Abstract:
Multi-functional irrigation devices and methods for using these devices in irrigation are described. The irrigation devices of the invention contain a part that operates substantially similar to a turret sprinkler and another part that operates substantially similar to an oscillator sprinkler. The device contains a mechanism for switching function between the turret part and the oscillating part. The irrigation devices are thereby able to exhibit two modes of irrigation which can be used alternatively, saving the user time, effort, and costs.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention generally relates to irrigation devices and methods for using such devices. More particularly, the invention relates to irrigation devices that have multiple functions and methods for using such devices for different types of irrigation. Even more particularly, the invention relates to irrigation devices that can be used both as a turret sprinkler and as an oscillator sprinkler for watering lawns.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     There are many types of irrigation devices known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. D500,122 and D498,513, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. One of the most common types of irrigation devices are sprinklers that distribute water over an area with a specific spray pattern. Two types of sprinklers that are commonly known and used are turret sprinklers and oscillator sprinklers.  
         [0003]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , conventional oscillator sprinklers  100  typically contain a bar  115  containing a series of small nozzles  112 . With the bend in the bar  115  and the nozzles  112  arranged in the illustrated manner, the oscillator sprinkler typically distribute the water in a generally uniform manner by spraying multiple streams of water out of the nozzles. The bar  115  rotates back and forth in an arc with the endpoints of the arc set by the operator, thereby covering a rectangular area.  
         [0004]     Turret sprinklers operate in a different manner to distribute the water. As shown in  FIG. 2 , turret sprinklers  130  typically contain a plurality of nozzles  135  on a turret  140 . Each nozzle contains a different nozzle configuration for a different distribution pattern of the water. To use a specific distribution pattern, the user rotates the turret  140  until the desired nozzle  135  (and accompanying distribution pattern) is selected.  
         [0005]     Each of these types of sprinklers addresses a specific irrigation need by using a selected type of watering pattern desired by the operator/user. But to irrigate using both the watering patterns available to the oscillator sprinkler and the turret sprinkler, the user is required to purchase and operate each type of sprinkler separately. There exists no single device which combines both the capabilities of the turret and oscillator sprinklers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The invention relates to multi-functional irrigation devices and methods for using these devices in irrigation. The irrigation devices of the invention contain a part that operates substantially similar to a turret sprinkler and another part that operates substantially similar to an oscillator sprinkler. The device contains a mechanism for switching the function between the turret part and the oscillating part. The irrigation devices are thereby able to exhibit two modes of irrigation which can be used alternatively, saving the user time, effort, and costs.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, in which:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a conventional oscillator sprinkler;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a conventional turret sprinkler; and  
         [0010]      FIGS. 3-5  depict the irrigation device in one aspect of the invention;  
         [0011]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrate specific aspects of the invention and are a part of the specification. In the Figures, the thickness and configuration of components may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same component. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The following description provides specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. The skilled artisan, however, would understand that the invention can be practiced without employing these specific details. Indeed, the invention can be practiced by modifying the illustrated method and resulting product and can be used in conjunction with apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. While the invention is described for use as a sprinkler, it could be used for any other irrigation purpose.  
         [0013]     As described above, the invention includes irrigation devices that contain a portion that operates substantially similar to a turret sprinkler and another portion that operates substantially similar to an oscillator sprinkler. Any irrigation device operating in this manner is included within the invention. In one aspect of the invention, the irrigation devices of the invention are depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 .  
         [0014]     In  FIGS. 3-5 , the irrigation device  10  contains two parts or portions. A first portion  20  of the irrigation device  10  comprises a means for performing a turret sprinkling function. A second portion  30  of the irrigation device  10  comprises means for performing an oscillator sprinkling function. The irrigation device  10  also contains means for switching the operation of the device  10  between the turret sprinkling function and the oscillator sprinkling function.  
         [0015]     The irrigation device  10  contains a base  11  that supports the device  10  in a stable manner during operation. Any base known in the art can be used for this supporting function. In one aspect of the invention, the base  11  comprises a plurality of rails  12  that are connected at one end to a retaining support  7  and at the other end to a turret support  5 . While any number of rails  12  can be used, typically just two are used in the irrigation device  10 .  
         [0016]     The irrigation device  10  also contains an oscillator bar  4 . Oscillator bar  4  is substantially similar to similar mechanisms currently used in conventional oscillator sprinklers. Oscillator bar  4  is rotatably connected at one end to the retaining support  7  so that it can oscillate in an arc selected by the user. At the other end, the oscillator bar  4  is connected to rotating connecting means, which is in turn connected to the turret support  5 . The rotating connecting means rotates the oscillator bar  4  in an arc while stabilizing and supporting the bar  4 . As well, the rotating connecting means routes the water from the turret support  5  into the sprinkling arm  4 . Any component known in the art that operates in this manner can be used in irrigation device  10 , including any of those conventionally known as well as the rotating connector  9  depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 .  
         [0017]     The irrigation device  10  contains any water inlet means conventionally known in the art. When the water comes from a conventional garden hose with a male fitting, the inlet means comprises any corresponding female fitting known in the art, including fitting  1 . While the inlet means can be located anywhere in the device  10 , it is usually placed on the position of turret support  5  indicated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0018]     The turret support  5  contains means for routing the water from the inlet means (fitting  1 ) to the rotating connector  9 . In one aspect of the invention, the turret support  5  contains both means for routing the water from the inlet means (i.e., fitting  1 ) to the turret  2  and from the turret to the rotating connector  9 . Any routing means that operates in this manner can be used in the irrigation device. In one aspect of the invention, and as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the routing means comprises internal chamber  22  for routing the water from the inlet fitting  1  to the turret  2 , as well as internal chamber  23  for routing the water from the turret  2  to the rotating connector  9 .  
         [0019]     As described above, the turret support  5  connects to and supports the plurality of rails  12  and the rotating connector  9 . As well, the turret support  5  supports the turret  2  and contains the routing means described above. Along with the retaining support  7 , the turret support  5  also supports and stabilizes the irrigation device  10 . Accordingly, the turret support  5  can be configured with any size and shape that carries out these functions, including that depicted in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0020]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the turret  2  contains various types of nozzles  3  having different distribution characteristics, i.e., different spray patterns. The turret  2  can have any number of nuzzles  3  with any number of different spray patterns. In the aspect of the invention illustrated  FIG. 4 , the turret  2  is illustrated with  7  different nozzles with the spray pattern shown on the nozzle. Other spray patterns could be used instead of those illustrated.  
         [0021]     The turret  2  rotates so that different nozzles  3  (along with the accompanying spray pattern) can be selected by a user. Typically, and as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the nozzle that is selected by the user is that nozzle closest to the inlet means. This position can optionally be indicated by using the mark  16  as a visual aid.  
         [0022]     The turret  2  also contains an area  18  that does not contain a nozzle. When this area  18  (or position) of the turret  2  is selected by the user, no water can exit from the turret since there is no nozzle. Instead, this selection indicates that the oscillator function of the device  10  has been selected. With that selection, and as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the water is blocked from exiting the turret  2 . Instead, the water is routed through the turret  2  and into the internal chamber  23 , through the rotating connector  9 , and into the oscillator bar  4 .  
         [0023]     The irrigation devices of the invention can be modified to contain additional or optional features, including any of those described in the documents mentioned above. For example, the irrigation devices can contain any known feature that enhances its turret sprinkling function or its oscillator sprinkling function.  
         [0024]     The irrigation devices of the invention can also be made as part of an irrigation system. Other components of an irrigation system could include the mechanism for flowing the water to the irrigation device (i.e., a garden hose), extension hoses, replacement parts, and/or tools.  
         [0025]     The irrigation devices of the invention can be used like any other sprinkler known in the art, i.e., to water a lawn or other area. The advantage of the irrigation device of the invention is that it performs both the functions of an oscillator sprinkler and a turret sprinkler. The operator does not have to switch the hose from one sprinkler to another to change the sprinkling function, thereby increasing the efficiency of the irrigation process and reducing the operator&#39;s time, effort, and costs for irrigation. Rather, the user need only turn the turret from the oscillator position to the nozzle with the desired spray pattern (or vice versa). With a nozzle selected, the water flows from the inlet fitting  1 , through the internal chamber  22 , and out the desired nozzle. When the oscillator position is selected, there is no nozzle from which the water can exit the turret and the water is forced to flow into internal chamber  23 , into the rotating connector  9 , and then into the oscillator bar.  
         [0026]     The irrigation devices of the invention can be made by any process that provides the structure described above. In one aspect of the invention, the conventional components of the irrigation device are obtained using conventional manufacturing methods. The turret support  5  is then manufactured using any known method that will provide the desired shape, including molding techniques, with the internal chambers and turret as depicted in  FIG. 5 . The turret is manufactured as conventionally known, with the exception that one specific area of the turret is left without a nozzle.  
         [0027]     In addition to any previously indicated variation, numerous other modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.