AU2019213421A1 - Sprinkler fitting for a base - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a sprinkler assembly. In one aspect, the assembly comprises a base and a manifold, wherein the manifold comprises a manifold body and a fluid passageway extending therethrough between an inlet and at least one outlet, and a first catch portion, wherein the base comprises a base body comprising a 5 shell comprising a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the manifold body extending between the inlet and the or each outlet, and a second catch portion co-operable with the first catch portion to form a catch mechanism to effect securement of the manifold with respect to the base, and wherein one of the manifold body or the base body comprises a user operable release for the catch mechanism. zo o Figure 1 20 1l4 3313 Figure 2

Description

SPRINKLER FITTING FOR A BASE

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2018902932 titled “SPRINKLER FITTING FOR A BASE” and filed on 10 August 2018, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure relates to a sprinkler assembly. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a sprinkler assembly comprising a sprinkler component and a base component.

BACKGROUND [0003] Presently available sprinkler assemblies typically comprise a sprinkler component mounted on a base component. The sprinkler component is either moulded and depending from the base component or is fixed to the base component by a fastening means.

[0004] Design and manufacture of sprinkler systems vary dependent on their application and intended operation. For example, in applications where the sprinkler system is operated at high pressure, the base component is designed of a weighted material to ensure that the system remains in position during operation. In another example, in applications where the sprinkler component is required to be positioned at a height above a surface for optimal performance, a taller base component is designed to ensure maximum exposure of the sprinkler component.

[0005] However, presently available sprinkler assemblies are limited in that the sprinkler component is designed and manufactured to be secured to a particular base component, which may not be well suited to the intended application.

[0006] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present disclosure has been developed.

SUMMARY [0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a sprinkler assembly, the sprinkler assembly comprising a base and a manifold; wherein the manifold comprises a manifold body and a fluid passageway extending therethrough between an inlet and at least one outlet, and a first catch portion; wherein the base comprises a base body comprising a shell comprising a cavity sized and shaped to

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 receive at least a portion of the manifold body extending between the inlet and the or each outlet, and a second catch portion co-operable with the first catch portion to form a catch mechanism to effect securement of the manifold with respect to the base; and wherein one of the manifold body or the base body comprises a user operable release for the catch mechanism.

[0008] In one form, one of the first or second catch portions comprises a biasing means which biases one of the first or second catch portions into a capture position with respect to the other catch portion.

[0009] In one form, the biasing means comprises a spring which biases one of the first or second catch portions into the capture position with respect to the other catch portion.

[0010] In one form, the user operable release acts against the biasing means, thereby releasing one of the first or second catch portions from the capture position.

[0011] In one form, one of the first or second catch portions comprises a cantilever snap, and the other comprises a keeper for the cantilever snap.

[0012] In one form, the user operable release acts against the cantilever snap, thereby releasing it from the keeper.

[0013] In one form, the manifold body comprises the user operable release for the catch mechanism.

[0014] In one form, the base body comprises the user operable release for the catch mechanism.

[0015] In one form, the at least one outlet of the manifold extends perpendicularly to an axis of the inlet.

[0016] In one form, the at least one outlet of the manifold is arranged to receive a sprinkler head.

[0017] In one form, the manifold further comprises a second outlet.

[0018] In one form, the inlet and second outlet are at opposite ends of the manifold body, the inlet and the second outlet are co-axial.

[0019] In one form, the second outlet is configured to receive one of a hose fitting or a cap.

[0020] In one form, the shell of the base body further comprises a second cavity positioned, sized and shaped to receive the second outlet of the manifold body.

[0021] In one form, the inlet of the manifold is configured to receive an alternate hose fitting.

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 [0022] In one form, the manifold body further comprises a shell portion.

[0023] In one form, in use, the manifold body is nested in the cavity of the base body and the shell portion thereof is substantially flush with the shell of the base body so that the nested portion of the manifold body is concealed.

[0024] In one form, each of the inlet, the at least one outlet, and the second outlet are exposed when the nested portion of the manifold body is concealed.

[0025] In an alternate aspect, there is provided a sprinkler assembly comprising a base and a manifold; wherein the manifold comprises a manifold body and a fluid passageway extending therethrough between an inlet and at least one outlet, and a cantilever snap; wherein the base comprises a base body comprising a shell comprising a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the manifold body extending between the inlet and the or each outlet, and a keeper for the cantilever snap to effect securement of the manifold with respect to the base; and wherein the manifold body comprises a user operable release that acts against the cantilever snap, thereby releasing it from the keeper.

[0026] In one form, the hollow body of the base component is largely trapezoidal in shape.

[0027] In one form, the hollow body of the base component is manufactured from injection moulded plastics.

[0028] In one form, the hollow body of the base component is manufactured from metal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sprinkler assembly;

[0031] Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a manifold from the sprinkler assembly of Figure 1;

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the manifold;

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the manifold with a sprinkler head installed on an outlet;

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base which is manufactured from metal, from the sprinkler assembly of Figure 1;

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 [0035] Figure 6 is a plan view of the base;

[0036] Figure 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of the sprinkler assembly with the manifold, in use, nested in the base which is manufactured from metal;

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic, sectional view of the sprinkler assembly taken along line X-X in Figure 7 and illustrates a first catch portion in a capture position relative to a second catch portion;

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic, sectional view of the sprinkler assembly taken along line Y-Y in Figure 7 and illustrates the first catch portion in a capture position relative to the second catch portion;

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternate base that is manufactured from plastic;

[0040] Figure 11 is a plan view of the base manufactured from plastic;

[0041] Figure 12 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the sprinkler assembly with the manifold, in use, nested in the base manufactured from plastic;

[0042] Figure 13 is a schematic, sectional view of the alternative sprinkler assembly taken along line XX-XX in Figure 12 and illustrates the first catch portion in a capture position relative to the second catch portion; and [0043] Figure 14 is a schematic, sectional view of the alternative sprinkler assembly taken along line YY-YY in Figure 12 and illustrates the first catch portion in a capture position relative to the second catch portion.

[0044] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0045] Figure 1 illustrates a sprinkler assembly 100, according to an embodiment, for irrigation purposes. The sprinkler assembly 100 is particularly designed to permit a user to quickly release a manifold 10 from a base 40, without the need for any fasteners.

[0046] Referring to the Figures, the sprinkler assembly 100 comprises the base 40 and the manifold 10. The manifold comprises a manifold body 11 and a fluid passageway 12 extending therethrough between an inlet 13 and at least one outlet 14, and a first catch portion 30. The base 40 comprises a base body 41 comprising a shell 42 comprising a cavity 43 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the manifold

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 body 11 extending between the inlet 13 and the or each outlet 14, and a second catch portion 31 cooperable with the first catch portion 30 to form a catch mechanism to effect securement of the manifold 10 with respect to the base 40. Furthermore, one of the manifold body 11 or the base body 41 comprises a user operable release 33 for the catch mechanism.

[0047] Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, the at least one outlet 14 of the manifold 10 may extend perpendicularly to an axis Z-Z of the inlet 13. In this way, the outlet 14 of the manifold 10 is arranged to receive a sprinkler head 16. The sprinkler head 16 having internal threads sized to accommodate a variety of fittings such as a sprinkler fitting (not shown). In one embodiment, the sprinkler head 16 for the outlet 14 is provided with a 15mm diameter female threaded socket for attachment of the sprinkler fitting. There is a large range of sprinkler fittings available having a 15mm male thread that will be suitable for use with this sprinkler head 16 design.

[0048] In one embodiment, the manifold 10 may also comprise a second outlet 17. The second outlet 17 and the inlet 13 may be at opposite ends of the manifold body 11 and may be co-axial. It will be appreciated that the inlet 13, the at least one outlet 14, and the second outlet 17 are in fluid communication via the fluid passageway 12.

[0049] In one embodiment, the inlet 13 of the manifold 10, may be configured to receive a hose fitting (not shown) to allow connection of the manifold 10 to a tap via a hose/irrigation system (not shown). Similarly, the second outlet 17 may be configured to receive a second hose connection (not shown) that may be connected to another manifold 10. In this way, any number of manifold 10, and accordingly sprinkler assemblies 100, may be daisy-chained together (subject to limitations of supply pressure).

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the outlet 17 may be connected to a cap 60 to close the manifold 10 off at the second outlet 17. In this way, the only fluid outlet for any fluid supply received through the inlet 13 is the outlet 14.

[0051] In one embodiment, the manifold 10 may further comprise a shell portion 18. The shell portion 18 may depend from the manifold body 11 and may form a flange 19 proximal to the inlet 13 and extend in parallel to the manifold body 11. In this way, the shell portion 18 and the manifold body 11 co-operate to house the first catch portion 30 therebetween. The shell portion 18 may also comprise a cavity 20 sized and shaped to receive the outlet 14 therethrough.

[0052] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate, in one embodiment, the base 40. In this particular embodiment, the base 40 is manufactured from metal or a metal alloy. The base comprises the base body 41 which comprises the shell 42 comprising the cavity 43 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the manifold body 11, and the second catch portion 31.

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 [0053] In one embodiment, the shell 42 of the base body 41 may further comprise a second cavity 44, positioned, sized and shaped to receive the second outlet 17 of the manifold body 11.

[0054] In one embodiment, the base body 41 may comprise one or more structural ribs 45, positioned along the opening of the cavity 43. In use, the structural ribs 45 fill the channel created between the shell portion 18 and the manifold body 11 of the manifold 10, when at least a portion of the manifold body 11 extending between the inlet 13 and the or each outlet 14 is received by cavity 43.

[0055] Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the first 30 or second 31 catch portions may comprise a biasing means 34 which biases one of the first 30 or second 31 catch portions into a capture position, with respect to the other catch portion. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the biasing means 34 biases the first capture portion 30 into a capture position with respect to the second capture portion 31.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the biasing means 34 may be manufactured of a resilient material which biases one of the first 30 or second 31 catch portions into the capture position with respect to the other catch portion.

[0057] In a further alternative embodiment, the biasing means 34 may comprise a spring (not shown) which biases one of the first 30 or second 31 catch portions into the capture position with respect to the other catch portion. It will be appreciated that alternate biasing means 34 beyond those described in the embodiments above are also envisaged to bias one of the first 30 or second 31 catch portions into a capture position, with respect to the other catch portion.

[0058] Referring now to Figures 2 to 4 and 7 to 9, in one embodiment, the user operable release 33 acts against the biasing means 34, thereby releasing one of the first 30 or the second 31 catch portions from the capture position.

[0059] In one embodiment, the manifold body 11 may comprise the user operable release 33 for the catch mechanism. Illustrated in the Figures, the user operable release 33 may comprise text and/or other indicia to visually indicate to a user the position of the user operable release 33 on the manifold body 11. In this particular embodiment, the user operable release 33 is visually represented by text on the shell portion 18 of the manifold body 11, indicating to the user a section to press to operably overcome the biasing means 34, thereby releasing the first catch portion 30 with respect to the second catch portion 31 from the capture position.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the base body 41 may comprise the user operable release 33 for the catch mechanism (this embodiment is not shown in the Figures). Furthermore, it will be appreciated that

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 the user operable release 33 may take further alternate forms, such as a button (not shown) or a trigger (not shown), and may be comprised on either the manifold body 11 or the base body 41 beyond those described in the embodiments.

[0061] In a further alternative embodiment, one of the first 30 or second 31 catch portions is a cantilever snap, and the other is a keeper for the cantilever snap. In this particular embodiment, the user operable release 33 acts against the cantilever snap, thereby releasing it from the keeper. In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, the first catch portion 30 is the cantilever snap and the second catch portion 31 is the keeper for the cantilever snap. It will be appreciated, that further embodiments for the first 30 or second 31 catch portions are envisaged beyond those disclosed to co-operate to form the catch mechanism to effect securement of the manifold 10 with respect to the base 40.

[0062] Figures 1 and 7 to 9 illustrate, in one embodiment, the sprinkler assembly 100, in use, the manifold body 11 nested in the cavity 43 of the base body 41 and the shell portion 18 thereof is substantially flush with the shell 42 of the base body 41 so that the nested portion of the manifold body 11 is concealed. Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, each of the inlet 13, the outlet 14 and the second outlet 17 are exposed when the nested portion of the manifold body 11 is concealed within the cavity 43 of the base body 41. In this way, the manifold 10 and the base 40 form the sprinkler assembly 100 as an integrated irrigation device.

[0063] In this particular embodiment, as the manifold body 11 is received by cavity 43 of the base body 41, the first catch portion/cantilever snap 30 is received by the second catch portion/keeper for the cantilever snap 31 forming the capture mechanism, thereby securing the manifold 10 with respect to the base 40. A user of the sprinkler assembly 100 may then release the manifold 10 from the base 40 via the user operable release 33, which in use, acts against the cantilever snap 30 thereby releasing it from the keeper 31. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate cross sections detailing the cantilever snap 30 in the capture position with respect to the keeper 31.

[0064] In the embodiments described above, the base 40 illustrated in the Figures 1 and 5 to 9 is largely trapezoidal in shape. However, it will be appreciated that the base 40 may be of any number of other shapes such as triangular or square for example. The shape of the base 40 will be dependent on the application, and provided the second catch portion 31 on the base 40 and the first catch portion 30 on the manifold, advantageously bases of a number of shapes may be manufactured for any given applications without compromising the catch mechanism between the first and second catch portions 30, 31.

[0065] Referring now to Figures 10 to 14, in an alternative embodiment, an alternate base 50 may be manufactured from plastic and sled shaped. The alternate base 50 comprises a base body 51 comprising a shell 52 comprising a cavity 53 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the manifold body 11

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 extending between the inlet 13 and the or each outlet 14, and the second catch portion 31 co-operable with the first catch portion 30 to form the catch mechanism to effect securement of the manifold 10 with respect to the alternate base 50. Furthermore, one of the manifold body 11 or the base body 51 comprises the user operable release 33 for the catch mechanism.

[0066] In this particular embodiment, the shell 52 may further comprise a second cavity 54, positioned, sized and shaped to receive the second outlet 17 of the manifold body 11.

[0067] In one embodiment, the base body 51 may comprise one or more structural ribs 55, positioned along the opening of the cavity 53. In use, the structural ribs 55 fill the channel created between the shell portion 18 and the manifold body 11 of the manifold 10, when at least a portion of the manifold body 11 extending between the inlet 13 and the or each outlet 14 is received by cavity 53.

[0068] Referring now to Figures 12 to 14, in this particular embodiment, the sprinkler assembly 100, in use, the manifold body 11 nested in the cavity 53 of the base body 51 and the shell portion 18 thereof is substantially flush with the shell 52 of the base body 51 so that the nested portion of the manifold body 11 is concealed. Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, each of the inlet 13, the outlet 14 and the second outlet 17 are exposed when the nested portion of the manifold body 11 is concealed within the cavity 53 of the base body 51. In this way, the manifold 10 and the alternate base 50 form the sprinkler assembly 100 as an integrated irrigation device.

[0069] In this particular embodiment, as the manifold body 11 is received by cavity 53 of the base body 51, the first catch portion/cantilever snap 30 is received by the second catch portion/keeper for the cantilever snap 31 forming the capture mechanism, thereby securing the manifold 10 with respect to the alternate base 50. A user of the sprinkler assembly 100 may then release the manifold 10 from the alternate base 50 via the user operable release 33, which in use, acts against the cantilever snap 30 thereby releasing it from the keeper 31. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate cross sections detailing the cantilever snap 30 in the capture position with respect to the keeper 31.

[0070] It will be appreciated that further alternate bases beyond those described by bases 40 and 50 of various other materials may be selected based on the application for the sprinkler assembly 100.

[0071] It will be appreciated that in any one of the embodiments described above, that the first catch portion 30 and the second catch portion 31, in a preferred embodiment, may comprise a square edge (not shown) to aid in the securement of the manifold 10 with respect to any one of bases 40 or 50. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first catch portion 30 and the second catch portion 31 may comprise a chamfered edge (not shown) to aid in quickly releasing the manifold 10 from any one of bases 40 or 50.

2019213421 09 Aug 2019 [0072] Additionally, in any one of the embodiments described above, the catch mechanism allows for a quick and easy connection means between the manifold 10 and the bases 40 or 50 without the need for any fasteners. Furthermore, the addition of the user operable release 33 permits the quick and easy release of the catch mechanism. Advantageously, the sprinkler assembly 100 enables the user to interchange the manifold 10 between a variety of bases 40 or 50 of various sizes, weights and materials, so that the sprinkler assembly may be configured to suit the intended application.

[0073] In one aspect, the present disclosure comprises a fastener free ‘snap-fit’ type arrangement for the sprinkler assembly 100, unlike other sprinkler assemblies that require fasteners or further manual intervention to secure a manifold to a base for a sprinkler assembly.

[0074] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0075] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0076] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. A sprinkler assembly comprising a base and a manifold;

wherein the manifold comprises a manifold body and a fluid passageway extending therethrough between an inlet and at least one outlet, and a first catch portion;

wherein the base comprises a base body comprising a shell comprising a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the manifold body extending between the inlet and the or each outlet, and a second catch portion co-operable with the first catch portion to form a catch mechanism to effect securement of the manifold with respect to the base; and wherein one of the manifold body or the base body comprises a user operable release for the catch mechanism.

2. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the first or second catch portions comprises a biasing means which biases one of the first or second catch portions into a capture position with respect to the other catch portion.

3. The sprinkler assembly of claim 2, wherein the biasing means comprises a spring which biases one of the first or second catch portions into the capture position with respect to the other catch portion.

4. The sprinkler assembly of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the user operable release acts against the biasing means, thereby releasing one of the first or second catch portions from the capture position.

5. The sprinkler assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the first or second catch portions comprises a cantilever snap, and the other comprises a keeper for the cantilever snap.

6. The sprinkler assembly of claim 5, wherein the user operable release acts against the cantilever snap, thereby releasing it from the keeper.

7. The sprinkler assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold body comprises the user operable release for the catch mechanism.

8. The sprinkler assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base body comprises the user operable release for the catch mechanism.

9. The sprinkler assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one outlet of the manifold extends perpendicularly to an axis of the inlet.

2019213421 09 Aug 2019

10. The sprinkler assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one outlet of the manifold is arranged to receive a sprinkler head.

11. The sprinkler assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold further comprises a second outlet.

12. The sprinkler assembly of claim 11, wherein the inlet and second outlet are at opposite ends of the manifold body, the inlet and the second outlet are co-axial.

13. The sprinkler assembly of any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the second outlet is configured to receive one of a hose fitting or a cap.

14. The sprinkler assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the shell of the base body further comprises a second cavity positioned, sized and shaped to receive the second outlet of the manifold body.

15. The sprinkler assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet of the manifold is configured to receive an alternate hose fitting.

16. The sprinkler assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold body further comprises a shell portion.

17. The sprinkler assembly of claim 16, wherein in use, the manifold body is nested in the cavity of the base body and the shell portion thereof is substantially flush with the shell of the base body so that the nested portion of the manifold body is concealed.

18. The sprinkler assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the inlet, the at least one outlet, and the second outlet are exposed when the nested portion of the manifold body is concealed.

19. A sprinkler assembly comprising a base and a manifold;

wherein the manifold comprises a manifold body and a fluid passageway extending therethrough between an inlet and at least one outlet, and a cantilever snap;

wherein the base comprises a base body comprising a shell comprising a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the manifold body extending between the inlet and the or each outlet, and a keeper for the cantilever snap to effect securement of the manifold with respect to the base; and wherein the manifold body comprises a user operable release that acts against the cantilever snap, thereby releasing it from the keeper.