Patent ID: 7434781

Claim:
A remote latch system for a partially below ground water flushing apparatus comprising: a pressurized subterranean water distribution system; a water flushing apparatus having a flow controlled passage with an inlet adapted for fluid connection to the pressurized water distribution system, a first portion of the water flushing apparatus being above ground and including an outlet, a second portion of the flow controlled passage being below ground, wherein water from the water distribution system exiting the outlet is directed downwardly toward the ground; a flow control valve disposed along the flow controlled passage for selectively permitting and prohibiting the flow of pressurized water through the flow controlled passage; a programmable controller operatively associated with the flow control valve, wherein the controller regulates the flow of pressurized water received from the water distribution system through the flow controlled passage by activating and deactivating the flow controlled valve on a predetermined timed basis; a quick connect/disconnect coupling for detachably coupling the pressurized subterranean water distribution system and the inlet of the water flushing apparatus, the quick connect/disconnect coupling having a locked mode, in which the pressurized subterranean water distribution system and the inlet of the water flushing apparatus are coupled, and an unlocked mode, in which the pressurized subterranean water distribution system and the inlet of the water flushing apparatus are decoupled, wherein the second portion of the water flushing apparatus extends from the quick connect/disconnect coupling to the first portion, wherein the second portion is distributed in a generally vertically elongated manner; an elongated first connecting rod having a proximal end and distal end, an elongated second connecting rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of each connecting rod being operatively connected to the quick connect/disconnect coupling so as to permit manipulation, remotely at the distal end, of the quick connect/disconnect coupling between the locked and unlocked modes, whereby in the unlocked mode the flushing system can be retrieved as a unit from below ground by way of the connecting rods, wherein the proximal end of each connecting rod is operatively connected to a respective handle, wherein each handle is rotatably mounted on the water flushing apparatus, wherein the flow control valve, the quick connect/disconnect coupling, the first and second connecting rods and the handles are located below ground, and a below ground housing substantially enclosing the second portion of the water flushing apparatus, the flow control valve, the first and second connecting rods and the handles.