Apparatus and system for removing, replacing and/or reinstalling sprinkler heads

Apparatuses, systems and methods that facilitate the removal and/or reinstallation of sprinkler heads as part of performing repositioning, repair, replacement and/or the like of one or more sprinkler heads, such as pop-up sprinkler heads. One tool disclosed herein may be used to cut the ground surrounding a sprinkler head and then unscrew at least a retaining cap of the sprinkler head so as to remove the retaining cap and an inner housing from the ground. Another tool disclosed herein may be used to unscrew or otherwise rotate an outer casing of the sprinkler head so as to remove the outer casing from the ground. After any appropriate work or other tasks are performed in relation to the sprinkler head and/or irrigation line, the first and/or second tools can be used to reinstall/resecure the sprinkler head to the water line and at least partially below ground level.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to tools for use with sprinkler heads and, more particularly, to systems and methods that allow for the removal of one or more sprinkler heads from an in-ground location to facilitate the addition of riser tubes between the sprinkler head(s) and the underground irrigation line, repair of the sprinkler head(s), and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current methods for watering lawns and/or gardens include underground irrigation systems fluidly interconnected to a number of sprinkler heads that are configured to spray water from the irrigation system over the lawns and/or gardens. For instance, pop-up sprinkler units or heads (e.g., stationary, gear-driven) are particularly convenient because they are embedded in the ground when not in use. Generally, a pop-up sprinkler head includes a cylindrical outer casing or body, a cylindrical inner tubular housing (e.g., stem, riser) concentrically mounted in the outer casing, a retaining cap threadably mounted onto the outer casing and which generally prevents the inner housing from being completely separated from the outer casing, and a spring that urges the inner housing back into the outer casing in the absence of a water pressure so that the top of the inner housing (e.g., adjacent the nozzle) is generally flush with the top of the retaining cap, among other components. The bottom of the outer casing includes an inlet that is fluidly interconnected to an irrigation or water line (e.g., tube, pipe) running underground underneath the sprinkler head.

Over time, the ground level often tends to rise with respect to a pop-up sprinkler head (e.g., due to thatch, twigs, and/or other debris falling onto the lawn and eventually settling down towards the roots of the grass). As a result, spray performance of the pop-up sprinkler head may be inhibited (e.g., due to the nozzle of the inner housing not being able to extend past the top of grass, debris falling into the nozzle or other portions of the sprinkler head, and the like). As a result, it is often necessary to remove the sprinkler head (i.e., both the inner housing and outer casing of the sprinkler head), secure (e.g., threadably) one or more riser tubes (e.g., nipples) to the inlet of the outer casing and/or to the underground water line, and then re-secure the sprinkler head to the water line so as to raise the level of the head with respect to the ground.

Addition of the riser tube(s) allows the inner housing nozzle to fully extend past the top of the grass and avoid decreased spray performance. However, removal of a pop-up sprinkler head, addition of one or more riser tubes, and then re-installation of the pop-up sprinkler head is often a time consuming and laborious process. For instance, current sprinkler head removal tools and systems limit the ability of sprinkler technicians and other personnel to efficiently remove and replace a large number of pop-up sprinkler heads in a time-efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to apparatus, systems and methods (i.e., utilities) that facilitate the removal and/or reinstallation of one or more sprinkler heads (e.g., pop-up sprinkler heads) from or into the ground, for instance as part of performing repositioning, repair, replacement and/or the like of the sprinkler heads. In one regard, the disclosed utilities may be used to remove a sprinkler head from the ground free of necessarily having to dig around the sprinkler head to gain access to the same. In another regard, the disclosed utilities may be used to remove and replace a plurality of variously sized sprinkler heads. For instance, each of the tools disclosed herein may be used with sprinkler heads having different retaining cap diameters, different outer casing diameters, and the like. In this regard, the disclosed tools may be considered somewhat “universal” tools. Once one or more sprinkler heads are removed using the utilities herein, any appropriate tasks such as the inclusion of riser tubes, repair of the sprinkler heads, etc. may be performed. The disclosed utilities may then be used to reinstall the sprinkler heads back into the ground so as to fluidly interconnect the same with an underground irrigation system.

In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for use with a sprinkler head mountable at least partially within the ground, where the sprinkler head having an outer casing, an inner tubular housing slidably mountable within the outer casing, and a retaining cap securable to the outer casing to limit separation of the inner housing from the outer casing. In this aspect, the apparatus includes a body having a first end, an opposed second end, an inner surface, and a substantially hollow cavity inside the inner surface. A minimum cross-dimension of the body increases along at least a portion of a length of a rotational axis of the apparatus in a direction towards the second end. The apparatus also includes a tool engaging element disposed adjacent the first end. The cavity is operable to receive the retaining cap via the second end and allow the retaining cap to contact the inner surface at a location disposed between the first and second ends so that rotation of the apparatus about the rotational axis via the tool engaging element effects rotation of the retaining cap.

The tool engaging element may be in the form of a socket (e.g., to receive a wrench or the like), a shaft or rod (e.g., for attachment to a handle or the like), and/or the like. In some arrangements, the apparatus may include one or more cutting members disposed adjacent the second end of the apparatus that may be used to cut or severe the earth around the sprinkler head as the apparatus is being moved (e.g., rotated) towards the retaining cap. In other arrangements, any appropriate gripping member(s) or components (e.g., rubber layer, knurled surface, etc.) may be disposed or formed on the inner surface of the body.

In one variation, a kit may include both the apparatus and a tool, where the tool includes a first end, an opposed second end, and an outer surface having a length that extends between the first and second ends. The outer surface of the tool is configured to be inserted into an inner cavity of the outer casing and contact an inner wall of the outer casing so that rotation of the tool about a rotational axis of the tool effects rotation of the outer casing. For instance, the tool may be used to remove the outer casing after the apparatus was used to remove the retaining cap (and in some cases an inner housing).

In another aspect, a method includes moving an open end of a first tool towards a retaining cap of a pop-up sprinkler head; receiving the retaining cap within a hollow cavity of the first tool via the open end; contacting an outer periphery of the retaining cap with an inner wall of the first tool at a contact location, the inner wall surrounding the hollow cavity; and rotating the first tool, during the contacting, to induce a corresponding rotation of the retaining cap relative to a mounting location in the ground.

Various refinements may exist of the features noted in relation to the various aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in the various aspects. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination, and various features of the aspects may be combined. In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the various novel aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, the following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.

Disclosed herein are utilities that facilitate the removal and/or replacement of sprinkler heads such as pop-up sprinkler units or heads for use in the addition of one or more riser tubes (e.g., nipples) so as to raise the sprinkler heads away in a direction away from the ground, repair of the sprinkler heads, and/or the like. One (e.g., a first) tool or apparatus disclosed herein may be used to cut or sever ground or earth surrounding a sprinkler head mounted in the ground and then unscrew or otherwise rotate at least a retaining cap of the sprinkler head so as to remove the retaining cap and an inner housing or riser of the sprinkler head from the ground and from an outer casing of the sprinkler head. In some arrangements, rotation of the first tool also unscrews the outer casing from at an underground water line. In the event that the outer casing remains in fluid interconnection with the water line, another (e.g., a second) tool or apparatus disclosed herein may be used to unscrew or otherwise rotate the outer casing so as to remove the outer casing from the ground. After any appropriate work or other tasks have been performed in relation to the sprinkler head and/or water line (e.g., adding riser tubes, repairing the sprinkler head, blowing out the water, line, etc.), the first and/or second tools can be used to reinstall/resecure the sprinkler head(s) (and/or new sprinkler heads) to the water line and at least partially below ground level. The tools may in some arrangements be included as part of a kit for use by sprinkler technicians or personnel.

Before discussing the disclosed embodiments in more detail, reference will initially be made toFIGS. 1-2awhich illustrate one type of pop-up sprinkler head10with which the utilities disclosed herein may be used. It should be understood that the sprinkler head10in the figures has merely been shown to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed embodiments and that the disclosed embodiments are not necessarily limited to use with the specific sprinkler head10shown.

Broadly,FIG. 1shows the sprinkler head10being fluidly interconnected to an underground irrigation line or system90and at least partially mounted within the earth or ground92, andFIG. 2apresents a sectional view of the sprinkler head10. The sprinkler head10may generally include an outer casing14(e.g., an outer housing); an inner housing18(e.g., a riser) slidably or otherwise movably received within the outer casing14between a retracted, non-operational position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 2a) and an extended, operational position (as shown inFIG. 1); and a retaining cap22securable (e.g., threadable) to the outer casing14so as to limit removal of the inner housing18from the outer casing14.

The outer casing14may generally include first and second opposed open ends26,30, a sidewall34having opposed inner and outer surfaces38,42extending between the first and second ends26,30, and an internal or interior cavity46surrounded by the inner surface38between the first and second ends26,30for slidably receiving the inner housing18. The inner surface38of the outer casing14may include one or more alignment features such as fins44(e.g., splines, ribs) extending along a length of the outer casing14between the first and second ends26,30for engaging with corresponding alignment features on a portion of the inner housing18for use in aligning the inner housing18within the interior cavity46and inhibiting relative rotation between the inner housing18and outer casing14as discussed below. An inlet48adjacent the second end30of the outer casing14may include any appropriate engagement feature or component such as threads50which may be configured to appropriately engage with corresponding threads (not shown) on a riser tube49or T-joint/fitting54or other component of the irrigation system90to allow for fluid flow between the irrigation system90and the interior cavity46of the outer casing14.

The inner housing18may generally include first and second opposed ends58,62, a sidewall66having opposed inner and outer surfaces70,74extending between the first and second ends26,30, and an internal or interior cavity78surrounded by the inner surface70between the first and second ends58,62for receiving a flow of water therein or therethrough. The retaining cap22may be threaded or otherwise removably secured over the first end26and about the outer surface42of the outer casing14so as to capture a spring82between the outer surface74of the inner housing18and the inner surface38of the outer casing14so that one end of the spring82is disposed against the retaining cap22and another end of the spring82is disposed against a portion of the inner housing18(e.g., retaining ridge or flange84). SeeFIG. 2a.

The inner housing18may be prevented or at least limited from being completely removed or separated from the outer casing14due to the presence of the spring82and the retaining ridge84when the retaining cap22is secured over the first end26of the outer casing14. Further, the inner housing18may be prevented or at least limited from being rotated about a central axis99of the sprinkler head10due to engagement or contact between the alignment fins44on the inner surface38of the outer casing14and corresponding grooves or openings87on or in an outer periphery of the retaining flange84. Also seeFIG. 2b. In some arrangements grooves in the inner surface38of the outer casing14may be configured to engage with corresponding fins/splines on the outer periphery of the retaining flange84for alignment and anti-rotation purposes. In any event, the spring82may be configured to apply a spring force against the retaining flange84so as to urge the inner housing18into a retracted position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 2) in the absence of a water pressure so that the inner housing18is generally concealed from view and generally does not present an obstacle or hazard while walking over the sprinkler head10, mowing over the sprinkler10, or the like.

When the water pressure from the irrigation system90overcomes the force of the spring82, the water pressure urges the inner housing18into an extended, operational position via an opening85in the retaining cap22(e.g., as shown inFIG. 1) so that water flows from the irrigation system90through the inlet48and interior cavity78of the inner housing18and out of a nozzle86adjacent the first end of the inner housing18so as to water a lawn94(e.g., or garden or the like). Specifically, the first end58of the inner housing18may be configured to protrude a distance above a top surface96the lawn94, garden or the like to allow for adequate water coverage of the same via the nozzle86. Once the water pressure from the irrigation system90has been shut off, the spring82urges the inner housing18back into the collapsed position. While not shown, any appropriate sealing assembly may be disposed within and/or adjacent the inner housing18to prevent or at least limits water flow from the irrigation system90into the inner cavity78via the inlet48when the inner housing18is in the retracted position.

Over time, it sometimes becomes necessary to disconnect a sprinkler head (e.g., sprinkler head10) from an irrigation system (e.g., irrigation system90) or otherwise remove the sprinkler head from the ground for one of a number of reasons. One reason, of course, would be to perform repairs and/or maintenance on the sprinkler head10, the irrigation system90, the surrounding earth, and/or the like. Another reason may be to add one or more riser tubes between the irrigation system90and the sprinkler head10so as to raise the sprinkler head10in a direction away from the irrigation system30and allow the nozzle86of the inner housing18to at least substantially fully clear the top96of the lawn94or garden so as to adequately cover the same with water flowing out of the nozzle86. As discussed previously, adding one or more riser tubes may be necessary when the relative positioning between the sprinkler head10and the ground level has changed over time (e.g., the distance between the lawn94and the retaining cap22has increased since the time at which the sprinkler head10was first installed or the sprinkler head10has otherwise sunk into the ground92).

In this regard, and turning now toFIGS. 3-4b, a first tool or apparatus100is illustrated that may be used to disconnect at least a portion of the sprinkler head10(e.g., the retaining cap22) from the irrigation system90or otherwise remove the portion from the ground92. While the term “first” tool100will be used to differentiate the tool from additional tools that will be discussed herein later in this disclosure, it is to be understood that the additional tools need not necessarily be used in conjunction with the first tool100and vice versa. For instance, and as will be discussed, additional tools may not be needed in the event that the first tool100serves to remove the entire sprinkler head10from the ground92.

In any case, the first tool100may generally include a body104having first and second opposed ends108,112, a sidewall116having opposed inner and outer surfaces120,124extending between the first and second opposed ends108,112, and a hollow, interior cavity128inside of or otherwise surrounded by the inner surface120. The interior cavity128is sized and configured to receive the retaining cap22(shown in phantom lines inFIG. 4b) of the sprinkler head10via the open second end112of the body104and allow the retaining cap22(e.g., an outer periphery23of the retaining cap22) to contact and/or engage the inner surface120of the body104.

For instance, and with respect toFIG. 3, the open second end112of the first tool100may be moved (e.g., by a sprinkler operator or technician grasping the body104adjacent the first end108) towards the retaining cap22(not shown inFIG. 3) of the sprinkler head10(e.g., such as by moving a central or rotational axis131of the first tool100generally along or collinear with central axis99of sprinkler head10) so as to receive the retaining cap22within the interior cavity124via the second end112and allow the outer periphery23of the retaining cap22to contact the inner wall120of the body104at a contact location132. SeeFIG. 4b. As the body104may be configured to allow the outer periphery23to contact the inner surface120about a substantial entirety of the outer periphery23, the contact location132may actually extend about a corresponding portion of the inner surface120of the body104.

The operator may then, while maintaining contact between the retaining cap22and the inner surface120(which may require application of at least a slight downward force against the first tool100in a direction generally towards the retaining cap22), apply a torque to the first tool100to rotate the first tool100about the rotational axis131while the rotational axis131is generally collinear with the central axis99of the sprinkler head10to induce a corresponding rotation of the retaining cap22relative to the outer casing14, the irrigation system90and the ground92. For instance, the operator may use the first tool100to rotate the retaining cap22in a counterclockwise direction to unthread the retaining cap22from the outer casing14. The inner housing18(including the spring82, nozzle86, etc.) may in some cases also be removed (e.g., slidably removed) from the interior cavity46of the outer casing14(e.g., along the fin(s)44on the inner surface38) as the retaining cap22is being removed from the same. SeeFIGS. 5-6. In some arrangements, the operator may wedge the retaining cap22into the interior cavity128(e.g., via application of the downward force) so that lifting of the first tool100away from the ground92also lifts the retaining cap22(and inner housing18, spring82, etc.).

In some situations, such as when the retaining cap22and the outer casing14are (e.g., possibly inadvertently) locked together (e.g., such as when grit, debris or the like enters the threaded connection between the retaining cap22and the outer casing14to prevent relative rotation between the retaining cap22and the outer casing14), rotation of the retaining cap22via the first tool100may also serve to induce a corresponding rotation of the outer casing14relative to the riser49and/or T-joint54of the irrigation system54. In this case, continued rotation of the first tool100may cause the inlet48of the outer casing14to unthread from the irrigation system90and allow for complete removal of the sprinkler head10from the same. As will be discussed further below, any appropriate tasks can now be performed such as repair/replacement of the sprinkler head10, the addition of one or more additional riser tubes49to the sprinkler head10, T-joint54and/or any existing riser tubes49, and/or the like.

To enhance friction of the inner surface120of the first tool100so as to prevent or at least limit movement (e.g., rotation) between the first tool100and the retaining cap22as a torque is being applied to the first tool100(and/or to wedge the retaining cap into the interior cavity128), any appropriate gripping or slippage limiting component or arrangement (not shown) may be disposed or formed on or as part of the inner surface120. In one arrangement, any appropriate polymer may be used to form the body104and/or added to at least a portion of the inner surface120(e.g., to become at least part of the inner surface120) to limit slippage or rotation of the retaining cap22relative to the first tool100as the latter is being rotated by an operator or the like. For instance, a layer of rubber or the like may be appropriately adhered or otherwise secured to the inner surface120of the body104(e.g., so as to form the inner surface120). As another example, any appropriate texturing, grooves or the like may be formed on or in the inner surface120. Other arrangements are also envisioned.

To allow the first tool100to receive, contact and rotate retaining caps22of various diameters, a minimum cross-dimension of the body104(e.g., a minimum distance from one point on the inner surface120to an opposing point on the inner surface120through the interior cavity128) may increase along at least a portion of a length of the rotational axis131of the first tool100in a direction towards the second end112. Stated differently, at least a portion of the body may have a minimum cross-dimension that decreases along a path taken by a retaining cap22the retaining cap enters and moves into the interior cavity128of the first tool100.

For instance, the first tool100may be in the form of a conically shaped member having an inner diameter that generally increases from first end108to or at least towards the second end112to allow each of a plurality of various sized retaining caps22to enter the interior cavity128of the body via the second end112and then contact the inner surface120at various different contact locations. In this regard, an outer diameter of the outer periphery23of each retaining cap22may generally be equal to an inner diameter of the body104at the particular contact location. With reference toFIG. 4b, the retaining cap22shown in phantom lines in and the body104at the contact location132may each generally have a diameter136(an inner diameter in the case of the body104and an outer diameter in the case of the retaining cap22). As another example, the outer periphery23of another retaining cap22(not shown) may contact the inner surface120of the body104at another contact location140having a diameter144smaller than the diameter136.

While the body104is illustrated as having a generally conical shape between the first and second ends108,112, other shapes of the body104are envisioned such as pyramidal and the like. Furthermore, while the inner surface120of the first tool100has been shown as substantially continuously increasing in diameter from the first end108towards the second end112, it is envisioned that the inner surface120could in one arrangement have a plurality of steps, where each step includes a substantially constant minimum cross-dimension (e.g., a constant inner diameter). For instance, each of such steps could be sized to receive a correspondingly sized retaining cap22of a sprinkler head10. Other arrangements are also envisioned and encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

For facilitating the ability to apply a torque to the first tool100so as to rotate a retaining cap22of a sprinkler head100, the first tool100may include a tool engaging element148disposed generally adjacent the first end108of the body104. As shown inFIGS. 4a-4b, the tool engaging element148may in one arrangement include a socket152that is appropriately sized and shaped to receive a tool such as a wrench. As merely one more example, the tool engaging element148may be in the form of a shaft (not shown) having one end connected to or adjacent the first end108of the body104and another end on which a handle (e.g., T-shaped) is disposed that may be manipulated (e.g., rotated) by an operator to induce a corresponding manipulation or rotation of the body104(and thus a retaining cap22within the body104).

With brief reference back toFIG. 1, it is seen how the sprinkler head10is disposed within a hole97(e.g., bore, opening, etc.) extending through the ground92to the irrigation system90. In this regard, an operator may be required to insert the first tool100at least partially into the hole97to allow the retaining cap22to be received in the interior cavity128of the first tool100. In the event that the diameter (not labeled) of some portion of the hole97between the top96of the lawn94and the retaining cap22is less than an outer diameter (not labeled) of the first tool100adjacent the second end112of the body104, the operator would be required to remove a portion (e.g., portion98) of the ground92in order to enlarge the hole97and allow for insertion of the first tool100. Some previous manners of enlarging the hole97to allow for general access to the sprinkler head10have included using a shovel or other type of tool to dig or otherwise form a large hole around the sprinkler head10that is often many times the size of the hole97within which the sprinkler head10already exists; however, doing so is time consuming, requires one or more separate tools, may cause an unsightly mess, and the like.

In this regard, the first tool100may also include a cutting element or member156disposed generally adjacent the second end112of the body104that may be used to cut or sever the ground92directly around the retaining cap22as the first tool100is being moved towards the retaining cap22. As an example, the cutting member156may include a serrated blade in the form of a series of teeth160(e.g., such as a metallic saw blade or the like) disposed about a substantial entirety of a periphery of the second end112of the body104that generally protrudes in a direction away from the first end108of the body104. In this regard, an operator may rotate the first tool100(e.g., via the tool engaging element148) as the first tool100is being moved towards the retaining cap22to cut a portion98of the ground92with the cutting element156so as to enlarge the hole97and allow the body104to be moved over, receive and contact the retaining cap22. In one arrangement, the operator may rotate the first tool100in a counterclockwise direction as the ground92is being cut by the cutting element156towards the retaining cap22. Upon contact between the retaining cap22and the inner surface120of the body104, the operator may thus just continue the same counterclockwise rotation of the first tool100to correspondingly unthread the retaining cap22from the outer casing14and allow for removal of the retaining cap22and inner housing18from the outer casing14(or in some situations, the removal of the entire sprinkler head10, i.e., including the outer casing14, from the irrigation system90and the ground92).

In one variation, the diameter of the cutting element156may be substantially the same as the diameter of the body104adjacent the second end112. As a result, the first tool100may advantageously be configured to receive retaining caps22of various diameters while at the same time be configured to cut a hole around a retaining cap22having a diameter that is only slightly larger than substantially the largest retaining cap22that the interior cavity128of the body104can receive so as to limit the time and effort associated with necessarily digging a hole around the sprinkler head10.

In one arrangement, the minimum cross-dimension of the body104(e.g., inner diameter) adjacent the second end112may be at least about 1½″, such as at least about 2″, or at least about 2½″; and/or may be no more than about 4″, such as no more than about 3½″, or no more than about 3″. In another arrangement, a height of the first tool100(e.g., measured along rotational axis131from the series of teeth160to a top of the tool engaging element148, such as an entrance to socket152) may be at least about 4″, such as at least about 5″, or at least about 5½″; and/or no more than about 7½″, such as no more than about 6½″, or no more than about 6″.

In a further arrangement, the minimum cross-dimension of the body104adjacent the second end112may be at least about 3″, such as at least about 3½″, or at least about 4″; and/or may be no more than about 6″, such as no more than about 5½″, or no more than about 5″. In a still further arrangement, a height of the first tool100may be at least about 6″, such as at least about 7″, or at least about 7½″; and/or no more than about 10″, such as no more than about 9″, or no more than about 8½″.

As discussed previously, the outer casing14of a sprinkler head10may in some cases remain fluidly interconnected to the irrigation system90(e.g., to riser tube49and/or T-joint54) after use of the first tool100(or other tool) to remove the retaining cap22, inner housing18, spring82, etc. For instance, rotation of the retaining cap22via the first tool100may be relative to the outer casing14(e.g., via corresponding threads, seeFIG. 2) such that the outer casing14remains in the ground92after use of the first tool100. In this regard, and turning generally now toFIGS. 7-10, disclosed herein is a second tool200that may be used to disconnect an outer casing14from the irrigation system90and/or otherwise remove the outer casing14from the ground92(in addition to connecting/reconnecting the outer casing with the irrigation system90or otherwise mounting the outer casing14in the ground92as will be discussed in more detail below).

With reference toFIG. 8, the second tool200may generally include first and second opposed ends204,208and an outer surface212extending between the first and second opposed ends204,208that is configured to contact the inner surface38of the outer casing14so as to induce rotation of the outer casing14upon rotation of the second tool200. Stated differently, upon insertion of the first or second end204,208of the second tool200into the interior cavity46of the outer casing14(e.g., as inFIG. 7), subsequent rotation of the second tool200about a central or rotational axis216of the second tool200while maintaining contact between the outer surface208of the second tool200and the inner surface38of the outer casing14may induce a corresponding rotation of the outer casing200relative to the irrigation system90and the ground92. Continued rotation in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise) may eventually serve to disconnect the outer casing14from the riser tube49and/or T-joint54. SeeFIG. 10. For instance, the second tool200may have an overall generally cylindrical shape to generally match that of the outer casing14.

In one arrangement, the outer surface212of the second tool200may include one or more engagement features thereon or therein that are adapted to interlock or otherwise engage with or contact one or more corresponding engagement features on the inner surface38of the outer casing14so as to restrict relative rotation between the second tool200and the outer casing14. For instance, and turning toFIGS. 8-9, the outer surface212may include one or more openings such as grooves220(e.g., channels, slots, etc.) that are respectively configured (e.g., sized, shaped, oriented) to receive or otherwise engage with one or more corresponding projections extending along the inner surface38of the outer casing14such as the one or more fins44. As shown, the grooves220may generally extending along a length of the outer surface212at least partially between the first and second ends204,208and generally parallel to the rotational axis216of the second tool so that at least some of the grooves220are designed to receive at least some of the fins44of the outer casing14. In this regard, an operator may grasp the second tool200, align at least some of the grooves220with at least some of the fins44, insert (e.g., slide) the second tool200at least partially into the interior cavity46of the outer casing14, and then torque the second tool200so as to engage the grooves220and fins44and induce a corresponding rotation of the outer casing14.

As shown, the outer surface212of the second tool200may also include one or more projections such as splines224(e.g., ribs) disposed in an alternating arrangement with the grooves220and extending along a length thereof at least partially between the first and second ends204,208. The splines224may be naturally formed by virtue of appropriately forming the grooves220in the outer surface212and/or may be intentionally formed along the outer surface212. In any case, the splines224may be configured to engage with corresponding openings or grooves (not labeled) in or on the inner surface38of the outer casing14(e.g., which may be naturally formed by virtue of forming the fins44and/or may be intentionally formed).

The second tool200may in some arrangements be configured to engage with the inner surface38of a wide variety of outer casings14. For instance, the second tool200may be able to engage with and induce rotation of a plurality of outer casings14having various different (e.g., inner) diameters. In one arrangement, and with specific reference toFIG. 8, the second tool200may have a plurality of portions or sections extending along the length of the outer surface212such as, for example, first, second and third portions228,232,236having respective sub-lengths of the overall length of the second tool200. Each of the first, second and third portions228,232,236may be differently configured so as to engage with correspondingly differently configured outer casings14.

For instance, the first, second and third portions228,232,236may have different respective outer diameters230,234,238extending along a substantial entirety of each of their sub-lengths so as to engage with corresponding outer casings14having similarly sized inner diameters. Additionally or alternatively, the first, second and third portions228,232,236may have different configurations (e.g., sizing, spacing, arrangements, etc.) of grooves220and/or splines224(e.g., different “keys”) to allow for engagement with corresponding different arrangements of grooves and splines (e.g., or other types of openings and projections) on the inner surface38of different outer casings14. In this regard, an operator may insert the second tool200into the interior cavity46of a particular outer casing14until the outer surface212of one of the various portions of the second tool200engages with the inner surface38of the outer casing14, at which point the operator may torque the second tool200to induce rotation of the outer casing14. Various other arrangements of the second tool200to allow for engagement with a wide variety of outer casings are envisioned and encompassed within the present teachings.

Like the first tool100, the second tool200may in some arrangements include a tool engaging feature or element such as socket240disposed in one or both of the first and second ends204,208that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, positioned) to receive a corresponding tool such as a wrench or the like to facilitate torquing of the second tool200. Other types of rotational or torque facilitating features are also envisioned such as handles and the like.

Upon removal of the outer casing14from the ground92, any appropriate tasks may be performed in relation to the sprinkler head10, irrigation system90, and/or the like. For instance, and turning toFIG. 11, one or more additional riser tubes244may be secured (e.g., threadably) to the inlet48of the outer casing14, to any existing riser tubes49, and/or to the T-joint54of the irrigation system90. Once any desired tasks have been performed, the second tool200may be inserted into the interior cavity46of the outer casing14and used to rethread or otherwise re-secure the outer casing14(and any additional riser tube(s)244) to the irrigation system90(e.g., to any existing riser tubes49, T-joint54, etc.), such as by rotating the second tool200in a direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) opposite from that used to unthread and remove an outer casing14from the ground92.

In one arrangement, the inner housing18may then be inserted into the interior cavity46of the outer casing14and the first tool100may be used to rethread the retaining cap over the first end26of the outer casing14so as to again prevent or limit removal of the inner housing18from the outer casing while allow for sliding movement of the inner housing18within the interior cavity46of the outer casing14. Upon application of a water pressure, the nozzle86of the sprinkler head10may now be configured to protrude or otherwise extend to a distance above the top96of the lawn94or garden that is higher than before addition of the additional riser tube(s)244so as to achieve an improved water coverage of the lawn94, garden or the like.

In one arrangement, a maximum cross-dimension (e.g., outer diameter) of the second tool200adjacent the first end204may be at least about ¾″, such as at least about 1″; and/or may be no more than about 1¾″, such as no more than about 1½″. In another arrangement, a maximum cross-dimension of the second tool200adjacent the second end208may be at least about ½″, such as at least about ¾″; and/or may be no more than about 1½″, such as no more than about 1¼″. In a further arrangement, a length of the second tool200(e.g., as measured along rotational axis216from the first end204to the second end208) may be at least about 5″, such as at least about 6″, or at least about 7″; and/or no more than about 10″, such as no more than about 9″, or no more than about 8″.

In another arrangement, a maximum cross-dimension of the second tool200adjacent the first end204may be at least about 1½″, such as at least about 1¾″; and/or may be no more than about 2¼″, such as no more than about 2″. In a further arrangement, a maximum cross-dimension of the second tool200adjacent the second end208may be at least about 2″, such as at least about 2½″; and/or may be no more than about 3¼″, such as no more than about 3″. In a still further arrangement, a length of the second tool200may be at least about 8″, such as at least about 9″, or at least about 10″; and/or no more than about 13″, such as no more than about 12″, or no more than about 11″.

The first and/or second tools100,200(and in some arrangement, any additional desired tools) may be included as part of a kit for use by sprinkler operators, technicians, personnel, and/or the like. For instance, an operator could bring a kit including the first and second tools100,200to an area (e.g., lawn, garden, field, etc.) having a possibly large number of sprinkler heads10, at least some of which need repositioning (e.g., rising), repair, replacement and/or the like. In one arrangement, the operator could use the first tool100to systematically remove at least the retaining cap22and inner housing18of a plurality of the sprinkler heads10, and then use the second tool200to remove the outer casings18of any sprinkler heads10that were not removed using the first tool100. After performing any necessary tasks (e.g., adding riser tubes244, performing repairs, etc.), the operator could then use the first and second tools100,200to systematically reinstall the sprinkler heads10(and/or any replacement sprinkler heads10) into the ground92so as to fluidly interconnect the sprinkler heads with the irrigation system. Of course, an operator could also use both the first and second tools100,200on each particular sprinkler head10before moving onto a subsequent sprinkler head10. If necessary, the operator may turn on the water in the irrigation system either before or after installing the outer casings14(but before installing the inner housings18and retaining caps22) to eliminate any debris (e.g., dirt, rocks, etc.) that may have entered the irrigation system90during the removal, repositioning, repair, replacement, etc. of the sprinkler heads10.

The tools disclosed herein (e.g., the first and/or second tools100,200) may be constructed or otherwise formed of any appropriate materials. As just one example, one or more components of the first and/or second tools may be injection molded from materials such as nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)(e.g., schedule 80 rating), polypropylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and the like.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention.

The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.