Abstract:
A protective sprinkler head housing for allowing access to sprinkler heads and shafts for maintenance and repair. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device which allows for, and encloses, a working space around underground sprinkler heads. The device is placed around a sprinkler shaft in the ground and the plant material is placed on its outside. The top of the sprinkler head sits above the device. When the sprinkler needs to be accessed, the top of the device can be removed and an open interior space remains where a user can place his/her hands and/or tools to repair or replace a sprinkler head. This invention may be installed when the underground sprinkler system itself is first installed or alternatively may be installed at each sprinkler head as needed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/942,541, filed Jun. 7, 2007, entitled “Working Space Enclosure for Underground Sprinkler Heads” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, in general, to a device and a method for allowing access to underground sprinkler heads for maintenance and repair. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device which allows for, and encloses, a working space around underground sprinkler heads. This device enables a user to place his/her hands and/or tools in the working space to repair or replace a sprinkler head. This invention may be installed when the underground sprinkler system itself is first installed or alternatively may be installed at each sprinkler head as needed. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In order to adequately provide water to lawns or other planting beds, sprinkler systems are commonly installed. Most underground sprinkler systems are composed of multiple sprinkler heads linked together with pipes and/or water lines which carry the water from an outflow valve. One of the major drawbacks to such a sprinkler system is that once a sprinkler head is damaged it is difficult to repair. Furthermore, if one head is damaged the water gushes out (the “geyser” phenomenon) of the system often causing flooding in the area and depriving water pressure to sprinkler heads down the line from the geyser. This causes a useless waste of water and can be very damaging to the surrounding vegetation and infrastructure. It is most beneficial to repair the heads as soon as possible. Sprinkler heads become damaged or otherwise malfunction for many reasons. A few examples are as follows: striking by lawnmowers, clogging with dirt and debris, vegetation overgrowing a head necessitating that it be raised, and cracked risers. 
         [0004]    Currently when a sprinkler head requires maintenance, a working space of approximately one foot in diameter must be dug in the dirt around the base of the sprinkler head, usually all the way down to where they screw into the riser or water supply line. This is a very messy and time consuming job, especially when the soil is rocky or contains roots which must be cut. When the bottom of the head and/or connection with the underground pipe are finally reached and unscrewed, the hole that has just been dug usually fills with water that is residual in the underground water supply lines, even if the main water source has been shut down. Muddy water, dirt and debris fall into the now open water lines. Since the debris will likely clog the replaced head and/or water line if allowed to remain, the water must be bailed out of the hole or one must wait for the water to be absorbed back into the ground before work can be continued or completed. 
         [0005]    After the repair is made, the hole that is dug must be refilled with dirt. It is most aggravating when this procedure must be done all over again a short time later to repair another problem that might occur with the same head. When this scenario is multiplied by 35 to 60 sprinkler heads per yard this becomes a never-ending problem. 
         [0006]    There is, thus, a need to resolve this problem with a method and device that provides for and maintains a clean and clear working space in the ground surrounding the sprinkler heads. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    This invention involves a device and method for maintaining an open and clean working space in the ground surrounding the sprinkler heads so that repairs and maintenance can be easily made. This device can be installed either at the time the sprinkler system is placed in the ground or at a later time when the repair of a sprinkler head must be done. This device fits around each sprinkler head and creates a space large enough for a user to fit his/her hands into and/or to utilize tools in the hole to repair the sprinkler head, riser or other connection to the underground pipe. Once the device is installed dirt is filled in around the outside of the cylinder assembly and real or artificial turf is placed over the top cap. 
         [0008]    After the device is installed it then becomes easy to reach the portion of the sprinkler that is below ground by removal of the top turf and removal of the cap. When the cap is removed there is a clear working area all the way down to the water supply pipe large enough to accommodate a person&#39;s hand or tools. The sprinkler head is easily unscrewed, repaired and replaced. Once the repair is complete the top cap is put back onto the device, the sprinkler head is screwed back in, and the turf is replaced over the cap. This device and method avoids digging, dirt, muddy filled hole, tree roots and rocks. Even if evacuated water spills into the cylinder when the head is removed it is at least clean and can easily be suctioned out with a simple turkey baster if desired. Work can be continued without waiting for the water to be absorbed back into the ground. 
         [0009]    The sprinkler working space device is comprised of two cylinder halves and a top cap and a bottom cap. When the cylinder halves are mated, together they form a complete cylinder of approximately four and a half inches in diameter forming the body of the device. In a preferred embodiment these halves are manufactured with plastic, however many other hard substances could be used as the material for these halves. The halves mate together at each of their edges. The configuration of the cylinder with two halves solves several problems. This configuration enables the device to be more easily shipped, stocked and displayed on retailer shelves. In a preferred embodiment the cylinder halves are extrusions of approximately four feet in length. The extrusion is designed such that when two sections of equal length cut from the extrusion are properly positioned in relationship to each other, they mate flushly to form a complete cylinder. 
         [0010]    A top and bottom cap fit onto the cylinder. Each the top and bottom cap have an exterior and interior side. The top and bottom cap are formed with two concentric upright walls on their interior side running the circumference of the cap at and near the outer perimeter of the cap disc. In the preferred embodiment the inner circumference cap wall can be manufactured to be slightly higher than the outer wall. The space between the concentric cap walls is designed to receive the ends of the cylinder halves and retain them in an upright position. In another preferred embodiment the inner wall of either cap can be scalloped, a design feature which makes it easier to install. In another preferred embodiment the top cap can be manufactured with a clear plastic, or other transparent hard material, which allows a better view when screwing the sprinkler head back onto the riser or other connection to the underground pipe. The preferred embodiment of the top cap incorporates a dirt guard that extends laterally and at a slight downward angle from the bottom of the outer wall around the complete circumference of the top cap. 
         [0011]    Both the top and the bottom cap contain holes. The sprinkler head passes through a hole in the top cap and the water supply riser or other connection pipe passes through the bottom cap. The top and the bottom cap incorporate one or more concentric scored circles around the outside of the holes. The concentric scored circles allow the holes to be punched out or cut out at alternative locations. This provides options for the size and location of the holes depending on the type, size and location of sprinkler head (top cap) or water supply connection (bottom cap) which must pass through their surface. 
         [0012]    There are alternate embodiments of the top caps which have the holes located in different areas of the surface. These alternate embodiments are necessary because sprinkler heads are not only located in open lawns but are often located along walkways and driveways. In the open areas, the holes in the top cap can be located in the center of the cap. Along walkways and driveways, however, the sprinkler heads are often too close to the pavement. When heads are close to the pavement the enclosure device may not fit when the center hole configuration is utilized. That&#39;s because the underground water supply pipes very often run extremely close to the pavement. In this case an embodiment of the device is used where the openings for the riser pipe and head is located closer to the outside edge of the cap&#39;s circumference. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention. In the drawings, 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an underground sprinkler installed in the ground with its connecting pipe, and without a working space enclosure installed; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an underground sprinkler installed in the ground with a working space enclosure installed; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an expanded view of the working space enclosure of  FIG. 2  showing the two cylinder halves and the bottom and top cap; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the working space device with the sprinkler head hole placed in the center and a dirt guard around the top cap; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the working space device with the sprinkler head hole offset to one side of the top cap and a dirt guard around the top cap; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an oblique view of an embodiment of a cap of a working space enclosure device cap with scalloped inner walls; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7A  is a graphical representation of a cross section of a portion of a working space enclosure cap showing the scored areas for the punch out holes; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7B  is an aerial view of a top cap of the working space enclosure device with a center hole; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7C  is an aerial view of a top cap of the working space enclosure device with a offset hole; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7D  is an aerial view of a bottom cap of the working space enclosure device; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of a top cap showing the scalloped edges and the dirt guard. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, all the various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of an example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth below. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 1  a cross sectional view of a standard sprinkler installed in the ground attached to an underground pipe is shown. As can be seen by viewing  FIG. 1  in order to reach the connection between the sprinkler head and the underground pipe  50  the ground around the sprinkler head must be dug out and removed. This is an issue because the hole will likely fill with residual water from the water supply as soon as the sprinkler head is removed and the dirt surrounding the hole will likely erode into the hole. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an underground sprinkler with a working space enclosure device  100  installed in the ground around a sprinkler head. As can be seen by viewing the  FIG. 2  in order to access the connection between the sprinkler head and the underground pipe  50 , just the upper portion of turf  122  and the top cap  120  of the device  100  must be removed. Once the top cap  120  is removed there is a large open space around the sprinkler head so that the connection  50  can be reached. If the area surrounding the sprinkler head fills up with water there is no surrounding dirt to muddy the water or fill the space. The space created around the sprinkler head is large enough so that the person repairing the head can fit their hands and/or tools into this space so that the repair or replacement can be comfortably completed. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is an expanded view of the working space device  100  showing the two cylindrical halves ( 140  and  145 ) mated together and the bottom  130  and top cap  120 . The body of the device is formed by two cylinder halves  140  and  145  which each form a half circle. When the two halves ( 140  and  145 ) are mated together the cylindrical body of the device is formed which has an upper and lower end. The halves  140  and  145  are manufactured of plastic or other rigid material and can be made at various heights. The thickness of the halves can range from 1/16 to ¼ inch. In a preferred embodiment the body halves  140  and  145  are made from an extruded cylinder half which can range in length, which in turn can be cut into the desired length that determines the height of the cylinder. The halves are generally made at heights within the range of 4 to 12 inches. The extrusions are a continuous piece that can be manufactured at any length. Due to the design of the cylinder half extrusions, both halves of the cylinder are made from the same extrusion. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment each of the halves has one or more scored lines  147  running its entire horizontal circumference starting at ½ to 1 inch down from the top edge. The scored lines  147  enable sections of the halves to be removed so that the body of the device can be made shorter at the scored lines. The adjustability of the device is beneficial in that the depth below ground at which the water supply pipes are installed varies to a great degree. Ideally, the top of the enclosure should be close to the surface of the ground. This requires that the wall heights of the working space enclosure should be adaptable to some degree. The ability to adjust the height of the device  100  enables the top to sit at the level that provides optimum performance. 
         [0030]    The cylinder half extrusion has joggles on either of its edges. The two halves of the cylinder sides  140  and  145  are each constructed with complementary joggles  142  and  143 , and  141  and  144  along the vertical edges. On one side the joggle is inboard  141  and on the other side, outboard  144 . When two halves are mated together to form the cylinder, the inboard and outboard joggles fit together in a complementary fashion. The edge  142  or  144  of one cylinder half interfaces with the joggle edge  141  or  143  of the other cylinder half. The depth of the joggles are approximately one-half the thickness of the cylinder walls. The result is that the outside surface of the cylinder at the seams is even. When the halves  140  and  145  are assembled together they form a complete cylinder large enough to fit the users hands or tools (see  FIG. 4 ). The configuration of the device with two cylinder halves addresses several issues, mostly related to shipping, stocking, display on retailer shelves and transporting in the trucks of installers and lawn maintenance workers. 
         [0031]    A top cap  120  and bottom cap  130  connect with the walls  140  and  145  once they are assembled together. The top cap  120  and bottom cap  130  have an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface. The walls  140  and  145  fit into a channel which is formed on the interior facing surface of each of the caps. The channel is formed by two concentric upright walls  132  and  134  which run the circumference of the interior facing side at and near the outer perimeter. The body halves  145  and  140 , once assembled together, fit into the channels formed by the two concentric upright walls  132  and  134  on the top  120  and bottom  130  caps. In one embodiment the walls  132  and  134  are the same height, while in the preferred embodiment the inner wall  134  is slightly higher than the outer wall  132 . In another embodiment the top cap  120  is made of a clear plastic, or other transparent material, to allow for a better view when the sprinkler head is being screwed onto a riser or other type of connection with the underground pipe. 
         [0032]    The top cap  120  has a hole which is either centrally located  FIG. 4  or offset to one side see  FIG. 5 . The centrally located hole  125  has concentric punch-out circles providing the option of different hole sizes that will best accommodate the sprinkler head passing through it. The offset hole and its companion punch-out circles are not arranged concentrically  FIG. 5 , rather they are stacked  126  toward the outer edge of the top cap. The purpose of this arrangement is to assure that whichever size hole is chosen, the outside edge of the hole will be as close as possible to the outer edge of the cap. In looking at  FIG. 4  it can be seen that there are two concentric punch out circles surrounding the hole  125  in the top cap  120 . In this embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4 , there can therefore be three different sized holes depending on the need of the user. 
         [0033]    The top cap has a dirt guard rim  127  extending outward and at a slight downward angle from the outer wall running the complete circumference. The purpose of the dirt guard is to prompt the user to clean dirt off of the top cap down to the dirt guard and to the outer edge of the rim prior to removing the top cap. When this is done, the dirt surrounding the enclosure device is well below vertically and at a distance laterally in relation to the top of the cylinder walls. This significantly helps to prevent dirt from falling into the working space chamber. There is a groove  128  that runs across the dirt guard in a position forward of the location of the offset holes. The purpose of the groove  128  is to facilitate breaking off the section of the guard in front of the offset holes. Removing this piece allows the enclosure to be placed as close as possible to sidewalks and driveways. 
         [0034]    The bottom cap  130  incorporates the option of different hole sizes by way of concentric punch out or cut out holes to accommodate common but different forms of connection to the water supply pipes. In  FIG. 3 , the bottom cap  130  has two holes  135  and  137 . One hole would be used for passage of a riser or other type of connection with the underground pipe; the unused hole is convenient as a drain hole. The offset hole,  137  is oblong rather than circular. The purpose of the oblong shape is that this hole has to be able to accommodate the three different center positions of each of the three offset stacked holes of the top cap. The position of the riser pipe passing through the offset hole of the bottom cap will shift depending upon which hole option of the offset group of the top cap is selected. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  displays an embodiment of the device with the sprinkler head hole placed in the center while  FIG. 5  displays an embodiment of the device with the sprinkler head hole placed offset to one side of the top cap. It is beneficial to have an offset hole in circumstances where the sprinkler heads abut a curb or sidewalk. The multiple embodiments of the top cap  120  manufactured with holes placed at various locations allows this device to be used with sprinklers placed in different locations. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  displays a preferred embodiment of a top cap  120 . In this oblique view of the interior side of the top cap the inner wall of a cap is scalloped  155 . The scalloped inner wall  155  makes it easier to place the cap onto the cylinder when the repair is completed. 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  A-D display in detail the punch out holes and how the same function. Referring to  FIG. 7A  is a graphical representation of a cross section  FIG. 7B  ( 160 ) of a portion of a top  120  or bottom  130  cap showing the configuration of the punch out holes. The thinner sections of material displayed at  161 ,  162 ,  163 ,  164  and  165  represent the scored punch-out circles. The user can determine the size hole they need and then press the surface of the cap, or alternatively use a knife to cut, at the thinner sections to punch out or cut out the hole. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7B  shows a top cap  120  with a center hole  125 . The center hole  125  has one or more scored concentric circles. The hole can be punched or cut out at any of these circles once the user determines the size they need. The cross section shown at  FIG. 7A  is a view taken from  FIG. 7B  ( 160 ).  FIG. 7C  shows a top cap  120  with an offset hole  125 .  FIG. 7D  is a bottom cap  130  showing both a center hole  135  and an oblong offset hole  137 . Each of the holes have one or more punch-out possibilities from which to choose, depending upon the type of connection to the water supply. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of a top cap  120  showing the scalloped edges  155  and the dirt guard  127 . The scalloped edges  155  make the top cap  120  easier to install, because it facilitates the positioning of the inner upright wall into the interior side of the cylinder while maintaining the outer wall on the exterior side of the cylinder. On this diagram the dirt guard  127  can be seen extending at a downward angle from the lower edge of the outer wall of the top cap  120 . As explained in more detail above the dirt guard  127  helps to prevent dirt from falling into the working space chamber. 
         [0040]    The above description of disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the generic principals defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principals and novel features disclosed herein.