Arc Arrest Mechanism For Irrigation Sprinklers
AssigneeThe Toro Company
InventorTravis L. Onofrio
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mechanism is described to resist or prevent rotation of portions of an irrigation sprinkler riser when in its lowered or popped-down position. Hence, when a pedestrian walks over a lowered sprinkler or a lawn mower rolls over a sprinkler, for example, the riser will remain fixed in its rotational orientation relative to its outer body and surroundings. By resisting or preventing this rotation, this rotational locking mechanism prevents damage to the internal transmission, gears, and arc trip mechanisms of the sprinkler, as well as prevents the watering arc from being accidentally adjusted.
Claims20
A sprinkler comprising:
- a sprinkler base assembly configured to be connected to a water source;
- a riser configured to increase in height from the sprinkler base during irrigation;
- the riser comprising a turret configured to rotate a nozzle;
- and,
- a rotational brake mechanism configured to allow rotation of the turret during irrigation and prevent rotation of the turret when downward force is applied to a top of the riser.
A sprinkler comprising:
- a sprinkler base assembly configured to be connected to a water source;
- a riser configured to increase in height from the sprinkler base during irrigation;
- the riser comprising a turret configured to rotate a nozzle;
- and,
- a rotational brake mechanism configured to allow rotation of the turret when the riser is in a popped up position relative to the sprinkler base and prevent rotation of the turret when the riser is in a popped down position relative to the sprinkler base.
A sprinkler kit, comprising:
- a rotational brake mechanism comprising an O-ring sized and shaped to fit between an interface of an upper sprinkler surface and a lower sprinkler surface;
- the O-ring configured to allow rotation of a sprinkler turret when a sprinkler riser is in a popped up position relative to a sprinkler base and prevent rotation of the turret when the riser is in a popped down position and downward force is applied to a top of the riser.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.