Sprinkler assembly

Abstract

The sprinkler assembly can include a reducer. The reducer can define a recess. The sprinkler assembly can include a seal component disposed at least partially in the recess. The seal component can interface with a sprinkler. The sprinkler assembly can include a coupler. The coupler can include a first engagement element to couple the coupler with the reducer. The coupler can include a second engagement element to couple the coupler with the sprinkler.

Description

SPRINKLER ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This P.C.T. Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 617,539, filed January 4, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND100021 Fire protection systems are used to deliver fluid to a location at which a fire may be taking place. Fire protection systems can be actuated in response to trigger conditions, such as smoke or heat.SUMMARY

[0003] At least one aspect is directed to a sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly can include a reducer. The reducer can define a recess. The sprinkler assembly can include a seal component disposed at least partially in the recess. The seal component can interface with a sprinkler. The sprinkler assembly can include a coupler. The coupler can include a first engagement element to couple the coupler with the reducer. The coupler can include a second engagement element to couple the coupler with the sprinkler.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to a method for assembling a sprinkler assembly. The method can include disposing a seal component in a recess of a reducer. The method can include disposing a portion of the reducer in a receptacle of a coupler. The coupler can include a first engagement element and a second engagement element. The method can include coupling the coupler with the reducer by moving the first engagement element from a first position to a second position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] 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:|0006[ FIG. 1 depicts an example sprinkler system.

[0007] FIG. 2 depicts an example sprinkler assembly.

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example coupling assembly and a reducer.

[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example coupling assembly and a reducer.

[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example coupler.

[0011] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an example insert.

[0012] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for assembling a coupling assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of storage rack protection. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0014] The present disclosure generally relates to a fire suppression system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fire suppression system that uses a sprinkler assembly to quickly couple a sprinkler with piping of the fire suppression system. The sprinkler assembly can provide appropriate seals such that conventional pipe dope, tape, or other sealing aids are not needed to form a seal to prevent fire suppressant fluid from leaking out of the sprinkler assembly.

[0015] The system described herein can include various configurations. The system can include a reducer that extends from or is a part of the piping of a fire suppression system. The system can include at least one coupling assembly to couple a sprinkler with the reducer. The coupling assembly can include at least one coupler. The coupler can couple with an end of the reducer. For example, an end of the coupler can be crimped around an end of the reducer to couple the coupler with the reducer. The system can include at least one insert. The insert can be disposed between the reducer and the coupler. The insert can provide additional sealing between the reducer and the coupler to prevent leakage from the system.

[0016] The coupler can couple a sprinkler with the reducer. For example, the coupler can define at least one engagement element. The sprinkler can couple with the coupler via the engagement element. The sprinkler can engage a gasket to form a seal between the reducer and the sprinkler. For example, the system can include at least one gasket. The gasket can be disposed at least partially in the reducer. For example, the reducer can define a recess to receive the gasket. The recess can be at the end of the reducer that is to be coupled with the coupler. The gasket can be disposed in the recess such that as the sprinkler is coupled with the coupler, an end of the sprinkler contacts the gasket. The sprinkler can apply a force to the gasket to form a seal between the reducer and the sprinkler.

[0017] FIG. 1 depicts at least one example sprinkler system 100. The sprinkler system 100 can include at least one sprinkler or sprinkler assembly 105, piping 110 (e.g., one or more pipes, tubes, conduits), and at least one fluid supply 115. The sprinkler 105 can be coupled with (e.g., mounted on or connected with) piping 110 and can be or include any kind of sprinkler (e.g., electronically activated sprinkler (EAS), early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler, extended coverage (EC) sprinkler, rapid install sprinkler (RIS)). The sprinkler 105 can have any orientation. For example, the sprinkler 105 can be a pendent sprinkler (e.g., extend below the piping 110), an upright sprinkler 105 (e.g., extend upward from the piping 110), or a sidewall sprinkler 105 (e.g., extend sideways from the piping 110), among others.

[0018] The piping 110 can be any material. For example, the piping 110 can be black steel, stainless steel, CPVC, or copper, among others. The piping 110 can include one or more main pipes, connected with the fluid supply 115, from which one or more branch lines can extend.The piping 110 can be fluidly coupled with one or more sprinklers 105. The sprinklers 105 can receive water or other fire suppressant fluids 120 from the fluid supply 115 via the piping 110. The sprinklers 105 each define one or more outlets, through which the fire suppressant fluid 120 can exit and contact at least one deflector 125 to form a spray of water or other fire suppressant fluid 120 that covers a desired area. The fire suppressant fluid 120 from the sprinklers 105 then suppress or extinguish fire within that area.

[0019] The sprinkler system 100 can distribute at least one fire suppressant fluid 120 onto or nearby a fire, extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from spreading. The sprinkler system 100 can be used to protect various spaces or buildings or to actuate a valve (e.g., for dry pilot activation). The sprinkler system 100 can be used alone or in conjunction with other types of fire suppression systems (e.g., other building sprinkler systems, a handheld fire extinguisher). The sprinkler system 100 can be used with a variety of fire suppressant fluids 120, including but not limited to water (e.g., powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials).

[0020] FIG. 2 depicts an example sprinkler assembly 200. The sprinkler assembly 200 can couple a sprinkler 105 with piping 110 of a sprinkler system 100. For example, the sprinkler system 100 can include a flexible hose (e.g., a flexible stainless steel hose). The sprinkler assembly 200 can facilitate coupling of a sprinkler 105 with the flexible hose. The sprinkler assembly 200 can include at least one pipe component, shown as reducer 205. The reducer 205 can couple with or be a part of the piping 110 of a sprinkler system 100. The reducer 205 can provide an attachment point for a sprinkler 105 to couple with the piping 110 of the sprinkler system 100. The sprinkler assembly 200 can include at least one coupling assembly 210. The coupling assembly 210 can couple with the sprinkler 105 and the reducer 205. The coupling assembly 210 can couple the sprinkler 105 with the reducer 205.

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example reducer 205 with a coupling assembly 210. The coupling assembly 210 can include at least one coupler 305. The coupler 305 can couple with the reducer 205 to facilitate coupling of a sprinkler 105 with the coupler 305. For example, the coupler 305 can be coupled with the reducer 205 and be capable of rotating around the reducer 205 such that the reducer 205 and the sprinkler 105 can remain stationary while the coupler 305 rotates to couple the sprinkler 105 with the reducer 205. Thecoupler 305 can be any material. For example, the coupler 305 can be metal. The coupler 305 can include at least one body 310. The coupler 305 can include at least one first engagement element 315. The first engagement element 315 can couple the coupler 305 with the reducer 205. The first engagement element 315 can extend from the body 310. For example, the first engagement element 315 can extend axially from the body 310. The first engagement 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 can include the first engagement element 315 extending axially from the body 310. For example, the first engagement element 315 can extend perpendicular to a surface of the body 310. The second position can include the first engagement element 315 extending at least partially radially inward relative to the first position. The first engagement element 315 in the second position can couple the coupler 305 with the reducer 205.

[0022] The first engagement element 315 can include at least one tab 320. The tab 320 can be disposed at an end of the first engagement element 315. For example, the tab 320 can be positioned away from the body 310. The tab 320 can extend radially inward from the first engagement element 315. The tab 320 can engage with the reducer 205, or an intervening element disposed between the first engagement element 315 and the reducer 205, to couple the coupler 305 with the reducer 205 with the first engagement element 315 in the second position.100231 The coupler 305 can be moveable relative to the reducer 205. For example, the first engagement element 315 can engage with the reducer 205, or an intervening element, such that the coupler 305 can still rotate around the reducer 205. The coupler 305 can be stationary relative to the reducer 205. For example, the first engagement element 315 can engage with the reducer 205, or an intervening element, such that the coupler 305 cannot rotate around the reducer 205. For example, the first engagement element 315 can be welded, or otherwise fixedly coupled with the reducer 205 or an intervening element.[0024 J The coupler 305 can define at least one receptacle 325. For example, the body 310 of the coupler 305 can include at least one body surface 330. The first engagement element 315 and the body surface 330 can define a receptacle 325. The receptacle 325 can receive a portion (e.g., an end) of the reducer 205. The end of the reducer 205 can engage the bodysurface 330 with no sprinkler 105 coupled with the coupler 305. The end of the reducer 205 can engage the tab 320 of the first engagement element 315 with a sprinkler 105 coupled with the coupler 305. For example, the end of the reducer 205 can be spaced away from the body surface 330 with the sprinkler 105 coupled with the coupler 305.

[0025] The coupler 305 can include at least one second engagement element 335. The body 310 can define the second engagement element 335. The second engagement element 335 can couple the coupler 305 with a sprinkler 105. The second engagement element 335 can include any form of coupling mechanism to couple the sprinkler 105 with the coupler 305. For example, the second engagement element 335 can be threaded such that the sprinkler 105 can be threadably coupled with the coupler 305. If threaded, the second engagement element 335 can include any size, shape, pitch, or number of threads. For example, the second engagement element 335 can include national pipe threads (NPT), straight threads, or custom threads, among others. The threads can include any size. For example, the threads can range between 1 / 4” - 2” threads. The second engagement element 335 can be or include other coupling mechanisms. For example, the second engagement element 335 can be or include a snap-fit or quick-connect feature, among others.

[0026] The reducer 205 can include at least one body portion 340. The body portion 340 can be a part of the piping 110 of the sprinkler system 100 or be coupled with the piping 110. The reducer 205 can include at least one outlet portion 345. The outlet portion 345 can be disposed at an end of the body portion 340. The outlet portion 345 can be narrower than the body portion 340. For example, the outlet portion 345 can have a smaller cross-sectional area than the body portion 340.

[0027] The reducer 205 can include at least one flange 350. The flange 350 can be disposed at an end of the reducer 205. For example, the flange 350 can be disposed at an end of the outlet portion 345. The flange 350 can extend radially outward from the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205. The receptacle 325 can receive at least a portion of an end of the reducer 205. For example, the flange 350 and at least a portion of the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205 can be disposed in the receptacle 325. The flange 350 can engage the body surface 330 with a sprinkler 105 not coupled with the coupler 305. The flange 350 can engage the tab 320 of the first engagement element 315 with a sprinkler 105 coupled with the coupler 305.

[0028] The reducer 205 can be any material. For example, the reducer can be metal. The body portion 340, the outlet portion 345, and the flange 350 can be the same material. For example, the body portion 340, the outlet portion 345, and the flange 350 can be metal.

[0029] The reducer 205 can include or define at least one groove 355. For example, the body portion 340, the outlet portion 345, and the flange 350 can define the groove 355. The groove 355 can receive a portion of the coupling assembly 210 to couple the coupling assembly 210 with the reducer 205. For example, the groove 355 can receive at least a portion of the first engagement element 315 of the coupler 305. For example, at least a portion of the tab 320 of the first engagement element 315 can be disposed in the groove 355 to couple the coupler 305 with the reducer 205. An external force can be applied to the first engagement element 315 to move the first engagement element 315 from a first position to a second position. For example, the first engagement element 315 can be crimped to move the first engagement element 315 from a first position to a second position. The tab 320 can be disposed in the groove 355 with the first engagement element 315 in the second position.

[0030] The coupler 305 can be rotatably coupled with the reducer 205. For example, the coupler 305 can rotate relative to the reducer 205. For example, the tab 320 can translate or slide through the groove 355 around the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205 with the first engagement element 315 in the second position.

[0031] The reducer 205 can define at least one recess 360. The recess 360 can extend from an end of the reducer 205 axially into the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205. The recess 360 can extend radially outward into an inner wall of the outlet portion 345. The recess 360 can receive a seal component 365. The seal component 365 can be any component that can form a seal to prevent leakage from the sprinkler system 100. For example, the seal component 365 can be a gasket or O-ring, among others. The seal component 365 can have any shape or size capable of creating a seal between the sprinkler 105 and the reducer 205. The seal component 365 can be disposed at least partially in the recess 360. The seal component 365 can interface with a sprinkler 105 with the sprinkler 105 coupled with the coupler 305. The sprinkler 105 can compress the seal component 365 further into the recess 360 and move an end of the reducer 205 away from the body 310 of the coupler 305.

[0032] The coupling assembly 210 can include at least one insert 370. The insert 370 can provide a seal between the reducer 205 and the coupler 305. The insert 370 can provide a surface such that the coupler 305 can rotate around the reducer 205. For example, the insert 370 can have a smooth surface to facilitate rotation of the coupler 305 around the reducer 205. The insert 370 can be, for example, a nylon bushing. The insert 370 can be disposed in the groove 355. The insert 370 can extend along the flange 350 and the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205. The insert 370 can be disposed between the reducer 205 and the coupler 305. For example, the insert 370 can be disposed between the tab 320 and the reducer 205. The insert 370 can interface with the outlet portion 345 and the flange 350 of the reducer 205 and the tab 320 of the first engagement element 315 of the coupler 305.

[0033] The tab 320 of the first engagement element 315 can prevent the coupler 305 from decoupling from the reducer 205. For example, with the first engagement element 315 in the second position, the tab 320 can be disposed in the groove 355. With the tab 320 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 coupler 305 from sliding off of the end of the reducer 205.

[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a coupling assembly 210 coupling a sprinkler 105 with a reducer 205. As shown in FIG. 4, among others, the first engagement element 315 of the coupler 305 can be in a second position to couple the coupler 305 with the reducer 205. The second position can include the tab 320 of the first engagement element 315 being at least partially disposed in the groove 355 of the reducer 205. A sprinkler 105 can couple with the coupler 305 via the second engagement element 335. For example, the sprinkler 105 can be treadably coupled with the coupler 305 via the second engagement element 335.

[0035] With the sprinkler 105 coupled with coupler 305, an end of the reducer 205 can be spaced away from the body 310 of the coupler 305. For example, a portion of the sprinkler 105 can extend through the body 310 of the coupler 305 via the second engagement element 335. The sprinkler 105 can engage or contact the seal component 365 disposed, at least partially, in the recess 360 of the reducer 205. Engagement of the sprinkler 105 with the second engagement element 335 can apply a force to the seal component 365. The force can compress the seal component 365 further into the recess 360 to form a seal between thereducer 205 and the sprinkler 105. The force can cause the end of the reducer 205 (e.g., the flange 350) to move away from the body surface 330 of the body 310 toward the tab 320 of the first engagement element 315. The tab 320 can engage the flange 350, or an insert 370 that extends between the flange 350 and the tab 320, with the sprinkler 105 coupled with the coupler 305.

[0036] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example coupler 305. As shown in FIG. 5, among others, the coupler 305 can include at least one body 310. The coupler 305 can include at least one first engagement element 315. The first engagement element 315 can define an outer surface of the coupler 305. The first engagement element 315 can extend from the body 310. The body 310 can define at least one second engagement element 335.

[0037] The coupler 305 can define an aperture 505. The aperture 505 can extend through the coupler 305. For example, a first portion of the aperture 505 can extend through the body 310 (e.g., the second engagement element 335 can define or include the first portion of the aperture 505). A second portion of the aperture 505 can be defined by the first engagement element 315 (e.g., second portion of the aperture 505 can be or include the receptacle 325). The aperture 505 can have various cross-sectional shapes or areas. For example, the first portion of the aperture 505 can have a smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion of the aperture 505. For example, the cross-sectional area of the second engagement element 335 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the receptacle 325.

[0038] The coupler 305 can include at least one control element 510. The control element 510 can facilitate coupling of the sprinkler 105 with the reducer 205. For example, the control element 510 can be a projection or recess in the coupler 305 for a person or a tool (e.g., a wrench) to engage to grip the coupler 305 during installation of the sprinkler 105. For example, the control element 510 can be or include a projection on an exterior surface of the coupler 305. The control element 510 can be any shape or size. For example, the control element 510 can include a first projection on a first side of the aperture 505 and a second projection on a second side of the aperture 505 opposite the first projection. The control element 510 can include at least one projection that extends beyond the side of the coupler 305. The control element 510 can be disposed radially outward from the aperture 505. A user or a tool can engage the control element 510 to rotate the coupler 305 around the reducer 205and the sprinkler 105 to couple the sprinkler 105 with the reducer 205. For example, rotation of the coupler 305 via the control element 510 can cause the sprinkler 105 to threadably couple with the coupler 305, which can be coupled with the reducer 205.

[0039] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an example insert 370. The insert 370 can include an insert body 605. The insert body 605 can define an insert aperture 610. The insert aperture 610 can extend through the insert 370. The insert aperture 610 can receive the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205. For example, the insert 370 can be disposed in the groove 355 of the reducer 205 and extend around the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205.

[0040] The insert 370 can include at least one rim 615. The rim 615 can extend radially outward from the insert body 605. The rim 615 can extend around the insert body 605. The rim 615 can extend along and interface with the flange 350 of the reducer 205. The insert body 605 can extend along and interface with the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205.

[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of an example method 700 for assembling a coupling assembly 210. Method 700 can include disposing a seal component 365 in a recess 360 of a reducer 205 (Act 705). The seal component 365 can be at least partially disposed in the recess 360.

[0042] Method 700 can include disposing a portion of the reducer 205 in a receptacle 325 of a coupler 305 (Act 710). Act 710 can include disposing an end of the reducer 205 in the receptacle 325. The end of the reducer 205 can include a flange 350 and at least a portion of an outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205. The coupler 305 can include at least one first engagement element 315 and at least one second engagement element 335. The coupler 305 can include at least one body 310. The first engagement element 315 can extend from the body 310. The body 310 can define the second engagement element 335. The flange 350 can interface with the body 310.

[0043] Method 700 can include coupling the coupler 305 with the reducer 205 (Act 715). Act 715 can include moving the first engagement element from a first position to a second position. For example, the first position can be an open position to facilitate inserting the end of the reducer 205 into the receptacle 325 of the coupler 305. The first position can include the first engagement element 315 extending axially from the body 310. The second positioncan include the first engagement element 315 extending at least partially radially inward from the first position. For example, at least a portion of the first engagement element 315 can extend at an angle from the body 310.

[0044] Act 715 can include disposing a portion of the first engagement element 315 in a groove 355 of the reducer 205. For example, the first engagement element 315 can include at least one tab 320. At least a portion of the tab 320 can be disposed in the groove 355. The coupler 305 can be rotatably coupled with the reducer 205 via the groove 355. For example, the coupler 305 can rotate around the reducer 205.

[0045] Act 715 can include disposing an insert 370 in the groove 355 of the reducer 205. For example, the insert 370 can be disposed in the groove 355 such that the insert 370 extends along the flange 350 and the outlet portion 345 of the reducer 205. The insert 370 can be disposed between the reducer 205 and the first engagement element 315.

[0046] Method 700 can include coupling a sprinkler 105 with the coupler 305. For example, the sprinkler 105 can be treadably coupled with the coupler 305. At least one of the sprinkler 105 or the coupler 305 can rotate to couple the sprinkler 105 with the coupler 305. The control element 510 can be engaged to rotate the coupler 305.

[0047] Method 700 can include compressing the seal component 365. For example, the seal component 365 can be compressed in the recess 360 of the reducer 205 via the sprinkler 105. An end of the sprinkler 105 can apply a force on the seal component 365 to compress the seal component 365 further into the recess 360 to form a seal between the sprinkler 105 and the reducer 205. As such, a portion of the sprinkler 105 can extend into the recess 360 of the reducer 205. The sprinkler 105 can move or push the seal component 365 and the reducer 205 away from the body of the coupler 305. For example, with the sprinkler 105 coupled with the coupler 305, sprinkler 105 can compress the seal component 365 and move the reducer 205 away from the body 310. The sprinkler 105 can cause the flange 350 of the reducer 205 to engage, directly or indirectly, the tab 320 of the first engagement element 315. For example, an insert 370 can be disposed between the reducer 205 and the first engagement element 315. The first engagement element 315 can interface with the insert 370. For example, a portion ofthe first engagement element 315 (e.g., at least a portion of the tab 320) can be disposed in the groove 355. The tab 320 can interface with the insert 370.

[0048] Having now described some illustrative examples, 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.

[0049] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.10050 [ 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.

[0051] 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 asused 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / -10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0058] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. The foregoing implementations are illustrative rather than limiting of the described systems and methods. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sprinkler assembly, comprising: a reducer defining a recess; a seal component disposed at least partially in the recess, the seal component to interface with a sprinkler; and a coupler, comprising: a first engagement element to couple the coupler with the reducer; and a second engagement element to couple the coupler with the sprinkler.

2. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the coupler comprising a body, the body comprising a body surface, the body surface and the first engagement element defining a receptacle to receive an end of the reducer; and the end of the reducer spaced away from the body surface of the body with the sprinkler coupled with the coupler.

3. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the coupler comprising a body, the body defining the second engagement element; and the reducer comprising a groove, a portion of the first engagement element of the coupler disposed in the groove.

4. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the reducer comprising a groove; an insert disposed in the groove; and the first engagement element comprising a tab, at least a portion of the tab disposed in the groove to couple the coupler with the reducer, the insert disposed between the tab of the first engagement element and the reducer.

5. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising:the coupler comprising a body; and the seal component to interface with the sprinkler with the sprinkler coupled with the coupler, the sprinkler to compress the seal component further into the recess and move an end of the reducer away from the body of the coupler.

6. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the reducer comprising a flange, the flange defining a portion of a groove; and the first engagement element disposed at least partially in the groove, the first engagement element to engage with at least one of the flange or an insert disposed in the groove with the sprinkler coupled with the coupler.

7. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the second engagement element comprising threads to threadably couple the sprinkler with the coupler.

8. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the reducer defines a groove; the coupler defines a receptacle to receive a portion of the reducer; and a portion of the first engagement element disposed in the groove to couple the coupler with the reducer with the portion of the reducer in the receptacle, the coupler rotatably coupled with the reducer such that the coupler can rotate relative to the reducer.

9. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the first engagement element welded to the reducer.

10. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the coupler comprising a control element, the control element comprising a projection on an exterior surface of the coupler.

11. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, comprising: the coupler defining an aperture and comprising a control element, the control element comprising: a first projection on a first side of the aperture; and a second projection on a second side of the aperture opposite the first projection.

12. A method for assembling a sprinkler assembly, the method comprising: disposing a seal component in a recess of a reducer; disposing a portion of the reducer in a receptacle of a coupler, the coupler comprising a first engagement element and a second engagement element; and coupling the coupler with the reducer by moving the first engagement element from a first position to a second position.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising: disposing a portion of the first engagement element in a groove of the reducer, the coupler rotatably coupled with the reducer via the groove.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising: disposing an insert in a groove of the reducer; and disposing a portion of the first engagement element in the groove, the insert between the reducer and the first engagement element.

15. The method of claim 12, comprising: welding the first engagement element of the coupler to the reducer.

16. The method of claim 12, comprising: coupling a sprinkler with the coupler; and compressing the seal component in the recess via the sprinkler.

17. The method of claim 12, comprising: rotating the coupler to couple a sprinkler with the reducer.

18. The method of claim 12, comprising: engaging a control element to rotate the coupler to couple a sprinkler with the reducer.

19. The method of claim 12, comprising: disposing an insert in a groove of the reducer; pushing the seal component and the reducer away from a body of the coupler via a sprinkler; and interfacing the insert with the first engagement element, a portion of the first engagement element disposed in the groove.

20. The method of claim 12, comprising: rotating at least one of the coupler or a sprinkler to threadably couple the sprinkler with the reducer.

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