Patent Abstract:
A precision irrigator system and process comprises a reflector plate having a center and an outer perimeter. The reflector plate is composed of a malleable material that can be contoured by a user to compensate for irregularities in the land area to be irrigated. At least one attachment means is secured to the reflector plate. The attachment means is adapted to connect the reflector plate to an irrigator or sprinkler system that operates to provide water to terrain having the irregular areas. By contouring and adjusting the reflector plate, the user can accommodate changes in the vegetative area&#39;s lawn shape or irregular lawn portions. The reflector plate is readily adjusted by the user so that water from the sprinkler comes into intimate contact with the outer perimeter of the reflector plate, and is deflected onto the ground. Bending or otherwise adjusting the reflector plate brings varied amounts of water from the sprinkler into contact therewith, deflecting the water into the vegetative area. Water distribution from the sprinkler can be thereby correlated with the irregular shape of a vegetative area, conserving the water supplied, and assuring that irrigation proceeds economically in an accurate, reliable manner.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field Of The Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a precision irrigator apparatus, system, and process; and more particularly, to an irrigator apparatus and system which, when attached to a typical irrigator can be adjusted and configured to facilitate irrigation of irregular lawn sizes, or variably sized and shaped gardens, thereby conserving water and avoiding irrigation of unwanted areas.  
         [0003]     2. Description Of The Prior Art  
         [0004]     Irrigation systems, typically of the oscillating sprinkler genre, are commonly utilized when delivering water to vegetative areas, such as gardens, fields, and lawns for commercial, agricultural, and residential needs. Frequently, these vegetative or irrigation areas have irregular terrain shapes, thereby making it difficult to efficiently water the entire area without causing watering to occur in adjoining areas such as sidewalks, driveways, patios and the like. The inadvertent wetting down of these non-vegetative areas adjacent lawn and garden portions appointed for irrigation is annoying, and wastes valuable water resources. Where the shape of the area includes varying distances or radii from a substantially centrally located sprinkler, such as a short radius d 1  and a long radius d 2 , water delivery distance adjustments must be made to accommodate the differing radii. Optimization of water delivery to d 1  would necessarily result in insufficient water delivery to the greater d 2  distance causing vegetation in the outer boundaries of d 2  to receive insufficient water for optimal growth. On the other hand, optimization of water delivery to d 2  would necessarily result in excessive water delivery to the shorter d 1  distance causing water encroachment, and even saturation, in areas that are not intended to be watered, thereby wasting water and, occasionally, causing neighboring objects to incur water damage.  
         [0005]     Various types of adjustable sprinkler systems have been proposed to address irrigation problems associated with irregularly shaped irrigation areas. However, none of these adjustable sprinkler systems accommodate irrigation of irregularly shaped areas means of a simple, economical, mechanically adjustable mechanism. Instead, many of the previously proposed sprinkler systems involve integral automated adjustment measures appointed to provide water delivery at differing radii by water flow rate control, angularization of the sprinkler&#39;s nozzle, and the like. Such water delivery devices are integrally constructed within the sprinkler. They require programmable means or other adjustment measures that increase manufacturing costs and decrease operating reliability.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,637 to Ohayon discloses an automatic adjustable sprinkler for precision irrigation having a base, an inlet disposed therein for receiving irrigating liquid from a source, and a nozzle rotatably coupled to the base about a central axis. The sprinkler further includes an adjustable valve for controlling a flow rate of the irrigating liquid through the nozzle, and a plate rotatably coupled to the nozzle. The disclosed plate includes a cam surface having a contour which corresponds with the shape of the area and which engages with a cam-engaging element. In turn, the cam-engaging element engages with a lever element being operatively coupled to the valve so that the contour of the cam surface causes the valve to control the flow rate of the irrigating liquid. The disclosed device functions to control the flow rate of the irrigating liquid and acts as an integral component of the system, interstitially located in the sprinkler unit. The device does not function to reflect water at varying radii from the sprinkler.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,077 to Aronson discloses a programmable sprinkler wherein water volume and projecting force are controlled in order to irrigate irregular lawn areas. The programmable sprinkler generally includes a sprinkler having a relatable head having nozzle means for directing a fluid stream, drive means, control valve means for varying the flow of fluid to the nozzle means, and co-acting control means for controlling the control valve means. The control means includes a plate-like cam, mounted on the body of the sprinkler, having a peripheral edge cam surface which includes the control valve means that varies fluid flow. The device does not provide a reflective plate for reflecting water at controlled radii. Instead, the disclosed device provides an integrated programmable sprinkler that allows the user to control the water volume and projection force in order to provide a controlled delivery to irregular lawns. There is a direct correlation between the water volume and projection force. A lower water volume produces less projection force causing smaller radii areas to be watered. The device does not variably reflect water to control its delivery to irregular areas.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,611 to Galvis discloses a pop-up sprinkler provided with a control valve for sealing a sprinkler housing against water inflow. When the pressure in a water supply line reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, a spring-biased pop-up stem moves to an elevated spraying position. The device does not provide a reflective plate for reflecting water at controlled radii. Instead, the disclosed device provides a pop-up stem which responds to predetermined levels of water pressure, so that when the predetermined level is great, a large force of water is applied and the pop-up stem is elevated; thereby delivering water to a larger radius or distance. Conversely, when the predetermined water pressure is low, the pop-up stem is only slightly elevated; thereby delivering water to a shorter radius. The device does not provide for reflective delivery of water to control water delivery to irregular areas.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,954 to Taylor discloses an automatic sprinkler apparatus for watering irregular areas. The apparatus comprises a programmer, speed control means, and a nozzle having an adjustable angle of elevation arranged for rotation about a base. The angle of elevation of the nozzle, or the trajectory of the water spray, is adjusted to control the radial distance the water travels therefrom. Speed control means and the angle of the water leaving the nozzle are adjusted by a sensor so that time and distance of water flow from the apparatus to a finite area is kept constant. The device does not provide means for reflective delivery of water at controlled radii. Instead, the delivery of water is based upon programmed time and distance parameters, on which basis the nozzle&#39;s angle of elevation and water delivery speed is adjusted. The device does not provide for reflective delivery of water to control irrigation of irregular areas.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,959 to Gorney discloses a drive arm deflector for a rotary impact sprinkler. The deflector comprises a generally elongated arm that is fixedly mounted onto the body of the sprinkler. The deflector defines a spiral water engagement surface, which extends approximately 360 degrees from an inlet location intermittently adjacent the sprinkler nozzle to an outlet location. The deflector is attached to the sprinkler nozzle. It provides a spiraled water engagement surface through which water travels and streams into the irrigation area. A cover member is attached to the sprinkler to protect it when the sprinkler is retracted within its housing. The cover member does not come into contact with the water stream, and it cannot be adjusted by a user to compensate changes in radii in a lawn area. The disclosed device is integrally constructed within the sprinkler. It is attached to the sprinkler nozzle in order to provide a spiral pathway for water to travel upon. The cover member is designed to protect the sprinkler when it is retracted within its housing. It is not malleable, and is not adjusted manually to provide a rigid surface against which water reflects at radii desired for delivery to a preselected location.  
         [0011]     Conventional sprinkle device covers are utilized to protect the sprinkler and prevent damage that can result when machinery and the like roll over the sprinkler mechanism. These devices do not affect the delivery of water, but merely provide a protective covering for the sprinkler. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,385 to Miller discloses a dome shaped disk appointed for covering a sprinkler head in order to protect the sprinkler from damage that can occur as heavy objects, such as autos or equipment, roll over the sprinkler. The disclosed cover generally comprises a single molded piece forming a circular disk having a dome shaped upper surface and a flat bottom surface. A central aperture is provided within the disk so that the disk can be placed upon the surface of the ground. At least three conically shaped posts, attached to the bottom surface of the disk, securely anchor the cover to the ground. The central aperture has a diameter sufficient to allow the sprinkler head to penetrate the cover and freely spray the intended region. The disk cannot be adjusted to reflect water from the sprinkler. Rather, it must be rigid to provide protection to the sprinkler mechanism. Moreover, the disk does not interrupt or reflect water to control its delivery to irregular lawn areas. Rather, its construction facilitates an uninterrupted water spray to freely penetrate unwanted areas contiguous to the region appointed for irrigation.  
         [0012]     Even where reflective means is utilized to accomplish adjustment of water delivery conventional sprinkler systems, the adjustment is not effected by a malleable reflective plate that is readily attached to a conventional sprinkler. U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,689 to Forer discloses a rotary sprinkler head having individually adjustable deflector plates hingedly mounted to the underside of a deflector cap. A thin annular sheet of material is attached to the deflector plates to provide water stream delivery. The deflector plates are adjusted, by way of a screw, thereby altering the path of a water stream from a rotating nozzle assembly as it passes each of the deflector plates in turn. The rotary sprinkler head has individually adjustable deflector plates, which are integrally associated with the sprinkler. Adjustment, achieved by adjusting each individual plate, is a laborious, time-consuming process. Moreover, the plurality of plates and arrangement of the adjustment means associated therewith, increase the size and weight of the irrigation product.  
         [0013]     Notwithstanding the efforts of prior art workers to construct an irrigation apparatus, system, and process capable of delivering liquid to vegetative areas, there remains a need in the art for a precision irrigation system having a reflector plate that can be easily bent and thereby adjusted to accommodate irregularities in the irrigation area with minimal effort. In addition, there is a need in the art for a precision irrigation system that is easy to install and use, and that can retrofit conventional sprinkler systems, or be manufactured and sold with new sprinklers. Such a simple, economical, precision irrigation system and process, wherein a flexible reflective plate is readily attached to a sprinkler and adjusted by bending to deflect a water stream, thereby effecting accurate and efficient irrigation of an irregularly shaped area has long been needed in the art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention provides an irrigation apparatus, system, and process capable of delivering liquid to vegetative areas. The system comprises a flexible, reflector plate that can easily bent and thereby adjusted to accommodate irregularities in an irrigation area with minimal effort. Advantageously, the system is easy to install and use. It can retrofit conventional sprinkler systems, or be manufactured and sold with new sprinklers. The flexible reflective plate is readily attached to a sprinkler and adjusted by bending to deflect a water stream, thereby effecting accurate and efficient irrigation of an irregularly shaped area.  
         [0015]     More specifically, the invention provides a precision irrigator apparatus comprising a flexible reflector plate that is easily bent or contoured to vary the radii of a water stream deflected therefrom, and hence the distribution pattern of the stream over an area appointed for irrigation. Variation of the water stream radii is readily correlated with the shape of a lawn, garden or other area to be irrigated. By contouring and adjusting the reflector plate the user can accommodate changes in the vegetative area&#39;s shape. The flexible reflector plate construction affords a cost effective, efficient way to direct water spray from a sprinkler, so that different radii can be achieved and there is greater control over the water delivery locus.  
         [0016]     An economical, lightweight irrigator system for accurately and reliably delivering water to irregular areas is thereby provided. Generally stated, the irrigator system comprises a reflector plate that is substantially composed of a malleable material so that the reflector plate can be adjusted by a user. The reflector plate includes a center and an outer perimeter. At least one attachment means is provided, for attaching the reflector plate to an irrigator. The irrigator is of the conventional variety, which provides water to a vegetative area. The reflector plate is attached to the irrigator by way of the attachment means. When associated with the irrigator, the reflector plate can be adjusted by the user so that the water delivery is correlated with the shape of the vegetative area. The correlation is such that water falls essentially within an irregularly shaped area. Water is conserved and irrigation proceeds in an accurate, economical manner.  
         [0017]     Also provided is an irrigator system for watering irregular areas that includes a sprinkler and reflector plate substantially composed of a malleable material. The malleable material provides flexibility to the reflector plate so that the reflector plate can be adjusted by a user. Such adjustment is generally achieved by bending or contouring the reflector plate based upon the irregular shaped area&#39;s dimensions. The reflector plate has a center and an outer perimeter. It is attached to the sprinkler of the conventional kind, which is capable of providing water to a vegetative area. The reflector plate attached to the sprinkler is adjusted by the user so that water emanating from the irrigator nozzle is deflected by the altered contour of the plate, causing its distribution over the vegetative area in a pattern which conforms essentially with the shape thereof. That is to say, water is distributed from the irrigator with such precision that its distribution pattern is correlated with the shape of the irregular area, causing the water to predominantly land therewithin.  
         [0018]     In addition, the invention provides a method for irrigating irregularly shaped vegetative areas, comprising the step of attaching a reflector plate to an irrigator. The irrigator is appointed to provide water to terrain having irregular shaped vegetative areas. The reflector plate is substantially composed of a malleable material so that the reflector plate can be adjusted by a user. In addition, the reflector plate has a center and having an outer perimeter. After the reflector plate is attached to the irrigator, it is bent or otherwise adjusted by the user, to bring select portions of the plate into contact with the water stream. This variable contact of the water stream with select portions of the reflector plate operates to variably deflect the water stream emanating from the irrigator, so that water delivery is correlated with the shape of the vegetative area.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0019]     The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates a schematic top view of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system, wherein the irrigation apparatus is not attached to a sprinkler system;  
         [0021]      FIG. 1   b  illustrates a side view of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system shown in  FIG. 1   a  taken along line V, wherein the irrigation apparatus is not attached to a sprinkler system;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system, wherein the irrigation apparatus is not attached to a sprinkler system;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system shown in  FIG. 2   a  taken along line X, wherein the irrigation apparatus is not attached to a sprinkler system;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates the precision irrigation apparatus, system, and process in an adjusted configuration adapted to precisely water an irregularly shaped vegetative area;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates the precision irrigation apparatus, system, and process adjusted in configuration adapted to precisely water an irregularly shaped vegetative area;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates schematic views of the reflector plate, showing the plate having various shapes, and further illustrating placement of at least one attachment means;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6   a  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system wherein there is a single attachment means;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6   b  illustrates a side view of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system shown in  FIG. 6   a  taken along line XX, further showing the apparatus with a single attachment means;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system wherein there are dual attachment means located in proximity to one another; and  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the precision irrigation apparatus and system wherein there is a single attachment means and the apparatus is fixed within a manufactured sprinkler. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]     The present invention relates to an irrigator system and a process for watering irregular areas. The irrigator system can be readily attached to an existing sprinkler. Alternatively, the irrigator system and process can be manufactured with a sprinkler. The irrigator system and process comprises a flexible reflector plate that is readily adjusted, by bending or otherwise, so that adjusted radii are achieved. These adjusted radii can be correlated changes in lawn shape or irregular lawn portions. This flexible reflector plate construction provides a cost effective, efficient way to direct water spray from a sprinkler. Advantageously, the different radii obtained to provide increased control the distribution pattern of water delivered from the sprinkler.  
         [0032]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates a schematic top view of the reflector plate associated with the irrigation apparatus and system. In this view of the sprinkler system, shown generally at  10 , the irrigation apparatus is not attached directly to the sprinkler. A side view of the reflector plate, taken along plane V of the precision irrigation apparatus  11  is illustrated in  FIG. 1   b , shown generally at  40 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , the precision irrigation apparatus  11  comprises a reflector plate  12  appointed to be attached to an irrigator, such as a sprinkler, for watering vegetative areas, namely lawns, gardens, fields for residential, agricultural, and commercial endeavors. Reflector plate  12  is substantially composed of a malleable material, such as an aluminum material, so that the reflector plate  12  can readily be adjusted or contoured by a user. Reflector plate  12  is adjusted or contoured by the user so that water is delivered to varying radii in the irregular areas of the terrain.  
         [0033]     The reflector plate  12  includes center  13 , outer perimeter  17 , top surface  18  (external), and bottom surface  19  (internal). Outer perimeter  17  includes outer rim  17   a . Optionally, the bottom or internal surface  19  of the reflector plate  12  is coated with a thin film, preferably polymeric in composition. This thin film acts as a buffer in order to decrease the sound levels from advancing to high decibels as the water being forcefully ejected from the sprinkler comes into contact with the reflector plate  12 . Alternatively, the reflector plate  12  is composed of an internal flexible portion and an external flexible covering so that the reflector plate  12  is readily adjustable (see  FIG. 2 ). Optionally, the center  13  of the reflector plate  12  may be composed of a rigid material in order to provide greater stability and staying power to the outer perimeter  17  as the outer perimeter  17  is contoured and adjusted by the user. Alternatively, the center  13  comprises an aperture or hole so that the user has access to the irrigator or sprinkler (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) when the reflector plate  12  is attached to the sprinkler.  
         [0034]     Continuing with  FIG. 1 , the precision irrigator apparatus  11  and system may include a plurality of perforations  20  located interstitially within the reflector plate  12 . These perforations  20  preferably extend throughout the outer perimeter  17  to the outer rim  17   a  of the reflector plate  12 . These perforations  20  function to facilitate the user when adjusting or contouring the reflector plate  12  so that the reflector plate  12  is readily adjusted by the user with ease. Alternatively, the perforations  21  are located on the outer perimeter  17  of the reflector plate  12  so that the outer perimeter  17  of the reflector plate  12  is readily adjustable, while the perforations  21  do not extend to the outer rim  17   a . This embodiment, i.e. perforations  21 , provides enhanced durability to the reflector plate  12  by minimizing the susceptibly of tearing or damage localized at the outer rim  17   a.    
         [0035]     The precision irrigator apparatus  11  and system for watering irregular areas further comprises at least one attachment means  15  appointed to attach the reflector plate  12  to an irrigator. The irrigator, or sprinkler, is not shown in this figure, as the reflector plate  12  may be added to any conventional sprinkler as an after market accessory, or the reflector plate  12  may be attached to the sprinkler during manufacture thereof. Attachment means  15  is shown secured to the interior surface  19  of the reflector plate  12 . The attachment means  15  may further comprise a hinge  14  appointed with a rod  22  so that the rod  22  extends from the hinge  14  and pivots within the hinge  14 . In addition, the rod  22  of the attachment means  15  further comprises a securing member  16 . The securing member  16  is appointed to secure or attach the precision irrigator apparatus  11  to an irrigator, the ground, piping, or any other proximate object. Optionally, the securing member  16  comprises a clamp portion (see  FIG. 3 ) in order to facilitate securing the precision irrigator apparatus  11  to the irrigator, piping associated with the irrigator, or other proximate object. Alternatively, the securing member  16  comprises a hook portion as illustrated in  FIG. 1  so that the apparatus  11  can be quickly attached to the irrigator, piping, or a proximate object.  
         [0036]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system wherein the irrigation apparatus is not attached to a sprinkler system, shown generally at  80 . A side view of the reflector plate, taken along plane X of the precision irrigation apparatus shown in  FIG. 2   a  is illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , shown generally at  90 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b,  in this embodiment, the reflector plate  81  is composed of an internal flexible portion  82  and an external flexible covering  83  so that the reflector plate  81  is readily adjustable. The external flexible covering  83  may further comprise a polymeric coating  84 . The internal flexible portion  82  may be composed of a flexible wire. Alternatively, the internal flexible portion  82  may be composed of a mesh construction. The external flexible covering  83  may be composed of a silicon material. The external flexible covering  83  and the internal flexible portion  82  function in concert to provide ease to the user in adjusting or contouring the reflector plate  81  so that the reflector plate  81  is readily adjusted and retains its contoured form even under the force of water being reflected therefrom. The reflector plate  81  includes the at least one attachment means  15  appointed to attach the reflector plate  81  to an irrigator.  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  illustrates the precision irrigation apparatus attached to an irrigator, shown as a typical impulse sprinkler, and wherein the precision irrigation apparatus&#39;s reflector plate is in an adjusted configuration in order to precisely water an irregularly shaped vegetative area, shown generally at  30 . The precision irrigator system  30  for watering irregular areas  31  comprises a sprinkler  33  with reflector plate  12  attached thereto by way of at least one attachment means  15 . The attachment means  15  is hingedly connected to the reflector plate  12 , and  12   a , by way of hinge  14  appointed with a rod  22  so that the rod  22  extends from the hinge  14  and pivots within the hinge  14 . In addition, the rod  22  of the attachment means  15  further comprises a securing member  16 . The securing member  16  is adapted to secure or attach the precision irrigator apparatus  11  to an irrigator, the ground, piping, or any other proximate object. Attachment means  15  is secured to the irrigator  33  by way of the attachment mean&#39;s  15  securing member  16 , herein shown having a clamp portion  34 . As shown, the securing member  15  further comprises flat section  35  that comes into intimate contact with the sprinkler  33  and is clamped thereto by way of clamp portion  34 . An alternative securing member  16  is shown in the phantom at  16   a  wherein the securing member  16   a  basically includes a clamp or hook that can be received around an object or piping  36 , wherein piping  36  herein is shown as underground water piping feeding sprinkler  33 .  
         [0038]     Continuing with  FIG. 3 , reflector plate  12  is shown in the phantom. The reflector plate  12  is substantially composed of a malleable material so that the reflector plate  12  is readily adjusted to achieve contours based on the varying area  31  radii from the sprinkler  33 . The malleable material provides flexibility to the reflector plate  12  so that the reflector plate  12  can be adjusted or contoured by a user based on the shape of the area  31  to be irrigated. As reflector plate  12  is bent and contoured, the contoured reflector plate  12   a  is achieved. Such adjustment is generally achieved by bending or contouring the reflector plate  12  based proportionately upon the irregular shape area&#39;s  31  dimensions and corresponding radii measurements from the irrigator  33 . That is to say, when irregular area  31   a  is at an increased radii or distance from the sprinkler  33 , then the reflector plate  12 / 12   a  is to be minimally contoured so that angle  37  from center  13  will minimal; conversely, when the irregular area  31   a  is a small distance or radii from the sprinkler  33 , then the reflector plate  12 / 12   a  will be contoured or adjusted so that angle  37  from center  13  increases.  
         [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates the precision irrigation apparatus and system adjusted in configuration in order to precisely water an irregularly shaped vegetative area, shown generally at  50 . The reflector plate  12  having center  13  and outer perimeter  17  is attached to sprinkler  33  having a nozzle  56  for delivering water to the irregular vegetative area  52 . The reflector plate  12  is contoured to form contoured reflector plate configuration  51 . Countering or adjusting of reflector plate  12  to achieve the configuration of contoured reflector plate  51  results as a function of the irregular vegetative area  52 , including sections  53 ,  54 , and  55 . As the nozzle  56  of sprinkler  33  rotates water is reflected from the outer perimeter  17  and rim of the contoured reflector plate configuration  51 . The radius between the sprinkler  33  and each of the sections  53 ,  54 , and  55 , operates to determine the contouring feature configured in reflector plate  12  and visa vie contoured reflector plate configuration  51 , so that minimal water wastage is delivered to curb  61  and sidewalk  62 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates schematic views of the reflector plate, showing the plate having various shapes, and further illustrating placement of at least one attachment means, shown generally at  70 . For example, the reflector plate  12  may have a circular, parallelogram, or any geometrical shape. When the reflector plate  12  is circular in shape, the reflector plate  12  may have a radii ranging from 7.62 cm (3 inches) to 30.48 cm (12 inches). The reflector plate  12  may have a length ranging from 7.62 cm (3 inches) to 60.96 cm (24 inches). The outer perimeter  17  of the reflector plate  12  may comprise at least one of wall portion having an arced edge, or a flat edge. Attachment means  15  are provided.  
         [0041]      FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system, shown generally at  200 . A side view of the reflector plate shown in  FIG. 6 , taken along plane XX, is illustrated in  FIG. 6   b , shown generally at  300 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , in the embodiment shown at  200  and  300  (top and side views, respectively) there is a single attachment means  15 . In this embodiment, the precision irrigation apparatus  11  comprises a reflector plate  12  appointed to be attached to an irrigator  201 . The reflector plate  12  includes a center aperture  209 , an outer perimeter  17 , top surface  18  (external), and bottom surface  19  (internal). Outer perimeter  17  includes an outer rim  17   a . Optionally, the bottom or internal surface  19  of the reflector plate  12  is coated with a thin film, preferably polymeric in composition. This thin film acts as a buffer in order to decrease the sound levels from advancing to high decibels as the water being forcefully ejected from the sprinkler comes into contact with the reflector plate  12 . The precision irrigator apparatus  11  and system for watering irregular areas further comprises at least one attachment means  15  appointed to attach the reflector plate  12  to irrigator  201 . In this embodiment, there is a single attachment means  15 .  
         [0042]     Continuing with  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , top view at  200  and side view at  300 , attachment means  15  is shown secured to the interior surface  19  of the reflector plate  12  by way of unilateral portion  202 . Unilateral portion  202  has a three quarter circle configuration and comprises an outer tab  208 . Unilateral portion  202  extends through center aperture  209  so that outer tab  208  is on the top external surface  18  of reflector plate  12  in order to enhance stabilization of the reflector plate  12  when attached to a sprinkler  201 . On the bottom surface  19  of reflector plate  12 , and in the center  13  thereof, the unilateral portion  202  is preferably composed of a steel wire having a three quarter circular winding which facilitates in securing and supporting the reflective plate  12  to the sprinkler  201 . This three quarter circle configuration efficiently prevents the reflective plate  12  from tilting to the left or right as water is forced upon the reflective plate  12 . Unilateral portion  202  further comprises a hinge pair  203  and a unilateral rod  204 . In this embodiment, unilateral rod  204  supports the reflector plate  12  (optionally composed of a thin aluminum disc) on sprinkler  201 . The unilateral rod  204  is received in the hinge pair  203  so that the unilateral rod  204  extends from the hinge pair  203  and pivots within the hinge pair  203 . In addition, the unilateral rod  204  of the unilateral portion  202  via attachment means  15  further comprises a unilateral securing member  205  appointed to be secured via unilateral bolt attachment  206 . Securing member  205  further comprises lower locking member  207  appointed to minimize traveling of the unilateral securing member  205  upwards due to resultant water forces upon the reflector plate  12 . Bolt attachment  206  generally includes two straps and two bolts and nuts that act in concert to hold the unilateral rod  204  tightly on the sprinkler  201 . Alternatively, the unilateral securing member  205  comprises a hook portion so that the apparatus  11  can be quickly attached to the irrigator, piping, or a proximate object.  
         [0043]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system, shown generally at  400 . The precision irrigator system  400  for watering irregular areas comprises a sprinkler  401  with reflector plate  12  attached thereto by way of at least one attachment means  15 . Herein, there are two attachment means  15  located in close proximity to one another. Attachment means  15  are hingedly connected to the reflector plate  12  by way of hinge  14  appointed with a dual rods  403  so that dual rods  403  extend from hinge  14  and pivot within hinge  14 . Dual rod  403  of each of attachment means  15  are attached together by way of joiner bar  402 , for added stabilization to reflector plate  12  as water is forced up and reflected therefrom. In addition, the dual rods  403  of attachment means  15  further comprise a securing member  16 . The reflector plate  12  includes a center aperture  405 , an outer perimeter  17 , top surface  18  (external), and bottom surface  19  (internal). Outer perimeter  17  includes an outer rim  17   a . Optionally, the bottom or internal surface  19  of the reflector plate  12  is coated with a thin film, preferably polymeric in composition. This thin film acts as a buffer in order to decrease the sound levels from advancing to high decibels as the water being forcefully ejected from the sprinkler comes into contact with the reflector plate  12 . In this embodiment, dual rods  403  and joiner bar  402  support the reflector plate  12  (optionally composed of a thin aluminum disc) on sprinkler  401 .  
         [0044]     Continuing with  FIG. 7 , dual rods  403  of attachment means  15  further comprises dual securing members  406  appointed to be secured via dual bolt attachment  407 . Dual securing members  406  further comprise dual lower locking members  408  appointed to minimize traveling of the dual securing member  406  upwards due to resultant water forces upon the reflector plate  12 . Bolt attachment  407  generally includes two straps and two bolts and nuts that act in concert to hold the dual rods  403  tightly on the sprinkler  401 . Alternatively, the dual securing members  406  comprise hook portions so that the apparatus  400  can be quickly attached to the irrigator, piping, or a proximate object.  
         [0045]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of the precision irrigation apparatus and system wherein there is a single attachment means and the apparatus is fixed within a manufactured sprinkler, shown generally at  500 . In this embodiment shown at  500 , the precision irrigator system  500  for watering irregular areas manufactured as a component within a sprinkler. The manufactured precision irrigator system  500  comprises a precision sprinkler  501  with reflector plate  12  fixedly attached thereto by way of at least one attachment means  15 , herein shown as a unilaterally fixed rod  502 . Unilaterally fixed rod  502  extends from within sprinkler  501  and remains in a fixed position. As sprinkler  501  rotates or oscillates, unilaterally fixed rod  502  remains still and does not rotate. Unilaterally fixed rod  502  is fixedly connected to the reflector plate  12 , and phantom plate  12   a  which shows adjustment of reflector plate  12 , by way of unilateral attachment  503 . In addition, unilaterally fixed rod  502  of attachment means  15  further comprises a unilateral securing member  504 . The unilateral securing member  504  is adapted to fixedly attach unilaterally fixed rod  502  of the precision irrigator apparatus  500  to irrigator  501 . Reflector plate  12  is shown in the phantom at  12   a . The reflector plate  12  is substantially composed of a malleable material so that the reflector plate  12  is readily adjusted to achieve contours based on the irregular area. The reflector plate  12  includes an outer perimeter  17  having an outer rim  17   a . As reflector plate  12  is bent and contoured, contoured reflector plate  12   a  is achieved. Such adjustment is generally achieved by bending or contouring the reflector plate  12  based proportionately upon the irregular shape area&#39;s dimensions.  
         [0046]     Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1