# US 12,214,234 B2 · Direct coupling compatible sprinkler > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,214,234 B2 - Document ID: US12214234B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/323,799 - Filed: 2023-05-25 - Published: 2023-09-21 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2017-01-19 - Assignees: Victaulic Company - Applicants: Victaulic Company - Inventors: Philip W. Bancroft; Daniel Wake; Ahmed Saleh; Matthew A. Bowman; Craig Haney - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12214234B2 ## CPC - A62C 35/68: Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems (valves in general F16K) - A62C 37/11: heat-sensitive - A62C 37/12: with fusible links - A62C 37/14: with frangible vessels - B05B 15/65: Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits - F16L 17/04: with longitudinally split or divided sleeve - F16L 21/065: {tightened by tangentially-arranged threaded pins} - F16L 23/08: connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut - A62C: FIRE-FIGHTING (fire-extinguishing compositions, use of chemical substances in extinguishing fires A62D1/00; spraying, applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces in general B05; alarm arrangements G08B, e.g. fire alarms actuated by smoke or gases G08B17/10) - B05B: SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F25/72; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D) - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL ## Abstract A fire suppression sprinkler adapted to receive arcuate surfaces of a grooved coupling is retainable to the coupling in a pre-assembled state. The coupling joins the sprinkler in facing axial end-to-end relation directly to grooved pipe. The sprinkler has a monolithic body which defines a bore having an inlet and an outlet. A groove, positioned between the inlet and the outlet extends around the body. A gap between the inlet and the grooved pipe to ensure the sprinkler and the pipe are joined by the coupling spaced apart in facing end-to-end relationship. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A sprinkler adapted to receive arcuate surfaces of a grooved coupling, said sprinkler being retainable to said coupling in a pre-assembled state for joining said sprinkler in facing axial end-to-end relation directly to a grooved pipe, said sprinkler comprising: a monolithic body defining a bore having an inlet and an outlet oppositely disposed, said bore being open at said inlet, and said inlet being separated from said grooved pipe by a gap therebetween to ensure said sprinkler and said pipe are joined by said coupling spaced apart in facing end-to-end relation; a first arm extending from said body adjacent to said outlet, said first arm having an end positioned in spaced relation to said outlet; a groove extending around said body, said groove being positioned in said body between said inlet and said outlet, said groove being adapted to receive said arcuate surfaces; a single closing member located distal of said groove and sealingly engaging said outlet; and a trigger positioned between said end of said first arm and said closing member, said trigger permitting opening of said closing member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The sprinkler according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said body comprises a cylindrical surface, said groove extending circumferentially around said surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The sprinkler according to claim 1, further comprising: a second arm extending from said body adjacent to said outlet, said first and second arms meeting to form an apex in spaced relation to said outlet; said trigger being positioned between said apex and said closing member, said trigger being heat sensitive and permitting opening of said closing member in response to a specified temperature. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The sprinkler according to claim 3, further comprising a boss, said boss extending circumferentially about said sprinkler from said first arm to said second arm. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The sprinkler according to claim 4, wherein said boss comprises a plurality of facets. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The sprinkler according to claim 4, further comprising a projection projecting outwardly from said body between said groove and said outlet, wherein said projection is positioned between said groove and said boss. ### Claim 7 (depends on 3) The sprinkler according to claim 3, wherein said trigger comprises a frangible bulb. ### Claim 8 (depends on 3) The sprinkler according to claim 3, wherein said trigger comprises a solder link. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The sprinkler according to claim 1, said groove comprising a floor, said floor being substantially cylindrical, a first sidewall and a second sidewall adjacent said floor and being angularly oriented relative to said floor. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The sprinkler according to claim 9, wherein one of said sidewalls is oriented substantially perpendicularly to said floor. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The sprinkler according to claim 1, further comprising no more than one closing member for controlling flow therethrough. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The sprinkler according to claim 1, further comprising a projection projecting outwardly from said body between said groove and said outlet. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The sprinkler according to claim 12, wherein said projection comprises a ring extending around said body. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The sprinkler according to claim 12, wherein said projection comprises a surface angularly oriented with respect to an outer surface of said monolithic body.