Fluorine-free sprinkler seals

Abstract

A sprinkler includes a body, at least one frame arm extending from the body, a deflector coupled with the at least one frame arm, a seal, and a thermal trigger between the deflector and the seal. The seal at least one of (i) is made from and (ii) is coupled with a material that is substantially free of fluorine. The material can be a polymeric material. The thermal trigger is to allow the seal to be released from the outlet responsive to a fire condition at a temperature greater than a melt temperature of the material.

Description

FLUORINE-FREE SPRINKLER SEALSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 557,826, filed February 26, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 682,623, filed August 13, 2024, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fire suppression sprinkler systems are widely used for fire protection. These systems have sprinklers that are activated in response to an indication of fire. Once activated, the sprinklers distribute fire-fighting fluid (for example, water) in the room or building. These sprinklers are equipped with a seal, which can maintain a fluid tight seal in an unactuated sprinkler state.SUMMARY

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly can include a body and a seal member. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and an internal passageway that extends between the inlet and the outlet. The seal member is disposed at the outlet to create a fluid tight seal in an unactuated sprinkler state. At least a portion of the seal member has a polymeric covering thereon that is substantially free of fluorine.

[0004] In some implementations, the polymeric covering includes thermoplastic polyethylene.

[0005] In some implementations, the polymeric covering comprises ultra-high molecular- weight polyethylene.

[0006] In some implementations, the portion of the seal member has a uniform polymeric covering.

[0007] In some implementations, a thickness of the polymeric covering is greater than or equal to 1 mil.

[0008] In some implementations, the seal member is a spring seal.

[0009] In some implementations, the seal member is a solid disc.

[0010] At least one aspect relates to a sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly comprises a body and a seal member. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet. The seal member is disposed at the outlet to create a fluid tight seal in an unactuated sprinkler state. At least a portion of the seal member has a covering that is substantially free of fluorine.

[0011] At least one aspect relates to a sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly includes a body and a seal member. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet. The seal member is disposed at the outlet to create a fluid tight seal in an unactuated sprinkler state. At least a portion of the seal member is made of a polymeric material that is substantially free of fluorine.

[0012] In some implementations, the seal member is made of the polymeric material.

[0013] In some implementations, the seal member has a protuberance formed thereon.

[0014] In some implementations, the seal member has chamfered edge.

[0015] In some implementations, the seal member is a spring seal.

[0016] In some implementations, the seal member is a solid disc.

[0017] At least one aspect relates to a seal of a sprinkler. The seal includes a body having an internal passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet. The seal includes at least one frame arm extending from the body. The seal includes a deflector coupled with the at least one frame arm. The seal is coupled with the outlet, and includes at least one of a body and a coating, the at least one of the body and the coating is substantially free of fluorine.

[0018] At least one aspect relates to a seal assembly of a sprinkler. The seal assembly includes a button of metal, a seal, and a layer on one or more surfaces of the seal. The seal is coupled with the button, is conical, and is metal. The layer includes a polymeric material and is substantially free of fluorine.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0020] FIG. l is a schematic diagram of an example of a fire protection system;

[0021] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an example of a sprinkler assembly for installation in a fire protection piping network;

[0022] FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of an example of a sprinkler assembly ;

[0023] FIG. 2C is a top view of an example of a sprinkler assembly;

[0024] FIG. 2D is a cross-section view of an example of a seal of a sprinkler;

[0025] FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams that illustrate a configuration of a seal;

[0026] FIG. 4A is a diagram of a fusible link type sprinkler assembly for installation in a fire protection piping network;

[0027] FIG. 4B is a diagram of an example of a cross-section view of a sprinkler assembly;

[0028] FIG. 4C is a diagram of an example of a configuration of a seal member;

[0029] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams of an example of a configuration of a seal;

[0030] FIG. 5C is a diagram of an example of a seal;

[0031] FIG. 6A is a diagram of an example of a seal;

[0032] FIG. 6B is a diagram of an example of a seal;

[0033] FIG. 7A is a diagram of an example of a seal;

[0034] FIG. 7B is a diagram of an example of a seal;

[0035] FIGS. 8 A and 8B are diagrams of an example of a seal;

[0036] FIG. 8C is a diagram of an example of a seal;

[0037] FIGS. 9-12 are diagrams of examples of integrated seal and button arrangements for use in a sprinkler assembly; and

[0038] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of an example of a method of manufacturing a sprinkler.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain examples, it is noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0040] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fire sprinklers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods of sprinkler seals that are substantially free of fluorine, such as to be made of polymeric material rather than fluorine- based material; this can include seal assemblies that include fluorine-free washer and / or button components of the seal assemblies, as well as integral seal and button components that are fluorine-free. The sprinkler seals can be used to maintain sealing between inlet and outlet sides of fire sprinklers under temperatures up to and / or greater than fire condition temperatures.

[0041] Fire protection systems include sprinklers that can inhibit or permit flow of fluid (typically water, but also in some applications fire suppressant fluid) depending upon conditions. In the instance of a fire or detected conditions that can be indicative of a fire (e.g., increased heat, smoke, etc.), the sprinklers can permit the flow of fluid such that the fluid can contact a deflector and be dispersed so as to provide exposure protection to objects in an area, a floor, a window, and / or wall. The sprinklers can disperse water or fire protection fluid over a specific area, for example a portion of a room or hallway, or a window or wall. In order to accomplish fire exposure protection for a given area (e.g., room, hallway, window, wall, etc.), sprinklers can include components that permit flow of fire protection fluid in response to activation of one or more fire sprinklers.

[0042] For example, a fire sprinkler can include one or more components that provide a fluid seal, thus preventing passage of fire protection fluid when the fire sprinkler is in an inactivated state. These components can permit passage of fire protection fluid upon activation of the fire sprinkler, thus providing fire protection fluid to the given area.

[0043] Fire protection fluid can be supplied to a fire sprinkler via a fluid supply and / or a network of piping. A seal can be provided within the fire sprinkler so as to retain the fire protection fluid within the fluid supply and / or piping until the fire sprinkler is activated. The fire protection fluid can be stored in the fluid supply and / or piping in a pressurized state such that the fire protection will exit the fire sprinkler upon activation at a flow velocity and volumetric flow rate sufficient to provide fire protection or suppression for a desired area.

[0044] One or more seals disposed within the fire sprinkler can provide a seal that retains the pressurized fire protection fluid. In various applications, the fire protection fluid can be stored at different pressures and, accordingly, the seals of the fire sprinkler can accommodate the pressurized fluid.

[0045] For example, the sprinkler can include a thermal trigger (such as a fusible link that includes two pieces joined together by solder, which melts responsive to increased temperature from a fire, or a glass bulb having a fluid inside that expands responsive to increased temperature from a fire), that breaks responsive to a fire condition. The thermal trigger can be coupled with the seal to apply a load on the seal (or at least a portion thereof) that holds the seal in position to seal the sprinkler. Responsive to the thermal trigger breaking, the seal can be driven away (e.g., ejected) from the position at which the seal seals the sprinkler by fluid pressure from fluid in the sprinkler. This allows the sprinkler to output the fluid to address the fire condition, such as to be directed by a deflector that outputs the fluid according to a target spray pattern.

[0046] The seal or seal assembly of a sprinkler can include components such as a spring (e.g., Belleville spring) and / or a sprinkler button. The sprinkler buttons can be made from materials such as stainless steel, phosphor bronze, or copper. The manner in which the sprinkler button is structured can affect the strength and / or rigidity of the seal, which can affect considerations such as deformations, leaks, or cracks, particularly under the pressure (from the fluid in the sprinkler) and temperature (from a developing fire) conditions that the seal operates under. In addition, for the seal to eject effectively out of the path of the fluid flow, relatively hard materials should contact the frame of the sprinkler as the sprinkler button moves.

[0047] Some seals including coatings to facilitate sealing (e.g., watertight sealing) and other functions for sprinklers. For example, the seals can be coated with fluorinated materials,such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., Teflon coating) or other per- and polyfluroalkyl substance (PF AS) coatings. Various such materials for applying as films to or otherwise coating seals for sprinklers can be useful for fire protection conditions; for example, such materials can have water, oil, and dirt repellency; can be durable under temperature, pressure, radiation, and / or chemical conditions that fire protection systems are used for; and can provide electrical and thermal insulation.

[0048] For example, PTFE-type coatings can be useful at temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, such as at least 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This can include allowing for a sprinkler to satisfy testing requirements for performance at such temperatures. For example, the ability of the coating to avoid melting under fire condition temperatures can allow for the seals to remain properly positioned until an appropriate trigger for operation of the sprinkler.

[0049] However, PTFE and / or PF AS materials can have various adverse effects. For example, such materials can have adverse health and / or environmental effects. Such materials can persist themselves or, even if they do degrade, degrade into other persistent forms (e.g., into other PF AS materials), such as due to the carbon-fluorine bond in the materials. These materials can also be difficult to remove once released into the environment (e.g., subsequent to becoming treated as waste).

[0050] Various materials can be thermally rated to have melting temperatures similar to those of PTFE and / or PF AS, such as to have a melt temperature greater than 300 Fahrenheit. However, such materials can not be capable of satisfying all requirements for performance under fire protection conditions. For example, some materials can only remain in an unmelted state for a short duration at or around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which can limit the usefulness of such materials in allowing for precise timing of sprinkler triggering. Further, criteria for materials used for seals can include being leak-tight under extreme temperature conditions, and being able to withstand multiple different environmental tests such as tests that direct saltspray, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and / or ammonia onto the sprinkler. As such, while some materials can have some of the properties useful for fire protection applications, many such materials are not capable of satisfying all of the criteria necessary for fire protection applications.

[0051] Seals and / or springs of seals for sprinklers in accordance with the present disclosure can include coatings that include a material (and / or a composition) that is substantially free orfree of fluorine and / or of compounds that include or contain fluorine, such as to include polymeric and / or non-metallic coatings. The material can be or include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof. The material, such as where provided as a polymeric and / or polyimide material, can have useful anti-friction properties to allow for effective sealing, and can be stable over a target range of temperatures for operation of the sprinkler. The material can have sufficient flexibility and / or pliability to effectively engage with the seal body on which the material is provided (e.g., on the Belleville washer) and to engage with the sprinkler body, such as to move into gaps or irregularities in the structure (e.g., metal structure) of the components that the material is to be in contact with while retaining sealing surfaces across all components to be sealed.

[0052] For example, a sprinkler can include a body, at least one frame arm extending from the body, a deflector coupled with the at least one frame arm, a seal, and a thermal trigger between the deflector and the seal. The seal has a coating of that is free or substantially free (e.g., containing no more than one percent; no more than 0.1 percent) of fluorine. The coating can be made of a polymeric material. The thermal trigger is to allow the seal to be released from the outlet responsive to a fire condition. By forming the coating on the seal using a non-fluorine material, the sprinkler can be provided without using materials that include carbon-fluorine bonds, such as PTFE and / or PF AS coatings. The seals and / or coatings thereof can be formed in a manner that accounts for various considerations for fire protection operation. For example, to seal effectively, the load pressure on the seal (and thus the load pressure that the seal and / or coating is to be capable of handling) should be greater than the water pressure behind the seal.

[0053] The seals described herein can be implemented for various fluid distribution devices, including but not limited to sprinklers, devices that include deflectors, devices that include diffusers, or devices that include actuators or other electronically controlled activation elements.

[0054] The seals can be used for various fire protection (e.g., fire protection, fire suppression) systems. The fire protection systems can include water or chemical systems. The fire protection systems can distribute a fire suppressant agent onto or nearby a fire, extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from spreading. The fire protection system canbe used alone or in combination with other types of fire protection systems (e.g., a building sprinkler system, a handheld fire extinguisher). Multiple fire protection systems can be used in combination with one another to cover a larger area (e.g., each in different rooms of a building).

[0055] The fire protection system and sprinklers thereof can be used in a variety of applications. The fire protection system can be used with a variety of fire suppressant agents, including but not limited to water (e.g., can use powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials). The fire protection system can include or be coupled with a fluid supply. The fluid supply can define an internal volume filled (e.g., partially filled, completely filled) with fire suppressant agent. The fluid supply can provide fluid from a remote location to a building in which the fire protection system is located. Piping (e.g., one or more pipes, tubes, conduits) can be fluidly coupled with one or more sprinklers (or other fluid distribution devices). The sprinklers can receive water or other fire suppressant agent from the fluid supply via the piping. The seals described herein can be used for sprinklers or other fluid distribution devices for any of a variety of applications, including, for example, concealed sprinklers, sidewall sprinklers, storage sprinklers, sprinklers for dry or wet applications, extended coverage sprinklers, early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers, residential sprinklers, commercial sprinklers, or various combinations thereof.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a fire suppression system 100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fire suppression system 100 can distribute a fire suppressant agent onto or nearby a fire, extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from spreading. The fire suppression system 100 can be used alone or in combination with other types of fire suppression systems (e.g., a building sprinkler system, a handheld fire extinguisher). Multiple fire suppression systems 100 can be used in combination with one another to cover a larger area (e.g., each in different rooms of a building). The fire suppression system 100 can be used in a variety of applications. The fire suppression system 100 can be used with a variety of fire suppressant agents, including but not limited to water (e.g., can use powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials). Further, the fire suppression system 100 can be a wet pipe system, a dry pipe system, a deluge system, a preaction system, an electronically activated fire suppression system, connected fire suppression systems, or the like.

[0057] The fire suppression system 100 can include or be coupled with a fluid supply 112. The fluid supply 112 can define an internal volume filled (e.g., partially filled, completely filled) with fire suppressant agent. The fluid supply 112 can provide fluid from a remote or local location to a building in which the fire suppression system 100 is located. The fluid supply can include, for example, a municipal water supply, pump, piping system, tank, cylinder, or any other source of water or fire suppression agent.

[0058] Piping 108 (e.g., one or more pipes, tubes, conduits, or fittings) can be fluidly coupled with one or more sprinklers 104. The piping 108 can include vertical pipes 116. The vertical pipes 116 can extend perpendicular from the piping 108. The sprinklers 104 can receive water or other fire suppressant agent from the fluid supply 112 via the piping 108 and the vertical pipes 116. Due to the reduced pressures that can be achieved through the sprinklers 104 while still achieving target outputs of fluid, at least some of the piping 108 can have connections or outlets with relatively lesser diameters, such as i inch,3 / 4 inch, 1 inch or 1-1 / 4 inch NPT or IS0-7-R1 connections or outlets.

[0059] The sprinklers 104 can each define one or more outlets, through which the fire suppressant agent exits and contacts a deflector 120, such as to form a spray of water or other fire suppressant agent that covers a desired area. The sprays from the sprinklers 104 then suppress or extinguish fire within that area.

[0060] The deflectors 120 of the sprinklers 104 can be shaped to control the spray pattern of the fire suppressant agent leaving the sprinklers 104. The sprinklers 104 can be used as concealed sprinklers, pendent sprinklers, upright sprinklers, sidewall sprinklers, water mist nozzles, or any other device for spraying fire suppressant agent.

[0061] The sprinklers 104 can include an activation element (e.g., thermal element) 124. The activation element 124 can change from a first state that prevents fluid flow out of the sprinkler 104 to a second state that permits fluid flow of the sprinkler 104 responsive to a fire condition.

[0062] For example, the activation element 124 can include a glass bulb having a fluid that expands responsive to an increase in temperature (e.g., responsive to heat provided to the fluid from a fire), such as to cause the glass bulb to break responsive to the temperature meeting or exceeding a threshold temperature. In another example, the activation element 124 can include a fusible link that includes two or more pieces coupled using a solder than canmelt responsive to the temperature meeting or exceeding a threshold temperature. In yet another example, the activation element 124 can include an electric actuator (e.g., an electrically triggered pyrotechnic actuator or electrically actuated bulb or link). The activation element 124 can be classified into one or more categories based on response time such as quick response, standard response and a special response category. The activation element 124 under a quick response category can have a response time index (RTI) less than or equal to 50 (m / s)1 / 2. The activation element 124 under the standard response category can have an RTI in a range of 80 to 350 (m / s)1 / 2. Further, the activation element 124 under the special response category can have an RTI in a range of 50 to 80 (m / s)1 / 2. The activation element 124 can have a temperature rating (e.g., nominal temperature at which the activation element 124 changes from the first state to the second state) of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

[0063] The sprinklers 104 can be arranged (e.g., in a grid or tree arrangement over a storage commodity) to have sprinkler to sprinkler spacings greater than or equal to eight feet by eight feet, including but not limited to fourteen feet by fourteen feet.

[0064] FIGS. 2A-2C depict an example of a sprinkler 200 (e.g., sprinkler assembly). The sprinkler 200 can be installed in a fire protection piping network. The sprinklers 104 of FIG.1 can be implemented using the sprinkler 200. The sprinkler 200 can be used in a wet pipe fire suppression system, a dry pipe fire suppression system, a preaction fire suppression system, an electronically activated fire suppression system, or any other suitable fire suppression system without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0065] The sprinkler 200 includes a sprinkler frame 202. The sprinkler frame 202 includes a body 210, which can have an inlet 212, an outlet 214, and an internal passageway 216 which defines a sprinkler axis A-A. The body 210 can be made of various materials, including metallic, polymeric, and / or composite materials. The internal passageway 216 can have a constant inner diameter, or can vary in inner diameter in one or more portions between the inlet 212 and the outlet 214. The outlet 214 can have the same or different diameter as the inlet 212. Various such structural features for the internal passageway 216 can allow for various fluid flow dynamics through the internal passageway 216. The internal passageway 216 can include at least one shoulder (e.g., a portion of the wall forming the internal passageway varying in diameter relative to another portion of the wall). The shoulder can be used to receive one or more components of a seal assembly, such as at least one of sprinkler button 208 and seal 232.

[0066] The inlet 212 can be coupled with one or more pipes coupled with a fluid supply to receive fluid from the fluid supply. The inlet 212 can be coupled with the one or more pipes and / or one or more adapters (e.g., tees, elbows, pipe nipples, etc.) between the sprinkler 200 and the one or more pipes. The body 210 can include threads to couple with pipes and / or adapters. The adapters can include channels and / or seals to receive the sprinkler 200 in threaded and / or push-to-connect connections.

[0067] The sprinkler 200 can include a thermal trigger 206. The thermal trigger 206 can be coupled with sprinkler button 208 to apply a load to the sprinkler button 208, such as to hold the sprinkler button 208 in a sealing position for sealing the internal passageway 216. As depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the thermal trigger 206 can be disposed and axially aligned along the sprinkler axis A-A.

[0068] The thermal trigger 206 can be triggered (e.g., actuated) responsive to a fire condition, such as a temperature around the thermal trigger 206 meeting or exceeding a target temperature. For example, the thermal trigger 206 can apply a load to and / or support the sprinkler button 208 in an unactuated state, such as to seal the outlet 214, and can be trigger to an actuated state to release the sprinkler button 208 (and / or seal 232) from the outlet 214.

[0069] For example, the thermal trigger 206 can include a fusible link that includes at least two members coupled with one another by solder. Responsive to the temperature around the thermal trigger 206 meeting or exceeding the rated temperature, the solder can melt, allowing the at least two members to separate from one another, which can reduce or remove the load applied against the sprinkler button 208 to allow the force from the fluid pressure in the internal passageway 216 on the sprinkler button 208 to eject the sprinkler button 208 away from the outlet 214.

[0070] The thermal trigger 206 can include a glass bulb having fluid that expands to a state sufficient to break the glass bulb responsive to the temperature around the thermal trigger 206 meeting or exceeding the target temperature, which can reduce or remove the load applied against the sprinkler button 208 to allow the force from the fluid pressure in the internal passageway 216 on the sprinkler button 208 to eject the sprinkler button 208 away from the outlet 214.

[0071] As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, the sprinkler 200 can include a sprinkler button 208 that is received in the outlet 214. The sprinkler button 208 can seal the internal passageway 216 toprevent fluid in the internal passageway 216 from being outputted, e.g., until a fire condition is detected. The sprinkler button 208 can have an outer diameter equal to or greater than at least a portion of the internal passageway 216, such as a portion of the shoulder, to facilitate sealing the internal passageway 216. The sprinkler button 208 can be made of various materials, including but not limited to metal materials.

[0072] The sprinkler button 208 can be received in the outlet 214 such that the sprinkler button 208 faces fluid in the internal passageway 216. The sprinkler button 208 can be solid, or can be at least partially hollow, such as by forming a shell. The sprinkler button 208 can be made of material such as copper, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, nickel, titanium, chromium, or an alloy of one or more such materials. The sprinkler button 208 can be made of a corrosion resistant material. For example, the sprinkler button 208 may be made of a nickel and copper alloy (e.g., MONEL) or a nickel and chromium alloy (e.g., INCONEL). As described further herein, the sprinkler button 208 can be formed as an integral component with seal 232, including being formed integrally with seal 232 from a polymeric material.

[0073] To couple the sprinkler 200 to a fluid supply pipe, the outer surface of the body 210 can include an externally threaded portion 218 (e.g., threads 218). The threads 218 can couple with National Pipe Thread (NPT).

[0074] The body 210, such as the outer surface of the body 210, can include a tool engagement surface 220. The tool engagement surface 220 can extend about the outlet 214 of the body 210 and can include a plurality of flats for engagement with a tool such as a sprinkler wrench for threading the sprinkler 200 into a correspondingly threaded pipe fitting of the supply network.

[0075] The sprinkler frame 202 can include one or more frame arms 222 that are radially positioned on opposing sides of the outlet 214. The frame arms 222 can be formed as a unitary member with the body 210. The frame arms 222 can extend axially and distally from the outlet 214 towards the deflector 204 and converge towards the sprinkler axis A-A to terminate at a terminal frame formation 224 (e.g., end 224). The terminal frame formation 224 can be axially aligned along the sprinkler axis A-A and spaced from the outlet 214. The deflector 204 can be coupled to the body 210 at the terminal frame formation 224 so as to depend on or be supported from the frame arms 222.

[0076] As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, the body 210 can define the internal passageway 216 that extends axially to define the central longitudinal sprinkler axis A-A. The sprinkler button 208 can be at least partially disposed in the passageway 216 to obstruct flow of a fire-fighting fluid in an unactuated sprinkler state (or configuration). The sprinkler button 208 can include a seat member 226 and a shaft member 228 extending from the seat member 226. The shaft member 228 can be a cylindrical structure extending within the passageway 216 when the sprinkler 200 is in the unactuated configuration, whereas the seat member 226 can be disposed at the outlet 214, e.g., outside the passageway 216. The seat member 226 can define a recess 230 for engaging and supporting the thermal trigger 206. For example, the recess 230 can receive a proximal tip of the thermal trigger 206 for supporting the thermal trigger 206 in the unactuated configuration of the sprinkler 200.

[0077] The sprinkler 200 can include at least one seal 232 (e.g., seal 232). The seal 232 can be disposed at the outlet 214 (for example, between the outlet 214 and the seat member 226 of the sprinkler button 208) to create a fluid tight seal in the unactuated configuration (e.g., unactuated sprinkler state) of the sprinkler 200. The seal 232 can bias the button 208 away from an outlet seal surface 234 (e.g., shoulder) of the outlet 214. The outlet seal surface 234 can define an orifice diameter of the passageway 216. The seal 232 can have an aperture provided at a center thereof such that the shaft member 228 extends in the passageway 216 through the aperture. For example, the shaft member 228 can extend via an inner ring of the seal 232 and an outer ring of the seal 232 rests on the frame 202 proximal the outlet 214.

[0078] The seal 232 can include a spring seal, such as a Belleville spring. As depicted in FIG. 2D, the seal 232 can have an annular shape, such as to be formed as a disc forming an opening 260. The seal 232 can be conical (e.g., to have a height at the opening 260 greater than height 264 at an outer edge of the seal 232). The seal 232 can contact the internal passageway 216 (e.g., the outlet seal surface 234) and the sprinkler button 208. The seal 232 can be compressed by at least one of a force applied by thermal trigger 206 on the sprinkler button 208 and a force applied by fluid in the internal passageway 216 on the seal 232 to facilitate sealing the internal passageway 216 from the outlet 214. The sprinkler button 208 can be formed as a separate member from the seal 232, or can be formed integrally with the seal 232. For example, a seal assembly can include the sprinkler button 208 and / or seal 232 as a same or integral or monolithic member to which film 280 is applied.

[0079] As depicted in FIG. 2D, the seal 232 can include a seal body 268 forming the opening 204. The seal body 268 can be shaped as an annular disc. The seal body 268 can be made of any of various materials, such as metal or composite materials. For example, the seal body 268 can be made from aluminum, steel, brass, or non-ferrous metals. The seal body 268 can have a diameter 272 and a height 264, which can be less than the diameter 272 (e.g., including the thickness of film 280). The seal body 268 can extend from a first side 276 to a second side 278. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, the seal 232 can be positioned in contact with the sprinkler button 208; for example, one of the first side 276 or the second side 278 can face the internal passageway 216, and the other of the first side 276 or the second side 278 can face the sprinkler button 208.

[0080] For example, upon actuation of the thermal trigger 206, a contact between the sprinkler button 208 and the thermal trigger 206 breaks, thus freeing the sprinkler button 208. The sprinkler button 208 then can move out of the outlet 214 and be ejected via the frame 202. As the sprinkler button 208 ejects, the seal 232 can also fall along with the sprinkler button 208, causing fire-fighting fluid to flow out of the outlet 214 and be deflected by the deflector 204 to form a target spray pattern.

[0081] A loading element 236 (for example, a threaded load screw) that engages a complimentarily threaded bore 238 of the terminal frame formation 224 is provided to compress the seal 232 against the outlet seal surface 234 and axially support the thermal trigger 206 at its distal end. the seal 232 can include or be coupled with a spring. The spring can be an ejection spring. The spring can contact one or more points on the sprinkler button 208 (e.g., a side of the sprinkler button 208 opposite the side of the sprinkler button 208 facing the internal passageway 216). The spring can facilitate moving the sprinkler button 208 out of the outlet 214 responsive to a fire condition, such as to cause the sprinkler button 208 to be deflected off of frame arms 222 by pressure from fluid in the internal passageway 216. The sprinkler 200 may not include the spring and / or may couple the spring with at least one point on the thermal trigger 206 to facilitate moving the thermal trigger 206 out of the path of fluid in the internal passageway 216.

[0082] Some seals have been coated / covered with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFEs, Teflon), which contains Per-polyfluoroalkyl (PF AS) etc. to achieve various properties (such as corrosion resistance, resistance to chemicals (e.g., acids, alkalis, cleaners, oils, gasoline, etc.), resistance to moisture absorption, etc.) required for efficient working of sprinkler assemblies.As described herein, the seal 232 can include and / or be at least partially covered with a material (e.g. and without limitation, film 280, covering 304) having a composition that is substantially free of or free of any fluorine and / or fluorine containing compounds. The material can be substantially free (of fluorine) in that the named compound (e.g., fluorine and / or fluorine containing compound) is not itself present as an independent component in covering material composition and can only be present in a minor or trace amount of the named compound in relation to another compound present in the covering material composition. For example, the covering material composition can have less than 5% by weight of fluorine. The covering material composition can have less than 1% by weight of fluorine. The covering material composition can have less than 0.5% by weight of fluorine. The named compound (e.g., fluorine and / or fluorine-containing compound) may not present in the covering material composition. The material can include a polymeric material such as polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.

[0083] For example, the seal 232 can include or be coupled with at least one film 280. The film 280 can be at least partially disposed on the seal body 268. The film 280 can be or include one or more layers (or sheets) of film, coating, and / or tape. The film 280 can be disposed on the seal body 268 as a material of multiple layers. For example, the film 280 can be provided as a tape having an adhesive layer and a polymeric material layer in contact with the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can be a silicone adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive silicone. For example, the material of the adhesive layer can be selected to achieve effective bonding between the polymeric material and the seal body 268.

[0084] The film 280 can include at least one layer of all a first polymeric material (e.g. and without limitation, polyimide), can include at least one layer of a combination of the first polymeric material and a second polymeric material other than the first polymeric material, and / or can include a first layer of the first polymeric material and a second layer of a second polymeric material other than the first polymeric material. The layers can have constant thickness, or can have different thicknesses. The film 280 can be substantially free of fluorine.

[0085] The film 280 can be disposed along the first side 276, and can be disposed along the second side 278. For example, the film 280 can partially or entirely extend over the first side276 and / or the second side 278 of the seal body 268. The film 280 can be provided along an outer edge 284 of the seal 232, or the outer edge 284 can be exposed (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2D) without being coated. The film 280 can extend over one or more portions of the seal body 268 that face the internal passageway 216, such as to be compressed between the seal body 268 and the internal passageway 216 and / or the outlet seal surface 234.

[0086] The film 280 can be relatively thin compared with the height 264, such that a ratio of the thickness of the film 280 to the height 264 can be between 1:250 and 1 :3 (e.g., having a thickness less than fifty percent of the height 264; less than thirty percent of the height 264; less than ten percent of the height 264; greater than five percent of the height 264; the ratio can be between about 1 :250 and 1 : 100). The film 280 can have a thickness to allow for effective mechanical engagement between the film 280 and the internal passageway 216, e.g., without under- or over-tightening. The thickness can be selected to allow for sufficient anti- frictional characteristics of the film 280 with respect to the internal passageway 216.

[0087] The ratio of the film 280 to the height 264 can allow for sufficient engagement between the seal body 268 and the internal passageway 216 given a size of the seal body 268. For example, the thickness can be greater than or equal to 0.2 millimeters (mm) and less than or equal to 10 mm; greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm; greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm; 2.5 mm.

[0088] The film 280 can be applied to the surfaces (e.g., of sides 276, 278) of the seal body 268. The film 280 can be applied in a single layer on the seal body 268 or surfaces thereof. The film 280 can have a finish with few or no irregularities. As described above, the film 280 can have various characteristics to perform effectively for fire protection. For example, the film 280 can have one or more of the toughness, impermeability, and thermal stability useful for fire protection applications; the film 280 can have appropriate frictional and / or anti -frictional properties for effective sealing. The film 280 (or material thereof) can have flexibility and / or pliability to allow the film 280 to fill surface irregularities of the seal body 268 and / or internal passageway 216. For example, the film 280 can have a yield strength between 2000 psi and 50000 psi. The film 280 can have a Durometer (hardness) between 60 and 100. The film 280 can have a constant thickness, or can vary in diameter (e.g., to have a greater diameter towards outer edges of the seal body 268 relative to a center of the seal body 268). The film 280 can have one or more such properties in the target ranges throughout the ranges of temperature for expected operation of the seal 232.

[0089] At least a portion of the seal 232 can have a non-metallic covering (e.g., implemented as film 280) thereon that is substantially free of fluorine. The non-metallic covering can be a polymeric covering that is substantially free of fluorine. For example, the polymeric covering can include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof

[0090] The polymeric material can be provided as a uniform covering on an entire exterior surface of the seal 232. A thickness of the polymeric covering can be greater than or equal to1 mil (one-thousandth of an inch). In some other embodiments, the thickness of the polymeric covering can be in the range of 1 mil - 5 mil. The polymeric covering can have a thickness that allows efficient operation of the seal 232.

[0091] The polymeric material can be provided in the form of a tape. For example, the tape can include the polymeric material having a thickness of 1-5 mil and an adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive silicone adhesive, acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, or the like) having a thickness of 1-2 mil. The tape can be attached to the exterior surface of the seal 232 via the adhesive. The polymeric material can be coated over the seal 232 as a protective covering.

[0092] The seal 232 with the polymeric covering that is substantially free of fluorine can exhibit various properties required for efficient working of the sprinkler 200. For example, the seal 232 can exhibit corrosion resistance, resistance to chemicals (e.g., acids, alkalis, organic solvents, cleaners, oils, gasoline), abrasion resistance, low moisture absorption, low coefficient of friction, high impact strength, as well as being non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless due to the polymeric covering.

[0093] The seal 232 can be provided in various forms. For example, the seal 232 can include any one or more gland packing seals, diaphragm seals, lip seals, mechanical seals, etc., to have a substantially fluorine free polymeric covering.

[0094] As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, the sprinkler 200 can include a deflector 204. The deflector 204 can cause the fluid to be outputted from the sprinkler 200 according to a target spray pattern (e.g., based on the structure of one or more tines of the deflector 204). The frame arms 222 can extend from the body 210 towards the deflector 204 and around the thermal trigger 206. The sprinkler button 208, responsive to being ejected, can strike the frame 202 in a manner so that the sprinkler button 208 (as well as the seal 232) moves away from thesprinkler 200 to allow fluid to flow out of the outlet 214 to the deflector 204 without being obstructed by the sprinkler button 208.

[0095] FIG. 3A-3C depict an example of a seal 232. The seal 232 can be a spring seal, which can be compressed between two flat engagement surfaces, thereby preventing fluid from flowing between the two engagement surfaces. The seal 232 can include a base 302, e.g., an annular spring base, which can be formed from a piece of spring material (e.g., stainless steel, Beryllium Nickel, Nickel alloy such as Nickel -Chromium alloy, etc.).

[0096] The seal 232 can have a covering 304. The covering 304 can be substantially free of or free of any fluorine and / or fluorine containing compounds and that facilitates sealing. The covering 304 can be a non-metallic covering, e.g., a polymeric covering. The polymeric covering can include the polymeric material, such as to include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof. The covering 304 can be eco-friendly. The covering 304 can be a UHMWPE covering 304. The UHMWPE covering 304 can be provided in form of the tape attached to either side of the seal 232. As stated above, the covering 304 in form of the tape can include the polymeric material having a thickness of 1-5 mil and an adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive silicone adhesive, acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, or the like) having a thickness of 1-2 mil. The tape can be attached to the exterior surface of the seal 232 via the adhesive.

[0097] Responsive to the seal 232 being compressed, the covering 304 can conform to the shape of the components that it contacts, further increasing the sealing performance of the seal 232. The seal 232 can define two opposing sealing surfaces: a first sealing surface 306A and a second sealing surface 306B. The first sealing surface 306 A and the second sealing surface 306B can extend parallel to one another. The seal 232 can be annular such that the first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B are both annular. The seal 232 can define an aperture, shown as central aperture 308, positioned at the center of the seal 232.

[0098] The seal 232 can be compressible to move between two states or configurations: an uncompressed, relaxed, or free state shown in FIG. 3C, and a compressed state. A fully compressed state is shown in FIG. 3B. In the relaxed state shown in FIG. 3C, the first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B can be substantially frustoconical and oriented at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the sprinkler axis A-A. In the fullycompressed state shown in FIG. 3B, the first sealing surface 306A and the second sealing surface 306B can be substantially flat and oriented substantially perpendicular to the sprinkler axis A- A. When placed between two flat engagement surfaces (not shown), a first edge, shown as edge 310, engages the first flat engagement surface, and a second edge, shown as edge 312, engages the second engagement surface. The first edge 310 can be located on the first sealing surface 306 A and the second edge 312 can be located on the second sealing surface 306B. As the seal 232 is compressed, the first and second sealing surfaces 306 A and 306B can flatten until the seal 232 reaches the fully compressed state. The seal 232 can be compressed to an extent such that pressure generated by the seal 232 is greater than pressure of the fire-fighting fluid.

[0099] An operative configuration of the seal 232 is shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and FIGS. 2A- 2C. To assemble the button 208 and the seal 232 on to the frame 202, the shaft member 228 of the button 208 can be inserted into the central aperture 308 of the seal 232. Once inserted, the second edge 312 of the second sealing surface 306B engages with a surface of the seat member 226 that is proximal to the shaft member 228. The covering 304 and the central aperture 308 can be sized such that the covering 304 is deformed by the shaft member 228, pressing against the shaft member 228, and removably coupling the seal 232 to the button 208. This can facilitate assembly without the seal 232 falling off the button 208. Subassembly including the button 208 and the seal 232 can be placed into the passageway 216. At this point, the button 208 and the seal 232 can be aligned with the sprinkler axis A-A, and the first edge 310 of the first sealing surface 306A engages with the outlet seal surface 234 at the outlet 214. The thermal trigger 206 can then be disposed within a window formed by the frame arms 222 such that the tip of the thermal trigger 206 is aligned with the recess 230 and a distal end of the thermal trigger 206 rests on the loading element 236. The loading element 236 engaged with the threaded bore 238 of the terminal frame formation 224 is operated to cause the tip of the thermal trigger 206 to be received in the recess 230, pressing the button 208 and in turn compressing the seal 232 against the outlet seal surface 234 to form the fluid tight seal.

[0100] FIGs 4A and 4B depict an example of a sprinkler 400, e.g., a fusible link type sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler 400 can include a sprinkler frame 402, a fluid deflecting structure (e.g., a deflector 404), and a thermal trigger such as a fusible element 406 supporting a button 408 to seal the sprinkler 400 in an unactuated configuration. Thesprinkler frame 402 includes a body having an inlet 412, an outlet 414, and an internal passageway 416. To couple the sprinkler 400 to a fluid supply pipe, the outer surface of the body includes an externally threaded portion 418 configured with, for example, National Pipe Thread (NPT) and a tool engagement surface 420. The tool engagement surface 420 can extend about the outlet 414 of the body and can include a plurality of flats for engagement with a tool such as a sprinkler wrench for threading the sprinkler 400 into a correspondingly threaded pipe fitting of the supply network. The body defines the internal passageway 416 and the button 408 is at least partially disposed in the passageway 416 to obstruct flow of a fire-fighting fluid in an unactuated sprinkler state (or configuration). A seal 422 (e.g., seal member) is disposed at the outlet 414 to create a fluid tight seal in the unactuated configuration (e.g., unactuated sprinkler state) of the sprinkler 400. The seal 422 can be a solid disc, a spring seal or any other type of seal member. The sprinkler 400 can also include an ejection spring 428 that is compressed to push the seal 422 against the body to create a fluid tight seal.

[0101] At least a portion of the seal 422 can have a non-metallic covering thereon that is substantially free of fluorine. The non-metallic covering can be a polymeric covering that is substantially free of fluorine. For example, the polymeric covering can polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.

[0102] The sprinkler 400 can further include a hook 424, and a pair of lever arms that can be held together and soldered to a central strut 426 by the fusible element 406. When the sprinkler 400 is fully assembled, the lever arms can engage the body of the sprinkler 400 and push against the button 408 causing the ejection spring 428 to compress and further pushes the seal 422 against the body. The seal 422 can seal the outlet 414, preventing the fire suppressant fluid from escaping the sprinkler 400. Responsive to a fire condition that causes the temperature of the fusible element 406 to increase above a threshold temperature, the fusible element 406 comes apart. This permits the lever arms to separate from one another and loosens the button 408, the ejection spring 428 and the seal 422. The pressure of the fire suppressant fluid forces the button 408, the lever arms, the ejection spring 428 and the seal 422 out of the body, and the fire suppressant fluid is released from the sprinkler 400 into the surroundings via the deflector 404.

[0103] FIG. 4C depicts an example of a configuration of the seal 422 used in the sprinkler assembly of FIGS. 4A and 4B. The seal 422 can include features of the seal 232 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, and can be a solid disc instead of being a spring seal (compressible frustoconical disc). The seal 422 has a flexible eco-friendly covering on one side of the solid disc.

[0104] For example, the seal 422 can have a covering 432, e.g., UHMWPE covering 432 (such as UHMPE covering 304) provided on one side e.g., a first surface 430A in form of a tape. The seal 422 can have the UHMWPE covering 432 on both sides e.g., the first surface 430 A and a second surface 430B.

[0105] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an example of the seal 232 in which the seal 232 is made of polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of fluorine (e.g., instead of having the polymeric covering 304). The polymeric material 502 can have a thickness greater than that of the covering 304 that is attached to the seal 232 in form of the tape.

[0106] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the seal 232 can be an annular disc formed from, for example, the polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of or free of any fluorine and / or fluorine containing compounds. The polymeric material 502 can include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof

[0107] The seal 232 includes a central aperture 504, a first sealing surface 506 A that engages with a surface of the seat member 226 during assembly, and a second sealing surface 506B that engages with the outlet seal surface 234 at the outlet 214 during assembly. Operative configuration of the seal 232 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be similar to the operative configuration of the seal 232 described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3C.

[0108] FIGS. 5C depicts an example of a configuration of the seal 422 used in FIG 4C. As depicted in FIG. 5C, the seal 422 can be made of polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of fluorine (e.g., instead of having the polymeric covering (e.g., the UHMWPE covering 432) on one side).

[0109] In the configuration shown in FIG. 5C, the seal 422 can be solid disc formed from, for example, the polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of or free of any fluorineand / or fluorine containing compounds. The polymeric material 502 can include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.

[0110] FIG. 6A depicts an example of a configuration of the seal 232. The seal 232 can include a protuberance 602 formed on the second sealing surface 506B. The protuberance 602 can align with one or more indentations formed on the outlet seal surface 234 at the outlet 214 when the button 208 and the seal 232 are pressed against the outlet seal surface 234, thus easing the assembly process of the sprinkler 200. The protuberance 602 can provide a smaller contact surface for the seal 232, thereby increasing contact pressure on the polymeric material 502 to form an effective seal. The protuberance 602 can have a semicircular cross-section (as shown in FIG. 6A). The protuberance 602 can be made of the polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of fluorine, such as to include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.[OHl] FIG. 6B depicts an example of a configuration of the seal 422 shown in FIG. 5C, in which the seal 422 includes the protuberance 602. The protuberance 602 can provide a smaller contact surface for the seal 422, thereby increasing contact pressure on the polymeric material 502 to form an effective seal. The protuberance 602 can have a semi-circular crosssection (as shown in FIG. 6B). The protuberance 602 can be made of the polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of fluorine, such as to include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.

[0112] FIG. 7A depicts an example of a configuration of the seal 232, in which the seal 232 includes a protuberance 702 formed on the second sealing surface 506B. The protuberance 702 can align with one or more indentations formed on the outlet seal surface 234 at the outlet 214 when the button 208 and the seal 232 are pressed against the outlet seal surface 234, thus easing the assembly process of the sprinkler 200. The protuberance 702 can have a triangular cross-section (as shown in FIG. 7A). The protuberance 702 can be made of the polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of fluorine, such as to include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66,Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.

[0113] FIG. 7B depicts an example of a configuration of the seal 422, in which the seal 422 includes the protuberance 702. The protuberance 702 can have a triangular cross-section (as shown in FIG. 7B). The protuberance 702 can be made of the polymeric material 502 that is substantially free of fluorine, such as to include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.

[0114] In FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B, protuberances 602, 702 formed on seal members 232, 422 are shown to have a semi-circular and / or triangular cross section; the protuberances can be made of various shapes.

[0115] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a configuration of the seal 232, in which the seal 232 includes a chamfered edge 802. The chamfered edge 802 can be incorporated in any of the configurations of the seal 232 depicted in FIGS.2A-2C, 3A-3C, 5A-5B, 6A, and 7A. The chamfered edge 802 can be used in conjunction with an angled seat member 226. The seat member 226 can be machined at an angle that would correspond to the chamfered edge 802 on the seal 232 (e.g., as compared to having a flat seat member 226). As the seal member 226 is compressed, the chamfered edge 802 is wedged against the seat member 226 to form a leak tight seal.

[0116] FIG. 8C depicts an example of a configuration of the seal 422, in which the seal 422 includes the chamfered edge 802 to form a leak tight seal. The chamfered edge 802 can be incorporated in any of the configurations of the seal 422 depicted in FIGS.4A-4C, 5C, 6B, and 7B.

[0117] FIGS. 9-12 depict examples of integrated seals and buttons for use in a sprinkler assembly. For example, with reference to FIGS. 2A-8C, the seal members 232, 422 and the buttons 208, 408 respectively can be provided as a single component (e.g., an integrated seal and button) that fulfills dual functionalities of the seal members 232, 422 and the buttons 208, 408. For example, the integrated seal and button components described with reference to FIGS. 9-12 can be implemented without a corresponding (Belleville) washer, and can be made of polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon,Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof.

[0118] FIG. 9 depicts an example of an integrated seal and button 900. The integrated seal and button 900 can be used in the sprinkler 200 as the seal 232 and the button 208. The integrated seal and button 900 can be used in the sprinkler 400 replacing the seal 422 and the button 408.

[0119] The integrated seal and button 900 can include a seat member 902 and a shaft member 904 extending from the seat member 902. The seat member 902 can define a recess 906 on one side for engaging and supporting the thermal trigger 206, and a sealing surface 908 on an opposite side. The integrated seal and button 900 can be made of a polymeric material (e.g., the polymeric material 502) that is substantially free of or free of any fluorine and / or fluorine containing compounds and that facilitates sealing. The polymeric material can include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof. Thus, the integrated seal and button 900 can have the shape of the button 208 and the material of the seal 232 to serve both functions, for example, supporting the thermal trigger 206 and provide fluid tight seal in unactuated sprinkler state.

[0120] To assemble the integrated seal and button 900 on to the frame 202, the integrated seal and button 900 can be placed into the passageway 216 such that the shaft member 904 extends within the passageway 216 with the sealing surface 908 engaging with the outlet seal surface 234 at the outlet 214. The seat member 902 can remain outside the passageway 216. The thermal trigger 206 is then disposed within a window formed by the frame arms 222 such that the tip of the thermal trigger 206 is aligned with the recess 906 and a distal end of the thermal trigger 206 rests on the loading element 236. The loading element 236 engaged with the threaded bore 238 of the terminal frame formation 224 is operated to cause the tip of the thermal trigger 206 to be received in the recess 906, pressing the integrated seal and button 900 against the outlet seal surface 234 to form the fluid tight seal. Upon actuation of the thermal trigger 206, a contact between the integrated seal and button 900 and the thermal trigger 206 breaks, thus freeing the integrated seal and button 900. The integrated seal and button 900 then completely moves out of the outlet 214 and ejects via the frame 202, causing fire-fighting fluid to flow out of the outlet 214 and be deflected by the deflector 204 to form an appropriate spray pattern.

[0121] FIG. 9 shows the integrated seal and button 900 having the shaft member 904; the integrated seal and button 900 may not necessarily have the shaft member 904. For example, the integrated seal and button 900 having the shaft member 904 arrangement can be used for the sprinkler 200 having a glass bulb as the thermal trigger 206. For the sprinkler 400 having the fusible element 406 as the thermal trigger, an integrated seal and button assembly can be utilized that may not necessarily have the shaft member 904.

[0122] FIG. 10 depicts an example of an integrated seal and button 1000, which can include a protuberance 1002 (e.g., the protuberance 1002 having a semi-circular cross section). The protuberance 1002 can be formed on the sealing surface 908.

[0123] FIG. 11 depicts an example of an integrated seal and button 1100, which can include protuberance 1102 (e.g., the protuberance 1102 having a triangular cross section). The protuberance 1102 can be formed on the sealing surface 908.

[0124] FIG. 12, the integrated seal and button 1200 is similar to the integrated seal and button 900 except that the integrated seal and button 1200 includes chamfered edge 1202.

[0125] The above configurations of the seal members 232, 422 and the integrated seal and button 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 can be used in both wet and dry sprinkler system applications, without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, an inner structural assembly in a dry sprinkler configuration can also incorporate a seal member or an integrated seal and button having a polymeric material that is substantially free of fluorine (as described for the seal 232 or the integrated seal and button 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) at inlet of the inner structural assembly to provide both a biasing force and a fluid seal in an unactuated configuration of the dry sprinkler.

[0126] FIG. 13 depicts an example of a method 1300 of manufacturing a sprinkler. The method 1300 can be used to form various sprinklers or components thereof that are described herein, such as with reference to FIGS. 1-12.

[0127] At 1305, a seal of a seal assembly is provided. The seal can be a compressible member, such as a Belleville seal. The seal can be coupled with a sprinkler button. The seal can be made of a metal or composite material. The seal can be provided as an annular disc forming an opening to at least partially receive a sprinkler button of the seal assembly, or canbe a planar member or otherwise be free of openings. The seal can be structured as a conical member. The seal can include one or more annular discs.

[0128] At 1310, a coating (e.g., film, covering, one or more layers of material) is provided on the seal. The film can be a polymeric film, such as to include polyimide (e.g., KAPTON), thermoplastic polyethylene such as UHMWPE, Nylon, Nylon 66, Fiberglass filament Nylon, Polyester, Acetal, or any of various combinations of one or more thereof. The film can include or be coupled with an adhesive to attach the film to the seal. The film can be provided to have a thickness sufficient to engage the seal with a sprinkler without mitigating the strength performance of the structure of the seal. The film can be provided as one or more layers on one or more surfaces of the seal. For example, the film can be disposed on a first side of the seal and a second side opposite the first side. The features of the coating can be provided as part of the seal, e.g., as material used to at least partially form the seal.

[0129] At 1315, the seal assembly is coupled with a sprinkler, such as to be coupled with a body of the sprinkler. For example, the seal assembly can be positioned in an outlet of an internal passageway of the sprinkler, such that the seal engages the internal passageway to seal a fluid side of the internal passageway from the outlet. Coupling the seal assembly with the sprinkler can include engaging a thermal trigger with the seal assembly to apply a force against the seal assembly to hold the seal assembly in the outlet (e.g., against a force from pressure of fluid in the internal passageway that can drive the seal assembly out of the outlet in the absence of the thermal trigger). The seal assembly can be coupled with the sprinkler such that the film on the first side of the seal faces the fluid of the fluid side, and such that the film on the second side of the seal faces the outlet, such as to engage the films on both sides with the internal passageway to seal the internal passageway.

[0130] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0131] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0132] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act, or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0133] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0134] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0135] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical, or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / - 10% or + / - 10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel, or perpendicular positioning. References to“approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

[0136] The term “coupled” and variations thereof includes the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly with or to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0137] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0138] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0139] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sprinkler, comprising: a body having an internal passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet; at least one frame arm extending from the body; a deflector coupled with the at least one frame arm; and a seal coupled with the outlet, the seal comprises at least one of a body and a coating, the at least one of the body and the coating is substantially free of fluorine.

2. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: a thermal trigger between the deflector and the seal, the thermal trigger to allow the seal to be released from the outlet responsive to a fire condition at a trigger temperature less than a melt temperature of the at least one of the body and the coating.

3. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: a thermal trigger between the deflector and the seal, the thermal trigger to allow the seal to be released from the outlet responsive to a fire condition at a trigger temperature less than a melt temperature of the at least one of the body and the coating, the melt temperature is greater than 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and the trigger temperature is greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the at least one of the body and the coating comprises at least one of polyimide, a thermoplastic polyethylene, and ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene.

5. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the seal comprises a button made of a polymeric material.

6. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the seal comprises a protuberance or a chamfered edge.

7. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the seal comprises a spring seal.

8. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the body comprises a solid disc.

9. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the body comprises a conical washer extending between a first side and a second side having a greater diameter than the first side, and the coating comprises a film on the first side and the second side.

10. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the body comprises a disc on which the coating is disposed, the disc is annular; and a ratio of a thickness of the coating to a thickness of the disc is between about 1 :250 and 1 :100.

11. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the coating has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 millimeters (mm) and less than or equal to 5 mm.

12. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the seal comprises a button coupled with the body, the body comprising a Belleville spring having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the coating disposed on the first side and the second side, the first side in contact with fluid in the internal passageway, the second side in contact with the button.

13. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the coating comprises a first layer of material substantially free of fluorine and a second layer of adhesive, the second layer in contact with the seal and with the first layer.

14. The sprinkler of claim 1, comprising: the body and the internal passageway are metal.

15. A seal assembly of a sprinkler, comprising: a button of metal; a seal coupled with the button, the seal is conical, the seal is metal; anda layer on one or more surfaces of the seal, the layer comprises a polymeric material and is substantially free of fluorine.

16. The seal assembly of claim 15, comprising: the layer has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

17. The seal assembly of claim 15, comprising: the seal is annular, and a plurality of layers comprise the layer.

18. The seal assembly of claim 15, comprising: the layer has a Durometer hardness greater than or equal to 60 and less than or equal to 100.

19. The seal assembly of claim 15, comprising: an adhesive between the layer and the seal.

20. The seal assembly of claim 15, comprising: the seal is around the button.

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