Multiple orientation rotatable sprinkler

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 10239067
  • Patent Number
    10,239,067
  • Date Filed
    Monday, July 16, 2018
    6 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, March 26, 2019
    5 years ago
Abstract
A rotatable sprinkler including a water outlet nozzle providing a pressurized axial stream of water along a nozzle axis, and a rotatable water deflector assembly, downstream of the water outlet nozzle and receiving the pressurized axial stream of water therefrom, the rotatable water deflector assembly being rotated during sprinkler operation by the pressurized axial stream of water about a rotatable water path deflector assembly axis, the rotatable water deflector assembly including a first rotatable water path deflector portion and a second rotatable water path deflector portion, which is user rotatable relative to the first rotatable water path deflector portion about a second rotatable water path deflector axis, thereby enabling user selection of at least one water distribution parameter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sprinklers.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of sprinklers are known in the art.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved sprinkler. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a rotatable sprinkler including a water outlet nozzle providing a pressurized axial stream of water along a nozzle axis, and a rotatable water deflector assembly, downstream of the water outlet nozzle and receiving the pressurized axial stream of water therefrom, the rotatable water deflector assembly being rotated during sprinkler operation by the pressurized axial stream of water about a rotatable water path deflector assembly axis, the rotatable water deflector assembly including a first rotatable water path deflector portion and a second rotatable water path deflector portion, which is user rotatable relative to the first rotatable water path deflector portion about a second rotatable water path deflector axis, thereby enabling user selection of at least one water distribution parameter.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the rotatable water path deflector assembly axis and the second rotatable water path deflector axis are coaxial. Alternatively, the nozzle axis, the rotatable water path deflector assembly axis and the second rotatable water path deflector axis are all coaxial.


Preferably, the rotatable sprinkler also includes a base portion, which includes a water inlet connector, and a nozzle defining portion which defines the water outlet nozzle. Additionally, the rotatable sprinkler also includes a flow control membrane arranged upstream of the nozzle defining portion. Additionally or alternatively, the rotatable sprinkler also includes a body portion, which retains the nozzle defining portion, and a top portion, mounted onto the body portion, at least one of the nozzle defining portion and the top portion defining a low friction and low wear rotational mounting for the rotatable water deflector assembly, which receives the pressurized axial stream of water from the nozzle-defining portion.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first rotatable water path deflector portion includes a bottom, generally cylindrical portion, an upper axle-defining portion and a generally planar portion arranged between the generally cylindrical portion and the axle-defining portion.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the bottom, generally cylindrical portion defines a first water pathway having mutually spaced planar side surfaces and a first water path deflector surface, which includes an initial generally vertical planar surface portion, which extends vertically to a curved surface portion, the curved surface portion extending vertically and radially outwardly to an upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion and a generally circular cylindrical portion extending from a location vertically spaced from the planar surface portion to a surface of the generally planar portion. Additionally or alternatively, the planar portion is formed with a plurality of radially-extending protrusions and a pointer.


Preferably, the radially-extending protrusions are each formed on a top surface thereof with a pair of engagement protrusions for user-changeable, selectable azimuth engagement of the second rotatable water path deflector portions. Additionally, the engagement protrusions limit the counterclockwise travel of the second rotatable water path deflector portions relative to the first rotatable water path deflector portion at each of a plurality of user selectable azimuthal relative orientations thereof.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second rotatable water path deflector portion includes a generally planar portion, defining a generally flat top surface and a generally flat bottom surface, and a plurality of depending portions, extending downwardly from the generally flat bottom surface, the generally planar portion being formed with a central aperture, centered about the second rotatable water path deflector axis. Additionally, the second rotatable water path deflector portion also includes a plurality of retaining protrusions, extending upwardly from the generally flat top surface and being operative for rotatably displaceable engagement with the first rotatable water path deflector portion.


Preferably, the generally planar portion includes a radially outwardly extending portion having a downwardly depending portion, which defines a curved inner surface, which defines a secondary azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface. Additionally, the secondary azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface is slightly curved and is arranged to be tangent to an imaginary circle about the second rotatable water path deflector axis only along a small portion of the extent of the secondary azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second rotatable water path deflector portion defines a plurality of user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways.


Preferably, the second rotatable water path deflector portion includes a generally planar portion and the plurality of user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways include at least two of a first user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a first reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein the first reaction surface defines an angle α1 in an X-Y plane, parallel to the generally planar portion, with respect to an X axis thereof, such that pressurized water engages a curved inner surface, which defines a downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface and defines an angle α1′ in the X-Y plane with respect to a line parallel to a Y axis of the X-Y plane, a second user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a second reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein the second reaction surface defines an angle α2 in the X-Y plane, different from the angle α1, with respect to the Y axis, a third user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a third reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein the third reaction surface defines an angle α3 in the X-Y plane, different from the angle α1 and the angle α2, with respect to the X axis and a fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a fourth reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein the fourth reaction surface defines an angle α4, different from the angle α1, the angle α2 and the angle α3, with respect to the Y axis.


Preferably, at least one of the first, second, third and fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways also defines an elevation limiting surface. Additionally, at least one of the first, second, third and fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways also defines an elevation limiting surface in which the first user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a first planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β1, in an X-Z plane, perpendicular to the X-Y plane, with respect to a plane parallel to a Y-Z plane, perpendicular to the X-Y plane and to the X-Z plane, and a downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface, which defines an angle β1′ with respect to a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, the second user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a second planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β2, different from the angle β1, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, the third user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a third planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β3, different from the angle β2 and the angle β1, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane and the fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a fourth planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β4, different from the angle β3, the angle β2 and the angle β1, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second rotatable water path deflector portion includes a generally planar portion defining an X-Y plane parallel thereto and an X-Z plane and a Y-Z plane perpendicular thereto and the sprinkler has at least two of first, second, third and fourth operative orientations in which in the first operative orientation a pointer is directed to a first azimuthal location on the second rotatable water path deflector portion, indicated by a first indicium, and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with a first reaction surface, which defines an angle α1 in the X-Y plane, with respect to an X axis thereof, a first planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β1 in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane and a curved downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface, which defines a water stream exit angle α1′, different from the angle α1, in the X-Y plane, with respect to a line parallel to a Y axis, and a water stream exit angle β1′ in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, in the second operative orientation a pointer is directed to a second azimuthal location on the second rotatable water path deflector portion, indicated by a second indicium, and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with a second reaction surface, which defines an angle α2, different from the angle α1, in the X-Y plane, with respect to the Y axis and a second planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β2, different from the angle β1, in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane, in the third operative orientation a pointer is directed to a third azimuthal location on the second rotatable water path deflector portion, indicated by a third indicium, and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with a third reaction surface, which defines an angle α3, different from the angle α1 and the angle α2, in the X-Y plane, with respect to the X axis and a third planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β3, different from the angle β1 and the angle β2, in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane and in the fourth operative orientation a pointer is directed to an azimuthal location on the second rotatable water path deflector portion indicated by a fourth indicium and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with a fourth reaction surface, which defines an angle α4, different from the angle α1, the angle α2 and the angle α3, in the X-Y plane, with respect to the Y axis and a fourth planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β4, different from the angle β1, the angle β2 and the angle β3, in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:



FIGS. 1A and 1B are, respectively, simplified pictorial assembled and exploded view illustrations of a sprinkler constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unpressurized operative orientation;



FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a simplified side view illustration and a simplified sectional illustration, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 2A, of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A & 1B in an unpressurized operative orientation;



FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a simplified side view illustration and a simplified sectional illustration, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 3A, of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-2B in a pressurized operative orientation;



FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are, respectively, simplified top-down and bottom-up pictorial assembled view illustrations and an exploded view illustration of a rotatable deflector assembly forming part of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-3B;



FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G and 5H are, respectively, simplified pictorial, top plan view, bottom plan view, a sectional illustration taken along lines D-D in FIG. 5B, a sectional illustration taken along lines E-E in FIG. 5B and first, second and third side plan view illustrations of a first rotatable water deflector portion of the rotatable deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-4C, FIGS. 5F, 5G and 5H being taken along respective arrows F, G and H in FIG. 5B;



FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 6I, 6J, 6K and 6L are, respectively, simplified pictorial, top plan view, bottom plan view, a sectional illustration taken along lines D-D in FIG. 6B, a sectional illustration taken along lines E-E in FIG. 6B, a sectional illustration taken along lines F-F in FIG. 6C, a sectional illustration taken along lines G-G in FIG. 6C, a sectional illustration taken along lines H-H in FIG. 6C, a sectional illustration taken along lines I-I in FIG. 6C and first, second and third side plan view illustrations of a second rotatable water deflector portion of the rotatable deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-4C, FIGS. 6J, 6K and 6L being taken along respective arrows J, K and L in FIG. 6B;



FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a first operative orientation, FIG. 7D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 7C;



FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the first operative orientation seen in FIGS. 7A-7D, FIGS. 8B and 8C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 8A;



FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a second operative orientation, FIG. 9D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 9C;



FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the second operative orientation seen in FIGS. 9A-9D, FIGS. 10B and 10C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 10A;



FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a third operative orientation, FIG. 11D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 11C;



FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the third operative orientation seen in FIGS. 11A-11D, FIGS. 12B and 12C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 12A;



FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a fourth operative orientation, FIG. 13D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 13C; and



FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the fourth operative orientation seen in FIGS. 13A-13D, FIGS. 14B and 14C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 14A.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are, respectively, simplified pictorial assembled and exploded view illustrations of a sprinkler constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unpressurized operative orientation. As seen in FIGS. 1A & 1B, there is provided a sprinkler 100 including a base portion 102, formed with a water inlet connector 104, and a nozzle defining portion 106, supported on base portion 102. Optionally, disposed interiorly of base portion 102 and below nozzle-defining portion 106 is a flow control membrane 108 and a membrane-retaining ring 110.


A body portion 120 is threadably attached to base portion 102 and retains nozzle defining portion 106, as well as optional flow control membrane 108 and membrane-supporting ring 110, within base portion 102. A top portion 122 is preferably bayonet mounted onto a top central aperture 124 of body portion 120. Preferably, nozzle-defining portion 106 and top portion 122 define respective bottom and top low friction and low wear rotational mounting for a rotatable water deflector assembly 130, which receives a pressurized axial stream of water from nozzle-defining portion 106. Alternatively, the low friction and low wear rotational mounting for rotatable water deflector assembly 130 is provided by one, but not both, of nozzle-defining portion 106 and top portion 122. All of the above-described elements with the exception of rotatable water deflector assembly 130, are known and commercially available in an existing sprinkler, Sprinkler Model No. 2002, commercially available from NaanDanJain Irrigation Ltd. of Kibbutz Naan, Israel.


It is appreciated that terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” refer to relative locations in the sense of FIGS. 1A and 1B and do not necessarily refer to relative locations on a sprinkler in use.


Rotatable water deflector assembly 130 is preferably arranged for rotation about an axis 133, which is preferably selected to be vertical and in the orientation shown in FIGS. 1A-3B. It is appreciated that the entire sprinkler may be operated up-side down with respect to the orientation shown in FIGS. 1A-3B, preferably with a differently designed deflector assembly 130 and a deflector assembly 130 retaining spring (not shown) for retaining the rotatable water deflector assembly 130 in its orientation as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B even when the sprinkler is not receiving a pressurized flow of water.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are, respectively, a simplified side view illustration and a simplified sectional illustration, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 2A, of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A & 1B in an unpressurized operative orientation. It is seen that the rotatable water deflector assembly 130 is in a relatively lowered orientation relative to body portion 120 and nozzle-defining portion 106.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are, respectively, a simplified side view illustration and a simplified sectional illustration, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 3A of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-2B in a pressurized operative orientation. It is seen that the rotatable water deflector assembly 130 is in a relatively raised orientation relative to body portion 120 and nozzle-defining portion 106.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, which are, respectively, simplified top-down and bottom-up pictorial assembled view illustrations and an exploded view illustration of rotatable deflector assembly 130, forming part of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-3B. As seen in FIGS. 4A-4C, it is a particular feature of the present invention that the rotatable deflector assembly 130 includes a first rotatable water path deflector portion 140, which is rotatable about axis 133, and a second rotatable water path deflector portion 150, which is also rotatable about axis 133 together with first rotatable water path deflector portion 140 and is also user rotatable about axis 133, relative to first rotatable water path deflector portion 140, thereby enabling user selection of at least one water distribution parameter.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G and 5H, which are, respectively, simplified pictorial, top plan view, bottom plan view, a sectional illustration taken along lines D-D in FIG. 5B, a sectional illustration taken along lines E-E in FIG. 5B and first, second and third side plan view illustrations of first rotatable water path deflector portion 140 of the rotatable deflector assembly 130 of FIGS. 4A-4C, FIGS. 5F, 5G and 5H being taken along respective arrows E, F and G in FIG. 5B.


As seen in FIGS. 5A-5H, the first rotatable water path deflector portion 140 is preferably integrally formed by injection molding of low friction, low wear plastic and includes a bottom, generally cylindrical portion 200, an upper axle-defining portion 202 and a generally planar portion 204 arranged between the generally cylindrical portion 200 and the axle-defining portion 202.


The bottom, generally cylindrical portion 200 preferably defines a first water pathway 210 having mutually spaced planar side surfaces 212 and 214 and a first water path deflector surface 220, which preferably includes an initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222 which extends upwardly to a curved surface portion 224. Curved surface portion 224 extends upwardly and radially outwardly to an upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226. Bottom, generally cylindrical portion 200 also comprises a generally circular cylindrical portion 228 extending from a location above planar surface portion 226 to an underside surface 230 of generally planar portion 204.


Generally planar portion 204 preferably is formed with a plurality of, typically four, radially-extending protrusions 240 as well as a pointer 242. Each of protrusions 240 is preferably formed on a top surface thereof with a pair of bayonet engagement protrusions 244 and 246 for user-changeable, selectable azimuth engagement of second rotatable water deflector portion 150 therewith. Bayonet engagement protrusions 244 are each preferably a “bump” protrusion and each preferably include first and second opposite directed and mutually azimuthally separated inclined planar surfaces 252 and 254, separated by a flat surface 256. Bayonet engagement protrusions 246 are preferably “stop” protrusions, which limit the counterclockwise travel of second water rotatable water deflector portion 150 relative to first rotatable water path deflector portion 140 at each of the user selectable azimuthal relative orientations thereof.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 6I, 6J, 6K and 6L, which are, respectively, simplified pictorial, top plan view, bottom plan view, a sectional illustration taken along lines D-D in FIG. 6B, a sectional illustration taken along lines E-E in FIG. 6B, a sectional illustration taken along lines F-F in FIG. 6C, a sectional illustration taken along lines G-G in FIG. 6C, a sectional illustration taken along lines H-H in FIG. 6C, a sectional illustration taken along lines I-I in FIG. 6C and first, second and third side plan view illustrations of second rotatable water deflector portion 150 of the rotatable deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-4C, FIGS. 6J, 6K and 6L being taken along respective arrows J, K and L in FIG. 6B.


As seen in FIGS. 6A-6L, second rotatable water deflector portion 150 includes a generally planar portion 300, defining a generally flat top surface 302 and a generally flat bottom surface 304, as well as a plurality of depending portions 306, extending downwardly from generally flat bottom surface 304. Generally planar portion is preferably formed with a central aperture 308, centered about axis 133.


Extending upwardly from generally flat top surface 302 are, preferably, a plurality of retaining protrusions 310, which are typically four in number and are equally azimuthally distributed about axis 133. Retaining protrusions 310, each preferably include an upstanding portion 312 and a radially inwardly extending portion 314 and are designed to rotatably retain first rotatable water path deflector portion 140 in engagement therewith in one of four equally azimuthally distributed operative orientations. It is noted that, as seen particularly clearly in FIG. 6E, an underside surface 316 of radially inwardly extending portion 314 defines a protrusion 318 for rotatably displaceable engagement with the first rotatable water path deflector portion 140.


Generally planar portion 300 preferably includes a radially outwardly extending portion 320 having a downwardly depending portion 322, which defines a curved inner surface 324 which defines a secondary azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface. Surface 324 is slightly curved and is arranged to be tangent to an imaginary circle about axis 133 only along a small portion of the extent of surface 324.


As seen particularly in FIG. 6C, depending portions 306 together define four user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways therebetween.



FIG. 6C defines an X axis and a Y axis, perpendicular to each other, in an X-Y plane, which is parallel to generally planar portion 300 and perpendicular to a Z axis, which is coaxial with axis 133, and also defines an X-Z plane and a Y-Z plane.


A first user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway 330 is defined by a reaction surface 332 and additional pathway surfaces 334, 336 and 338. Reaction surface 332 preferably defines an angle α1, in the X-Y plane, with respect to the X axis. Pressurized water flowing along first user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway 330 subsequently engages curved inner surface 324 which defines a downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface and defines an angle α1′, in the X-Y plane, with respect to a line parallel to the Y axis.


A second user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway 340 is defined by a reaction surface 342 and additional curved pathway surface 344. Reaction surface 342 preferably defines an angle α2, in the X-Y plane, with respect to the Y axis. Preferably, angle α2 is not equal to angle α1.


A third user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway 350 is defined by a reaction surface 352 and additional pathway surfaces 354 and 356. Reaction surface 352 preferably defines an angle α3, in the X-Y plane, with respect to the X axis. Preferably, angle α3 is not equal to angle α2 and is not equal to angle α1.


A fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway 360 is defined by a reaction surface 362 and additional curved pathway surface 364. Reaction surface 362 preferably defines an angle α4, in the X-Y plane, with respect to the Y axis. Preferably, angle α4 is not equal to angle α3, is not equal to angle α2 and is not equal to angle α1.


As seen particularly in FIGS. 6F, 6G, 6H and 6I, each of the four user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways 330, 340, 350 and 360 also defines an elevation limiting surface.


As seen in FIG. 6C and in FIG. 6F, water flow pathway 330 is also defined by a planar elevation limiting surface 370, which defines, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane, an angle β1, in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, and by downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface 324, which defines, with respect to a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, an angle β1′, in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane.


As seen in FIG. 6C and in FIG. 6G, water flow pathway 340 is also defined by a planar elevation limiting surface 372, which defines an angle β2, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane, in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane.


As seen in FIG. 6C and in FIG. 6H, water flow pathway 350 is also defined by a planar elevation limiting surface 374, which defines an angle β3, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane, in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane.


As seen in FIG. 6C and in FIG. 6I, water flow pathway 360 is also defined by a planar elevation limiting surface 376, which defines an angle β4 with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, which are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a first operative orientation, FIG. 7D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 7C. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, FIGS. 7A-7D are described hereinbelow with respect to a mutually orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system, as defined above with reference to FIG. 6C, fixed with respect to the second rotatable water path deflector portion 150, wherein the Z axis is coaxial with axis 133 and the X and Y axes extend mutually perpendicularly and perpendicularly to the Z axis.


It is appreciated that the X and Y axes shown in FIG. 7C correspond to the X and Y axes shown in FIG. 6C.


In the first operative orientation shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, pointer 242, as seen particularly in FIGS. 7A & 7B, is directed to an azimuthal location on second rotatable water path deflector portion 150 indicated by the numeral “1”. As seen particularly in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the first water path deflector surface 220, which preferably includes initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn extends upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226, is azimuthally aligned about axis 133 (Z axis) with:

    • reaction surface 332, which defines an angle α1 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 7C, with respect to the X axis;
    • with planar elevation limiting surface 370, which defines angle β1 in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 7D, with respect to a plane parallel the X-Y plane, and
    • with curved downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface 324, which defines a water stream exit angle α1′ in the X-Y plane, with respect to a line parallel to the Y axis, as shown in FIG. 7C, and a water stream exit angle β1′ in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 7D.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, which are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the first operative orientation as seen in FIGS. 7A-7D, FIGS. 8B and 8C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 8A.


As seen in FIGS. 8A-8C, a pressurized water stream 400 flows generally vertically though water inlet connector 104 (FIG. 1B) and nozzle defining portion 106 (FIG. 1B), optionally including flow control membrane 108 (FIG. 1B). The pressurized water stream 400 then engages the first water path deflector surface 220 of the first rotatable water path deflector portion 140. The pressurized water stream 400 flows along initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222 thereof, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn flows upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226. The pressurized water stream 400 then engages reaction surface 332 of the second water path deflector 150, which surface 332 defines an angle α1 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 8C, with respect to the X axis and planar elevation limiting surface 370 of the second water path deflector 150, which defines angle β1 in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 8B, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane. Part of the pressurized water stream 400 subsequently engages curved downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface 324 of the second water path deflector 150, which defines a water stream exit angle α1′ in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 8C, and a water stream exit angle β1′ in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 8B.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D, which are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a second operative orientation, FIG. 9D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 9C. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, FIGS. 9A-9D are described hereinbelow with respect to a mutually orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system fixed with respect to the second rotatable water path deflector portion 150, wherein the Z axis is coaxial with axis 133 and the X and Y axes extend mutually perpendicularly and perpendicularly to the Z axis.


It is appreciated that the X and Y axes shown in FIG. 9C correspond to the X and Y axes shown in FIGS. 6C and 7C and that second rotatable water path deflector portion 150 has been rotated 90° counter-clockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 6C, from the perspective of FIG. 9C.


In the second operative orientation shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, pointer 242, as seen particularly in FIGS. 9A & 9B, is directed to an azimuthal location on second rotatable water path deflector portion 150 indicated by the numeral “2”. As seen particularly in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the first water path deflector surface 220, which preferably includes initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn extends upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226, is azimuthally aligned about axis 133 (Z axis) with:

    • reaction surface 342, which defines an angle α2 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 9C, with respect to the Y axis; and
    • with planar elevation limiting surface 372, which defines angle β2 in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 9D, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, which are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the second operative orientation as seen in FIGS. 9A-9D, FIGS. 10B and 10C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 10A.


As seen in FIGS. 10A-10C, a pressurized water stream 500 flows generally vertically though water inlet connector 104 (FIG. 1B) and nozzle defining portion 106 (FIG. 1B), optionally including flow control membrane 108 (FIG. 1B). The pressurized water stream 500 then engages the first water path deflector surface 220 of the first rotatable water path deflector portion 140. The pressurized water stream 500 flows along initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222 thereof, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn flows upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226. The pressurized water stream 500 then engages reaction surface 342 of the second water path deflector 150, which surface 342 defines angle α2 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 10C, with respect to the Y axis and planar elevation limiting surface 372 of the second water path deflector 150, which defines angle β2 in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 10B, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D, which are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a third operative orientation, FIG. 11D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 11C. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, FIGS. 11A-11D are described hereinbelow with respect to a mutually orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system fixed with respect to the second rotatable water path deflector portion 150, wherein the Z axis is coaxial with axis 133 and the X and Y axes extend mutually perpendicularly and perpendicularly to the Z axis.


It is appreciated that the X and Y axes shown in FIG. 11C correspond to the X and Y axes shown in FIGS. 6C, 7C and 9C and that second rotatable water path deflector portion 150 has been rotated 180° from the orientation shown in FIG. 6C, from the perspective of FIG. 11C.


In the third operative orientation shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, pointer 242, as seen particularly in FIGS. 11A & 11B, is directed to an azimuthal location on second rotatable water path deflector portion 150 indicated by the numeral “3”. As seen particularly in FIGS. 11C and 11D, the first water path deflector surface 220, which preferably includes initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn extends upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226, is azimuthally aligned about axis 133 (Z axis) with:

    • reaction surface 352, which defines an angle α3 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 11C, with respect to the X axis; and
    • with planar elevation limiting surface 374, which defines angle β3 in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 11D, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, which are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the third operative orientation as seen in FIGS. 11A-11D, FIGS. 12B and 12C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 12A.


As seen in FIGS. 12A-12C, a pressurized water stream 600 flows generally vertically though water inlet connector 104 (FIG. 1B) and nozzle defining portion 106 (FIG. 1B), optionally including flow control membrane 108 (FIG. 1B). The pressurized water stream 600 then engages the first water path deflector surface 220 of the first rotatable water path deflector portion 140. The pressurized water stream 600 flows along initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222 thereof, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn flows upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226. The pressurized water stream 600 then engages reaction surface 352 of the second water path deflector 150, which surface 352 defines angle α3 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 12C, with respect to the X axis and planar elevation limiting surface 374 of the second water path deflector 150, which defines angle β3 in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 12B, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D, which are respective simplified pictorial, top planar view, bottom planar view and sectional illustrations of the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L in a fourth operative orientation, FIG. 13D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 13C. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, FIGS. 13A-13D are described hereinbelow with respect to a mutually orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system fixed with respect to the second rotatable water path deflector portion 150, wherein the Z axis is coaxial with axis 133 and the X and Y axes extend mutually perpendicularly and perpendicularly to the Z axis.


It is appreciated that the X and Y axes shown in FIG. 13C correspond to the X and Y axes shown in FIGS. 6C, 7C, 9C and 11C and that second rotatable water path deflector portion 150 has been rotated 90° clockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 6C, from the perspective of FIG. 13C.


In the fourth operative orientation shown in FIGS. 13A-13D, pointer 242, as seen particularly in FIGS. 13A & 13B, is directed to an azimuthal location on second rotatable water path deflector portion 150 indicated by the numeral “4”. As seen particularly in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the first water path deflector surface 220, which preferably includes initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn extends upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226, is azimuthally aligned about axis 133 (Z axis) with:

    • reaction surface 362, which defines an angle α4 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 13C, with respect to the Y axis; and
    • with planar elevation limiting surface 376, which defines angle β4 in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 13D, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, which are respective simplified side view, first sectional view and second sectional view illustrations of the sprinkler of FIGS. 1A-6L when the rotatable water deflector assembly of FIGS. 4A-6L is in the fourth operative orientation as seen in FIGS. 13A-13D, FIGS. 14B and 14C being taken along respective lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 14A.


As seen in FIGS. 14A-14C, a pressurized water stream 700 flows generally vertically though water inlet connector 104 (FIG. 1B) and nozzle defining portion 106 (FIG. 1B), optionally including flow control membrane 108 (FIG. 1B). The pressurized water stream 700 then engages the first water path deflector surface 220 of the first rotatable water path deflector portion 140. The pressurized water stream 700 flows along initial generally vertical planar surface portion 222 thereof, which extends upwardly to curved surface portion 224 and in turn flows upwardly and radially outwardly to upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion 226. The pressurized water stream 700 then engages reaction surface 362 of the second water path deflector 150, which surface 362 defines angle α4 in the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 14C, with respect to the X axis and planar elevation limiting surface 376 of the second water path deflector 150, which defines angle β4 in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, as shown in FIG. 14B, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane.


It is appreciated that angles α1, α1′, α2, α3, α4 and angles β1, β1′, β2, β3, β4 may be any suitable angles and are selected based on a specific water distribution pattern/profile/throw range desired. The combination of angles selected for each of the four operative orientations preferably defines a set of water distribution patterns/profiles/throw ranges selected for a specific irrigation application.


It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the present invention includes combinations and sub-combinations of features described and shown above as well as modifications and variations thereof which are not in the prior art.

Claims
  • 1. A rotatable sprinkler including: a water outlet nozzle providing a pressurized axial stream of water along a nozzle axis; anda rotatable water deflector assembly, downstream of said water outlet nozzle and receiving said pressurized axial stream of water therefrom, said rotatable water deflector assembly being rotated during sprinkler operation by said pressurized axial stream of water about a rotatable water path deflector assembly axis, said rotatable water deflector assembly including: a first rotatable water path deflector portion; anda second rotatable water path deflector portion, which is user rotatable relative to said first rotatable water path deflector portion about a second rotatable water path deflector axis, thereby enabling user selection of at least one water distribution parameter,said first rotatable water path deflector portion including a first rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion, said first rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion being formed with a plurality of radially-extending protrusions.
  • 2. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein said rotatable water path deflector assembly axis and said second rotatable water path deflector axis are coaxial.
  • 3. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein said nozzle axis, said rotatable water path deflector assembly axis and said second rotatable water path deflector axis are all coaxial.
  • 4. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and also comprising a base portion, which includes a water inlet connector, and a nozzle defining portion which defines said water outlet nozzle.
  • 5. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 4 and also comprising a membrane arranged upstream of said nozzle defining portion.
  • 6. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 4 and also comprising a body portion, which retains said nozzle defining portion, and a top portion, mounted onto said body portion.
  • 7. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein: said first rotatable water path deflector portion also includes: a bottom, generally cylindrical portion; andan upper axle-defining portion; andsaid first rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion is arranged between said generally cylindrical portion and said axle-defining portion.
  • 8. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 7 and wherein said bottom, generally cylindrical portion defines: a first water pathway having mutually spaced planar side surfaces and a first water path deflector surface, which includes an initial generally vertical planar surface portion, which extends vertically to a curved surface portion, said curved surface portion extending vertically and radially outwardly to an upwardly and radially outwardly planar surface portion anda generally circular cylindrical portion extending from a location vertically spaced from said planar surface portion to a surface of said first rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion.
  • 9. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein said first rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion is also formed with a a pointer.
  • 10. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein said radially-extending protrusions are each formed on a top surface thereof with a pair of engagement protrusions for user-changeable, selectable azimuth engagement of said second rotatable water path deflector portions.
  • 11. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 10 and wherein said engagement protrusions limit the counterclockwise travel of said second rotatable water path deflector portions relative to said first rotatable water path deflector portion at each of a plurality of user selectable azimuthal relative orientations thereof.
  • 12. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein said second rotatable water path deflector portion includes a second rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion, defining a generally flat top surface and a generally flat bottom surface, and a plurality of depending portions, extending downwardly from said generally flat bottom surface, said second rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion being formed with a central aperture, centered about said second rotatable water path deflector axis.
  • 13. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 12 and wherein said second rotatable water path deflector portion also comprises a plurality of retaining protrusions, extending upwardly from said generally flat top surface and being operative for rotatably displaceable engagement with said first rotatable water path deflector portion.
  • 14. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 12 and wherein said second rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion includes a radially outwardly extending portion having a downwardly depending portion, which defines a curved inner surface, which defines a secondary azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface.
  • 15. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 14 and wherein said secondary azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface is slightly curved and is arranged to be tangent to an imaginary circle about said second rotatable water path deflector axis only along a small portion of the extent of said secondary azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface.
  • 16. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein said second rotatable water path deflector portion defines a plurality of user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways.
  • 17. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 16 and wherein: said second rotatable water path deflector portion includes a second rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion; andsaid plurality of user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways include at least two of:a first user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a first reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein said first reaction surface defines an angle α1 in an X-Y plane, parallel to said second rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion, with respect to an X axis thereof, such that pressurized water engages a curved inner surface, which defines a downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface and defines an angle α1′ in said X-Y plane with respect to a line parallel to a Y axis of said X-Y plane;a second user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a second reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein said second reaction surface defines an angle α2 in said X-Y plane, different from said angle α1, with respect to said Y axis;a third user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a third reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein said third reaction surface defines an angle α3 in said X-Y plane, different from said angle α1 and said angle α2, with respect to said X axis; anda fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway defined by a fourth reaction surface and at least one additional pathway surface, wherein said fourth reaction surface defines an angle α4, different from said angle α1, said angle α2 and said angle α3, with respect to said Y axis.
  • 18. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 17 and wherein at least one of said first, second, third and fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways also defines an elevation limiting surface.
  • 19. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 18 and wherein at least one of said first, second, third and fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathways also defines an elevation limiting surface in which: said first user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a first planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β1, in an X-Z plane, perpendicular to said X-Y plane, with respect to a plane parallel to a Y-Z plane, perpendicular to said X-Y plane and to said X-Z plane, and a downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface, which defines an angle β1′ with respect to a plane parallel to said Y-Z plane in a plane parallel to said X-Z plane;said second user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a second planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β2, different from said angle β1, with respect to a plane parallel to said X-Y plane in a plane parallel to said Y-Z plane;said third user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a third planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β3, different from said angle β2 and said angle β1, with respect to a plane parallel to said X-Y plane in a plane parallel to said X-Z plane; andsaid fourth user-selectable pressurized water flow pathway is also defined by a fourth planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β4, different from said angle β3, said angle β2 and said angle β1, with respect to a plane parallel to the X-Y plane in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane.
  • 20. A rotatable sprinkler according to claim 1 and wherein: said second rotatable water path deflector portion includes a second rotatable water path deflector generally planar portion defining an X-Y plane parallel thereto and an X-Z plane and a Y-Z plane perpendicular thereto; andsaid sprinkler has at least two of first, second, third and fourth operative orientations in which: in said first operative orientation a pointer is directed to a first azimuthal location on said second rotatable water path deflector portion, indicated by a first indicium, and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with: a first reaction surface, which defines an angle α1 in said X-Y plane, with respect to an X axis thereof;a first planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β1 in a plane parallel to said X-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to said X-Y plane, anda curved downstream azimuthal water deflection and reaction surface, which defines a water stream exit angle α1′, different from said angle α1, in said X-Y plane, with respect to a line parallel to a Y axis, and a water stream exit angle β1′ in a plane parallel to said X-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to said Y-Z plane;in said second operative orientation a pointer is directed to a second azimuthal location on said second rotatable water path deflector portion, indicated by a second indicium, and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with: a second reaction surface, which defines an angle α2, different from said angle α1, in said X-Y plane, with respect to said Y axis; anda second planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β2, different from said angle β1, in a plane parallel to said Y-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to said X-Y plane;in said third operative orientation a pointer is directed to a third azimuthal location on said second rotatable water path deflector portion, indicated by a third indicium, and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with: a third reaction surface, which defines an angle α3, different from said angle α1 and said angle α2, in said X-Y plane, with respect to said X axis; anda third planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β3, different from said angle β1 and said angle β2, in a plane parallel to said X-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to said X-Y plane; andin said fourth operative orientation a pointer is directed to an azimuthal location on said second rotatable water path deflector portion indicated by a fourth indicium and a pressurized water stream extends upwardly and radially outwardly into engagement with: a fourth reaction surface, which defines an angle α4, different from said angle α1, said angle α2 and said angle α3, in said X-Y plane, with respect to said Y axis; anda fourth planar elevation limiting surface, which defines an angle β4, different from said angle β1, said angle β2 and said angle β3, in a plane parallel to said Y-Z plane, with respect to a plane parallel to said X-Y plane.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/453,321, filed Mar. 8, 2017, entitled MULTIPLE ORIENTATION ROTATABLE SPRINKLER, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

US Referenced Citations (297)
Number Name Date Kind
461415 Bonnette Oct 1891 A
533367 McBoyle Jan 1895 A
581252 Quayle Apr 1897 A
1577225 Granger Mar 1926 A
1590910 William Jun 1926 A
1593918 Stanton Jul 1926 A
1631874 Lasher et al. Jun 1927 A
1637413 Elder Aug 1927 A
2025267 Buelna Dec 1935 A
2220275 Preston Nov 1940 A
2323701 Barksdale Jul 1943 A
2345030 Buckner Mar 1944 A
2421551 Dunham Jun 1947 A
2464958 John Mar 1949 A
2475537 Ashworth Jul 1949 A
2557206 Spender Jun 1951 A
2565926 Manning Aug 1951 A
2582158 Porter Jan 1952 A
2585782 Johnson Feb 1952 A
2610089 Unger Sep 1952 A
2625411 Unger Jan 1953 A
2654635 Lazzarini Oct 1953 A
2694600 Richey Nov 1954 A
2716574 Chase Aug 1955 A
2726119 Egly et al. Dec 1955 A
2780488 Kennedy Feb 1957 A
2785013 Stearns Mar 1957 A
2816798 Royer Dec 1957 A
2835529 Egly et al. May 1958 A
2853342 Kachergis Sep 1958 A
2877053 Kennard Mar 1959 A
2895681 Kachergis Jul 1959 A
2901183 Kohl Aug 1959 A
2904261 Johnson Sep 1959 A
2928608 Royer Mar 1960 A
2929597 Ruggieri et al. Mar 1960 A
2962220 Woods Nov 1960 A
2979271 Boyden Apr 1961 A
2989248 Norland Jun 1961 A
2993649 Holz Jul 1961 A
3006558 Jacobs Oct 1961 A
3017123 Rinkewich et al. Jan 1962 A
3019992 Zecchinato Feb 1962 A
3022012 Sharp et al. Feb 1962 A
3033467 Hofer May 1962 A
3033469 Green May 1962 A
3038666 Dudley et al. Jun 1962 A
3080123 Erns Mar 1963 A
3082958 Thomas Mar 1963 A
3091399 Kennedy May 1963 A
3117724 Ray Jan 1964 A
3131867 Miller et al. May 1964 A
RE25942 Reynolds Dec 1965 E
3282508 Roberts Nov 1966 A
3309025 Malcolm Mar 1967 A
3312400 Clearman Apr 1967 A
3391868 Cooney Jul 1968 A
3434665 Royer Mar 1969 A
3448660 Malcolm Jun 1969 A
3464628 Chow Sep 1969 A
3468485 Sully Sep 1969 A
3523647 Radecki Aug 1970 A
3532273 Siddall et al. Oct 1970 A
3559887 Meyer Feb 1971 A
3567126 Martini Mar 1971 A
3580508 Marandi et al. May 1971 A
3581994 Heiberger Jun 1971 A
3583638 Eby et al. Jun 1971 A
3606163 Lewis Sep 1971 A
3625429 Turrell Dec 1971 A
3627205 Healy Dec 1971 A
3654817 Kane Apr 1972 A
3655249 Abel Apr 1972 A
3709435 Sheets Jan 1973 A
3726479 Leissner et al. Apr 1973 A
3727842 Ertsgaard et al. Apr 1973 A
3746259 Apri Jul 1973 A
3765608 Lockwood Oct 1973 A
3782638 Bumpstead Jan 1974 A
3785565 Perry et al. Jan 1974 A
3791585 Warren Feb 1974 A
3837576 Rosenkranz Sep 1974 A
3841563 Lockwood Oct 1974 A
3856207 Rees Dec 1974 A
3874588 Flynn Apr 1975 A
3884416 King May 1975 A
3917174 Hildebrandt et al. Nov 1975 A
3918642 Best Nov 1975 A
3918643 Malcolm Nov 1975 A
3921911 Sheets Nov 1975 A
3921912 Hayes Nov 1975 A
3930617 Dunmire Jan 1976 A
3930618 Lockwood Jan 1976 A
3952953 Eby Apr 1976 A
3955762 Cassimatis et al. May 1976 A
3955764 Phaup May 1976 A
3957205 Costa May 1976 A
3958760 Rosenberg May 1976 A
3968934 Healy Jul 1976 A
3977610 Royer Aug 1976 A
3981452 Eckstein Sep 1976 A
3986671 Nugent Oct 1976 A
4000853 Drori Jan 1977 A
4009832 Tiedt Mar 1977 A
4026471 Hunter May 1977 A
4033510 Jennison et al. Jul 1977 A
4055304 Munson Oct 1977 A
4091996 Nelson May 1978 A
4113181 Sheets Sep 1978 A
4123006 Yukishita Oct 1978 A
4145003 Harrison et al. Mar 1979 A
4161286 Beamer et al. Jul 1979 A
4164324 Bruninga Aug 1979 A
4166580 Meckel Sep 1979 A
4177944 Wichman Dec 1979 A
4182494 Wichman et al. Jan 1980 A
4198000 Hunter Apr 1980 A
4201344 Lichte May 1980 A
4205788 Bruninga Jun 1980 A
4220283 Citron Sep 1980 A
4225084 Bals Sep 1980 A
4234125 Lieding Nov 1980 A
4234126 Morgan Nov 1980 A
4253608 Hunter Mar 1981 A
4256262 Rosenberg Mar 1981 A
4261515 Rosenberg et al. Apr 1981 A
4277029 Rabitsch Jul 1981 A
4316579 Ray et al. Feb 1982 A
4330087 Wood et al. May 1982 A
4331294 Gilad May 1982 A
4335852 Chow Jun 1982 A
4351477 Choi Sep 1982 A
4376513 Hagar Mar 1983 A
4379976 Pitchford et al. Apr 1983 A
4392753 Abel Jul 1983 A
4398666 Hunter Aug 1983 A
4402460 Shavit et al. Sep 1983 A
4407455 Sargent Oct 1983 A
4417691 Lockwood Nov 1983 A
4423838 Dinur Jan 1984 A
4453673 Icenbice Jun 1984 A
4457470 Hauger et al. Jul 1984 A
4487368 Clearman Dec 1984 A
4497441 Chow Feb 1985 A
4498626 Pitchford Feb 1985 A
4512519 Uzrad Apr 1985 A
4514291 McGarry et al. Apr 1985 A
4537356 Lawson Aug 1985 A
4540125 Gorney et al. Sep 1985 A
4560108 Rubinstein Dec 1985 A
4565323 Berkan Jan 1986 A
4580724 Brown et al. Apr 1986 A
4583689 Rosenberg Apr 1986 A
4615531 Green Oct 1986 A
4624412 Hunter Nov 1986 A
4625913 Christen Dec 1986 A
4625914 Sexton et al. Dec 1986 A
4627549 Dudding Dec 1986 A
4632312 Premo et al. Dec 1986 A
4637548 Ray et al. Jan 1987 A
4637549 Schwartzman Jan 1987 A
4660766 Nelson et al. Apr 1987 A
4669663 Meyer Jun 1987 A
4681260 Cochran Jul 1987 A
4702280 Zakai et al. Oct 1987 A
4722670 Zweifel Feb 1988 A
4739934 Gewelber Apr 1988 A
4754925 Rubinstein Jul 1988 A
4760959 Gorney Aug 1988 A
4763838 Holcomb Aug 1988 A
4773595 Livne Sep 1988 A
4776517 Heren Oct 1988 A
4783005 Rosenberg Nov 1988 A
4784325 Walker et al. Nov 1988 A
4796804 Weiss Jan 1989 A
4796810 Zakai Jan 1989 A
4817869 Rubinstein Apr 1989 A
4824020 Harward Apr 1989 A
4834290 Bailey May 1989 A
4836449 Hunter Jun 1989 A
4836450 Hunter Jun 1989 A
4858829 Drechsel Aug 1989 A
4884749 Ruprechter Dec 1989 A
4892252 Bruninga Jan 1990 A
4907742 Whitehead et al. Mar 1990 A
4919332 Bailey Apr 1990 A
4925098 Di Paola May 1990 A
4927082 Greenberg et al. May 1990 A
4944456 Zakai Jul 1990 A
4966328 Neeman Oct 1990 A
4971256 Malcolm Nov 1990 A
4972993 Van Leeuwen Nov 1990 A
4978070 Chow Dec 1990 A
4984740 Hodge Jan 1991 A
5031833 Alkalay et al. Jul 1991 A
5031835 Rojas Jul 1991 A
5048757 Van Leeuwen Sep 1991 A
5052620 Rinkewich Oct 1991 A
5058806 Rupar Oct 1991 A
5083709 Iwanowski Jan 1992 A
RE33823 Nelson Feb 1992 E
5115977 Alkalay et al. May 1992 A
5172864 Spencer Dec 1992 A
5192024 Blee Mar 1993 A
5209404 Jun May 1993 A
5236126 Sawade et al. Aug 1993 A
5238188 Lerner et al. Aug 1993 A
5240182 Lemme Aug 1993 A
5253807 Newbegin Oct 1993 A
5267689 Forer Dec 1993 A
5322223 Hadar Jun 1994 A
5370311 Chen Dec 1994 A
5372307 Sesser Dec 1994 A
5544814 Spenser Aug 1996 A
5597119 Gorney et al. Jan 1997 A
5641122 Alkalai et al. Jun 1997 A
5642861 Ogi Jul 1997 A
5647541 Nelson Jul 1997 A
5671886 Sesser Sep 1997 A
D388502 Kah, III Dec 1997 S
5738446 Ghosh et al. Apr 1998 A
5762269 Sweet Jun 1998 A
5765945 Palmer Jun 1998 A
5769544 Suzuki et al. Jun 1998 A
5826797 Kah, III Oct 1998 A
5836516 Van Epps et al. Nov 1998 A
5950927 Elliot et al. Sep 1999 A
5971297 Sesser Oct 1999 A
6000634 Mehoudar Dec 1999 A
6016972 Kantor et al. Jan 2000 A
6019295 McKenzie Feb 2000 A
6085995 Kah, Jr. Jul 2000 A
6145758 Ogi Nov 2000 A
6158675 Ogi Dec 2000 A
6186413 Lawson Feb 2001 B1
6237862 Kah, III May 2001 B1
6260770 Epstein et al. Jul 2001 B1
6264117 Roman Jul 2001 B1
6322027 Hsu Nov 2001 B1
6340059 Bethea Jan 2002 B1
6435427 Conroy Aug 2002 B1
6439476 Boggs Aug 2002 B1
6457656 Scott Oct 2002 B1
6698629 Taylor-McCune Mar 2004 B2
6834816 Kah, Jr. Dec 2004 B2
7014125 Lerner Mar 2006 B2
7044403 Kah, III May 2006 B2
7111796 Olson Sep 2006 B2
7255291 Lo Aug 2007 B1
7287710 Nelson et al. Oct 2007 B1
7458527 Lutzki Dec 2008 B2
7562833 Perkins et al. Jul 2009 B2
7614705 Southern Nov 2009 B2
7703706 Walker Apr 2010 B2
7841545 Wang Nov 2010 B2
8083158 Katzman et al. Dec 2011 B2
8177148 Renquist May 2012 B1
8366024 Leber Feb 2013 B2
8533874 Goettl Sep 2013 B1
8672236 Gal et al. Mar 2014 B2
8820664 Sawalski Sep 2014 B2
8899497 Gorny Dec 2014 B2
8910888 Sesser Dec 2014 B2
8998109 Katzman et al. Apr 2015 B2
9010660 Sesser Apr 2015 B2
9079202 Walker Jul 2015 B2
9205435 Clark Dec 2015 B1
9266124 Humpal Feb 2016 B2
9387494 Sesser Jul 2016 B2
9427751 Kim Aug 2016 B2
9504209 Kim Nov 2016 B2
9534619 Sesser Jan 2017 B2
9623425 Luettgen Apr 2017 B2
9682386 Mareli et al. Jun 2017 B2
9700904 Kim Jul 2017 B2
9775306 Lo Oct 2017 B2
9776195 Russell Oct 2017 B2
20020153432 McKenzie et al. Oct 2002 A1
20030129043 Clare et al. Jul 2003 A1
20040164177 Lerner Aug 2004 A1
20040232701 DeFrank Nov 2004 A1
20060065759 Olson Mar 2006 A1
20060091232 Grant May 2006 A1
20070009535 Sikic et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070095935 Katzman et al. May 2007 A1
20070246560 Townsend Oct 2007 A1
20080017732 Perkins et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080277498 Townsend Nov 2008 A1
20090188991 Russell Jul 2009 A1
20100065656 Grant Mar 2010 A1
20110114755 Katzman et al. May 2011 A1
20110132997 Gal et al. Jun 2011 A1
20120153096 Shaol et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120318888 Gandin Dec 2012 A1
20120318889 Gorny Dec 2012 A1
20160016184 Mareli et al. Jan 2016 A1
20180257093 Glezerman et al. Sep 2018 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (42)
Number Date Country
539957 Oct 1984 AU
643546 Feb 1992 AU
260244 Mar 1949 CH
2584883 Nov 2003 CN
201586580 Sep 2010 CN
3528121 Feb 1987 DE
0092503 Oct 1983 EP
0470812 Feb 1992 EP
642632 Sep 1950 GB
846181 Aug 1960 GB
1389971 Apr 1975 GB
2508865 Sep 1976 GB
1463276 Feb 1977 GB
1479409 Jul 1977 GB
1489001 Oct 1977 GB
1509564 May 1978 GB
2006050 May 1979 GB
2043417 Oct 1980 GB
1578242 Nov 1980 GB
2051533 Jan 1981 GB
2138705 Oct 1984 GB
2150862 Jul 1985 GB
2772 Sep 1944 IL
3346 Feb 1946 IL
7148 Jan 1953 IL
20118 Jun 1966 IL
43357 Aug 1975 IL
59536 Sep 1982 IL
80102 Feb 1994 IL
63341 Sep 1996 IL
104660 Sep 1999 IL
9531288 Nov 1995 WO
02085529 Oct 2002 WO
2004012869 Feb 2004 WO
2005011359 Feb 2005 WO
2007109298 Sep 2007 WO
2010001392 Jan 2010 WO
2010013243 Feb 2010 WO
2010016053 Feb 2010 WO
2012176185 Dec 2012 WO
2012176186 Dec 2012 WO
2016132365 Aug 2016 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (44)
Entry
An Office Action dated Apr. 20, 2005, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 10/476,082.
An Office Action dated May 10, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/836,328.
An Office Action dated Nov. 21, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/836,328.
An Office Action dated Apr. 10, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/476,434.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 21, 2005, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 10/476,082.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 27, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 14/334,887.
An Office Action dated Mar. 11, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 14/334,887.
An Office Action dated Oct. 5, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 14/334,887.
An Office Action dated Sep. 28, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 14/334,887.
European Search Report dated Dec. 15, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's European App. No. 15173813.5.
An Office Action dated Jun. 24, 2010, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 11/589,869.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 5, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/001,832.
An Office Action dated Nov. 30, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 11/589,869.
An Office Action dated Apr. 11, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/476,624.
An Office Action dated Aug. 3, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 11/589,869.
An Office Action dated Jun. 3, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/001,832.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 25, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 11/589,869.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 26, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/476,624.
U.S. Appl. No. 61/498,715, filed Jun. 20, 2011.
An Office Action dated Jun. 30, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2012274924.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 8, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2012274924.
An Office Action dated Sep. 8, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2012274924.
An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Sep. 5, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000199.
An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Aug. 31, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000198.
An International Search Report dated Aug. 22, 2002, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL02/00320.
An International Search Report dated Dec. 5, 2003, which issued during the proesecution of Applicant's PTC/IL03/00648.
U.S. Appl. No. 61/129,471, filed Jun. 30, 2008.
U.S. Appl. No. 61/193,803, filed Dec. 24, 2008.
An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Nov. 26, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2009/000653.
Supplementary European Search Report dated Mar. 15, 2006, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's European App No. 02764095.2.
European Search Report dated Mar. 2, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's European App No. 12803418.
European Search Report dated Feb. 12, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's European App No. 12802914.7.
A Written Opinion dated Dec. 28, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2009/000733.
U.S. Appl. No. 61/129,972, filed Aug. 4, 2008.
An International Search Report dated Dec. 28, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2009/000733.
269“Models AR3/AR3-LA Impact Sprinklers,” Irritrol Systems, 4.11, one (1) page.
An International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Dec. 23, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000199.
An International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Dec. 23, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000198.
An Office Action dated Jul. 31, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201280030684.9.
An International Preliminary Examination Report dated Feb. 24, 2003, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL02/00320.
An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Jun. 7, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2016/050193.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 14, 2018, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 15/453,321.
An Office Action dated Oct. 4, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Indian Patent Application No. 2789/MUMNP/2010.
An Office Action dated Mar. 1, 2018, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 15/453,321.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20190022674 A1 Jan 2019 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 15453321 Mar 2017 US
Child 16036414 US