Dry sprinkler assembly with seal assembly and mounting bracket

Abstract

A fire protection system including dry sprinkler assemblies mounted on a wall of a structure to provide fire protection to a protected space. The system can further include seal assemblies to provide a barrier between the protected space and an unprotected space, and a plurality of mounting brackets respectively clamping each dry sprinkler assembly in an opening defined by the respective mounting bracket, each mounting bracket including at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the respective mounting bracket, the lower surface adapted to cooperate with a corresponding seal assembly and each through passage adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment and / or stability of the respective mounting bracket to at least one of the wall by directly penetrating into the wall or the corresponding seal assembly by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOODRY SPRINKLER ASSEMBLY WITH SEAL ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING BRACKETPriority Data and Incorporation by Reference

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 691,542, filed September 6, 2024; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 722,233, filed November 19, 2024; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 722,719, filed November 20, 2024; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 723,308, filed November 21, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 723,777, filed November 22, 2024, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.Technical Field

[0002] The present technology relates to a dry sprinkler assembly and, more particularly, to a bracket for a dry sprinkler assembly.Background Art

[0003] A dry sprinkler assembly can be used to suppress a fire in a protected space (e.g., an area or volume). The dry sprinkler assembly can include a sprinkler assembly, a barrel portion, and a connector (threaded and / or grooved). The dry sprinkler assemblies are installed such that the location of the sprinkler assemblies within the protected space meets manufacturer’s specifications and / or industry accepted requirements. For example, fire protection system design and sprinkler installation criteria, in accordance with the applicable installation codes and standards can include: (i) the maximum ceiling-height for which ceiling-only protection can be provided; (ii) the hazard classifications and type of storage arrangement that can be protected at the maximum ceiling-height; (iii) the maximum height of the storage to be protected; (iv) the range of spacing between sprinklers installed at the maximum ceiling height and / or (v) the hydraulic design requirements for installing the sprinklers at the maximum height.183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO

[0004] Generally, fire protection sprinklers are subject to industry accepted fire code requirements and the approval of an “authority having jurisdiction” (AHJ) ensure compliance with applicable codes and requirements. One applicable standard is “NFPA 13: Standard for the installation of Sprinkler Systems” (2025) (“NFPA 13”) from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 13 provides minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems based upon the area to be protected, the anticipated hazard and the type of protection performance to be provided. One manner of satisfying the applicable requirements is by identification of fire protection sprinklers capable of a particular thermal response or sensitivity through appropriate industry accepted operational testing. To facilitate the AHJ approval process, fire protection equipment can be “listed,” which as defined by NFPA 13, means that the equipment is included in a list by an organization that is acceptable to the AHJ and whose list states that the equipment “meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.” One such listing organization includes Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (“UL”). Another industry accepted listing organization is Factory Mutual Insurance Company of FM Global (“FM”).

[0005] Typically, when the protected space is refrigerated such as in a refrigerated storage unit, the dry sprinkler assembly is installed by positioning the sprinkler assembly within the refrigerated storage unit and extending the barrel portion through an opening in the unit (e.g., an opening in the ceiling of the unit). The connector of the dry sprinkler assembly couples the barrel portion to a pipe header that provides the firefighting fluid (e.g., water) to the sprinkler head. Because the connection to the pipe header is located external to the refrigerated space, issues related to freezing of the firefighting fluid are minimized. However, any gaps between - 2 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO the wall of the opening and the barrel portion must be properly sealed to prevent an exchange of air between the inside and outside of the refrigerated space. The seal assembly typically includes a housing and an insulating disk that is wrapped around the barrel portion to seal the gap. Dry sprinkler assemblies are generally installed with a seal assembly positioned on top of the storage unit and, optionally, another seal assembly positioned in the ceiling of the storage unit. In some cases, such as with a dry sprinkler assembly with an escutcheon, only one seal assembly on top of the storage unit may be needed. The seal assemblies help mitigate condensation, humidity, and temperature differentials in the area around the sprinkler assemblies that can lead to ice build-up, which can inhibit operation or cause premature operation of the sprinkler assemblies.

[0006] In some situations, there can be relative movement between the dry sprinkler assembly and the seal assembly that can affect the integrity of the seal. When the dry sprinkler assembly is held in place by a rigid connection between the barrel portion and the pipe header supplying the firefighting fluid, the relative movement is minimal and typically not a significant issue. However, in some installations, proper alignment of the pipe header and the dry sprinkler assemblies can be impractical. In such cases, the barrel portion of the dry sprinkler assembly includes or is connected to flexible tubing (also referred to as flexible hose and flexible conduit), which is then connected to the pipe header. The flexible tubing can make installation easier by allowing for special offset of the dry sprinkler assembly and the pipe header. However, an installation using flexible tubing could allow the dry sprinkler assembly to move relative to the seal assemblies in some situations, which can affect the integrity of the seal and allow moisture to enter the protected space. In such systems, an integrated seal assembly that includes both a sealing means (e.g., an insulating disk) for sealing and a bracket means for securing the seal assembly to the dry sprinkler assembly can- 3 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO be used. However, an integrated seal assembly can be relatively complex in comparison to a seal assembly that includes just a sealing means. For example, the fastening means that secures the bracket means to the sealing means in the integrated seal assembly can have complex bracket means to seal means attaching arrangement (e.g., using bolts interfaced to slots in the seal means) that can take time to setup and install. In addition, the fastening means in related known integrated seal assemblies is not secured to the wall (e.g., top) of the storage unit and thus relies entirely on the robustness of the sealing means for stability. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a fastening means that minimizes the relative movement between the dry sprinkler assembly and the seal assembly and overcomes the above disadvantages.

[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one skilled in the art, through comparison of such approaches with embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings.Summary of the Invention

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for fire protection. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fire protection system includes one or more dry sprinkler assemblies attached to a wall providing fire protection to a protected space. The one or more dry sprinkler assemblies can be connected to respective flexible tubes located in an unprotected space on an opposite side of the wall as the protected space. Preferably, each flexible tube is coupled to a firefighting fluid source such as, for example, a pipe header supplying firefighting fluid (e.g., water).

[0009] The system can further include at least one seal assembly coupled to each dry sprinkler assembly and to the wall. The system can also include a mounting bracket clamped - 4 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO to each dry sprinkler assembly in an opening defined by the mounting bracket, which can be attached to the seal assembly and / or wall. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket is attached to the corresponding seal assembly (e.g., with fasteners that penetrate through the outer housing cover layer and / or inner housing cover layer of the seal assembly) and the seal assembly is attached to the wall. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket is directly attached to both the corresponding seal assembly and to the wall. In still other embodiments, the mounting bracket is directly attached exclusively to the wall. Preferably, the mounting bracket can include a member with at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the mounting bracket. The lower surface can be adapted to cooperate with a seal assembly and each through passage can be adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket to the wall (e.g., by directly penetrating into the wall) and / or to the seal assembly (e.g., by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly). The member can be a monolithic member or a member with integrated portions, and either the monolithic member or the member with integrated portions can be a solid structure or an apertured structure as along as the member provides the at least one through passage.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of fire protection for a protected space in a structure using a dry sprinkler assembly. The dry sprinkler assembly includes a fluid distribution member (e.g., a deflector that can, for example, include one or more slots and / or one or more tines) that is coupled to a barrel assembly (e.g., a solid barrel assembly or a flexible barrel assembly). The method includes obtaining a mounting bracket and providing the mounting bracket for installation of the dry sprinkler assembly in the protected space. The installation can include the dry sprinkler assembly clamped in an opening defined by the mounting bracket. Preferably, the mounting bracket is attached to the - 5 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO seal assembly and / or a wall of the structure (e.g., directly to the wall with or without an interposing seal assembly). The structure can be insulated or uninsulated room or space and can be located below a dry sprinkler assembly (e.g., a pendent dry sprinkler assembly - discussed below), above a dry sprinkler assembly (e.g., an upright dry sprinkler assembly) in, for example, an attic, and / or to the side of a dry sprinkler assembly (e.g., a horizontal or sidewall dry sprinkler assembly).

[0011] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mounting bracket for a dry sprinkler assembly. The mounting bracket can include a plurality of clamping segments for attachment to a dry sprinkler assembly and / or to stabilize the coupling between the dry sprinkler assembly and the mounting bracket. Preferably, each clamping segment can have an interface portion (e.g., an inner surface) that abuts against and engages with the dry sprinkler assembly and an attachment portion spaced away from the interface portion. Preferably, the attachment portion includes at least one through passage between the upper surface and lower surface of the mounting bracket. In some embodiments, the through passage can receive a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, nail, or another type of fastener) that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket to the wall of the structure (e.g., by directly penetrating into the wall with or without an interposing seal assembly) and / or to the seal assembly (e.g., by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly). The geometry of each clamping segment and / or the coupled clamping segments is not limiting and can be of any shape that provides an interface portion to hold a barrel of the dry sprinkler assembly and / or an attachment portion spaced from the engagement point to facilitate attachment to the wall of the structure and / or a seal assembly. In some embodiments, each clamping segment and / or the coupled clamping segments can stabilize the coupling between the mounting bracket and the dry barrel assembly. Preferably, each clamping segment can be formed from any- 6 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO combination of geometries or partial geometries corresponding to, for example, donut-shaped segments, ring-shaped segments, triangle-shaped segments, arc-shaped segments, ovalshaped segments, circle-shaped segments, crescent- shaped segments, tab-shaped segments, and / or some other shape that facilitates the attachment of the mounting bracket to the wall and / or seal assembly and / or aids in stabilizing the coupling between the mounting bracket to the wall and / or seal assembly while engaging with the dry sprinkler barrel assembly. In some embodiments, each clamping segment can have a central portion for clamping (e.g., an inner surface of the central portion) onto the dry sprinkler assembly, and a tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion. Preferably, when the plurality of segments are coupled, the central portions define an opening for receiving the dry sprinkler assembly. Preferably, each tab portion is adapted to cooperate with a seal assembly and facilitate attachment (and / or stability) of the mounting bracket to a seal assembly and / or a wall of a structure defining a protected space. For example, each tab portion can have a through passage between the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting bracket for receiving a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, nail, or another type of fastener) to facilitate attachment of the mounting bracket to a seal assembly and / or a wall. In some embodiments, the tab portion may not have a through passage and exclusively provides a stabilizing function. For brevity, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed with reference to clamping segments that have a partial ring shape with tabs extending outwardly. However, as discussed above, other shapes can be used for the clamping segments.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of installing a dry sprinkler assembly in a structure using a mounting bracket and a flexible tube. The method includes receiving the dry sprinkler assembly in an opening of the mounting bracket and clamping the mounting bracket to the dry sprinkler assembly. The method further includes - 7 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO attaching the mounting bracket directly to a wall of the structure using a tab portion of the mounting bracket.

[0013] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the description given above, serve to explain the features of the invention.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall of a storage unit with dry sprinkler assemblies mounted therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig.lA is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the dry sprinkler assemblies shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. IB is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dry sprinkler assembly that can be used in the system shown in Fig. 1.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a dry sprinkler assembly coupled to a seal assembly and a mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 2A is an exploded view of the dry sprinkler assembly, seal assembly, and mounting bracket of Fig. 2.

[0020] Figs. 3 and 3 A are perspective and exploded views, respectively of a mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.- 8 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO

[0021] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a mounting bracket in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a seal assembly coupled to a mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 4A is an exploded view of the seal assembly and mounting bracket of Fig. 4.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a seal assembly coupled to a mounting bracket in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figs. 7 and 7A are perspective and side views, respectively, of a seal assembly coupled to a mounting bracket in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0027] Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to systems and methods for fire protection that use a mounting bracket to secure a dry sprinkler assembly to a seal assembly and / or a wall (e.g., top) of a structure defining a protected space.

[0028] A dry sprinkler assembly can be used to protect an area or volume (“protected space”) from fire. Fig. 1 illustrates a system 100 that includes a protected space 130 that is protected by one or more dry sprinkler assemblies 110. The protected space 130 can be, for example, an interior of an enclosed structure (e.g., a refrigerated storage unit). Each dry sprinkler assembly 110 can include a connector 112, barrel assembly 114 (e.g., a solid barrel assembly or a flexible barrel assembly), and a fluid distribution device 116. The fluid distribution devices 116 can include fire protection sprinklers, mist devices, nozzles or any device configured to distribute a firefighting fluid. For clarity, the present disclosure illustrates a- 9 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO case where the fluid distribution device is a sprinkler. The fluid distribution device 116 can be coupled (e.g., via a groove connection, a national pipe thread (NPT) threaded connection, a British standard pipe (BSP) threaded connection, and / or some other type of connection) to the barrel assembly 114.

[0029] The discharge or flow characteristics of the firefighting fluid (e.g., water) from the fluid distribution device 116 are defined by the internal geometry of the fluid distribution device 116, including its internal passageway, inlet, and outlet (the discharge orifice). Generally, the size of the sprinkler discharge orifice is defined by the nominal K-factor of a sprinkler. For a given sprinkler assembly, typically, the larger the nominal K-factor, the larger the discharge orifice, and the smaller the nominal K-factor, the smaller the discharge orifice. As is known in the art, the nominal K-factor of a sprinkler is defined as K = Q / P1 / 2, where Q represents the flow rate (in gallons / min GPM) of water from the outlet of the internal passage through the sprinkler body and P represents the pressure (in pounds per square inch (psi.)) of water or firefighting fluid fed into the inlet end of the internal passageway through the sprinkler body. Accordingly, the designed performance of a sprinkler is a function of the supply of a minimum fluid pressure or flow. Thus, any restriction of the fluid flow supply to a sprinkler can negatively impact the performance of a sprinkler. In some embodiments, the dry sprinkler assembly can have a nominal K-factor of 5.6, 8.0, 11.2, 14.0, 16.8, 19.6, 22.4, 25.2, 28.0, 30.8, 33.6 or greater, additional nominal K-factors between the specified nominal K-factors can be utilized.

[0030] The fluid distribution device 116 can be located above the protected space 130 while the attached barrel assembly 114 is extended through an opening 139 in a wall 160 of the structure (e.g., a ceiling or top of the structure, a sidewall of the structure, a floor of the structure, or another wall of the structure), such that the connector 112 is located in an- 10 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO unprotected space 132 on an opposite side of the wall 160. Preferably, a diameter DI (seeFig. 1 A) of the opening 139 is greater than an outer diameter D2 of the barrel assembly 114 to facilitate insertion of the barrel assembly 114 through the opening 139. Preferably, after installation, the fluid distribution device 116 is located a predetermined distance from a surface of the wall 160 (e.g., a surface of the ceiling). For example, the predetermined distance can be in accordance with manufacturer’ s requirements and / or in accordance with recognized industry standards for the dry sprinkler assembly 110. Depending on the type of dry sprinkler assembly, the predetermined distance can be 2 inches to 14 inches. In some embodiments, the system 100 can have one or more seal assemblies 120 that surround each barrel assembly 114 to seal gap G (see Fig. 1 A) between a side surface of the opening 139 of wall 160 and the outer surface of barrel assembly 114 such that the atmosphere from the unprotected space 132 is blocked from entering the protected space 130. In some embodiments, the gap G at the wall 160 can be filled with a filler 162 such as, for example, an insulating foam, to further seal the opening 139. When the protected space 130 is refrigerated (e.g., an interior of a refrigerated storage unit), the seal assemblies 120 prevent or minimize moisture leakage into the protected space 130, which can condense onto the dry sprinkler assembly 110 and possibly prevent operation of the dry sprinkler assembly 110.

[0031] In some embodiments, the dry sprinkler assembly 110 can be coupled to a flexible tube 140. For example, connector 112 can be coupled to flexible tube 140 using a threaded connection, a grooved connection, and / or another type of connection. In some embodiments, the flexible tube 140 can be a part of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 and be directly coupled (e.g., without a separate connector 112) to barrel assembly 114 via, for example, an interface that is a threaded interface, a grooved interface, welded interface, soldered interface, glued interface, cemented interface, a press-fitting interface, and / or another type of interface. The- 11 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO flexible tube 140 can then be coupled to a pipe header 145, which distributes the firefighting fluid (e.g., water) to the one or more dry sprinkler assemblies 110. The flexible tube 140 allows for leeway in the placement of dry sprinkler assembly 110 and / or the pipe header 145 relative to the protected space 130.

[0032] Fig. 1A illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of the circled portion in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 A illustrates the coupling between the dry sprinkler assembly 110, the seal assembly 120, and the mounting bracket 150 for an embodiment of the present disclosure. For clarity, some features may not be illustrated in Fig. 1A (e.g., the inner components of barrel assembly 114 and the screws attaching the seal assemblies 120 to the wall 160). As seen in Fig. 1A, the barrel assembly 114 of dry sprinkler assembly 110 extends through opening 139 in the wall 160. In some embodiments, such as when the protected space 130 is refrigerated, the wall 160 can include insulation 164 that is disposed between two sheets (e.g., metal sheets) 166a, 166b. In some embodiments, the wall 160 can be the ceiling or the top of a refrigerated storage unit. The construction of wall 160 is not limiting and other designs can be used so long as the seal assemblies 120 can be coupled to wall 160.

[0033] In some embodiments, any gap G between a wall of the opening 139 and the barrel assembly 114 can be filled using a filler 162 (e.g., an insulating and / or expanding foam) to aid in sealing the gap G. As discussed above, barrel assembly 114 can be secured to seal assemblies 120 on the inside (e.g., against the wall 160 in the protected space 130) and / or in the unprotected space 132 on top of the wall 160. In some embodiments, if only one seal assembly 120 is used, the seal assembly 120 will be on top of the wall 160 in the unprotected space 132. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1A, a mounting bracket 150, discussed further below, can be disposed adjacent to and attach to the seal assembly 120 in the unprotected space 132. In other embodiments (not shown), the mounting bracket 150 can be- 12 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO disposed adjacent to and attach to the seal assembly 120 in the protected space 130.

[0034] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 can be indirectly coupled to the wall 160 by attaching the seal assembly 120 directly to the wall 160 and attaching the mounting bracket 150 to the seal assembly 120. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 is attached directly to both the seal assembly 120 and the wall 160. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 is attached exclusively to the wall 160. Preferably, the mounting bracket 150 can be secured to the seal assembly 120 and / or the wall 160 using fastening devices (e.g., screws, bolts, or other fastening devices). As seen in Fig. 1A, mounting bracket 150 is attached to both the seal assembly 120 and the wall 160 using screws 152. That is, in some embodiments, the screws 152 extend through the housing of the seal assembly 120 and through the metal sheet 166a of wall 160. In some embodiments, as seen in Fig. IB, screws 152’ attach the mounting bracket 150 to the housing of the seal assembly 120 (e.g., one or more cover layers of the housing) but do not extend into the wall 160.

[0035] Figs. 2 and 2A illustrate perspective and exploded views of a dry sprinkler assembly 110 coupled to a seal assembly 120 and a mounting bracket 150 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For clarity, Figs. 2 and 2A only show one seal assembly. However, embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or two seal assemblies that can be coupled to the dry sprinkler assembly. The dry sprinkler assembly 110 generally includes a barrel assembly 114 having an outer housing 210 (e.g., an elongated tube) that is coupled to the connector 112 at an inlet end 212 and coupled to outlet end 216 opposite the inlet end 212. Each of the inlet and outlet end couplings can be a threaded coupling (as shown in Figs. 2 and 2A), a grooved coupling, a press-fit coupling, and / or some other type of coupling. If using a threaded coupling, one or both the inlet and outlet couplings can include a locknut to secure the coupling. For example, locknut 256 secures the coupling- 13 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO between the barrel assembly 1 14 and the fluid distribution device 116. Within the outer housing 210, an internal conduit 218 extends from the inlet end 212 to the outlet end 216 along a central longitudinal barrel axis X-X. The connector 112 defines a fluid intake end 210a of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 having an inlet opening 220 and an internal sealing surface (not shown) proximate the inlet opening 220. The fluid distribution device 116 defines a fluid discharge end 210b of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 having an outlet opening 224. Installed, the connector 112 of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 is coupled to a pipe header 145 (see Fig. 1) of a sprinkler system 100 with the central longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X in a vertical orientation (e.g., as a pendent sprinkler) perpendicular to a floor or a ceiling for fluid discharge (e.g., water) from the outlet opening 224 directed vertically in the direction of the sprinkler axis X-X toward a fluid deflection member 230 (e.g., a deflector that can, for example, include one or more slots and / or one or more tines) of the fluid distribution device 116. Preferred embodiments of the fluid deflection member 230 direct the flow of fluid downwardly and outwardly away from the dry sprinkler assembly 110. Although preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 are shown as a pendent sprinkler, the dry sprinklers assembly can be provided as an upright or horizontal sprinkler with the appropriately configured deflector.

[0036] The dry sprinkler assembly 110 can be an automatic sprinkler in which fluid flow through the dry sprinkler assembly 110 is regulated by a thermally responsive trigger assembly 240 and a preferred internal fluid control assembly 200 disposed within the outer housing 210. The trigger assembly 240 defines an unactuated state of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 in which the trigger assembly 240 supports the internal fluid control assembly 200 within the outer housing 210 to form a fluid tight seal with an internal sealing surface (not shown) within the connector 112 to seal the rest of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 from - 14 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO the fluid from the pipe header 145. Upon thermal operation of the trigger assembly 240 in response to a level of heat indicative of a fire, an actuated state of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 is defined in which support of the fluid control assembly 200 has been removed.

[0037] Removing the support permits the sprinkler seal subassembly 202 and fluid flow tube 204 of the internal fluid control assembly 200 to axially translate out of contact with the internal sealing surface (not shown) under the fluid pressure in the fluid supply pipe (e.g., flexible tube 140) of the system and / or an internal spring (e.g., spring disk 201 of sprinkler seal subassembly 202) that biases the fluid control assembly out of contact with the internal sealing surface (not shown). Firefighting fluid delivered to the intake end 210a of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 flows through the internal conduit 218 of the outer housing 210 and the internal fluid control assembly 200. The firefighting fluid is discharged out of the outlet opening 224 of the fluid distribution device 116 along a fluid flow path for effective fluid distribution and fire protection by the fluid deflection member 230. The fluid deflection member 230 is affixed to the fluid distribution device 116, preferably at a fixed distance from the outlet opening 224 which defines a frame window therebetween.

[0038] A preferred embodiment of the fluid control assembly 200 includes a sprinkler seal subassembly 202, a fluid flow tube 204 and a discharge orifice end 206 opposite the sprinkler seal subassembly 202. Abutting the discharge orifice end 206 is an ejectable support member 207 of the fluid control assembly 200. An end surface of the ejectable member 207 seats the trigger assembly 240. In an alternate embodiment, the end surface can be configured for seating against a glass bulb trigger with a central pip cap extending through support member 207. Upon thermal actuation and collapse of the trigger assembly 240, the ejectable member 207 is translated out of the internal conduit 218 of the outer housing 210, ejected out the outlet opening 224 and displaced, and more preferably pivoted, out of the fluid flow path- 15 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO between the outer housing 210 and the fluid deflection member 230. When the fluid flow tube 204 axially translates out of contact with the internal sealing surface (not shown) of connector 112, as discussed above, the fluid flow tube 204 pushes the discharge orifice end 206 so that the discharge orifice end 206 rests upon an internal landing surface (not shown) in the fluid distribution device 116 with a centering wall (not shown) of the fluid distribution device 116 preferably circumscribed about an outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end 206.

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 are configured for fire suppression performance and more preferably qualified for suppression performance with a thermal responsiveness to fire or sufficient level of heat that is faster than standard response, e.g., quick response, fast response or early fast response, with a preferred response time index (RTI) of 50 (m*s)1 / 2[100 (ft. *s)1 / 2] or less, preferably no more than 36 (m*s)1 / 2, [65 (ft. *s)1 / 2], and even more preferably 19 to 36 (m*s)1 / 2[35-65 (ft.*s)1 / 2]. The trigger assembly 240 can be configured as a frangible glass bulb or a fusible link arrangement. Accordingly, the dry sprinkler assembly 110 can be configured as a quick response storage sprinkler as understood from the FM standards. More preferably, embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 can be configured as an early suppression fast response (ESFR) dry sprinkler assembly (e.g., a pendent sprinkler) having a nominal K-factor of 22.4 [GPM / (psi)1 / 2] or greater and even more preferably having a nominal K-factor of 25.2 [GPM / (psi)1 / 2]. Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the ESFR dry sprinkler assembly 110 have a thermally responsive trigger assembly 240 with an RTI of no more than 65 (ft.*s)1 / 2[36 (m-s)1 / 2]. The thermally responsive trigger assembly 240 is preferably thermally rated in a range of 155 °F to 210 °F and more preferably ranges from 164 °F to 205 °F and is preferably thermally rated at 165 °F.

[0040] The fluid deflection member 230 of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 (e.g., an ESFR dry - 16 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO sprinkler assembly) is configured for distribution of firefighting fluid in a manner sufficient to suppress a fire. The fluid deflection member 230 can be formed as a preferably planar member that when installed defines an upper planar surface and an opposite planar surface that are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the sprinkler axis X-X.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 (e.g., an ESFR dry sprinkler assembly) having a nominal K- factor of 22.4 [GPM / (psi)1 / 2] or greater can provide ceiling- only suppression storage fire protection of solid-piled, palletized, bin-box, shelf, single-row racks, and / or double-row racks of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities beneath ceilings having a ceiling height over forty-five feet (45 ft.), i.e., a ceiling-to-floor FLR distance. More particularly, preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 (e.g., an ESFR pendent dry sprinkler assembly) can be installed to protect the commodity stored to a maximum storage height of 45 ft. beneath a maximum ceiling height of 50 ft. or a maximum storage height of 50 ft. beneath a maximum ceiling height of 55 ft. Accordingly, systems using the dry sprinkler assembly 110 are preferably configured with a system design defined by: (i) ten (10) design sprinklers at a minimum operating pressure of at least 40 psi.; or (ii) nine (9) design sprinklers at a minimum operating pressure of at least 55 psi. For a nine (9) sprinkler design, the hydraulic design is based upon the three (3) most remote sprinklers operating on the most remote three (3) fluid supply branch lines. For a ten (10) sprinkler design, the hydraulic design can be either: a) the three (3) most remote sprinklers operating on the most remote three (3) fluid supply branch lines plus one (1) sprinkler operating on the most remote fourth branch line; or b) the four (4) most remote sprinklers operating on the most remote two (2) fluid supply branch lines plus two (2) sprinklers operating on the most remote third branch line.

[0042] Figs. 3 and 3 A illustrate perspective and exploded views of a mounting bracket in - 17 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a mounting bracket that is consistent with the present disclosure. However, the geometry of the clamping segment and / or the coupled clamping segments is not limited to those shown in Figs. 3, 3A, and 3B. Those skilled in the art will understand that the clamping segments and / or coupled champing segments can be of any shape that provides an engagement point to hold a barrel assembly 114 of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 and an attachment point spaced from the engagement point to facilitate attachment to the wall 160 and / or a seal assembly 120 and / or aid in stabilizing the coupling between the mounting bracket 150 and the wall 160 and / or the seal assembly 120. For example, each clamping segment can be formed from any combination geometries or partial geometries corresponding to, for example, donut-shaped segments, ring-shaped segments, triangle-shaped segments, arc-shaped segments, oval-shaped segments, circle-shaped segments, crescent-shaped segments, tab- shaped segments, and / or some other shape that facilitates the attachment and / or aids in stabilizing the coupling of the mounting bracket to the wall and / or seal assembly while engaging with the dry sprinkler barrel assembly. Turning to Figs. 3 and 3A, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 can include two or more clamping segments 310. Preferably, each clamping segment 310 includes a central portion 312 and at least one tab portion (or tab) 314 extending out from the central portion 312. When coupled together, the clamping segments 310 can define an opening 330. When loosely coupled together, the opening 330 of the mounting bracket 150 can receive the barrel assembly 114, and the mounting bracket 150 can be positioned on the barrel assembly at a predetermined location. When the couplings on the clamping segments 310 are tightened to secure the barrel assembly 114, the clamping segments 310 (e.g., inner surface of each clamping segment 310) clamp and hold onto the barrel assembly 114 such that the mounting bracket 150 and the dry- 18 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO sprinkler assembly 110 form a single or integrated unit. In some embodiments, when coupled together, the central portions 312 form a ring-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the clamping surface 332 of at least one clamping segment 310 can be curved to facilitate the clamping to the barrel assembly 114.

[0043] Preferably, the clamping surface 332 of all the clamping segments 310 are curved such that the opening 330 is circular. For example, when two clamping segments 310 are used, the central portion 312 of each clamping segment 310 can have a shape that is half a circle (e.g., half of a circular ring). In some embodiments, a minimum diameter D3 of the opening 330 (e.g., when the clamping segments 310 are firmly coupled together - e.g., contiguous with each other - when the opening 330 is empty) is equal to the outer diameter D2 of the barrel assembly 114 (see Fig. 1 A). The clamping segments 310 can be configured such that, when secured to the barrel assembly 114, the end faces of the opposing central portions 312 of the clamping segments 310 can contact each other to form a circular ring that secures the barrel assembly 114. In other embodiments, a minimum diameter D3 of the opening 330 (e.g., when the clamping segments 310 are firmly coupled together - e.g., contiguous with each other - when the opening 330 is empty) is less than the outer diameter D2 of the barrel assembly 114. Accordingly, when the clamping segments 310 are coupled and clamped around the barrel assembly 114, the clamping interface provides sufficient clamping force to hold the dry sprinkler assembly 110 in place, with or without the end faces of the opposing central portions 312 contacting each other.

[0044] In some embodiments, however, the clamping segments 310 do not form a complete circular ring. For example, when two clamping segments 310 are used, the central portion 312 of each clamping segment can have a shape that is less than half a circle (e.g., less than half of the circular ring) or some other curved shape. In some embodiments, when the- 19 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO clamping segments 310 are firmly coupled together when the opening 330 is empty, the central portions 312 form an oval shape. Preferably, when the clamping segments 310 are secured to the barrel assembly 114, the end faces of opposing central portions 312 are spaced apart from each other such that a gap exists (e.g., see gap S in Fig. 3B). By including a gap S, the barrel assembly 114 can be held more securely by the mounting bracket 150.

[0045] As seen in Figs. 3 and 3 A, the clamping segments 310 can be coupled together using fasteners. For example, in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 3A, the fasteners can be screws 322. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 includes two clamping segments 310. Each clamping segment 310 can have an opening 324a (e.g., unthreaded openings) at one end, which can be configured for receiving the screws 322, and an opening 324b (e.g., threaded openings) at another end, which can be configured for connecting with the screws 322. Screws 322 can be received by and extended through the openings 324a of the respective clamping segments 310, and the screws 322 can be sufficiently long enough to engage with (e.g., threaded coupling) the respective openings 324b of the other clamping segment 310. In the above embodiments, the mounting bracket has two clamping segments, but in other embodiments, there can be three or more clamping segments.

[0046] In some embodiments, the configuration of the two clamping segments 310 can be the same. For example, the clamping segments can have an identical shape, which provides for an economical design. However, in other embodiments, the configuration of the clamping segments can be different. For example, one of the clamping segments can be configured with unthreaded openings to receive both screws 322 and the other clamping segment can be configured with threaded openings to engage with the threads of the screws 322. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket can be configured such that only one fastener (e.g., screw) is needed. For example, the clamping segments can have a hinge-type coupling at one - 20 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO end and a screw-type coupling at the other end. Further, in the above embodiments, the fasteners are screws 322, but fasteners such as bolts with nuts, rivets, ties, press-fit pins, clasps, or another type of fastener can be used.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the clamping surface 332 is illustrated as a smooth surface. However, in other embodiments, the clamping between the mounting bracket 150 and the barrel assembly 114 of the dry sprinkler assembly 1 10 can be a tongue and groove type arrangement. For example, the clamping surface 332 can have one or more grooves and / or tongues that engage with one or more complementary features (e.g., tongues and / or grooves) on the barrel assembly 114 of the dry sprinkler assembly 110. In other embodiments, the clamping surface 332 can be defined by a step change that forms a land that engages with a complementary feature (e.g., a land) on the barrel assembly 114.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 can have one or more tab portions 314 that extend outwardly from the central portion 312 of one or more of the clamping segments 310. For example, as seen in Figs. 3 and 3A, each clamping segment 310 includes one tab portion 314 extending outwardly from the central portion 312. Preferably, the tab portions 314 cooperate with the adjacent seal assembly 120 (see, e.g., Fig. 2) to facilitate the attachment and / or aid in stabilizing the coupling of the mounting bracket 150 with the seal assembly 120 and / or with the wall 160 (with or without the seal assembly 120 disposed between the mounting bracket 150 and the wall 160). In some embodiments, the attachment includes fasteners (e.g., screws or some other type of fasteners). For example, in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 3 A, screws 328 attach the tab portions 314 to the seal assembly 120 and / or the wall 160. In some embodiments, the tab portions can be arranged such that at least one pair of tab portions are diametrically opposed to each other (e.g., the tab portions of each pair are arranged 180° apart). For example, in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 3 A, there- 21 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO are two tab portions 314 that are arranged as a pair of diametrically opposed tab portions that are 180° apart. Preferably, the attachment is at an end portion of each tab portion 314. That is, the attachment point can be spaced apart from the central portion 312 (e.g., inner surface of central portion 312) that engages with the barrel assembly 114. The mounting bracket 150 can include at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the mounting bracket 150 that corresponds to the attachments point(s). For example, each tab portion 314 can have a through passage such as an opening 326 to receive the screw 328 at an end portion of the tab portion 314. In some embodiments, shorter screws (e.g., screws 152’) can be used instead of screws 328 so that the shorter screws penetrate one or more cover layers of the housing of the seal assembly 120 but not the wall 160. In some embodiments, one or more tab portions may not have a through passage to exclusively provide a stabilizing function. The attachment point or opening 326 on the tab portion 314 can be located a distance L from the central portion 312 of the mounting bracket 150. In some embodiments, the distance L is such that the attachment point to the seal assembly 120 and / or the wall 160 corresponds at a point between the opening 139 in the wall 160 and an outer perimeter of the seal assembly 120. In some embodiments, the screws 328 attach the tab portion 314 to the seal assembly 120, and the attachment point or opening 326 corresponds to a point within the opening 139 in the wall 160. In some embodiments, the screws 328 attach the tab portion 314 to the wall 160, and the attachment point or opening 326 corresponds to a point beyond an outer perimeter of the seal assembly 120.

[0049] Fig. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a mounting bracket that is consistent with the present disclosure. The mounting bracket 150’ is similar to that of mounting bracket 150 discussed above but includes four tab portions 314’ instead of two tab portions 314. The shape of the central portions 312’ can be configured similar to central portions 312 discussed - 22 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO above. For example, in some embodiments, the central portions 312’ can be configured such that, when the mounting bracket 150’ is assembled to secure the barrel assembly 114, the end faces of opposing central portions 312’ form a gap S. In addition, similar to mounting bracket 150, each tab portion 314’ in mounting bracket 150’ can extend from a corresponding central portion 312’. However, in the embodiment of Fig. 3B, two tab portions 314’ extend from each central portion 312’. In some embodiments, more than two tab portions can extend from each of one or more central portions. The coupling of mounting bracket 150’ to the seal assembly 120 and / or wall 160 can be similar to that of mounting bracket 150 to seal assembly 120 and / or wall 160 discussed above and thus, for brevity, will not be repeated.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tab portions 314’ extending from each central portion 312’ can be separated by an angle a. The angle a can depend on the number of tab portions 314’ on each central portion 312’. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 3B where there are two tab portions 314’ extending from each central portion 312’, the angle a between, for example, the centerlines of the tab portions 314’ can be in a range of greater than zero to less than 180 degrees, more preferably in a range of 45 degree to 135 degrees, and even more preferably, 90 degrees ± 5 degrees. In some embodiments, the four tab portions 314’ can be arranged as two pair of diametrically opposed tab portions. For example, the tab portions of each pair can be arranged 180° apart. Preferably, the attachment to the seal assembly 120 and / or the wall 160 is at an end portion of each tab portion 314’. For example, in some embodiments, each tab portion 314’ can have an opening 326’ to receive the screw at an end portion of the tab portion 314’ to facilitate attachment to the wall 160 and / or a seal assembly 120 and / or aid in stabilizing the coupling between the mounting bracket 150 and the wall 160 and / or the seal assembly 120. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the tab portions 314’ (e.g., two diametrically opposed tab portions 314’) do not have through passages to exclusively aid - 23 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO in stabilizing the coupling between the mounting bracket 150 and the wall 160 and / or the seal assembly 120.

[0051] Figs. 4 and 4A illustrate perspective and exploded views of a seal assembly coupled to a mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the seal assembly 120 can be disk shaped but the seal assembly can have other shapes. As seen in Figs. 4 and 4A, the seal assembly 120 includes a seal disk 406 that, in some embodiments, is made of a flexible insulating material such as, for example, polyethylene foam rubber and / or some other material that insulates and seals opening 139. In addition, in some embodiments, the seal disk 406 can be firm enough to serve as an anchor point for the fasteners (e.g., screws 328) attached to tab portions 314. Preferably the seal disk 406 has a slit (not shown) to facilitate wrapping the seal disk 406 around the barrel assembly 114.

[0052] The housing of the seal assembly 120 can have an inner housing cover layer 404 that wraps around and covers the seal disk 406. In some embodiments, the inner housing cover layer 404 covers more than half of the seal disk 406. Preferably, the opening 414 in inner housing cover layer 404 has a slot 414a that is slightly wider than the diameter D2 of barrel assembly to facilitate assembly of the seal assembly 120 onto the barrel assembly 114. The housing of the seal assembly 120 can also include an outer housing cover layer 402 that wraps around and covers, for example, the uncovered portion of the seal disk 406 and a portion of the inner housing cover layer 404 (e.g., the outer housing cover layer 402 can overlap a portion of the inner housing cover layer 404). Preferably, the opening 412 in outer housing cover layer 402 has a slot 412a that is slightly wider than the diameter D2 of the barrel assembly to facilitate assembly of the seal assembly 120 onto the barrel assembly 114. The inner and outer housing cover layers 404 and 402, respectively, can be made of a metal - 24 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO(e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, and / or another appropriate metal) and / or another appropriate material. Preferably, the inner and outer housing cover layers 404 and 402, respectively, are made of materials that can compress the seal disk 406 without deforming. The seal assembly 120 can include fasteners (e.g., screws 410) that attach and secure the seal assembly 120 to the wall 160. In some embodiments, the fasteners (e.g., screws 410) can provide a force on inner and outer housing cover layers 404 and 402, respectively, to compress the seal disk 406.

[0053] Preferably, when compressed by the inner and outer housing cover layers 404 and 402, respectively, the seal disk 406 is pressed against the outer surface of the barrel assembly 114 to seal the protected space 130 from the unprotected space 132.

[0054] As discussed above, when the dry bracket assembly is attached to a flexible tube, support in the form of a mounting bracket may be needed to hold the dry bracket assembly in place. In the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 4A, the mounting bracket 150 attaches to at least the seal assembly 120 to provide support for holding the dry sprinkler assembly 110. The tab portions 314 of mounting bracket 150 have an attachment point that is between the opening 139 (represented by diameter DO in Fig. 4) and the outer perimeter of the seal assembly 120 (represented by diameter D4 in Fig. 4). In some embodiments, the fasteners (e.g., screws) of the mounting bracket fasten to the outer housing cover layer and / or inner housing cover layer of a seal assembly. Preferably, the fasteners (e.g., screws) penetrate through the outer housing cover layer and / or inner housing cover layer of the seal assembly. Depending on the orientation of the mounting bracket 150, the screws 328 attach to the outer housing cover layer 402 and / or the inner housing cover layer 404. For example, in the orientation shown in Figs. 4 and 4A, the screw 328a attaches to the inner housing cover layer 404 and the screw 328b attaches to the outer housing cover layer 402. With each screw 328 of the mounting bracket 150 attaching to (e.g., by penetrating through) at least one of the outer housing cover - 25 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO layer 402 or the inner housing cover layer 404, the mounting bracket 150 will provide a more robust dry sprinkler assembly to seal assembly attachment than if a mounting bracket was not used. Preferably, the screws 328a, b penetrate through the respective housing cover layers 404, 402. It is believed that, by having fasteners penetrate through the outer housing cover layer and / or inner housing cover layer of the seal assembly 120, a more robust attachment between the mounting bracket 150 and the seal assembly can be achieved than in related art systems.

[0055] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 can be oriented such that the screws 328 attach to seal assembly 120 in an area where the outer housing cover layer 402 overlaps with the inner housing cover layer 404. In such cases, each screw 328 attaches to both the outer housing 402 and the inner housing 404. Preferably, the screws 328 penetrate through the housing cover layers 404, 402. By attaching to (e.g., by penetrating through) both the outer and inner housing cover layers 402 and 404, respectively, the mounting bracket 150 can be more firmly attached to the seal assembly 120 than the embodiment where each screw 328 attaches to (e.g., penetrates through) just one of the housings.

[0056] In some embodiments, in addition to attaching to (e.g., by penetrating through) the outer and inner housing cover layers 402 and 404, the screws 328 of mounting bracket 150 can attach to (e.g., penetrate through) the wall 160 (e.g., similar to screws 152 in Fig. 1A). By attaching to (e.g., by penetrating through) both the seal assembly 120 and the wall 160, the mounting bracket 150 provides an even more robust dry sprinkler assembly to seal assembly attachment.

[0057] In some embodiments, a reduction in the number of fasteners (e.g., screws) can be accomplished by using a same fastener (e.g., screw) to attach the mounting bracket and the seal assembly 120 to the wall 160 at the same point. For example, as seen in Fig. 5, which - 26 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO illustrates a two-tab portion embodiment of the mounting bracket (e.g., mounting bracket 150), the attachment points in tab portions 514 of mounting bracket 550 are configured to coincide with the attachment points 520 of the seal assembly 120 to the wall 160. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the attachment points 520 correspond to an overlap of the outer and inner housings 502 and 504, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the attachment points of the bracket 550 can coincide with the attachments points 522. In some embodiments, the attachment points in one or more (e.g., all) the tab portions of a mounting bracket are configured to coincide with the attachment points of the seal assembly to the wall. For example, the attachment points in the four tab portions 314’ of mounting bracket 150’ (see Fig. 3B) to seal assembly 120 can coincide with the corresponding four attachment points (e.g., two attachment points 520 and two attachment points 522) between the seal assembly 120 and the wall 160. By using the same attachment points, the number of fasteners (e.g., screws) required for each dry sprinkler assembly installation can be reduced (e.g., by two in the embodiment of Fig. 5).

[0058] Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a mounting bracket that is consistent with the present disclosure. In cases where it is not necessary to attach the mounting bracket in the main portion of the seal assembly 120 and / or the wall 160, it may be desirable to use mounting bracket 650. The mounting bracket 650 is designed to fit within an area corresponding to the opening 139 (represented by the diameter DO) of wall 160. The attachment points 622 of tab portions 614 attach to (e.g., penetrate through) the housing cover layer(s) of the seal assembly 120 near the center of the seal assembly 120, which is over the opening 139 of wall 160. Accordingly, the fasteners (e.g., screws) for mounting bracket 650 will not attach to wall 160. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 650 does not include tab portions 614. In such embodiments, the attachment point (or points) (not shown) is in the - 27 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO center portion 612.

[0059] Figs. 7 and 7A illustrate another embodiment of a mounting bracket that is consistent with the present disclosure. In some cases, it may not be desirable to attach directly to the seal assembly 120. In such cases, mounting bracket 750 includes tab portions 714 in which the attachment points 722 extend beyond the outer perimeter of seal assembly 120. In this embodiment, fasteners (e.g., screws 728) directly attach the mounting bracket 750 to the wall 160 at the attachment points 722, which are outside the outer perimeter of the seal assembly 120. Because the attachment of the seal assembly 120 to the dry sprinkler assembly 110 and the wall 160 is not disturbed, the seal assembly to dry sprinkler assembly attachment of an existing system can be easily reinforced by installing the mounting bracket 750.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the tab portions (e.g., tab portions 314 and 314’) included openings (e.g., openings 326 and 326’) for facilitating attachment of the mounting bracket to the seal assembly and / or wall. However, in some embodiments, one or more tab portions of a mounting bracket can be used for stability and may not be attached to the seal assembly and / or wall. That is, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket can include one or more tab portions that are “attachment tabs” that facilitate attachment of the mounting bracket to the seal assembly and / or wall (e.g., via openings for screws as discussed above) and one or more tab portions that are “bracing tabs” to stabilize the attachment between the dry sprinkler assembly and the mounting bracket. In some embodiments, the bracing tabs may not include openings. However, in other embodiments, the bracing tabs can include openings as an optional attachment points.

[0061] The bracing tabs can help prevent or minimize problems with movement of the barrel assembly 114 relative to the seal assembly 120 due to, for example, movement of the barrel assembly 114 or another component of the dry sprinkler assembly 110 during operation. In - 28 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO some embodiments, such as the embodiment of Fig. 3B, two of the tab portions 314’ (e.g., a pair of diametrically opposed tab portions) can act as attachment tabs (e.g., using respective openings 326’) and the other two tab portions 314’ (e.g., the other pair of diametrically opposed tab portions) can act as bracing tabs. In some embodiments, the bracing tabs can attach to just the seal assembly (e.g., using screws via openings 326 or 326’). For example, while the attachment tabs can be used to attach the mounting bracket to the wall (e.g., as discussed above), to provide additional stability, the bracing tabs can be used to attach the mounting bracket to just the seal assembly, for example, by using shorter screws that do not reach the wall.

[0062] In some embodiments, the tab portions can be of different lengths. For example, depending on the system, any combination of bracing tab lengths and attachment tab lengths can be used. For example, in some embodiments, the bracing tabs can be shorter than the attachment tabs (e.g., the bracing tabs can be longer in an embodiment that uses the attachment tabs of Fig. 6). In other embodiments, the bracing tabs can be shorter than the attachment tabs (e.g., the bracing tabs can be shorter in an embodiment that uses the attachment tabs of Figs. 7 and 7A). In still other embodiments, the bracing tabs can be the same length as the attachment tabs.

[0063] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.- 29 -183608315.1

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOOWhat is Claimed is:

1. A fire protection system, comprising: a plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies mounted on a wall of a structure, the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies providing fire protection to a protected space on a first side of the wall; a plurality of flexible tubes respectively coupled to each of the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies in an unprotected space on a second side of the wall opposite the first side of the wall, the plurality of flexible tubes further coupled to a firefighting fluid source; a plurality of seal assemblies, at least one seal assembly coupled to each dry sprinkler assembly and to the wall to provide a barrier between the protected space and the unprotected space; and a plurality of mounting brackets respectively clamping each dry sprinkler assembly in an opening defined by the respective mounting bracket, each mounting bracket including at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the respective mounting bracket, the lower surface adapted to cooperate with a corresponding seal assembly of the plurality of seal assemblies and each through passage adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the respective mounting bracket to at least one of the wall by directly penetrating into the wall or the corresponding seal assembly by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fastener is a screw.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein each mounting bracket comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the respective dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.- 30 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO4. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of clamping segments are adapted to be coupled using second screws.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of clamping segments have an identical shape.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of clamping segments is two identical clamping segments that are disposed opposing each other, and wherein end faces of the opposing clamping segments are spaced apart when the dry sprinkler assembly is clamped.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments has a shape that is different from another segment.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein each clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments includes a curved inner surface for clamping onto the respective dry sprinkler assembly.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the curved inner surfaces form the opening that is circular.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the plurality of clamping segments form a ring shape.

11. The system of claim 3, wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage from the one or more through passages.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the corresponding seal assembly.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one pair of tab portions includes two pair of diametrically opposed tab portions.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein each clamping segment includes one or more tab portions for stabilizing the clamping between a dry sprinkler assembly of the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies and the corresponding mounting bracket.- 31 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO15. The system of claim 14, wherein the one or more stabilizing tab portions are diametrically opposed tab portions.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one tab portion is a different length than the one or more stabilizing tab portions.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions is one pair of tab portions.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fastener penetrates through one of the outer housing cover layer or the inner housing cover layer.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fastener penetrates through both the outer housing cover layer and the inner housing cover layer.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein a clamping interface between each mounting bracket and the corresponding dry sprinkler assembly uses a tongue and groove configuration.

21. The system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment of the respective mounting bracket to the wall is at a point within an outer perimeter of the corresponding seal assembly.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment of the respective mounting bracket to the wall and an attachment of the respective seal assembly to the wall is at a same point on the wall.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment of the respective mounting bracket to the wall is at a point beyond an outer perimeter of the corresponding seal assembly.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the dry sprinkler assembly is an early suppression fast response (ESFR) dry sprinkler assembly.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein an installation of the dry sprinkler assembly further includes positioning a fluid distribution device of the dry sprinkler assembly at a predetermined distance from the wall in the protected space.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the fluid distribution device has a planar deflection member.- 32 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO27. The system of claim 1, wherein the dry sprinkler assembly has a nominal K- factor of 22.4 or greater.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure is a refrigerated storage space.

29. A method of fire protection for a protected space in a structure using a dry sprinkler assembly, the dry sprinkler assembly includes a fluid distribution member that is coupled to a barrel assembly, the method comprising: obtaining a mounting bracket; and providing the mounting bracket for installation of the dry sprinkler assembly in the protected space, the installation including the dry sprinkler assembly clamped in an opening defined by the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket including at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the mounting bracket, the lower surface adapted to cooperate with a seal assembly and each through passage adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket to least one of a wall of the structure by directly penetrating into the wall or a seal assembly for providing a barrier between the protected space and unprotected space outside the structure by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the fastener is a screw.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein the mounting bracket comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the plurality of clamping segments are adapted to be coupled using second screws.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the plurality of clamping segments has an identical shape.- 33 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of clamping segments is two identical clamping segments that are disposed opposing each other, and wherein end faces of the opposing clamping segments are spaced apart when the dry sprinkler assembly is clamped.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein at least one clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments has a shape that is different from another clamping segment.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein each clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments includes a curved inner surface for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the curved inner surfaces form an opening that is circular.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the plurality of clamping segments form a ring shape.

39. The method of claim 31, wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage of the one or more through passages.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the seal assembly.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions includes two pair of diametrically opposed tab portions.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein each clamping segment includes one or more tab portions for stabilizing the clamping between a dry sprinkler assembly of the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies and a corresponding mounting bracket.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the one or more stabilizing tab portions are diametrically opposed tab portions.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one tab portion is a different length than the one or more stabilizing tab portions.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions is one tab portion.- 34 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO46. The method of claim 29, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fasteners penetrate through one of the outer housing cover layer or the inner housing cover layer.

47. The method of claim 29, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fasteners penetrate through both the outer housing cover layer and the inner housing cover layer.

48. The method of claim 29, wherein a clamping interface between the mounting bracket and the dry sprinkler assembly uses a tongue and groove configuration.

49. The method of claim 29, further comprising: attaching the mounting bracket to the wall at a point within an outer perimeter of the seal assembly.

50. The method of claim 29, further comprising: attaching the mounting bracket to the wall and the seal assembly to the wall at a same point on the wall.

51. The method of claim 29, further comprising: attaching the mounting bracket to the wall at a point beyond an outer perimeter of the seal assembly.

52. The method of claim 29, wherein the dry sprinkler assembly is an early suppression fast response (ESFR) dry sprinkler assembly.

53. The method of claim 29, wherein the installation of the dry sprinkler assembly further includes a fluid distribution device of the dry sprinkler assembly positioned at a predetermined distance from the wall in a protected space.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the fluid distribution device has a planar deflection member.

55. The method of claim 29, wherein the dry sprinkler assembly has a nominal K- factor of 22.4 or greater.

56. The method of claim 29, wherein the structure is a refrigerated storage space.- 35 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO57. A method of installing a dry sprinkler assembly in a structure defining a protected space using a mounting bracket, the dry sprinkler assembly includes a fluid distribution device and a barrel assembly, the fluid distribution device is coupled to the barrel assembly, the mounting bracket including at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the mounting bracket, the lower surface adapted to cooperate with a seal assembly providing a barrier between the protected space and an unprotected space outside the structure, and the at least one through passage adapted to receive a respective fastener , the method comprising: receiving the dry sprinkler assembly in an opening of the mounting bracket; clamping the mounting bracket to the dry sprinkler assembly in an opening defined by the mounting bracket; and attaching, using the fastener, the mounting bracket to at least one of a wall of the structure by directly penetrating into a wall or the seal assembly by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the attaching further comprises clamping the seal assembly to the dry sprinkler assembly, the seal assembly disposed between the mounting bracket and the wall, and attaching the seal assembly to the wall.

59. The method of claim 57, further comprising: coupling flexible tube to the barrel assembly; and coupling the flexible tube to a pipe header supplying firefighting fluid.

60. The method of claim 57, wherein the fastener is a screw.

61. The method of claim 57, wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein the mounting bracket comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein in the plurality of clamping segments are adapted to be coupled using second screws.- 36 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO63. The method of claim 61, wherein the plurality of clamping segments has an identical shape.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the plurality of clamping segments is two identical clamping segments that are disposed opposing each other, and wherein end faces of the opposing clamping segments are spaced apart when the dry sprinkler assembly is clamped.

65. The method of claim 61, wherein at least one clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments has a shape that is different from another clamping segment.

66. The method of claim 61, wherein each clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments includes a curved inner surface for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the curved inner surfaces form an opening that is circular.

68. The method of claim 61, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the plurality of clamping segments form a ring shape.

69. The method of claim 61 , wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage of the one or more through passages.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the seal assembly.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions includes two pair of diametrically opposed tab portions.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein each clamping segment includes one or more tab portions for stabilizing the clamping between a dry sprinkler assembly of the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies and a corresponding mounting bracket.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the one or more stabilizing tab portions are diametrically opposed tab portions.

74. The method of claim 72, wherein the at least one tab portion is a different length than the one or more stabilizing tab portions.- 37 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO75. The method of claim 70, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions is one tab portion.

76. The method of claim 57, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fasteners penetrate through one of the outer housing cover layer or the inner housing cover layer.

77. The method of claim 57, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fasteners penetrate through both the outer housing cover layer and the inner housing cover layer.

78. The method of claim 57, wherein a clamping interface between the mounting bracket and the dry sprinkler assembly uses a tongue and groove configuration.

79. The method of claim 57, further comprising: attaching the mounting bracket to the wall at a point within an outer perimeter of the seal assembly.

80. The method of claim 57, further comprising: attaching the mounting bracket to the wall and the seal assembly to the wall at a same point on the wall.

81. The method of claim 57, further comprising: attaching the mounting bracket to the wall at a point beyond an outer perimeter of the seal assembly.

82. The method of claim 57, wherein the dry sprinkler assembly is installed such that the fluid distribution device is at a predetermined distance from the wall in the protected space.

83. The method of claim 57, wherein the dry sprinkler assembly is an early suppression fast response (ESFR) dry sprinkler assembly.

84. The method of claim 57, wherein the fluid distribution assembly has a planar deflection member.

85. The method of claim 57, wherein the dry sprinkler assembly has a nominal K-factor of 22.4 or greater.- 38 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO86. The method of claim 57, wherein the structure is a refrigerated storage space.

87. A mounting bracket for a dry sprinkler assembly, the bracket comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface adapted to cooperate with a seal assembly to provide a barrier between a protected space defined by a structure and an unprotected space outside of the structure; and at least one through passage between the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein the mounting bracket defines an opening for receiving the dry sprinkler assembly, and wherein each through passage is adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket to at least one of a wall of the structure by directly penetrating into the wall or the seal assembly by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

88. The bracket of claim 87, wherein the fastener is a screw.

89. The bracket of claim 87, wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein the bracket further comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.

90. The bracket of claim 89, wherein the plurality of clamping segments are adapted to be coupled using second screws.

91. The bracket of claim 89, wherein the plurality of clamping segments have an identical shape.

92. The bracket of claim 91, wherein the plurality of clamping segments is two identical clamping segments that are disposed opposing each other, and wherein end faces of the opposing clamping segments are spaced apart when the dry sprinkler assembly is clamped.- 39 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO93. The bracket of claim 89, wherein at least one clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments has a shape that is different from another segment.

94. The bracket of claim 89, wherein each central portion includes a curved inner surface to facilitate the clamping.

95. The bracket of claim 94, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the curved inner surfaces form the opening that is circular.

96. The bracket of claim 95, wherein a diameter of the circular opening when the plurality of clamping segments are contiguous with each other is equal to or less than an outer diameter of the dry sprinkler assembly.

97. The bracket of claim 89, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the plurality of clamping segments form a ring shape.

98. The bracket of claim 89, wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage from the one or more through passages.

99. The bracket of claim 98, wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the seal assembly.

100. The bracket of claim 99, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions includes two pair of diametrically opposed tab portions.

101. The bracket of claim 98, wherein each clamping segment includes one or more tab portions for stabilizing the clamping between the dry sprinkler assembly and the mounting bracket.

102. The bracket of claim 101, wherein the one or more stabilizing tab portions are diametrically opposed tab portions.

103. The bracket of claim 101, wherein the at least one tab portion is a different length than the one or more stabilizing tab portions.

104. The bracket of claim 99, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions is one pair of tab portions.- 40 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO105. The bracket of claim 87, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to attach to the seal assembly using the fastener that penetrates through at least one cover layer of the housing of the seal assembly.

106. The bracket of claim 105, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fastener penetrates through both the outer housing cover layer and the inner housing cover layer.

107. The bracket of claim 105, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fastener penetrates through one of the outer housing cover layer or the inner housing cover layer.

108. The bracket of claim 87, wherein a clamping interface between the mounting bracket and the dry sprinkler assembly uses a tongue and groove configuration.

109. The bracket of claim 87, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to attach to the wall at a point within an outer perimeter of the seal assembly.

110. The bracket of claim 87, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to attach to the wall at a same point on the wall as an attachment of the seal assembly to the wall.

111. The bracket of claim 87, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to attach to the wall at a point beyond an outer perimeter of the seal assembly.

112. A kit for clamping a dry sprinkler assembly to a wall of a structure defining a protected space, comprising: a seal assembly adapted to couple to the dry sprinkler assembly and to provide a barrier between the protected space and an unprotected space outside the protected space; and a mounting bracket adapted to clamp the dry sprinkler assembly in an opening defined by the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket including at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the mounting bracket, the lower surface adapted to cooperate with the seal assembly and each through passage adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket to at least one of the wall by directly penetrating into the wall or the seal assembly by penetrating through at least one cover layer of- 41 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO a housing of the seal assembly.

113. The kit of claim 112, wherein the fastener is a screw.

114. The kit of claim 112, wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein the mounting bracket comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.

115. The kit of claim 114, wherein the plurality of clamping segments are adapted to be coupled using second screws.

116. The kit of claim 114, wherein the plurality of clamping segments have an identical shape.

117. The kit of claim 116, wherein the plurality of clamping segments is two identical clamping segments that are disposed opposing each other, and wherein end faces of the opposing clamping segments are spaced apart when the dry sprinkler assembly is clamped.

118. The kit of claim 114, wherein at least one clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments has a shape that is different from another segment.

119. The kit of claim 114, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments includes a curved inner surface for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly.

120. The kit of claim 119, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the curved inner surfaces form the opening that is circular.

121. The kit of claim 120, wherein a diameter of the circular opening when the plurality of clamping segments are contiguous with each other is equal to or less than an outer diameter of the dry sprinkler assembly.

122. The kit of claim 114, wherein, when the plurality of clamping segments are coupled, the plurality of clamping segments form a ring shape.

123. The kit of claim 114, wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage from the one or more through passages.- 42 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO124. The kit of claim 123, wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the seal assembly.

125. The kit of claim 124, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions includes two pair of diametrically opposed tab portions.

126. The kit of claim 123, wherein each clamping segment includes one or more tab portions for stabilizing the clamping between a dry sprinkler assembly of the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies and the mounting bracket.

127. The kit of claim 126, wherein the one or more stabilizing tab portions are diametrically opposed tab portions.

128. The kit of claim 126, wherein the at least one tab portion is a different length than the one or more stabilizing tab portions.

129. The kit of claim 124, wherein the at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions is one pair of tab portions.

130. The kit of claim 112, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fasteners penetrate through one of the outer housing cover layer or the inner housing cover layer.

131. The kit of claim 112, wherein the housing includes an outer housing cover layer and an inner housing cover layer and the fasteners penetrate through both the outer housing cover layer and the inner housing cover layer.

132. The kit of claim 112, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to clamp to the dry sprinkler assembly using a tongue and groove configuration.

133. A fire protection system, comprising: a plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies mounted on a wall of a structure, the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies providing fire protection to a protected space on a first side of the wall; a plurality of flexible tubes respectively coupled to each of the plurality of dry sprinkler assemblies in an unprotected space on a second side of the wall- 43 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO opposite the first side of the wall, the plurality of flexible tubes further coupled to a firefighting fluid source; a plurality of seal assemblies, at least one seal assembly coupled to each dry sprinkler assembly and to the wall to provide a barrier between the protected space and the unprotected space; and a plurality of mounting brackets respectively clamping each dry sprinkler assembly in an opening defined by the respective mounting bracket, each mounting bracket including at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the respective mounting bracket, the lower surface adapted to cooperate with a corresponding seal assembly of the plurality of seal assemblies and each through passage adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the respective mounting bracket to at least one of the wall by directly penetrating into the wall or the corresponding seal assembly by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

134. The system of claim 133, wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein each mounting bracket comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the respective dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.

135. The system of claim 134, wherein the plurality of clamping segments have an identical shape.

136. The system of claim 134 or claim 135, wherein each clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments includes a curved inner surface for clamping onto the respective dry sprinkler assembly.

137. The system of any one of claims 134 to 136, wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly- 44 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage from the one or more through passages and wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the corresponding seal assembly.

138. A method of fire protection for a protected space in a structure using a dry sprinkler assembly, the dry sprinkler assembly includes a fluid distribution member that is coupled to a barrel assembly, the method comprising: obtaining a mounting bracket; and providing the mounting bracket for installation of the dry sprinkler assembly in the protected space, the installation including the dry sprinkler assembly clamped in an opening defined by the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket including at least one through passage between an upper surface and a lower surface of the mounting bracket, the lower surface adapted to cooperate with a seal assembly and each through passage adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket to least one of a wall of the structure by directly penetrating into the wall or a seal assembly for providing a barrier between the protected space and unprotected space outside the structure by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

139. The method of claim 138, wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein the mounting bracket comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein the plurality of clamping segments has an identical shape.- 45 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO141. The method of claim 139 or claim 140, wherein each clamping segment of the plurality of clamping segments includes a curved inner surface for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly.

142. The method of any one of claims 139 to 141, wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage of the one or more through passages, and wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the seal assembly.

143. A mounting bracket for a dry sprinkler assembly, the bracket comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface adapted to cooperate with a seal assembly to provide a barrier between a protected space defined by a structure and an unprotected space outside of the structure; and at least one through passage between the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein the mounting bracket defines an opening for receiving the dry sprinkler assembly, and wherein each through passage is adapted to receive a fastener that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket to at least one of a wall of the structure by directly penetrating into the wall or the seal assembly by penetrating through at least one cover layer of a housing of the seal assembly.

144. The bracket of claim 143, wherein the at least one through passage is a plurality of through passages, and wherein the bracket further comprises a plurality of clamping segments for clamping onto the dry sprinkler assembly, each clamping segment including one or more through passages from the plurality of through passages.- 46 -183608315.1Attorney Docket No. 127089.8217. WOOO145. The bracket of claim 144, wherein the plurality of clamping segments have an identical shape.

146. The bracket of claim 144 or claim 145, wherein each central portion includes a curved inner surface to facilitate the clamping.

147. The bracket of any one of claims 144 to 146, wherein each clamping segment includes at least one tab portion and a central portion, the at least one tab portion extending outwardly from the central portion, each tab portion including a through passage from the one or more through passages, and wherein corresponding tab portions of the plurality of clamping segments form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tab portions for facilitating attachment to the seal assembly.183608315.1

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