WO2021199016A1 - A device installable on sprinkler for irrigation of a non-radial perimeter - Google Patents

A device installable on sprinkler for irrigation of a non-radial perimeter Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021199016A1
WO2021199016A1 PCT/IL2020/050386 IL2020050386W WO2021199016A1 WO 2021199016 A1 WO2021199016 A1 WO 2021199016A1 IL 2020050386 W IL2020050386 W IL 2020050386W WO 2021199016 A1 WO2021199016 A1 WO 2021199016A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sprinkler
track
standard rotor
continuous track
configurable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2020/050386
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Itay ARAD
Eitan Rogel
Original Assignee
Arad Itay
Eitan Rogel
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arad Itay, Eitan Rogel filed Critical Arad Itay
Priority to PCT/IL2020/050386 priority Critical patent/WO2021199016A1/en
Publication of WO2021199016A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021199016A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
    • B05B3/02—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements
    • B05B3/04—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
    • B05B3/0409—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements
    • B05B3/0418—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements comprising a liquid driven rotor, e.g. a turbine
    • B05B3/0422—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements comprising a liquid driven rotor, e.g. a turbine with rotating outlet elements
    • B05B3/045—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements comprising a liquid driven rotor, e.g. a turbine with rotating outlet elements with automatic means for regulating the jet
    • B05B3/0454—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements comprising a liquid driven rotor, e.g. a turbine with rotating outlet elements with automatic means for regulating the jet relative to the angular position of the outlet or to the direction of rotation of the outlet, e.g. for spraying non circular areas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/22—Improving land use; Improving water use or availability; Controlling erosion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of irrigation, and specifically to sprinklers with mechanism for adjustment of liquid distribution pattern.
  • US 8113443 B2 provides such a solution taking the form of a rotary sprinkler with a mechanism for regulating pattern of liquid discharge around a sprinkler's perimeter.
  • This publication teaches about a rotary sprinkler with a structure around it allowing to configure the angle of liquid discharge in each direction around sprinkler by utilizing an array of biasing elements installed around sprinkler's circumference and a liquid deflector installed above the nozzle of the sprinkler, wherein the array of biasing elements remains in a static position above the nozzle, while the nozzle head and liquid deflector are rotating during the sprinkler's operation, and the liquid deflector's distal end is driven against biasing elements, tilting the liquid deflector in different angles corresponding to the position of each biasing element, thereby deflecting the spray of liquid discharged through the nozzle in accordance with the predetermined setup of biasing elements, intended to reflect the shape of perimeter around the sprinkler.
  • the nozzle is installed in a fixed position to discharge liquid in one constant angle.
  • the spray of liquid itself is not tilted, but only deflected by the liquid deflector which is configured to block part of the spray and deflect it downwards in various angles.
  • This solution is considerably inefficient as deflection of spray rather than tilting of the nozzle itself results in an inaccurate and dispersed stream of liquid, likely to be spread to undesired directions and the deflection of spray results in changing the drops size, causing less controlled and ineffective irrigation.
  • the use of deflector to block the spray of liquid necessarily means some of the liquid discharged through the nozzle aggregates on the deflector itself and pours down onto the vicinity of the sprinkler instead of reaching the desired areas.
  • the deflector is also prone to deformation due to constant direct and close contact with high pressure discharge of water, as well as due to prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions. Even a slight deformation of the deflector affects the scattering pattern of the liquid that comes in contact with the deflector, and therefore requires constant calibration and fine tuning of the biasing elements in order to preserve and maintain the desired configuration of liquid distribution around perimeter of the sprinkler.
  • the use of deflector compromises the energy of the jet of liquid discharged from the nozzle, and therefore requires to increase the water pressure in order to reach the same distance that would have been reached by a sprinkler without deflector, resulting in a waste of water.
  • US20120018532 describes another sprinkler with programmable water distribution pattern.
  • the position of the nozzle is controlled by a control unit and powered by electrical current.
  • the use of electrical current to move and control position of the nozzle has several inherent disadvantages: Firstly, the sprinkler is more expensive than conventional sprinklers, in terms of costs of manufacturing, maintenance, and use, considering its operation entails also electricity costs. Furthermore, the installation of this sprinkler requires changing of the entire irrigation infrastructure as it cannot adapt to conventional sprinklers. Moreover, the sprinkler is more prone to failure as it is dependent of electrical power.
  • the sprinkler of this teaching similarly to all other sprinklers with adjustable irrigation pattern known from prior art, is a one piece sprinkler which is not adaptable to an existing standard sprinkler and therefore requires replacement of the entire existing standard sprinkler and mechanism when installed. This creates a significant drawback as upgrading array of sprinklers to sprinklers with adjustable irrigation pattern involves high costs of replacement of existing sprinklers, which might discourage users from upgrading their array of sprinklers and continue to use wasteful conventional sprinklers.
  • the present invention provides a novel rotary sprinkler and a method for the use thereof, mainly for purposes of irrigation of vegetation areas with non-radial shapes or complex topographies, such as various types of crops, gardens or parks.
  • One preferred embodiment of the present invention is a sprinkler head comprising a tiltable nozzle head, a mobile lever, a track frame and multiple configurable track segments.
  • the sprinkler head is fitted to be installed on standard rotor sprinklers, and rotatable by any rotary sprinkler mechanism known from the prior art which is installed within body of the standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the track frame is fixed around the body of the sprinkler and the multiple configurable track segments are consecutively installed on the track frame.
  • Each of the multiple configurable track segments is configurable to set its vertical position, such that all multiple configurable track segments form a continuous track with variable topography on the track frame, horizontally encircling body of the standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the continuous track formed by the mentioned multiple configurable track segments is thereby configurable to set any predetermined variable topography, intended to correspond to the characteristics of the designated area around the sprinkler.
  • the mobile lever is vertically positioned alongside body of the sprinkler, coupled at its upper end to the tiltable nozzle head and transportably leaning at its bottom end against the mentioned continuous track formed by the multiple track segments to allow the lever to shift along the continuous track when the sprinkler is activated, such that the predetermined variable topography of the continuous track changes vertical position of lever, causing lever to tilt the tiltable nozzle head in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern of variable angles corresponding to the characteristics of the designated perimeter around the sprinkler.
  • An important advantage of this embodiment is the sprinkler head’s adaptability to any standard rotor sprinkler, which allows upgrading any standard rotor sprinkler into a sprinkler with configurable irrigation pattern for areas with non-radial shape or complex topography, without requiring replacement of infrastructure or sprinkler itself, thereby significantly reducing costs of upgrading existing standard sprinklers.
  • a wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever, said wheel leans against said continuous track and configured to roll on said continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated.
  • the wheel is intended to facilitate smooth movement of the mobile lever on the continuous track.
  • the sprinkler head further comprising a second track frame and further multiple configurable elements consecutively installed on said second track frame forming a second continuous track, said second track frame also fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler above and spaced apart from said track frame.
  • the sprinkler head further comprising a track diverter fixed alongside body of standard rotor sprinkler and interconnecting said continuous track with said second continuous track.
  • the track diverter is configured to cause said mobile lever to shift between said continuous track and said second continuous track each time said mobile lever crosses said track diverter, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the track diverter can be formed from a single track segment tiltably suspended on a hinge directly above first continuous track and directly below second continuous track. When tilted upwards said track diverter directs mobile lever to shift from first continuous track to second continuous track above, and when tilted downwards said track diverter directs mobile lever to shift from the second continuous track to the first continuous track below.
  • the track diverter is configured to change its position each time the mobile lever crosses it, such that each time the mobile lever crosses the track diverter the mobile lever shifts from one continuous track to the other, thereby resulting in a cyclic alternate shifting of the mobile lever between both continuous tracks when sprinkler is activated, which in turn, results in a two-step irrigation pattern of the sprinkler.
  • the present invention should be construed to include incorporation of any element capable of performing the function of alternate shifting between two tracks known from the prior art.
  • the sprinkler head further comprising a second track frame and further multiple configurable elements consecutively installed on said second track frame forming a second continuous track, said second track frame fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler above and spaced apart from said track frame.
  • the mobile lever is configured to shift between said continuous track and said second continuous track each time rotation direction of standard rotor sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the first continuous track is configurable to set a short range irrigation pattern and the second continuous track is configurable to set a long range irrigation pattern.
  • the tiltable nozzle head is tilted in accordance with patterns on first continuous track and second continuous track, alternately, thereby sprinkler’s jet is covering both short range and long range around sprinkler in a two-step irrigation cycle of the sprinkler.
  • the track frame is configured as a double-level track frame having two levels, each level corresponding to a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler, and the mobile lever alternately shifts between said two levels of said double-level track frame during operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the first continuous track is facing upwards and second continuous track is facing downwards.
  • a first wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever, said first wheel is capable of leaning against and rolling on said continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated.
  • a second wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever directly above said first wheel, said second wheel is capable of leaning against and rolling on said second continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated.
  • the mobile lever is configured to alternately shift between first continuous track and second continuous track each time rotation direction of the sprinkler is changed, such that each of first wheel and second wheel alternately engage with first continuous track and second continuous track, respectively, each time rotation direction of standard rotor sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two- step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • each of the multiple configurable elements comprising an undulating surface, altogether forming an undulating continuous track with variable topography, such that while sprinkler is activated, vertical position of the mobile lever is changed based on the variable topography while vertically oscillating along said undulating continuous track.
  • This causes the tiltable nozzle head to be tilted in accordance with the variable topography of the continuous track, and simultaneously to gently fluctuate in accordance with undulating surface on the continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a fluctuatingly predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the advantage of the undulating surface on the track is that it causes the jet of the sprinkler to scatter across a wider range in each direction the sprinkler is directed, compensating areas on the margins of the designated perimeter that would otherwise not get any water. Since the directing of the sprinkler's jet to specific areas is more sensitive to deviations due to wind or change in water pressure, the use of undulating surface to generate constant fluctuation of the jet compensates such deviations and ensures designated perimeter is watered to a similar extent under different conditions.
  • the sprinkler described herein further comprising a set of cams installed through and along the track frame, wherein each cam in the set of cams is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
  • the sprinkler described herein further comprising a set of screws installed through and along the track frame, wherein each screw in the set of screws is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
  • the sprinkler further comprising a set of rollers installed through and along said track frame, wherein each roller in the set of rollers is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
  • the sprinkler described herein further comprising a dynamic flow valve installed within the tiltable nozzle head, said dynamic flow valve is configured to gradually expand its aperture to increase the flow of liquid the more said tiltable nozzle head is tilted upwards, and gradually contract its aperture to decrease the flow of liquid the more said tiltable nozzle head is tilted downwards, thereby regulating the discharge of liquid through said tiltable nozzle head in accordance with the tilting angle of said tiltable nozzle head.
  • the sprinkler described herein further comprising a dynamic flow valve installed within said tiltable nozzle head, said dynamic flow valve is configurable to fully close its aperture when said tiltable nozzle head is tilted fully downwards.
  • the track frame described herein is circular.
  • the track frame described herein is an incomplete circle and the rotatable sprinkler mechanism described herein is configured to rotate alternately in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
  • the sprinkler described herein further comprising breaking elements movably installed around circumference of body of said sprinkler and capable of being fixed in a specific position to delimit the rotation scope of said tiltable nozzle head.
  • the breaking elements can be movably installed on the track frame.
  • said sprinkler further comprising a second nozzle head mounted on said rotatable sprinkler mechanism adjacent to said tiltable nozzle head, said second nozzle head is statically directed downwards towards the area closest to said sprinkler.
  • the sprinkler head and standard rotor sprinkler are integrally formed as one unit, and provided as a rotor sprinkler with an adjustable irrigation pattern.
  • the sprinkler further comprising a pop-up mechanism configured to retract the body of said sprinkler into an underground cavity constructed to house body of said sprinkler when sprinkler is deactivated and lift the body of said sprinkler above ground level when sprinkler is activated.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for use and adjustment of the sprinkler head describing herein, the method comprising the steps of installing the sprinkler head described herein on a standard rotor sprinkler, configuring each of the configurable track segments to form one continuous track with topography corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around sprinkler, and activating the sprinkler to discharge liquid in a pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around sprinkler.
  • a sprinkler head comprising a tiltable nozzle head, a track frame and multiple configurable track segments.
  • the sprinkler head is installable on standard rotor sprinkler and rotatable by rotary sprinkler mechanism installed within body of standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the track frame is fixed around the body of the standard rotor sprinkler, and the multiple configurable track segments are consecutively installed on the track frame, with each configurable track segment configurable to set its vertical position, thereby the configurable track segments forming a continuous track with variable topography horizontally encircling body of standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the front or rear end of the tiltable nozzle head is transportably leaning at its bottom end against the continuous track allowing the tiltable nozzle head to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that the variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head to tilt in accordance with the variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • a sprinkler head comprising a tiltable nozzle head, a track frame and at least one flexible configurable track segment.
  • the flexible configurable track segments can be formed from any solid flexible material that can be repeatedly bent into various stable positions without cracking.
  • the sprinkler head is installable on standard rotor sprinkler and rotatable by rotary sprinkler mechanism installed within body of standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the track frame is fixed around the body of the standard rotor sprinkler, and the at least one flexible configurable track segment is consecutively installed on the track frame, with each of at least one flexible configurable track segment having at least one positioning means for configuring vertical position of a portion of said at least one flexible configurable segment adjacent to said at least one positioning means, thereby the at least one flexible configurable track segment forming a continuous track with variable topography horizontally encircling body of standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the front or rear end of the tiltable nozzle head is transportably leaning at its bottom end against the continuous track allowing the tiltable nozzle head to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that the variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head to tilt in accordance with the variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • sprinkler described herein should be interpreted to include all known kinds of uses for sprinklers in the field of agriculture, such as frost protection by mist precipitation and humidification of areas.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a sprinkler head with a mechanism for adjustment of water distribution pattern, in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head.
  • Fig. 3 depicts a track frame with a set of screws and multiple configurable track segments.
  • Fig. 4 depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention, including a set of rollers.
  • Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b depict a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention with a dynamic flow valve, in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head and dynamic flow valve.
  • Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b depict a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a pop-up mechanism, in two positions of the sprinkler and pop-up mechanism.
  • Fig. 7 depicts a sprinkler head and mechanism in accordance with the present invention, adaptable to a standard sprinkler body.
  • Fig. 8 depicts a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention with a tiltable nozzle head and a second nozzle head fixed in a downward direction.
  • Fig. 9a and Fig 9b depict a two track frames with continuous tracks on them facing each other in accordance with the present invention, and bottom end of mobile lever with two wheels each facing another continuous track.
  • Fig. 10 depicts two track frames and a track diverter in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 depicts a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention, with undulating surface on each of multiple configurable elements on track frame.
  • Fig. 12a and Fig 12b depict two embodiments of a double-level single track in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 13a and Fig 13b depict another embodiment of a sprinkler head with a mechanism for adjustment of water distribution pattern, in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 14a and Fig 14b depict another embodiment of a sprinkler head with a mechanism for adjustment of water distribution pattern having flexible configurable track segments, in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a sprinkler 100 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the sprinkler 100 comprises a sprinkler body 110, a track frame 120, multiple configurable track segments 130, a mobile lever 140 and a tiltable nozzle head 150.
  • the sprinkler body 110 houses a rotatable sprinkler mechanism (non-visible).
  • the tiltable nozzle head 150 is mounted on top of sprinkler body and connected to the sprinkler externally through a hinge to allow it to tilt upwards and downwards, and internally through a pipe to form flow communication between nozzle and outlet of sprinkler body 110.
  • the track frame 120 is suspended around the sprinkler body 110, and the multiple configurable track segments 130 are consecutively installed on the track frame 120 to form a continuous track.
  • a mobile lever 140 is vertically positioned alongside the sprinkler body 110, coupled at its upper end to said tiltable nozzle head and transportably leaning at its bottom end against said continuous track to allow the mobile lever 140 to shift along said continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated such that said predetermined variable topography of said continuous track changes vertical position of the mobile lever 140, causing the mobile lever 140 to tilt said tiltable nozzle head 150 in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around said sprinkler.
  • Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head.
  • Fig. 2a illustrates the tiltable nozzle head tilted upwards, as a result of the mobile lever pulled down while shifting across a configurable track segment configured in a position relatively distant from tiltable nozzle head.
  • Fig. 2b illustrates the tiltable nozzle head straightened, as a result of the mobile lever being balanced while shifting across a configurable track segment configured in a position relatively close to to tiltable nozzle head.
  • Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a track frame 310 with a set of screws 320 and multiple configurable track segments 330.
  • Each screw of the set of screws 320 is installed through the track frame 310 and coupled in its distal end to a corresponding configurable track segment from the multiple configurable track segments 330.
  • Each screw can be rotated through its proximal end in one direction to push the corresponding track segment downwards, and in the opposite direction to pull the corresponding track segment upwards, thereby adjusting the topography of the continuous track formed by the multiple configurable track segments 330 to correspond to the characteristics of the designated area around the sprinkler.
  • Fig. 4 depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler 400 in accordance with the present invention, including a set of cam rollers 420.
  • the sprinkler 400 further comprising a sprinkler body 440, a track frame 410, multiple configurable track segments 430, a mobile lever 450 and a tiltable nozzle head 460.
  • Each roller of the set of rollers 420 is connected to a corresponding configurable track segment of the multiple track segment via a short rod 425, and can be spun in one direction to push the corresponding track segment downwards, and in the opposite direction to pull the corresponding track segment upwards, thereby adjusting the topography of the continuous track formed by the multiple configurable track segments 430 to correspond to the characteristics of the designated area around the sprinkler.
  • Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b depict a top portion of a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a dynamic flow valve, in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head and dynamic flow valve.
  • Fig. 5a illustrates a tiltable nozzle head 510a tilted upwards.
  • the tiltable nozzle head housing a dynamic flow valve 520a which regulates the flow of liquid passing from inlet of tiltable nozzle head towards the nozzle by changing the aperture of the nozzle head cavity.
  • the rear end of the dynamic flow valve 520a is movably installed into a narrow slot in a static lever 530a mounted on the top portion of sprinkler's body, such that tilting of the tiltable nozzle head 510a causes rear end of the dynamic flow valve to move along the narrow slot in the static lever 530a, thereby changing the position of the dynamic flow valve 520a inside the nozzle head cavity to expand the aperture of the nozzle head cavity and allow more liquid to flow towards the nozzle during a given timeframe.
  • Fig. 5b illustrates a tiltable nozzle head 510b balanced in a horizontal position wherein the jet of liquid discharged from the nozzle having a relatively low trajectory. In this position, the dynamic flow valve 520b is pulled backwards towards the static lever 530b, thereby contracting the aperture of the nozzle head cavity to allow less liquid to flow towards the nozzle during a given timeframe.
  • Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b depict a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a pop-up mechanism, in two positions of the sprinkler and pop-up mechanism.
  • Fig. 6a illustrates the sprinkler when deactivated, wherein the pop-up mechanism (non-visible) configured to retract the body of the sprinkler into an underground cavity constructed to house body of the sprinkler.
  • Fig. 6b illustrates the sprinkler when activated, wherein the pop-up mechanism is configured to lift the body of said sprinkler above ground level.
  • the pop-up mechanism can be any of the pop-up mechanism known in the art, such as mechanisms operated by hydraulic power or by electromechanical power.
  • Fig. 7 depicts a sprinkler head and mechanism in accordance with the present invention, adaptable to a standard sprinkler body.
  • the sprinkler head and mechanism comprising a tiltable nozzle head 710a, a mobile lever 710b, a track frame 710c and multiple configurable track segments 710d.
  • the sprinkler head and mechanism can be adapted to a standard sprinkler body 720, by mounting the tiltable nozzle head 710a on the top adaptable part of the sprinkler body 720, and installing the track frame 710d around the sprinkler body 720, such that the bottom end of the mobile lever 710b is transportably leaning against the continuous track formed by multiple track segments 710d on track frame 710c, and the top part of the mobile lever 710b is coupled via a hinge to rear side of tiltable nozzle head 710a.
  • Fig. 8 depicts a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a tiltable nozzle head 810 and a second nozzle head 820 fixed in a downward direction.
  • the tiltable nozzle head 810 is tiltable on a vertical axis and intended to cover areas in different ranges from the sprinkler, while the second nozzle head 820 is fixed adjacently to the tiltable nozzle head 810 in a downward angle to cover the area closest to the sprinkler, such that when both nozzles discharge liquid simultaneously the sprinkler is capable of covering the entire range between the sprinkler and the farthest point to which the tiltable nozzle 810 head can discharge liquid.
  • Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b depict a side view and isometric view, respectively, of a two track structure, having two track frames fixed directly on above the other around body of sprinkler, first lower track frame 910 and second upper track frame 920.
  • Each of said track frames having multiple configurable elements forming a continuous track on each track frame.
  • the continuous track on track frame 910 is facing upwards and continuous track on track frame 920 is facing downwards.
  • the mobile lever 930 having two wheels installed on its bottom end, a lower wheel 940 facing downwards and engagable with continuous track on track frame 910 and upper wheel 950 facing upwards and engagable with continuous track on track frame 920.
  • the mobile lever 930 is configured to alternately shift between continuous track on track frame 910 and continuous track on track frame 920 each time rotation direction of the sprinkler is changed, such that each of lower wheel 940 and upper wheel 950 alternately engage with continuous track on track frame 910 and continuous track on track frame 920, respectively, each time rotation direction of sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of sprinkler, each step having a separate configurable variable topography and covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • Fig. 10 depicts two track frames and a track diverter in accordance with the present invention.
  • Lower tack frame 1010 and upper track frame 1020 are fixed one above the of the other around body of sprinkler.
  • the track diverter 1030 is fixed alongside body of sprinkler and interconnecting continuous track on lower tack frame 1010 and continuous track on upper track frame 1020.
  • the track diverter 1030 is configured to cause the mobile lever 1040 to shift between continuous track on lower tack frame 1010 and continuous track on upper track frame 1020, and the other way around, each time mobile lever 1040 crosses track diverter 1030, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the track diverter 1030 is formed from a single track segment tiltably suspended on a hinge. When tilted upwards track diverter 1030 directs mobile lever 1040 to shift from first continuous track 1010 to second continuous track 1020 above, and when tilted downwards the track diverter 1030 directs mobile lever 1040 to shift from the second continuous track 1020 to the first continuous track 1010 below.
  • the track diverter 1030 is configured to change its position each time the mobile lever 1040 crosses it, such that each time the mobile lever crosses the track diverter the mobile lever shifts from one continuous track to the other, thereby resulting in a cyclic alternate shifting of the mobile lever between both continuous tracks when sprinkler is activated, which in turn, results in a two-step irrigation pattern of the sprinkler.
  • FIG. 11 depicts a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention, with undulating surface on each of multiple configurable elements on track frame.
  • the track frame 1110 comprising multiple configurable track segments 1120, each of track segments 1120 having an undulating surface 1130. Shifting of mobile lever 1140 on the undulating surface 1130 causing the mobile lever 1140 to gently fluctuate, which in turn, causing the tiltable nozzle head 1150 to fluctuate during the entire rotation cycle of the sprinkler, while being tilted in accordance with the configured topography of the continuous track on the track frame 1110.
  • Fig. 12a and Fig 12b depict two embodiments of a double-level single track frame in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 12a depicts a double-level track frame forming an incomplete circle around a standard rotor sprinkle, configured for a two-directional rotation mode of a standard rotor sprinkler.
  • the upper level 1210 of the double-level track frame is facing downwards and positioned directly above lower level 1220 which is facing upwards, each level corresponding to a different range around the sprinkler.
  • Both levels 1210 and 1220 are interconnected from both ends by vertical connecting segments 1240, such that when the standard rotor sprinkler is activated, the mobile lever 1230 alternately shifts between the lower level 1220 and upper level 1210 of the track frame, forming a two-step operation cycle of the sprinkler covering two different ranges around the sprinkler.
  • Fig. 12b depicts a double-level track frame in the form of two intertwined loops spirally configured into one continuous track frame.
  • the upper level 1250 is configured to cover longer range around the sprinkler and lower level 1260 is configured to cover shorter range around sprinkler.
  • the mobile lever 1270 alternately shifts between the lower level 1260 and upper level 1250 of the track frame, forming a two-step operation cycle of the sprinkler covering two different ranges around the sprinkler.
  • Fig. 13a and Fig. 13b depict a sprinkler 1300 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the sprinkler 1300 comprises a sprinkler body 1350, a tiltable nozzle head 1310, a track frame 1320, multiple configurable track segments 1321, each configurable track segment has a corresponding position adjustment screw 1322 for configuration of vertical position of the configurable track segment.
  • the sprinkler body 1350 houses a rotatable sprinkler mechanism (non-visible) driving rotational movement of the tiltable nozzle head 1310 on the axis of the sprinkler.
  • the tiltable nozzle head 1310 is mounted on top of sprinkler body 1350 and connected to the sprinkler externally through a hinge to allow it to tilt upwards and downwards, and internally through a pipe (non-visible) to form flow communication between nozzle and outlet of sprinkler body 1350.
  • the track frame 1320 is suspended around the sprinkler body 1350, and the multiple configurable track segments 1321 are consecutively installed on the track frame 1320 to form a continuous track.
  • the rear end of the tiltable nozzle head 1310 comprising an upper wheel 1315 transportably leaning against the upper side of continuous track and a lower wheel 1316 transportably leaning against the lower side of the continuous track, to allow the tiltable nozzle head 1310 to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that said predetermined variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head 1310 to be tilted in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of the continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around said sprinkler.
  • Fig. 14a and Fig. 14b depict a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 14a depicts a sprinkler 1400 comprises a sprinkler body (not visible), a tiltable nozzle head 1420, a track frame 1410 and multiple flexible configurable track segments 1415.
  • each flexible configurable track segment has two corresponding position adjustment screws 1416a and 1416b for configuration of vertical position of the adjacent portions of the flexible configurable track segment 1417a and 1417b, respectively.
  • the sprinkler body houses a rotatable sprinkler mechanism (non-visible) driving rotational movement of the tiltable nozzle head 1420 on the axis of the sprinkler.
  • the tiltable nozzle head 1420 is mounted on top of sprinkler body and connected to the sprinkler externally through a hinge 1430 to allow it to tilt upwards and downwards, and internally through a pipe (non-visible) to form flow communication between nozzle and outlet of sprinkler body.
  • the track frame 1410 is suspended around the sprinkler body, and the multiple flexible configurable track segments 1415 are consecutively installed on the track frame 1410 to form a continuous track.
  • the rear end of the tiltable nozzle head 1420 comprises a wheel 1422 transportably leaning on the the continuous track, to allow the tiltable nozzle head 1420 to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that said predetermined variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head 1420 to be tilted in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of the continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around said sprinkler.
  • Fig. 14b depicts a bottom view of the multiple flexible configurable track segments and position adjustment screws shown in Fig. 14a.

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel sprinkler head adaptable to standard rotor sprinkler for the purpose of irrigation of areas with non-radial shapes or complex topography while providing an even distribution of liquids. The sprinkler head comprising a tiltable nozzle head capable of directing stream of liquid discharged through the nozzle in different angles on a vertical axis. A track frame is fixed around body of sprinkler and multiple configurable track segments consecutively installed on the track frame to form a continuous track with variable topography around the sprinkler, allowing a user to configure the continuous track's topography to correspond to the desired irrigation distance. A mobile lever connects between the tiltable nozzle head and continuous track, and shifts along the continuous track while sprinkler is activated, causing the tiltable nozzle head to be tilted in accordance with the configured topography of the continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around the sprinkler. Further embodiment of the present invention includes the use of a dynamic flow valve for regulation of water discharge in accordance with the angle of the tiltable nozzle head to allow constant distribution of water across various distances.

Description

A DEVICE INSTALLABLE ON SPRINKLER LOR IRRIGATION OL A
NON-RADIAL PERIMETER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of irrigation, and specifically to sprinklers with mechanism for adjustment of liquid distribution pattern.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of irrigation technology has evolved throughout the last century, with field and lawn sprinklers becoming one of the most common means for watering and fertilizing of large areas of vegetation, such as various types of crops, parks or gardens.
One of the primary shortcomings of most conventional sprinklers is the inability to differentiate between different areas with different characteristics or shapes, and to regulate distribution of liquids in accordance with the conditions and requirements of a specific area, shape of the perimeter covered by a sprinkler, position of plants in such a perimeter and existence of obstacles in such a perimeter. As a result, it is common for conventional irrigation systems in vegetation areas with complex shapes, such as parks and gardens, to be constructed such that adjacent sprinklers will have overlapping areas covered by jets of two or more sprinklers, to avoid dead-zones with no reach of water. This method obviously results in a great waste of water and excessive watering of overlapping areas, which also leads to non-uniform growth of vegetation areas.
This drawback has become more and more significant as result of the ever-growing need in more agricultural crops, parks and gardens due to population growth, considering water scarcity has become a serious problem in many areas in the world.
Various developments in irrigation technology have tried to address this issue by providing mechanisms for controlling and regulating even distribution of irrigation in areas of vegetation, in accordance with the unique characteristics of each area's shape, size and topography.
US 8113443 B2 provides such a solution taking the form of a rotary sprinkler with a mechanism for regulating pattern of liquid discharge around a sprinkler's perimeter. This publication teaches about a rotary sprinkler with a structure around it allowing to configure the angle of liquid discharge in each direction around sprinkler by utilizing an array of biasing elements installed around sprinkler's circumference and a liquid deflector installed above the nozzle of the sprinkler, wherein the array of biasing elements remains in a static position above the nozzle, while the nozzle head and liquid deflector are rotating during the sprinkler's operation, and the liquid deflector's distal end is driven against biasing elements, tilting the liquid deflector in different angles corresponding to the position of each biasing element, thereby deflecting the spray of liquid discharged through the nozzle in accordance with the predetermined setup of biasing elements, intended to reflect the shape of perimeter around the sprinkler.
However, this teaching suffers from various drawbacks, not addressed by any other publication in the prior art. Firstly, the nozzle is installed in a fixed position to discharge liquid in one constant angle. The spray of liquid itself is not tilted, but only deflected by the liquid deflector which is configured to block part of the spray and deflect it downwards in various angles. This solution is considerably inefficient as deflection of spray rather than tilting of the nozzle itself results in an inaccurate and dispersed stream of liquid, likely to be spread to undesired directions and the deflection of spray results in changing the drops size, causing less controlled and ineffective irrigation. Additionally, the use of deflector to block the spray of liquid necessarily means some of the liquid discharged through the nozzle aggregates on the deflector itself and pours down onto the vicinity of the sprinkler instead of reaching the desired areas. The deflector is also prone to deformation due to constant direct and close contact with high pressure discharge of water, as well as due to prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions. Even a slight deformation of the deflector affects the scattering pattern of the liquid that comes in contact with the deflector, and therefore requires constant calibration and fine tuning of the biasing elements in order to preserve and maintain the desired configuration of liquid distribution around perimeter of the sprinkler. Furthermore, the use of deflector compromises the energy of the jet of liquid discharged from the nozzle, and therefore requires to increase the water pressure in order to reach the same distance that would have been reached by a sprinkler without deflector, resulting in a waste of water.
US20120018532 describes another sprinkler with programmable water distribution pattern. In this teaching, the position of the nozzle is controlled by a control unit and powered by electrical current. The use of electrical current to move and control position of the nozzle has several inherent disadvantages: Firstly, the sprinkler is more expensive than conventional sprinklers, in terms of costs of manufacturing, maintenance, and use, considering its operation entails also electricity costs. Furthermore, the installation of this sprinkler requires changing of the entire irrigation infrastructure as it cannot adapt to conventional sprinklers. Moreover, the sprinkler is more prone to failure as it is dependent of electrical power. It should be also emphasized, that the sprinkler of this teaching, similarly to all other sprinklers with adjustable irrigation pattern known from prior art, is a one piece sprinkler which is not adaptable to an existing standard sprinkler and therefore requires replacement of the entire existing standard sprinkler and mechanism when installed. This creates a significant drawback as upgrading array of sprinklers to sprinklers with adjustable irrigation pattern involves high costs of replacement of existing sprinklers, which might discourage users from upgrading their array of sprinklers and continue to use wasteful conventional sprinklers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel rotary sprinkler and a method for the use thereof, mainly for purposes of irrigation of vegetation areas with non-radial shapes or complex topographies, such as various types of crops, gardens or parks.
One preferred embodiment of the present invention is a sprinkler head comprising a tiltable nozzle head, a mobile lever, a track frame and multiple configurable track segments. The sprinkler head is fitted to be installed on standard rotor sprinklers, and rotatable by any rotary sprinkler mechanism known from the prior art which is installed within body of the standard rotor sprinkler. The track frame is fixed around the body of the sprinkler and the multiple configurable track segments are consecutively installed on the track frame. Each of the multiple configurable track segments is configurable to set its vertical position, such that all multiple configurable track segments form a continuous track with variable topography on the track frame, horizontally encircling body of the standard rotor sprinkler. The continuous track formed by the mentioned multiple configurable track segments is thereby configurable to set any predetermined variable topography, intended to correspond to the characteristics of the designated area around the sprinkler. The mobile lever is vertically positioned alongside body of the sprinkler, coupled at its upper end to the tiltable nozzle head and transportably leaning at its bottom end against the mentioned continuous track formed by the multiple track segments to allow the lever to shift along the continuous track when the sprinkler is activated, such that the predetermined variable topography of the continuous track changes vertical position of lever, causing lever to tilt the tiltable nozzle head in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern of variable angles corresponding to the characteristics of the designated perimeter around the sprinkler. An important advantage of this embodiment is the sprinkler head’s adaptability to any standard rotor sprinkler, which allows upgrading any standard rotor sprinkler into a sprinkler with configurable irrigation pattern for areas with non-radial shape or complex topography, without requiring replacement of infrastructure or sprinkler itself, thereby significantly reducing costs of upgrading existing standard sprinklers.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever, said wheel leans against said continuous track and configured to roll on said continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated. The wheel is intended to facilitate smooth movement of the mobile lever on the continuous track. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler head further comprising a second track frame and further multiple configurable elements consecutively installed on said second track frame forming a second continuous track, said second track frame also fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler above and spaced apart from said track frame. The sprinkler head further comprising a track diverter fixed alongside body of standard rotor sprinkler and interconnecting said continuous track with said second continuous track.
The track diverter is configured to cause said mobile lever to shift between said continuous track and said second continuous track each time said mobile lever crosses said track diverter, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler. The track diverter can be formed from a single track segment tiltably suspended on a hinge directly above first continuous track and directly below second continuous track. When tilted upwards said track diverter directs mobile lever to shift from first continuous track to second continuous track above, and when tilted downwards said track diverter directs mobile lever to shift from the second continuous track to the first continuous track below. The track diverter is configured to change its position each time the mobile lever crosses it, such that each time the mobile lever crosses the track diverter the mobile lever shifts from one continuous track to the other, thereby resulting in a cyclic alternate shifting of the mobile lever between both continuous tracks when sprinkler is activated, which in turn, results in a two-step irrigation pattern of the sprinkler. The present invention should be construed to include incorporation of any element capable of performing the function of alternate shifting between two tracks known from the prior art.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler head further comprising a second track frame and further multiple configurable elements consecutively installed on said second track frame forming a second continuous track, said second track frame fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler above and spaced apart from said track frame. During operation of the standard rotor sprinkler in a two-directional rotation mode, the mobile lever is configured to shift between said continuous track and said second continuous track each time rotation direction of standard rotor sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
The alternate use of two continuous tracks, each with a different variable topography, for setting the irrigation pattern of the sprinkler, creates a further novel improvement for sprinklers with configurable irrigation pattern which in itself provides an important advantage over such sprinklers. All known sprinklers with configurable irrigation pattern have one track, or an equivalent element, for configuring a specific vertical angle for liquid discharge at any given horizontal position of the sprinkler’s nozzle. The problem with such structure, is that directing the jet of the sprinkler to a long range necessarily results in less or nearly no water reaching the shorter ranges. This might be desired if there is no vegetation in the short range, but undesired if there is. The use of a second nozzle constantly directed downwards towards the shorter range is useful only if there is a need in distributing water to that area as well, but otherwise, is wasteful. Therefore, the problem with such sprinklers is that there is no control over irrigation pattern in the shorter range. The alternate use of two continuous tracks to form a two-step irrigation cycle, as taught in the present invention, allows configuring an outline of designated area and setting not only the external range of the perimeter around the sprinkler, but also the internal range of that perimeter. This results in a highly accurate and confined irrigation pattern which minimizes waste of water.
In another embodiment of the present invention based on any of previous two embodiments, the first continuous track is configurable to set a short range irrigation pattern and the second continuous track is configurable to set a long range irrigation pattern. Thus, the tiltable nozzle head is tilted in accordance with patterns on first continuous track and second continuous track, alternately, thereby sprinkler’s jet is covering both short range and long range around sprinkler in a two-step irrigation cycle of the sprinkler.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the track frame is configured as a double-level track frame having two levels, each level corresponding to a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler, and the mobile lever alternately shifts between said two levels of said double-level track frame during operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler.
In another embodiment of the present invention based on any of the mentioned embodiments comprising two continuous tracks, the first continuous track is facing upwards and second continuous track is facing downwards. A first wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever, said first wheel is capable of leaning against and rolling on said continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated. A second wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever directly above said first wheel, said second wheel is capable of leaning against and rolling on said second continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated. During operation of a standard rotor sprinkler in a two-directional rotation mode, the mobile lever is configured to alternately shift between first continuous track and second continuous track each time rotation direction of the sprinkler is changed, such that each of first wheel and second wheel alternately engage with first continuous track and second continuous track, respectively, each time rotation direction of standard rotor sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two- step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of the multiple configurable elements comprising an undulating surface, altogether forming an undulating continuous track with variable topography, such that while sprinkler is activated, vertical position of the mobile lever is changed based on the variable topography while vertically oscillating along said undulating continuous track. This causes the tiltable nozzle head to be tilted in accordance with the variable topography of the continuous track, and simultaneously to gently fluctuate in accordance with undulating surface on the continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a fluctuatingly predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
The advantage of the undulating surface on the track is that it causes the jet of the sprinkler to scatter across a wider range in each direction the sprinkler is directed, compensating areas on the margins of the designated perimeter that would otherwise not get any water. Since the directing of the sprinkler's jet to specific areas is more sensitive to deviations due to wind or change in water pressure, the use of undulating surface to generate constant fluctuation of the jet compensates such deviations and ensures designated perimeter is watered to a similar extent under different conditions.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler described herein further comprising a set of cams installed through and along the track frame, wherein each cam in the set of cams is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler described herein further comprising a set of screws installed through and along the track frame, wherein each screw in the set of screws is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler further comprising a set of rollers installed through and along said track frame, wherein each roller in the set of rollers is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler described herein further comprising a dynamic flow valve installed within the tiltable nozzle head, said dynamic flow valve is configured to gradually expand its aperture to increase the flow of liquid the more said tiltable nozzle head is tilted upwards, and gradually contract its aperture to decrease the flow of liquid the more said tiltable nozzle head is tilted downwards, thereby regulating the discharge of liquid through said tiltable nozzle head in accordance with the tilting angle of said tiltable nozzle head.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler described herein further comprising a dynamic flow valve installed within said tiltable nozzle head, said dynamic flow valve is configurable to fully close its aperture when said tiltable nozzle head is tilted fully downwards.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the track frame described herein is circular.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the track frame described herein is an incomplete circle and the rotatable sprinkler mechanism described herein is configured to rotate alternately in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler described herein further comprising breaking elements movably installed around circumference of body of said sprinkler and capable of being fixed in a specific position to delimit the rotation scope of said tiltable nozzle head. Alternatively, the breaking elements can be movably installed on the track frame.
In another embodiment of the present invention, said sprinkler further comprising a second nozzle head mounted on said rotatable sprinkler mechanism adjacent to said tiltable nozzle head, said second nozzle head is statically directed downwards towards the area closest to said sprinkler.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkler head and standard rotor sprinkler are integrally formed as one unit, and provided as a rotor sprinkler with an adjustable irrigation pattern.
According to another embodiment based on previous embodiment, the sprinkler further comprising a pop-up mechanism configured to retract the body of said sprinkler into an underground cavity constructed to house body of said sprinkler when sprinkler is deactivated and lift the body of said sprinkler above ground level when sprinkler is activated.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for use and adjustment of the sprinkler head describing herein, the method comprising the steps of installing the sprinkler head described herein on a standard rotor sprinkler, configuring each of the configurable track segments to form one continuous track with topography corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around sprinkler, and activating the sprinkler to discharge liquid in a pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around sprinkler.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a sprinkler head comprising a tiltable nozzle head, a track frame and multiple configurable track segments. The sprinkler head is installable on standard rotor sprinkler and rotatable by rotary sprinkler mechanism installed within body of standard rotor sprinkler. The track frame is fixed around the body of the standard rotor sprinkler, and the multiple configurable track segments are consecutively installed on the track frame, with each configurable track segment configurable to set its vertical position, thereby the configurable track segments forming a continuous track with variable topography horizontally encircling body of standard rotor sprinkler. The front or rear end of the tiltable nozzle head is transportably leaning at its bottom end against the continuous track allowing the tiltable nozzle head to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that the variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head to tilt in accordance with the variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a sprinkler head comprising a tiltable nozzle head, a track frame and at least one flexible configurable track segment. The flexible configurable track segments can be formed from any solid flexible material that can be repeatedly bent into various stable positions without cracking. The sprinkler head is installable on standard rotor sprinkler and rotatable by rotary sprinkler mechanism installed within body of standard rotor sprinkler. The track frame is fixed around the body of the standard rotor sprinkler, and the at least one flexible configurable track segment is consecutively installed on the track frame, with each of at least one flexible configurable track segment having at least one positioning means for configuring vertical position of a portion of said at least one flexible configurable segment adjacent to said at least one positioning means, thereby the at least one flexible configurable track segment forming a continuous track with variable topography horizontally encircling body of standard rotor sprinkler. The front or rear end of the tiltable nozzle head is transportably leaning at its bottom end against the continuous track allowing the tiltable nozzle head to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that the variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head to tilt in accordance with the variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
It is emphasized that the sprinkler described herein should be interpreted to include all known kinds of uses for sprinklers in the field of agriculture, such as frost protection by mist precipitation and humidification of areas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments and features of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings:
Fig. 1 depicts a sprinkler head with a mechanism for adjustment of water distribution pattern, in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head.
Fig. 3 depicts a track frame with a set of screws and multiple configurable track segments.
Fig. 4 depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention, including a set of rollers.
Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b depict a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention with a dynamic flow valve, in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head and dynamic flow valve.
Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b depict a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a pop-up mechanism, in two positions of the sprinkler and pop-up mechanism.
Fig. 7 depicts a sprinkler head and mechanism in accordance with the present invention, adaptable to a standard sprinkler body.
Fig. 8 depicts a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention with a tiltable nozzle head and a second nozzle head fixed in a downward direction.
Fig. 9a and Fig 9b depict a two track frames with continuous tracks on them facing each other in accordance with the present invention, and bottom end of mobile lever with two wheels each facing another continuous track.
Fig. 10 depicts two track frames and a track diverter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 11 depicts a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention, with undulating surface on each of multiple configurable elements on track frame.
Fig. 12a and Fig 12b depict two embodiments of a double-level single track in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 13a and Fig 13b depict another embodiment of a sprinkler head with a mechanism for adjustment of water distribution pattern, in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 14a and Fig 14b depict another embodiment of a sprinkler head with a mechanism for adjustment of water distribution pattern having flexible configurable track segments, in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, and so on, are not described in detail. A person skilled in the art will be able to utilize said mechanism or other mechanisms known from prior art to execute the present invention.
Fig. 1 depicts a sprinkler 100 in accordance with the present invention. The sprinkler 100 comprises a sprinkler body 110, a track frame 120, multiple configurable track segments 130, a mobile lever 140 and a tiltable nozzle head 150. The sprinkler body 110 houses a rotatable sprinkler mechanism (non-visible). The tiltable nozzle head 150 is mounted on top of sprinkler body and connected to the sprinkler externally through a hinge to allow it to tilt upwards and downwards, and internally through a pipe to form flow communication between nozzle and outlet of sprinkler body 110. The track frame 120 is suspended around the sprinkler body 110, and the multiple configurable track segments 130 are consecutively installed on the track frame 120 to form a continuous track. A mobile lever 140 is vertically positioned alongside the sprinkler body 110, coupled at its upper end to said tiltable nozzle head and transportably leaning at its bottom end against said continuous track to allow the mobile lever 140 to shift along said continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated such that said predetermined variable topography of said continuous track changes vertical position of the mobile lever 140, causing the mobile lever 140 to tilt said tiltable nozzle head 150 in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around said sprinkler.
Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head. Fig. 2a illustrates the tiltable nozzle head tilted upwards, as a result of the mobile lever pulled down while shifting across a configurable track segment configured in a position relatively distant from tiltable nozzle head. Fig. 2b illustrates the tiltable nozzle head straightened, as a result of the mobile lever being balanced while shifting across a configurable track segment configured in a position relatively close to to tiltable nozzle head.
Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a track frame 310 with a set of screws 320 and multiple configurable track segments 330. Each screw of the set of screws 320 is installed through the track frame 310 and coupled in its distal end to a corresponding configurable track segment from the multiple configurable track segments 330. Each screw can be rotated through its proximal end in one direction to push the corresponding track segment downwards, and in the opposite direction to pull the corresponding track segment upwards, thereby adjusting the topography of the continuous track formed by the multiple configurable track segments 330 to correspond to the characteristics of the designated area around the sprinkler.
Fig. 4 depict a cross-sectional view of a sprinkler 400 in accordance with the present invention, including a set of cam rollers 420. The sprinkler 400 further comprising a sprinkler body 440, a track frame 410, multiple configurable track segments 430, a mobile lever 450 and a tiltable nozzle head 460. Each roller of the set of rollers 420 is connected to a corresponding configurable track segment of the multiple track segment via a short rod 425, and can be spun in one direction to push the corresponding track segment downwards, and in the opposite direction to pull the corresponding track segment upwards, thereby adjusting the topography of the continuous track formed by the multiple configurable track segments 430 to correspond to the characteristics of the designated area around the sprinkler.
Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b depict a top portion of a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a dynamic flow valve, in two positions of the tiltable nozzle head and dynamic flow valve. Fig. 5a illustrates a tiltable nozzle head 510a tilted upwards. The tiltable nozzle head housing a dynamic flow valve 520a which regulates the flow of liquid passing from inlet of tiltable nozzle head towards the nozzle by changing the aperture of the nozzle head cavity. The rear end of the dynamic flow valve 520a is movably installed into a narrow slot in a static lever 530a mounted on the top portion of sprinkler's body, such that tilting of the tiltable nozzle head 510a causes rear end of the dynamic flow valve to move along the narrow slot in the static lever 530a, thereby changing the position of the dynamic flow valve 520a inside the nozzle head cavity to expand the aperture of the nozzle head cavity and allow more liquid to flow towards the nozzle during a given timeframe. Fig. 5b illustrates a tiltable nozzle head 510b balanced in a horizontal position wherein the jet of liquid discharged from the nozzle having a relatively low trajectory. In this position, the dynamic flow valve 520b is pulled backwards towards the static lever 530b, thereby contracting the aperture of the nozzle head cavity to allow less liquid to flow towards the nozzle during a given timeframe.
Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b depict a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a pop-up mechanism, in two positions of the sprinkler and pop-up mechanism. Fig. 6a illustrates the sprinkler when deactivated, wherein the pop-up mechanism (non-visible) configured to retract the body of the sprinkler into an underground cavity constructed to house body of the sprinkler. Fig. 6b illustrates the sprinkler when activated, wherein the pop-up mechanism is configured to lift the body of said sprinkler above ground level. The pop-up mechanism can be any of the pop-up mechanism known in the art, such as mechanisms operated by hydraulic power or by electromechanical power.
Fig. 7 depicts a sprinkler head and mechanism in accordance with the present invention, adaptable to a standard sprinkler body. The sprinkler head and mechanism comprising a tiltable nozzle head 710a, a mobile lever 710b, a track frame 710c and multiple configurable track segments 710d. The sprinkler head and mechanism can be adapted to a standard sprinkler body 720, by mounting the tiltable nozzle head 710a on the top adaptable part of the sprinkler body 720, and installing the track frame 710d around the sprinkler body 720, such that the bottom end of the mobile lever 710b is transportably leaning against the continuous track formed by multiple track segments 710d on track frame 710c, and the top part of the mobile lever 710b is coupled via a hinge to rear side of tiltable nozzle head 710a.
The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.
Fig. 8 depicts a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention with a tiltable nozzle head 810 and a second nozzle head 820 fixed in a downward direction. The tiltable nozzle head 810 is tiltable on a vertical axis and intended to cover areas in different ranges from the sprinkler, while the second nozzle head 820 is fixed adjacently to the tiltable nozzle head 810 in a downward angle to cover the area closest to the sprinkler, such that when both nozzles discharge liquid simultaneously the sprinkler is capable of covering the entire range between the sprinkler and the farthest point to which the tiltable nozzle 810 head can discharge liquid.
Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b depict a side view and isometric view, respectively, of a two track structure, having two track frames fixed directly on above the other around body of sprinkler, first lower track frame 910 and second upper track frame 920. Each of said track frames having multiple configurable elements forming a continuous track on each track frame. The continuous track on track frame 910 is facing upwards and continuous track on track frame 920 is facing downwards. The mobile lever 930 having two wheels installed on its bottom end, a lower wheel 940 facing downwards and engagable with continuous track on track frame 910 and upper wheel 950 facing upwards and engagable with continuous track on track frame 920.
During operation of the sprinkler in a two-directional rotation mode covering the full or part of the circular rotation axis of the sprinkler the mobile lever 930 is configured to alternately shift between continuous track on track frame 910 and continuous track on track frame 920 each time rotation direction of the sprinkler is changed, such that each of lower wheel 940 and upper wheel 950 alternately engage with continuous track on track frame 910 and continuous track on track frame 920, respectively, each time rotation direction of sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of sprinkler, each step having a separate configurable variable topography and covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
Fig. 10 depicts two track frames and a track diverter in accordance with the present invention. Lower tack frame 1010 and upper track frame 1020 are fixed one above the of the other around body of sprinkler. The track diverter 1030 is fixed alongside body of sprinkler and interconnecting continuous track on lower tack frame 1010 and continuous track on upper track frame 1020. The track diverter 1030 is configured to cause the mobile lever 1040 to shift between continuous track on lower tack frame 1010 and continuous track on upper track frame 1020, and the other way around, each time mobile lever 1040 crosses track diverter 1030, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler. The track diverter 1030 is formed from a single track segment tiltably suspended on a hinge. When tilted upwards track diverter 1030 directs mobile lever 1040 to shift from first continuous track 1010 to second continuous track 1020 above, and when tilted downwards the track diverter 1030 directs mobile lever 1040 to shift from the second continuous track 1020 to the first continuous track 1010 below. The track diverter 1030 is configured to change its position each time the mobile lever 1040 crosses it, such that each time the mobile lever crosses the track diverter the mobile lever shifts from one continuous track to the other, thereby resulting in a cyclic alternate shifting of the mobile lever between both continuous tracks when sprinkler is activated, which in turn, results in a two-step irrigation pattern of the sprinkler. Fig. 11 depicts a sprinkler head in accordance with the present invention, with undulating surface on each of multiple configurable elements on track frame. The track frame 1110 comprising multiple configurable track segments 1120, each of track segments 1120 having an undulating surface 1130. Shifting of mobile lever 1140 on the undulating surface 1130 causing the mobile lever 1140 to gently fluctuate, which in turn, causing the tiltable nozzle head 1150 to fluctuate during the entire rotation cycle of the sprinkler, while being tilted in accordance with the configured topography of the continuous track on the track frame 1110.
Fig. 12a and Fig 12b depict two embodiments of a double-level single track frame in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 12a depicts a double-level track frame forming an incomplete circle around a standard rotor sprinkle, configured for a two-directional rotation mode of a standard rotor sprinkler. The upper level 1210 of the double-level track frame is facing downwards and positioned directly above lower level 1220 which is facing upwards, each level corresponding to a different range around the sprinkler. Both levels 1210 and 1220 are interconnected from both ends by vertical connecting segments 1240, such that when the standard rotor sprinkler is activated, the mobile lever 1230 alternately shifts between the lower level 1220 and upper level 1210 of the track frame, forming a two-step operation cycle of the sprinkler covering two different ranges around the sprinkler.
Fig. 12b depicts a double-level track frame in the form of two intertwined loops spirally configured into one continuous track frame. The upper level 1250 is configured to cover longer range around the sprinkler and lower level 1260 is configured to cover shorter range around sprinkler. When the standard rotor sprinkler is activated, the mobile lever 1270 alternately shifts between the lower level 1260 and upper level 1250 of the track frame, forming a two-step operation cycle of the sprinkler covering two different ranges around the sprinkler.
Fig. 13a and Fig. 13b depict a sprinkler 1300 in accordance with the present invention. The sprinkler 1300 comprises a sprinkler body 1350, a tiltable nozzle head 1310, a track frame 1320, multiple configurable track segments 1321, each configurable track segment has a corresponding position adjustment screw 1322 for configuration of vertical position of the configurable track segment. The sprinkler body 1350 houses a rotatable sprinkler mechanism (non-visible) driving rotational movement of the tiltable nozzle head 1310 on the axis of the sprinkler. The tiltable nozzle head 1310 is mounted on top of sprinkler body 1350 and connected to the sprinkler externally through a hinge to allow it to tilt upwards and downwards, and internally through a pipe (non-visible) to form flow communication between nozzle and outlet of sprinkler body 1350. The track frame 1320 is suspended around the sprinkler body 1350, and the multiple configurable track segments 1321 are consecutively installed on the track frame 1320 to form a continuous track. The rear end of the tiltable nozzle head 1310 comprising an upper wheel 1315 transportably leaning against the upper side of continuous track and a lower wheel 1316 transportably leaning against the lower side of the continuous track, to allow the tiltable nozzle head 1310 to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that said predetermined variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head 1310 to be tilted in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of the continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around said sprinkler.
Fig. 14a and Fig. 14b depict a sprinkler in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 14a depicts a sprinkler 1400 comprises a sprinkler body (not visible), a tiltable nozzle head 1420, a track frame 1410 and multiple flexible configurable track segments 1415. In this embodiment, each flexible configurable track segment has two corresponding position adjustment screws 1416a and 1416b for configuration of vertical position of the adjacent portions of the flexible configurable track segment 1417a and 1417b, respectively. The sprinkler body houses a rotatable sprinkler mechanism (non-visible) driving rotational movement of the tiltable nozzle head 1420 on the axis of the sprinkler. The tiltable nozzle head 1420 is mounted on top of sprinkler body and connected to the sprinkler externally through a hinge 1430 to allow it to tilt upwards and downwards, and internally through a pipe (non-visible) to form flow communication between nozzle and outlet of sprinkler body. The track frame 1410 is suspended around the sprinkler body, and the multiple flexible configurable track segments 1415 are consecutively installed on the track frame 1410 to form a continuous track. The rear end of the tiltable nozzle head 1420 comprises a wheel 1422 transportably leaning on the the continuous track, to allow the tiltable nozzle head 1420 to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that said predetermined variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head 1420 to be tilted in accordance with the predetermined variable topography of the continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around said sprinkler. Fig. 14b depicts a bottom view of the multiple flexible configurable track segments and position adjustment screws shown in Fig. 14a.
Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should be interpreted per this definition.

Claims

1. A sprinkler head comprising:
(a) a tiltable nozzle head;
(b) a mobile lever;
(c) a track frame;
(d) multiple configurable track segments; wherein the sprinkler head is installable on standard rotor sprinkler and rotatable by rotary sprinkler mechanism installed within body of standard rotor sprinkler; and wherein said track frame is fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler, said multiple configurable track segments are consecutively installed on said track frame, each of said multiple configurable track segments is configurable to set its vertical position, altogether said multiple configurable track segments forming a continuous track with variable topography horizontally encircling body of standard rotor sprinkler ; and wherein said mobile lever is vertically positioned alongside body of standard rotor sprinkler, coupled at its upper end to said tiltable nozzle head and transportably leaning at its bottom end against said continuous track to allow said lever to shift along said continuous track when said rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that said variable topography of said continuous track changes vertical position of lever, causing lever to tilt said tiltable nozzle head in accordance with said variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said sprinkler head further comprising a second track frame and further multiple configurable elements consecutively installed on said second track frame forming a second continuous track, said second track frame fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler above and spaced apart from said track frame; and wherein said sprinkler head further comprising a track diverter fixed alongside body of standard rotor sprinkler and interconnecting said continuous track with said second continuous track; and wherein said track diverter is configured to cause said mobile lever to shift between said continuous track and said second continuous track each time said mobile lever crosses said track diverter, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said sprinkler head further comprising a second track frame and further multiple configurable elements consecutively installed on said second track frame forming a second continuous track, said second track frame fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler above and spaced apart from said track frame; and wherein when standard rotor sprinkler is activated in a two-directional rotation mode, said mobile lever is configured to shift between said continuous track and said second continuous track each time rotation direction of standard rotor sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
4. The device of claim 2 or 3, wherein said continuous track is configurable to set a short range irrigation pattern and said second continuous track is configurable to set a long range irrigation pattern.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said track frame is configured as a double-level track frame having two levels, each level corresponding to a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler; and wherein said mobile lever alternately shifts between said two levels of said double-level track frame during operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein a wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever, said wheel leans against said continuous track and configured to roll on said continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated.
7. The device of claim 3, wherein said continuous track is facing upwards and said second continuous track is facing downwards; and wherein a first wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever, said first wheel is capable of leaning against and rolling on said continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated; and wherein a second wheel is installed on the bottom end of said mobile lever directly above said first wheel, said second wheel is capable of leaning against and rolling on said second continuous track when standard rotor sprinkler is activated; and wherein when standard rotor sprinkler is activated in a two-directional rotation mode, said mobile lever is configured to shift between said continuous track and said second continuous track each time rotation direction of standard rotor sprinkler is changed, such that each of said first wheel and said second wheel alternately engages with said continuous track and said second continuous track, respectively, each time rotation direction of standard rotor sprinkler is changed, thereby resulting in a two-step operation cycle of standard rotor sprinkler, each step covering a different range of perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said multiple configurable elements comprising an undulating surface, altogether forming an undulating continuous track with variable topography, such that while standard rotor sprinkler is activated, vertical position of said mobile lever is changed based on said variable topography while vertically oscillating along said undulating continuous track, causing said mobile lever to tilt said tiltable nozzle head in accordance with said variable topography of said undulating continuous track while fluctuating in accordance with said undulating continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a fluctuatingly predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the sprinkler head further comprising a set of screws installed through and along said track frame, and wherein each screw in said set of screws is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sprinkler head further comprising a set of cams installed through and along said track frame, and wherein each cam in said set of cams is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the sprinkler head further comprising a set of rollers installed through and along said track frame, and wherein each roller in said set of rollers is configurable to adjust vertical position of corresponding configurable track segment.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said sprinkler head further comprising a dynamic flow valve installed within said tiltable nozzle head, said dynamic flow valve is configured to gradually expand its aperture to increase the flow of liquid the more said tiltable nozzle head is tilted upwards, and gradually contract its aperture to decrease the flow of liquid the more said tiltable nozzle head is tilted downwards, thereby regulating the discharge of liquid through said tiltable nozzle head in accordance with the tilting angle of said tiltable nozzle head.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein said sprinkler head further comprising a dynamic flow valve installed within said tiltable nozzle head, said dynamic flow valve is configurable to fully close its aperture when said tiltable nozzle head is tilted fully downwards.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein said track frame is circular.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein said track frame is an incomplete circle and wherein said rotatable sprinkler mechanism is configured to rotate alternately in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein said sprinkler head further comprising breaking elements movably installed around circumference of body of said sprinkler and capable of being fixed in a specific position to delimit the rotation scope of said tiltable nozzle head.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein said sprinkler head further comprising a second nozzle head mounted on said rotatable sprinkler mechanism adjacent to said tiltable nozzle head, said second nozzle head is statically directed downwards towards the area closest to said sprinkler head.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein said sprinkler head and standard rotor sprinkler are integrally formed as one unit.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the sprinkler further comprising a pop-up mechanism configured to retract the body of said sprinkler into an underground cavity constructed to house body of said sprinkler when sprinkler is deactivated and lift the body of said sprinkler above ground level when sprinkler is activated.
20. A sprinkler head comprising:
(a) a tiltable nozzle head;
(b) a track frame;
(c) multiple configurable track segments; wherein the sprinkler head is installable on standard rotor sprinkler and rotatable by rotary sprinkler mechanism installed within body of standard rotor sprinkler; and wherein said track frame is fixed around body of standard rotor sprinkler, said multiple configurable track segments are consecutively installed on said track frame, each of said multiple configurable track segments is configurable to set its vertical position, altogether said multiple configurable track segments forming a continuous track with variable topography horizontally encircling body of standard rotor sprinkler ; and wherein said tiltable nozzle head transportably leaning at its bottom end on said continuous track to allow said tiltable nozzle head shift along said continuous track when said rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that said variable topography of said continuous track causing said tiltable nozzle head to tilt in accordance with said variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
21. A sprinkler head comprising:
(a) a tiltable nozzle head;
(b) a track frame;
(c) at least one flexible configurable track segment; wherein the sprinkler head is installable on standard rotor sprinkler and rotatable by rotary sprinkler mechanism installed within body of standard rotor sprinkler; and wherein said track frame is fixed around the body of the standard rotor sprinkler, and said at least one flexible configurable track segment is consecutively installed on said track frame, with each of said at least one flexible configurable track segment having at least one positioning means for configuring vertical position of a portion of said at least one flexible configurable segment adjacent to said at least one positioning means, thereby said at least one flexible configurable track segment forming a continuous track with variable topography horizontally encircling body of standard rotor sprinkler; and wherein said tiltable nozzle head transportably leaning at its bottom end on the continuous track allowing the tiltable nozzle head to shift along the continuous track when the rotatable sprinkler mechanism is activated, such that the variable topography of the continuous track causing the tiltable nozzle head to tilt in accordance with the variable topography of said continuous track, thereby discharging liquid in a predetermined irrigation pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the perimeter around standard rotor sprinkler.
22. A method for use and adjustment of a sprinkler comprising the steps of: a. Installing the sprinkler head described in claim 1 or 21 on standard rotor sprinkler. b. Configuring each of said configurable track segments to form one continuous track with topography corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around standard rotor sprinkler. c. Activating standard rotor sprinkler to discharge liquid in a pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around sprinkler.
23. A method for use and adjustment of a sprinkler comprising the steps of: a. Installing the sprinkler head described in claim 22 on standard rotor sprinkler. b. Configuring each of said at least one flexible configurable track segment to form one continuous track with topography corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around standard rotor sprinkler. c. Activating standard rotor sprinkler to discharge liquid in a pattern corresponding to the characteristics of the designated area around sprinkler.
PCT/IL2020/050386 2020-03-30 2020-03-30 A device installable on sprinkler for irrigation of a non-radial perimeter WO2021199016A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IL2020/050386 WO2021199016A1 (en) 2020-03-30 2020-03-30 A device installable on sprinkler for irrigation of a non-radial perimeter

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IL2020/050386 WO2021199016A1 (en) 2020-03-30 2020-03-30 A device installable on sprinkler for irrigation of a non-radial perimeter

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1962308A (en) * 1931-11-11 1934-06-12 Nathan D Jacobson Sprinkler
US3878990A (en) * 1973-01-26 1975-04-22 Hozelock Ltd Watering devices
US4198001A (en) * 1978-04-10 1980-04-15 Rodriguez Ricardo A Controlled thrust, rotary, adjustable topography sprinkler
WO2012023131A1 (en) * 2010-08-16 2012-02-23 Accurate Watering Ltd. Adjustable irrigation sprinkler
US20120104116A1 (en) * 2010-10-21 2012-05-03 Wang Cheng-An Percussive sprinkler with adjustable discharge angle
WO2012084013A1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2012-06-28 Gardena Manufacturing Gmbh Sprinkler
CN106903004A (en) * 2017-04-17 2017-06-30 宁波大叶园林工业有限公司 Improved range dynamic jump aquatic bird sprinkler
WO2018163155A1 (en) * 2017-03-05 2018-09-13 Clever Water Sprinkler Technologies Ltd. Rotary sprinkler for varying irrigation pattern

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1962308A (en) * 1931-11-11 1934-06-12 Nathan D Jacobson Sprinkler
US3878990A (en) * 1973-01-26 1975-04-22 Hozelock Ltd Watering devices
US4198001A (en) * 1978-04-10 1980-04-15 Rodriguez Ricardo A Controlled thrust, rotary, adjustable topography sprinkler
WO2012023131A1 (en) * 2010-08-16 2012-02-23 Accurate Watering Ltd. Adjustable irrigation sprinkler
US20120104116A1 (en) * 2010-10-21 2012-05-03 Wang Cheng-An Percussive sprinkler with adjustable discharge angle
WO2012084013A1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2012-06-28 Gardena Manufacturing Gmbh Sprinkler
WO2018163155A1 (en) * 2017-03-05 2018-09-13 Clever Water Sprinkler Technologies Ltd. Rotary sprinkler for varying irrigation pattern
CN106903004A (en) * 2017-04-17 2017-06-30 宁波大叶园林工业有限公司 Improved range dynamic jump aquatic bird sprinkler

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