Abstract:
A lawn sprinkler providing water distribution over an irregular or unique shaped water receiving area. The apparatus includes a water impeller, a first water regulator, a second water regulator, and a bypass channel. The sprinkler regulates the delivery of water according to the shape of the area to be irrigated, so that water is not wasted on adjacent areas which do not require irrigation.

Description:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/983,857, filed Oct. 30, 2007, entitled LAWN SPRINKLER, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety, including the specification, drawing, and claims, by this reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The patent owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to lawn sprinklers, and more particularly, to lawn sprinklers of the pop-up type adapted for use in watering a selected water receiving area. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Water sprinklers of various designs have been utilized for many years. However, many of the currently utilized designs water over a circular area that is of uniform diameter. A few designs have the ability to water over a selected arcuate shaped receiving area. However, significant amounts of water are wasted due to the inability of the general public to obtain and install lawn sprinklers that are capable of being provided for, or which are adjustable to, watering only in a specific and often irregularly shaped area where watering is needed, rather than applying a water stream relatively indiscriminately over an area that may include features where water is not required, such as driveways or sidewalks. 
     Since water is increasingly scarce and/or increasingly costly in many locales (whether as a result of increased fees from the utility provider, or as a result of energy costs for pumping, or otherwise) there remains a need for a law sprinkler apparatus that can reliably provide the needed water over the required area, while minimizing or eliminating the application of water to adjacent areas which do not require the application of water. 
     Thus, there remains an unmet need for an improved lawn sprinkler with suitable features that would direct available water to those areas needing water, while avoiding application of water to those areas which do not require such watering. 
     SUMMARY 
     I have now developed a lawn sprinkler with flow restricting passageways that enable water projected from the lawn sprinkler to be varied for application according to a predefined pattern, so that the volume of water applied to a particular portion of lawn remains relatively uniform although the water is applied over an area having a non-circular shape or irregular geometric pattern. 
     In one embodiment, a lawn sprinkler apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of water to be applied to a non-circular or irregularly shaped area, while providing substantially uniform quantities of water per unit area of the lawn. The sprinkler apparatus includes a base configured to confiningly receive a pressurized water flow, and a sprinkler nozzle assembly coupled to the base for rotating movement with respect to the base. The sprinkler nozzle assembly is responsive to the pressurized water flow to pop-up into an operating position for discharge of water from a nozzle; A drive mechanism is coupled to the sprinkler nozzle assembly. The drive mechanism includes a water driven impeller and a gear train adapted for operatively driving the sprinkler nozzle assembly in arcuate movement. 
     A water flow regulator is provided to regulate the water flow outward from the nozzle in a predetermined pattern consistent with the size and shape of the area to be watered. The water flow regulator is configured for regulating a first portion of a water flow to increase water flow rate of the first portion of the water flow over a first unit of time, and for regulating the first portion of a water flow to decrease the water flow rate of the first portion of the water flow over a second unit of time. In one embodiment, increased water flow of the first portion of water through an impeller increases the rotational speed of the sprinkler, when the sprinkler rotates through angular positions with respect to a lawn pattern where less water is required along the then current radial direction, with respect to a receiving lawn pattern in this manner, less water is placed on positions requiring less water along a particular radial, so that in spite of irregular or varying radial lengths of water application, a substantially uniform amount of water is placed on each area of a lawn, even though a given radial length from the sprinkler to the then current edge of the lawn varies, as the angular position of the water stream from the sprinkler varies with respect to the lawn. Decreased flow of the first portion of water through an impeller decreases the rotational speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly, allowing more water to be provided to a portion of the lawn. Consistent with the regulation of the first portion of water that is directed to the impeller and used for increasing and decreasing rotational speed of the sprinkler, the water flow regulator is also configured for regulating a second portion of a water flow. The second flow of water bypasses the impeller and is routed to the nozzle in order to decrease the water flow rate or increase the water flow rate of the stream of water exiting the nozzle and which is delivered to the lawn. Thus, the second portion of the water flow is decreased over a first unit of time and is increased over the second unit of time, when the rotational speed of the sprinkler is decreased but the volume of water exiting the nozzle needs to be increased, for application along a longer radius. 
     A water outlet nozzle is provided that is sized and shaped (a) to decrease the radial length of water distribution along a first vector over the first unit of time in response to the increase in water flow rate of the first portion of the water flow, and (b) to increase the radial length of water distribution along a second vector over a second unit of time in response to a decrease in water flow rate of the first portion of the water flow. The drive mechanism is operative to increase the arcuate speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly over the first unit of time in response to the increase in water flow rate of the first portion of the water flow, and to decrease the arcuate speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly over the second unit of time in response to the decrease in water flow rate of the first portion of the water flow. 
     In one embodiment, the water flow regulator includes an impeller regulator and a nozzle regulator, wherein during the first unit of time, the impeller regulator is configured to operatively increase fluid flow through the impeller, to increase rotational speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly, and at the same time, the nozzle regulator is configured to operatively decrease water flow through the nozzle. Similarly, during a second unit of time, the impeller regulator is configured to operatively decrease the water flow through the impeller, and the nozzle regulator is configured to operatively increase water flow through the nozzle. In one embodiment, the impeller regulator is provided in part by an inner portion of a first perforated disk, wherein the inner portion having apertures therethrough defined by first perforated disk inner aperture sidewalls. In such an embodiment, the impeller regulator is further provided by an inner portion of a second perforated disk, wherein the inner portion of the second perforated disk has apertures therethrough defined by second perforated disk inner aperture sidewalls. In such an embodiment, the nozzle regulator is provided by an outer portion of the first perforated disc, wherein the outer portion has apertures therethrough defined by first perforated disk outer aperture sidewalls. Further, the nozzle regulator is also provided in part by an outer portion of a second perforated disc, wherein the outer portion has apertures therethrough defined by second perforated disk outer aperture sidewalls. The second perforated disk is located and configured for relative movement with respect to said first perforated disk so that the passageways provided by the first perforated disk inner portion apertures and the passageways provided by the second perforated disk inner portion apertures cooperatively provide the increasing and decreasing water flow first fluid flow during movement of the second perforated disk relative to the first perforated disk, to provide the impeller regulator. Likewise, the second perforated disk is located and configured for relative movement with respect to the first perforated disk so that passageways provided by the first perforated disk outer portion apertures and passageways provided by the second perforated disk outer portion apertures cooperatively provide the increasing and decreasing water flow first fluid flow during movement of the second perforated disk relative to the first perforated disk, to provide the nozzle regulator. 
     The foregoing briefly describes a lawn sprinkler apparatus having flow restrictors for regulating the flow of water to provide a substantially uniform quantity of water per unit area of lawn, even in non-circular or irregular geometric shapes. The invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with careful examination of the accompanying figures of the drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
       In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete appreciation of the invention, and of the novel features and advantages thereof, attention is directed to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an irregular shaped lawn area that is to be watered, preferably with a relatively uniform volume of water per square foot of lawn wherever located, via a rotating sprinkler that provides water substantially along vectors of differing radial lengths from the sprinkler. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pop-up lawn sprinkler design, illustrating the sprinkler nozzle assembly located in its inoperative, resting position, nested within the sprinkler base, and showing at the bottom an inlet for a pressurized flow of water. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of embodiment just illustrated in  FIG. 3  above, now showing the sprinkler nozzle assembly located in its pop-up, operating position. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a first flow restrictor, showing, for this embodiment a generally circular perforated disk shape with a plurality of anti-rotation guide tabs extending outward from the periphery thereof. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a flow restrictor assembly in a first rotary position, showing the edge of a lower, first flow restrictor, and thereabove, a second flow restrictor which is also provided in a generally circular, perforated disk shape, but mounted for rotary movement relative to the first flow restrictor, so that when water passageways through each of the flow restrictors effectively overlap, water is allowed to flow through the flow restrictor assembly. As configured in  FIG. 5 , the overlapping water passageways are configured for a slow rotational movement, with lots of water bypassing the impeller, to increase total water flow, and is applicable for water placement along a long radius such as along R 8  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a flow restrictor assembly in a second rotary position, again showing the lower, first flow restrictor, and thereabove, a second flow restrictor which is also provided in a generally circular, perforated disk shape, but mounted for rotary movement relative to the first flow restrictor, so that when water passageways through each of the flow restrictors effectively overlap, water is allowed to flow through the flow restrictor assembly. As configured in  FIG. 6 , the overlapping water passageways are configured for a fast rotational movement, with minimal water bypassing the impeller, to decrease the total water flow, as applicable for water placement along a relatively short radius such as along R 5  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view, showing a first flow restrictor, a second flow restrictor, an outer O-ring that is used to effectively seal the joint between a stationary first flow restrictor and a rotating second flow restrictor, then an inner O-ring that is used to effectively seal the joint between the second flow restrictor and the housing of the sprinkler nozzle assembly (which housing preferably rotates at the same speed as the second flow restrictor), then an impeller, and a gear train driven by the impeller that acts through a shaft, a driving gear, and a planetary gear to provide rotary movement to the sprinkler nozzle assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment just illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  7  above, now showing the sprinkler nozzle assembly located in an inoperative position, with the spring biasing the flow restrictor assembly downward, so that the top of the sprinkler nozzle assembly is flush with the top of the stationary sprinkler base. 
         FIG. 9  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment Just illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7 , and  8  above, but now showing the sprinkler nozzle assembly in an operating, pop-up position, with the pressurized water flow biasing the flow restrictor assembly upward against an upper end stop, so that the nozzle is exposed for projection of a water stream outward from the sprinkler nozzle assembly. 
         FIG. 9A  is a vertical cross-sectional view, similar to the embodiment just illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7 , and  8  above, but now showing an embodiment in which a removable cap is utilized to allow ease of final assembly and maintenance of the components of the sprinkler nozzle assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a flow restrictor assembly, showing the upper or second flow restrictor in solid lines, and the lower or first flow restrictor in hidden lines. The water flow rates delivered from such a juxtaposition of the first and second flow restrictors correspond to deliver substantially uniform water application per unit of surface area of a lawn of the shape illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of another non-circular lawn area that is to be watered, preferably with a relatively uniform volume of water per square foot of lawn wherever located, via a rotating sprinkler that provides water substantially along vectors of differing radial lengths from the sprinkler, showing watering along short vectors, where the rotary speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly will be increased. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of a flow restrictor assembly, similar to  FIG. 10  above, and again showing the upper or second flow restrictor in solid lines, and the lower or first flow restrictor in hidden lines, but now showing the upper flow restrictor rotated forty five (45) degrees, so that the water flow rates through the flow restrictor assembly match the flow rates required for watering that portion of a lawn as indicated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of the non-circular lawn area just illustrate in  FIG. 11  above, but now showing watering along longer radial lengths from the sprinkler, which as described herein will preferably be provided with a substantially uniform volume of water per square foot of lawn, wherever located, from the rotating sprinkler nozzle assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pop-up lawn sprinkler design, illustrating the sprinkler nozzle assembly located in its inoperative, resting position, nested within the sprinkler base, and showing at the bottom an inlet for a pressurized flow of water. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of embodiment just illustrated in  FIG. 14  above, now showing the sprinkler nozzle assembly and upwardly projecting nozzle housing located in its pop-up, operating position. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view if a second embodiment of the invention, showing a first flow restrictor, a second flow restrictor, an outer O-ring to seal the joint between a stationary first flow restrictor and a rotating second flow restrictor, then an inner O-ring to effectively seal the joint between the second flow restrictor and the housing of the sprinkler nozzle assembly (which housing rotates at the same speed as the second flow restrictor, then an impeller, and a gear train driven by the impeller that acts, through a shaft, a driving gear, and a driven gear located below the nozzle housing to provide rotary movement to the sprinkler nozzle assembly and upwardly projecting nozzle housing and nozzle. 
         FIG. 17  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second embodiment just illustrated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16  above, now showing the sprinkler nozzle assembly located in an inoperative position, with the spring biasing the flow restrictor assembly downward, so that the top of the upwardly projecting nozzle housing is flush with the top of the stationary sprinkler base. 
         FIG. 17A  is a vertical cross-sectional view, similar to the embodiment just illustrated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16  above, but now shown the use of a removable cap, that may be utilized to allow ease of final assembly and maintenance of the components of the sprinkler nozzle assembly. 
         FIG. 18  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment just illustrated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  16 , and  17  above, but now showing the sprinkler nozzle assembly in an operating, pop-up position, with the nozzle housing rising above the top of the sprinkler base, so that the nozzle is exposed for projection of a water stream outward from the nozzle housing. 
     
    
    
     In the various figures of the drawing, like features may be illustrated with the same reference numerals, without further mention thereof. Further, the foregoing figures are merely exemplary, and may contain various elements that might be present or omitted from actual implementations of various embodiments depending upon the circumstances. The features as illustrated provide an exemplary embodiment for a sprinkler that may control rotational speed of the sprinkler, and water volume applied along a radial length, at the same time. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, various other elements of a lawn sprinkler with water flow restrictor designs, or gear train designs, especially as applied for different variations of the functional components illustrated, as well as different embodiments such as a shape of components or final design of various elements, may be utilized in order to provide a useful, reliable, lawn sprinkler in a pop-up sprinkler design useful for minimizing waste of water and in normalizing the application rate of water (on an irrigation volume per square foot or similar basis) over areas of a lawn, particularly for irregular or other non-circular lawn shapes. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Attention is directed to  FIG. 1  of the drawing, which provides a perspective view of an exemplary non-circular, irregular shaped lawn  20 . Lawn  20  may be irrigated using a lawn sprinkler  22  as described herein in order to water the irregularly shaped lawn while minimizing or substantially eliminating watering of areas beyond the perimeter  24  of the lawn  20 . Further, in one embodiment, a relatively uniform volume of water per unit area (e.g., gallons per square foot of lawn  20  in a given period of time, or alternate measurement such as inches of rainfall equivalent over the irrigated area in a given period of time) may be provided to lawn  20 , using pop-up type sprinkler  22 . Sprinkler  22  may, in an embodiment, be configured to rotate, such as in the direction of the clockwise reference arrows  26  and  28 . As the angle of rotation changes from a starting point (such as that at a reference angle zero (A 0 ) along radial R 0  having a length LR 0  between sprinkler  22  and perimeter  24 ) to other angles of rotation about sprinkler  22 , for example to A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , etc. to an A N , (where N is a positive integer representing an angle between 0 and 360 degrees), then the volume of water provided via sprinkler  22  is regulated so that a nozzle  30  (see  FIG. 9 ) in sprinkler  22  delivers a regulated volume of water for a regulated length of time along a suitable radial length LR 1 , LR 2 , LR 3 . etc. along radials R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , etc., as indicated for example in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9 , an exemplary lawn sprinkler  22  may be provided in a pop-up operational configuration. Such an embodiment includes a sprinkler base  32  having a sprinkler base chamber  34  defined by a sprinkler base inner side wall  36 . The sprinkler base chamber  34  has an inlet  38  for receiving a pressurized water flow, as indicated by reference arrow  40  in  FIG. 9  or  9 A. 
     A sprinkler nozzle assembly  42  is rotatably coupled to the sprinkler base  32  and configured for operative pop-up extension upward a distance H 3  as indicated in  FIG. 3  or  9 , relative to the top  44  of base  32  (or relative to top  44 A of screw on cap  47  as seen in  FIG. 9A ). As seen in  FIG. 8 , the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42  includes a sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46 , which housing has an outer wall  48  and an inner wall  50 . In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7 , and  8 , the inner wall  50  defines a sprinkler nozzle assembly chamber  52  which receives water therein, and for discharge therefrom. Nozzle  30 , operatively located with or as an exit port from sprinkler nozzle assembly chamber  52 , is adapted for discharging water therethrough, as indicated by reference arrow  54  in  FIGS. 9 and 9A . As seen in  FIG. 8 , a sprinkler nozzle assembly primary inlet  56  is defined at, and by, the lower end portion  58  of sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46 . The sprinkler nozzle assembly primary inlet  56  is in fluid communication with nozzle  30 , via sprinkler nozzle assembly chamber  52 . A sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass inlet  60  is provided, which as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  can be provided as defined by through wall apertures defined by edgewall portions  61  in sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46 . The sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass inlet  60  is thus also in fluid communication with the nozzle  30 . 
     A transmission  62  is provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the transmission  62  may have a housing  64  that houses at least a portion of a gear mechanism, such as gears G 1 , G 2 , and G 3 . Various shafts S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 , as well as a reduction gear package G R  as depicted in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  may also be provided wholly or partially within or supported by gear housing  64 . The driven planetary gear G P  may be outside of housing  64  and in one embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 9A  may be located at the internal periphery  66  of sprinkler nozzle assembly  42  adjacent the top  67  thereof. The various shafts S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , et cetera, and the reduction gear package G R , as well as the other parts of transmission  62  (e.g., bushings B 1  and B 2  and support  68 ) are secured in working relationship with the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42 . In an embodiment, the transmission  62  includes an impeller  70  and gear mechanism including gears, shafts, and gear reduction package as just mentioned, to transfer force from the impeller  70  to rotationally drive the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42 . Also, as seen in  FIG. 7 , support  68  may include a cutout or water flow passageway  69  which may be defined by passageway edgewall  69   E , through which water flows after passage across impeller  70 . In one embodiment, the first flow restrictor  82  supports bushing B 1 , and the lower end  71  of shaft S 1 , which shaft S 1  is secured to impeller  70 , turns in bushing B 1 . 
     As indicated in  FIGS. 9 and 9A , a sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass passageway  72  is provided to conduct water therethrough as indicated by reference arrow  74  in  FIG. 9 . The sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass passageway  72  is defined between at least an upper portion  75  of the sprinkler base inner side wall  36  and a portion of the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing outer wall  48 . The sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass passageway  72 , when sprinkler  22  is in operation, is in fluid communication with the sprinkler base chamber  34  and with the sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass inlet  60 , the latter of course being in fluid communication with nozzle  30 , as indicated by reference arrows  76  and  78  in  FIGS. 9 and 9A . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  9 A, a flow restrictor assembly  80  is provided, including a lower or first flow restrictor  82 , and an upper or second flow restrictor  84 . As better seen in  FIG. 8 ,  9 , or  9 A, an outer O-ring  86  is provided between first flow restrictor  82  and second flow restrictor  84 . The outer O-ring is seated in lower groove  82   G . The upper or second flow restrictor  84  rides above outer O-ring  86  at upper groove  84   G . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first flow restrictor  82  includes a first flow restrictor inner portion  90  that has at least one first flow restrictor inner aperture  92  with a cross-section open area defined by at least one first flow restrictor inner aperture sidewall  94 . Multiple first flow restrictor inner apertures  92   1 ,  92   2 ,  92   3 ,  92   4 , through  92   N , with corresponding multiple first flow restrictor inner aperture sidewalls  94   1 ,  94   2 ,  94   3 ,  94   4 , through  94   N , where N is a positive integer, may be provided in many embodiments, as indicated, for example, in  FIG. 4 . One or more variable edges such as  95   1 ,  95   2 ,  95   3 ,  95   4 , through  95   N  may be provided in order to vary the flow of water through the first flow restrictor inner apertures  92   1 ,  92   2 ,  92   3 ,  92   4 , through  92   N , 
     Likewise, the first flow restrictor  82  includes an outer portion  96 . The first flow restrictor outer portion  96  has at least one first flow restrictor outer aperture  98  with a cross-section open area defined by at least one first flow restrictor outer aperture sidewall  100 , Multiple first flow restrictor outer apertures  98   1 ,  98   2 ,  98   3 ,  98   4 , through  98   N , with corresponding multiple first flow restrictor aperture sidewalls  100   1 ,  100   2 ,  100   3 ,  100   4 , through  100   N , where N is a positive integer, may be provided in many embodiments, as indicated, for example, in  FIG. 4 . One or more variable edges  105 , such as  105   1 ,  105   2 ,  105   3 ,  105   4 , through  105   N  may be provided in order to vary the flow of water through the first flow restrictor outer apertures  98   1 ,  98   2 ,  98   3 ,  98   4 , through  98   N . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , for example, the first flow restrictor  82  may include one or more guide tabs  106  suited for location in complementary tab grooves or slots  108  in sprinkler base  32 . In such an embodiment, interaction of guide tabs  106  with tab grooves or slots  108  prevents the first flow restrictor  82  from rotating within the base  32  of sprinkler  22 . However, the first flow restrictor  82  may move upward in response to pressurized water flow or downward in response to action of the biasing spring  140 , as further described herein, while the first restrictor  82  is prevented from rotary movement by the interaction of the guide tabs  106  and the tab grooves or slots  108 . 
     In the embodiment just referenced, the second flow restrictor  84  is configured for rotary movement relative to the first flow restrictor  82 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , connector  110  operatively couples the second flow restrictor  84  with the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42 . In this manner, the second flow restrictor  84  rotates at the same angular speed as the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42 . Regardless of the precise mechanical linkage or operable configuration, or which flow restrictor actually moves, the second flow restrictor  84  and the first flow restrictor  82  are configured for rotary movement relative to each other. The second flow restrictor  84  includes a second flow restrictor inner portion  112 . The second flow restrictor inner portion  112  has at least one second flow restrictor inner aperture  114  with a cross sectional area defined by at least one second flow restrictor inner aperture sidewall  116 . Multiple second flow restrictor inner apertures  114   1 ,  114   2 ,  114   3 , through  114   N , with corresponding multiple first flow restrictor aperture sidewalls  116   1 ,  116   2 ,  116   3 , through  116   N , where N is a positive integer, may be provided in many embodiments, as indicated, for example, in  FIG. 6 . 
     The second flow restrictor has an outer portion  118 . The second flow restrictor outer portion  118  has at least one second flow restrictor outer aperture  120  with a cross-sectional water flow passageway area defined by at least one second flow restrictor outer aperture sidewall  122 . Multiple second flow restrictor outer apertures  120   1 ,  120   2 ,  120   3 , through  120   N , with corresponding multiple first flow restrictor aperture sidewalls  122   1 ,  122   2 ,  122   3 , through  122   N , where N is a positive integer, may be provided as indicated, for example, in the embodiment suggested by the details shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The at least one first flow restrictor inner portion apertures  92  are hydraulically coupled with the sprinkler base chamber  34 . The at least one first flow restrictor inner portion apertures  92  and the at least one second flow restrictor inner portion apertures  114  are cooperatively positioned to operatively modulate the flow rate of a first water flow as indicated by reference arrow  124  in  FIGS. 9 and 9A , to drive the impeller  70 . This is accomplished by increasing and decreasing intersecting cross sectional area for water flow through (a) the cross-sectional area defined by the at least one first flow restrictor inner aperture  92 , and (b) the cross-sectional area defined by the at least one second flow restrictor inner aperture  114 . 
     The second flow restrictor inner portion apertures  114  are hydraulically coupled to the sprinkler nozzle assembly primary inlet  56 . The second flow restrictor outer apertures  120  are hydraulically coupled with the sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass passageway  72 . 
     The at least one first flow restrictor outer portion apertures  98  are in fluid communication with the sprinkler base chamber  34 . The at least one first flow restrictor outer portion apertures  92  and the second flow restrictor outer apertures  120  are cooperatively positioned to operatively modulate flow rate of a second water flow as indicated by reference arrow  126  in  FIGS. 9 and 9A , which second water flow enters the sprinkler nozzle bypass passageway  72 , by increasing and decreasing intersecting cross sectional area available for water flow through both the at least one first flow restrictor outer aperture  92  cross-sectional area and the at least one second flow restrictor outer aperture  120  cross-sectional area. 
     The at least one first flow restrictor  82  and the at least one second flow restrictor  84  are arranged for relative rotary movement with respect to each other so that, if and as necessary to water an irregularly shaped parcel of lawn  20 , the first water flow rate as indicated by reference arrow  124  increases and said second water flow rate  126  decreases over a selected first unit of time, and so that the first water flow rate as indicated by reference arrow  124  decreases while the second water flow rate  126  increases over a second unit of time. This facilitates increased water volume being applied to lawn  20  at longer radial distances (e.g., R 3  and R 8  in  FIG. 1 ), while the sprinkler  22  rotates at a slower rate, and then, decreased water volume being applied at a shorter radial distance (e.g., R 6  in  FIG. 1 ), while the sprinkler  22  rotates at a faster rate. 
     The operational scheme just described above is also easily visualized by reference to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  13 , wherein a lawn  20   2  is indicated for application of water via sprinkler  22   2 . Flow restrictor assembly  80  is shown in juxtaposed relationship at a first unit of time in  FIG. 10 , with respect to application along radials R A , R B , and R C  as indicated in  FIG. 11 . In this relationship, at a first unit of time when the sprinkler  22   2  is watering along radials R A , R B , and R C , the second water flow rate  126  decreases, in order to limit the amount of water provided to nozzle  30  for watering of relatively short radials R A , R B , and R C  as shown in  FIG. 11 . At the same first unit of time, the first water flow rate as indicated by reference arrow  124  is increased, due to a larger common passageways defined by the aperture edge walls as noted above, as between the inner portions of first and second flow restrictors  82  and  84 , as can be easily seen in  FIG. 10 . 
     Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the flow restrictor assembly  80  is shown juxtaposed in relationship at a second unit of time, for watering along longer radial lengths R D , R E , and R F . During such second unit of time, the second water flow rate  126  increases, in order to provide more water to the nozzle  30  for watering along the relatively longer radials R D , R E , and R F  as indicated in  FIG. 13 . At the same second unit of time, the first water flow rate as indicated by reference arrow  124  is decreased, due to smaller common passageways defined by the aperture edge walls as noted above, as between the inner portions of first and second flow restrictors  82  and  84 , as can be easily seen in  FIG. 12 . 
     As can be appreciated by comparison of  FIGS. 10 and 12 , as well as examination of the lawn shape  20   2 , it can be seen that the precise design of first  82  and second  84  flow restrictors can be tailor made or individually designed. Thus, an open area in the inner and in the outer portions of each of the first  82  and second  84  flow restrictors can be suitably juxtaposed or matched, so that a given lawn size and shape can be properly watered by a lawn sprinkler, or by a plurality of lawn sprinklers, with complementary or minimally overlapping patterns, where appropriate. In  FIGS. 10 and 12 , the lower or first flow restrictor  82  is shown in hidden lines, whereas the upper or second flow restrictor  84  is shown in black lines. These first  82  and second  84  flow restrictors are shown in an embodiment as situated in coaxial relationship for rotation of the second  84  flow restrictor above the lower or first flow restrictor  82 . Further, the precise shape of the inner sidewall  95  of the at least one first flow restrictor  82  inner aperture  92  may be provided in a curving contoured shape. See, for example, inner sidewall  95   4  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Further, one of the at least one sidewalls of the at least one first flow restrictor  82  outer aperture  98  may be provided in a curving contoured shape. See, for example, sidewall  105   2  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42  is arcuately driven by the transmission  62  as described above about at least a portion of an axis of rotation (defined along rotational centerline C L  as indicated in  FIG. 7 ) of the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42 . In an embodiment, the sprinkler nozzle assembly  42  revolves completely around, i.e., in a continual but controlled variable speed rotary motion, about the axis of rotation C L . With respect to the controlled variable rotary motion, as just noted above, the transmission is configured to operatively increase the arc speed of said sprinkler nozzle assembly  42  in response to an increase in first water flow as indicated by reference arrow  124  to the impeller  70  during a first unit of time. The nozzle  30  operatively decreases the radial length that water is projected along a first vector, such as any one of R A , R B , and R C  as indicated in  FIG. 11 , in response to the decrease in second water flow  126 , i.e., via water pressure modulation, to the sprinkler nozzle assembly bypass inlet  60 . More generally, the first flow restrictor  82  and the second flow restrictor  84  are shaped and sized to cooperatively regulate and ultimately provide delivery of variable quantities of water for discharge from the nozzle  30  along variable radial lengths, while maintaining a substantially constant volume of water per unit area of a lawn  20  over a given unit of time. 
     As generally described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, the at least one first flow restrictor  82  may be provided in the form of a perforated disk. Similarly, the at least one second flow restrictor  84  may be provided in the form of a perforated disk. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6 , for example, the at least one first flow restrictor  82  inner aperture  92  may be provided in the form of a plurality of first flow restrictor inner apertures  92   1 ,  92   2 ,  92   3 , Likewise, the at least one first flow  82  may have first flow restrictor outer apertures provided in the form of a plurality of first flow restrictor outer apertures  98   1 ,  98   2 ,  98   3 , etc. 
     Similarly, as generally described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, the at least one second flow restrictor  84  inner aperture  114  may be provided in the form of a plurality of second flow restrictor inner apertures  114   1 ,  114   2 ,  114   3 , etc. Likewise, the at least one second flow restrictor outer aperture  120  may be provided in the form of a plurality of second flow restrictor outer apertures  120   1 ,  120   2 ,  120   3 , etc. 
     In one embodiment, the first flow restrictor  82  has an obverse side  82   O  and a reverse side  82   R . The reverse side  82   R  may be provided in a substantially planar configuration. Also, the second flow restrictor  84  has an obverse side  84   O  and a reverse side  84   R . The obverse side  84   O  may be provided in a substantially planar configuration. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the obverse side  84   O  of the second flow restrictor and the reverse side  82   R  of the first flow restrictor may be provided in an adjacent configuration. As seen in  FIG. 7  and further shown in  FIG. 8 , an outer O-ring  86  may be provided and positioned between the reverse side  82   R  of the first flow restrictor  82  and the obverse side  84   O  of the second flow restrictor  84 . In one embodiment, as shown for example in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  9 A, the outer O-ring  86  sealingly separates the first flow restrictor  82  and the second flow restrictor  84 , so that water passing through the first flow restrictor  82  is effectively confined and must pass onward in the direction of, and thence through, the second flow restrictor  84 . To assist in the sealing separation just mentioned, the reverse side  82   R  of the first flow restrictor  82  may further include a first recessed groove  82   G  shaped and sized to accept and seat the outer O-ring  86 . Additionally, the obverse side  84   O  of the second flow restrictor may be provided with a second recessed groove  84   G1  shaped and sized to accept and seat the outer O-ring  86 . 
     An inner O-ring  130  may be provided, as variously shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  9 A. The reverse side  84   R  of the second flow restrictor  84  then may include a third recessed grove  85   G  shaped and sized to accept and seat the inner O-ring  130 . In an operable assembly, the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46  includes a lower end portion  58  that rides on the inner O-ring  130 . The inner O-ring  130  effectively seals the space between the reverse side  84   R  of the second flow restrictor  84  and the lower end portion  58  of the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46 . 
     As noted in  FIG. 9A , sprinklers configured as described herein may be provided in an embodiment having a screw-on cap  47 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9A , or  47   B , as illustrated in  FIG. 17A . In such a configuration, caps  47  or  47   B , as applicable, may be used for providing access to the first  82  and second  84  flow restrictors, so that each of first  82  and second  84  flow restrictors are removably insertable in the sprinkler base, such as base  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  9 A, the first  82  and second  84  flow restrictors may be provided in the form of a flow restrictor assembly  80 . In an embodiment, such as seen by comparison of  FIG. 8  with  FIGS. 9 and 9A , at least a portion of the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46  may be extensible upward from within the sprinkler base  32 . When not operative, the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46  is normally biased in a downward, closed position, so that the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46  is not in a “pop-up” position. The flow restrictor assembly  80 , as well as the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46  connected therewith, is normally biased downward by spring  140 . The spring  140  operatively biases the flow restrictor assembly  80  against pop-up movement, yet the flow restrictor assembly is responsive to pressurized water flow acting against the bottom or obverse side  820  of the first flow restrictor  82 . Thus, when at rest, i.e., with no flow, the flow restrictor assembly is resting against stop  142  at height H 1 , as indicated in  FIG. 2 . Then, in response to pressurized water flow acting against the bottom or obverse side  82   O  of the first flow restrictor  82 , the flow restrictor assembly  80  rises upward. The spring  140  may be located between the outer wall  48  of the sprinkler nozzle assembly housing  46  and the sprinkler base inner sidewall  36 . In an embodiment, the spring  140  may be provided as a coiled, generally helical spring. The flow restrictor assembly  80  has a resting position wherein the spring  140  biases the flow restrictor assembly  80  downward against pop-up movement to a lower end stop  142 , which in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , is in sprinkler base  32 . Similarly, the flow restrictor assembly  80  has an operating position wherein the pressurized water flow (see reference arrow  40  in  FIGS. 9 and 9A ) acts against the flow restrictor assembly  80  to move the flow restrictor assembly  80  upward to an operating position against an upper end stop  144  of height H 2 , as indicated on  FIG. 3 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 14  though  18 , another embodiment for an exemplary lawn sprinkler is described. Where applicable, a detailed description of like or similar parts to those already described hereinabove need not be repeated, and thus, like reference numerals have been provided for identification of such components, without further mention thereof. 
     A lawn sprinkler apparatus  200  is provided for regulating the flow of water  240  and delivering water to lawn  20 . The lawn sprinkler apparatus  200  includes a base  232  that is configured to confiningly receive a pressurized water flow of water  240 , as noted in  FIG. 18 . A pop-up nozzle  300  is provided, fluidically coupled to the base  232 . The pop-up nozzle  300  is configured to be driven by a drive mechanism  310  (see  FIG. 17 ) for arcuate movement with respect to the base  232 . In this embodiment, the pop-up nozzle  300  includes an outlet orifice  30  and a driven gear G 16 . The pop up nozzle  300  is responsive to the pressurized flow of water  240 , which acts against first water flow restrictor  282  to move the entire sprinkler nozzle assembly  302  (see  FIG. 16 ) upward into an operating position for discharge of a water stream, indicated by reference arrow  304 , from the outlet orifice  30 . 
     The drive mechanism  310  is coupled to the pop-up nozzle  300 . The drive mechanism  310  includes a gear train  262  and a water driven impeller  270  for operatively driving the sprinkler nozzle assembly  302 , including pop-up nozzle  300 , for arcuate movement with respect to base  232 . As seem in more detail in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , impeller  270  may be mounted on shaft S 10 , which in turn is situated for rotary movement in bushing B 10 . Shaft S 10  turns gear G 10 . The driven gear, G 11 , turns shaft S 13  as an input to gear reducer G R2 . A reduced rotary speed shaft S 12  has gear G 15  mounted thereto, and gear G 15  drives G 16  on the pop-up nozzle  300 . Also, gear G 15  drives gear G 14 , which in turn, via shaft S 11 , rotates G 13  to drive G 12 , which rotates the second water flow restrictor  284 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 17 , at the upper inner edge  320  of sprinkler nozzle assembly  302 , a seal  322  is provided at or adjacent to a flange  323  on pop-up nozzle  300 , to prevent leakage of water. In an embodiment, flange  323  may be generally L-shaped and sized and shaped to prevent ejection of pop-up nozzle  300  from sprinkler nozzle assembly  302 . In this configuration, at the inner annular edge  324  of top  326  of base  232 , a seal  328  is provided. Seals  322  and  328  may, in an embodiment be substantially in the shape and form of flexible O-rings of rubber and other suitable elastomer. Similarly, as seen in  FIG. 17A , when a screw-on cap  47 B is provided on lawn sprinkler apparatus  201 , at the inner annular edge  324   B  of cap  47   B  a seal  328   B  is provided, which seal may be in the shape an form of flexible O-ring of rubber or other suitable elastomer. 
     As shown in operation in  FIG. 18 , a water flow regulator  280  is provided. The water flow regulator  280  functions generally as described above with respect to water flow regulator  80 . More specifically, water flow regulator  280  regulates a first portion  224  of water flow to increase water flow rate of the first portion  224  water flow over a first unit of time, and regulates the first portion  224  of water flow to decrease water flow rate of the first portion  224  of water flow over a second unit of time. Further, the water flow regulator  280  is configured for regulating a second portion  226  of water flow to decrease water flow rate of the second portion  226  of water flow over a first unit of time and to increase water flow rate of the second portion  226  of the water flow over a second unit of time. 
     The first water flow restrictor  282  is provided with at least a first inlet, here illustrated as inlet  292  in  FIG. 18 , which is fluidically coupled to the base  232 . A first outlet, here shown as passageways  314  in second water flow restrictor  284 , is fluidically coupled to the outlet orifice  30 . The drive mechanism  262  is fluidically driven by the first portion  224  of water  240  acting against impeller  270 , after passage of water through the water flow regulator  280 . 
     The outlet orifice  30  is sized and shaped to (a) to decrease the radial length of water distribution along a first vector (e.g., R 6  as depicted in  FIG. 1  above) over a first unit of time in response to a decrease in water flow rate of the second portion  226  of water flow, and (b) to increase the radial length of water distribution along a second vector (e.g., R 8  as depicted in  FIG. 1  above) over a second unit of time in response to the increase in water flow rate of the second portion  226  of the water flow. The drive mechanism  310  is operative to increase the arcuate speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly  300  over the first unit of time in response to the increase in water flow rate of the first portion  224  of water flow, and to decrease the arcuate speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly  302  over the second unit of time in response to a decrease in water flow rate of the first portion  224  of the water flow. 
     The water flow regulator  280  may be provided in one embodiment by a first water flow restrictor  282  and a second water flow restrictor  284  (similar to second flow restrictor  84  as described above, but including a driven gear G 12 ). The water flow regulator  280  includes an impeller regulator portion and a nozzle regulator portion. The impeller regulator portion may be provided by the juxtaposition of the passageways, or lack thereof, in inner portions of first water flow restrictor  282  and the second water flow restrictor  284 . Further, the nozzle regulator portion may be provided by the juxtaposition of outer portions of the first water flow restrictor  282  and the second water flow restrictor  284 . In this manner, during a first unit of time, the impeller regulator portion is configured to operatively increase flow of first portion  224  of water that is acting on impeller  270 , and the nozzle regulator portion is configured to operatively decrease fluid flow through the outlet orifice  30 . Likewise, during a second unit of time, the impeller regulator portion is configured to operatively decrease the fluid flow through the impeller  270  (and thus decrease arcuate speed of the nozzle assembly  300  and thus of the nozzle  30 ), while the nozzle regulator portion is configured to operatively increase fluid flow through the nozzle  30 . Thus, it can be understood that the pop-up nozzle  300  (and the outlet orifice  30 ) is driven in arcuate movement through the drive mechanism  310 , including gear train  262 , as powered via the turbine or impeller  270 . The water flow regulator  280  includes the impeller regulator portion that is shaped and sized to regulate the flow of water flow through the impeller  270 . The nozzle regulator portion is sized and shaped to regulate at least a portion of the flow of water to the outlet orifice  30 . During a first period of time (1) the shape and size of the impeller regulator portion is configured so that the impeller regulator portion operatively increases water flow through the impeller  270 , and (2) the shape and size of the nozzle regulator portion is configured so that the nozzle regulator portion decreases water flow to the outlet orifice  30 . During a second period of time, (1) the shape and size of the impeller regulator portion is configured so that the impeller regulator portion operatively decreases water flow through the impeller  270 , and (2) the shape and size of the nozzle regulator portion is configured so that the nozzle regulator portion operatively increases water flow to the outlet orifice  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the flow regulator portion includes, an impeller regulator portion made up, at least in part, of an inner portion of a first water flow restrictor  282  provided in the form of a first perforated disk, and wherein the inner portion of the first water flow restrictor  282  has apertures therethrough defined by the first flow restrictor inner aperture sidewalls. Further, such an impeller regulator portion may also be made up by portions of a second water flow restrictor  284 , provided in the form of a perforated disk, and wherein the inner portion of the second water flow restrictor  284  has apertures therethrough defined by second flow restrictor inner aperture sidewalls. The various features and structures mentioned in this paragraph may be provided as described with respect to the features and structures described in relation to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  as noted above, and need not be further detailed to enable those of skill in the art, and to whom this disclosure is directed, to make and use such a device. 
     Similarly, the water flow regulator  280  may include a nozzle regulator portion that uses a first water flow restrictor  282  in the form of a perforated disc which includes an outer portion having apertures  92  therethrough defined by first perforated disk outer aperture sidewalls. In such a configuration, the nozzle regulator portion may also use a second water flow restrictor  284  in the form of a perforated disc which includes an outer portion having an outer apertures  120  defined by second perforated disk outer aperture sidewalls. 
     The water flow regulator  280  may be provided in a configuration wherein the second water flow restrictor  284  is located and configured for relative movement with respect to the first water flow restrictor  282 , so that the inner portion apertures  92  of the first flow restrictor  80  and the inner portion apertures  114  of the second water flow restrictor  284  cooperatively provide the increasing and decreasing flow of the first portion  224  of water flow during movement of the second water flow restrictor  284  relative to the first water flow restrictor  282 , to provide an impeller  270  regulator portion. 
     Likewise, the water flow regulator  280  may be provided with a nozzle regulator portion provided via the relative movement of the second water flow restrictor  284  outer apertures  120  with respect to the first water flow restrictor  282  outer apertures  98 , for cooperatively providing the increasing and decreasing water flow first fluid flow during movement of the second water flow restrictor  284  relative to the first water flow restrictor  282 . 
     When the first  282  and second  284  water flow restrictors are designed for relatively movement in an arcuate fashion, as herein described, it may be convenient to provide the first  282  and second  284  water flow restrictors each in the form of a substantially circular disk with perforations therethrough. 
     Using an apparatus as described herein, a useful method for watering a lawn (or other area) is provided. An increasing volume of water may be distributed along a first radial of first radial length via a rotating sprinkler nozzle assembly, while decreasing arcuate speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly over a first unit of time. Then, a decreasing volume of water may be distributed along a second radial of second radial length via a rotating sprinkler nozzle assembly while increasing arcuate speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly over a second unit of time. In the method, a sprinkler of the type described herein above is provided. The sprinkler is provided in a “pop-up” configuration. A drive mechanism drives a sprinkler nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly provides variable direction of a water outlet nozzle. The sprinkler nozzle assembly is driven by a drive mechanism that regulates a first portion of water flow with a water flow regulator to increase water flow rate of the first portion of said water flow over a first unit of time, and to decrease water flow rate of a first portion of water flow over a second unit of time. The water flow regulator has a first inlet fluidically coupled to a base and a first outlet fluidically coupled to the nozzle. A second portion of water flow is regulated by the water flow regulator to decrease water flow rate of the second portion of the water flow over a first unit of time and to increase water flow rate of the second portion of the water flow over a second unit of time. The water flow regulator may also include an outlet fluidically coupled to the drive mechanism, in that the drive mechanism is driven by the first portion of the water flow. The nozzle configuration is such that the nozzle decreases radial length of water distribution along a first vector from an axis of rotation over a first unit of time in response to a decrease in water flow rate of a second portion of water flow, and increases radial length of water distribution along a second vector from the axis over a second unit of time in response to an increase in water flow rate of a second portion of said water flow. The drive mechanism decreases the arcuate speed of a sprinkler nozzle assembly over a second unit of time in response to a decrease in water flow rate of a first portion of water flow, and increases arcuate speed of the sprinkler nozzle assembly over a first unit of time in response to an increase in water flow rate of the first portion of the water flow. Generally, the description as set forth in this paragraph is analogous to the description noted above with respect to the lawn  20 , angles, and radials set forth in  FIG. 1 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the various aspects, features, structures, and embodiments of a lawn sprinkler with flow regulator for substantially uniform delivery of water on a volume per square foot of lawn as described herein is a significant improvement in the state of the art. The lawn sprinkler design is simple, reliable, and easy to use. Although only a few exemplary aspects and embodiments have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the drawing figures and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further described by additional writing. 
     Importantly, the aspects, features, structures, and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the various aspects and embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The scope of the invention, as described herein is thus intended to include variations from the various aspects and embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad meaning and range properly afforded to the language herein, as explained by and in light of the terms included herein, or the legal equivalents thereof.