Abstract:
A sprinkler head protector and a sprinkler head protector and sprinkler head combination are described. A flexible nonwoven geotextile sprinkler head protector has an opening therein sized to allow said protector to be pulled by hand over a slightly larger outer dimension of a sprinkler head. Once installed, the outer portion of the sprinkler head protector is trapped under the outer edge of the sprinkler head. Among its several purposes, the sprinkler head protector blocks vegetation from overgrowing or growing into the sprinkler head, prevents or reduces vegetation growth in the immediate vicinity of the sprinkler head, provides physical support to the sprinkler head, helping it maintain its proper vertical alignment, and provides a physical barrier to stop sand and dirt from entering the interior of the sprinkler head.

Description:
[0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/337,995 filed on May 18, 2016 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Sprinkler Head Protection”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to improvements to irrigation systems, such as those employed by individuals, golf courses, municipalities, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved sprinkler head protectors and sprinkler head protection combinations as addressed in further detail herein. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Automatic irrigation systems for watering lawns and the like are common. The sprinkler heads of such systems are susceptible to a wide variety of problems requiring costly maintenance or resulting in costly water waste. Exemplary problems including vegetation overgrowing sprinkler heads, grass growing into sprinkler heads, homeowners or others responsible for a sprinkler system applying weed killers to address vegetation overgrowth resulting in erosion, sand overlying the sprinkler head, sand passing into the sprinkler, and the like. Additionally, using heavy mowing equipment or walking on a sprinkler head may result in breakage, misalignment or the like, and misalignment is particularly likely where leakage or erosion around the sprinkler head reduces the support for the sprinkler head. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Among its several aspects, the present invention recognizes that an easy to install, low cost, and environmentally friendly sprinkler protector is highly advantageous. To such ends, the present invention provides a sprinkler head protector comprising a flexible mat having a cutout smaller and shaped similarly to an outermost dimension of a corresponding sprinkler head. The flexible mat is sufficiently stretchable that it can be pulled by hand over the corresponding sprinkler head whereby an inner edge of the flexible mat is trapped under an outer edge of the corresponding sprinkler head. 
         [0005]    A further aspect of the present invention addresses a method of protecting a sprinkler head having an outer perimeter and installed in a lawn, the method comprising: aligning a portion of a flexible inner perimeter of a similarly shaped cutout in a sprinkler head protector; pulling an inner edge of said portion underneath a portion of an outer edge of the outer perimeter of the sprinkler head; pulling a remainder of the flexible inner perimeter under a remainder of the outer edge of the outer perimeter of the sprinkler trapping the inner edge of the sprinkler head protector beneath the outer edge of the outer perimeter of the sprinkler head, and flattening the sprinkler head protector on the lawn. 
         [0006]    According to another aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head protector and sprinkler head combination comprises a sprinkler head having an outermost dimension; a flexible mat having a cutout smaller and shaped similarly to the outermost dimension of the sprinkler head; the flexible mat being sufficiently stretchable that it can be pulled by hand over the corresponding sprinkler head; and the flexible mat having an inner edge trapped under an outer edge of the corresponding sprinkler head. 
         [0007]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a sprinkler head protector in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows the sprinkler head protector of  FIG. 1  partially installed on a first sprinkler head; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows the sprinkler head protector of  FIG. 1  fully installed; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows the sprinkler head protector of  FIG. 1  in combination with a sprinkler head and illustrates how the combination is easily visible and thus readily avoidable by someone mowing or walking across the lawn; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows the sprinkler head protector and sprinkler head combination after a recent mowing illustrating how the sprinkler head protector keeps its position and conforms to the desired shape even after mowing; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows the sprinkler head protector and sprinkler head combination with the sprinkler head open illustrating how the sprinkler head protector keeps the interior of the sprinkler head free of debris; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows a method of utilizing the sprinkler head protector of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  shows a sprinkler head protector and sprinkler head combination in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  shows a larger view of the sprinkler head protector of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a sprinkler head protector  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Sprinkler head protector  100  comprises a circular band of material with a top surface  102 , a bottom surface (not shown), a circular cutout or opening  104 , an inner diameter, d 1 , an outer diameter, d 2 , and a thickness, t. It will be recognized that the dimensions, d 1 , d 2  and t will vary based upon the sprinkler head with which the sprinkler head protector  100  is to be used. For example, with a sprinkler head having a circular top with an outer diameter of 5 inches, d 1  is preferably 9 inches, d 2  is preferably 4⅜ inches and t is preferably ¼ inch. A presently preferred material for the sprinkler head protector  100  is a water permeable nonwoven geotextile material, such as the geotextile non-woven fabric manufactured by FOCUS SALES &amp; MARKETING GROUP, LLC. 
         [0018]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , the sprinkler head protector  100  is partially installed over a sprinkler head  200 . A bottom surface of the sprinkler head protector  100  is supported by the ground in which the sprinkler head  200  is installed and the sprinkler head protector  100  and sprinkler head  200  combination is surrounded by grass  300 . In  FIG. 2 , a bottom edge of sprinkler head  200  has been pulled through opening  104 . An upper edge of the sprinkler head  200  is still below the bottom surface of sprinkler head protector  100  as it has not been pulled fully onto the sprinkler head  200 . The presently preferred nonwoven geotextile has enough flexibility and elasticity that it will stretch sufficiently to allow its installation even though the inner diameter, d 1 , of sprinkler head protector  100  is smaller than a largest outer diameter of the sprinkler head  200 . This arrangement is highly advantageous in that it both 1) makes installation very easy and 2) results in an inner edge  106  and a portion of top surface  102  being trapped under a bottom edge of a head piece of the sprinkler head  200  holding the sprinkler head protector  100  in place. The flexibility of the sprinkler head protector  100  allows easy installation by hand without requiring any special tool or tools. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  shows the sprinkler head protector  100  fully installed on the sprinkler head  200  to form a sprinkler head protector and sprinkler head combination  400 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the sprinkler head protector  100  provides a physical barrier to prevent migration of foreign matter towards the sprinkler head  200  thus reducing the opportunity for entry of foreign matter inside the sprinkler head  200 . The sprinkler head protector  100  also helps maintain the sprinkler head  200  in the proper physical alignment by providing physical support beneath the outer portion of the underrun of the sprinkler head  200 . 
         [0020]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , the combination  400  is readily identified in case repair or maintenance is needed. Further, the ready identification makes it easy to not drive over the sprinkler head  200  with the wheel of a tractor lawn mower or to step on the sprinkler head when walking across the lawn, or the like. 
         [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates how the sprinkler head  200  of the combination  400  maintains its position and shape after mowing. Because of the fibrous nature of the presently preferred geotextile material, grass clippings or other debris such as sand or dirt are more likely to adhere to the top surface  102  of the sprinkler head protector  100  than to migrate into the inner workings of the sprinkler head  200 . It will be recognized that the flexibility and elasticity that make the sprinkler head protector  100  easy to install, also makes it easy to remove for cleaning if desired. Thus, if desired, the sprinkler head protector  100  can be removed and sprayed off with a hose or the like to maintain a clean appearance and then readily reinstalled. 
         [0022]      FIG. 6  shows how the sprinkler head protector  100  advantageously protects the internal components of the sprinkler head  200 . Keeping the interior clean allows the sprinkler head  200  to continue to work properly and reduces the need for maintenance. Actual field testing has established the sprinkler head protector  100  will advantageously work as described above. 
         [0023]    While sprinkler head protector  100  is shown in  FIGS. 2-6  as white in color, it will be recognized that the presently preferred geotextile material may be dyed various colors and a presently preferred color is a green shade selected to blend in more closely with a surrounding lawn. Different shades may be employed to suit different lawn colors or as desired by the user. 
         [0024]      FIG. 7  shows a process  700  of protecting a sprinkler head having an outer perimeter and installed in a lawn. In step  702 , a portion of a flexible inner perimeter of a similarly shaped cutout in a sprinkler head protector is aligned with said outer perimeter. In step  704 , an inner edge of said portion is pulled underneath a portion of an outer edge of the outer perimeter of the sprinkler head. In step  706 , a remainder of the flexible inner perimeter of the sprinkler head protector is pulled under a remainder of the outer edge of the outer perimeter of the sprinkler head trapping the inner edge of the sprinkler head beneath the outer edge of the outer perimeter of the sprinkler head. In step  708 , the sprinkler head protector is flattened on the lawn. 
         [0025]    To sum up, the sprinkler head protector  100  and process  700  control unwanted vegetation from growing over and above and into the sprinkler head  200 . In addition to providing a physical barrier, it deprives any root system or plant beneath it of the sunlight needed to grow. As it is water permeable, it allows water and nutrients to filter through it. This arrangement will help to prevent erosion by keeping the root system alive. Upon removal of the sprinkler head protector  100 , an intact root system may begin to refurbish the site. 
         [0026]    Thus, the sprinkler head protector  100  provides weed control without using poisons or dangerous herbicides that might seep into the water system through normal runoff. 
         [0027]    Constructed of durable ethylene terephthalate (PET), the presently preferred material is not to be confused with other landscape fabrics. It is so rugged and strong you can drive trucks or mowers safely over it. More specifically, needle-punched non-woven polyester fabric, polyethylene terephthalate (sometimes written poly(ethylene terephthalate)), commonly abbreviated PET or PETE is presently preferred. In the context of textile applications, PET is referred to by its common name, polyester, whereas the acronym PET is more commonly used in relation to packaging. 
         [0028]    Unlike sod or grass, which needs to be retreated year after year, once the sprinkler head protector  100  is properly installed, it can be forgotten about for years to come. Yearly maintenance costs that typically rise with each new budget year can be reduced or eliminated. 
         [0029]    The vegetation growth protection is the same as what a concrete pad would provide, yet the material conforms to the contour of the ground after a few short hours and then clings snugly to the ground. 
         [0030]    A construction comprising a very dense, multi-directional needling of synthetic polyester fibers that is totally impregnated with a special resin that has ultraviolet inhibitors (100% UV protection) to safeguard against deterioration is presently preferred. The estimated life of such material is in excess of 15 years under normal conditions. 
         [0031]    The sprinkler head protector  100  lays on the surface of the lawn around the sprinkler head protecting it from dirt and unwanted vegetation. Because sprinkler head protector  100  lies on the surface of the soil, it provides support to the sprinkler head  200 , preventing it from leaning. The result is a far more stable sprinkler head that will require less maintenance and provide a consistent watering pattern for years to come. 
         [0032]    Features of the presently preferred embodiment include the following:
       prevents vegetation and soil/sand particles from damaging the sprinkler head   makes sprinkler heads easy to locate   cost effective   no herbicides or poison   made with 100% recycled materials   easy to install   no weed eaters required to trim back vegetation around the sprinkler head   environmentally safe and friendly   no disposal problems   reusable   resilient, conforms to shape   designed for abuse   prevents and controls erosion   long lasting over fifteen years   prevents alignment and watering pattern problems   reduces run-off   fire retardant   maintenance-free   controls unwanted vegetation   suit and protect all makes and models of sprinkler heads   100% UV protection       
 
         [0054]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate aspects of a second embodiment of the present invention in which a sprinkler head protector  800  slides over the top of a round sprinkler head  810  without stretching. To hold it in place, pegs  802 ,  804 ,  806  are driven down into the ground through holes  803 ,  805  and  807 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 9 . For a sprinkler head with a circular outer perimeter of 1⅜, Center hole  808  is preferably 1⅜ inches in diameter. A presently preferred thickness for sprinkler head protector  800  is at least ¼ inch, and the outer diameter is 6 inches. Several different embodiments with varied dimensions may be adapted for various common sprinkler heads. 
         [0055]    While the present invention has been disclosed in the context of various aspects of presently preferred embodiments, it will be recognized that the invention may be suitably applied to other environments consistent with the claims which follow. By way of example, the dimensions of the cutout and the outer diameter of the sprinkler head protector may be varied to suit the context of different sprinkler heads and outdoor environments in which they are employed.