Stackable sprinkler

A sprinkler is designed to be stacked upon a like sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a spray tube, a sled, a projection extending from either a top or bottom surface of the sled, and a recess formed at the top or bottom surface of the sled. The recess accommodates the projection extending from the sled of the like sprinkler so that the sprinkler can be stacked with the like sprinkler.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel structure of a sprinkler, namely an oscillating lawn sprinkler, which is designed to be easily stackable with like sprinklers.

Lawn sprinklers have been known and used for many decades. A typical lawn sprinkler is attached to a water hose and placed in an area to be watered. To operate the sprinkler, a user simply turns on the water from the water source (e.g., faucet) and the sprinkler waters the yard.

Over the years, improvements have been made to the operating design of sprinklers. For example, Melnor Model No. 4000™ sprinkler includes a novel adjustment tab that adjusts the spray width of the sprinkler However, little attention has been paid to improving the fit or form factor of the sprinkler itself.

That is, a sprinkler generally includes a base (or sled) and a spray tube. These components typically produce an irregular shape, so manufacturers put each sprinkler in a generally rectangular (often cardboard) box and then stack one box one on top of another during shipping, storing, and displaying stages. However, the box in which each sprinkler is individually packaged takes up a large amount of shipping space and shelf space. This is because the box, by necessity, is larger than the sprinkler itself. Because of this, less sprinklers fit in each shipment container and less sprinklers fit on the shelf, whether inventory or retail.

Moreover, retail stores often have outdoor lawn & garden centers wherein they display products, such as sprinklers. However, it is not desirable for such retailers to sell or even leave a boxed sprinkler outside unattended because the box (e.g., cardboard packaging) may be damaged due to moisture from rain or plant watering.

In an attempt to overcome this problem, it has been suggested to make the packaging material (cardboard box) out of a weather resistant material. However, doing so leads to increased packaging costs and does not present any advantage with respect to saving materials or space.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to reduce costs associated with manufacturing, shipping and selling a sprinkler.

The present invention provides a package-free sprinkler that is stackable with another like sprinkler No cardboard boxes are needed for each individual sprinkler This saves manufacturing, shipping and sales costs of the product. The stackable solution is applicable to any type of lawn sprinkler, but particularly rectangular sprinklers and more particularly, rectangular oscillating sprinklers.

The stackable sprinkler can be sold outside in lawn and garden centers because there is no cardboard box containing the sprinkler.

Further, the stackable sprinkler has a much smaller fit and form factor than a conventional sprinkler The inventors have determined that when the sprinklers are stacked they can save, according to one embodiment, approximately 27% by volume when compared to the same sprinkler found in a box. This allows retailers to display more products and stock their shelves less often. This leads to a reduced cost in selling the sprinklers.

Additionally, no paper is used in the selling of the sprinkler This also saves on packaging costs and is more environmentally friendly.

One embodiment of the invention is a stackable sprinkler comprising a sled and a spray tube, wherein said sled includes mortises or tenons (e.g., slots or projections) on its top surface, at a front and back end of the sled, wherein said sled includes mortises or tenons on its bottom surface, at a front and back end of the sled, wherein said tenons are designed to fit inside said mortises so that said sprinkler can be stacked with another said sprinkler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments as shown in the figures and discussed below are exemplary of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention to that explicitly shown or described. Further, in each of the embodiments set forth below, the material used may typically be made of plastic or metal, however, any other suitable material would also work.

FIG. 1is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of stackable sprinkler1having sled3and spray tube2. For example, the sprinkler shown inFIG. 1could be a Melnor®, Model No. 280/300™ oscillating sprinkler The sled3includes sled legs3aand3b, front sled connecting part3cand rear sled connecting part3d. The sled3allows the sprinkler to rest securely on the ground, providing a stable platform for the sprinkler to work.

Attached to the sled3is spray tube2. Spray tube2contains nozzles10, from which water exits, spraying the desired area. A plug9seals the spray tube2. The spray tube2is rotated back and forth by motor6. Motor6is a water driven motor which receives its power through water pressure provided by a hose or the like (not shown).

Attached to the sled3is a rear mortise receiving portion4and a front mortise receiving portion8, located at opposite ends of the sled3. Rear mortise receiving portion4contains a plurality of rectangular-shaped (e.g., may be any shape) rear mortises5a(e.g., slots holes, channels, grooves, etc.). Front mortise receiving portion8contains a front mortise5b.

Rear mortises5aare aligned in the direction of sled3(e.g., longitudinal direction or main axis of the sled3), while front mortise5bis aligned perpendicular to the direction of sled3.

FIG. 2shows a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment. Water intake22passes water through hose nut22into the motor6. Tenons (e.g., projections, pegs, protrusions, etc.)7aand7bare located on the bottom of sled3or may also be located on the bottom of motor6. Rear tenons7aare aligned in the direction of sled3while front tenon7bis aligned perpendicular to sled3. Rear tenons7aare designed to fit inside rear mortises5aand front tenon7bis designed to fit inside front mortise5b.

When a first stackable sprinkler is stacked on top of a second stackable sprinkler, the tenons7aand7bof the second stackable sprinkler fit inside the respective mortises5aand5bof the first stackable sprinkler forming mortise and tenon joints which are releasably connected. Further, having one set of mortise and tenon joints aligned with the sled3and another set of mortise and tenon joints aligned perpendicular to sled3, allows the top stackable sprinkler to be securely fastened to the bottom stackable sprinkler That is, the top stackable sprinkler is prevented from moving in a forward or backwards direction by the front mortise and tenon joint and is prevented from moving in a sideways direction by the rear mortise and tenon joints.

As can be seen inFIG. 3, the sled3has a flat bottom and can flatly rest on the ground.

FIG. 4shows a cutaway view of the back of stackable sprinkler1. As shown inFIG. 3, the cutaway view is looking from a center of the stackable sprinkler1to a rear of stackable sprinkler1. Rear mortise5ainto which tenon7afit, is shown. Intake slot21, through which intake22fits, is also shown.

FIG. 5shows a cutaway view of the front of stackable sprinkler1. As shown inFIG. 3, the cutaway view is looking from a center of the stackable sprinkler1to a front of stackable sprinkler1. Front mortise5binto which tenon7b(of a second stackable sprinkler1) fits, is shown.

As shown in the figure, the mortises and tenons5band7bmay have notches or indentations within them to help form a more secure joint. For example, front mortise5bhas a notch on its right and left sides. These notches are different heights and widths. This allows the tenon7b, with corresponding notches, to fit within the mortise5bin only 1 direction. This also helps to ensure a more secure joint between the mortise5band the tenon7b.

A spray tube hole25is shown below mortise5b.

FIG. 6shows two stackable sprinklers of the first embodiment stacked together. The stackable sprinkler is designed so that the motor and spray tube do not interfere with the mortise and tenon joints. For example, front mortise receiving part8is tall enough so that spray tube2does not interfere with the stacking of the sprinklers or the front mortise and tenon joint5band7b.

The stackable sprinklers are further designed so that they overlap and fit into one another, in the vertical direction. That is, as can be seen inFIG. 6, sprinklers1are designed to save space and be recessed in an adjacent sprinkler While a single stackable sprinkler1does not have any significant reduction in its form factor, when stacked, the form factor of two stackable sprinklers is less than the summed height of two stackable sprinklers standing alone.

Thus, the stackable sprinkler, when stacked with two or more other stackable sprinklers, is able to reduce its form factor by utilizing empty space in and around the adjacent stackable sprinklers.

This savings in space provides for a more efficient product in all aspects of manufacturing, shipping and selling the stackable sprinkler As stackable sprinklers can be made without boxes, this lowers the cost of manufacturing and results in a more environmentally friendly product. As more stackable sprinklers can fit into a shipping container or trailer, this saves shipping costs as fewer containers or trailers need to be used. Further, as more stackable sprinklers can be placed on a retail shelf, less time needs to be devoted to re-stocking the shelves. This saves retailers much needed shelf space and man hours.

In order to stack the sprinklers1, a person simply aligns the mortise and tenon joints found on the top and bottom of respective sprinklers, and brings them together. The tenons7band7afound in the front and back of the sled3respectively, will be held in place by the mortises5band5afound in the front and back of the sled3. The respective mortises and tenons will form 3 mortise and tenon joints which are releasably connected to one another.

FIG. 8shows an example of how the stackable sprinkler1compares to a corresponding boxed sprinkler11. In each of the three spatial dimensions, the stackable sprinkler1takes up less space than the boxed sprinkler11. Two stackable sprinklers of the first embodiment show a 26% volumetric savings per unit, when compared to two equivalent boxed sprinklers11. Examples of the specific dimensions are shown in Table 1.

This savings in volume directly affects the quantity of products a retailer can place on their shelf, and as such, is very important to a retailer.

Although the embodiment discussed above has 3 mortises located on the top of the sprinkler and 3 tenons located on the bottom of the sprinkler, the invention is not limited to this specific configuration. Any arrangement of mortises and tenons on a top or bottom of the sprinkler that allow the sprinkler to be stacked, is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a second embodiment.FIG. 9could be an example of a Melnor® sprinkler, Model No. 4000/4100/4200™. As shown in the figure, a sled31is attached to spray tube32. Spray tube32has nozzles33which release water to the desired area. A motor36drives the spray tube back and forth, allowing the water to cover a large area.

Mortise34b(e.g., hole, channel, groove, etc.) is provided on the front, top end of the sled31. Support column37, attached to sled31, is provided on the rear end of the sprinkler Rear mortise34ais located in support column37. Support column37allows a second stackable sprinkler to be stacked on top of the first stackable sprinkler without the base of the second stackable sprinkler contacting the spray tube of the first stackable sprinkler.

Legs31aof sled31serve to stabilize the sprinkler30when it is placed on the ground, for example, when it is in use.

As best seen inFIG. 10, tenons35(e.g. pegs, protrusions, projection, etc.) are configured to insert into front mortises34b. Located in the rear of sprinkler30and sled31is protruding portion38(e.g. pegs, protrusions, projection, etc.) and recessed portion39. Protruding portion38is designed to be inserted into rear mortises34a. Once inserted in rear mortises34a, protruding portion38help to securely fasten two stackable sprinklers together.

As shown inFIG. 10, front mortises34bare aligned with sled (longitudinal direction) and rear mortises34aare aligned perpendicular to the direction of the sled. When a stackable sprinkler is stacked on another stackable sprinkler, the tenons fit within the mortises forming a mortise and tenon joint which is releasably connected. The protruding portions fit within the mortises also forming a releasable connected joint. Further, having one set of mortise and tenon joints aligned with the sled3and another set of joints aligned perpendicular to sled31, allows the top stackable sprinkler to be securely fastened to the bottom stackable sprinkler That is, the top stackable sprinkler is prevented from moving in a forward or backwards direction by the rear mortise and rear protruding part and is prevented from moving in a sideways direction by the front mortise and tenon joints.

Recessed portion39is located at the rear end of the frame of sled31. Recessed portion31allows the spray tube32of a second stackable sprinkler to fit securely under the first stackable sprinkler Without this added clearance, the protruding portions38would not be long enough to fit within the rear mortises34a.

As can be seen inFIG. 11, the sled31has a flat bottom and can stably rest on the ground.

FIG. 12shows a cutaway view of the back of stackable sprinkler30. As shown inFIG. 12, the cutaway view is viewed from a center of the stackable sprinkler30to a back of stackable sprinkler30. Protruding portions38and recessed portion39can clearly be seen.

Support columns37are shown next to the cavity in which the spray tube32would be positioned. Located on the top of support columns37are rear mortises34a. The shape of the rear mortises34aare designed to securely fasten to protruding portions38. That is, when the protruding portions38are inserted into the rear mortises34athey form a releasably connected joint.

As seen by the shape of the protruding portions38, they are configured to prevent the movement of the sprinkler in any lateral direction. That is, the protruding portions are angled inwards, and serve to lock the top sprinkler in place, with respect to any horizontal movement.

Front tenons35are best seen inFIG. 13. The front tenons are configured to fit within front mortises34b(not shown). As with the rear joint (i.e. rear mortises34aand protruding portion38), the front joint is designed to prevent any horizontal movement of the top sprinkler with respect to the bottom sprinkler.

Not shown inFIG. 13are the front mortises34b. These front mortises are recessed into the top/front part of sled31.

FIG. 14shows two stackable sprinklers of the second embodiment stacked together. The stackable sprinkler is designed to occupy a minimum space. That is, the sprinklers are designed so that they overlap and fit into one another, in the vertical direction.

As can be seen inFIG. 14, sprinklers30were designed to save space by being partly recessed in an adjacent sprinkler Thus, while a single stackable sprinkler30does not have any significant reduction in its form factor, when stacked, the form factor of two stackable sprinklers is less than the summed height of two stackable sprinklers standing alone.

Thus, the stackable sprinkler, when stacked with two or more other stackable sprinklers is able to reduce its form factor by utilizing empty in and around the adjacent stackable sprinklers.

This savings in space provides for a more efficient product in all aspects of manufacturing, shipping and selling the stackable sprinkler As stackable sprinklers can be made without boxes, this lowers the cost of manufacturing. As more stackable sprinklers can fit into a shipping container or trailer, this saves shipping costs as fewer containers or trailers need to be used. Further, as more stackable sprinklers can be placed on a retail shelf, less time needs to be devoted to re-stocking the shelves. This saves retailers much needed shelf space and man hours.

In order to stack the sprinklers30, a person must simply align the respective sprinklers, and bring them together. The rear mortises34aand protruding portions38, are designed to fit within one another. The front tenons35and front mortises34bare also designed to fit together. When the sprinklers are stacked, they form an overlapping unit.

If looking directly down at a pair of stacked sprinklers, only the top sprinkler would be visible.

FIG. 16shows an example of how the stackable sprinkler30compares to a corresponding boxed sprinkler40. In each of the three spatial dimensions, the stackable sprinkler30takes up less space than the boxed sprinkler40. Two stackable sprinklers of the second embodiment show a 27% volumetric savings per unit, when compared to two equivalent boxed sprinklers40. Examples of the specific dimensions are shown in Table 2.

Although the embodiment discussed above has 34 mortises located on the top of the sprinkler and 2 tenons and 2 protruding portions located on the bottom of the sprinkler, the invention is not limited to this specific configuration. Any arrangement of mortises and tenons/protruding portions on a top or bottom of the sprinkler that allow the sprinkler to be stacked, is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 17is a perspective view of a third embodiment. Sprinkler50could be, for example, Melnor® sprinkler, Model No. 70360M™. As shown in the figure, a sled51is attached to spray tube52. Spray tube52has nozzles53which release water to the desired area. A water powered motor55drives the spray tube back and forth, allowing the water to cover a large area. Sled legs51a, located on either side of the sled51, provide support for sprinkler50.

Located on the front end of the sled51is tenon54b. Attached to sled51and located on the back end of the sprinkler is bracket56. Bracket56is attached to sled51and may be made of metal, plastic or any other suitable material.

Located in the front of sled51is support column58. Support column58includes a hole for the front of spray tube52, as well as tenons54b. Tenons54b(e.g. pegs, protrusions, projection, etc.) are designed to fit within front receiving portions60(shown inFIG. 18).

As best seen inFIG. 18, front and rear receiving portions,60band60arespectively (e.g. holes, channels, grooves, etc.), are configured to receive front and rear tenons,54band54a, respectively. That is, rear receiving portions60afits around three sides of rear tenons54a. This ensures a stable, releasable joint, when the sprinkler50is stacked on another sprinkler.

Further, sled51includes a rear cavity, located in the rear of sprinkler50. This rear cavity allows the adjustment tab59to fit within the cavity, when two sprinklers are stacked on top of one another. By having the adjustment tab fit within empty space in another sprinkler50, this saves space when the sprinklers are stacked together.

As can be seen inFIG. 19, the sled51has a flat bottom and can stably rest on the ground.

FIG. 20shows a cutaway view of the back of stackable sprinkler50. As shown inFIG. 20, the cutaway view is looking from a center of the stackable sprinkler50to a back of stackable sprinkler30. Adjustment tabs59are shown slightly higher than front tenons54b. As indicated above, the adjustment tabs59can fit into rear cavity61(seeFIG. 18), thus reducing the form factor of two sprinkler units stacked together.

Front tenons54bare best seen inFIG. 21. These front tenons fit into front receiving portions60bof another oscillating sprinkler.

FIG. 22shows two stackable sprinklers of the third embodiment stacked together. The stackable sprinkler is designed to occupy a minimum space. That is, the sprinklers are designed so that they overlap and fit into one another, in the vertical direction.

As can be seen inFIG. 22, sprinklers50were designed to save space and be recessed in an adjacent sprinkler Thus, while a single stackable sprinkler50does not have any significant reduction in its form factor, when stacked, the form factor of two stackable sprinklers is less than the summed height of two stackable sprinklers standing alone.

Thus, the stackable sprinkler, when stacked with two or more other stackable sprinklers is able to reduce its form factor by utilizing empty in and around the adjacent stackable sprinklers.

This savings in space provides for a more efficient product in all aspects of manufacturing, shipping and selling the stackable sprinkler As stackable sprinklers can be made without boxes, this lowers the cost of manufacturing. As more stackable sprinklers can fit into a shipping container or trailer, this saves shipping costs as fewer containers or trailers need to be used. Further, as more stackable sprinklers can be placed on a retail shelf, less time needs to be devoted to re-stocking the shelves. This saves retailers much needed shelf space and man hours.

In order to stack the sprinklers50, a person must simply align the respective sprinklers, and bring them together. The rear receiving portions60aand rear tenons54aare designed to fit within one another. The front tenons54band front receiving portions60bare also designed to fit together. When the sprinklers are stacked, they form a level and completing overlapping unit.

That is, if looking directly down at a pair of stacked sprinklers, only the top sprinkler would be visible.

FIG. 24shows an example of how the stackable sprinkler50compares to a corresponding boxed sprinkler70. In each of the three special dimensions, the stackable sprinkler50takes up less space than the boxed sprinkler70. Two stackable sprinklers of the first embodiment show a 12.4% volumetric savings per unit, when compared to two equivalent boxed sprinklers70. Examples of the specific dimensions are shown in Table 3.

Although the embodiment discussed above has 4 tenons located on the top of the sprinkler and 4 receiving portions located on the bottom of the sprinkler, the invention is not limited to this specific configuration. Any arrangement of mortises/receiving portions and tenons on a top or bottom of the sprinkler that allow the sprinkler to be stacked, is within the scope of the invention.