ratio of the diameter to the diameter of the button 608 may be between 1:10 and 1:2. The orifice 704 may be larger than a drainage passage or drainage opening.

[0062] At least one of the holes 704 may be arranged on the second side 912, such as Figure 9 As depicted. Holes 704 may be distributed around axis 802 such that the center of mass of button 608 is offset from axis 802. One or more holes 704 may extend partially through body 800. Holes 704 (e.g., channels 820 defining holes 704) may be arranged in a non-uniform manner around second portion 808 (e.g., the distance between the first pair of holes 704 may be different from that between the second pair of holes 704).

[0063] The holes 704 may be distributed around more than half of the circumference of the body 800, while providing an offset centroid for the body 800. For example, the holes 704 may have a first number of holes on a first side 908 and a second number of holes on a second side 912, the first number being less than the second number.

[0064] like Figures 6 to 10 As depicted, button 608 can be oriented such that the first side 908 (having a larger mass) is on the same side of axis 601 as the component 708 of trigger 606 (e.g., the lever and / or linkage of trigger 606). This allows button 608 to be effectively ejected due to the direction of the force applied by trigger 606 on slot 640.

[0065] Figure 11 An example of a method 1100 for providing a button to a sprinkler is depicted. Method 1100 is executable to manufacture the button. Method 1100 is executable to install the button in a sprinkler, such as in the case of a dry sprinkler.

[0066] At 1105, a body for the button may be provided. The body may include a cylindrical first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. The body (e.g., the first and second portions) may form a chamber. The body may be made of various materials, such as metal or polymer materials. The second portion may be conical. The second portion may have a slot for connection to a trigger of the sprayer, such as a support of the trigger.

[0067] At 1110, at least one channel may be formed through the second portion, such that the center of mass of the button is offset from the central axis of the first portion. At least one channel may be formed to create a corresponding through-hole in the body. The channel may extend outward from the central axis. The channel may extend through the second portion to have an opening extending outward from the second portion and facing the chamber, so as to allow fluid flow through the channel.

[0068] refer to Figures 12 to 14 An example of the structure of button 608 is shown. Figure 12 This is the isometric view of button 608. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of button 608, where the section is cut along the first plane 904. Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of button 608, where the section is cut along the second plane 916.

[0069] refer to Figures 12 to 14 The body 800 on the first side 908 may extend inward toward axis 802 (e.g., from the outer surface of the body 800) to form a solid block 1006. The chamber 1004 may be defined in the second side 912. For example, the solid block 1006 may extend to axis 802.

[0070] The first side 908 may partially define the chamber 1004. The body 800 in the first side 908 may extend inward toward the axis 802 to a given distance. The solid block 1006 may terminate before the axis 802, and the chamber 1004 may extend toward the first side 908 beyond the axis 802.

[0071] Solid block 1006 may extend toward the second side 912 beyond axis 802. Solid block 1006 may extend to the circumferential limit of bore 704. For example, chamber 1004 may be limited to the circumferential limit of bore 704.

[0072] like Figures 12 to 14 The button 608 depicted has a center of mass offset from axis 802, for example, in the solid block 1006 rather than along axis 802, such as because the amount of mass and / or material of the button 608 on the side of the solid block 1006 forming axis 802 is greater than the amount of mass and / or material on the side forming hole 704. For example, the center of mass located in the solid block 1006 facilitates the ejection of the button 608 and the movement of the button 608 through the frame 30. When subjected to water pressure, Figures 12 to 14 The button 608 shown pops out and falls toward the side with increased mass (such as the first side 908). Furthermore, during testing prescribed by the authorities / approval body, button 608 can easily pop out and pass through frame 30 for use in all (low and high) pressure ranges.

[0073] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who have examined this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for description of certain features described and claimed, without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or irrelevant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0074] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and its variations, as used herein to describe various implementations, are intended to indicate that such implementations are examples, representations or illustrations of possible implementations (and such terms are not intended to imply that such implementations must be particular or best examples).

[0075] As used herein, the term “joint” and its variations mean that two components are joined together directly or indirectly. Such a joint can be solid (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a joint can be achieved by: two components being directly joined together; two components being joined together using a single intermediate component and any other intermediate component joined together; or two components being joined together using an intermediate component that forms a single whole with one of the two components. If “joint” or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., direct joint), the above-provided definition of “joint” is modified by the ordinary linguistic meaning of the additional term (e.g., “direct joint” means that two components are joined without any separate intermediate component), resulting in a narrower definition than the above-provided definition of “joint”.

[0076] As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) such that when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless otherwise specifically stated, connective language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is understood to convey that the elements can be X, Y, and Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, such connective language is generally not intended to imply that some implementation requires at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

[0077] References to the positioning of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) in this document are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0078] Although the accompanying drawings and specifications may illustrate a specific order of method steps, such order may differ from the order depicted and described, unless otherwise stated above. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations may depend on, for example, the chosen software and hardware system and may depend on the designer's choice. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, software implementations of the described methods can be implemented using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic for implementing various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0079] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the pipe fittings as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated into or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. While only one example of an element from one embodiment that may be incorporated into or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that other elements from the various embodiments may be incorporated into or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A spray assembly comprising: An external structural component having an inlet, an outlet, and a passage defined between the inlet and the outlet; Internal structural components disposed within the passageway; and A button is disposed in the passage, the button defining an axis, the button including a centroid offset from the axis.

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

3. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The button includes a wall forming a chamber and at least one hole extending through the wall.

4. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The button is positioned in the passage such that the axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the passage.

5. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: A trigger, coupled to the button to hold the button in the outlet, the trigger being activated in response 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 having a greater mass than the second portion, and the center of mass of the trigger being on the first side of the axis.

6. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The button includes a slot intersecting the axis for connection to a trigger that changes state in response to a fire condition to release the button from the outlet.

7. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The button includes 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 spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The button includes a slot for engagement with a trigger of the spray assembly and an end wall on the end of the button opposite the slot, the end wall being sized to contact the internal structural components.

9. A button for a dry sprinkler, comprising: The first part forms a chamber, and the first part is cylindrical; The second part, which is connected to the first part, is conical in shape; A slot is formed at the first end of the second portion, the first end of the second portion being opposite to the second end of the second portion, and the second end of the second portion being adjacent to the first portion; and At least one channel extends through the second portion to face the chamber.

10. The button according to claim 9, comprising: Each of the at least one channel is located on the same side of the second portion relative to the axis passing through the slot.

11. The button according to claim 9, comprising: The at least one channel is cylindrical.

12. The button according to claim 9, comprising: The at least one channel is arranged in a non-uniform distribution around the second portion.

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

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

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

16. A dry sprinkler, comprising: A passageway located between the entrance and the exit; A sprayer frame, which is connected to the outlet; The pipe is located in the passage between the inlet and the outlet; and A button is disposed in the passage at the outlet, the button defining an axis, the button including a centroid offset from the axis.

17. The dry sprinkler of claim 16, comprising: A trigger, which is connected to a slot of the button to hold the button in the outlet, the trigger being activated in response 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 having a greater mass than the second portion, and the center of mass of the trigger being 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 the mass of the button on the first side of the axis is less than the mass on a second side of the axis opposite to the first side.

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

20. The dry sprinkler of claim 16, comprising: The button includes a conical portion adjacent to the cylindrical portion, the conical portion including a slot intersecting the axis and at least one hole extending through the conical portion and outward from the axis.

21. A method comprising: A button body is provided, the body comprising a cylindrical first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the body forming a cavity; as well as At least one channel is formed through the second part, such that the center of mass of the button is offset from the central axis of the first part.

Images