Adjustable flow rate, rectangular pattern sprinkler

A rotary sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body supporting a nozzle body and a water distribution plate supported on a shaft downstream of said nozzle body, said water distribution plate provided with a plurality of grooves shaped to redirect a stream emitted from said nozzle body and to cause the water distribution plate to rotate when struck by the stream; a stream deflector supported within said sprinkler body and surrounding said nozzle body; wherein said nozzle body and said stream deflector cooperate to produce a substantially rectangular wetted pattern area.

This invention relates to sprinklers and, specifically, to a sprinkler that incorporates an adjustable flow rate feature in combination with a specialized nozzle and stream deflector for creating a substantially rectangular water distribution pattern.

BACKGROUND

It is known to utilize interchangeable arc or other shaped nozzles in sprinklers in order to modify the pattern wetted by the discharge stream, while maintaining a constant flow or precipitation rate in the wetted areas. Typically, these nozzles comprise orifice plates which have a central hole for receiving a shaft that supports the distributor above the nozzle. The orifice itself is generally radially outwardly spaced from the shaft hole in the orifice plate. Representative examples of this type of construction are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,967,961; 4,932,590; 4,842,201; 4,471,908; and 3,131,867. Other arc adjustment techniques are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,556,036; 5,148,990; 5,031,840; 4,579,285; and 4,154,404. It is also known to incorporate adjustable flow rate arrangements in sprinklers, within the context of substantially constant water pressure. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,762,270; 4,898,332; and 4,119,275. Such arc adjustment and flow rate adjustment features are often incorporated into pop-up sprinklers. Examples of pop-up sprinklers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,288,022; 5,058,806; 4,834,289; 4,815,662; and 4,790,481.

Commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,651,905 and 6,736,332 (both of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference) disclose sprinkler heads designed especially (but not exclusively) for use with pop-up type sprinklers configurations, and that provide within limits, essentially infinite arc adjustment and throw radius adjustment features, and at the same time, constant precipitation rates and good uniformity. These sprinklers also minimize suckback plugging of the nozzle; permit active cleaning of the nozzle, and minimize potential damage to critical internal components when, for example, impacted during use.

The sprinkler heads in the '905 and '332 patents generally include a nozzle and a rotary water distribution plate (or rotor plate) mounted on a shaft so as to be axially spaced from the nozzle. The rotor plate is formed with a plurality of curved, generally radial grooves that cause the rotor plate to rotate when impinged upon by a hollow, generally cone-shaped stream emitted from the nozzle. The rotor plate may incorporate a viscous damping mechanism to slow its rate of rotation.

In the pop-up embodiments, the nozzle and associated stream deflector are supported within a hollow stem which, in turn, is supported within a cylindrical base. A coil spring is located axially between a flange at the upper end of the stem and an arc adjustment ring at the upper end of the base. This coil spring biases the rotor plate, shaft, nozzle, deflector and stem to a retracted position relative to the base.

The shaft on which the rotor plate is mounted extends downwardly into and through the deflector, and is provided with an externally threaded metal sleeve fixed to the lower end of the shaft. A throttle member is threadably mounted on the fixed sleeve, so that rotation of the shaft will result in the throttle member moving axially upwardly or downwardly on the shaft, depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft, toward or away from a flow-restriction stop formed near the lower end of the stem. In this way, flow rate to the nozzle, and hence throw radius, can be adjusted as desired. A “slip clutch” mechanism is also provided to protect the throttle assembly in the event of over-rotation of the shaft. Preferably, the arrangement is such that the flow cannot be completely shut off. In other words, even in a position where the throttle member is moved to its maximum restrictive position, enough water is permitted to flow through the base to the nozzle so that the rotor plate continues to rotate, albeit at a slower speed. This preferred configuration is intended to prevent stalling, a condition where the rotor plate ceases rotation as water pressure drops. The throw radius adjustment is effected by rotation of the shaft by a suitable tool engageable with an end of the shaft that is externally accessible to the user. Aside from the flow rate or throw radius adjustment function, the shaft is otherwise rotationally stationary during normal operation, i.e., the rotor plate rotates about the shaft.

In accordance with the '332 patent, the throttle member may be constructed of a suitable urethane rubber and preferably a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer. Using this material, the interior surface of the throttle member may be left smooth when manufactured, but will resiliently self-tap when engaged by the externally threaded metal sleeve fixed to the lower end of the shaft. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in that, in the event the shaft is over-rotated, the elastomeric throttle member will simply slip over the thread on the metal sleeve, thus creating an effective “slip clutch” that prevents damage to the stem assembly.

In the '332 and '905 patents, the nozzle is rotatably mounted within the base, and cooperates with a stream deflector mounted on the shaft to define an arcuate water discharge orifice. The nozzle is operatively connected through a drive mechanism to the arc adjustment ring mounted on the top of the base, and externally accessible to the user. Thus, the user may rotate the arc adjustment ring to lengthen or shorten the arcuate length of the discharge orifice. It is disclosed that a pair of nozzle/deflector combinations may be employed to provide adjustable arcs between 90° and 210°, and between 210° and 270°. In accordance with another embodiment, the nozzle and deflector are further modified to provide a 360° or full circle pattern.

The arc adjustment feature can be utilized in a pop-up sprinkler only when the rotor plate is extended relative to the base. In other words, components of the drive mechanism are fully engaged only when the nozzle, deflector and stem move upwardly with the rotor plate to engage complementary drive components on the arc adjustment ring. This arrangement prevents accidental arc adjustment when the sprinkler is not in use, e.g., through contact with a lawn mower, weed trimmer or the like. In addition, the arc adjustment ring is configured to permit re-orientation of the sprinkler pattern after the sprinkler is secured to, for example, a fixed, non-rotatable stem or riser in a pop-up assembly.

When used in a pop-up type sprinkler, the sprinklers disclosed in the '332 and '905 patents are extended by a two-stage pop-up mechanism. First, the extendable tube of the pop-up assembly will extend as water under pressure is introduced into the assembly. After the tube extends out of the fixed riser, the rotor plate, nozzle, deflector and stem extend further away from the base at the distal end of the extendable tube so that water emitted from the nozzle can be distributed radially by the rotor plate. This two-stage action is reversed when the flow of water is shut off, so that the rotor plate is in a retracted position that prevents any foreign matter from entering into the nozzle area before the extendable tube of the pop-up assembly is retracted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, the stream deflector component of the deflector/nozzle assembly as disclosed in the '332 and '905 patents is modified to produce a wetted area or pattern that is long and narrow (i.e., substantially rectangular) rather than the traditional circular or part-circular patterns).

It is understood that the nozzle orifice (where the water stream emits to atmosphere) as disclosed in the '332 and '905 patents, is in the form of an arcuate slot defined by cooperating geometry of the deflector and nozzle components. By modifying the deflector, as described herein, it is possible to shape the water stream upstream of the water distribution or rotor plate such that it will interact with the latter to achieve the desired rectangular-shaped wetted pattern area.

More specifically, modification of the stream deflector helps to create a nozzle orifice that is separated into three sections, each section designed to water a different portion of the desired rectangular pattern area. Two of the sections (i.e., two side sections at opposite ends of the rectangular pattern) are formed in part by two normal, arcuate slots, but of shortened arcuate length, provided in a horizontal wall surface of the deflector, with unrestricted water passages supplying water to these side slots, and with unmodified, cone-shaped surfaces of the stream deflector creating, in combination with the nozzle, a normal hollow, cone-shaped full-energy stream in these two side sections. A third arcuate slot, located between the two side slots, is supplied with water via restrictive ports upstream of the orifice, in the same horizontal wall surface of the deflector, that reduce energy in the stream. In addition, the cone-shaped surface of the stream deflector, downstream of the third arcuate slot, is modified to include a projecting boss that, in combination with the nozzle, re-shapes the low-energy stream for interaction with the rotary distributor to properly fill in the middle area or section between the first two side sections. In this regard, the deflector boss is shaped to create a stream that throws only a very short distance in front of the sprinkler, gradually increasing in distance of throw on both sides of this frontal area.

Another feature of this modified design allows for some adjustability along one side edge of the substantially rectangular-shaped wetted pattern area that, in effect, enlarges one end of the otherwise rectangular pattern.

Still another feature of the modified design is that the throttle can be used to reduce the size of the area watered while the length and width of the pattern is kept generally proportional.

In a related embodiment, it is possible to provide complimentary “end units” at opposite ends of the rectangular pattern area by blocking one or the other of the two side section orifices, and the adjacent half of the middle section.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention relates to a rotary sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body supporting a nozzle body and a water distribution plate supported on a shaft downstream of the nozzle body, the water distribution plate provided with a plurality of grooves shaped to redirect a stream emitted from the nozzle body and to cause the water distribution plate to rotate when struck by the stream, the nozzle body having an arcuate edge partially defining plural discharge orifices; a stream deflector supported within the sprinkler body and surrounded by the nozzle body; wherein the stream deflector is configured to cooperate with the arcuate edge to produce a substantially rectangular pattern.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a rotary sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body supporting a nozzle body and a water distribution plate supported on a shaft downstream of the nozzle body, the water distribution plate provided with a plurality of grooves shaped to redirect a stream emitted from the nozzle body and to cause the water distribution plate to rotate when struck by the stream, the nozzle body having an arcuate edge partially defining plural discharge orifices; and means for shaping a stream emitted from the nozzle body to produce a rectangular pattern.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a deflector for a sprinkler having a nozzle body formed with an arcuate edge that partially defines plural discharge orifices, the deflector comprising a center hub extending upwardly through an annular ring closed at an upper end thereof by a substantially horizontal surface, the center hub having an arcuate stream-engaging surface at an upper end thereof adapted to cooperate with the arcuate edge of the nozzle to form the plural discharge orifices; a pair of vertical, arcuately spaced ribs on the center hub extending upwardly from the horizontal surface for partially defining a first of the plural discharge orifices; an upstanding tab proximate one of the pair of ribs such that the one of the pair of ribs and the upstanding tab partially define a second of the plural discharge orifices, and wherein the outer of the pair of ribs partially defines a third of the plural discharge orifices; a first substantially arcuate slot formed in the horizontal surface between the one of the pair of ribs and the upstanding tab, and a second substantially arcuate slot formed in the horizontal surface adjacent the other of the pair of tabs; and at least one flow port formed in the horizontal surface between the pair of ribs.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a rotary sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body supporting a nozzle body and a water distribution plate supported on a shaft downstream of the nozzle body, the water distribution plate provided with a plurality of grooves shaped to redirect a stream emitted from the nozzle body and to cause the water distribution plate to rotate when struck by the stream, the nozzle body having an edge partially defining plural discharge orifices; a stream deflector supported within the sprinkler body and surrounded by the nozzle body; wherein the stream deflector is configured to cooperate with the edge to produce a substantially rectangular pattern, the deflector provided at least one port for restricting flow to one of the plural discharge orifices.

The invention will now be described in detail in connection with the drawings identified below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference initially toFIG. 1-16, the sprinkler head10generally includes a base or housing12and a stem14, with a conventional filter16attached to the lower end of the stem. The base12is adapted to be threadably attached to a pressurized water source. A water distribution plate18(or “rotor plate”) is mounted to the base12, via a flow rate or throttle adjustment shaft20that extends between the plate18and the stem. A rotatable arc adjustment ring22is secured to the top of the base12.

The rotor plate18is mounted for rotation relative to the normally stationary shaft20. Externally, the rotor plate18is formed with a series of generally radially oriented water distribution grooves24. The grooves24have lowermost entrance points that are preferably radially spaced from the shaft20in order to catch and distribute the arcuate (or annular) stream emanating from the nozzle26. The grooves are also curved in a circumferential direction, causing the rotor plate to rotate about the shaft20when impinged upon by the stream.

The rotational speed of the rotor plate18may be slowed by a viscous dampening mechanism or “motor” (or “viscous retarder”) that includes a generally cup-shaped stator28fixed to the shaft20. The stator is located in a chamber30defined by upper and lower bearings32,34as well as the interior surface36of the hollow rotor plate18. The chamber30is filled or partially filled with a viscous fluid (preferably a silicone fluid) that exhibits viscous shear as the rotor plate18rotates relative to the fixed stator28, significantly slowing the rotational speed of the rotor plate as compared to a rotational speed that would be achieved without viscous dampening. The viscous shearing action is enhanced by the shape of the upper bearing32, the lower portion of which fits within, but remains spaced from, the cup-shaped stator28.

Upper and lower annular seals38,40are mounted on the shaft20to prevent leakage of silicone fluid out of the chamber30. A cap or retainer42is press fit into the plate18, with a seal ring44engaging an upper surface46of the upper bearing32to provide additional sealing of chamber30.

The base12(FIGS. 1 and 2) includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve-like member48that is formed with an internally threaded inlet50by which the sprinkler head10may be attached to, for example, a conventional pop-up assembly or other sprinkler component. The inlet50also includes a radially in-turned edge52that serves as an annular seat for a flexible seal54. A substantial portion of the base12is formed on its interior surface with a plurality (for example,24) of circumferentially spaced, axially extending ribs or flutes56. The upper end of the base12is diametrically enlarged via a radial flange58that includes a radially outwardly and upwardly tapered surface60(FIG. 2) that serves as a seat for a similarly tapered surface62(FIG. 1) on the arc adjustment ring22when the rotor plate18is in the retracted, inoperative position shown inFIG. 1.

Surface60merges with a less sharply tapered rim64that has an undercut on its outer side to facilitate retention of the arc adjustment ring22. A radial shoulder66is adapted to engage an annular surface on the pop-up sprinkler body (not shown). As explained further below, the axially extending internal ribs or flutes56on the base12are utilized to normally prevent rotation of the stem14relative to the base12, but to permit such rotation upon the application of torque to the arc adjustment ring22over and above that required to adjust the pattern arc (also referred to herein as a “click adjust” feature, described in great detail below), in order to properly orient the pattern itself. Discontinuities or cut-outs68,70in the rim64and flat72at the lower end of the base (FIG. 2) are provided for orienting the base during assembly.

The arc adjustment ring22(FIGS. 1 and 3) includes an upper radially outturned rim74that is adapted to fit over the upper rim64of the base12. Rim74includes a depending skirt76that forms the outer diameter of the ring22. The lower end of skirt76is provided with a radially in-turned curl78engaged in the undercut below rim64such that the arc adjustment ring22is rotatable, but otherwise axially fixed relative to the base12. The previously described tapered surface62extends downwardly and inwardly to an annular row of radially inwardly facing (or horizontally projecting) gear teeth80(FIG. 3) that are used in the implementation of the arc adjustment capability as described further below.

With reference now toFIG. 4, and with continuing reference toFIG. 1, an arc adjustment actuator or drive ring82is axially interposed between the arc adjustment ring22and the nozzle26. The drive ring82is formed with a first radially outwardly facing annular row of teeth84that are adjacent and below a conically-shaped upper rim86. An annular undercut or groove88on the outer surface of the ring provides a seat or shoulder90adapted to receive radially inwardly directed ribs92(FIGS. 5,6) on the stem14. A second annular row of teeth94(FIGS. 1 and 4) project downwardly from the lower end of the ring, spaced radially inwardly of the upper row of teeth84.

The upper horizontally-oriented row of teeth84are adapted to mesh with the row of teeth80on the arc adjustment ring22, but only when the rotor plate18and stem14are extended relative to the base. The lower vertically oriented row of teeth94is adapted to always mesh with an upper row of teeth96on the nozzle26as described further below. Just below the annular seat88are four, circumferentially equally spaced windows98(FIG. 4) that are located directly above corresponding ones of the teeth96on the nozzle. In other words, these windows98are, in fact, extensions of the spaces between the lower row of teeth94. Two of the spaces or windows98are adapted to receive two corresponding tabs100that extend upwardly from a pair of diametrically opposed teeth96on the nozzle26(seeFIGS. 1,4and15). These tabs100and windows or recesses98assure correct orientation of the drive ring82relative to the nozzle26.

A vertical rib (not shown) in the groove88limits rotation of the ring22and nozzle26by engaging a selected edge of one of the radially inwardly directed ribs92. As will be explained further below, this rib limits the rotation of the nozzle26. Because the position of the limiting rib on the drive ring82is thus related to the nozzle orifice, it will be appreciated that the nozzle and drive ring must be properly oriented on assembly. Thus, for a nozzle with adjustability through a range of 90°-210°, the tabs100on the nozzle will seat in one pair of windows98while for a nozzle with a greater range, e.g., up to 270°, the tabs100will seat in the other pair of windows98. This arrangement permits one drive ring configuration to be used with different nozzles. The flat102at the upper end of the drive ring (seeFIG. 4) also facilitates automated assembly with the stem14.

FIGS. 5-8illustrate the stem14in further detail. This stem is formed at its upper end with the above-mentioned pair of circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly directed, arcuate ribs92. These ribs extend from an outer cylindrical wall104that extends downwardly to a radial flange106that provides a seating surface108for a coil spring110. The flange106includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, laterally extending spring tabs112that are unequally spaced about the flange106. Specifically, the spring tabs112and five associated rounded tips114are spaced to insure that each of the tips114will be seated between respective pairs of the twenty-four flutes56in the base12. As further described below, it is the interaction of spring tabs112with the flutes16that permits the sprinkling pattern to be reoriented even though the sprinkler head is attached to a fixed riser or other sprinkler component. In this regard, the openings116adjacent the spring tabs allow the latter to flex as they rotate past the flutes56on the base during pattern reorientation, while allowing the stem per se to remain rigid.

In order to form the arcuate, radially inwardly directed ribs92, slots118,120are formed at the root of the corresponding flange106, thus permitting access by forming tools during manufacture.

Below flange106, the stem14is made up of a substantially cylindrical tubular portion122, with a lower end having an annular groove124and a reduced diameter inlet portion125. Groove124is adapted to receive an upper end126of the filter16(FIG. 1) in snap-fit relationship. Interiorly, the tubular portion122is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed, axially extending ribs128,130, extending radially inwardly from the interior surface132of the tubular portion122.

Ribs128,130terminate at their lower ends at a location adjacent and above the annular groove124, where an upstanding, internal ring134joins to the internal surface132via an annular trough136. The ring134thus defines a constricted opening138within the reduced diameter inlet portion125of the stem. The ring134is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced upstanding teeth140, upper surfaces142of which provide a seat for the throttle control member144. It will be appreciated that the spaces146between the teeth140permit water to pass through the inlet opening138and into the stem even when the throttle member is in its fully closed (or minimum flow) position, i.e., when seated on surfaces142. This arrangement prevents stalling of the rotor plate under low flow conditions.

Note also the part-annular flow restricting flange148(FIGS. 6,8) within the inlet opening138that serves to block some of the spaces146for proper throttling action on models with lower flow rates.

A cross-web150and shortened cross piece152(FIGS. 6-8), provide a seat for the throttle sleeve154, with the raised center boss156extending into the hollow sleeve to maintain the shaft20and throttle sleeve154centered in the stem.

As best seen inFIG. 1, the shaft20extends downwardly through the nozzle26and through a stream deflector164. The lower end of the shaft20is provided with the externally threaded throttle sleeve154that is pressed onto (or otherwise secured to) the shaft. The sleeve154, preferably of metal construction, rests on the cross web150and shortened cross piece152. The internally threaded throttle control member144is threadably received on the axially fixed sleeve154, such that rotation of the shaft20causes the throttle control member144to move toward or away from the seating surfaces142of the teeth140, depending upon the direction of the rotation of the shaft. A slot158at the top of the shaft20enables rotation of the shaft by a screw driver or similar tool.

The manner in which the throttle control member144moves toward or away from the seat (142) on rotation of the shaft20via tool slot158remains as described in the '332 and '905 patents. Note again that shaft20is stationary during normal operation, and is rotatable only to adjust the flow rate.

The throttle control member144, as best seen inFIG. 9, is formed with four, equally circumferentially spaced ears (two diametrically opposed pairs160,162) that, during normal operation, are located between the ribs128,130as best seen inFIG. 10. It will be appreciated that rotation of the shaft20will initially result in rotation of both the throttle sleeve154and the throttle control member144(in either direction), until the diametrically opposed ears160engage ribs128,130to prevent further rotation of the throttle control member, causing it to move axially due to its threaded relationship with the sleeve154. This assumes a normal application of torque via tool slot158to adjust the flow rate.

It will be appreciated, however, that if excess torque is applied after the throttle control member144is seated on surface142of the teeth140, the flexible ears160will permit the throttle control member144to rotate past the ribs128,130until the other diametrically opposed pairs of ears162engage the ribs128,130. Should the application of excessive torque continue, this “slip clutch” arrangement will continue to work to prevent damage to the throttle components by permitting the throttle control member to rotate rather than move axially relative to the fixed internal components.

It will be understood that over-rotation in the throttle opening direction is handled in a similar manner, as permitted by the axial length of the ribs128,130.

Turning now toFIGS. 11-14, and with the continuing reference toFIG. 1, the stream deflector164is received within the stem14and cooperates with the nozzle26to define an arcuate water discharge orifice with an adjustable arcuate length. The stream deflector164also includes an annular ring or skirt portion166by which the deflector is secured within the stem14. Specifically, an annular, radially outward flange168seals against the interior surface132of the stem. A mating annular groove for receiving the flange may be provided in surface132. The skirt portion166of the ring is formed with a pair of notches170,172(FIG. 13) that open along the bottom edge of the skirt and are adapted to receive the upper ends of the ribs128,130on the interior surface132of the stem. This arrangement fixes the stream deflector164against rotation.

A center hub174lies at the center of the stream deflector164and is connected to the skirt portion166by a plurality of radial spokes176,178,180and182(FIGS. 13,14), all of which extend below the bottom edge184of the skirt portion166. Each spoke terminates at its radially outward end in a respective cylindrical stub (186,188,190,192) that lies on the bottom edge184of the skirt portion.

Stubs186,188and190are flush with the bottom surfaces of the respective spokes176,178and180, while stub192extends beyond the bottom surface of spoke182, serving as a further locator device during automated assembly. A bore194extends through the stream deflector and receives the shaft20as shown inFIG. 1.

The stream deflector164is designed for use with the nozzle26to produce an arcuate orifice that extends to a maximum of 210°, with adjustment within the range of 90°-210°. To this end, arcuate openings196,198(FIGS. 11 and 12) are formed in the surface200, on either side of the spoke176. Note that spoke182effectively extends upwardly beyond the skirt portion, forming an upstanding tab202, with a surface204(FIG. 12) that forms the “fixed” edge of the nozzle discharge orifice.

FIGS. 15 and 16illustrate in greater detail the nozzle26that is supported on the stream deflector164(within the stem14) for rotation relative to the stream deflector. The nozzle26is a generally cylindrical member with a centered, axial opening that the deflector164and the shaft20pass through, with an arcuate surface206engaged by the hub174of the deflector. The nozzle26has an inlet end208and an outlet formed by an arcuate edge210with a rounded undercut212below the edge and a radially outwardly tapering surface214above the edge. Arcuate edge210is spaced radially outwardly of deflector surface216to thereby define the width of the arcuate discharge orifice. Circumferentially, the edge210extends approximately 250° from a first vertical surface218of an upstanding tab220, to an edge222of a radial opening or notch224. Vertical surface218thus comprises the “adjustable edge” of the nozzle orifice. Surfaces204(of the deflector) and218(of the nozzle) may also be referred to as defining “limit positions.” Note that the tab220also seals against an hourglass-shaped (or cone-shaped) portion226(FIG. 11) of the deflector164that extends in either direction from surface216. (The manner in which the nozzle26interacts with the stream deflector164remains as described in greater detail in the '905 and '332 patents). The nozzle26is also formed with a flat230(FIG. 15) that cuts across a portion of the teeth96, and is used to facilitate auto-assembly with the stem14.

Also as described above, when the nozzle26is in place, and with the rotor plate18, stem14and deflector164extended relative to the base12, a gear drive (or gear train) is established between the arc adjustment ring22and the nozzle26by reason of the engagement of teeth80on ring22with teeth84on the drive ring82, and teeth94on the ring82with teeth96on the nozzle. Thus, rotation of the arc adjustment ring22will rotate the nozzle26, relative to the deflector164to alter the arcuate length of the water discharge orifice between 90° and 210°.

The stream deflector164and its integral fixed edge204may be rotated to re-orient one edge of the pattern by simply turning the arc adjustment ring22beyond its normal range. In other words, the ring22may be rotated to its most restricted position (with a 90° opening). Then, through the application of additional torque on the ring22, the drive ring82, stem14, stream deflector164and nozzle26(along with other of the internal components) will rotate together until the fixed edge204is in the desired position. The ring22can then be rotated in an opposite direction to achieve the desired arc of coverage between 90° and 210°. Conversely, the arc adjustment ring22may be rotated to the fully open position (210°), and then rotated beyond that position through the application of additional torque to reorient the fixed edge204. The arc adjustment ring22may then be rotated in the opposite direction to shorten the arc to any position between 90°-210°.

Turning now toFIGS. 17 to 21, a modified stream deflector component232in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this invention is able to produce, in combination with nozzle26, a substantially rectangular wetted pattern area. The deflector is generally similar to the deflector164and only the modifications necessary to produce the desired pattern area will be discussed in detail below. Other minor changes in shape (as compared to deflector164) are related to ease of manufacture, as dictated by plastic molding or metal shaping processes.

In the modified deflector, a pair of upstanding ribs234,236have been added to the center hub238above the slightly convex, or substantially horizontal wall surface240that otherwise closes the upper end of the annular ring or skirt242. One rib236lies adjacent and parallel to the upstanding tab244(similar to tab202). The circumferential space between the upstanding tab244(similar to tab202) and rib236accommodates a first shortened arcuate slot246(FIG. 20) formed in the surface240. The second rib234is circumferentially-spaced about the center hub238at a location such that ribs234and236lie substantially in the same vertical plane, best seen inFIG. 20. A second substantially arcuate slot248formed in surface240lies adjacent rib234. The second substantially arcuate slot spans an angle of about 35°, as compared to the first substantially arcuate slot which spans an angle of about 15°. Note that246,248have respective side edges247,249that are defined by ribs236,234that are not radial center lines, as best seen inFIG. 20.

A pair of restrictive flow ports250,252are also formed in the wall surface240, substantially circumferentially centered between ribs234and236(and hence between slots246and248). A substantially V-shaped boss254is formed on the outwardly tapering surface256of the cone-shaped portion of the center hub238, circumferentially centered between the ports250,252. The lower edge258of the boss is centered between the ports250,252, while the upper edge of the boss substantially spans the mid-points of the ports, From top-to-bottom, the boss254decreases in thickness, thus projecting a rounded wedge-shape from the tapered surface256. Note also the undercut259formed in the hub above the ports250,252. The undercut helps to spread the water issuing from the ports250,252in a lateral direction as explained further below.

FIG. 21shows the underside of the deflector232, and the location of substantially arcuate slots246,248and restrictive flow ports250,252relative to the spokes260,262,264and266that connect the center hub238to the annular ring or skirt242. More specifically, the first substantially arcuate slot246lies adjacent spoke260while the second substantially arcuate slot248lies adjacent spoke262. Note that the vertical tab244is essentially an extension of spoke260. Ports250,252lie on either side of spoke266. A downwardly extended portion267of spoke260serves as an assembly locator.

FIGS. 22 to 29illustrate the modified deflector232in assembled relationship with the nozzle26. As noted above, this nozzle is one that is otherwise used to obtain an arcuate pattern of between 90°and 210°. When assembled as shown inFIGS. 22-29, however, the nozzle orifice created by the tab244and edge218of the nozzle is separated into three discrete arcuate portions that defines sections A, B and C of the pattern P (seeFIG. 30). The orifice sections will also be designated A, B and C for ease of understanding. Thus, with reference toFIGS. 25-28, the orifice section A is defined by the tab244, rib236and part of arcuate nozzle edge210along with surface256of the deflector, and water is supplied unrestricted to this section via the substantially arcuate slot246. The orifice section B is defined by rib234and vertical adjustment edge218of the nozzle, part of the arcuate nozzle edge210and surface256of the deflector. Water is also supplied unrestricted to this section via substantially arcuate slot248. Thus, the streams emitted from orifice sections A and B are full-throw streams that are confined to narrow arcs, covering the lateral ends or sides of the pattern.

The larger arcuate orifice section C is defined by the ribs234,236and a portion of the arcuate nozzle edge210and surface256of the deflector and is supplied with water subject to restriction via the ports250,252.

Note also that with unrestricted water passages feeding water into orifice sections A and B, and exiting along the tapered or cone-shaped surface256of the deflector, normal full energy streams are produced in these two areas. Because the upstream ports250,252, however, restrict flow to orifice section C, the energy in the stream is reduced. In addition, this stream impinges on the undercut259, and boss254which further shapes the stream to fill in the section C pattern between the areas watered by sections A and B.

Note that by rotating the nozzle to enlarge the section B orifice, utilizing the entire arcuate extent of slot248in the deflector, section B can be enlarged up to about 30° as illustrated inFIGS. 29 and 30. With specific reference toFIG. 28, should any particle P find its way through the sprinkler filter and lodge in one of the restrictive flow ports250,252, the relative rotational movement of the lower nozzle edge270across the ports250,252may reorient any such particle P so that it is flushed through the device, i.e., passed through the nozzle orifice in section C.

In an alternative arrangement, the pattern may be fixed to produce a set rectangular pattern, with no relative rotation possible between the deflector and nozzle. The size of the pattern may, of course, be reduced by throttle adjustment as explained above.