# US 12,016,136 B2 · Irrigation controller having a rotatable and non-detachable user interface module > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,016,136 B2 - Document ID: US12016136B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/335,844 - Filed: 2021-06-01 - Published: 2021-12-02 - Granted: 2024-06-18 - Earliest claimed: 2020-06-01 - Assignees: The Toro Company - Applicants: The Toro Company - Inventors: Steve Kish; Matt Hall; Chris Asmus; Rengan Rajendran; Saroj Manandhar - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12016136B2 ## CPC - A01G 25/16: Control of watering - H05K 5/0018: {having an electronic display} - H05K 5/0204: {Mounting supporting structures on the outside of casings} - H05K 5/0226: {Hinges} - H05K 5/03: Covers - H02G 3/088: {Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings or inlets} - H02G 3/14: Fastening of cover or lid to box - A01G: HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING (picking of fruits, vegetables, hops or the like A01D46/00; propagating unicellular algae C12N1/12) - H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS - H02G: INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES ## Abstract Described herein is an irrigation controller having a rotating user interface where the front side of the user interface can be rotated 180 degrees so that it faces the inside of the controller housing. This functionality allows the user to install or modify the irrigation wiring while also programming the irrigation settings and/or schedule. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An irrigation controller, comprising: a controller housing; a user interface module having a plurality of user input structures on a first side of the user interface module; and, a supporting frame connected via a hinge to the controller housing and a pivotal connection to the user interface module; wherein the user interface module pivots between a first position and a second position 180 degrees from the first position relative to the supporting frame while remaining connected to the supporting frame. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The irrigation controller of claim 1, wherein the supporting frame having an opening and the user interface module is pivotally connected within the opening. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The irrigation controller of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a first arm pivotally mounted to a top of the user interface module. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The irrigation controller of claim 3, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a second arm pivotally mounted to a bottom of the user interface module. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The irrigation controller of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly further comprises an elongated member connected to the housing via a first hinge and pivotally connected to a top or bottom of the user interface module. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The irrigation controller of claim 1, wherein the user interface module includes a post on a top of the user interface module and a communication wire connected within the controller housing, extending through the post, and electrically connecting to the user interface module. ### Claim 7 An irrigation controller, comprising: a controller housing; a user interface module having a plurality of user input structures on a first side of the user interface module; and, a frame structure connected via a hinge to the controller housing and a rotatable connection to the user interface module; wherein the user interface module is rotatable relative to the frame structure between a first position in which the first side of the user interface faces a first direction and a second position in which the first side of the user interface faces a second direction that is generally opposite to the first direction while remaining connected to the frame structure. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The irrigation controller of claim 7, wherein the frame structure connected via the hinge to the controller housing such that the frame structure moves relative to the controller housing. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The irrigation controller of claim 8, wherein the user interface module comprises a top and bottom post. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The irrigation controller of claim 8, wherein the user interface module comprises a stop mechanism limiting rotation of the user interface module beyond a predetermined rotational position. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The irrigation controller of claim 8, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a rotational position of the user interface module. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The irrigation controller of claim 11, wherein the irrigation controller is configured to change an electronically displayed menu of the user interface module based on the sensed rotational position of the user interface module. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The irrigation controller of claim 11, wherein the irrigation controller is configured to activate or deactivate a light within the controller housing based on the sensed rotational position of the user interface module. ### Claim 14 (depends on 7) The irrigation controller of claim 7, further comprising a communication cable connected to the user interface module, extending through the frame structure, and further extending into the controller housing. ### Claim 15 (depends on 7) The irrigation controller of claim 7, wherein the user interface module configured for wireless communication with components within the controller housing. ### Claim 16 An irrigation controller, comprising: a controller housing; a user interface module having a plurality of input structures on a first side of the user interface module; and a frame member connected via a hinge to the controller housing and a rotatable connection to the user interface module; wherein the user interface module rotates near a middle of the user interface module relative to the frame member so that the first side rotates 180 degrees while remaining connected to the frame member. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The irrigation controller of claim 16, wherein the frame member connected via the hinge to the controller housing such that the frame member swings outward relative to the controller housing. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The irrigation controller of claim 17, wherein the the user interface module comprises at least a first post positioned near a middle of the user interface module. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) The irrigation controller of claim 17, further comprising a stop mechanism limiting rotation of the user interface module beyond a predetermined rotational position.