Patent Grant
11890632
The present invention relates generally to irrigation devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to variable pressure regulators for use in sprinklers and elsewhere.
Sprinklers are used, for example, to deliver water to a lawn or garden area. Improvements in usability, functionality, and manufacturability of sprinklers are desirable. Furthermore, improvements in usability, functionality, and manufacturability as well as ease of adjustment of variable pressure regulators used in sprinklers and elsewhere is also desirable.
Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are provided below for illustrative purposes and are in no way limiting of the claimed subject matter.
Various embodiments of a variable pressure regulator are disclosed. For example, a variable pressure regulator is disclosed. The variable pressure regulator may comprise an axial dimension and a lateral dimension. The variable pressure regulator may comprise a pressure regulator housing. A pressure regulator assembly may be disposed within the pressure regulator housing. The pressure regulator assembly may comprise a piston, a regulator spring, a spring support, and a piston seat, the piston being repositionable along the axial dimension in response to the regulator spring and fluid pressure when the variable pressure regulator is in an operational state. The piston seat may comprise one or more entry openings and a floor. The floor may comprise a proximal region. The piston may comprise a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end being closer to the proximal region of the floor of the piston seat than the distal end along the axial dimension. The proximal region of the floor may comprise that region of the floor closest to the proximal end of the piston along the axial dimension. The regulator spring may bias the piston away from the spring support. The pressure regulator assembly may define a central passageway in fluid communication with the one or more entry openings. The pressure regulator assembly may further comprise an adjustment mechanism shaped and arranged to alter a resting axial distance intermediate the proximal end of the piston and the proximal region of the floor when the variable pressure regulator is in a resting state.
The adjustment mechanism may be selected from a group consisting of a threaded adjustment mechanism and a snap-fit adjustment mechanism.
The adjustment mechanism may be shaped and arranged to change a position of the spring support with respect to the piston seat along the axial dimension to alter the resting axial distance. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a first set of threads on the piston seat and a second set of threads on the spring support with the first and second sets of threads being in mutual engagement such that rotational movement of the piston seat relative to the spring support alters the resting axial distance.
The piston may comprise a piston body and a piston extender, and the adjustment mechanism may be shaped and arranged to change a position of the piston extender with respect to the piston body along the axial dimension to alter the resting axial distance. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a first set of threads on the piston body and a second set of threads on the piston extender with the first and second sets of threads being in mutual engagement such that rotational movement of the piston extender relative to the piston body alters the resting axial distance.
The piston seat may comprise a piston seat body and an adjustable seat floor, and the adjustment mechanism may be shaped and arranged to change a position of the adjustable seat floor with respect to the piston seat body along the axial dimension to alter the resting axial distance. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a first set of threads on the piston seat body and a second set of threads on the adjustable seat floor with the first and the second set of threads being in mutual engagement such that rotational movement of the adjustable seat floor alters the resting axial distance. The adjustable seat floor may comprise a planar end. The adjustable seat floor may further comprise the planar end disposed on a frustoconical section.
In various embodiments, a variable pressure regulator may have an axial dimension and a lateral dimension. The variable pressure regulator may comprise a pressure regulator housing. A pressure regulator assembly may be disposed within the pressure regulator housing. The pressure regulator assembly may comprise a piston, and a piston seat with the piston being movable along the axial dimension when the variable pressure regulator is in an operational state. The piston seat may comprise a floor, and the floor may comprise a proximal region. The piston may comprise a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end being closer to the floor of the piston seat than the distal end along the axial dimension. The proximal region of the floor may comprise that region of the floor closest to the proximal end of the piston along the axial dimension. The pressure regulator assembly may further comprise an adjustment mechanism shaped and arranged to alter a resting axial distance intermediate the proximal end of the piston and the proximal region of the floor when the variable pressure regulator is in a resting state.
The adjustment mechanism may be selected from a group consisting of a threaded adjustment mechanism and a snap-fit adjustment mechanism.
The variable pressure regulator assembly may further comprise a regulator spring and a spring support. The regulator spring may bias the piston away from the spring support. The piston may be movable along the axial dimension in response to the regulator spring and fluid pressure when the variable pressure regulator is in the operational state. The adjustment mechanism may be shaped and arranged to change a position of the spring support with respect to the piston seat to alter the resting axial distance. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a first set of threads on the piston seat and a second set of threads on the spring support with the first and second sets of threads being in mutual engagement such that rotational movement of the piston seat relative to the spring support may alter the resting axial distance.
The piston may comprise a piston body and a piston extender, and the adjustment mechanism may be shaped and arranged to change a position of the piston extender with respect to the piston body along the axial dimension to alter the resting axial distance. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a first set of threads on the piston body and a second set of threads on the piston extender with the first and second sets of threads being in mutual engagement such that rotational movement of the piston extender relative to the piston body may alter the resting axial distance.
The piston seat may comprise a piston seat body and an adjustable seat floor. The adjustment mechanism may be shaped and arranged to change a position of the adjustable seat floor with respect to the piston seat body along the axial dimension to alter the resting axial distance.
Various embodiments of associated methods are disclosed. The variable pressure regulator may comprise a keying shape for receiving and engaging a tool with the keying shape being disposed on a user-adjustable portion of the adjustment mechanism. For example, a method may comprise positioning the tool to engage the keying shape and employing the engagement between the tool and the keying shape, to adjust a position of the user-adjustable portion of the adjustment mechanism to alter the resting axial distance.
The positioning the tool to engage the keying shape may comprise orienting the tool in a first orientation to engage the keying shape.
The variable pressure regulator may comprise a second keying shape for receiving and engaging the tool. The positioning the tool to engage the key may comprise orienting the tool in a second orientation different from the first orientation to engage the second keying shape.
Various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only examples of the invention thereof and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope, particular embodiments will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:
In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.
Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways, even if that combination is not specifically illustrated in the figures. For example, an apparatus may be implemented, or a method may be practiced, using any number of the aspects set forth herein whether disclosed in connection with a method or an apparatus. Further, the disclosed apparatuses and methods may be practiced using structures or functionality known to one of skill in the art at the time this application was filed, although not specifically disclosed within the application.
By way of introduction, the following brief definitions are provided for various terms used in this application. Additional definitions will be provided in the context of the discussion of the figures herein. As used herein, “exemplary” can indicate an example, an implementation, and/or an aspect, and should not be construed as limiting or as indicating a preference or a preferred implementation. Further, it is to be appreciated that certain ordinal terms (e.g., “first” or “second”) can be provided for identification and ease of reference and may not necessarily imply physical characteristics or ordering. Therefore, as used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third”) used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does not necessarily indicate priority or order of the element with respect to another element, but rather distinguishes the element from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). In addition, as used herein, indefinite articles (“a” and “an”) can indicate “one or more” rather than “one.” As used herein, a structure or operation that “comprises” or “includes” an element can include one or more other elements not explicitly recited. Thus, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof signify “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, an operation performed “based on” a condition or event can also be performed based on one or more other conditions or events not explicitly recited. As used in this application, the terms “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” or analogous language do not refer to a single variation of the disclosed subject matter; instead, this language refers to variations of the disclosed subject matter that can be applied and used with a number of different implementations of the disclosed subject matter. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
A reference numeral without a suffix (e.g., the suffix may comprise a lowercase letter or a hyphen followed by a number) may refer to one or more of a particular item, which may include a group of items. A reference numeral with a suffix comprising a hyphen followed by a number (e.g., 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, etc.) refers to a specific one of a group of items. In this case, the reference numeral without the suffix comprising a hyphen followed by a number refers to all of the items in the group, while, when reference is made to a specific one of the items, a suffix comprising a hyphen followed by a number will be utilized. When multiple items in a group are present in a single figure, not all such items may be labeled with a reference numeral to avoid the undue proliferation of reference numerals on the figure. In addition, it should be noted that the general reference number (i.e., the reference number without a suffix) may be used in the figure and in the specification to refer to the items in the group or a reference numeral with the suffix may be used to refer to a specific item in the group. A reference numeral with a suffix comprising a lowercase letter (e.g., 100a, 100b, 100c, etc.) references an item that is a variation of or the same as one or more items bearing the same reference numeral with a different suffix (i.e., similar but not identical to the item bearing the reference numeral without the suffix). In such a case, all variations of the item bearing the same reference numeral may be referred to by use of the reference numeral without any suffix.
For this application, the phrases “secured to,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, and thermal interaction and may also include integral formation. The phrase “attached to” refers to a form of mechanical coupling that restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached objects. The phrases “pivotally attached to” and “slidably attached to” refer to forms of mechanical coupling that permit relative rotation or relative translation, respectively, while restricting other relative motion.
The phrase “substantially parallel,” as used herein, signifies that the pertinent members, components, or items that are “substantially parallel” to each other are within 15° of being perfectly parallel to each other.
The phrase “substantially perpendicular,” as used herein, signifies that the pertinent members, components, or items that are “substantially perpendicular” to each other are within 15° of being perfectly perpendicular to each other.
The phrase “attached directly to” refers to a form of attachment by which the attached items are either in direct contact, or are only separated by a single fastener, adhesive, or other attachment mechanisms. The term “abut” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the items may be attached, secured, fused, or welded together. The term “integrally formed” refers to a body that is manufactured integrally (i.e., as a single piece, without requiring the assembly of multiple pieces). Multiple parts may be integrally formed with each other if they are formed from a single workpiece.
As used herein, the term “shaped and arranged” or grammatical variants thereof signifies that two or more referenced components are of a physical shape and relative physical position to interact to perform a specified operation or function.
In the figures, certain components may appear many times within a particular drawing. However, only certain instances of the component may be identified in the figures to avoid unnecessary repetition of reference numbers and lead lines. According to the context provided in the description while referring to the figures, reference may be made to a specific one of that particular component or multiple instances, even if the specifically referenced instance or instances of the component are not identified by a reference number and lead line in the figures.
The sprinkler 100a may include, for example, a sprinkler can 110a, a cap 116a, and a flush plug 118a. The sprinkler can 110a may hold, support, and/or house one or more sprinkler components, such as a pressure regulator housing 112a. (The pressure regulator housing 112a will be explained in further detail below.) A passageway for delivering fluid may be disposed within the sprinkler can 110a. For example, fluid may flow through the passageway when in use. The sprinkler can 110a may include a fluid input coupling 114a. The fluid input coupling 114a may be connected to a source of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized water that may optionally include fertilizer, fungicides and/or pesticides) through, for example, a coupling, a pipe, or a hose. In various embodiments, the fluid input coupling 114a may include threads (or another type of coupling mechanism) for connecting a pressurized fluid source to the fluid input coupling 114a.
As illustrated in
The cap 116a may cover and/or contain one or more internal components. The cap 116a may include an opening to allow a pressure regulator housing 112a to protrude from the sprinkler can 110a during operation. For example, when pressurized fluid is supplied to the sprinkler 100a, the pressurized fluid may cause the pressure regulator housing 112a to protrude from the sprinkler can 110a. A nozzle may dispense the pressurized fluid from the top of the pressure regulator housing 112a.
As will be described in greater detail below, the sprinkler 100a may include a variable pressure regulator 108a. The variable pressure regulator 108a may control and alter the pressure of fluid exiting the sprinkler 100a during operation. The variable pressure regulator 108a may include a pressure regulator housing 112a and a pressure regulator assembly 113a disposed within the pressure regulator housing 112a. Various examples of variable pressure regulators 108a are given in the figures and description provided below. Some embodiments of the variable pressure regulators 108a may be beneficial to control sprinkler pressure. For example, if sprinkler pressure is too high, a significant amount of the dispensed fluid may be released as a fine mist and subject to wind drift or nonuniform watering, leading to waste. Also, the area (e.g., distance) covered by a sprinkler 100a is related to pressure. Accordingly, a variable pressure regulator 108a may be beneficial to adjust the area covered by a sprinkler 100a.
As illustrated in
As noted above, the variable pressure regulator 108a may include a pressure regulator housing 112a and a pressure regulator assembly 113a disposed within the pressure regulator housing 112a. The pressure regulator housing 112a is repositionable along the axial dimension 119a relative to the sprinkler can 110a from a retracted position 121a, to an extended position 122a and at various intermediate positions 123a between the retracted position 121a and the extended position 122a. The pressure regulator housing 112a is biased toward the retracted position 121a by a pop-up spring, which is illustrated subsequently. Pressure exerted by fluid flowing through the sprinkler 100a, if sufficient, overcomes the force exerted by the pop-up spring and causes the pressure regulator housing 112a to be repositioned through one or more of the intermediate positions 123a to the extended position 122a.
This second embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108b varies a length of the piston 132b comprising a piston body 133b and a piston extender 134b along an axial dimension 119a to alter the pressure regulation, as will be explained below.
Referring now generally to
The wiper seal 124b may engage with and form a seal with the pressure regulator housing 112b. The cap 116b engages the sprinkler can 110b and retains components within the enclosure formed thereby. The wiper seal 124b may include an opening through which the pressure regulator housing 112b may extend to varying degrees in an operating state (i.e., a state in which pressurized fluid is being supplied to the sprinkler 100b and variable pressure regulator 108b).
The pop-up spring 126b may be situated between the wiper seal 124b and a lip at the bottom of the pressure regulator housing 112b. In an operating state, the pop-up spring 126b may be compressed to allow the pressure regulator housing 112b to extend through the wiper seal 124b and cap 116b. In a resting state (e.g., when pressurized fluid is not provided to the sprinkler 100b and variable pressure regulator 108b), the pop-up spring 126b may expand causing the pressure regulator housing 112b to withdraw into the sprinkler can 110b. Thus, the pop-up spring 126b biases the pressure regulator housing 112b toward the retracted position 121b (which position is illustrated in
The pressure regulator housing 112b may comprise a pipe or channel to conduct pressurized fluid through the sprinkler 100b and house the pressure regulator assembly 113b. The pressure regulator housing 112b may include threads on a top portion of the pressure regulator housing 112b to allow engagement with a flush plug 118b or nozzle. As indicated above, when pressurized fluid is supplied to the sprinkler 100b, the pressurized fluid may force the pressure regulator housing 112b to extend from the sprinkler can 110b. The pressurized fluid may be dispersed from a nozzle secured to the top of the pressure regulator housing 112b.
The ratchet ring 154b may selectively engage with one or more ratchet ring ribs 168b in the interior of the sprinkler can 110b. The ratchet ring 154b may enable removal and rotation of the pressure regulator housing 112b relative to the sprinkler can 110b, such that the pressure regulator housing 112b may be rotated to and retained at a desired position relative to the sprinkler can 110b.
The sprinkler 100b may comprise a pressure regulator assembly 113b disposed within the pressure regulator housing 112b. The pressure regulator assembly 113b may comprise a regulator spring 144b, a first piston seal 128b, a second piston seal 129b, a piston seat seal 152b, a piston 132b comprising a piston body 133b and a piston extender 134b, a spring support seal 142b, a spring support 146b, and/or a piston seat 148b. The pressure regulator assembly 113b may be disposed entirely or partially within the pressure regulator housing 112b.
The piston 132b may comprise a distal end 135b and a proximal end 136b with the proximal end 136b being closer to a proximal region 151b of the floor 150b of the piston seat 148b than the distal end 135b along the axial dimension 119a of the sprinkler 100b when the sprinkler 100b is assembled. (As noted above, the axial dimension 119a is the dimension along which fluid generally flows through the sprinkler 100b.) The proximal region 151b of the floor 150b may comprise that region of the floor 150b closest to the proximal end 136b of the piston 132b along the axial dimension 119a.
The pressure regulator assembly 113b may comprise a number of seals, namely, a first piston seal 128b, a second piston seal 129b, a spring support seal 142b, and a piston seat seal 152b. When assembled, the first piston seal 128b may be positioned within a first piston seal seat 160b of the piston 132b; the second piston seal 129b may be situated within the second piston seal seat 161b of the piston 132b; the spring support seal 142b may be situated within the spring support seal seat 162b of the spring support 146b; and the piston seat seal 152b may be situated within the piston seat seal seat 163b of the piston seat 148b. These seals 128b, 129b, 142b, 152b form a fluid-tight or nearly fluid-tight seal at the various locations to enable pressurized fluid to flow through the sprinkler 100b without being diverted to undesired pathways or locations.
The regulator spring 144b engages the piston 132b and the spring support 146b to bias the piston 132b away from the spring support 146b. The regulator spring 144b aids in the regulation of pressure of fluid passing through the sprinkler 100b, as will be explained below.
The piston seat 148b may comprise one or more entry openings 115b and a floor 150b comprising a proximal region 151b. As noted above, the proximal region 151b may comprise that portion of the floor 150b that is closest to the proximal end 136b of the piston 132b. In various embodiments, the proximal region 151b may comprise the entirety of the floor 150b or only a portion of the floor 150b. Fluid entering the sprinkler 100b may pass through the one or more entry openings 115b.
The variable pressure regulator 108b may comprise an adjustment mechanism 137b to alter the pressure of fluid flowing through the sprinkler 100b. In the second embodiment illustrated in these figures (
The first set of threads 138b and the second set of threads 139b may be outwardly or inwardly projecting so long as the threads 138b, 139b mutually engage. Thus, the first set of threads 138b and the second set of threads 139b may be outwardly or inwardly projecting.
The piston extender 134b may include a keying shape 140b to engage with a tool, which may comprise, for example, a screwdriver having a standard head or Phillips head, or an Allen wrench having a hexagonal-shaped head. In various embodiments, the keying shape 140b may be accessed either from a top or a bottom of the sprinkler 100b to engage and rotate the piston extender to alter the resting axial distance 166b, 167b.
Referring now specifically to
The regulator spring 144b applies a force in a downstream direction 109a to the piston 132b along the axial dimension 119a (i.e., the regulator spring 144b pushes the piston 132b away from the spring support 146b). In an operating state (with a pressurized fluid passing through the sprinkler 100b and variable pressure regulator 108b), a nozzle reduces the outflow of the fluid from the sprinkler 100b and creates a pressurized chamber downstream of the piston 132b. Pressure resulting from this pressurized chamber, if sufficient, may cause the piston 132b to move axially upstream (i.e., toward the spring support 146b) until an equilibrium state is reached in response to the counterbalancing axial force applied by the regulator spring 144b. Altering a length of the piston 132b may reduce, increase, or alter fluid flowing through entry openings 115b in the piston seat 148b to increase, restrict, or alter the movement of fluid through the entry openings 115b in the piston seat 148b, thereby causing an equilibrium to be reached at a lower or higher pressurized state. Thus, a variable pressure regulator 108b, which may comprise the pressure regulator housing 112b and the pressure regulator assembly 113b, may operate to alter the pressure of fluid exiting the sprinkler 100b. In various embodiments, the variable pressure regulator 108b may be designed to alter pressure between approximately 30 psi and 40 psi. (As used herein, “approximately” means plus or minus 5 psi.)
Referring still specifically to
As indicated in
It should be noted that the second embodiment shown in
This third embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108c alters a position of a proximal region 151c of a floor 150c of a piston seat 148c (comprising a piston seat body 149c and an adjustable seat floor 153c) to regulate the pressure, as will be explained below.
Referring now generally to
The wiper seal 124c may engage with and form a seal with the pressure regulator housing 112c. The cap 116c engages the sprinkler can 110c and retains components within the enclosure formed thereby. The wiper seal 124c may include an opening through which the pressure regulator housing 112c may extend to varying degrees in an operating state (i.e., a state in which pressurized fluid is being supplied to the sprinkler 100c).
The pop-up spring 126c may be situated between the wiper seal 124c and a lip at the bottom of the pressure regulator housing 112c. In an operating state, the pop-up spring 126c may be compressed to allow the pressure regulator housing 112c to extend through the wiper seal 124c and cap 116c. In a resting state (e.g., when pressurized fluid is not provided to the sprinkler 100c), the pop-up spring 126c may expand causing the pressure regulator housing 112c to withdraw into the sprinkler can 110c. Thus, the pop-up spring 126c biases the pressure regulator housing 112c toward the retracted position 121c (which position is illustrated in
The pressure regulator housing 112c may comprise a pipe or channel to conduct pressurized fluid through the sprinkler 100c and house the pressure regulator assembly 113c. The pressure regulator housing 112c may include threads on a top portion of the pressure regulator housing 112c to allow engagement with a flush plug 118c or nozzle. As indicated above, when pressurized fluid is supplied to the sprinkler 100c, the pressurized fluid may force the pressure regulator housing 112c to extend from the sprinkler can 110c. The pressurized fluid may be dispersed from a nozzle secured to the top of the pressure regulator housing 112c.
The ratchet ring 154c may selectively engage with one or more ratchet ring ribs 168c in the interior of the sprinkler can 110c. The ratchet ring 154c may enable removal and rotation of the pressure regulator housing 112c relative to the sprinkler can 110c, such that the pressure regulator housing 112c may be rotated to and retained at a desired position relative to the sprinkler can 110c.
The sprinkler 100c may comprise a pressure regulator assembly 113c disposed within the pressure regulator housing 112c. The pressure regulator assembly 113c may comprise a regulator spring 144c, a first piston seal 128c, a second piston seal 129c, a piston seat seal 152c, a piston 132c, a spring support seal 142c, a spring support 146c, a piston seat 148c comprising a piston seat body 149c and an adjustable seat floor 153c, and/or a floor seal 169c. The pressure regulator assembly 113c may be disposed entirely or partially within the pressure regulator housing 112c.
The piston 132c may comprise a distal end 135c and a proximal end 136c with the proximal end 136c being closer to a proximal region 151c of the floor 150c of the piston seat 148c than the distal end 135c along the axial dimension 119a of the sprinkler 100c when the sprinkler 100c is assembled. (As noted above, the axial dimension 119a is the dimension along which fluid generally flows through the sprinkler 100c.) The proximal region 151c of the floor 150c may comprise that region of the floor 150c closest to the proximal end 136c of the piston 132c along the axial dimension 119a.
The pressure regulator assembly 113c may comprise a number of seals, namely, a first piston seal 128c, a second piston seal 129c, a spring support seal 142c, a piston seat seal 152c, and a floor seal 169c. When assembled, the first piston seal 128c may be positioned within a first piston seal seat 160c of the piston 132c; the second piston seal 129c may be situated within the second piston seal seat 161c of the piston 132c; the spring support seal 142c may be situated within the spring support seal seat 162c of the spring support 146c; the piston seat seal 152c may be situated within the piston seat seal seat 163c of the piston seat 148c; and a floor seal 169c may be positioned within the floor seal seat 170c. These seals 128c, 129c, 142c, 152c, 169c form a fluid-tight or nearly fluid-tight seal at the various locations to enable pressurized fluid to flow through the sprinkler 100c without being diverted to undesired pathways or locations.
The regulator spring 144c engages the piston 132c and the spring support 146c to bias the piston 132c away from the spring support 146c. The regulator spring 144c aids in the regulation of pressure of fluid passing through the sprinkler 100c, as will be explained below.
The piston seat 148c may comprise one or more entry openings 115c and a floor 150c comprising a proximal region 151c. As illustrated, the proximal region 151c may comprise a planar end 172c. As noted above, the proximal region 151c may comprise that portion of the floor 150c that is closest to the proximal end 136c of the piston 132c. In various embodiments, the proximal region 151c may comprise the entirety of the floor 150c or only a portion of the floor 150c. Fluid entering the sprinkler 100c may pass through the one or more entry openings 115c. In this third embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108c, the piston seat 148c may comprise a piston seat body 149c and an adjustable seat floor 153c. This configuration of the piston seat 148c enables pressure regulation in this third embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108c.
The variable pressure regulator 108c may comprise an adjustment mechanism 137c to alter the pressure of fluid flowing through the sprinkler 100c. In the embodiment illustrated in these figures (
The first set of threads 138c and the second set of threads 139c may be outwardly or inwardly projecting so long as the threads 138c, 139c mutually engage. Thus, the first set of threads 138c and the second set of threads 139c may be outwardly or inwardly projecting.
The adjustable seat floor 153c may include a keying shape 140c to engage with a tool, which may comprise, for example, a screwdriver having a standard head or Phillips head, or an Allen wrench having a hexagonal-shaped head. In various embodiments, the keying shape 140c may be accessed either from a top or a bottom of the sprinkler 100c to engage and rotate the adjustable seat floor 153c to alter the resting axial distance 166c, 167c. As illustrated, the keying shape 140c in the third embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108c is accessible only from a top of the sprinkler 100c when the sprinkler 100c is assembled. In various alternative embodiments, a second keying shape may be positioned (additionally or alternatively) on the opposite end of the adjustable seat floor 153c to enable access from a bottom of the sprinkler 100c.
Referring now specifically to
The regulator spring 144c applies a force in a downstream direction 109a to the piston 132c along the axial dimension 119a (i.e., the regulator spring 144c pushes the piston 132c away from the spring support 146c). In an operating state (with a pressurized fluid passing through the sprinkler 100c), a nozzle reduces the outflow of the fluid from the sprinkler 100c and creates a pressurized chamber downstream of the piston 132c. Pressure resulting from this pressurized chamber, if sufficient, may cause the piston 132c to move axially upstream (i.e., toward the spring support 146c) until an equilibrium state is reached in response to the counterbalancing axial force applied by the regulator spring 144c. Altering a position of the adjustable seat floor 153c along the axial dimension 119a may reduce, increase, or alter fluid flowing through entry openings 115c in the piston seat 148c to increase, restrict, or alter the movement of fluid through the entry openings 115c in the piston seat 148c, thereby causing an equilibrium to be reached at a lower or higher pressurized state. Thus, a variable pressure regulator 108c, which may comprise the pressure regulator housing 112c and the pressure regulator assembly 113c, may operate to alter the pressure of fluid exiting the sprinkler 100c. In various embodiments, the variable pressure regulator 108c may be designed to alter pressure between approximately 30 psi and 40 psi. (As used herein, “approximately” means plus or minus 5 psi.)
Referring still specifically to
As indicated in
It should be noted that the third embodiment shown in
This fourth embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108d alters a position of a proximal region 151d of a floor 150d of a piston seat 148d (comprising a piston seat body 149d and an adjustable seat floor 153d) to regulate the pressure, as will be explained below. This fourth embodiment of the variable includes an adjustable seat floor 153d in contrast to the adjustable seat floor 153c of the third embodiment. The adjustable seat floor 153d may comprise a planar end 172d and a frustoconical section 173d.
Referring now generally to
The wiper seal 124d may engage with and form a seal with the pressure regulator housing 112d. The cap 116d engages the sprinkler can 110d and retains components within the enclosure formed thereby. The wiper seal 124d may include an opening through which the pressure regulator housing 112d may extend to varying degrees in an operating state (i.e., a state in which pressurized fluid is being supplied to the sprinkler 100d).
The pop-up spring 126d may be situated between the wiper seal 124d and a lip at the bottom of the pressure regulator housing 112d. In an operating state, the pop-up spring 126d may be compressed to allow the pressure regulator housing 112d to extend through the wiper seal 124d and cap 116d. In a resting state (e.g., when pressurized fluid is not provided to the sprinkler 100d), the pop-up spring 126d may expand causing the pressure regulator housing 112d to withdraw into the sprinkler can 110d. Thus, the pop-up spring 126d biases the pressure regulator housing 112d toward the retracted position 121d (which position is illustrated in
The pressure regulator housing 112d may comprise a pipe or channel to conduct pressurized fluid through the sprinkler 100d and house the pressure regulator assembly 113d. The pressure regulator housing 112d may include threads on a top portion of the pressure regulator housing 112d to allow engagement with a flush plug 118d or nozzle. As indicated above, when pressurized fluid is supplied to the sprinkler 100d, the pressurized fluid may force the pressure regulator housing 112d to extend from the sprinkler can 110d. The pressurized fluid may be dispersed from a nozzle secured to the top of the pressure regulator housing 112d.
The ratchet ring 154d may selectively engage with one or more ratchet ring ribs 168d in the interior of the sprinkler can 110d. The ratchet ring 154d may enable removal and rotation of the pressure regulator housing 112d relative to the sprinkler can 110d, such that the pressure regulator housing 112d may be rotated to and retained at a desired position relative to the sprinkler can 110d.
The sprinkler 100d may comprise a pressure regulator assembly 113d disposed within the pressure regulator housing 112d. The pressure regulator assembly 113d may comprise a regulator spring 144d, a first piston seal 128d, a second piston seal 129d, a piston seat seal 152d, a piston 132d, a spring support seal 142d, a spring support 146d, a piston seat 148d comprising a piston seat body 149d and an adjustable seat floor 153d, and/or a floor seal 169d. The pressure regulator assembly 113d may be disposed entirely or partially within the pressure regulator housing 112d.
The piston 132d may comprise a distal end 135d and a proximal end 136d with the proximal end 136d being closer to a proximal region 151d of the floor 150d of the piston seat 148d than the distal end 135d along the axial dimension 119a of the sprinkler 100d when the sprinkler 100d is assembled. (As noted above, the axial dimension 119a is the dimension along which fluid generally flows through the sprinkler 100d.) The proximal region 151d of the floor 150d may comprise that region of the floor 150d closest to the proximal end 136d of the piston 132d along the axial dimension 119a.
The pressure regulator assembly 113d may comprise a number of seals, namely, a first piston seal 128d, a second piston seal 129d, a spring support seal 142d, a piston seat seal 152d, and a floor seal 169d. When assembled, the first piston seal 128d may be positioned within a first piston seal seat 160d of the piston 132d; the second piston seal 129d may be situated within the second piston seal seat 161d of the piston 132d; the spring support seal 142d may be situated within the spring support seal seat 162d of the spring support 146d; the piston seat seal 152d may be situated within the piston seat seal seat 163d of the piston seat 148d; and a floor seal 169d may be positioned within the floor seal seat 170d. These seals 128d, 129d, 142d, 152d, 169d form a fluid-tight or nearly fluid-tight seal at the various locations to enable pressurized fluid to flow through the sprinkler 100d without being diverted to undesired pathways or locations.
The regulator spring 144d engages the piston 132d and the spring support 146d to bias the piston 132d away from the spring support 146d. The regulator spring 144d aids in the regulation of pressure of fluid passing through the sprinkler 100d, as will be explained below.
The piston seat 148d may comprise one or more entry openings 115d and a floor 150d comprising a proximal region 151d. As illustrated, the proximal region 151d may comprise a planar end 172d. As noted above, the proximal region 151d may comprise that portion of the floor 150d that is closest to the proximal end 136d of the piston 132d. In various embodiments, the proximal region 151d may comprise the entirety of the floor 150d or only a portion of the floor 150d. Fluid entering the sprinkler 100d may pass through the one or more entry openings 115d. In this fourth embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108d, the piston seat 148d may comprise a piston seat body 149d and an adjustable seat floor 153d. This configuration of the piston seat 148d enables pressure regulation in this fourth embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108d.
The variable pressure regulator 108d may comprise an adjustment mechanism 137d to alter the pressure of fluid flowing through the sprinkler 100d. In the fourth embodiment illustrated in these figures (
The first set of threads 138d and the second set of threads 139d may be outwardly or inwardly projecting so long as the threads 138d, 139d mutually engage. Thus, the first set of threads 138d and the second set of threads 139d may be outwardly or inwardly projecting.
The adjustable seat floor 153d may include a keying shape 140d to engage with a tool, which may comprise, for example, a screwdriver having a standard head or Phillips head, or an Allen wrench having a hexagonal-shaped head. In various embodiments, the keying shape 140d may be accessed either from a top or a bottom of the sprinkler 100d to engage and rotate the adjustable seat floor 153d to alter the resting axial distance 166d, 167d. As illustrated, the keying shape 140d in the fourth embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108d is accessible only from a bottom of the sprinkler 100d when the sprinkler 100d is assembled. In various alternative embodiments, a second keying shape may be positioned (additionally or alternatively) on the opposite end of the adjustable seat floor 153d to enable access from a top of the sprinkler 100d.
Referring now specifically to
The regulator spring 144d applies a force in a downstream direction 109a to the piston 132d along the axial dimension 119a (i.e., the regulator spring 144d pushes the piston 132d away from the spring support 146d). In an operating state (with a pressurized fluid passing through the sprinkler 100d), a nozzle reduces the outflow of the fluid from the sprinkler 100d and creates a pressurized chamber downstream of the piston 132d. Pressure resulting from this pressurized chamber, if sufficient, may cause the piston 132d to move axially upstream (i.e., toward the spring support 146d) until an equilibrium state is reached in response to the counterbalancing axial force applied by the regulator spring 144d. Altering a position of the adjustable seat floor 153d along the axial dimension 119a may reduce, increase, or alter fluid flowing through entry openings 115d in the piston seat 148d to increase, restrict, or alter the movement of fluid through the entry openings 115d in the piston seat 148d, thereby causing an equilibrium to be reached at a lower or higher pressurized state. Thus, a variable pressure regulator 108d, which may comprise the pressure regulator housing 112d and the pressure regulator assembly 113d, may operate to alter the pressure of fluid exiting the sprinkler 100d. In various embodiments, the variable pressure regulator 108d may be designed to alter pressure between approximately 30 psi and 40 psi. (As used herein, “approximately” means plus or minus 5 psi.)
Referring still specifically to
As indicated in
It should be noted that the fourth embodiment shown in
This fifth embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108e alters a position of a proximal region 151e of a floor 150e of a piston seat 148e relative to a proximal end 136e of the piston 132e by altering a position of the spring support 146e relative to the piston seat 148e along the axial dimension 119a to regulate the pressure, as will be explained below.
Referring now generally to
The wiper seal 124e may engage with and form a seal with the pressure regulator housing 112e. The cap 116e engages the sprinkler can 110e and retains components within the enclosure formed thereby. The wiper seal 124e may include an opening through which the pressure regulator housing 112e may extend to varying degrees in an operating state (i.e., a state in which pressurized fluid is being supplied to the sprinkler 100e).
The pop-up spring 126e may be situated between the wiper seal 124e and a lip at the bottom of the pressure regulator housing 112e. In an operating state, the pop-up spring 126e may be compressed to allow the pressure regulator housing 112e to extend through the wiper seal 124e and cap 116e. In a resting state (e.g., when pressurized fluid is not provided to the sprinkler 100e), the pop-up spring 126e may expand causing the pressure regulator housing 112e to withdraw into the sprinkler can 110e. Thus, the pop-up spring 126e biases the pressure regulator housing 112e toward the retracted position 121e (which position is illustrated in
The pressure regulator housing 112e may comprise a pipe or channel to conduct pressurized fluid through the sprinkler 100e and house the pressure regulator assembly 113e. The pressure regulator housing 112e may include threads on a top portion of the pressure regulator housing 112e to allow engagement with a flush plug or nozzle 176e. As indicated above, when pressurized fluid is supplied to the sprinkler 100e, the pressurized fluid may force the pressure regulator housing 112e to extend from the sprinkler can 110e. The pressurized fluid may be dispersed from a nozzle 176e secured to the top of the pressure regulator housing 112e.
The ratchet ring 154e may selectively engage with one or more ratchet ring ribs 168e in the interior of the sprinkler can 110e. The ratchet ring 154e may enable removal and rotation of the pressure regulator housing 112e relative to the sprinkler can 110e, such that the pressure regulator housing 112e may be rotated to and retained at a desired position relative to the sprinkler can 110e.
The sprinkler 100e may comprise a pressure regulator assembly 113e disposed within the pressure regulator housing 112e. The pressure regulator assembly 113e may comprise a pressure regulator housing 112e, a regulator spring 144e, a first piston seal 128e, a second piston seal 129e, a piston seat seal 152e, a piston 132e, a spring support seal 142e, a spring support 146e, a piston seat 148e and/or a piston retainer 178e. The pressure regulator assembly 113e may be disposed entirely or partially within the pressure regulator housing 112e.
The piston 132e may comprise a distal end 135e and a proximal end 136e with the proximal end 136e being closer to a proximal region 151e of the floor 150e of the piston seat 148e than the distal end 135e along the axial dimension 119a of the sprinkler 100e when the sprinkler 100e is assembled. (As noted above, the axial dimension 119a is the dimension along which fluid generally flows through the sprinkler 100e.) The proximal region 151e of the floor 150e may comprise that region of the floor 150e closest to the proximal end 136e of the piston 132e along the axial dimension 119a.
The pressure regulator assembly 113e may comprise a number of seals, namely, a first piston seal 128e, a second piston seal 129e, a spring support seal 142e, and/or a piston seat seal 152e. When assembled, the first piston seal 128e may be positioned within a first piston seal seat 160e of the piston 132e; the second piston seal 129e may be situated within the second piston seal seat 161e of the piston 132e; the spring support seal 142e may be situated within the spring support seal seat 162e of the spring support 146e; and the piston seat seal 152e may be situated within the piston seat seal seat 163e of the piston seat 148e. These seals 128e, 129e, 142e, 152e form a fluid-tight or nearly fluid-tight seal at the various locations to enable pressurized fluid to flow through the sprinkler 100e without being diverted to undesired pathways or locations.
The regulator spring 144e engages the piston 132e and the spring support 146e to bias the piston 132e away from the spring support 146e. The regulator spring 144e aids in the regulation of pressure of fluid passing through the sprinkler 100e, as will be explained below.
The piston seat 148e may comprise one or more entry openings 115e and a floor 150e comprising a proximal region 151e. As noted above, the proximal region 151e may comprise that portion of the floor 150e that is closest to the proximal end 136e of the piston 132e. In various embodiments, the proximal region 151e may comprise the entirety of the floor 150e or only a portion of the floor 150e. Fluid entering the sprinkler 100e may pass through the one or more entry openings 115e.
The variable pressure regulator 108e may comprise an adjustment mechanism 137e to alter the pressure of fluid flowing through the sprinkler 100e. In the embodiment illustrated in these figures (
The first set of threads 138e and the second set of threads 139e may be outwardly or inwardly projecting so long as the threads 138e, 139e mutually engage. Thus, the first set of threads 138e and the second set of threads 139e may be outwardly or inwardly projecting.
The piston seat 148e may include a first keying shape 140e and a second keying shape 141e to engage with a tool, which may comprise, for example, a screwdriver having a standard head or Phillips head, or an Allen wrench having a hexagonal-shaped head. In the fifth embodiment, as specifically illustrated in
Referring once again collectively to
Referring now specifically to
The regulator spring 144e applies a force in a downstream direction 109a to the piston 132e along the axial dimension 119a (i.e., the regulator spring 144e pushes the piston 132e away from the spring support 146e). In an operating state (with a pressurized fluid passing through the sprinkler 100e), a nozzle 176e reduces the outflow of the fluid from the sprinkler 100e and creates a pressurized chamber downstream of the piston 132e. Pressure resulting from this pressurized chamber, if sufficient, may cause the piston 132e to move axially upstream (i.e., toward the spring support 146e) until an equilibrium state is reached in response to the counterbalancing axial force applied by the regulator spring 144e. Altering a position of the spring support 146e along the axial dimension 119a may reduce, increase, or alter fluid flowing through entry openings 115e in the piston seat 148e to increase, restrict, or alter the movement of fluid through the entry openings 115e in the piston seat 148e, thereby causing an equilibrium to be reached at a lower or higher pressurized state. Thus, a variable pressure regulator 108e, which may comprise the pressure regulator housing 112e and the pressure regulator assembly 113e, may operate to alter the pressure of fluid exiting the sprinkler 100e. In various embodiments, the variable pressure regulator 108e may be designed to alter pressure between approximately 30 psi and 40 psi. (As used herein, “approximately” means plus or minus 5 psi.)
Referring still specifically to
As indicated in
It should be noted that the fifth embodiment shown in
A sixth embodiment of a variable pressure regulator 108f is illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure regulator assembly 113f may be identical in design to the pressure regulator assembly 113e of the fifth embodiment, although it should be noted that the pressure regulator assemblies 113 of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized. The variable pressure regulator 108f is distinguishable from the fifth embodiment in that the outer housing of the sprinkler 100f also comprises the pressure regulator housing 112f A nozzle or flush plug may be secured to a top of the sprinkler 100f. The sprinkler 100f may, for example, comprise what is frequently referred to in the industry as a shrub sprinkler or a shrub sprinkler head.
The illustrated variable pressure regulator 108f comprises an axial dimension 119f and a lateral dimension 120f The variable pressure regulator may also comprise a downstream direction 109f and an upstream direction 111f. The downstream direction 109f is the direction through which fluid generally flows through the sprinkler 100f when in operation with the understanding that in limited circumstances and positions within the sprinkler 100f fluid passing through the sprinkler 100f may travel in other directions besides the downstream direction 109f along the axial dimension 119f. Yet, on the whole, fluid generally travels through the sprinkler 100f along the axial dimension 119f in a downstream direction 109f. The lateral dimension 120f is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axial dimension 119f.
A seventh embodiment of a variable pressure regulator 108g is illustrated in
As illustrated, the in-line pressure regulator 108g comprises a pressure regulator housing 112g that includes a fluid inlet coupling 114g and a fluid outlet coupling 175g. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure regulator assembly 113g may be identical in design to the pressure regulator assembly 113e of the fifth embodiment, although it should be noted that the pressure regulator assemblies 113 of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized.
This eighth embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108h comprises an adjustment mechanism 137h employing a snap-fit mechanism (i.e., a snap-fit adjustment mechanism 137h). In this embodiment, the spring support 146h is fixedly attached to the pressure regulator housing 112h while the piston seat 148h may be in snap-fit engagement with the pressure regulator housing 112h at various positions along the axial dimension 119a of the sprinkler 100h to vary pressure (i.e., to alter the resting axial distance 166h, 167h). The snap-fit engagement is achieved using a first mating snap-fit structure 181h on the piston seat 148h that engages with either a second mating snap-fit structure 182h or a third mating snap-fit structure 183h.
Referring now collectively to
The pressure regulator housing 112h may comprise a pipe or channel to conduct pressurized fluid through the sprinkler 100h and house the pressure regulator assembly 113h. The pressure regulator housing 112h may include threads on a top portion of the pressure regulator housing 112h to allow engagement with a flush plug 118 or nozzle 176e. A nozzle 176e with an optional filter 177e and/or flush plug 118 may be secured to the pressure regulator housing 112h but has been omitted for simplicity in the illustrations of the eighth embodiment of the variable pressure regulator 108h. The pressurized fluid may be dispersed from a nozzle 176e secured to the top of the pressure regulator housing 112h.
The sprinkler 100h may comprise a pressure regulator assembly 113h disposed within the pressure regulator housing 112h. The pressure regulator assembly 113h may comprise a pressure regulator housing 112h, a regulator spring 144h, a first piston seal 128h, a second piston seal 129h, a piston seat seal 152h, a piston 132h, a first spring support seal 142h, a second spring support seal 143h, a spring support 146h, and a piston seat 148h. The pressure regulator assembly 113h may be disposed entirely or partially within the pressure regulator housing 112h.
The piston 132h may comprise a distal end 135h and a proximal end 136h with the proximal end 136h being closer to a proximal region 151h of the floor 150h of the piston seat 148h than the distal end 135h along the axial dimension 119a of the sprinkler 100h when the sprinkler 100h is assembled. (As noted above, the axial dimension 119a is the dimension along which fluid generally flows through the sprinkler 100h.) The proximal region 151h of the floor 150h may comprise that region of the floor 150h closest to the proximal end 136h of the piston 132h along the axial dimension 119a.
The pressure regulator assembly 113h may comprise a number of seals, namely, a first piston seal 128h, a second piston seal 129h, a first spring support seal 142h, a second spring support seal 143h, a piston seat seal 152h and/or piston retainer 178h. When assembled, the first piston seal 128h may be positioned within a first piston seal seat 160h of the piston 132h; the second piston seal 129h may be situated within the second piston seal seat 161h of the piston 132h; the first spring support seal 142h may be situated within the spring support seal seat 162h of the spring support 146h; a second spring support seal 143h may be positioned within a second spring support seal seat 164h; and/or the piston seat seal 152h may be situated within the piston seat seal seat 163h of the piston seat 148h. These seals 128h, 129h, 142h, 143h, 152h form a fluid-tight or nearly fluid-tight seal at the various locations to enable pressurized fluid to flow through the sprinkler 100h without being diverted to undesired pathways or locations.
The regulator spring 144h engages the piston 132h and the spring support 146h to bias the piston 132h away from the spring support 146h. The regulator spring 144h aids in the regulation of pressure of fluid passing through the sprinkler 100h, as will be explained below.
The piston seat 148h may comprise one or more entry openings 115h and a floor 150h comprising a proximal region 151h. As noted above, the proximal region 151h may comprise that portion of the floor 150h that is closest to the proximal end 136h of the piston 132h. In various embodiments, the proximal region 151h may comprise the entirety of the floor 150h or only a portion of the floor 150h. Fluid entering the sprinkler 100h may pass through the one or more entry openings 115h.
The variable pressure regulator 108h may comprise an adjustment mechanism 137h to alter the pressure of fluid flowing through the sprinkler 100h. In the embodiment illustrated in these figures (
The first mating snap-fit structure 181h may comprise, for example, one or more protrusions or recesses (e.g., an annular recess or protrusion) that mate with and engage the second mating snap-fit structure 182h and the third mating snap-fit structure 183h which may likewise comprise one or more protrusions or recesses so long as these structures mutually engage. Thus, the first mating snap-fit structure 181h, the second mating snap-fit structure 182h, and the third mating snap-fit structure 183h may be inwardly or outwardly projecting and may be configured in a number of different ways within the scope of the disclosed and claimed subject matter.
The piston seat 148h may include a first keying shape 140h and a second keying shape 141h to engage with a tool, which may comprise, for example, a screwdriver having a standard head or Phillips head, or an Allen wrench having a hexagonal-shaped head. In the eighth embodiment, the first keying shape 140h may be accessed from a top of the sprinkler 100h (such as by removing a nozzle and a filter) to engage and move the piston seat 148h and alter the resting axial distance 166h, 167h using a tool (such as the tool 179h). The second keying shape 141h may be accessed from a bottom of the sprinkler 100h to engage and move the piston seat 148h and alter the resting axial distance 166h, 167h using a tool (such as the tool 180h).
Referring once again collectively to
Referring now specifically to
The regulator spring 144h applies a force in a downstream direction 109a to the piston 132h along the axial dimension 119a (i.e., the regulator spring 144h pushes the piston 132h away from the spring support 146h in a downstream direction 109a). In an operating state (with a pressurized fluid passing through the sprinkler 100h), a nozzle reduces the outflow of the fluid from the sprinkler 100h and creates a pressurized chamber downstream of the piston 132h. Pressure resulting from this pressurized chamber, if sufficient, may cause the piston 132h to move axially upstream (i.e., toward the spring support 146h in an upstream direction 111a) until an equilibrium state is reached in response to the counterbalancing axial force applied by the regulator spring 144h. Altering a position of the piston seat 148h along the axial dimension 119a may reduce, increase, or alter fluid flowing through entry openings 115h in the piston seat 148h to increase, restrict, or alter the movement of fluid through the entry openings 115h in the piston seat 148h, thereby causing an equilibrium to be reached at a lower or higher pressurized state. Thus, a variable pressure regulator 108h, which may comprise the pressure regulator housing 112h and the pressure regulator assembly 113h, may operate to alter the pressure of fluid exiting the sprinkler 100h. In various embodiments, the variable pressure regulator 108h may be designed to alter pressure between approximately 30 psi and 40 psi. (As used herein, “approximately” means plus or minus 5 psi.)
Referring still specifically to
As indicated in
It should be noted that the eighth embodiment shown in
It should be noted that each of the embodiments disclosed herein is merely illustrative. As indicated above, for example, the shape of the piston 132 may be varied within the scope of the disclosed in the claimed subject matter. Other items may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter, such as the type of nozzles, springs, and seals (e.g., O-rings or different types of seals) employed.
A method is disclosed herein in which the variable pressure regulator 108 comprises a keying shape 140b-140e, 140h, 141e, 141h for receiving and engaging a tool 179e, 180e. The keying shape 140b-140e, 140h, 141e, 141h may be disposed on a user-adjustable portion (e.g., a piston extender 134b, an adjustable seat floor 153c-153d, a piston seat 148e, or a piston seat 148h) of the adjustment mechanism 137b-137e, 137h. The method may comprise positioning the tool 179e, 180e to engage the keying shape 140b-140e, 140h, 141e, 141h. The method may further comprise, employing the engagement between the tool 179e, 180e and the keying shape 140b-140e, 140h, 141e, 141h to adjust the position of the user-adjustable portion (e.g., a piston extender 134b, an adjustable seat floor 153c-153d, a piston seat 148e, or a piston seat 148h) of the adjustment mechanism 137b-137e, 137h to alter the resting axial distance 166b-166e, 166h, 167b-167e, 167h.
Within the method, positioning a tool 179e, 180e to engage the keying shape 140d, 141e, 141h may comprise inserting the tool 179e, 180e through a bottom opening (e.g., an input coupling 114a, 114e) of the sprinkler 100a-f, 100h to engage the keying shape 140d, 141e, 141h.
Within the method, positioning the tool 179e, 180e to engage the keying shape 140b-140c, 140e, 140h may comprise removing a top portion (e.g., a nozzle 176e or flush plug 118a-118d) of the sprinkler 100a-100f, 100h, and inserting the tool 179e, 180e through a top opening created by removing a top portion (e.g., a nozzle 176e or flush plug 118a-118d) of the sprinkler 100a-100f, 100h to engage the keying shape 140b-140c, 140e, 140h.
The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed. For example, various embodiments of the adjustment mechanism disclosed herein may be employed in a single product.
The present application is a continuation application and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/590,772, filed on Oct. 2, 2019, which is a non-provisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/740,387, filed on Oct. 2, 2018, which is incorporated herein by this reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3948285 | Flynn | Apr 1976 | A |
| 4479611 | Galvis | Oct 1984 | A |
| 4681260 | Cochran | Jul 1987 | A |
| 4913352 | Witty | Apr 1990 | A |
| 6997393 | Angold | Feb 2006 | B1 |
| 7438083 | Feith | Oct 2008 | B2 |
| 8833672 | Skripkar | Sep 2014 | B2 |
| 11103890 | Morris | Aug 2021 | B1 |
| 11541411 | Kah, III | Jan 2023 | B2 |
| Entry |
|---|
| Dig Corporation, Adjustable Pressure Regulator, web page (online), apparently published on or before Feb. 20, 2016, retrieved from the Internet Archive on Oct. 25, 2019, from <URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20160220200842/http://www.digcorp.com/homeowner-drip-irrigation-products/adjustable-pressure-regulator> 1 Page (shown in attachment 1). |
| Watts, model No. 3/4 LF25AUB-Z3 shown in attachment 2 was apparently sold or offered for sale at least by Oct. 1, 2017, 1 Page. |
| Watts, Watts 3/4 in. Brass FPT × FPT Pressure Reducing Valve, web page (online), apparently published on or before May 24, 2014, retrieved from the Internet Archive on Oct. 25, 2019, from <URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20140524103540/http://www.homedepot.com:80/p/Watts-3-4-in-Brass-FPT-x-FPT-Pressure-Reducing-Valve-3-4-LF25AUB-Z3/202922385> 22 Pages (shown in attachment 3). |
| Vallecitos Water District, Pressure Regulator Information, Household Water Pressure Regulators Questions and Answers, web page (online), apparently published on or before Sep. 26, 2014, retrieved from the Internet Archive on Oct. 25, 2019, from <URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20190410073502/http://www.vwd.org/departments/customer-service/pressure-regulator-information> 2 Pages (shown in attachment 4). |
| Notice to File Corrected Application Papers, U.S. Appl. No. 16/590,772, dated Oct. 22, 2019, 2 Pages (included as attachment 5). |
| Response to Notice to File Corrected Application Papers, U.S. Appl. No. 16/590,772, filed Dec. 18, 2019, 68 Pages (included as attachment 6). |
| Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) Due (including a Notice of Allowability section, and an Allowable Subject Matter section), U.S. Appl. No. 16/590,772, dated Apr. 21, 2021, 7 Pages (included as attachment 7). |
| Amendment After Allowance, U.S. Appl. No. 16/590,772, filed Jul. 15, 2021, 104 Pages (included as attachment 6). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62740387 | Oct 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16590772 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 17463307 | US |
