Adjustable arc sprinkler with full circle operation

The present invention provides a sprinkler with both a reversing part-circle mode and a non-reversing full-circle mode. More specifically, the present invention provides a mechanism for disengaging sprinkler arc stops, allowing for a full circle, non-reversing watering pattern.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to irrigation sprinklers rotatably driven through a complete or adjustably set partial circle path. More specifically, this invention relates to an irrigation sprinkler having an improved trip mechanism to allow for both a reversing part-circle mode and a non-reversing full-circle mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Irrigation sprinklers are vital components to an irrigation system, spraying a stream of water over a desired area to irrigate lawns, gardens, or other terrain. While many irrigation sprinklers act in a superficially similar manner to distributing water from their nozzles, the internal designs of these sprinklers may vary widely in design.

One popular irrigation sprinkler design is the gear driven rotary sprinkler. This sprinkler design rotates to dispel water in various directions and is driven in rotation by the force of water passing by an internal turbine. The turbine drives a series of planetary gear stages, used for reducing the speed of the sprinkler rotation relative to the turbine. Further, additional mechanisms may be included for rotational reversing capabilities. Examples of different designs may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,625,914; 5,330,103; and 5,662,545; all hereby incorporated by reference.

Previous adjustable arc rotary sprinkler designs allow a user to water varying areas in one mode only, namely a reversing circle mode, streaming water back and forth within a horizontal arc. Hence, in order to water a complete circle around the sprinkler, the user must set the arc watering limits to 360 degrees. At this setting the prior art sprinkler rotates in one direction until it hits an arc stop, then reverses direction until it hits the other arc stop.

This strategy for full circle watering in prior art models provides uneven water distribution because the sprinkler stops for an instant when reversing direction. Since the point of rotation reversal (i.e., the arc stop position) is approximately the same in each direction when watering a 360 degree arc, that reversal point receives significantly more water over time than the other points on the arc. Consequently, the watering pattern for the 360 degree, reverse direction type of sprinkler can lead to uneven grass growth or even damage to the lawn or vegetation.

What is desired is an adjustable arc rotary sprinkler that evenly distributes water when watering a full circle around the sprinkler.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable arc rotary sprinkler that evenly distributes water when set to a full circle mode.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable arc rotary sprinkler that is easily adjusted to water varying arcs around the sprinkler.

These and other objects not specifically enumerated herein are addressed by the present invention by providing a sprinkler with both a reversing part-circle mode and a non-reversing full-circle mode. More specifically, the present invention provides a mechanism for disengaging sprinkler arc stops, allowing for a full circle, non-reversing watering pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved rotary sprinkler design that rotates within an adjustable arc or non-reversing full circle rotation. As such, a user may optionally adjust the sprinkler of the current invention to reversibly rotate between two user-defined stops or adjust it to continuously and non reversibly rotate. By providing the additional functionality of continuous non reversible rotation, even water distribution is better ensured.

Sprinkler Head

Looking first toFIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of a sprinkler head101is illustrated according to the present invention. The main structure of sprinkler head101is formed by nozzle base118. Nozzle base118functions as a protective enclosure for the components of sprinkler head101, as well as to secure the internal components into their proper positions.

As is the case with this embodiment, the nozzle base118is typically cylindrical in shape, having a side aperture for nozzle120angled outward for distribution of water. Like most of the components of improved sprinkler100, nozzle base118is composed of a light-weight but durable plastic, allowing it to withstand the elemental wear associated with outdoor equipment.

Referring toFIGS. 1–5, within nozzle base118are several distinct components that set or bypass the arcuate watering pattern. Arc adjuster110and nozzle base118provide the physical arc stops110a,122that cause the sprinkler head to reverse rotation within a desired arc. When either of the stops110a,122rotate into contact with a fixed stop112aon the arc trigger112, the trip shaft114is rotated slightly, causing a flow director148to reverse the rotation of the sprinkler head101. In a preferred embodiment, this trip shaft114may be disengaged from the arc trigger112, allowing the sprinkler head101to rotate continuously in a single direction. These components and their interactions are described in greater detail below.

The top-most component is the nozzle base cover102that is assembled into the top aperture of nozzle base118. The nozzle base cover102functions to keep out dirt and elements from the inside of sprinkler100by sealing around the circumference of the nozzle base cover102and a lip that hangs over the nozzle base118aperture.

The nozzle base cover102has two adjustment apertures that allow a user to access adjustment mechanisms below the cover102. Breakup screw aperture106allows a user to adjust a breakup screw124, best seen inFIG. 2, to move into the water path within nozzle120. In this manner, the breakup screw124acts to breakup the water stream to varying degrees, depending on how far into the water stream the breakup screw124is adjusted. The ultimate effect of the breakup screw124is to breakup the out-going stream of water into a more scattered distribution of water, as opposed to the more narrowly projected water stream that would otherwise exit from the nozzle.

Arc adjustment aperture104allows a user to access a mechanism, described in detail below, for adjusting the rotational arc of the sprinkler. In this preferred embodiment, the arc adjustment aperture104is in the center of nozzle base cover102, allowing a user to easily access the adjustment mechanism with a desired tool. However, the arc adjustment aperture104may be positioned at any point on the nozzle base cover102with the addition of translational gearing (not shown) within the sprinkler head101to compensate for the positional change.

As seen inFIGS. 10–12, varying designs may be used for nozzle base cover102, including different positioning of access holes such as breakup screw aperture106,206,306,406or arc adjustment aperture104,204,304,404. Optionally, nozzle base cover102may include an arc display, communicating the size the arc is currently set to. These variations are described in greater detail below.

Referring toFIGS. 1–5, within the arc adjustment aperture104can be seen the top of arc adjuster center108that seals against the inside of nozzle base cover102. Thus, elements and dirt are kept out of the sprinkler100by this seal between the nozzle base cover102and the arc adjuster center108.

Primarily, the arc adjuster center108provides a point of interaction between the user's arc adjustment tool and the arc adjustment mechanism in the sprinkler100. As seen inFIG. 1, the arc adjuster center108has a slotted engagement groove, allowing a user to rotate the arc adjuster center108with a tool such as a flat head screw driver, hence adjusting the arc of the sprinkler100.

Arc adjuster center108is overall cylindrical in shape, having inwardly cut channels on the side of curved sides. The top portion having the slotted engagement groove for an adjustment tool is of a smaller diameter than the lower portion of the body. This smaller diameter of the arc adjuster center108matches the arc adjustment aperture104diameter, having an o-ring there between, allowing for a tight seal to keep dirt and other harmful particulate out of the sprinkler100.

The arc adjuster center108sits within arc adjuster110, as best seen inFIGS. 1–3. The arc adjuster110provides a physical stop110awithin the arc adjustment mechanism, specifying when the sprinkler head should reverse rotation.

The arc adjuster110is also generally cylindrical in shape, having an inner diameter just large enough to allow arc adjuster center108to slide into it. The inner diameter of arc adjuster110has raised locking structures111adesigned to mate with the inwardly cut channels111of the arc adjuster center108. A geared offset arc adjuster can also be used.

The arc adjuster110further possess a flange113extending outward from the lower portion of the cylinder. From that flange113extends an adjuster arm110a, directed downward away from the nozzle base cover102. As will be discussed later on, the adjuster arm110aserves as an arc rotation stop which triggers the sprinkler to reverse direction of rotation at a set angle.

The top surface of arc adjuster110ramps upward at a small area of the top surface. Thus, a majority of the arc adjuster's110top surface is flat except for a small area of its circumference having the adjuster ramp110b. The purpose of adjuster ramp110bbecomes clear when positioned against the underside of nozzle base cover102. The underside of nozzle base cover102is shaped to accept and surround arc adjuster110. Further, nozzle base cover102also has a small base cover ramp102a, similar in shape and height to adjuster ramp110b, but positioned on the lower surface of nozzle base cover102where the top surface of arc adjuster110normally touches.

In this fashion, the dual ramps102a,110ballow the arc adjuster110to evenly turn until the nozzle base ramp102aand adjuster ramp110bramp meet each other. At their point of meeting, both ramps102a,110bact to push arc adjuster110downward. Turning arc adjuster110in the reverse direction moves the arc adjuster110upward into a position closer to the nozzle base cover102. In this way, the dual ramps102a,110ballow the arc adjuster110to move upward and downward within the sprinkler head101, the significance of which will become clear below.

Beneath the arc adjuster110sits arc trigger112. Cylindrical in shape, arc trigger110has three main features: an arc stop112a, a locking groove112b, and a center shaft passage115. The center shaft passage115and the locking groove112ballow a trip shaft114to be positioned through the arc trigger112and lock into the locking groove112b. Note that the trip shaft114should have an angled end, seen inFIG. 2, to best fit into locking groove112b. When the trip shaft114is engaged in the locking groove112b, the trip shaft114thereby holds the arc trigger112stationary relative to the remaining components that rotate with nozzle base118.

The arc stop112aextends radially outward from the top of arc trigger112, yet is flush with the top surface of arc adjuster110, allowing arc adjuster110to evenly sit on top of arc trigger112. The total diameter of arc trigger112is slightly smaller than the flanged lip of arc adjuster110. In this manner, arc adjuster110sits on top of arc trigger112and can be held stationary (by trip shaft114) relative to the rotational movement of arc adjuster110.

The last prominent components of sprinkler head101are nozzle base nut116and trigger spring128, best seen inFIGS. 3–5. The nozzle base nut116is hexagonal in shape, having screw threading on its inner surface, while sized to an overall diameter that allows the top of nozzle base nut116to sit within the bottom of arc trigger112.

The combination of the nozzle base nut116and trip spring128act to bias arc trigger112upward against the height-fixed trip shaft114, maintaining the locked position of the trip shaft114in the locking groove112b. The bottom of nozzle base nut116has a flanged lip shaped to retain trigger spring128, best seen inFIG. 3, allowing trigger spring128to sit on the nozzle base nut116lip. When assembled, the arc trigger112is positioned over nozzle base nut116while the bottom of arc trigger112contacts the top of trip spring128, allowing the trip spring128to provide an upward biasing force.

In summary, the arc adjustment mechanisms of the sprinkler head can be best described as follows: The nozzle base nut116and trip spring128bias arc trigger112against trip shaft114in an engaged position, as shown inFIG. 3. This trip shaft114may be “tripped” by slight rotation caused by the rotation of stop122of the nozzle base or the rotation of arc stop110ainto the fixed stop112aof the arc trigger112, which, in turn, causes reversal of the sprinkler head101rotation. These stops may be disengaged by full rotation of the arc adjuster110which pushes arc trigger112downward, disengaging trigger shaft114as discussed below.

Riser Body

Turning now from the sprinkler head101to the main body of the riser assembly138is the drive assembly142, best seen inFIGS. 5,8, and9. In many ways, this preferred embodiment illustrates a typical drive assembly, having multiple gear sets within the drive assembly142body driven by a turbine178, and providing force to rotate the sprinkler head101. An example of such a drive assembly142can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,545, hereby incorporated by reference.

The force causing the sprinkler head101to rotate originates with the turbine178, which rotates when water is pushed past it. The turbine178transmits this rotational force by way of a turbine shaft174fixed to the center of the turbine and passing through the end cap176of the drive assembly142. From there, the rotational force is transmitted by a series of planetary gears168and sun gears172mounted to gear carriers170.

Each level of gears168engages with both sun gears172and an internal ring gear (not shown) on the inside of drive housing158. This internal ring gear is elongated along the axis of the drive housing158to extend for a distance which is sufficient to encompass the height of the stacked gear train, i.e. planetary gears168, sun gears172, and mounted gear carriers170. Thus, as sun gears172rotate the planetary gears168, the planetary gears168rotate or crawl around the ring gear.

The ring gear of the drive housing158, in turn, transmits this rotational force to the output shaft162. As best seen inFIG. 5, the output shaft162engages nozzle base118, further screwing into the inner threads of nozzle base nut116. In this fashion, the drive assembly is able to rotate the sprinkler head101when water is flowing to the turbine178.

Stator Assembly

The stator assembly144functions to redirect the flow of water against the previously mentioned turbine178, switching turbine178rotation, and consequently sprinkler head101rotation, between a clock-wise and counter clock-wise direction. Best seen inFIGS. 5–7, the stator assembly144is positioned directly underneath turbine178and over screen146.

The main structural component to stator assembly144is the stator housing150, containing the flow director148, the stator spring152, the stator plunger154, and the stator retainer156. Structurally, the flow director148engages the top side of stator housing150by way of a center aperture which accepts the central shaft structure of the flow director148.

The stator assembly144regulates the water passing through it by way of a spring valve created by stator spring152and stator plunger154. Both components are located within the stator housing144, held within by stator retainer156. Thus, when water pressure increases, the stator plunger154is pushed back against the bias of stator spring152, allowing water to bypass the flow director148to ensure uniform speed of rotation.

The flow director148rotates between one of two positions, due to the molded arms149on the flow director148that act as an over-center spring. These arms149ensure that the flow director148is snapped into either position at all times. Since each of these two flow director148positions allow water to pass to the turbine178to cause different directions of turbine178rotation, the sprinkler head101will rotate as long as water pressure is present.

The flow director148is directed to each of the two flow positions by trip shaft114which passes from the sprinkler head, down through the center of drive assembly142and is secured to the center of flow director148. This design allows a slight rotation of the trip shaft114to move the flow director148to its alternate position, changing the direction of water flow against the turbine178and consequently selectively reversing rotational direction of the sprinkler head101.

Sprinkler Operation

As previously mentioned, the sprinkler100operates in two water distribution modes, reversing part-circle mode and non-reversing full-circle mode. The operation of both modes are subsequently described below.

Turning first to the part-circle mode of the present invention, a user begins by setting arc limits within which the sprinkler will water. This is accomplished by using an arc adjustment tool to turn the arc adjuster center108which also rotates the arc adjuster110. The purpose for this rotation is essentially to position the arc stop110ain a position to trip the rotation reversal mechanism.

Next, the user turns on the water supply for the sprinkler, setting the sprinkler100in motion. As the water enters the sprinkler100, the riser body140“pops-up” from the ground. The water passes through screen146and into the stator assembly144. From there, the flow director148directs the water flow towards the turbine178, causing the turbine178to rotate and drive the gears of the drive assembly142.

With the drive assembly142in motion, the output shaft162rotates the nozzle base118and consequently the sprinkler head101. However, the arc trigger112does not rotate with the sprinkler head101, instead remaining stationary with the trip shaft114.

As the nozzle base118rotates, either the stop122of the nozzle base118or the stop110aof the arc adjuster (depending on the initial direction of rotation) rotates until it contacts fixed arc stop112a. Once either of these stops contact the fixed stop112a, the arc trigger112is rotated slightly and thereby rotates the trip shaft114slightly (by virture of the locking groove112b). Since the trip shaft114can store energy when rotated and is connected to the flow director148, the slight rotation of the trip shaft114“snaps” flow director148into its alternate position, changing the water flow to rotate the turbine178in the alternate direction. Thus the sprinkler head101reverses rotational direction until the other of the stops122or110acontact the fixed arc stop112a. In this manner, the sprinkler100rotates back and forth between the two arc stops122,110ato water a desired area.

Turning now to the non-reversing full circle mode, the user simply rotates the arc adjuster center108completely in one direction. This action acts to disengage the trip shaft114from the locking groove112bof arc trigger112, as best seen inFIG. 4.

The trip shaft114disengages due to the adjuster ramp110bon arc adjuster110and the base cover ramp102aon the bottom side of nozzle base cover102. During reversible part-circle mode, the two ramps102aand110bdo not engage each other. However, when the arc adjuster center108is rotated completely, the arc adjuster110also rotates, engaging the two ramps102a,110b .

As the ramps102a,110bengage, they cause the arc adjuster110to move downward, applying downward pressure to the arc trigger112, thus moving the arc trigger112downwards against the bias of trigger spring128. The trigger shaft114remains at its fixed height, and so becomes disengaged from the locking groove112b.

With the trigger shaft114disengaged, the flow director148will not be switched into its alternate flow directing position, and so the sprinkler100will continue rotating in one direction. As the sprinkler head101rotates, the stop122or the stop110(depending on the direction of rotation) merely pushes stop112ainstead of causing a change in rotational direction. Since both ramps102aand110bare engaged and the trigger shaft114is not engaged, the arc trigger112, is no longer held in a fixed rotational position, allowing it to rotate along with nozzle base118.

To return to the reversing part-circle mode, the user merely rotates the arc adjuster center108to a desired arc setting.

Visual Arc Adjust

As previously mentioned,FIGS. 10–12illustrate alternative preferred embodiments of the nozzle base cap. Specifically, these preferred embodiments focus on providing visual indicia for indicating the arc adjustment.

Turning toFIG. 10, the nozzle base cover200includes a breakup screw aperture206, an arc adjust aperture208, arc scale204, and arc indicator202. The arc indicator202is coupled to the arc adjustment mechanism of the sprinkler, preferably by a series of gears (not shown), to indicate the current arc size by pointing to the arc scale204. As the user adjusts the arc through arc adjust aperture208, the arc indicator202rotates accordingly to display this adjustment. Thus, a user is able to easily visually determine the current size of the sprinkler's arc adjustment.

FIG. 11illustrates another preferred embodiment of the nozzle base cover300, including breakup screw aperture306, arc adjust aperture304, and arc display window302. As with the previous embodiment, arc display window302is coupled to the arc adjustment mechanism of the sprinkler, preferably by a series of gears (not shown), to indicate the current arc size by showing an arc number. As the user adjusts the arc through arc adjust aperture208, the arc display window302displays the correct arc setting by rotating a disk beneath nozzle base cover300having selected arc angle numbers printed on it. In this fashion, different arc numbers are displayed according to how the user adjusts the arc.

FIG. 12illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the nozzle base cover400, including breakup aperture406, arc adjust aperture404, and arc display402. This preferred embodiment functions in a similar fashion to previous embodiments, in that it visually displays the sprinkler's rotation arc on the top of the nozzle base cover. The arc display402communicates arc size by uncovering varying amounts of a hidden circle within the arc display402. This uncovering mechanism is mechanically coupled to the arc adjuster of the sprinkler. As the user adjusts the sprinkler arc setting by way of arc adjust aperture404, the circle of arc display402becomes uncovered by a proportional amount. Thus, the size of the sprinkler arc is communicated to the user.

FIG. 13illustrates another preferred embodiment of a side view arc indicator500which allows a user to view the arc watering angle by looking through a transparent side window514in the sprinkler body to view the position of an arc indicator510. Arc angle indicia512are positioned above the transparent side window514, allowing a user to line up the arc indicator510with the indicia512and gauge the current arc watering angle that the sprinkler is currently set to. In operation, the user rotates the geared arc adjuster504which is coupled to an adjacent gear506that also rotates. A moveable stop508is coupled to the adjacent gear506, allowing the moveable stop508and the connected arc indicator510to rotate along with the adjacent gear506. In this manner, as the arc adjuster504is rotated, the arc indicator510moves within the transparent side window514, underneath the arc indicia512, visually communicating the current arc size to the user.