Sprinkler guard

Abstract

A sprinkler guard includes guard includes a junction, a plurality of protective members, and a base. The plurality of protective members are arranged around a central axis, the central axis passing through the junction, each protective member of the plurality of members having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the junction. The guard includes a base opposite the junction, the base including a plurality of base plates, the plurality of base plates coupled with at least one protective member of the plurality of protective members, the plurality of base plates having a state to form a surface that is at least one of continuous from the central axis to an edge of the plurality of base plates or gapless in a direction parallel with the central axis through the base.

Description

Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)SPRINKLER GUARD BACKGROUND

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 755,731, filed February 7, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fire protection systems can include sprinklers that output fluid in response to a fire condition. The sprinklers can be arranged in various locations relative to a building or structure, such as to address fires in proximity to stored commodities.SUMMARY

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a guard, such as a sprinkler guard. The guard includes a junction. The guard includes a plurality of protective members arranged around a central axis, the central axis passing through the junction, each protective member of the plurality of members having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the junction. The guard includes a base opposite the junction, the base including a plurality of base plates, the plurality of base plates coupled with at least one protective member of the plurality of protective members, the plurality of base plates having a state to form a surface that is at least one of continuous from the central axis to an edge of the plurality of base plates or gapless in a direction parallel with the central axis through the base.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly includes a guard and a sprinkler. The guard includes a plurality of protective members arranged around a central axis and intersecting at a junction, the central axis passing through the junction, each protective member of the plurality of members having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the junction. The guard includes a base opposite the junction, the base including a plurality of base plates, the plurality of base plates coupled with at least one protective member of the plurality of protective members, the plurality of base plates having a state to form a surface that is at least one of continuous from the central axis to an edge of the plurality of base plates or gapless in a direction parallel with the central axis through the base.14924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)The sprinkler includes a a frame, a thermal trigger, and a deflector coupled with the thermal trigger and the frame, the base coupled with the frame.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to an apparatus, such as an integrated sprinkler guard and shield apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of protective members arranged around a central axis, each protective member of the plurality of protective members having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the junction. The apparatus includes a base assembly coupled with the second end of one or more protective members of the plurality of protective members, the base assembly opposite the junction, the base assembly including at least two plates structured to form a surface that does not provide a flow path for water through the base assembly in a direction parallel with the central axis.

[0006] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting an example of a guard.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an example of a guard.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view depicting an example of a guard in an unlocked position.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view depicting an example of a guard in a locked position.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic view depicting an example of a base plate of a first set of base plates of a guard.24924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)

[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic view depicting an example of a base plate of a first set of base plates of a guard.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic view depicting an example of a base plate of a second set of base plates of a guard.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic view depicting an example of a protective member of a guard.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic view depicting an example of a protective member of a guard.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic view depicting an example of a clip of a guard.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic view depicting an example of a guard with a clip.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a fire protection system.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of installing a guard on a sprinkler.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of systems and methods of sprinkler guards, such as sprinkler guard that provides both mechanical protection (e.g., guard) and anti-wetting (e.g., shield) structures in an integrated and / or monolithic device. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways, including in installation of sprinklers and / or retrofitting of sprinklers.

[0022] Sprinklers can be provided with guards. The guards can be used to block mechanical impacts on the sprinklers or components of sprinklers, such as deflectors or thermal triggers. However, guards can fail to provide protection against wetting of the thermal triggers. For example, when another sprinkler activates and outputs fluid, the fluid can contact the thermal trigger of the sprinkler, which can reduce the temperature of the thermal trigger or otherwise delay activation of the thermal trigger, even when a fire condition is present. In addition, guards can have split bases (e.g., to facilitate installation onto the sprinkler), which can not be watertight, allowing for water ingress onto the thermal trigger.

[0023] Some sprinklers can also be provided with shields, which can block fluid from wetting the thermal element. However, to operate effectively as a shield, the structure of the shield can34924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)be required to achieve various design constraints (e.g., as established by FM Global, for example and without limitation), such as geometric requirements for impingement angles; this can make it challenging to structure the shields in a manner that is effective without interfering with operation of the sprinkler, such as by being bulky and / or unwieldy. These challenges can be exacerbated where sprinklers are deployed for storage solutions, such as for in-rack arrangements where space is limited.

[0024] Systems and methods in accordance with the present disclosure can implement a guard for sprinklers, where the guard can provide both guard (e.g., protecting against mechanical impact) and shield (e.g., anti-wetting) functionality. For example, the guard can have a base that provides both a mechanical support for the cage of the guard as well as one or more shields to block fluid. The guard can simplify and / or increase the flexibility of sprinkler installation by avoiding the need for separate guard and shield structures. The base can include one or more sets of base plates that can overlap to avoid gaps, such as to allow for a watertight structure (e.g., prevent water ingress) while meeting criteria for shield geometry. The guard can have a geometry of its cage members and / or a clip mechanism to more securely engage the guard with the sprinkler; this can, for example,

[0025] For example, a guard (e.g., sprinkler guard) can include a plurality of protective members having one end connected at a joint and a base secured to the protective members. When the guard is attached to a sprinkler, the base can form a continuous surface in a radial direction of the base. The continuous surface acts as a shield for the sprinkler. The guard can eliminate need of separate shield and is easy for installation. The guard includes the base secured to the protective members. The base includes two or more base plates that can form a continuous surface when the guard is attached to a sprinkler. The base and the protective members define a space (e.g., a cage space) for receiving the sprinkler. The base plates can be displaced radially outwards to provide a passage to the sprinkler. The base plates can remain in radially outward arrangement as a default position. The sprinkler can be disposed in the space defined by the base and the protective members. The base plates can be displaced radially inward till the base plates abut a periphery of a portion of the sprinkler and form the continuous surface that acts as a shield. The protective members are connected to the joint such that the protective members angularly displace about the joint to aid radially inward displacement of the base plates. The guard can include one or more clips attached to the protective members. The clips can be displaced towards the base plates to draw the base plates radially inwards.44924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)

[0026] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a guard 100. The guard 100 can be used to provide protection against mechanical impacts to a sprinkler (e.g., sprinkler 200) coupled with the guard 100. The guard 100 can form at least one shield (e.g., using base 130) to prevent fluid from wetting a thermal trigger of the sprinkler 200.

[0027] The guard 100 can include a plurality of protective members 110 (e.g. and without limitation, arms, tines, extensions), a junction 120, a base 130, and one or more clips 140. One end of the protective members 110 can be connected at the junction 120. The junction 120 can include a metallic washer that facilitates angular movement of the protective members 110 about the junction 120. The guard 100 can define a central axis 160 (e.g., a longitudinal axis). The guard 100 (or one or more portions thereof) can be formed from any of various metal, plastic, and / or composite materials. The guard 100 can include one or more integral and / or monolithic structures.

[0028] The protective members 110 can have a first end coupled with the base 130 and a second end forming or coupled with the junction 120. For example, the (first ends of) the protective members 110 can intersect at the junction 120 (e.g., the junction 120 can represent a structure at which the protective members 110 intersect). The protective members 110 can be arranged outward from the central axis 160. The protective members 110 can include one or more bends, e.g., portions that are arranged in various directions relative to the central axis 160.

[0029] The base 130 can be secured to one or more protective members 110. The base 130 can be positioned opposite to the junction 120. The protective members 110 and the base 130 can enclose a space 150 for a sprinkler. The base 130 can be centered about the central axis 160. The junction 120 and the central axis 160 can be aligned. The base 130 can include a hole 170 for the sprinkler. For an example, the base 130 can have a donut-shaped profile. For example, a portion of the sprinkler can be positioned in the space 150, whereas remaining portion can extend out of the guard 100 through the hole 170. The hole 170 can be centered about the central axis 160.

[0030] The base 130 can include two or more base plates 180, which can form a surface, e.g., a continuous surface (e.g., surface 190) in a radial direction of the base 130 when the guard 100 is attached to the sprinkler. The surface 190 can be continuous such that any straight radial path outward from the hole 170 to outer edge 250 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 5) is gapless (e.g.,54924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)does not pass over a gap all the way through the base 130, even if there may be steps / overlaps from the hole 170 to the outer edge 250 that still form a continuous and / or contiguous path). For example, the base plates 180 can be gapless in one or more planes about the central axis 160, such as to prevent water ingress. The base plates 180 can be structured to be gapless such that the base 130 does not have any gaps through the base 130 outward from the hole 170 (e.g., even if individual base plates 180 form a gap and / or form the hole 170, no gap or other flow path is formed that would allow fluid to pass from a first side of the base 130 (e.g., a side below the base 130 in the orientation depicted in FIG. 1) to a second side of the base 130 opposite the first side. The protective members 110 and / or the base plates 180 can be movable relative to the central axis 160.

[0031] The base 130 can include two base plates 180 and / or assemblies of base plates. Each base plate can be semi-circular in shape. The base plates 180 can be attached to at least one protective member 110. The base plates 180 can be displaced radially outwards to provide a passage to the sprinkler. The base plates 180 can abut a portion of the sprinkler (for example, a frame of the sprinkler) and define the continuous surface 190 in the radial direction when the guard 100 is attached to the sprinkler. The base 130 can include more than two base plates that can define the continuous surface 190 in the radial direction when the guard 100 is attached to the sprinkler. For example, the base 130 can include three base plates 180 spanning (e.g., forming an arc) about 120 degrees about the central axis 160. The base 130 can include four base plates 180 spanning about 90 degrees about the central axis 160. The base 130 can include one or more base plates 180 positioned to abut a periphery of a portion of the sprinkler and one or more cover plates to cover any gap between the adjacent base plates 180 to define the continuous surface 190. The base 130 can include at least one base plate 180 that spans more than halfway (e.g., more than 180 degrees) around the central axis 160. The base 130 can have a width and / or diameter (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 160) greater than or equal to a threshold such that an angle from an outer edge of the base 130 to thermal trigger 1204 of the sprinkler 200 is at least a threshold angle (e.g. and without limitation, at least 30 degrees, at least 45 degrees, at least 60 degrees), which can correspond to the ability of the base 130 to operate as an anti-wetting shield for the thermal trigger 1204.

[0032] The base plates 180 can have complementary surfaces such that when the base plates 180 abut the sprinkler, the continuous (e.g., gapless) surface is formed. The base 130 can include a first base plate 180 and a second base plate 180. The first base plate 180 can have an64924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)extended portion overlapping on the second base plate 180 to form the continuous surface 190 when the guard 100 is attached to the sprinkler. For example, the first base plate 180 and the second base plate 180 can have inner edges that can abut the portion of the sprinkler. The first base plate 180 can have an extended portion that extends from rest of a body of the first base plate 180 towards the second base plate 180. The extended portion can be such that when the guard 100 is attached to the sprinkler, the extended portion can overlap over a portion of the second base plate 180 so that no gap remains between the first base plate 180 and the second base plate 180. As the extended portion overlaps on the portion of the second base plate 180, a continuous surface 190 is formed that can act as the shield for the sprinkler.

[0033] The one or more clips 140 can be attached to two adjacent protective members 110 to keep the guard 100 in a locked configuration with respect to the sprinkler. The clip 140 can maintain the base 130 radially inwards.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the guard 100. As depicted in FIG. 2, the base 130 can include a first set of base plates 180a, 180b attached to at least one of the protective members 110 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) and displaced radially outwards to provide a passage to the sprinkler. The first set of base plates 180a, 180b can span lesser than 180 degrees about the central axis 160. To draw the guard 100 in the locked position, the first set of base plates 180a, 180b can be displaced radially inwards. In the locked position, the first set of base plates 180a, 180b can abut a periphery of a portion of the sprinkler, for example, a periphery of a frame of the sprinkler. The number of first set of base plates 180a, 180b can vary.

[0035] The base 130 can include a second set of base plates 180c, 180d attachable to at least one of base plate 180 the first set of base plates 180a, 180b. The second set of base plates 180c, 180d can be attached to at least one base plate of the first set of base plates 180a, 180b to cover any gap between the first set of base plates 180a, 180b, such as to form a continuous surface 190 that acts as a shield for the sprinkler. A number of the base plates 180 in the second set of base plates 180 can be determined based on number of gaps between the base plates 180 of the first set.

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view depicting the guard 100 in the unlocked position. Referring to FIG. 3, the guard 100 can be operated in the unlocked position to place the sprinkler, e.g., the sprinkler can be arranged in a space inward from the protective members 110 while the guard is in the unlocked position. The base plates 180, e.g., the first set of base74924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)plates 180a, 180b, can be displaced radially outwards. A predetermined force can be applied on the first set of base plates 180a, 180b to displace the base plates 180a, 180d radially outwards. The protective members 110 can be attached to the junction 120 and to the first set of base plates 180a, 180b in a way such that the first set of base plates 180a, 180b remain radially outwards without need of an external force. The protective members 110 can have a configuration and attachment with the junction 120 such that the protective members 110 can be displaced angularly about the junction 120. As shown in FIG. 3, the second set of base plates 180c, 180d can be kept attached to one of the first set of base plates (for example, the base plate 180a) before placing the sprinkler.

[0037] FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view depicting the guard 100 in the locked position. Referring to FIG. 4, a sprinkler 200 can be positioned in the space 150 such that a deflector 210 of the sprinkler 200 faces the junction 120 (e.g., the deflector 210 is between the junction 120 and an inlet of the sprinkler 200). The base plates 180a-d can be displaced radially inwards to abut a periphery of a portion of the sprinkler 200. For example, the base plates 180a-d can abut a periphery of a frame 220 of the sprinkler 200. The frame 220 can have an irregular surface, for example, a threaded surface. The base plates 180a-d can have an inner edge that can abut the irregular surface of the frame 220 such that the continuous surface 190 is formed when the base plates 180a-d abut the frame 220. As depicted in FIG. 4, for example, the base 180 (e.g., the base plates 180 forming the base 180) occupies at least a portion of any plane parallel with the central axis 160 and passing through the base 180 (e.g., the continuous surface 190 may not be flat while still being gapless).

[0038] The clips 140 can be attached to the protective members 110 to maintain the guard 100 in the locked state. Each clip 140 can be attached to a pair of protective members 110 secured different base plates. For example, a clip 140a can be attached to a first protective member 110a attached to the base plate 180a and to a second protective member 110b attached to the base plate 180b. A gap between portions of the adjacent protective members 110a, 110b proximal to the junction 120 can be smaller than a gap between portions of the adjacent protective members 110a, 110b proximal to the base plates 180a, 180b. The clip 140a can be attached to corresponding protective members 110a, 110b at portions of the protective members 110a, 110b proximal to the junction 120. The clip 140a can be moved towards the base plates 180a-d to draw the base plates 180a, 180b in radially inward direction. The clip 140a can be displaced until the base plates 180a-d abut the sprinkler 200. The clip 140a can84924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)prevent radial outward movement of the base plates 180a-d to maintain the guard 100 in the locked position. One or more additional clips 140 can be attached to another set of protective members 110 attached to different plates 180.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the base plates 180a-d form the continuous surface 190 that acts as a shield to protect vital components of the sprinkler 200. The base plates 180a-180d abut a complete periphery of the frame 220. Additionally, the base plates 180c, 180d cover any potential gap between the base plates 180a, 180b to create the continuous surface 190 in the radial direction of the base 130. Thus, the guard 100 can eliminate need for an additional shield as the base plates 180 act both as a shield and as a securement member to secure the guard 100 to the sprinkler 200.

[0040] FIG. 5 depicts an example of the base plate 180a. As depicted in FIG. 5, the base plate 180a can span less than 180 degrees about the central axis 160. The base plate 180a can have an inner edge 240, an outer edge 250, and a body 260 extending between the inner edge 240 and the outer edge 250. The inner edge 240 can have an angular profile that can be complementary to the periphery of the frame 220 of the sprinkler 200. The base plate 180a can have one or more apertures 265 provided on the body 260 to facilitate attachment with one or more base plates of the second set of base plates 180c, 180d. The base plate 180a can be secured to one or more base plates of the second set of base plates 180c, 180d using fasteners passing through the aperture 265. One or more base plates 180c, 180d can have apertures complementary to the aperture 265. The base plate 180a can have one or more protrusions 268 on the body 260 to facilitate attachment with one or more protective members 110. One or more protective members 110 can be secured to the base plate 180a using spot welding technique.

[0041] FIG. 6 depicts an example of the base plate 180b. As depicted in FIG. 6, the base plate 180b can span less than 180 degrees about the central axis 160. The base plate 180b can have an inner edge 270, an outer edge 280, and a body 290 extending between the inner edge 270 and the outer edge 280. The inner edge 270 can have an angular shape complementary with the periphery of the frame 220 of the sprinkler 200. The base plate 180b can have one or more protrusions 230 to facilitate attachment with one or more protective members 110. In some embodiments, one or more protective members 110 are secured to the base plate 180b using spot welding technique.94924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)

[0042] FIG. 7 depicts an example of the base plate 180c. The base plate 180c can have an inner edge 300, an outer edge 310, and a body 320 extending between the inner edge 300 and the outer edge 310. The base plate 180c can have one or more protrusions 325 to receive a fastener for connecting the base plate 180c to the base plate of the first set of base plates, for example, the base plate 180a. The inner edge 300 can have a substantially linear portion 330 and an angular portion 340. The angular portion 340 can abut a portion of the periphery of the frame 220 of the sprinkler 200. The base plate 180d can be structured to be similar or identical to the base plate 180c.

[0043] The base plates 180 of the second set can be attached to the base plates 180 of the first set using any of various techniques. For example, at least one of the first set of base plates 180 includes a channel to receive the base plate 180 of the second set of base plates 180. The base plate 180 of the second set can be slid into the channel such that the base plate 180 of the second set is locked in the channel.

[0044] The base plates 180 can have any of a variety of configuration, shape, size, and / or locking features that facilitate formation of the continuous surface 190 that acts as a shield for a sprinkler 200.

[0045] The protective members 110 can include a first set of protective members 110 and a second set of protective members 110. Each set of protective members 110 can include at least one protective member 110. For example, the guard 100 can include eight protective members 110, wherein each of the first set and the second set can include four protective members 110. The protective members 110 in the first set and the second set can be arranged suitably. The protective members 110 of the first set and the second set can be arranged alternately. For example, a protective member 110 of the first set can be succeeded and preceded by a protective member 110 in the second set in an order around the central axis 160. More than one protective member 110 of the same set can be arranged together forming a group that is succeeded and preceded by a group having one or more protective members 110 of another set. The number of protective members 110 in each group can be the same or can vary.

[0046] FIG. 8 depicts an example of a protective member 110c of the first set of protective members 110. The protective member 110c can include a first portion 350, a second portion 360, and a third portion 370. The first portion 350 can be positioned radially away from the central axis 160. The first portion 350 can have any of various structures. The first portion 350104924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)can have a first end 380 and a second end 390 such that the first end 380 is radially proximal to the central axis 160 relative to the second end 390. The second portion 360 can extend from the first end 380 of the first portion 350 and terminates at the junction 120 (shown in FIG. 1). The first end 380 of the first portion 350 can be contiguous with the second portion 360. The third portion 370 extends from the second end 390 of the first portion 350 towards the central axis 160. The second end 390 of the first portion 350 can be contiguous with the third portion 370. The protective member 110c can terminate at a free end 400 of the third portion 370. The third portion 370 can extend up to the inner edge of the base plate to which the protective member 110c is attached. The third portion 370 can terminate prior to the inner edge of the base plate 180. The second portion 360 and the third portion 370 can be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the central axis 160 when the protective member 110c is positioned in the guard 100. Each protective member of the first set can have a same configuration as the protective member 110c.

[0047] FIG. 9 depicts an example of a protective member 1 lOd of the second set of protective members 110. The protective member HOd can include a first portion 410, a second portion 420, a third portion 430, and a fourth portion 440. The first portion 410 can be positioned radially away from the central axis 160. The first portion 410 can have any of various configurations. The first portion 410 can have a first end 450 and a second end 460 such that the first end 450 is radially proximal to the central axis 160 than the second end 460. The second portion 420 extends from the first end 450 of the first portion 410 and terminates at the junction 120 (shown in FIG. 1). The first end 450 of the first portion 410 can be contiguous with the second portion 420. The third portion 430 can extend from the second end 460 of the first portion 410 towards the central axis 160. The second end 460 of the first portion 410 can be contiguous with the third portion 430. The fourth portion 440 can extend from a free end of the third portion 430 in a direction towards the second portion 420. The free end of the third portion 430 can be contiguous with the fourth portion 440. In the locked position, the fourth portion 440 can abut the frame 220 of the sprinkler 200, which can be helpful for fulfilling testing criteria. Each protective member of the second set can have a same configuration as the protective member 1 lOd.

[0048] FIG. 10 depicts an example of the clip 140. As depicted in FIG. 10, the clip 140 can include a first portion 470 having a first hook 480 and a second portion 490 having a second114924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)hook 500 that can grab the protective members 110. The first portion 470 and the second portion 490 can make an obtuse angle a with each other.

[0049] FIG. 11 is depicts an example of the clip 140a mounted on the protective members 110a, 110b. The protective members 110a, 110b can be attached to two adjacent base plates. For example, the protective member 110a can be attached to the base plate 180a, and the protective member 110b can be attached to the base plate 180b. The clip 140a can be attached to the protective members 110a, 110b proximal to the junction 120. The clip 140a can be slid towards the base plates 180a, 180b, which can draw the base plates 180a, 180b radially inwards. The clip 140a can be slid to an extreme possible position proximal to the base plates 180a, 180b such that the base plates 180a, 180b abut the periphery of the frame of the sprinkler. The clip 140a maintains the base plates 180a, 180b in contact with the sprinkler, and can prevent radial outward movement of the base plates 180a, 180b. The guard 100 can include two or more clips 140 attached to the adjacent protective members 110. A number of the clips 140 can be equal to the number of first set of base plates 180. For example, in case of the guard 100 having two base plates 180 of the first set, two clips 140 can be implemented, wherein one clip 140 is attached to the protective members 110 secured proximal to one set of adjacent ends of the base plates 180, while the other clip 140 is attached to the protective members 110 secured proximal to other set of adjacent ends of the base plates 180.

[0050] FIG. 12 depicts an example of a system 1200 that can include one or more sprinklers 200 that include respective guards 100, such as to provide protection for the sprinklers 200 against both mechanical impacts and inadvertent wetting. The fire protection system 1200 can be a fire suppression system. The fire protection system 1200 can be a chemical fire suppression system. The fire protection system 1200 can distribute a fire suppressant agent onto or near a fire, extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from spreading. The fire protection system 1200 can be used alone or in combination with other types of fire suppression systems (e.g., a building sprinkler system, a handheld fire extinguisher). Multiple fire protection systems 1200 can be used in combination with one another to cover a larger area (e.g., each in different rooms of a building).

[0051] The fire protection system 1200 can be used in a variety of applications. The fire protection system 1200 can be used with a variety of fire suppressant agents, including but not limited to water (e.g., may use powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials). The fire protection system 1200 can be used for storage applications, such as to be installed for124924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)storage commodities such as Class I, II, III or IV, Group A, Group B, or Group C plastics, elastomers, or rubber commodities, or any combination thereof. The storage commodity can be in an arrangement such as a single-row rack arrangement, a double-row rack arrangement, a multi-row rack arrangement, a palletized arrangement, a solid-piled arrangement, a bin box arrangement, a shelf arrangement, a back-to-back shelf arrangement, an on floor arrangement, a rack with solid shelves arrangement, and a rack without solid shelves arrangement, or any combination thereof. The fire protection system 1200 can be used for non-storage applications, including but not limited to residential, commercial, data center applications, indoor, or exterior applications.

[0052] The fire protection system 1200 can include or be coupled with one or more fluid distribution devices, depicted in FIG. 12 as the sprinklers 200. The fire protection system 1200 can include nozzles for outputting fluid (e.g., nozzles used for deluge systems, including, for example, nozzles having open flow paths). The sprinklers 200 can include the deflector 210 to output fluid according to a target spray pattern corresponding to the structure of the deflector 210. The sprinklers 200 can include a thermal trigger 1204, which can be an activation element, such as a glass bulb or link and lever assembly, which can change from a first state that maintains the sprinkler 200 in a closed state (e.g., holds a seal against an outlet of the sprinkler 200) to a second state to allow the sprinkler 200 to open to flow fluid against the deflector and towards a space around the sprinkler 200. The spray pattern of fluid from the sprinklers 200 can be outputted from the sprinklers 200 to suppress or extinguish fire within that area. The sprinklers 200 can include one or more features or characteristics of, for example and without limitation, quick response sprinklers, standard coverage sprinklers, extended coverage sprinklers, upright sprinklers, ESFR sprinklers, dry pendent sprinklers, and / or dry barrel sprinklers.

[0053] The sprinklers 200 can be used as concealed sprinklers, pendent sprinklers, upright sprinklers, water mist nozzles, horizontal sprinklers, sidewall sprinklers, in-rack sprinklers, ceiling-only sprinklers, or any other device for spraying fire suppressant agent. The sprinklers 200 can be early suppression, fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. The sprinklers 200 can have K-factors greater than or equal to 4.0 GPM / PSI(1 / 2)and less than or equal to 36.0 GPM / PSI(1 / 2). The sprinklers 200 can have greater or lower K-factors. The sprinklers 200 can be arranged (e.g., in a grid or tree arrangement over a storage commodity) to have sprinkler to sprinkler spacings greater than or equal to eight feet by eight feet and less than or equal to twelve feet134924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)by twelve feet, greater than or equal to six feet by six feet and less than or equal to sixteen feet by sixteen feet, greater than or equal to two feet by two feet and less than or equal to twenty four feet by twenty four feet, or various combinations thereof. The spacings can be uniform or non-uniform.

[0054] The fire protection system 1200 can include piping 1208 connected with the sprinklers 200. The sprinklers 200 can receive water or other fire suppressant agent via the piping 1208. The piping 1208 can include various pipes to arrange in the sprinklers 200 in various configurations, including but not limited to tree or grid configurations. The piping 1208 can include sprinkler risers. The piping 1208 can include one or more components to connect with flexible piping and / or hoses.

[0055] The sprinklers 200 and / or piping 1208 can be made to implement the system 1200 as a dry system, such as by having gas (e.g., air and / or nitrogen) instead of water in the piping 1208. This can be useful, for example, in cold storage applications, such as where the piping 1208 may be exposed to temperatures at or below refrigeration thresholds and / or at or below zero degrees Celsius.

[0056] The fire protection system 1200 can include or be coupled with a fluid supply 1216. The fluid supply 1216 can define an internal volume filled (e.g., partially filled, completely filled) with fire suppressant agent. The fluid supply 1216 can provide fluid from a remote or local location to a building in which the fire protection system 1200 is located. The fluid supply 1216 may include, for example, a municipal water supply, pump, piping system, tank, cylinder, or any other source of fluid or water or fire suppression agent.

[0057] The fire protection system 1200 can include at least one valve 1212. The valve 1212 can be a flow control valve, such as to control fluid flow from the fluid supply 1216 to sprinklers 200, e.g., via piping 1208. The valve 1212 can be a check valve, such as an alarm check valve. The valve 1212 can be a clapper valve. The valve 1212 can be a diaphragm valve, such as the TYCO DV-5A AUTOMATIC WATER CONTROL VALVE manufactured by Tyco Fire Products of Cranston, Rhode Island. The valve 1212 can be positioned between the fluid supply 1216 and the sprinklers 200 to selectively permit fluid flow from the fluid supply 1216 to the sprinklers 200.

[0058] As noted above, any one or more of the sprinklers 200 can be arranged as (part of) a dry sprinkler system, such that the piping 1208 can have air or nitrogen, rather than water (and 144924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)in which case, water may not be outputted until the sprinklers are opened and coupled with fluid from the fluid supply 1216). There can be a water delivery delay associated with an amount of time from detection of a fire (e.g., by one or more detectors; by actuation of a sprinkler and / or detection of a pressure drop from actuation of a sprinkler) to delivery of water, to the sprinkler associated with detection of the fire, from fluid supply 1216. The sprinklers 200 can be arranged as (part of) a preprimed and / or wet sprinkler system, such that the piping 1208 can have (e.g., be filled with) water. The water can be provided up to a seal of the sprinklers 200, such that the water in the piping 1208 can be outputted responsive to one or more sprinklers 200 operating.

[0059] FIG. 13 depicts an example of a method 1300 of assembling a sprinkler guard assembly. The method 1300 can be implemented using any of various sprinklers and / or guards as described herein, including but not limited to the guard 100 and the sprinkler 200.

[0060] At 1305, a guard can be coupled with a sprinkler. For example, one or more protective members of the guard, such as protective members forming a cage, can be expanded to a state to receive the sprinkler, such as by expanding one or more base plates of the guard to an expanded state.

[0061] At 1310, the protective members can be locked onto the sprinkler. For example, one or more clips can be secured with the protective members to maintain the protective members in an engaged state with the sprinkler. The one or more base plates can be moved inward to form a gapless and / or continuous surface to form a shield for the sprinkler.

[0062] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0063] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as 154924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0064] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0065] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0066] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0067] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / - 10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated164924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

[0068] The term “coupled” and variations thereof includes the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly with or to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0069] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0070] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It174924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.4924-8971-6619.1

Claims

Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sprinkler guard, comprising:a junction;a plurality of protective members arranged around a central axis, the central axis passing through the junction, each protective member of the plurality of protective members having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the junction; anda base opposite the junction, the base comprising a plurality of base plates, the plurality of base plates coupled with at least one protective member of the plurality of protective members, the plurality of base plates having a state to form a surface that is at least one of continuous from the central axis to an edge of the plurality of base plates or gapless in a direction parallel with the central axis through the base.

2. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:the plurality of base plates comprises a first set of base plates attached to the plurality of protective members and a second set of base plates to attach with at least one base plate of the first set of base plates to form the surface.

3. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:the plurality of base plates are structured to form an opening to receive a sprinkler, the plurality of base plates coupled with the plurality of protective members such that the plurality of base plates are movable between to be displaced radially outwards relative to the central axis to provide a passage for the sprinkler and to be displaced radially inwards relative to the central axis to abut a periphery of the sprinkler.

4. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:one or more clips, each clip attached to at least one protective member of the plurality of protective members.

5. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:each protective member includes a first portion radially away from the central axis, a second portion extending from a first end of the first portion and terminating at the junction, and a third portion extending from a second end of the first portion towards the central axis.194924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)6. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:each protective member includes a first portion radially away from the central axis, a second portion extending from a first end of the first portion and terminating at the junction, and a third portion extending from a second end of the first portion towards the central axis; andeach protective member of a first set of the plurality of protective members terminates at a free end of the third portion.

7. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:the plurality of base plates comprise at least two base plates that overlap in a direction parallel with the central axis.

8. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:the base is made of metal.

9. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:the plurality of base plates include a first base plate and a second base plate, and the first base plate has an extended portion overlapping on the second base plate.

10. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:at least one base plate of the plurality of base plates spans at least 120 degrees around the central axis.

11. The sprinkler guard of claim 1, comprising:the plurality of base plates form an opening around the central axis, the base is gapless outward from the opening.

12. A sprinkler assembly, comprising:a guard, comprising:a plurality of protective members arranged around a central axis and intersecting at a junction, the central axis passing through the junction, each protective member of the plurality of protective members having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the junction; and204924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)a base opposite the junction, the base comprising a plurality of base plates, the plurality of base plates coupled with at least one protective member of the plurality of protective members, the plurality of base plates having a state to form a surface that is at least one of continuous from the central axis to an edge of the plurality of base plates or gapless in a direction parallel with the central axis through the base; anda sprinkler comprising a frame, a thermal trigger, and a deflector coupled with the thermal trigger and the frame, the base coupled with the frame.

13. The sprinkler assembly of claim 12, comprising:the plurality of base plates comprises a first set of base plates attached to the plurality of protective members and a second set of base plates to attach with at least one base plate of the first set of base plates to form the surface.

14. The sprinkler assembly of claim 12, comprising:the thermal trigger and the deflector are on the central axis.

15. The sprinkler assembly of claim 12, comprising:one or more clips, each clip attached to at least one protective member of the plurality of protective members.

16. The sprinkler assembly of claim 12, comprising:each protective member includes a first portion radially away from the central axis, a second portion extending from a first end of the first portion and terminating at the junction, and a third portion extending from a second end of the first portion towards the central axis.

17. The sprinkler assembly of claim 12, comprising:the plurality of base plates comprise at least two base plates that overlap in a direction parallel with the central axis.

18. The sprinkler assembly of claim 12, comprising:the plurality of base plates include a first base plate and a second base plate, and the first base plate has an extended portion overlapping on the second base plate.

19. The sprinkler assembly of claim 12, comprising:214924-8971-6619.1Atty. Dkt. No.: 118651-1835 (FWR-25-8872-WO)at least one base plate of the plurality of base plates spans at least 120 degrees around the central axis.

20. An integrated sprinkler guard and shield apparatus, comprising:a plurality of protective members arranged around a central axis, each protective member of the plurality of protective members having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with a junction; anda base assembly coupled with the second end of one or more protective members of the plurality of protective members, the base assembly opposite the junction, the base assembly including at least two plates structured to form a surface that does not provide a flow path for water through the base assembly in a direction parallel with the central axis.224924-8971-6619.1

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