Spray assembly

Abstract

The spray assembly may include a tapered tube. The tapered tube may define a recess. The spray assembly may include a sealing member at least partially disposed in the recess. The sealing member may interface with a sprayer. The spray assembly may include a connector. The connector may include a first engagement element for connecting the connector to the tapered tube. The connector may include a second engagement element for connecting the connector to the sprayer.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This PCT application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 617,539, filed January 4, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Fire suppression systems are used to deliver fluids to locations where a fire may occur. Fire suppression systems can be activated in response to triggering conditions such as smoke or heat. Summary of the Invention

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a spray assembly. The spray assembly may include a tapered tube. The tapered tube may define a recess. The spray assembly may include a sealing member at least partially disposed in the recess. The sealing member may interface with a sprayer. The spray assembly may include a connector. The connector may include a first engagement element for connecting the connector to the tapered tube. The connector may include a second engagement element for connecting the connector to the sprayer.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a method for assembling a spray assembly. The method may include disposing a sealing member in a recess of a tapered tube. The method may include disposing a portion of the tapered tube in a receiving portion of a connector. The connector may include a first engaging element and a second engaging element. The method may include engaging the connector with the tapered tube by moving the first engaging element from a first position to a second position. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. The same reference numerals and names in the various drawings indicate the same elements. For clarity, not every part may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1 An example sprinkler system is described.

[0006] Figure 2 An example spray assembly is depicted.

[0007] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an example connecting component and a tapered tube is depicted.

[0008] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example connecting component and a tapered tube is depicted.

[0009] Figure 5 A perspective view of the example connector is depicted.

[0010] Figure 6 A perspective view of the example insert is depicted.

[0011] Figure 7A flowchart depicts an example method for assembling connected components. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods, apparatus, and systems for rack protection, as well as implementation methods, apparatus, and systems for rack protection. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways.

[0013] This disclosure generally relates to a fire suppression system. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a fire suppression system that uses a sprinkler assembly to quickly connect sprinklers to the piping of the fire suppression system. The sprinkler assembly can provide a suitable seal, eliminating the need for conventional pipe coatings, tapes, or other sealing aids to form a seal to prevent leakage of extinguishing agent fluid from the sprinkler assembly.

[0014] The system described herein can include various configurations. The system can include a reducer extending from or part of the piping of a fire suppression system. The system can include at least one coupling assembly for connecting a sprinkler to the reducer. The coupling assembly can include at least one connector. The connector can be coupled to an end of the reducer. For example, the end of the connector can be crimped around the end of the reducer to connect the connector to the reducer. The system can include at least one insert. The insert can be disposed between the reducer and the connector. The insert can provide an additional seal between the reducer and the connector to prevent system leakage.

[0015] A connector can link a sprayer to a reducer. For example, the connector may define at least one engaging element. The sprayer can be connected to the connector via the engaging element. The sprayer can engage a gasket to form a seal between the reducer and the sprayer. For example, the system may include at least one gasket. The gasket may be at least partially disposed within the reducer. For example, the reducer may define a recess for receiving the gasket. The recess may be located at the end of the reducer to be connected to the connector. The gasket may be disposed in the recess such that when the sprayer is connected to the connector, the end of the sprayer contacts the gasket. The sprayer can apply force to the gasket to form a seal between the reducer and the sprayer.

[0016] Figure 1At least one example sprinkler system 100 is depicted. The sprinkler system 100 may include at least one sprinkler or sprinkler assembly 105, conduit 110 (e.g., one or more pipes, fittings, conduits), and at least one fluid supply component 115. The sprinkler 105 may be coupled to (e.g., mounted on or connected to) the conduit 110 and may be or include any type of sprinkler (e.g., an electronically activated sprinkler (EAS), an early fire suppression rapid response (ESFR) sprinkler, an extended coverage (EC) sprinkler, a quick-install sprinkler (RIS)). The sprinkler 105 may have any orientation. For example, the sprinkler 105 may be a suspended sprinkler (e.g., extending below the conduit 110), an upright sprinkler 105 (e.g., extending upwards from the conduit 110), or a sidewall sprinkler 105 (e.g., extending laterally from the conduit 110), etc.

[0017] Pipe 110 can be made of any material. For example, pipe 110 can be black steel, stainless steel, CPVC, or copper. Pipe 110 may include one or more main pipes connected to fluid supply unit 115, from which one or more branch lines may extend. Pipe 110 may be fluidly connected to one or more sprinklers 105. Sprinkler 105 may receive water or other extinguishing agent fluid 120 from fluid supply unit 115 via pipe 110. Each sprinkler 105 defines one or more outlets through which the extinguishing agent fluid 120 exits and contacts at least one deflector 125 to form a spray of water or other extinguishing agent fluid 120 covering a desired area. The extinguishing agent fluid 120 from sprinkler 105 subsequently extinguishes or suppresses flames in the area.

[0018] The sprinkler system 100 can distribute at least one extinguishing agent fluid 120 to or near a flame, thereby extinguishing the flame and preventing the spread of fire. The sprinkler system 100 can be used to protect various spaces or buildings, or to actuate valves (e.g., for dry pilot activation). The sprinkler system 100 can be used alone or in combination with other types of fire extinguishing systems (e.g., other building sprinkler systems, handheld fire extinguishers). The sprinkler system 100 can be used with a variety of extinguishing agent fluids 120, including but not limited to water (e.g., powder, liquid, foam, or other fluids or flowable materials).

[0019] Figure 2An example sprinkler assembly 200 is depicted. The sprinkler assembly 200 can connect a sprinkler 105 to a conduit 110 of a sprinkler system 100. For example, the sprinkler system 100 may include a flexible hose (e.g., a flexible stainless steel hose). The sprinkler assembly 200 can facilitate the connection between the sprinkler 105 and the flexible hose. The sprinkler assembly 200 may include at least one pipe component, shown as a tapered tube 205. The tapered tube 205 may be connected to or be part of the conduit 110 of the sprinkler system 100. The tapered tube 205 may provide an attachment point for the sprinkler 105 to connect to the conduit 110 of the sprinkler system 100. The sprinkler assembly 200 may include at least one coupling assembly 210. The coupling assembly 210 can be coupled to both the sprinkler 105 and the tapered tube 205. The coupling assembly 210 can connect the sprinkler 105 to the tapered tube 205.

[0020] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an example tapered tube 205 having a coupling assembly 210 is depicted. The coupling assembly 210 may include at least one connector 305. The connector 305 may be coupled to the tapered tube 205 to facilitate the coupling of the sprayer 105 to the connector 305. For example, the connector 305 may be coupled to the tapered tube 205 and be rotatable about the tapered tube 205 such that when the connector 305 is rotated to couple the sprayer 105 to the tapered tube 205, the tapered tube 205 and the sprayer 105 may remain stationary. The connector 305 may be made of any material. For example, the connector 305 may be metal. The connector 305 may include at least one body 310. The connector 305 may include at least one first engaging element 315. The first engaging element 315 may couple the connector 305 to the tapered tube 205. The first engaging element 315 may extend from the body 310. For example, the first engaging element 315 may extend axially from the body 310. The first engaging element 315 can move between a first (e.g., open) position and a second (e.g., closed or crimped) position. For example, the first position may include the first engaging element 315 extending axially from the body 310. For example, the first engaging element 315 may extend perpendicular to the surface of the body 310. The second position may include the first engaging element 315 extending at least partially radially inward relative to the first position. The first engaging element 315 in the second position can engage the connector 305 with the tapered tube 205.

[0021] The first engaging element 315 may include at least one tab 320. The tab 320 may be disposed at an end of the first engaging element 315. For example, the tab 320 may be positioned away from the body 310. The tab 320 may extend radially inward from the first engaging element 315. The tab 320 may engage with the tapered tube 205 or with an intermediate element disposed between the first engaging element 315 and the tapered tube 205 to connect the connector 305 to the tapered tube 205 when the first engaging element 315 is in a second position.

[0022] The connector 305 can move relative to the tapered tube 205. For example, the first engaging element 315 can engage with the tapered tube 205 or an intermediate element such that the connector 305 can still rotate about the tapered tube 205. The connector 305 can also be stationary relative to the tapered tube 205. For example, the first engaging element 315 can engage with the tapered tube 205 or an intermediate element such that the connector 305 cannot rotate about the tapered tube 205. For example, the first engaging element 315 can be welded to the tapered tube 205 or an intermediate element or otherwise fixedly connected.

[0023] The connector 305 may define at least one receiving portion 325. For example, the body 310 of the connector 305 may include at least one body surface 330. The first engaging element 315 and the body surface 330 may define the receiving portion 325. The receiving portion 325 may receive a portion (e.g., an end) of the tapered tube 205. When the sprayer 105 is not connected to the connector 305, the end of the tapered tube 205 may engage the body surface 330. When the sprayer 105 is connected to the connector 305, the end of the tapered tube 205 may engage the tab 320 of the first engaging element 315. For example, when the sprayer 105 is connected to the connector 305, the end of the tapered tube 205 may be spaced apart from the body surface 330.

[0024] The connector 305 may include at least one second engaging element 335. The body 310 may define the second engaging element 335. The second engaging element 335 may engage the connector 305 with the sprayer 105. The second engaging element 335 may include any form of engagement mechanism to engage the sprayer 105 with the connector 305. For example, the second engaging element 335 may be threaded, allowing the sprayer 105 to be threadedly engaged with the connector 305. If threaded, the second engaging element 335 may include threads of any size, shape, pitch, or number. For example, the second engaging element 335 may include National Pipe Thread (NPT), straight thread, or custom thread, etc. The thread may include any size. For example, the thread range may be between 1 / 4” and 2” threads. The second engaging element 335 may be or may include other engagement mechanisms. For example, the second engaging element 335 may be or may include snap-fit ​​or quick-connect features, etc.

[0025] The tapered tube 205 may include at least one main body portion 340. The main body portion 340 may be part of or connected to the pipe 110 of the spray system 100. The tapered tube 205 may include at least one outlet portion 345. The outlet portion 345 may be located at an end of the main body portion 340. The outlet portion 345 may be narrower than the main body portion 340. For example, the outlet portion 345 may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the main body portion 340.

[0026] The tapered tube 205 may include at least one flange 350. The flange 350 may be located at an end of the tapered tube 205. For example, the flange 350 may be located at the end of an outlet portion 345. The flange 350 may extend radially outward from the outlet portion 345 of the tapered tube 205. A receiving portion 325 may receive at least a portion of the end of the tapered tube 205. For example, the flange 350 and at least a portion of the outlet portion 345 of the tapered tube 205 may be located in the receiving portion 325. When the sprayer 105 is not connected to the connector 305, the flange 350 may engage the body surface 330. When the sprayer 105 is connected to the connector 305, the flange 350 may engage the tab 320 of the first engaging element 315.

[0027] The tapered tube 205 can be made of any material. For example, the tapered tube can be metal. The body portion 340, the outlet portion 345, and the flange 350 can be made of the same material. For example, the body portion 340, the outlet portion 345, and the flange 350 can be metal.

[0028] The tapered tube 205 may include or define at least one groove 355. For example, the body portion 340, the outlet portion 345, and the flange 350 may define the groove 355. The groove 355 may receive a portion of the coupling assembly 210 to engage the coupling assembly 210 with the tapered tube 205. For example, the groove 355 may receive at least a portion of the first engaging element 315 of the connector 305. For example, at least a portion of the tab 320 of the first engaging element 315 may be disposed in the groove 355 to engage the connector 305 with the tapered tube 205. An external force may be applied to the first engaging element 315 to move the first engaging element 315 from a first position to a second position. For example, the first engaging element 315 may be crimped to move the first engaging element 315 from the first position to the second position. When the first engaging element 315 is in the second position, the tab 320 may be disposed in the groove 355.

[0029] The connector 305 can be rotatably connected to the tapered tube 205. For example, the connector 305 can rotate relative to the tapered tube 205. For example, when the first engaging element 315 is in the second position, the tab 320 can translate or slide about the outlet portion 345 of the tapered tube 205 through the groove 355.

[0030] The converging tube 205 may define at least one recess 360. The recess 360 may extend axially from the end of the converging tube 205 into the outlet portion 345 of the converging tube 205. The recess 360 may extend radially outward into the inner wall of the outlet portion 345. The recess 360 may receive a sealing member 365. The sealing member 365 may be any component capable of forming a seal to prevent leakage of the spray system 100. For example, the sealing member 365 may be a gasket or an O-ring, etc. The sealing member 365 may have any shape or size capable of creating a seal between the sprayer 105 and the converging tube 205. The sealing member 365 may be at least partially disposed in the recess 360. When the sprayer 105 is connected to the connector 305, the sealing member 365 may interface with the sprayer 105. The sprayer 105 may further compress the sealing member 365 into the recess 360 and move the end of the converging tube 205 away from the body 310 of the connector 305.

[0031] The coupling assembly 210 may include at least one insert 370. The insert 370 may provide a seal between the tapered tube 205 and the connector 305. The insert 370 may provide a surface that allows the connector 305 to rotate about the tapered tube 205. For example, the insert 370 may have a smooth surface to facilitate rotation of the connector 305 about the tapered tube 205. The insert 370 may be, for example, a nylon bushing. The insert 370 may be disposed in a recess 355. The insert 370 may extend along the flange 350 and the outlet portion 345 of the tapered tube 205. The insert 370 may be disposed between the tapered tube 205 and the connector 305. For example, the insert 370 may be disposed between a tab 320 and the tapered tube 205. The insert 370 may interface with the outlet portion 345 and the flange 350 of the tapered tube 205 and the tab 320 of the first engaging element 315 of the connector 305.

[0032] The tab 320 of the first engaging element 315 can prevent the connector 305 from separating from the tapered tube 205. For example, when the first engaging element 315 is in the second position, the tab 320 can be disposed in the groove 355. When the tab 320 is in the groove 355, the tab 320 can interface with the flange 350 or a portion of the insert 370 extending along the flange 350 to prevent the connector 305 from slipping off the end of the tapered tube 205.

[0033] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connecting assembly 210 that connects the sprayer 105 to the tapered tube 205 is depicted. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, the first engaging element 315 of the connector 305 can be located in a second position to connect the connector 305 to the tapered tube 205. The second position may include a tab 320 of the first engaging element 315 at least partially disposed in a groove 355 of the tapered tube 205. The sprayer 105 can be connected to the connector 305 via a second engaging element 335. For example, the sprayer 105 can be threadedly connected to the connector 305 via the second engaging element 335.

[0034] When the sprayer 105 is connected to the connector 305, the end of the tapered tube 205 may be spaced apart from the body 310 of the connector 305. For example, a portion of the sprayer 105 may extend through the body 310 of the connector 305 via a second engaging element 335. The sprayer 105 may engage or contact a sealing member 365 at least partially disposed in a recess 360 of the tapered tube 205. Engagement of the sprayer 105 with the second engaging element 335 may apply a force to the sealing member 365. This force may further compress the sealing member 365 into the recess 360 to form a seal between the tapered tube 205 and the sprayer 105. This force may cause the end of the tapered tube 205 (e.g., flange 350) to move away from the body surface 330 of the body 310 toward the tab 320 of the first engaging element 315. When the sprayer 105 is connected to the connector 305, the tab 320 can engage the flange 350 or the insert 370 extending between the flange 350 and the tab 320.

[0035] Figure 5 A perspective view of example connector 305 is depicted. Figure 5 As shown, the connector 305 may include at least one body 310. The connector 305 may include at least one first engaging element 315. The first engaging element 315 may define an outer surface of the connector 305. The first engaging element 315 may extend from the body 310. The body 310 may define at least one second engaging element 335.

[0036] The connector 305 may define an aperture 505. The aperture 505 may extend through the connector 305. For example, a first portion of the aperture 505 may extend through the body 310 (e.g., a second engaging element 335 may define or include the first portion of the aperture 505). A second portion of the aperture 505 may be defined by a first engaging element 315 (e.g., the second portion of the aperture 505 may be or may include a receiving portion 325). The aperture 505 may have various cross-sectional shapes or cross-sectional areas. For example, the first portion of the aperture 505 may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion of the aperture 505. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second engaging element 335 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the receiving portion 325.

[0037] The connector 305 may include at least one control element 510. The control element 510 may facilitate the connection between the sprayer 105 and the tapered tube 205. For example, the control element 510 may be a protrusion or recess in the connector 305 for engagement by a person or tool (e.g., a wrench) during the installation of the sprayer 105 to clamp the connector 305. For example, the control element 510 may be or may be included on the outer surface of the connector 305. The control element 510 may be of any shape or size. For example, the control element 510 may include a first protrusion on a first side of the orifice 505 and a second protrusion on a second side of the orifice 505 opposite to the first protrusion. The control element 510 may include at least one protrusion extending beyond the side of the connector 305. The control element 510 may be disposed radially outward from the orifice 505. A user or tool can engage the control element 510 to rotate the connector 305 about the tapered tube 205 and the sprayer 105, thereby connecting the sprayer 105 to the tapered tube 205. For example, rotating the connector 305 via the control element 510 can thread the sprayer 105 to the connector 305, which can be connected to the tapered tube 205.

[0038] Figure 6 A perspective view of an example insert 370 is depicted. Insert 370 may include an insert body 605. Insert body 605 may define an insert orifice 610. Insert orifice 610 may extend through insert 370. Insert orifice 610 may receive an outlet portion 345 of a tapered tube 205. For example, insert 370 may be disposed in a recess 355 of tapered tube 205 and extend around the outlet portion 345 of tapered tube 205.

[0039] The insert 370 may include at least one edge 615. The edge 615 may extend radially outward from the insert body 605. The edge 615 may extend around the insert body 605. The edge 615 may extend along and interface with the flange 350 of the tapered tube 205. The insert body 605 may extend along and interface with the outlet portion 345 of the tapered tube 205.

[0040] Figure 7 A flowchart depicts an example method 700 for assembling the coupling assembly 210. Method 700 may include disposing a sealing member 365 in a recess 360 of the tapered tube 205 (action 705). The sealing member 365 may be at least partially disposed in the recess 360.

[0041] Method 700 may include placing a portion of the tapered tube 205 in a receiving portion 325 of the connector 305 (action 710). Action 710 may include placing an end of the tapered tube 205 in the receiving portion 325. The end of the tapered tube 205 may include at least a flange 350 and an outlet portion 345 of the tapered tube 205. The connector 305 may include at least one first engaging element 315 and at least one second engaging element 335. The connector 305 may include at least one body 310. The first engaging element 315 may extend from the body 310. The body 310 may define the second engaging element 335. The flange 350 may interface with the body 310.

[0042] Method 700 may include engaging the connector 305 with the tapered tube 205 (action 715). Action 715 may include moving a first engaging element from a first position to a second position. For example, the first position may be an open position to allow insertion of an end of the tapered tube 205 into a receiving portion 325 of the connector 305. The first position may include a first engaging element 315 extending axially from the body 310. The second position may include a first engaging element 315 extending at least partially radially inward from the first position. For example, at least a portion of the first engaging element 315 may extend from the body 310 at an angle.

[0043] Action 715 may include disposing a portion of the first engaging element 315 in a recess 355 of the tapered tube 205. For example, the first engaging element 315 may include at least one tab 320. At least a portion of the tab 320 may be disposed in the recess 355. The connector 305 may be rotatably connected to the tapered tube 205 via the recess 355. For example, the connector 305 may be rotatable about the tapered tube 205.

[0044] Action 715 may include disposing the insert 370 in a recess 355 of the tapered tube 205. For example, the insert 370 may be disposed in the recess 355 such that the insert 370 extends along the flange 350 and the outlet portion 345 of the tapered tube 205. The insert 370 may be disposed between the tapered tube 205 and the first engaging element 315.

[0045] Method 700 may include connecting the sprayer 105 to the connector 305. For example, the sprayer 105 may be threadedly connected to the connector 305. At least one of the sprayer 105 or the connector 305 may be rotatable to connect the sprayer 105 to the connector 305. A control element 510 may be engaged to rotate the connector 305.

[0046] Method 700 may include a compression sealing member 365. For example, the sealing member 365 may be compressed into a recess 360 of the converging tube 205 via the sprayer 105. An end of the sprayer 105 may apply force to the sealing member 365 to further compress it into the recess 360, thereby forming a seal between the sprayer 105 and the converging tube 205. Thus, a portion of the sprayer 105 may extend into the recess 360 of the converging tube 205. The sprayer 105 may move or push the sealing member 365 and the converging tube 205 away from the body of the connector 305. For example, when the sprayer 105 is connected to the connector 305, the sprayer 105 may compress the sealing member 365 and move the converging tube 205 away from the body 310. The sprayer 105 may cause the flange 350 of the converging tube 205 to directly or indirectly engage the tab 320 of the first engaging element 315. For example, the insert 370 may be disposed between the tapered tube 205 and the first engaging element 315. The first engaging element 315 may interface with the insert 370. For example, a portion of the first engaging element 315 (e.g., at least a portion of the tab 320) may be disposed in the recess 355. The tab 320 may interface with the insert 370.

[0047] Some illustrative examples have now been described, and it is obvious that the foregoing presented with the aid of examples is illustrative and not restrictive. Specifically, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method actions or system elements, those actions and elements can be combined in other ways to achieve the same objective. The actions, elements, and features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not intended to exclude similar effects in other embodiments or implementations.

[0048] The wording and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “characterized as,” “featured as,” and variations thereof is intended to cover the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and additional items, as well as alternative embodiments comprised of the items specifically listed thereafter. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, more than one, each combination of, or all of the described elements, actions, or components.

[0049] Any reference in the singular to an embodiment or element or action of a system and method herein may also cover embodiments that include multiple such elements, and any reference in the plural to any embodiment or element or action herein may also cover embodiments that include only a single element. References in either the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the currently disclosed system or method, its components, actions, or elements to a single or multiple configurations. References to any action or element based on any information, action, or element may include embodiments in which the action or element is at least in part based on any information, action, or element.

[0050] Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment or example, and references to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment or example. Such terms as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Any embodiment may be combined inclusively or exclusively with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0051] Where reference numerals follow technical features in the drawings, detailed embodiments, or any claims, the inclusion of reference numerals enhances the comprehensibility of the drawings, detailed embodiments, and claims. Therefore, reference numerals, or their absence, do not have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0052] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their characteristics. Further descriptions of relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical, or other positioning or orientation include variations within a range of + / -10% or + / -10 degrees for purely vertical, parallel, or perpendicular positioning. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, references to "approximately," "about," "generally," or other degrees include variations of + / -10% from a given measurement, unit, or range. Connecting elements may be electrically, mechanically, or physically connected to each other, directly or through intervening elements. Therefore, the scope of the systems and methods described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to those of the claims are included therein.

[0053] The term "connection" and its variations include two components joined together directly or indirectly. Such connection can be solid (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection can be achieved by: two components being directly connected to or linked to each other; two components being connected to each other using a separate intervening component and any additional intermediate component connected to each other; or two components being connected to each other using an intervening component that forms a single integral entity with one of the two components as a whole. If "connection" or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., direct connection), the above-provided definition of "connection" is modified by the common linguistic meaning of the additional term (e.g., "direct connection" means two components are joined without any separate intermediate component), resulting in a narrower definition than the above-provided definition of "connected". This connection can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0054] A reference to “or” can be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using “or” can refer to any one, more than one, or all of the terms described. A reference to at least one of a list of combinations of terms can be interpreted as inclusive or used to refer to any one, more than one, or all of the terms described. For example, a reference to “at least one of 'A' and 'B'” can include only 'A', only 'B', or both 'A' and 'B'. Such references used in conjunction with “include” or other open terms can include additional items.

[0055] Modifications to the described elements and operations, such as the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, installation arrangement, material usage, color, and orientation of various elements, may be made without substantially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or changed. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] References to the positioning of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0057] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their characteristics. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the systems and methods described. Therefore, the scope of the systems and methods described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A spray assembly comprising: A tapered tube, which defines a recessed portion; A sealing member, which is at least partially disposed in the recess, is used to interface with a sprayer; and The connector includes: A first connecting element is used to connect the connector to the tapered tube; and The second connecting element is used to connect the connector to the sprayer.

2. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The connector includes a body, the body including a body surface, the body surface and the first engaging element defining a receiving portion for receiving the end of the tapered tube; and The end of the tapered tube is spaced apart from the body surface of the body when the sprayer is connected to the connector.

3. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The connector includes a body that defines the second engagement element; and The tapered tube includes a groove, and a portion of the first engaging element of the connector is disposed in the groove.

4. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The tapered tube includes a groove; An insert disposed in the groove; and The first engaging element includes a tab, at least a portion of which is disposed in the groove to engage the connector with the tapered tube, and the insert is disposed between the tab of the first engaging element and the tapered tube.

5. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The connector includes a body; and The sealing member is used to interface with the sprayer when the sprayer is connected to the connector, the sprayer being used to further compress the sealing member into the recess and move the end of the tapered tube away from the body of the connector.

6. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The tapered tube includes a flange that defines a portion of a groove; and The first engaging element, which is at least partially disposed in the groove, is used to engage with at least one of the flange or the insert disposed in the groove when the sprayer is connected to the connector.

7. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The second engaging element includes threads for threadedly engaging the sprayer with the connector.

8. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The tapered tube defines a groove; The connector defines a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the tapered tube; and A portion of the first engaging element is disposed in the groove to engage the connector with the tapered tube when the portion of the tapered tube is in the receiving portion, the connector being rotatably connected to the tapered tube such that the connector is rotatable relative to the tapered tube.

9. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The first connecting element is welded to the tapered tube.

10. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The connector includes a control element, the control element comprising a protrusion on the outer surface of the connector.

11. The spray assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The connector defines an orifice and includes a control element, the control element comprising: A first protrusion, on a first side of the orifice; and The second protrusion is located on the second side of the opening opposite to the first protrusion.

12. A method for assembling a spray assembly, the method comprising: The sealing component is placed in the recess of the tapered tube; A portion of the tapered tube is disposed in the receiving portion of the connector, the connector including a first engaging element and a second engaging element; as well as The connector is connected to the tapered tube by moving the first engaging element from a first position to a second position.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: A portion of the first coupling element is disposed in a groove in the tapered tube, and the connector is rotatably connected to the tapered tube via the groove.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The insert is placed in the groove of the tapered tube; as well as A portion of the first engaging element is disposed in the groove, and the insert is located between the tapered tube and the first engaging element.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The first engaging element of the connector is welded to the tapered tube.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Connect the sprayer to the connector; as well as The sealing component is compressed into the recess via the sprayer.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Rotate the connector to connect the sprayer to the tapered tube.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Engage the control element to rotate the connector, thereby connecting the sprayer to the tapered tube.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The insert is placed in the groove of the tapered tube; The sealing component and the tapered tube are pushed away from the body of the connector by the sprayer; as well as The insert is connected to the first engaging element, a portion of which is disposed in the groove.

20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Rotate at least one of the connector or sprayer to connect the sprayer to the tapered pipe thread.

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