Modular irrigation valve housing

The modular irrigation valve housing comprises a waterproof enclosure that is placed into the ground to house an electrically operated valve. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe couple to the valve via slip assemblies that slide in and out of the pipes to adjust the distance between pipes and the valve. The slip assemblies mate with receivers that can be coupled to the intake and output of the valve. The slip assemblies comprise double O-rings on one end and a single O-ring and a retaining ring on the other end to form leak proof connections. The box comprises a lid to cover the box, an internal electrical housing for watertight electrical connections to the outside, and a locator device that makes it easier to find the valve when it requires maintenance.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

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REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of irrigation systems, more specifically, a modular irrigation valve housing.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The modular irrigation valve housing comprises a waterproof enclosure that is placed into the ground to house an electrically operated valve. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe couple to the valve via slip assemblies that slide in and out of the pipes to adjust the distance between pipes and the valve. The slip assemblies mate with receivers that can be coupled to the intake and output of the valve. The slip assemblies comprise double O-rings on one end and a single O-ring and a retaining ring on the other end to form leak proof connections. The box comprises a lid to cover the box, an internal electrical housing for watertight electrical connections to the outside, and a locator device that makes it easier to find the valve when it requires maintenance.

An object of the invention is to provide a protective cover for an irrigation valve.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism to adjust the length of inlet and outlet pipes so that they reach the valve.

A further object of the invention is to facilitate valve replacement without the using of plumbing skills such as cutting an joining pipe.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a locator device to make the valve easier to locate when it requires maintenance.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the modular irrigation valve housing will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The modular irrigation valve housing100(hereinafter invention) comprises a box200, an inlet pipe220, an outlet pipe240, a first slip assembly310, a second slip assembly325, a first receiver300, and a second receiver305. The invention100may be a housing for an irrigation valve. The irrigation valve housed in the invention100may be replaced without the need for cutting pipe, joining pipe, or using other traditional plumbing skills. The invention100may make the irrigation valve accessible without digging to find the irrigation valve. The invention100may provide a locator device215for assistance in finding the irrigation valve.

The box200is defined by a first side201, a second side202, a third side203, a fourth side204, and a bottom panel205. The box200, when covered by a box lid290, may be waterproof. The box200is buried in the ground950such that the top of the box200is flush with the ground950.

The inlet pipe220may couple to an incoming irrigation line910and pass water (not illustrated in the figures) from a water source (not illustrated in the figures) through the first side201to the irrigation valve. The inlet pipe220may be mechanically supported by the first side201of the box200in a watertight manner. The inlet pipe220may couple with the incoming irrigation line910directly or via an inlet plumbing fitting (not illustrated in the figures) that is coupled to the first side201of the box200and to the inlet pipe220. The inlet pipe220may comprise one or more reducers to match the diameter of the incoming irrigation line910to the diameter of the irrigation valve. The inlet pipe220may extend into the box200by a distance that is ⅛ to ½ of the overall length of the box200. The terminal end of the inlet pipe220that is inside of the box200may comprise a non-threaded, female pipe fitting.

The outlet pipe240may couple to an outgoing irrigation line915and pass the water from the irrigation valve through the second side202to one or more sprinkler heads (not illustrated in the figures). The outlet pipe240may be mechanically supported by the second side202of the box200in a watertight manner. The outlet pipe240may couple with the outgoing irrigation line915directly or via an outlet plumbing fitting (not illustrated in the figures) that is coupled to the second side202of the box200and to the outlet pipe240. The outlet pipe240may comprise one or more reducers to match the diameter of the outgoing irrigation line915to the diameter of the irrigation valve. The outlet pipe240may extend into the box200by a distance that is ⅛ to ½ of the overall length of the box200. The terminal end of the outlet pipe240that is inside of the box200may comprise a non-threaded, female pipe fitting.

The first slip assembly310may comprise a sliding coupler that allows the length of the inlet pipe220to be changed. The first slip assembly310may be inserted into the inlet pipe220and may be moved longitudinally within the inlet pipe220until the first slip assembly310fills the gap between the inlet pipe220and the irrigation valve.

The second slip assembly325may comprise a sliding coupler that allows the length of the outlet pipe240to be changed. The second slip assembly325may be inserted into the outlet pipe240and may be moved longitudinally within the outlet pipe240until the second slip assembly325fills the gap between the outlet pipe240and the irrigation valve.

The first slip assembly310and the second slip assembly325may each comprise a first slip assembly end330and a second slip assembly end335. The first slip assembly end330may be a male half380of a quick clip fitting370.

The quick clip fitting370comprises a female half372and the male half380. The male half380may slide into the female half372and may be mechanically retained in place by a retaining ring350. The quick clip fitting370may be sealed from leaking by a first o-ring392.

Specifically, the male half380may comprise a cylindrical pipe having an outside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the female half372. The male half380may comprise a first groove382which laterally encircles the male half380and a second groove386which laterally encircles the male half380. The first groove382may be located closer to the end of the male half380that mates with the female half372than the second groove386. The first o-ring392may be placed into the first groove382such that the first o-ring392laterally encircles the male half380.

The female half372may be a cylindrical pipe segment comprising two or more slotted apertures374forming a laterally oriented ring encircling the female half372.

With the male half380pushed into the female half372to the point where the second groove386aligns with the two or more slotted apertures374, the retaining ring350may be aligned with the two or more slotted apertures374and pushed laterally onto the female half372. The retaining ring350may spread open to pass the female half372and when the retaining ring350returns to its original shape, a plurality of protrusions352on the retaining ring350may pass through the two or more slotted apertures374on the female half372and may pass into the second groove386of the male half380.

In some embodiments, the two or more slotted apertures374may comprise three apertures and the retaining ring350may be an E-clip.

The second slip assembly end335may comprise a cylindrical pipe having an outside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the outlet pipe240. The second slip assembly end335may comprise a third groove388which laterally encircles the second slip assembly end335and a fourth groove390which laterally encircles the second slip assembly end335. A second o-ring394may be placed into the third groove388such that the second o-ring394laterally encircles the second slip assembly end335. A third o-ring395may be placed into the fourth groove390such that the third o-ring395laterally encircles the second slip assembly end335.

The second slip assembly end335may push into the inlet pipe220or the outlet pipe240where the second o-ring394and the third o-ring395may seal the coupling between the second slip assembly end335and the inlet pipe220or the outlet pipe and may prevent leaking.

In some embodiments, the first slip assembly end330and the second slip assembly end335may be different diameters to match the irrigation valve to the inlet pipe220or the outlet pipe240.

The first receiver300may be a plumbing fitting that is adapted to couple to an off-the-shelf irrigation valve900. The first receiver300may be adapted to mate the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900to the first slip assembly310.

The second receiver305may be a plumbing fitting that is adapted to couple to the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900. The second receiver305may be adapted to mate the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900to the second slip assembly325.

The first receiver300and the second receiver305may each comprise a first receiver end360and a second receiver end365. The first receiver end360may match a pipe interface of the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900. As a non-limiting example, the first receiver end360may be a threaded male fitting315having a diameter and thread size that complements a female threaded fitting on the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900.

The second receiver end365may comprise the female half372of the quick clip fitting370as previously described.

The box lid290may be a top cover for the box200. The box lid290may couple with the box200to form a waterproof seal. In some embodiments, the box lid290may comprise a lid O-ring295to achieve the waterproof seal.

The box200may comprise an electrical housing210. The electrical housing210may be a waterproof enclosure inside of the box200that distributes electrical energy to the irrigation valve and to the locator device215. The electrical housing210may accept an incoming electrical connection920from outside of the box200and may couple the incoming electrical connection920to the irrigation valve via valve wiring250. The presence or absence of electrical energy provided to the irrigation valve from the incoming electrical connection920via the valve wiring250may cause the irrigation valve to open and allow the water to flow through the irrigation valve from the water source to the one or more sprinkler heads or may cause the irrigation valve to close and block the flow of the water.

The invention100may further comprise the locator device215. The locator device215may be a device able to determine and report its own position. The locator device215may be powered via locator wiring255that is coupled to the incoming electrical connection920within the electrical housing210. The locator device215may report its position wirelessly. As a non-limiting example, the locator device215may comprise a GPS unit to determine its position in terms of latitude and longitude and may report its position via a WiFi connection to a browser application running on a smartphone outside of the box200.

In some embodiments, the invention100may comprise an integral irrigation valve400. The integral irrigation valve400may be an electrically operated water valve which comprises the female half372of the quick clip fitting370at both a valve intake port405and at a valve output port410.

In some embodiments, the inlet pipe220and the first slip assembly310, the outlet pipe240and the second slip assembly325, or both may be replaced by a flexible conduit510comprising the male half380of the quick clip fitting370on the terminal end of the flexible conduit510. The non-terminal end of the flexible conduit510may be coupled to the first side201, the second side202, or directly to the incoming irrigation line910or the outgoing irrigation line915. The terminal end with the male half380of the quick clip fitting370may couple to the female half372of the quick clip fitting370located on the irrigation valve.

In use, the invention100may be buried in the ground950so that the top of the box200is flush with the ground950. The incoming irrigation line910may be coupled to the first side201and the outgoing irrigation line915may be coupled to the second side202. If the embodiment does not comprise the integral irrigation valve400, the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900may be installed by coupling the first receiver300and the second receiver305to the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900, placing the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900into the box200, sliding the first slip assembly310into the first receiver300, sliding the second slip assembly325into the second receiver305, placing the retaining rings350onto the first receiver300and the second receiver305to hold the first slip assembly310and the second slip assembly325in place, and connecting the valve wiring250to the off-the-shelf irrigation valve900.

The irrigation valve may be operated by applying or removing electrical energy to the incoming electrical connection920to open or close the irrigation valve.

In the event that the irrigation valve fails, the box200may be located by applying electrical energy to the locator device215via the incoming electrical connection920and reading its position from an external device that is in wireless communication with the locator device215. A faulty valve may be replaced by removing the box lid290, pulling the retaining rings350off of both sides of the irrigation valve, sliding the first slip assembly310and the second slip assembly325away from the irrigation valve, disconnecting the valve wiring250from the irrigation valve, and lifting the irrigation valve from the box200. A replacement valve may be installed following the process described above.

As used in this disclosure, an “aperture” is an opening in a surface. Aperture may be synonymous with hole, slit, crack, gap, slot, or opening.

As used in this disclosure, an “application” or “app” is software that is specifically designed for use with a personal computing device.

As used in this disclosure, a “clip” is a fastener that attaches to an object by gripping or clasping the object. A clip is typically spring loaded.

As used herein, the words “couple”, “couples”, “coupled” or “coupling”, refer to connecting, either directly or indirectly, and does not necessarily imply a mechanical connection.

As used in this disclosure, a “diameter” of an object is a straight line segment that passes through the center (or center axis) of an object. The line segment of the diameter is terminated at the perimeter or boundary of the object through which the line segment of the diameter runs.

As used herein, “retaining ring” (also known as a retention ring) refers to a springy, circular clip that is used to retain a component on a shaft or in housings. The retaining ring may be stamped from a flat piece of spring steel or may be formed from wire. A retaining rings typically seats into a groove around a shaft, which prevents the retaining ring from moving longitudinally on the shaft. The circular shape comprises a gap that allows the retaining ring to spread while being installed or removed. A circlip or snap ring is a particular type of retaining ring comprising an aperture at each end of the ring. The apertures may be used by a spreading tool to install or remove the circlip. Some retaining rings may comprise radial protrusions that point towards the center of the circlips. A retaining ring with three such protrusions is sometimes refer to as an E-clip.

As used in this disclosure, “flexible” refers to an object or material which will deform when a force is applied to it, which will not return to its original shape when the deforming force is removed, and which may not retain the deformed shape caused by the deforming force.

As used in this disclosure, the term “flush” is used to describe that a first surface is aligned with a second surface.

As used herein, “GPS” refers to a device that uses signals received from a system of navigational satellites to determine the position of the device. GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System.

As used in this disclosure, a “housing” is a rigid casing that encloses and protects one or more devices.

As used herein, “inside diameter” refers to a measurement made on a hollow conduit. Specifically, the inside diameter is the distance from one inside wall to the opposite inside wall. If the conduit is round, then the inside diameter is a true diameter, however the term may also be used in connection with a square conduit in which case the inside diameter is simply the narrowest inside measurement that passes through the center of the conduit.

As used in this disclosure, the word “lateral” refers to the sides of an object or movement towards a side. Lateral directions are generally perpendicular to longitudinal directions. “Laterally” refers to movement in a lateral direction.

As used in this disclosure, a “lid” is a removable cover that is placed on a hollow structure to contain and/or protect the contents within the hollow structure.

As used herein, the word “longitudinal” or “longitudinally” refers to a lengthwise or longest direction.

As used herein, “mate” refers to coupling at a predefined interface.

As used herein, “outside diameter” refers to a measurement made on an object. Specifically, the outside diameter is the distance from one point on the outside of the object to a point on the opposite side of the object along a line passing through the center of the object. The term outside diameter is frequently used in conjunction with round objects such as hollow conduits in which case the outside diameter is a true diameter, however the term may also be used in connection with a square object in which case the outside diameter is simply the widest outside measurement that passes through the center of the conduit.

As used in this disclosure, a “pipe” is a hollow cylindrical device that is used for transporting liquids and gases or for structural purposes. The line that connects the center of the first base of the cylinder to the center of the second base of the cylinder is referred to as the axis of the cylinder or the centerline of the pipe. When two pipes share the same centerline they are said to be aligned. In this disclosure, the terms inner diameter of a pipe and outer diameter are used as they would be used by those skilled in the plumbing arts.

As used in this disclosure, a “valve” is a device that is used to control the flow of a fluid (gas or liquid) through a pipe or to control the flow of a fluid into and out of a container.

As used herein, the words “waterproof” or “watertight” refer to an object that is not harmed when being exposed to water, including total submersion for a period of time. When used as a verb, “waterproof” refers to taking steps to make an object waterproof. Non-limiting examples of such steps may include applying special coatings or using gaskets to seal seams and entry points of an enclosure.

As used in this disclosure, “WiFi” refers to the physical implementation of a collection of wireless electronic communication standards commonly referred to as IEEE 802.11x and used for wireless communication between devices.

Throughout this document references to “wire”, “wires”, “wired”, or “wiring” may describe and/or show a single conductor when, in fact, two conductors may be required to power or control a subsystem; a convention used herein is to not show the common return conductor to which all electrical subsystems are connected—this common return conductor is a continuous electrical path and does not pass through any type of switch or other electrical component other than the possibility of passing through one or more connectors.

As used in this disclosure, “wireless” is an adjective that is used to describe a communication channel that does not require the use of physical cabling.