Abstract:
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a sprinkler is provided, having a first shaft coupled to a drive mechanism and a grooved deflector. A second shaft is disposed within the first shaft, coupled to a water flow adjustment mechanism and an adjustment region on the top of the deflector. The first shaft transfers rotational movement from the drive mechanism to a grooved deflector on the top of the sprinkler. The second shaft rotates with the first shaft during normal operation due to a friction clutch within the sprinkler. When the user desires to adjust the water flow (i.e., the radius of the water), the friction of the clutch can be overcome by rotating the second shaft, increasing openings of flow passages within the sprinkler body. In this respect, flow adjustments can be made from the top of the sprinkler while the deflector rotates.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/012,202 filed Dec. 7, 2007 entitled Sprinkler with Dual Shafts, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/972,612 filed Sep. 14, 2007 entitled Mini Stream Sprinkler, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rotating stream sprinklers, also known as mini stream sprinklers, deliver a plurality of rotating streams to the surrounding terrain. The streams are achieved by directing water against a rotatable deflector plate having a plurality of vanes on its lower surface. As the deflector plate rotates, these streams move within a predetermined watering arc set by the user. 
     The plurality of streams that emanate from the sprinkler provide a visually appealing water dispersal. Additionally, the plurality of streams provides greater wind resistance and more uniform distribution to the surrounding turf. 
     Due to their often small size, the watering arc and watering radius settings of the rotating stream sprinklers can be difficult to adjust. Further, the rotatable deflectors of most prior art rotating stream sprinklers are driven by the force of water striking angled surfaces on the deflector. Hence, it can be difficult to control the speed of rotation of the deflector plate. 
     Examples of mini stream sprinklers can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,148,990; Re 33,823; 4,842,201; 4,898,332; 4,867,379; 4,967,961; 5,058,806; 5,288,022; 6,135,364; 6,244,521; 6,499,672; 6,651,905; 6,688,539; 6,736,332; 6,814,304; 6,883,727; 6,942,164; 7,032,836; 7,086,608; 7,100,842; 7,143,957; and 7,159,795; the contents of all of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a sprinkler is provided, having a first shaft coupled to a drive mechanism and a grooved deflector. A second shaft is disposed within the first shaft, coupled to a water flow adjustment mechanism and an adjustment region on the top of the deflector. The first shaft transfers rotational movement from the drive mechanism to a grooved deflector on the top of the sprinkler. The second shaft rotates with the first shaft during normal operation due to a friction clutch within the sprinkler. When the user desires to adjust the water flow (i.e., the radius of the water), the friction of the clutch can be overcome by rotating the second shaft, increasing openings of flow passages within the sprinkler body. In this respect, flow adjustments can be made from the top of the sprinkler while the deflector rotates. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a sprinkler according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1  with the arc adjustment assembly removed; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of a flow adjustment mechanism of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the flow adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the flow adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a top perspective view of a flow adjustment plate according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the flow adjustment plate of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a bottom perspective view of a rotational drive plate according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1  along lines  11 - 11 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1  along lines  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1  along lines  13 - 13 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of an arc adjustment assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a top perspective view of a stationary arc adjustment member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom perspective view of a moving arc adjustment member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a center boss according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1  along lines  18 - 18 ; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cross sectional perspective view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1  along lines  19 - 19 ; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a magnified cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a top sectional view of a portion of the deflector of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a magnified cross sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 ; and, 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a cross section view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a rotating stream sprinkler  100  according to the present invention. The sprinkler  100  includes a grooved deflector plate  104  that distributes water streams from channels  104 A while rotating. The sprinkler arc is adjusted by rotating arc adjustment member  106  and the flow (i.e., the distance or radius of the water flow) is adjusted by rotating the flow adjustment member  112  at the top cover  102 . The outer base member  108  includes a thread  108 A for screwing into an appropriate sprinkler riser to mount the sprinkler  100 . Note that while the thread  108 A faces outward from the sprinkler  100  (a male fitting), other thread orientations are possible such as an inwardly facing thread (female fitting). 
     As seen in the cross sectional views of  FIGS. 3-5 , the sprinkler  100  includes a drive shaft  114  that drives rotational movement of the deflector plate  104  and a flow adjustment shaft  116  that adjusts the flow adjustment mechanism. 
     The drive shaft  114  includes a passage extending through its body and terminating at each end of the shaft  114 . The passage is sized to contain the flow adjustment shaft  116  which is positioned within the passage. As will be described in greater detail below, this dual shaft design allows the flow adjustment shaft  116  to rotate with the drive shaft  114  during normal operation. However, during adjustment of the flow (i.e., radius), the flow adjustment shaft  116  can rotate relative to the drive shaft  114  to adjust water flow without stopping rotational movement of the deflector plate  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  (lacking the arc adjustment assembly for clarity), a top end of the flow adjustment shaft  116  is fixed to flow adjustment member  112 . However, the top cover  102  and the deflector plate  104  are not fixed (but may be in contact, for example via O-ring  107 ) to either the shaft  116  or the adjustment member  112 . Hence, the shaft  116  or the adjustment member  112  can rotate independently of the deflector plate  104  and the top cover  102 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  6  and  FIG. 19 , the sprinkler  100  is driven by a turbine  134  and gearbox  136 . Water flows around the gearbox  136  and into openings  132 B on the side surface of the stator  132 , causing the turbine  134  to rotate gear shaft  135  and thereby drive the gears  131  within the gearbox  136 . Preferably, the openings  132 B are directed at an angle tangent to the turbine  132 B so as to direct incoming water against the fins of the turbine  134 . Since the turbine  134  is located at the top of the gearbox  136 , mostly enclosed by the stator  132 , the water directed to the turbine  134  can be better controlled or limited. Therefore the turbine speed can be better controlled than if the turbine  134  was located at the bottom of the gearbox  136  as in many prior art designs. 
     A center gear framework  137  is coupled to the gears  131  within the gearbox  136  and is fixed from rotation to a bottom portion of the sprinkler  100 . The rotating gear shaft is fixed to a plurality of drive gears  131 B, which are each engaged with gears  131 A. The gears  131 A are also engaged with an inner geared surface  136 A of the gearbox  136 . Therefore, when the turbine  134  rotates, the outer case of the gearbox  136  rotates. Since the gearbox  136  is also coupled to a stator  132 , the stator  132  similarly rotates. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the speed of the turbine  134  is regulated by a bypass valve that includes a plunger  126 . The plunger  126  is spring biased by spring  128  (disposed against spring retainer  129 ) and seals against stationary member  127 . As water flow moves through the sprinkler  100 , all of the water passes through openings  132 B in the stator  132  (preferably at least 2 openings  132 B). As the water flow increases in pressure, it pushes the biased plunger  126  upwards, thereby bypassing the openings  132 B and the turbine  134 . As pressure further increases, the plunger  126  opens an increasing amount, allowing more water to circumvent the turbine. In this respect, the biased plunger  126  provides a variable bypass valve that helps regulate water flow at the turbine  134  and therefore ultimately the rotational speed of the grooved deflector plate  104 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6-8  and  10 , a drive plate  124  connects the stator  132  with the drive shaft  114 . The underside of the drive plate  124  includes legs  124 A which are positioned adjacent the top of the stator  132  and thereby engage the geared outer diameter  132 A (seen best in  FIG. 7 ) of the stator  132 . Similarly, the underside of the drive plate  124  engages a lower end of the drive shaft  114  (e.g., by interlocking structures  124 C and  114 A or adhesives). In this respect, the rotational movement of the turbine  134  and gearbox  134  is translated to the deflector plate  104  via the drive plate  124  and the drive shaft  114 . 
     As previously discussed, the flow adjustment mechanism adjusts the flow of water through the sprinkler  100  and is best seen in  FIGS. 6-13 . When the flow is not being adjusted by the user, the flow adjustment mechanism rotates with the drive shaft  114 , drive plate  124  and deflector plate  104 . When the user adjusts the flow, the flow adjustment mechanism rotates relative to the drive shaft  114 , drive plate  124  and deflector plate  104 . 
     The water flow through the sprinkler  100  is adjusted by aligning spaces or apertures  130 A formed by the throttle plate  130  with apertures  124 B in the drive plate  124 . The cross sectional view of  FIGS. 12 and 13  best illustrate the alignment of these apertures  130 A and  124 B. Therefore, increasing alignment of the apertures  130 A and  124 B increases the flow out of the sprinkler  100  while decreasing alignment of the apertures  130 A and  124 B decreases the flow. 
     The throttle plate  130  is located below the drive plate  124  and includes center aperture  130 B that engages with the mating lower end  116 A of the flow adjustment shaft  116 . In this respect, rotating the flow adjustment shaft  116  also rotates the throttle plate  130  relative to the drive plate  124 . 
     The throttle plate  130  is frictionally engaged to the bottom of the drive plate  124 , rotating the throttle plate  130  with the drive plate  124 . For example, this frictional engagement could be caused by close proximity (contact) between the entire upper surface of the throttle plate  130  and lower surface of the drive plate  124 . Additionally, the flow of water through the sprinkler  100  may cause slight movement and pressure of the throttle plate upwards against the drive plate  124 , further increasing friction. The frictional or clutching force between the throttle plate  130  and the drive plate  124  is such that it can be overcome when the user adjusts the flow adjustment member  112  and therefore the flow of the sprinkler  100 . Alternately, the frictional clutching of the throttle plate  130  can be achieved by contact with the upper end of the stator  132 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 12 , the throttle plate  130  includes spaces or inner apertures  130 C that have a generally curved shape. These apertures are sized to allow the legs  124 A of the drive plate  124  to pass through. In this respect, the legs  124 A act as stops for the throttle plate  130 , limiting rotational movement of the plate  130  to the length of the apertures  130 C. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the arc adjustment mechanism of the sprinkler  100  according to the present invention which increases or decreases the arc of water thrown from the sprinkler  100 . The arc is adjusted by rotating a moving arc member  118  relative to a stationary arc member  120  and a center boss  122 . 
     The stationary member  120 , best seen in  FIG. 15 , includes a stepped, inner helical surface  120 B and an outer helical surface  120 A. Both surfaces  120 A and  120 B face towards the top of the sprinkler  100 . 
     The moving arc member  118 , best seen in  FIG. 16 , similarly includes a stepped, inner helical surface  118 A and an outer helical surface  118 A. Preferably, the slope or incline of these surfaces  118 A and  118 B are opposite the slope or incline of the surfaces  120 A and  120 B, however varying angles of each surface are also possible. 
     The center boss  122  is positioned within the center aperture of stationary member  120  and includes a fin  122 A which provides a nonmoving end to the arced nozzle passage created between the moving arc member  118  and the stationary arc member  120 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 18 , the surfaces  120 A,  120 B,  118 A and  118 B are positioned adjacent to each other, horizontally overlapping. When the smallest (i.e., shortest) portion of these surfaces  120 A,  120 B,  118 A and  118 B overlap, a gap is created through which water flows. When the largest (i.e., tallest) portion of these surfaces  120 A,  120 B,  118 A and  118 B overlap, the gap is decreased or even eliminated. In this respect, rotating the moving arc member  118  increases or decreases the arc-shaped gap and similarly the watering arc of the sprinkler  100 . The moving arc member  118  is preferably connected to the stationary arc member  120  by threads on both members, allowing for rotation relative to each other. 
     To allow for vertical movement of the moving arc member  118  during rotation (i.e., from rotating on the thread of the stationary arc member  120 ), the moving arc member  118  is “captured” by the arc adjustment member  106 . In other words, the arc adjustment member  106  rotates the moving arc member  118  but allows for free vertical movement of the moving arc member  118 . Preferably this captured arrangement is achieved with a capture member  106 A (seen in  FIG. 23 ) that mates with a channel  118 C of the moving arc member  118  (see  FIGS. 14 and 16 ). In this respect, the capture member  106 A can rotate the moving arc member  118  as the channel  118  slides over the capture member  106 A. 
     It should be noted that the horizontal placement of the surface  118 A and  120 A (i.e., the gap created by these surfaces) can be modified to adjust the flow of the water emitted from the sprinkler. For example, increasing the horizontal distance increases the overall flow of water emitted from the sprinkler  100 , while decreasing the horizontal distance decreases the overall flow. Therefore, the overall water flow can be increased or decreased (in addition to the previously described, user adjustable flow control). 
     Alternately, the moving arc member  118  may be replaced with a nonmoving version that prevents a user from adjusting the watering arc. This allows the manufacture to specify popular pre-set arcs for users or create non-arc shaped watering patterns (e.g., a square watering pattern). Additionally, since the non movable member does not require a full inner helical surface  118 A compared with the moving arc member  118  (because the non moving member does not rotate), the opening of the non moving member can be larger. This larger opening allows for more water to deflect off the deflector  104  and therefore be distributed around the sprinkler  100 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the sprinkler  100  further includes a drive washer  117  which couples the deflector plate  104  to the drive shaft  114 . The drive shaft  114  preferably includes a square, cross sectional shape  114 A (seen best in  FIG. 21 ) that fits within the square aperture  117 B and is thereby “captured” by the square aperture  117 B. The deflector plate  104  is prevented from upward movement by a flared portion  114 B on the top end of the drive shaft  114 . Additionally, the washer  117  includes fins  117 A that are positioned into mating spaces  114 B of the deflector plate  104  to prevent slipping between the washer  117  and the deflector plate  104 . 
     Positioned below the washer  117  is O-ring  138 . Additionally, O-ring  107  is located between the deflector plate  104  and the adjustment member  112 . Preferably, the O-ring  138 , as well as O-ring  107 , is composed of rubber, silicone or a similar flexible, resilient material. 
     Since the O-ring  138  under the drive washer  117  and O-ring  107  is composed of a somewhat flexible material, the deflector plate  104  can wobble (i.e., can tilt slightly or rotate off-axis). In other words, O-rings  138  and  107  allow for some “give” or compression so that the deflector plate  104 , if urged by a force, can tilt off its rotational axis. While this “wobble” would likely not be present during normal operation, it would allow the deflector plate  104  to “wobble” over dirt or debris trapped between the deflector plate  104  and moving arc member  118 . Thus, debris that would have otherwise stopped or hindered the deflector plate  104  from rotation can be passed over, providing a greater chance that a moving stream of water will push the debris from the sprinkler  100 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the deflector plate  104  includes arc-shaped cavities  114 C into which lower legs  112 A of the arc adjustment member  112  are positioned. The elongated, arc shape of the cavities  114 C restrict the degree of rotation of the arc adjustment member  112 , preventing damage to other components of the sprinkler due to over-rotation. 
     As seen best in  FIGS. 3-6 , the sprinkler  100  further includes a backflow stop pin  123  that forms a valve to prevent water flow into the stator  132  and area surrounding the turbine  134  when the water supply to the sprinkler  100  is stopped. The backflow stop pin  123  has a generally solid funnel shape and is positioned over the top aperture of the stator  132 . As shown in the figures, the backflow stop pin  123  is in an open position. However, when the water to the sprinkler  100  is stopped, the backflow stop pin  123  drops against the stator  126 , preventing water from draining into the stator  132 . In this respect, debris that may be in the water is prevented from moving into the stator  132  and hindering the performance of the turbine  134 . 
     In operation, water flows through the screen  110  and into passages  132 B, rotating the turbine  134  (or alternately bypassing the turbine through the bypass valve) and passing through apertures  130 A and  124 B. Finally, the water passes through the stationary arc member  120 , the moving arc member  118  and deflects against the deflector plate  104  away from the sprinkler  100 . 
     The rotating turbine  134  drives the rotation of the gears  131 A and  131 B within the gear assembly  136 , rotating the outer case of the gear assembly  136 . The gear assembly  136  rotates the stator  132 , which rotates the drive plate  124 . The drive plate  124  rotates the drive shaft  114 , which ultimately rotates the deflector plate  104 . The channels  104 A within the deflector plate  104  create multiple water streams that move across the watering arc of the sprinkler  100 . 
     The watering arc is adjusted by rotating the arc adjustment member  106  which rotates the moving arc member  118  and thereby opens or closes a gap between the moving arc member  118 , the stationary arc member  120  and the center boss member  122 . 
     The radius that the water is thrown from the sprinkler  100  (i.e., the water flow through the sprinkler  100 ) is adjusted by rotating the flow adjustment member  112  (e.g., by hand or with an adjustment tool). The flow adjustment member  112  rotates the flow adjustment shaft  116 , causing the throttle plate  130  to overcome the friction with the drive plate  124 . As the flow adjustment member  112  rotates relative to the drive plate  124 , the apertures  130 A and  124 B move into or out of alignment, adjusting the water flow through the sprinkler  100 . 
     As previously discussed, the flow adjustment member  112 , the flow adjustment shaft  116  and the throttle plate  130  all rotate with the drive plate  124 , drive shaft  114 , deflector plate  104  and sprinkler cap  102  during normal operation. However, when the water flow is adjusted, as previously described, these components move relative to drive plate  124 , drive shaft  114 , deflector plate  104  and sprinkler cap  102  as the friction between the throttle plate  130  and drive plate  124  is overcome. 
     While a mini stream sprinkler has been specifically described, it should be understood that other sprinkler designs, such as rotating nozzle designs may also be used according to aspects of the present invention. Additionally, it should be noted that while the flow adjustment shaft  116  has been described as being within the drive shaft  114 , an alternate arrangement is contemplated in which the drive shaft  114  is positioned within a passage of the flow adjustment shaft  116 . 
     Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.