Irrigation sprinkler with piston drive

Abstract

An irrigation sprinkler is disclosed with a piston drive configured to cause rotation of a sprinkler head, a nozzle, or a similar component. The piston drive may include a piston coupled to a valve member such that the piston moves the valve depending on its position and thereby fills or drains water from the piston drive.

Description

IRRIGATION SPRINKLER WITH PISTON DRIVERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 599,514 filed November 15, 2023 entitled Irrigation Sprinkler With Piston Drive which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Irrigation is an essential process for agricultural production and landscape maintenance. Effective irrigation systems must distribute water uniformly and efficiently to the crops, grass, or other plants. One of the most common methods for irrigation is the use of sprinklers, which distribute water over a large area in the form of droplets or mist.

[0003] Irrigation sprinklers have been in use for many decades and there have been numerous innovations and improvements made to these devices. One such improvement is the use of piston drive mechanisms in irrigation sprinklers. Piston- driven sprinklers may have several advantages over other types of sprinklers, including greater reliability, higher uniformity, and longer life.

[0004] A piston-driven sprinkler typically uses a reciprocating piston to drive rotation of the sprinkler nozzle. The piston is driven by the flow of water through the sprinkler, and its movement causes the nozzle to oscillate or rotate back and forth, distributing water in a circular or arc-shaped pattern. In some circumstances, piston drive sprinklers may allow for less complex rotational drive mechanisms as compared with other sprinkler drive mechanisms, sometimes resulting in improved reliability and reduced manufacturing costs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, including: a sprinkler body; a nozzle that is movable relative to the sprinkler body and that distributes water near the sprinkler body; and, a piston drive assembly that drives movement of the nozzle when pressurized water is supplied to the irrigationsprinkler; wherein the piston drive includes a piston chamber, a valve member arranged to open and close an inlet and an outlet of the piston chamber, a piston at least partially located within the piston chamber, and a coupling mechanism coupling movement of the piston to movement of the valve member.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the valve member has a first position in which it opens the inlet and closes the outlet, and a second position in which it closes the inlet and opens the outlet.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a band connected to the piston and to the valve member.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the band slides between a first location on the valve member and a second location on the valve member which moves the valve member between the first position and the second position.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the valve member includes two vertically elongated slots through which the band is positioned.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the band is composed of silicone, fabric, metal, or polymer.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the coupling mechanism includes one or more magnets.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the one or more magnets include a first magnet located on the piston and a second magnet located on the valve member.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet face each other with a same magnetic polarity so as to repel each other.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet face each other with opposite polarity so as to attract each other.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the first magnet is located at a top portion of the piston and wherein the second magnet is located on a back portion of the valve member that is opposite the inlet and the outlet of the piston chamber.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a spring connected between the piston and the valve member.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the spring is an elongated wire or sheet having one or more curves that allow for limited relative movement between a first end and a second end of the spring.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the spring has a horseshoe shape.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a resilient member connected to the piston that moves back and forth between a lower engagement feature and an upper engagement feature on a backside of the valve member.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the upper engagement feature and the lower engagement feature may each be selected from a groove, a depression, a raised ridge, or bumps located on a back side of the valve member.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the resilient member includes a point or tip that engages the upper engagement feature depending on a position of the piston within the piston chamber.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the resilient member is a shaped loop of wire, a shaped loop of an elongated sheet of material, or a solid shape including silicone, rubber, or polymer.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an irrigation sprinkler, further including a rotation mechanism coupled to an outer portion of the piston and configured to convert linear movement of the piston into rotational movement of the nozzle.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a piston drive assembly for an irrigation sprinkler, including: a piston chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a valve member arranged to open and close the inlet and the outlet; a piston at least partially located within the piston chamber; and, a coupling mechanism coupling movement of the piston to movement of the valve member; wherein the coupling mechanism include one of: 1 ) a band connected to the piston and to the valve member, 2) a first magnet located on the piston and a second magnet located on the valve member, 3) a spring connected between the piston and the valve member, or 4) a resilient member connected to the piston that moves back and forth between a lower engagement feature and an upper engagement feature on a backside of the valve member.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other aspects, features and advantages of which embodiments of the invention are capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sprinkler.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the sprinkler of Fig. 1 .

[0028] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Fig. 1 .

[0029] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Fig. 1 .

[0030] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of Fig. 1 .

[0031] Fig. 6 is a side view of a sprinkler.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a view of the sprinkler of Fig. 6 with an outer housing removed.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a view of the sprinkler of Fig. 6 with an outer housing removed.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a sprinkler.

[0035] Fig. 10 is a view of the sprinkler of Fig. 9 with an outer housing removed.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a view of the sprinkler of Fig. 9 with an outer housing removed.

[0037] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a piston drive assembly.

[0038] Fig. 13 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 12.

[0039] Fig. 14 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 12.

[0040] Fig. 15 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 12.

[0041] Fig. 16 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 12.

[0042] Fig. 17 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 12.

[0043] Fig. 18 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 12.

[0044] Fig. 19 is a side view of the piston drive assembly.

[0045] Fig. 20 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 19.

[0046] Fig. 21 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 19.

[0047] Fig. 22 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 19.

[0048] Fig. 23 is a side view of a piston drive assembly.

[0049] Fig. 24 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 23.

[0050] Fig. 25 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 23.

[0051] Fig. 26 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 23.

[0052] Fig. 27 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 23.

[0053] Fig. 28 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 23.

[0054] Fig. 29 is a side view of a piston drive assembly.

[0055] Fig. 30 is a side view of the piston drive assembly of Fig. 29.

[0056] Fig. 31 is a side view of a piston drive assembly.

[0057] Fig. 32 is a side view of a piston drive assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0059] The present specification is generally directed to improved piston drive mechanisms for irrigation sprinklers, as well as irrigation sprinklers including such improved piston drive mechanisms.

[0060] While several sprinkler designs are described in this specification, it should be understood that the piston drive mechanisms described herein may be incorporated into almost any type of sprinkler that rotates a nozzle to distribute water. Hence, the present piston drive mechanisms should not be limited to only the sprinkler designs shown herein.

[0061] While different embodiments and examples of the piston drives may be described in this specification, it is specifically contemplated that any of the features from different embodiments can be combined together in any combination. In other words, the features of different embodiments / examples can be mixed and matchedwith each other. Hence, while every permutation of features from different embodiments / examples may not be explicitly shown, it is the intention of this specification to cover any such combinations.

[0062] Irrigation sprinklers are typically manufactured in a variety of different forms. For example, pop-up sprinklers have an inground body and a riser portion that elevates from its inground body when supplied with water and rotates a nozzle to distribute the water in various locations nearby. Other sprinklers may remain partially or fully above ground and may also rotate a nozzle to distribute water to nearby locations.

[0063] Sprinkler manufacturers have developed several different kinds of mechanisms to drive rotation of their risers and / or nozzles. One popular mechanism uses a turbine that rotates when water passes through the sprinkler, converting that rotational movement into rotation of the riser / nozzle via a complex series of gears. Another less popular mechanism is a piston drive which allows water to enter and exit a piston assembly to move a piston member into and out of a piston assembly. The movement of that piston member is then converted into rotational movement of the riser and / or nozzle.

[0064] The present specification includes several new piston drive mechanisms that may be relatively less complex and therefore less costly to manufacture, as well as may have improved reliability and performance.

[0065] The piston drive mechanisms of this specification all generally may have a piston chamber with a spring biased piston member that may move into and at least partially out of the piston chamber. The piston chamber also includes a valve member that may open and close a water inlet passage into the piston chamber and a water outlet out of the piston chamber. In one example, the valve member may be pivotally mounted such that in a first position, the inlet passage is open and the outlet passage is closed, and a second position, the inlet passage is closed and the outlet passage is open.

[0066] In the first position of the valve member, water enters the piston chamber and as the pressure within the piston chamber increases, it pushes the piston memberagainst the bias of the spring and partially out of the piston chamber (i.e., a greater portion of the piston member is positioned outside of the piston chamber).

[0067] As the piston member moves out from the piston chamber against the bias of the spring, the piston member also includes a mechanism or component that changes the position of the valve member to its second position in which the inlet passage is closed and the outlet passage is open. This reduces pressure within the piston chamber, causing the spring to move the piston member back into the piston chamber (at least partially). Once the piston member is sufficiently retracted, the mechanism or component changes the position of the valve member back to the first position and the cycle starts over. Hence, as pressurized water is supplied to the sprinkler, the piston member of the piston drive mechanism moves at least partially into and out of the piston chamber, driving a rotation mechanism that translates that movement into rotational movement of a riser, nozzle, or similar sprinkler component.

[0068] In one specific example, the component or linkage between the piston member and the valve member may include one or more circular bands. The bands may be resilient, elastic, or non-elastic (e.g., silicone, fabric, metal, or polymer in a single strand, braided strand, or twisted band. The band may be fixed at static locations on both the piston member and the valve member, or may slide along a length of either the valve member or the piston member. For example, the one or more bands may be fixed to a specific location on the piston member but may pass through two vertically elongated slots of the valve member, allowing the one or more bands to slide from an upper location to a lower location on the valve member, depending on the vertical or inner / outer position of the piston member.

[0069] In another specific example, the component or linkage between the piston member and the valve member may include magnets. Specifically, a top portion of the piston member may include a first magnet and the valve member may include a second magnet. While the magnets may be oriented to attract each other, they likely operate most efficiently when oriented to repel each other (i.e., the same polarity of each magnet faces each other). As the piston member moves further into the piston chamber, it pushes the magnet on the valve member to move the valve member to one position. As the piston member moves outwards from the piston chamber, it pushes the magnet on the valve member to a second position. Hence, the force ofthe magnets allows the piston member to move the valve member between its two positions.

[0070] In another specific example, the component or linkage between the piston member and the valve member may include a spring. The spring may include a coil spring, a “flat” spring, or similar types of springs. In the case of a flat spring, one example may include an elongated piece of metal or polymer with one or more curves. The one or more curves may form a horseshoe-shaped curve, a flat coil, or any combination of curves that allow the spring to connect the piston member and valve member while also allowing some “play” or relatively movement between the two (i.e. , the two components do not always move exactly in unison with each other).

[0071] In another specific example, the component or linkage between the piston member and the valve member may include a spring or resilient member fixed to the piston member that can be moved between an upper and lower groove / indentations / mating feature on the valve member. The spring / resilient member may have a point or similar feature positioned against the backside of the valve member. As the piston member moves inward and outward from the piston chamber, the point moves into either a first groove or second groove on the back of the valve member, moving the valve member between its two positions. The spring / resilient member may be an angled metal or polymer strip or solid component.

[0072] Turning to the Figures, Figs. 1 -5 illustrate various aspects of an example pop-up sprinkler 10 with a piston drive assembly 130 that drives rotation of some of its components. The sprinkler 10 may include a lower, in-ground base 14 and a riser 12 that elevates from the base 14 when supplied with water. The riser 12 may include a sprinkler head 16 that rotates on a riser base 22 and a nozzle 18 from which water is sprayed out of.

[0073] Figs. 3-5 illustrate cross-sectional views of an interior of the riser 12 of the sprinkler 10. A main water passage 20 extends from a lower portion of the riser 12 and allows water to travel upwards and out the nozzle 18. An inlet passage 28 is connected to the main water passage 20 and to an inlet of a piston chamber of a piston drive assembly 130. Hence, when water enters the main water passage 20, a portionof that water may enter the inlet passage 28 and further enter the piston chamber of the piston drive assembly 130.

[0074] An outlet passage 26 is connected to an outlet of the piston chamber of the piston drive assembly 130 and to either a location outside of the sprinkler 10 or to the main water passage 20. This allows the piston drive assembly 130 to periodically release water from its piston chamber.

[0075] A lower piston member 122 of the piston drive assembly 130 moves periodically upward and downward (i.e. , partially into and out of the piston chamber) and is further connected to a rotation mechanism 24 that translates the movement of the lower piston member 122 into rotational movement of the sprinkler head 16. As best seen in Fig. 4, the rotation mechanism 24 may include, in one example, an axle 30 having a gear that engages with mating gears 32 located along an internal circular perimeter of the sprinkler 10 and that are connected to the sprinkler head 16. Hence, as the lower piston member 122 causes the axle 30 to rotate, the sprinkler head 16 also rotates.

[0076] The piston drive assembly 130 will be described in more detail later in this specification, as will other example sprinkler drive assemblies. Any of the sprinkler drive assemblies may be used in any sprinkler type, including those described in this application.

[0077] Figs. 6-8 illustrate another non-popup sprinkler 50 having a piston drive assembly 130 connected to a rotation mechanism 24 that drives rotation of the nozzle 18. Figs. 7 and 8 are illustrated with the outer housing removed so as to better see the internal components.

[0078] Figs. 9-11 illustrate yet another popup sprinkler 60 having a piston drive assembly 130 connected to a rotation mechanism 24 that drives rotation of the upper portion of the sprinkler 60, including the nozzle 18. Figs. 10 and 11 are illustrated with the outer housing removed so as to better see the internal components.

[0079] As previously discussed, the present specification describes several different piston drive assemblies that can be used to rotate portions of a sprinkler, such as those previously described in this specification. Figs. 12-18 illustrate a first exampleof a piston drive assembly 100. The piston drive assembly 100 generally includes a piston assembly 102 that moves at least partially into and out of a piston chamber 106 depending on whether a valve member 104 is in a position to fill the piston chamber 106 with water or drain the piston chamber 106 of water.

[0080] The piston chamber 106 may be a generally sealed compartment except for an inlet 108 and an outlet 110. The inlet 108 may be connected to an inlet passage (e.g., inlet passage 28) that is in communication with a main water passage (e.g., passage 20) such that when pressurized water is delivered to the sprinkler, that water may pass through the inlet 108 if it is open. The outlet 110 may be connected to an outlet passage (e.g., outlet passage 26) that exits the sprinkler or that is in communication with a main water passage (e.g., passage 20) such that water from the piston chamber 106 can pass out of the outlet 110 and out of the sprinkler.

[0081] In the present example, the inlet 108 is directly above the outlet 110, however, the positions may be reversed. In another example, the inlet 108 and the outlet 110 may be at different radial locations from each other (e.g., opposite sides of the piston chamber 106).

[0082] A lower portion of the piston chamber 106 may include a passage or opening through which the piston assembly 102 moves into and out of (e.g., up / down) the piston chamber 106. The piston assembly 102 may generally take the form of a variety of different piston designs known in the art. In the present example, the piston assembly 102 includes a middle portion 118 that is sized slightly smaller than the lower passage of the piston chamber 106 but also includes a circular seal or washer that presses against the walls of the lower passage of the piston chamber 106, thereby preventing water from passing by the middle portion 118.

[0083] The piston assembly 102 also includes a lower piston member 122 that extends downward from the middle portion 118 and out of the piston chamber 106. This lower piston member 122 may be an elongated rod, tube, or similar elongated shape that connects to a rotation mechanism 24 that converts the linear movement of the lower piston member 122 into rotational movement.

[0084] The piston assembly 102 also includes an upper piston member 116 that extends upward or further into the piston chamber 106. The upper piston member 116 may generally include a connection or similar mechanism that causes the valve member 104 to move, as discussed further below.

[0085] The piston assembly 102 may be biased to a specific position via spring 124 or similar mechanism. In the present example, the piston assembly 102 is biased to its upper-most or interior-most position with the spring 124 being located on the underside of the middle portion 118. However, depending on the configuration of other components of the piston drive assembly 100, it may be possible to bias the piston assembly 102 in the opposite direction.

[0086] The valve member 104 may take a variety of different forms but generally has a first position in which the inlet 108 is open and the outlet 110 is closed, and a second position, the inlet 108 is closed and the outlet 110 is open. In one example, the valve member 104 has a generally elongated shape that is pivotally mounted within the piston chamber 106, such that it can rock back and forth between its first and second positions. The present example shows a shaft or axle 104B on both sides of the valve member 104 that are connected to the piston chamber 106 (or other connection points) that allow it to pivot or rock, but other known mechanisms are also possible.

[0087] The valve member 104 may also include two regions that are positioned and shaped such that when they move against the openings of the inlet 108 and outlet 110, they close either opening. In the present example, the valve member 104 includes an upper valve seal 112 and a lower valve seal 114 that may be composed of resilient sealing material, such as silicone, rubber, or similar materials.

[0088] In the present example, the piston drive assembly 100 includes one or more bands 120 that connect the upper piston member 116 to the valve member 104 such that as the upper piston member 116 moves upward and downward (i.e. , further into and out of the piston chamber 106) it also moves the valve member 104 between its two positions.

[0089] In the present example, the one or more bands 120 may be a single loop that is connected to the upper piston member 116 and the valve member 104. The upper piston member 116 may have enlarged posts 116A (e.g., on opposite sides) onto which the single loop band 120 may be placed around. Alternatively, the upper valve members 116 may include one or more grooves on which the band 120 may be secured. Alternatively, the band 120 may be tied or may pass through one or more apertures of the upper piston member 116.

[0090] The band 120 may be secured to the valve member 104 at a single location in similar ways as described for the upper piston member 116 or may be configured to slide at least partly along a length of the valve member 104. In the present example, the valve member includes an elongated area 104A located between the upper valve seal 112 and the lower valve seal 114 around which the band 120 may slide upwards and downwards. The elongated area 104A may be located between two gaps formed with the outer side panels of the valve member 104 such that the shaft 104B do not interfere with the sliding of the band 120. By sliding the band 120, the upper piston member 116 may better pull on or move the valve member 104 between its two positions, depending on the position / elevation of the upper piston member 116 of the piston assembly 102.

[0091] While Fig. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the piston drive assembly 100 generally, Figs. 13-18 illustrate the movement cycle of the piston drive assembly 100. In Fig. 13, the valve member 104 is in a first position or configuration in which it allows the inlet 108 to be open and therefore the upper valve seal 112 is positioned away from the inlet 108. The lower valve seal 114 is positioned against the outlet 110. Hence, with pressurized water supplied to the sprinkler, water begins entering the piston chamber 106. At this point, the piston assembly 102 is in a fully raised or retracted position within the piston chamber 106. Additionally, the band 120 is positioned at an upper portion of the valve member 104.

[0092] Referring to Fig. 14, as water continues to enter the piston chamber 106, that water pressure causes the piston assembly 102 to move downward or partially out of the piston chamber 106 against the upward bias of the spring 124. As seen in Fig. 15, as the piston assembly 102 continues to move down, it causes the band 120 to slide downwards toward the lower valve seal 114.

[0093] As seen in Fig. 16, as the band 120 reaches a bottom portion of the valve member 104 near the lower valve seal 114, it pulls back the lower portion of the valve member 104 to its second position or configuration. Hence, the outlet 110 is opened and the upper valve seal 112 is pressed against the inlet 108, blocking additional water from entering the piston chamber 106.

[0094] As seen in Fig. 17, as the water within the piston chamber 106 exits through the outlet 110, the spring 124 pushes the piston assembly 102 upwards or further into the piston chamber 106. And as seen in Fig. 18, as the piston assembly 102 moves upward, the upper piston member 116 pulls the band 120 upwards on the valve member 104 which eventually moves the valve member 104 back to its first position / configuration seen in Fig. 13, and the cycle begins again.

[0095] It should be appreciated that this cycle causes the lower piston member 122 of the piston assembly 102 to move back and forth in a linear manner, into and out of the piston chamber 106. Since the lower piston member 122 is connected to the rotation mechanism 24 of the sprinkler, that linear motion is translated into rotational movement of the axle 30 which then drives rotational movement of the sprinkler head and / or nozzle. Again, many different rotational mechanisms that translate linear movement into circular movement of other components are possible and generally known in the art.

[0096] Figs. 19-22 illustrate another example of a piston drive assembly 130 that is generally similar to the previously described assembly 100. However, instead of a band 120, magnets 132 and 134 are used on the valve member 104 and the upper piston member 116 respectively. While it may be possible to orient the magnets 132 and 134 such that opposite polarities are facing each other and therefore attract each other, the present example orients the magnets 132, 134 with the same polarities facing each other (e.g., both have negative or positive polarities facing each other). Hence, the magnets 132, 134 tend to repel each other as they are moved into close proximity.

[0097] The magnet 132 may also be positioned somewhat away from the pivoting connection shaft 104B so that the magnet 132 provides some leverage to move the valve member 104 between its two positions. When the upper piston member 116 islocated in an upper or inward location within the piston chamber 106 as seen in Fig. 19, the magnet 134 near the top of the upper piston member 116 repels the magnet 132 on the backside of the valve member 104 downward such that the valve member 104 is maintained in its first position / configuration (i.e., opening the inlet 108 and closing the outlet 110).

[0098] As the piston chamber 106 fills with water, the piston assembly 102 is pushed downward / outward against the spring 124, as seen in Fig. 20. Once upper valve member 116 and magnet 134 are positioned low enough, the magnet 134 repels the magnet 132 in a generally upward direction, causing the valve member 104 to pivot to its second position / configuration (i.e., the inlet 108 closed and the outlet 110 open), as seen in Fig. 21. As the water empties from the piston chamber 106, the spring 124 pushes the valve assembly 102 upward / inward as seen in Fig. 22 and then the cycle begins again as seen in Fig. 19.

[0099] Figs. 23-28 illustrate another example of a piston drive assembly 150 that is generally similar to the assembly 100, except that instead of a band 120, the upper piston member 116 and the valve member 104 are connected via a spring. In the present example, the spring is a curved spring 152 comprising an elongated metal or polymer wire / sheet that has one or more curves in it that allow for some (i.e., limited) relative movement between its ends. This spring 152 might be considered a “flat spring” or similar type of spring. The spring 152 of the present example may include one or a plurality of curves, such as the horseshoe or “U” shaped curve seen in the figures. Alternatively, a coil spring or similar spring component may be used.

[0100] One end of the spring 152 is connected to a top portion of the upper piston member 116 while the other end is connected to a back side (i.e., opposite the seals 112, 114) of the valve member 104. The one or plurality of curves of the spring 152 allows the upper piston member 116 to move or have some “play” relative to the position of the valve member 104. However, as the upper piston member 116 moves to either upper or lower position extremes (i.e., far into or partially out of the piston chamber 106), it causes the valve member 104 to move between its first position / configuration and its second position / configuration. The steps in this cycle can be seen in Figs. 23-27 which are similar to those described with regard to the piston drive assembly 100.

[0101] Figs. 29-30 illustrate another example of a piston drive assembly 170 that is generally similar to the assembly 100, except that instead of a band 120, the upper piston member 116 and the valve member 104 are connected via a resilient member 172 that moves between and engages either a lower or upper engagement feature 104C on the back side of the valve member 104.

[0102] The resilient member 172 may be comprised of a variety of different materials, such as a shaped loop of metal or polymer wire or elongated sheet. Alternatively, the resilient member 172 may be composed of a solid resilient material such as silicone, rubber, or other polymer. The resilient member 172 includes a shape or feature that temporarily engages the upper or lower engagement features 104C. In the present example, the resilient member 172 has a point, tip, or a horizontal ridge, though other shapes are possible.

[0103] The upper and lower engagement features 104C are structural features that help temporarily engage a portion of the resilient member 172, depending on its position within the piston chamber 106. In the present example, the engagement features 104C may be an upper and lower depression or groove. However, other shapes are also possible, such a one or more raised ridges or bumps,

[0104] Fig. 29 illustrates the resilient member 172 positioned within a groove of the lower engagement feature 104C which causes the valve member 104 to be positioned in its first position / configuration. Fig. 30 illustrates the resilient member 172 positioned within a groove of the upper engagement feature 104C which causes the valve member 104 to be positioned in its second position / configuration. Note that in the present example, the positions of the inlet 108 and the outlet 110 have been reversed so that the outlet 110 is on the top and the inlet 108 is on the bottom. However, all other components operate as previously discussed. Hence, in Fig. 29, the piston chamber 106 is in the process of draining through the outlet 110 which will allow the piston assembly 102 to rise via the spring 124. The resilient member 172 will move from the lower engagement feature 104C to the upper engagement feature 104C, causing the valve member 104 to close the outlet 110 and open the inlet 108 and the cycle will repeat.

[0105] It should be noted that any of the piston drive assembly embodiments may include an air passage that connects the piston chamber 106 to the outside atmosphere to help allow the piston assembly 102 to move. However, such an air passage may not be necessary on all embodiments, such as, for example, if there is an air cushion below the piston assembly that is large enough to expand and compress the air.

[0106] While the examples of this specification illustrate a single coupling mechanism between the piston and the valve member, it is also contemplated that multiple coupling mechanism may also be used. For example, a band and magnets may be used, a spring and a band may be used, or any variation / combination thereof.

[0107] For example, any of the previously described example mechanisms may also include a spring to assist with movement of the valve member 104. One specific example can be seen in Fig. 31 , which is directed to a piston drive assembly 180 similar to the previously described piston drive assembly 130, and further comprising a spring 182 that may be connected to a structure of the valve housing and the valve member 104 to bias the valve member 104 into one of its positions (e.g., the previously described first position or second position to open or close the inlet / outlet). This biasing force may help prevent the valve member 104 from getting “stuck” in a middle position that would leave both the inlet 108 and outlet 110 open, as well as may help alternate between the two position more quickly.

[0108] While the previously described examples include a mechanism (e.g., valve member 104) that may alternate between closing either the inlet 108 or the outlet 110, other mechanisms may be possible to only close either the inlet 108 or outlet 110. For example, Fig. 32 illustrates a piston drive assembly 190 in which the piston assembly 102 closes and opens the outlet 110 while the inlet 108 remains constantly open.

[0109] The outlet 110 may have a flexible tubular passage 196 or similar structure that extends into the piston chamber. An elongated or cantilevered member 192 presses against the flexible tubular passage 196 as the piston assembly 102 moves downward, pinching closed the passage of the flexible tubular passage 196. Optionally, a spring 194 or similar biasing member may help bias the flexible tubular passage 196 to an open and desired position when not in contact with the cantileveredmember 192. Additionally, it may be helpful to include a larger diameter passage through the outlet 110 relative to the passage of the inlet 108, thereby allowing water to escape the piston chamber more quickly than it can enter the chamber when both passages are in open positions. Hence, the piston chamber slowly fills with water, forcing the piston assembly 102 downward until the cantilevered member 192 closes the flexible tubular passage 196 and prevents water from escaping from the outlet.

[0110] Alternatively, other mechanisms may be used instead of the flexible tubular passage 196, such as a deformable valve member or a structure on the piston assembly 102 that blocks only the outlet 110 in a lowered position but not the inlet 108 when the piston assembly is in a raised position.

[0111] Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An irrigation sprinkler, comprising: a sprinkler body; a nozzle that is movable relative to the sprinkler body and that distributes water near the sprinkler body; and, a piston drive assembly that drives movement of the nozzle when pressurized water is supplied to the irrigation sprinkler; wherein the piston drive comprises a piston chamber, a valve member arranged to open and close an inlet and an outlet of the piston chamber, a piston at least partially located within the piston chamber, and a coupling mechanism coupling movement of the piston to movement of the valve member.

2. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 1 , wherein the valve member has a first position in which it opens the inlet and closes the outlet, and a second position in which it closes the inlet and opens the outlet.

3. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a band connected to the piston and to the valve member.

4. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 3, wherein the band slides between a first location on the valve member and a second location on the valve member which moves the valve member between the first position and the second position.

5. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 4, wherein the valve member includes two vertically elongated slots through which the band is positioned.

6. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 5, wherein the band is composed of silicone, fabric, metal, or polymer.

7. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism includes one or more magnets.

8. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 7, wherein the one or more magnets comprise a first magnet located on the piston and a second magnet located on the valve member.

9. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 8, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet face each other with a same magnetic polarity so as to repel each other.

10. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 9, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet face each other with opposite polarity so as to attract each other.11 . The irrigation sprinkler of claim 9, wherein the first magnet is located at a top portion of the piston and wherein the second magnet is located on a back portion of the valve member that is opposite the inlet and the outlet of the piston chamber.

12. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a spring connected between the piston and the valve member.

13. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 12, wherein the spring is an elongated wire or sheet having one or more curves that allow for limited relative movement between a first end and a second end of the spring.

14. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 13, wherein the spring has a horseshoe shape.

15. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a resilient member connected to the piston that moves back and forth between a lower engagement feature and an upper engagement feature on a backside of the valve member.

16. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 15, wherein the upper engagement feature and the lower engagement feature may each be selected from a groove, a depression, a raised ridge, or bumps located on a back side of the valve member.

17. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 16, wherein the resilient member comprises a point or tip that engages the upper engagement feature depending on a position of the piston within the piston chamber.

18. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 17, wherein the resilient member is a shaped loop of wire, a shaped loop of an elongated sheet of material, or a solid shape comprising silicone, rubber, or polymer.

19. The irrigation sprinkler of claim 2, further comprising a rotation mechanism coupled to an outer portion of the piston and configured to convert linear movement of the piston into rotational movement of the nozzle.

20. A piston drive assembly for an irrigation sprinkler, comprising: a piston chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a valve member arranged to open and close the inlet and the outlet; a piston at least partially located within the piston chamber; and, a coupling mechanism coupling movement of the piston to movement of the valve member; wherein the coupling mechanism comprise one of: 1 ) a band connected to the piston and to the valve member, 2) a first magnet located on the piston and a second magnet located on the valve member, 3) a spring connected between the piston and the valve member, or 4) a resilient member connected to the piston that moves back and forth between a lower engagement feature and an upper engagement feature on a backside of the valve member.

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