Patent Publication Number: US-7717360-B1

Title: In ground sprinkler head encapsulated protection apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to an apparatus and method using an in-ground sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus wherein said serviceability enhancing apparatus ensures against encroachment of debris about the sprinkler head, both during operation of the sprinkler head as well as replacement of the sprinkler head. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In-ground sprinkler heads are common for both residential and commercial landscapes. The functionality of the sprinkler heads can be inhibited by debris growing or gathering about the top of the sprinkler head. The serviceability can be inhibited by dirt, growth, and debris encroaching into the cavity where the sprinkler head resides. The dirt and debris surrounding a sprinkler head cavity makes it difficult to remove, replace, and service a sprinkler head. Additionally, growth and debris can cover the sprinkler head further inhibiting functionality and serviceability of the sprinkler head. 
   Several devices have been invented to maintain a sprinkler head free from growth and debris across the top of a sprinkler head. 
   Fabiano (U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,118) teaches an in-ground sprinkler head guard which encompasses a sprinkler head. Fabiano focuses on a solution to avoid growth and debris from covering the top of the sprinkler head. Fabiano is limited in that the top shape allows dirt to collect in the upper section, wherein when one removes the sprinkler head, the dirt would fall into the lower section cavity  18 . The design allows dirt to fall into the cavity section and into the sprinkler piping. 
   Violette (U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,262) teaches an in-ground sprinkler head guard that encompasses a sprinkler head and is designed to distribute a heavy load away from the sprinkler head. Violette teaches a flat top plate to distribute any applied load between an outer wall and an inner wall of the sprinkler head guard. The requirement of an inner and outer wall of the base section requires a separate cover section for manufacturability. The snap feature between the base and the cover sections dictates a fixed height of the guard. 
   Nickell (U.S. Pat. No. 3,021,078) teaches a sprinkler protection that surrounds the sprinkler head. The protection system is coupled to the sprinkler head. This is typical in a number of issued Patents. 
   Hanson (U.S. Pat. No. 3,193,205) teaches a sprinkler support system for supporting a sprinkler head.  FIGS. 4 and 5  include an expansion about the base of the sprinkler head for keeping grass out. The required slot  17  would allow dirt and other debris into the sprinkler connector  13  and head  14  area. 
   Several other patents teach a sprinkler head protection apparatus, including Jaquez (U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,256), Apodaca (U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,030), and Leite, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,338). Each of these teachings provide an apparatus which is to distribute a load proximate a sprinkler head as a device that protects the sprinkler head against damage from the applied load. 
   What is desired is a means for protecting a sprinkler head, ensuring against encroachment of growth and debris over a sprinkler head, and ensuring growth and debris does not contaminate piping or interfere with a cavity for a sprinkler head. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   A first aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus that creates and maintains a receiving cavity for an in-ground sprinkler head. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is wherein said receiving cavity is fabricated via a single wall. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus that seals against the underside of a sprinkler head. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus that seals against the underside of a sprinkler head, wherein said seal is of a flexible material. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus that seals against the underside of a sprinkler head, wherein said seal is of a flexible material such as an O-ring. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus that seals against the underside of a sprinkler head, wherein said seal is of a flexible material such as a rubber or nylon O-ring. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus that seals against the underside of a sprinkler head, wherein said seal is a separate component and inserts into a body of said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a downward sloping debris clearance ring about said sprinkler head. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a downward sloping debris clearance ring about said sprinkler head and away from said receiving cavity. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a sprinkler head seal that contacts the underside of a sprinkler head and a debris clearance ring sloping downward as it extends from said seal located about said sprinkler head. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a coupling feature which couples said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus to a sprinkler head pipe. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a coupling feature which couples said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus to a sprinkler head pipe at the base of said cavity section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a coupling feature which couples said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus to a sprinkler head pipe via a threaded section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a coupling feature which couples said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus to a sprinkler head pipe via a partially threaded piping sleeve section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a coupling feature which couples said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus to a sprinkler head pipe via a partially threaded piping sleeve section and a bored out section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a donut-holding member for holding a common clay donut about said sprinkler head for additional protection of said sprinkler head. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a donut holding member for holding a common clay donut about said sprinkler head for additional protection of said sprinkler head, said donut holding member further comprising a section sloping downward away from said sprinkler head for removal of debris from said sprinkler head. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising an adjustable section for adjusting the overall height of said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a bottom section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a bottom section, wherein said bottom section further comprising at least one drainage aperture. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising an upper and a lower section, wherein said upper section is adjustably coupled to said lower section providing an adjustable height. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising an upper and a lower section, wherein said upper section is adjustably coupled to said lower section providing an adjustable height and further enhancing manufacturability for the seal section proximate the opening for said sprinkler head. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising an upper and a lower section, wherein said upper section is adjustably coupled to said lower section providing an adjustable height, wherein said adjustability is accomplished via a threaded section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising an upper and a lower section, wherein said upper section is adjustably coupled to said lower section providing an adjustable height, wherein said adjustability is accomplished via a snap section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising an upper and a lower section, wherein said upper section resembles a common sprinkler donut. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising an upper and a lower section, wherein said upper section resembles a common sprinkler donut and mechanically couples to said lower section. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus comprising a plurality of ribs within said sprinkler head receiving cavity. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     For the purpose of initially illustrating the invention, the specification presents drawings, flow diagrams, and embodiments that are presently preferred as well as alternates. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentality and methods disclosed herein. It can be recognized that the figures represent a layout in which persons skilled in the art may make variations therein. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a first embodiment of a sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus as installed; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an elevation, cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus as installed; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an elevation, cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus, providing adjustable height; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of a said sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus more specifically incorporating the features of said second embodiment; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of a said sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of a sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus as an assembly drawing; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus introducing a common donut supporting member; and 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram representative of a manufacturing process for said sprinkler head serviceability enhancing apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100  as installed about a sprinkler head assembly  120 . Said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100  comprising a sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus body  102 , and sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104  and a sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus base section  110 . Said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus body  102  and sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus base section  110  create a sprinkler receiving cavity  108 , wherein said sprinkler receiving cavity  108  provides a debris free cavity for receiving said sprinkler head assembly  120 . A plurality of upper flange support rib(s)  106  can be incorporated as a means to stiffen said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 . Several optional drainage apertures  112  can be incorporated into said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 , providing a mechanism for draining any condensation that might accumulate within said sprinkler receiving cavity  108 . It is recognized that said optional drainage apertures  112  could be incorporated into any of the presented embodiments of the present invention. Said sprinkler head assembly  120  comprising a sprinkler head base section  122 , a sprinkler head  124  and a sprinkler head pipe coupling section  130 . A sprinkler head water dispersion section  126  is coupled to a member of said sprinkler head assembly  120 , usually said sprinkler head water dispersion section  126  is coupled to a riser (pop up) member (not shown, but well understood). Said sprinkler head assembly  120  is inserted through a sprinkler head access port  114  and coupled via a sprinkler pipe thread(s)  132  providing fluid communication to a sprinkler system plumbing. It is preferable that said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100  is sealed against a sprinkler head bottom ridge  128  to ensure against debris entering said sprinkler receiving cavity  108 . The sprinkler head access port  114  provides an opening about an upper edge of the sidewalls of the body  102 . The sprinkler head access port  114  allows the service party to inert and remove the sprinkler head assembly  120  from the sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 , leaving an area open for reinstalling the sprinkler head assembly  120 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a sectional, elevation view of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 . Said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104  presents an upper flange downward slope  138 , wherein said upper flange downward slope  138  is provided between an upper flange proxil region  134  and an upper flange distal region  136 . Said upper flange downward slope  138  is at its highest position proximate said upper flange proxil region  134  and slopes downward in accordance with said upper flange downward slope  138  as said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104  approaches said upper flange distal region  136 . A sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  is incorporated to provide a seal between said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104  and said sprinkler head assembly  120 . For manufacturability, said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  is provided as a separate member. A sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144  is incorporated to provide an improved seal between said sprinkler head bottom ridge  128  and said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140 . It is recognized that alternates to said sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144  can be utilized, including a molded lip, a collapsible flange, a gasket, and the like. Additionally, the illustration presents a sprinkler serviceability pipe coupling section  150 , wherein said sprinkler serviceability pipe coupling section  150  comprising a female threaded section  152  for coupling said sprinkler head pipe coupling section  130  to a sprinkler plumbing  160 , as well as a coupling section countersink  154  for providing clearance about a female section of the coupling as shown. A debris collection section  148  can be incorporated into the design of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100  to provide a gathering section for any debris or condensation that incidentally enters said sprinkler receiving cavity  108  of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 . Said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100  would be fabricated in three sections: a general body section comprising said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus body  102 , sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 , and said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus base section  110 ; said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140 ; and said sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144 . Said general body section and said sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144  would be preferably fabricated via injection-molded plastic. Said sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144  would be fabricated respective to the selected means for creating the seal. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates an adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus  170 , wherein said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus  170  is an embodiment of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 , said embodiment providing a means for adjusting a height (H) of said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus  170 . The illustration provides one representation of a means for adjusting a height (H) by fabricating said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus  170  in two components: an adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus lower section  172  and an adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus upper section  174 . Said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus lower section  172  and said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus upper section  174  are adjustably coupled to one another via any known adjustable means. Presented is one representative adjustable means providing a threaded interconnection; a base height adjustment thread  176  incorporated into said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus lower section  172  and a top height adjustment thread  178  incorporated into said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus upper section  174 . As one rotates said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus upper section  174  respective to said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus lower section  172 , said height (H) adjusts in accordance with a height adjustment  190 . Said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  can be either integrated into said adjustable sprinkler serviceability apparatus upper section  174  as illustrated or integrated as a separate assembly as illustrated in  FIG. 2  herein for ease of serviceability of said sprinkler head assembly  120 . Alternately, a snap fit interconnection or other can be utilized to provide said height adjustment  190 , wherein said snap fit interconnection can comprise a series of rings located on one section and respective recessions located on the opposing section. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 , more specifically said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 , said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140 , which resides within said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104  and said sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144  which resides within said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140 . Said sprinkler head water dispersion section  126  is included in phantom for reference purposes. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 , more specifically said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 , the outer edge of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus body  102 , a plurality of said upper flange support rib(s)  106  and said sprinkler serviceability pipe coupling section  150 . Said sprinkler serviceability pipe coupling section  150  comprising said female threaded section  152  and said coupling section countersink  154 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view presenting an assembly drawing of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 . Said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100  comprising a base section (comprising said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus body  102 , said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 , and said sprinkler serviceability pipe coupling section  150 ), said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140 , and said sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144 . Said sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket  144  is assembled into a sprinkler serviceability upper seal gasket recess  146  located within said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140 . A sprinkler head access port  156  is provided through the sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140 , wherein the sprinkler head assembly  120  can be inserted therethrough. Said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  is assembled into a sprinkler serviceability upper seal coupling section  142  proximate said upper flange proxil region  134  of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104  of said base section. Said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  can be coupled within said sprinkler serviceability upper seal coupling section  142  via any known method, including simply placing said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  inside said sprinkler serviceability upper seal coupling section  142 , screwing said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  into said sprinkler serviceability upper seal coupling section  142 , snap fit between said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  and said sprinkler serviceability upper seal coupling section  142 , adhesively coupling said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  into said sprinkler serviceability upper seal coupling section  142 , and the like. Optionally, a plurality of sprinkler head support ribs  116  can be incorporated within said sprinkler receiving cavity  108 , wherein said plurality of sprinkler head support ribs  116  have several benefits. One such benefit aligns said sprinkler head assembly  120  to said sprinkler serviceability upper seal coupling section  142 . A second such benefit provides support to said sprinkler head assembly  120 . A third such benefit provides vertical strengthening to said sprinkler receiving cavity  108 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates an optional feature for said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus  100 , providing a means for protection in addition to serviceability of said sprinkler head assembly  120  (not shown). It is recognized that the present invention can combine the features taught in  FIG. 7  with all of the embodiments presented herein. Said optional feature provides a section located above said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104  which is planar or above said sprinkler head  124  of said sprinkler head assembly  120 . One such option comprising a plurality of donut support member(s)  182 , wherein said donut support member(s)  182  comprising a donut support contacting surface  184  which provides support for a common sprinkler donut  180 . The common sprinkler donut  180  is an exemplary form factor of a sprinkler head protection apparatus. A center of said common sprinkler donut  180  can be sized such to reside on top of said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  or sufficient that said sprinkler serviceability upper seal  140  can pass through said center of said common sprinkler donut  180 . The assembly process would be respective to said dimensions. Alternately, said common sprinkler donut  180  can be fabricated of a moldable material capable of supporting a load and protecting said sprinkler head assembly  120  from damage. The molded version of said common sprinkler donut  180  would couple to said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 . Any of the presented versions would include a passage allowing any debris to be washed down said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 . The donut support member(s)  182  would be of a sufficient size to provide clearance between the bottom of said common sprinkler donut  180  and the upper surface of said sprinkler serviceability enhancing apparatus upper flange  104 . The molded version of said common sprinkler donut  180  would comprise channels or clearances (not shown but well understood by those skilled in the art) allowing any debris to be removed via fluid flow such as sprinkler water or rain water. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a sprinkler head serviceability apparatus fabrication flow diagram  300  representative of a fabrication process of the present invention. Said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus fabrication flow diagram  300  initiates with a series of molding steps to fabricate the sections of the present invention, including a molding of said general body section step  302 , a molding of said upper seal section step  304 , and a molding or forming step of said upper seal step  306 . It is understood that the components can be fabricated via other means while maintaining the spirit and intent of the present invention. The upper seal is inserted into said upper seal coupling section in accordance with an upper seal insertion/assembly step  308 . The completed upper seal section is then coupled to said general body section in accordance with a coupling upper seal section to said general body section step  310 . The finished assembly is then packaged and labeled for sale in accordance with a package and label for sale step  312 . The packaged units are bulk packed and shipped for distribution in accordance with a ship for distribution step  314 . 
   The Applicants have provided a method and apparatus, with several options, for creating and using said sprinkler head serviceability apparatus. Although the apparatus and methods taught herein are the preferred and alternate embodiments, it can be recognized that other form factors, materials, and methods of achieving the same results can be contrived from the disclosed teachings.