Patent Application
20070221758
1. Field Of The Invention
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.
2. Description Of The Prior Art
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 d1 and a long radius d2, water delivery distance adjustments must be made to accommodate the differing radii. Optimization of water delivery to d1 would necessarily result in insufficient water delivery to the greater d2 distance causing vegetation in the outer boundaries of d2 to receive insufficient water for optimal growth. On the other hand, optimization of water delivery to d2 would necessarily result in excessive water delivery to the shorter d1 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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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:
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;
b illustrates a side view of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system shown in
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;
a illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system shown in
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;
b illustrates a side view of the reflector plate of the precision irrigation apparatus and system shown in
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.
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
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 17a. 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
Continuing with
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
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
Continuing with
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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.
