Abstract:
A sprinkler apparatus comprises a sprinkler motor configured to rotate an output gear and a sprinkler tube configured to move in a repeating pattern in response to rotation of the output gear. The sprinkler apparatus further comprises a tube adapter interposed between the output gear and the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter is fixed in relation to the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter includes a first set of teeth and the output gear has a plurality of extending flexible fingers defining a second set of teeth which engage the first set of teeth. The output gear and the tube adaptor include water passages through which water advances from the sprinkler motor to the sprinkler tube. The flexible fingers on the output gear allow the second set of teeth to slide over the first set of teeth and provide a torque limiting relationship between the output gear and the tube adaptor.

Description:
FIELD  
       [0001]    This application relates to the field of water sprinklers, and more particularly to oscillating sprinklers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Water sprinklers are commonly used to deliver water to a spray area. Water sprinklers come in many forms including stationary water sprinklers and oscillating water sprinklers. Oscillating water sprinklers include a spray tube or other spray member that oscillates back and forth in order to deliver water to a greater area than would otherwise be possible if the spray member were fixed. Water flow provided to the oscillating sprinkler is typically used to drive a water motor which, in turn, drives the spray member in a repeating manner. When the spray member is driven to a first user defined oscillation point, the direction of the water motor drive is reversed. This change in drive direction reverses the direction of travel of the spray member. The spray member is then driven to a second user defined oscillation point where the drive direction of the water motor is again reversed, thus reversing the direction of travel of the spray member. This oscillating spray pattern continues as long as a flow of water is supplied to the sprinkler. 
         [0003]    Various methods have been employed in past sprinklers to oscillate a spray tube. For example, sprinklers utilizing crank style motors oscillate the spray tube using a rocker arm and linkage connected to the crank. User defined stop points of the spray tube are adjusted by turning a knob, which effectively varies the length of the rocker arm. These crank style motors rotate in only one direction, but a significant lag time is experienced between directional changes of the spray tube. One type of motor that addresses this lag time issue is the rotary motor, which reverses direction. With rotary motors, the typical method of switching direction on a reversing water motor is to use the motor&#39;s power to load a spring or combination of springs. The energy of such the spring is released at a given moment in order to move a trip plate and reverse direction of the gear train. One problem with this arrangement is that more and more power is required by the motor as the spring is loaded. Another problem with this arrangement is that the springs often work like sea-saws and, just before they are released, they cross-over a balanced point and have a high potential to end up balanced in the center, pushing on the trip plates equally, and thus leaving the actual switch mechanism in an in-between position. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism for switching the direction of a water motor which has relatively little lag time, is relatively simple in operation, and is durable with a long life expectancy. 
         [0004]    In typical oscillating sprinklers the motor is operably connected to the spray tube such that operation of the motor results in oscillation of the spray tube. However, the spray tube or motor may be easily damaged by over-rotation of the spray tube relative to the motor. Accordingly, it would be desirable to include torque relief between the motor and the spray tube in an oscillating sprinkler. It would be further desirable if such torque relief could be provided with a mechanism that is relatively simply and easy to install in the sprinkler. It would also be desirable if such torque relieve could be provided in a manner that facilitates proper assembly of the spray tube including proper orientation of a spray coverage adjustment mechanism on the sprinkler. 
         [0005]    Another problem with traditional oscillating sprinklers is that the adjustment mechanisms used to select a desired spray coverage area can be confusing. For example, with many sprinklers, a trip lever external to the water motor is mechanically and automatically pushed in order to bring about a reverse in direction of the spray tube at a user defined position. This has been accomplished by attaching an adjusting device onto the spray tube and allowing the adjusting device to rotate with the spray tube. The standard convention for this setup is to create a single lever area on each adjusting device and a stationary indicator on the sprinkler motor or base. However, these adjustment mechanisms tend to be confusing to users wishing to change the spray area covered by the sprinkler. For example, in order to increase water coverage to the right, the user must move the left adjusting lever further to the left. This arrangement often seems counter-intuitive to the user, as the user&#39;s inclination is typically to move the lever to the right in order to increase spray coverage to the right. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism for adjusting the desired coverage area on an oscillating sprinkler that can readily understood by the user. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A sprinkler apparatus comprises a sprinkler motor configured to rotate an output gear and a sprinkler tube configured to move in a repeating pattern in response to rotation of the output gear. The sprinkler apparatus further comprises a tube adapter interposed between the output gear and the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter is fixed in relation to the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter includes a first set of teeth and the output gear has a plurality of extending flexible fingers defining a second set of teeth which engage the first set of teeth. The output gear and the tube adaptor both include water passages through which water advances from the sprinkler motor to the sprinkler tube. The flexible fingers on the output gear allow the second set of teeth to slide over the first set of teeth and provide a torque limiting relationship between the output gear and the tube adaptor. 
         [0007]    In at least one embodiment, the output gear and the tube adaptor of the sprinkler apparatus are substantially cylindrical in shape and are coaxial with a portion of the tube adaptor positioned within the flexible fingers of the output gear. In at least one embodiment, the tube adaptor is secured to the output gear in a radial direction by means of a circumferential groove on the tube adaptor that engages a circumferential rib on the output gear. 
         [0008]    In at least one embodiment, the sprinkler apparatus further comprises at least one spray adjustment member positioned on the tube adaptor. Movement of the at least one spray adjustment member changes the repeating pattern of the sprinkler tube. 
         [0009]    The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a sprinkler that provides one or more of the foregoing or other advantageous features as may be apparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a water sprinkler with a water motor and spray adjustment mechanism; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective see-through view of the water motor used with the water sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective cutaway view of the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a cutaway view of the water inlet and switch wheel of the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5A  shows a front perspective view of the switch wheel of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5B  shows a rear perspective view of the switch wheel of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the switch wheel of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  shows a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the switch wheel of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the switch plate of the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the trip lever of the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9A  shows a first stop position of the switch wheel of the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9B  shows a second stop position of the switch wheel of the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a sprinkler tube adaptor and clutch mechanism for the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler tube adapter and clutch mechanism of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the output gear of the water motor of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of the sprinkler tube adaptor of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  shows an exploded perspective view of a spray coverage adjusting mechanism for the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of the spray coverage adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a right side spray adjustment member for the spray coverage adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of a spray coverage indicator for the spray coverage adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  shows a top view of the assembled spray coverage adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  shows an axial end view of the spray coverage adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 18  with the end cap removed to expose the spray adjustment members. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    With reference to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a sprinkler  20  comprises a water spray tube  22  configured to receive a flow of water or other fluid and spray the water from outlets  24  in the spray tube  22 . The spray tube  22  is configured to rotate back and forth in a repeating fashion about axis  25  such that the water spray from the sprinkler tube  22  is delivered to a spray area. The terms “water” and “fluid” as used herein are intended to encompass any liquid that is sprayed from a sprinkler. 
         [0033]    The spray tube  22  is driven by a water motor  30  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ; see  FIG. 2 ) located within the sprinkler housing  28 . The water motor  30  is powered by a flow of water received at the water hose inlet  26 . The flow of water that powers the water motor  30  within the housing  28  is passed from the water motor  30  to the spray tube  22 . The water powered motor  30  provides the power to oscillate the spray tube  22  back and forth. At the end of each oscillation, the spray tube  22  changes direction and rotates in the opposite direction. A clutch mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 1 ; see  FIG. 11 ) which acts as a torque limiter is provided between the water motor  30  and the spray tube  22 . A spray area adjustment mechanism  160  is also provided on the sprinkler, allowing a user to easily change the spray area covered by the sprinkler. The spray area adjustment mechanism  160  includes indicia that readily communicate the selected spray area to the user. 
         [0034]    Water Motor With Switch Wheel 
         [0035]    With reference now to  FIGS. 2-3 , the water motor  30  powers movement of the spray tube  22 . The water motor  30  comprises a motor housing  32  that defines a water inlet  34 , a water outlet  36  and an interior chamber  38  provided between the water inlet  34  and the water outlet  36 . A switch wheel  40 , a switch plate  42 , a water wheel  44 , and a drive train  46  with an output gear  48  are all provided within the interior chamber  38 . As explained in further detail below, water flow through the housing  32  and into the spray tube  22  drives the output gear  48  in either a forward direction or a reverse direction. The output gear  48  is then used to drive the spray tube  22  in an oscillating fashion. The components of the water motor  30  are generally made of a relatively strong material that will not corrode with prolonged exposure to water, such as a poly-vinyl chloride or other polymer material. 
         [0036]    The hose inlet  26  is configured for connection to a water source, such as a garden hose. The hose inlet  26  leads to the water inlet  34  of the motor housing through a connecting member  27 . The water inlet  34  is provided in an end cap  33  of the motor housing. The end cap  33  also defines a directional channel  35 . Water from the water source passes through the hose inlet  26  and the water motor inlet  34  and is directed to the switch wheel  40  by the directional channel  35 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the directional channel  35  is shaped such that water passing through the channel  35  always flows in the same direction, encouraging the switch wheel  40  in a counter-clockwise direction, as suggested by arrow  41 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show one embodiment of the switch wheel  40 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the switch wheel is provided in the form of a turbine comprising a circular plate  50  with a plurality of fins  52  positioned on the plate. The fins  52  are provided on a forward side  54  of the plate  50  and are configured to be driven by incoming water to encourage rotation of the switch wheel  40 . The switch wheel  40  also includes a stop member  56 . The stop member  56  is provided as an extended fin which leads to a point  58  with a tail portion  59  trailing the point  58 . The stop member  56  is used to stop rotation of the switch wheel  40  at selective locations in order to allow the first flow or the second flow of water through the switch wheel  40  and switch plate  42 . 
         [0038]    The forward side  54  switch wheel  40  also includes a first opening  60  and a second opening  62  in the plate  50 . As explained in further detail below, the first opening  60  and the second opening  62  provide passages through the switch wheel. These passages lead to respective ports  84 ,  86  in the switch plate  42  when the switch wheel  40  properly positioned, and thus provide for either a first flow of water or a second flow of water to flow through the switch plate  42 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 5B , the reverse side  64  of the switch wheel  40  includes a first pad  66  and a second pad  68 . These pads  66 ,  68  protrude from the surface of the reverse side  64  of the switch wheel. As explained in further detail below, these pads  66 ,  68  selectively cover ports  84 ,  86  in the switch plate  42  in order to block the first flow or second flow of water from passing through the switch plate  42 . 
         [0040]    An alternative embodiment of the switch wheel  40  is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . In this embodiment, the switch wheel is also provided as a turbine with a plurality of fins  52 . However, the plate portion  50  of the switch wheel  40  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is significantly smaller than that of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , with the fins  52  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  extending well past the plate  50 . Also in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , blocking knobs  70 ,  72  are provided at the ends of two of the fins. The blocking knobs  70 ,  72  are configured to selectively cover the ports  84 ,  86  in the switch plate  42 , depending upon the position of the switch wheel  40 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 6B , pads  66 ,  68  are formed as protrusions on the reverse side  64  of the switch wheel  40 . The pads  66 ,  68  selectively cover ports  84 ,  86  in the switch plate  42  to help shut off the first flow or second flow of water through the switch plate  42 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  also includes a stop member  56  provided as an extended fin on the switch wheel  40 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the switch wheel  40  is rotatably mounted to the switch plate  42  with a shaft  76  that extends from the switch plate  42  and through a hub  69  of the switch wheel  40 . The switch plate  42  divides the interior chamber  38  of the water motor into a front portion  38   a  where the switch wheel  40  is mounted and a back portion  38   b  where the water wheel  44  is mounted. This partition  42  allows the switch wheel  40  to be selectively positioned such that either a first flow or a second flow of water passes from the front portion  38   a  to the back portion  38   b  of the interior chamber  38 . 
         [0042]    With reference now to  FIG. 7 , a forward face  80  of the switch plate  42  is shown. The switch plate  42  includes a mounting hole  82  configured to receive the shaft  76  which mounts the switch wheel to the switch plate. The switch plate also includes a first water port  84  and a second water port  86 . The first water port  84  allows the first flow of water to pass through the switch plate  42  at a first location. The second water port  86  allows the second flow of water to pass through the switch plate  42  at a second location that is different from the first location. 
         [0043]    With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the switch plate  42  also includes a dump valve hole  88  which forms a part of a dump valve. The dump valve includes a plug member  78  (see  FIG. 9A ) which covers the dump valve hole  88  on the opposite side of the switch plate  42  from the forward face  80 . The plug member  78  is spring biased toward the switch plate  42 , forcing the plug member  78  against the opposite side of the switch plate from the forward face  80 . When water pressure in the front chamber of the water motor  30  exceeds a threshold pressure, the plug member is forced away from the switch plate  42  and water is allowed to flow through the dump valve hole  88  and into the rear chamber of the water motor. 
         [0044]    The switch plate  42  also includes a trip lever hole  90  and two trip lever stops  92 ,  94 .  FIG. 8  shows the trip lever  100  that extends through the trip lever hole  90 . The trip lever  100  includes a catch  102 , an extension arm  104 , an elbow  106 , and a trip arm  108 . The catch  102  is somewhat crescent shaped and includes a hook portion  110  at one end and a stub portion  112  at an opposite end. A pivot point  114  is provided between the hook portion  110  and the stub portion  112  where the extension arm is connected to the catch. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the catch is situated in the forward portion  38   a  of the interior chamber  38  adjacent to the forward face  80  of the switch plate  42 . The catch member is configured to pivot about the pivot point  114  between the trip lever stops  92 ,  94  on the switch plate  42 . 
         [0045]    The extension arm  104  of the trip lever  100  extends through the hole  90  on the switch plate  42 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the extension arm  104  also extends back through the rear portion  38   b  of the interior chamber  38 , and out of another hole in the motor housing  32 . The elbow  106  is connected to the extension arm  104  outside of the motor housing  32 . The trip arm  108  extends outward from the elbow. Because the components of the trip lever  100  are rigidly connected, a pivot of the trip arm  108  outside 
         [0046]    With reference again to  FIG. 3 , the water wheel  44  is rotatably mounted in the rear portion  38   b  of the interior chamber  38  of the housing. Similar to the switch wheel  40 , the water wheel  44  is provided as a turbine member that includes a plurality of fins  120  extending in a radial fashion from a central hub  122 . The water wheel  44  rotates about a stationary shaft  124 . Placement of the water wheel  44  between the first port  84  and the second port  86  of the switch plate  42  allows the water wheel  44  to be driven in two opposing directions. Water flow through the first port  84  strikes the fins  120  on the lower portion of the water wheel  44 , causing the water wheel to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Water flow through the second port  86  strikes the fins  120  on the upper portion of the water wheel  44 , causing the water wheel to rotate in a clockwise direction. 
         [0047]    As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the water wheel  44  is connected to a drive train  46 . Accordingly, gear teeth may be provided on the opposite side of the water wheel  44  from the fins  120 . The gear teeth are operably engaged with a series of additional gears in the drive train. Rotation of the water wheel  44  imparts rotation to the gears of the tear train  46  and results in rotation of the output gear  48 . 
         [0048]    The output gear  48  includes a first end including a plurality of gear teeth  126  and an opposite end including a plurality of fingers  130 . The first end of the output gear is positioned within the motor housing  32  and the second end of the output gear extends outside of the motor housing  32 . The motor housing includes a hole for the output gear  48  that serves as a bearing and allows the output gear  48  to rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction. For example, when the water wheel  44  spins in the clockwise direction, the water wheel and drive train  46  cause the output gear  48  to rotate in a first direction. When the water wheel  44  spins in a counter-clockwise direction, the water wheel  44  and drive train  46  cause the output gear  48  to rotate in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. 
         [0049]    Overall operation of the water motor  30  will now be explained with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  9 A and  9 B. As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the water motor  20  is powered by a flow of water  118 , such as water from a garden hose. The flow of water  118  enters the water motor through the water hose inlet  26 . The flow of water  118  moves through the channel  35  and onto the switch wheel  40 . The channel  35  directs the water onto the switch wheel  40  such that the switch wheel is driven in a counter-clockwise direction by the flow of water  118 . 
         [0050]    When the switch wheel  40  is driven in a counter-clockwise direction, the stop  56  on the switch wheel  40  quickly contacts the trip lever catch  102  and blocks further rotation of the switch wheel  40 . The catch  102  is configured to hold the switch wheel in one of the two distinct positions shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 3 and 9A  both show the switch wheel  40  stopped in a first position with the hook portion  110  of the catch  102  engaging the stop  56  of the switch wheel  40 . With the switch wheel  40  in this position, the first port  84  on the switch plate is open and the second port  86  on the switch plate is closed. This allows a first flow of water (indicated by arrow  116  in  FIG. 3 ) to pass through the first port  84  of the switch plate. At the same time, the switch plate  42  blocks water from flowing through the second port  86 . The first flow of water  116  is directed by the first port  84  onto the lower portion of the water wheel  44 , driving the water wheel  44  in a counter-clockwise direction. Movement of the water wheel  44  in this counter-clockwise direction causes the drive train  46  to rotate the output gear  48  in one direction (e.g. a first output direction). Rotation of the output gear  48  in this first output direction drives the spray tube  22  to the left until it reaches a user determined oscillation point (e.g., a leftmost position) where the trip arm  108  is automatically pivoted. 
         [0052]    When the trip arm  108  is pivoted, the catch  102  of the trip arm is rotated away from the stop  56  of the switch wheel  40 , allowing the switch wheel  40  to once again rotate in the counter-clockwise direction as it is driven by the incoming flow of water  118 . The catch  102  is rotated to the position shown in  FIG. 9B  by the automatic rotation of the trip arm  108 . With the catch  102  in this position, the stop  56  of the switch wheel  40  contacts the stub portion  112  of the catch  102 , and the switch wheel  40  is blocked from rotation and is stopped in a second position. With the switch wheel  40  in this second position, the second port  86  of the switch plate  42  is open to water flow while water flow through the first port  84  is blocked. When water flows through the port  86 , the direction of the water wheel  44  is reversed because the water flow acts on the fins positioned on the opposite side (i.e., upper side) of the water wheel  44 , causing the water wheel to rotate in a clockwise direction. Rotation of the water wheel  44  in this direction drives the gear train  46  and the output gear  48  in the opposite direction (i.e., a second output direction). When the output gear  48  is driven in this opposite direction (i.e., to the right), the spray tube  22  is also driven in the opposite direction. When the spray tube reaches a user defined oscillation point (e.g., a rightmost position) the trip arm is automatically pivoted in the opposite direction, causing the catch  102  to rotate back to the position shown in  FIG. 9A , and the cycle repeats itself. 
         [0053]    As described above, when the switch wheel catch  102  is released, the switch wheel  40  will always rotate counter-clockwise to the next stop position since the incoming flow of water is always driving the switch wheel to rotate counter-clockwise. With this arrangement, the switch wheel  40  is continuously being powered or “loaded” by the incoming water from the hose inlet  26 . Thus, the switch wheel  40  is independently powered, distinct from the drive train  46  of the water motor. The switch wheel catch  102  is released via power from the motor, but this release requires very little motor power. The catch  102  is designed so that it has very low load and no motor power is lost until the catch has completely released. After release, the motor power by water flow acting on the water wheel  44  is very quickly restored in the opposite direction. This quick switching action of the rotating switch wheel  40  helps reduce and substantially eliminate the lag time between spray tube motion while the switch is occurring. 
         [0054]    It will be recognized that the foregoing embodiment of the water motor requires a relatively small number of parts and a relatively simple design. The design does not require numerous critical dimensions or tolerances. Thus, the water motor  30  is relatively easy to manufacture and has a relatively long life. The water motor also works well with a variety of water pressures and flow conditions. Furthermore, although a particular embodiment of the water motor has been described, it will be appreciated that numerous other embodiments are possible, including the embodiment, for example, where the switch wheel of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is used in place of the switch wheel of  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
         [0055]    Sprinkler Tube Motor Adaptor and Clutch Mechanism 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , a tube adaptor  140  is provided between the output gear  48  and the spray tube  22 . The tube adaptor  140  is used to easily attach the spray tube  22  to the output gear  48  by allowing the spray tube  22  to be pressed into the adaptor  140 , and allowing the adaptor  140  to be pressed into the output gear  48 . The adaptor  140  also acts as a clutch to provide a torque limiting function between the spray tube  22  and the output gear  48 . Both the output gear  48  and the tube adaptor  140  are configured with interior passages that allow water to be passed through the output gear a tube adaptor as a water flow moves from the water motor  30  to the spray tube  22 . 
         [0057]    With reference now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the output gear  48  is rotatably mounted on the motor housing  32  with the water outlet  36  providing a bearing for the output gear  48 . The output gear  48  is substantially cylindrical in shape and the cylindrical walls of the output gear  48  define an interior water passage. A first end of the output gear  48  is positioned within the housing  32  and a second end of the output gear  48  is positioned outside of the housing  32 . 
         [0058]    The first end of the output gear  48  includes a plurality of teeth  126  which extend radially outward from the outer surface of the output gear  48 . These teeth  126  are configured to engage the gear train  46  of the water motor. The first end of the output gear  48  also includes a circumferential rib  132  that extends around the inner surface of the output gear. 
         [0059]    The second end of the output gear  48  includes a plurality of fingers  130  which extend in an axial direction from the cylindrical output gear  48 . The base of each finger  130  is defined by a tab  134  which abuts the outer surface of the housing  32  of the water motor  30 , thus preventing the output gear  48  from sliding axially inward toward the interior chamber  38  of the water motor. A plurality of clutch teeth  136  are provided on the interior surface of each finger  130 . 
         [0060]    With reference now to  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the tube adaptor  140  is configured to fit within the output gear  48 . Similar to the output gear  48 , the tube adaptor  140  is also substantially cylindrical in shape. The tube adaptor  140  is positioned coaxial with the output gear  48 . A first end of the tube adaptor  140  fits within the output gear  48 , and a second end of the tube adaptor  140  extends axially outward from the output gear  48 . 
         [0061]    The first end of the tube adaptor  140  includes a first circumferential groove  142  and a second circumferential groove  144 . The first circumferential groove  142  is configured to receive the circumferential rib  132  on the output gear. In particular, when the tube adaptor  140  is slid into the output gear  48  with a sufficient force in the axial direction, the circumferential rib  132  on the output gear  48  snaps into the first circumferential groove  142  on the tube adaptor  140 . This engagement secures the tube adaptor  140  to the output gear  48  in the axial direction. The second circumferential groove  144  is configured to receive an O-ring  146 . The O-ring  146  provides a watertight seal between the output gear  48  and the tube adaptor  140 . 
         [0062]    The second end of the tube adaptor  140  includes an interior cylindrical portion  150  and an exterior cylindrical portion  152 , with a cylindrical cavity  154  defined therebetween. The cylindrical cavity is dimensioned to receive the spray tube  22 . Friction between the spray tube  22  and the interior and exterior cylindrical portions  150 ,  152  secures the spray tube  22  to the tube adaptor  140  such that oscillation of the tube adaptor  140  and output gear  48  also result in oscillation of the spray tube. 
         [0063]    A plurality of clutch teeth  156  are also provided on the outer surface of the exterior cylindrical portion  152  of the tube adaptor  140 . These clutch teeth  156  are configured to engage the clutch teeth  136  on the inner surface of the output gear  48 . In particular, when the tube adaptor  140  is slid into the output gear  48 , the clutch teeth  156  of the tube adaptor  140  mesh with the clutch teeth  136  of the output gear. The engagement of the clutch teeth  136  on the output gear with the clutch teeth  156  on the tube adaptor  140  allows the output gear  48  to impart a torque to the tube adaptor  140 . However, the flexible fingers  130  on the output gear  48  also act as a torque limiter in the form of a slip clutch. In particular, when a threshold torque is encountered between the output gear  48  and the adaptor member  140 , the fingers  130  flex to a sufficient degree to allow the clutch teeth  136  of the output gear  48  to slide over the clutch teeth  156  of the tube adaptor in a ratcheting fashion. This provides a torque limiting relationship between the tube adaptor  140  and the output gear. 
         [0064]    In addition to the foregoing, the tube adapter  140  also includes a plurality of axial ribs  158  located on the exterior cylindrical portion  152 . These ribs  158  act as a locator that orients an adjusting mechanism in a correct position when the sprinkler is assembled, as will be explained in further detail below. 
         [0065]    Spray Coverage Adjusting Mechanism 
         [0066]    With reference now to  FIGS. 1 and 14 , a spray coverage adjusting mechanism  160  is provided on the sprinkler  20  between the spray tube  22  and the water motor  30 . The spray coverage adjusting mechanism  160  is positioned on the tube adaptor  140  and comprises a left spray adjustment member  162  and a right spray adjustment member  164 . The left and right spray adjustment members  162 ,  164  are positioned on a spray coverage indicator  168  which readily indicates the degree of coverage selected based on the position of the left and right spray adjustment members  162 ,  164 . The spray coverage adjusting mechanism  160  also includes an end cap  169  which covers the face of the spray adjustment member  164 . 
         [0067]    With reference now to  FIGS. 15 and 17 , the spray coverage indicator  168  component comprises a collar  166 , a post  172 , and an indicator frame  174 . The collar  166  is substantially cylindrical in shape and is configured to slide over the exterior cylindrical portion  152  on the end of the tube adaptor  140 . The collar  166  includes a plurality of interior ribs  170  (see  FIG. 15 ) configured to engage the ribs  158  on the tube adaptor  140 . The engagement of the ribs  158  and  170  properly orients the collar  166  on the tube adaptor  140  and also secures the collar  166  to the tube adaptor  140  such that rotation of the tube adaptor  140  also results in rotation of the collar  166 . The collar  166  further comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth  171  which extend in an axial direction along the outer surface of the collar  166 . The ratchet teeth  171  are configured to engage complementary ratchet teeth on the left and right spray coverage adjustment members  162 ,  164 . 
         [0068]    As best seen in  FIG. 17 , the post  172  is attached to the collar  166  and extends upward and outward from the collar  166  in a radial direction. The indicator frame  174  is provided as a selection tab  174  attached to the end of the post  166 . The selection tab  174  includes two arrow shaped openings  176 ,  178  which form windows in the tab  174 . As explained in further detail below, the first window  176  is used to show an operator the selected spray coverage to the left of the sprinkler  20  and the second window  178  is used to show an operator the selected spray coverage to the right of the sprinkler  20 . The term “window” as used herein comprises any partially or completely bounded opening that allows a user to see indicia provided on another component, regardless of whether the opening defines a complete void in a given component or if a transparent or other see-through material is provided in or is adjacent to the opening. 
         [0069]    A finger  179  is connected to the collar  166  on the opposite side of the collar  166  from the post  172 . As explained in further detail below, the finger  179  acts as a governor to limit the degree to which the left and right spray adjustment members  162 ,  164  may be rotated on the collar  166 . 
         [0070]    With reference now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the left and right spray adjustment members  162 ,  164  are provided as circular dials positioned on the collar  166 . As exemplified by the right adjustment dial  164  of  FIG. 16 , each dial includes an interior hub  180  which fits over the collar  166 . A tab  182  is provided on the hub  180  with a plurality of ratchet teeth  184  extending in an axial direction along the tab. The ratchet teeth  184  of the dial  164  engage the teeth  171  of the collar  166 , providing a slip clutch arrangement between the dial  164  and the collar  166 . In particular, the engagement of the teeth  171  and  184  secure the dial  164  to the collar  166  until a threshold torque is applied to the dial  164 . 
         [0071]    The dial  164  also includes a multi-faceted grip  188  provided on an outer circumference  186  of the dial. The multi-faceted grip  188  is configured to allow a user to easily grasp the dial with his or her fingers and rotate the dial to the left or the right while the collar  166  remains secured to the adaptor member  140 . When the user provides a sufficient torque to rotate the dial  164  to the left or the right, the tab  182  on the hub  180  of the dial  164  flexes a sufficient amount to allow the ratchet teeth  184  on the dial  164  to slide over the teeth  171  on the collar member. 
         [0072]    With reference now to  FIGS. 16 and 19 , each dial  162 ,  164  includes a semi-circular slot  192  or other opening configured to receive the trip arm  108  of the trip lever  100 . When the dials  162 ,  164  are situated on the collar  166  adjacent to one another, the slots  192  together define a race  198  for the trip arm  108 . The end  194  of the slot  192  on dial  164  defines a first end of the race  198 . An opposing end  196  of a slot on dial  162  defines a second end of the race  198 . As the dials  162 ,  164  oscillate with the spray tube  22 , the race  198  is moved relative to the trip arm. When the first end  194  of the race  198  moves into contact with the trip arm  108 , the trip lever  100  and associated catch  102  are pivoted, and the direction of the drive train  46  of the water motor  30  is reversed, as discussed above. Similarly, when the second end  196  of the race  198  comes into contact with the trip arm  108 , the trip lever  100  and associated catch  102  are pivoted in an opposite direction, causing the direction of the drive train of the water motor  30  to once again reverse. Rotation of the dials  162 ,  164  elongates or shortens the race  198  provided by the slots in the dials by moving the first end  194  and/or second end  196  of the race relative to the trip arm  108 . In this manner the degree of spray coverage on the left and right sides of the sprinkler can be increased or decreased by rotating the dials  162 ,  164 . Furthermore, the degree of rotation of the dials  162 ,  164  relative to the collar  166  is limited by the finger  179  that is connected to the collar and extends through the slots  192 . 
         [0073]    As best seen in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , each dial  162 ,  164  include indicia  190  provided on the outer circumference of the dial. The indicia  190  indicate various degrees of spray coverage available with the dial. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 16 and 18 , the indicia include a series of marks provided in-between a + sign and a − sign. The + sign is intended to represent a maximum degree of coverage and the − sign is intended to represent a minimum degree of coverage. A series of markings of decreasing width are provided between the + sign and the − sign. Wider markings indicate greater coverage area, and thinner markings indicate a lesser coverage area. 
         [0074]    When used in association with the arrow windows  176 ,  178 , the indicia  190  indicate the degree of spray coverage provided by the sprinkler  20  based on the position of the dials  162 ,  164 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the “−” sign centered in arrow window  176  indicates that a minimum degree of spray coverage will be provided on the left side of the sprinkler  20 . At the same time, the “+” sign centered in arrow window  178  indicates that a maximum degree of spray coverage will be provided on the right side of the sprinkler  20 . Accordingly, by watching the windows  176 ,  178  while rotating the dials  162 ,  164 , the user is provided with an indication of the amount of spray coverage that has been selected for the right and left sides of the sprinkler. 
         [0075]    As set forth above, the embodiment of  FIGS. 15-19  provides a sprinkler  20  including arrow windows  176 ,  178  that point to one side or the other to indicate the coverage selected for that side of the sprinkler. The adjustment mechanism of the sprinkler  20  includes two dials  162 ,  164  with indicia  190  visible through the arrow windows  176 ,  178  to indicate a degree of spray coverage for the referenced side of the sprinkler. While exemplary indicia are shown in  FIGS. 15-19 , it will be recognized that the indicia may take any of numerous other forms, such as, for example, numerical degrees of coverage or an increasingly wider line that indicates an increasingly greater degree of spray coverage. In such embodiments, the focus of the user is directed to the arrow window and the indicia showing through the arrow window when selecting a degree of spray coverage. 
         [0076]    Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. For example, although the embodiments described herein show an oscillating water sprinkler, adaptations of various features for rotor type sprinklers, impulse sprinklers, or other sprinklers are also possible. Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspects described above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.