U.S. patent application number 14/015818 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for sprinkler elevating apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dale Shelton. Invention is credited to Dale Shelton.
Application Number | 20140001316 14/015818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45095453 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140001316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shelton; Dale |
January 2, 2014 |
Sprinkler Elevating Apparatus and Method
Abstract
A sprinkler elevating apparatus is provided for use on an
irrigation device. The sprinkler elevating apparatus includes a
sprinkler support body and a midline hose coupling body. The
sprinkler support body is configured to support the sprinkler at an
elevated position relative to the irrigation device. The midline
hose coupling body is carried by the sprinkler support body. The
midline hose coupling body has a contact portion configured to
affix to a midline section of a flexible hose drop of the
irrigation device. A method is also provided.
Inventors: |
Shelton; Dale; (Pasco,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shelton; Dale |
Pasco |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45095453 |
Appl. No.: |
14/015818 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12950936 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
8523121 |
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14015818 |
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12814317 |
Jun 11, 2010 |
8573544 |
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12950936 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 40/237 20180101;
Y10T 137/0402 20150401; F16L 3/02 20130101; Y02A 40/22 20180101;
A01G 25/09 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/75 |
International
Class: |
F16L 3/02 20060101
F16L003/02 |
Claims
1. A hose drop support apparatus for an irrigation sprinkler,
comprising: a hose drop body having an elongate contact portion and
a central body extending from a medial portion of the elongate
contact portion having a contact surface capable of removably
supporting the hose drop body in an elevated position, the elongate
contact portion configured to support a central portion of a
flexible hose having a sprinkler for an irrigation device in an
arcuate shape capable of inhibiting kinking of the hose when held
in the elevated position.
Description
RELATED PATENT DATA
[0001] This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/950,936 filed Nov. 19, 2010, entitled
"Sprinkler Elevating Apparatus and Method", which is a
Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/814,317 filed Jun. 11, 2010, entitled "Apparatus and Method
for Supporting a Flexible Hose Sprinkler Head on an Elevated
Irrigation Supply Line", the entirety of each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention pertains to moving irrigation systems.
More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and
methods for elevating sprinkler heads on a moving irrigation system
to accommodate changes in crop height during a crop growing
cycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is previously known to irrigate crops in large fields
using either a center pivot or a linear move irrigation device.
Originally, these devices had a spaced-apart array of individual
sprinklers provided atop a main water supply line that was elevated
above a field. Over time, U-shaped horseshoe adapters were added in
order to allow attachment of downwardly extending drops made from
rigid water lines to which a sprinkler was affixed at a bottom end.
However, for crops that grow to relatively tall heights, such as
corn, there existed a need to adjust the height of sprinklers.
[0004] As shown in FIG. 1, rigid water lines of prior systems were
replaced on a center pivot irrigation device 10 with flexible hoses
23 that affixed between the horseshoe 22 and the sprinkler head 36
(see FIG. 2) to form a flexible drop 18. Center pivot irrigation
device 10 has a main line, or water pipe 20 that receives a supply
of water at a center stand 13 and extends out to a terminal end 16,
delivering water to sprinkler/regulator assemblies 36 on a serial
array of spans 14 that are each supported between adjacent towers
12 by a pair of wheels 15. A sprinkler weight 30 is provided
adjacent each sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 in order to reduce
movement of drop 23 due to wind. As crops grow in elevation, the
hose 23 is wrapped around the main waterline pipe 20, as shown in
FIG. 2, in order to raise the sprinkler head of sprinkler/regulator
assembly 36. A worker 11 manipulates each hose about pipe 20 by
walking along truss rods 27, which are suspended by adjacent
bowstring truss assemblies 21 of the truss 19. Worker 11 also wraps
a drop weight 30 and sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 about pipe 20
as hose 23 is wrapped about pipe 20. However, worker 11 can slip
and fall from truss rods 27 on the device 10 and be injured when
raising and lowering such a sprinkler/regulator assembly 36.
Accordingly, a need exists to adjust height of sprinklers on a
moving irrigation device 10 without placing a worker 11 at risk of
injury from a fall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An apparatus and method are provided for raising and
lowering sprinklers provided on a moving irrigation device, such as
a center pivot or linear move irrigation device, as well as for
supporting sprinklers and flexible hose drops in elevated
configurations. A sprinkler support body and a hanger body are
provided for selectively supporting individual sprinklers at raised
positions above a traditional drop position. Furthermore, a lifting
tool and a sprinkler support body are provided for lifting and
lowering the sprinkler on each drop between elevated and lowered,
or drop positions. Finally, a method is provided for raising and
lowering a sprinkler between the elevated and lowered, or drop
positions, as well as supporting a flexible hose drop and sprinkler
in an elevated position.
[0006] According to one aspect, a support apparatus is provided for
holding a sprinkler hose drop of an irrigation device at an
elevated position. The support apparatus includes a sprinkler
support body and a hose holder body. The sprinkler support body has
a contact surface configured to support a sprinkler at an elevated
position. The hose holder body is carried by the sprinkler support
body and has an arcuate groove and a contact surface section
configured to grasp a midline segment of the hose. The groove is
configured to receive an adjacent portion of the hose to support
the hose and impart a bend curvature that inhibits kinking of the
hose when carried in an elevated position by the sprinkler support
body.
[0007] According to another aspect, a sprinkler elevating apparatus
is provided for use on an irrigation device. The sprinkler
elevating apparatus includes a sprinkler support body and a midline
hose coupling body. The sprinkler support body is configured to
support the sprinkler at an elevated position relative to the
irrigation device. The midline hose coupling body is carried by the
sprinkler support body. The midline hose coupling body has a
contact portion configured to affix to a midline section of a
flexible hose drop of the irrigation device.
[0008] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for
elevating a sprinkler apparatus on a flexible hose drop of an
irrigation device. The method includes: providing a flexible hose
drop, a sprinkler affixed to the flexible hose drop, a sprinkler
support body carried by a midline hose coupling body having a
contact surface section configured to grasp a midline segment of
the hose; affixing the coupling body to a midline segment of the
flexible hose drop with the hose coupling body; lifting the
sprinkler support body to elevate the sprinkler through the
coupling body; and coupling the coupling body with an elevated
support structure to hold the sprinkler at an elevated position
relative to the irrigation device.
[0009] According to even another aspect, an adaptive support is
provided for a flexible hose sprinkler head on an elevated
irrigation supply line that includes a sprinkler support body and a
hanger body. The sprinkler support body has a first inter-fitting
contact surface. The body is disposed to support a downwardly
extending flexible sprinkler hose. The hanger body has a second
inter-fitting contact surface configured to mate with the first
inter-fitting contact surface. The hanger body is disposed to
support the sprinkler body at an elevated position.
[0010] According to a further aspect, a support is provided for a
flexible hose with a sprinkler head of an elevated irrigation
supply line. The support includes a sprinkler support body and a
hanger body. The sprinkler support body has one of a male member
and a female member and an engagement surface configured to mate
and demate with a lifting tool. The body is affixed to a downwardly
extending flexible sprinkler hose. The hanger body has another of
the male member and the female member configured to mate with the
one of the male member and the female member. The hanger body is
disposed to support the sprinkler body at an elevated position.
[0011] According to yet a further aspect, a method is provided for
changing elevation of a sprinkler head on a flexible hose of an
elevated irrigation supply line. The method includes: providing a
sprinkler support body communicating with one of the sprinkler head
and the hose, a hanger body supported relative to the supply line
at an elevated location, and a lifting tool configured to mate and
demate with the support body; mating the lifting tool with the
support body; and while mated, moving the sprinkler head with the
lifting tool between a downwardly depending position beneath the
supply line and an elevated position where the sprinkler support
body mates with the hanger body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a center pivot
irrigation device having an array of prior art flexible hose
sprinkler heads.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the
irrigation device of FIG. 1, illustrating a prior art technique
with a worker raising an individual flexible hose sprinkler head
above a growing crop to accommodate crop growth.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view illustrating
a worker raising an individual flexible hose sprinkler head from
ground level using an adaptive sprinkler support body and a lifting
tool according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a
sprinkler support body and a mating lifting tool aligned to be
engaged with the sprinkler support body as it would be positioned
if it were mounted to a lowered sprinkler drop prior to lifting a
sprinkler to an elevated position.
[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the lifting tool and
sprinkler support body of FIG. 4 illustrating engagement of the
tool with the body, to begin a process of lifting and pivoting a
sprinkler/regulator assembly of a sprinkler drop.
[0018] FIG. 4B is a perspective view later in time of the lifting
tool and sprinkler support body of FIG. 4A illustrating forward and
upward engagement of the tool with the body while lifting and
pivoting the sprinkler/regulator assembly as a sprinkler drop
begins to pendulum in an upward direction.
[0019] FIG. 4C is a perspective view later in time of the lifting
tool and sprinkler support body of FIG. 4B illustrating further
lifting and pivoting of the sprinkler/regulator assembly towards an
inverted position.
[0020] FIG. 4D is a perspective view later in time of the lifting
tool and sprinkler support of FIG. 4C illustrating the body and
sprinkler/regulator assembly completely inverted and seated atop
the tool and being raised to an elevated position.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sprinkler/regulator
assembly seated in a raised configuration with the body seated atop
a hanger body affixed to a drop elbow atop a main span pipe of a
center pivot irrigation device.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the hanger body of
FIGS. 3 and 5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a left elevational view of the hanger body of FIG.
6.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the hanger body of FIGS. 6-7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a front end elevational view of the hanger body of
FIGS. 6-8.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a rear end elevational view of the hanger body of
FIGS. 6-9.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above of the sprinkler
support body of FIGS. 3-5.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view from below of the sprinkler
support body of FIG. 11.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the sprinkler support
body of FIGS. 11-12.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the sprinkler support body of
FIGS. 11-13.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a centerline sectional view of the sprinkler
support body of FIGS. 11-14 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a vertical centerline sectional view of the
sprinkler support body and hanger body mated together and showing
other irrigation components in phantom side view while a sprinkler
is supported in an elevated position.
[0033] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a
sprinkler/regulator assembly seated in a raised configuration using
an alternate embodiment sprinkler support body seated atop a hanger
body affixed to a drop elbow atop a main span pipe of a center
pivot irrigation device.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the sprinkler support body of FIG.
17.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the sprinkler support
body of FIG. 17.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a vertical centerline sectional view of the
sprinkler support body engaged with a lifting tool and taken along
line 20-20 of FIG. 18.
[0037] FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of a further
alternative embodiment sprinkler support body and hanger body over
that depicted in FIG. 17.
[0038] FIG. 22 is an optional embodiment of the sprinkler support
body of FIGS. 17-21.
[0039] FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of yet another
alternative embodiment sprinkler support body and lifting tool.
[0040] FIG. 24 is an enlarged side component view with portions in
phantom showing the sprinkler support body of FIG. 24 seated atop a
complementary alternative embodiment sprinkler hanger body.
[0041] FIG. 25 is an enlarged side component view showing another
alternative embodiment sprinkler support body.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a series montage of a sprinkler support body,
sprinkler hanger body, and lifting tool according to yet another
embodiment showing successive positioning over time during a
lifting operation.
[0043] FIG. 27 is an enlarged side view of a single piece sprinkler
hanger body and gooseneck according to even another embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 28 is an enlarged side view of a two-piece variation of
the sprinkler hanger and gooseneck of FIG. 27.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a simplified perspective view of a center pivot
irrigation device having an alternative embodiment adaptive support
for a flexible hose sprinkler head using an alternatively
constructed sprinkler support body carried on a midline segment of
a hose drop.
[0046] FIG. 30 is an enlarged partial perspective view illustrating
a worker raising an individual flexible hose sprinkler head from
ground level using the adaptive sprinkler support body of FIG. 29
and a lifting tool.
[0047] FIG. 31 is an enlarged perspective view from above of the
adaptive sprinkler support body of FIGS. 29-30 for mounting along a
midline segment of a flexible hose drop.
[0048] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the adaptive
sprinkler support body of FIG. 31, prior to assembly on to a
flexible hose.
[0049] FIG. 33 is a vertical side view of the adaptive sprinkler
support body of FIGS. 31-32.
[0050] FIG. 34 is a vertical centerline sectional view of the
adaptive sprinkler support body taken along line 34-34 of FIG.
31.
[0051] FIG. 35 is a vertical centerline sectional view of the
adaptive sprinkler support body taken along line 35-35 of FIG.
31
[0052] FIG. 36 is vertical side view of another alternative
embodiment adaptive support for a flexible hose sprinkler head
using an alternatively constructed sprinkler support body carried
on a midline segment of a hose drop.
[0053] FIG. 37 is a right end view of the adaptive support of FIG.
36.
[0054] FIG. 38 is a right end view of the adaptive support of FIGS.
36-37 during assembly about a midline segment of a flexible hose
drop and prior to attachment of a sprinkler support body.
[0055] FIG. 39 is a right end view corresponding with that shown in
FIG. 38, but later in time while affixing the sprinkler support
body atop a mounting post.
[0056] FIG. 40 is a right end view corresponding with that shown in
FIG. 39, but later in time after the sprinkler support body has
been affixed atop the mounting post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the
constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote the
progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8).
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 on a
flexible hose drop, or hose 23 being raised atop a main water line,
or pipe 20 of a center pivot irrigation device 10, according to one
embodiment. FIGS. 3-16 illustrate construction and use of this
embodiment. It is understood that the same implementation can be
used to raise and lower a sprinker/regulator assembly on a hose
drop relative to a linear move irrigation device.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, a worker 11 is depicted raising one of a
series of sprinkler/regulator assemblies 36 on a downwardly hanging
flexible hose drop 23 of a center pivot irrigation device 10 using
a lifting tool 34 while worker 11 remains at ground level. During
use, lifting tool 34 mates and demates with a sprinkler support
body, or puck 26. Sprinkler support body 26 is mounted rigidly
between sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 and a sprinkler weight 30,
as will be described below in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 4A-4D. Early in a crop growth cycle, such as for corn crops,
hose drop 23 hangs down adjacent the crop. As the crop grows in
height, raising the potential to interrupt water distribution from
each sprinkler 24, worker 11 raises each sprinkler 24 individually
using lifting tool 34 while worker 11 remains at ground level. In
this manner, worker 11 avoids the need to climb up a ladder, or
climb onto truss rods 27 of truss 19 on device 10.
[0060] In order to hold each sprinkler 24 at an elevated position,
lifting tool 34 is used to elevate sprinkler/regulator assembly 36
and accompanying hose drop 23 for engagement with a hanger body 28
that is supported on a gooseneck, or horseshoe pipe 22 extending
from atop main water line, or pipe 20 of device 10. Likewise, tool
34 is used to engage with sprinkler support body 26 at the end of a
growing season in order to lower each sprinkler 24.
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates the positioning of lifting tool 34 prior
to engaging with sprinkler support body 26, but with sprinkler drop
components omitted, and prior to lifting a sprinkler to an elevated
position. More particularly, lifting tool 34 includes an elongate
handle, or pole 35, a wire form fork 48, and a hose clamp 52. Fork
48 is formed from a folded over section of cylindrical wire rod
that is bent along a length to form a pair of substantially
parallel wire form fingers, or tines 50 spaced laterally from a
central axis of the folded over section of the rod so as to provide
an offset of fingers 50. Optionally, fork 48 can be affixed
directly onto handle 35 by welding or being embedded in an
epoxy-filled aperture in the end of handle 35.
[0062] Fingers 50 each provide a male engagement surface 51 that
mates and demates with a female engagement surface 53. According to
this construction, surface 51 and surface 53 are not completely
complementary surfaces, but provide sufficient mating contact to
provide stable support of fingers 50 within apertures 32 sufficient
to raise and lower a sprinkler/regulator assembly. Optionally, the
male and female surfaces can be complementary, such as shown in the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 22, where the male surface is
cylindrical and the female surface is a completely complementary,
cylindrical surface. Further optionally, a single finger can be
mated and demated with a single aperture. Even further optionally,
a male surface can be provided by the sprinkler support body and
the female surface can be provided by the lifting tool, such as
shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 21, the female surface on the sprinkler support
body mates and demates with both the lifting tool and the support
bracket.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4A, a tool 34 is provided for manipulating
position of a sprinkler 24 on a hose drop of an irrigation device.
A sprinkler support body 26 is physically coupled directly or
indirectly to the sprinkler 24. The sprinkler support body 26 has a
portion 42 configured to mate with a component of a sprinkler drop
for supporting a sprinkler 24 at an elevated position and a lifting
tool contact portion 32. The lifting tool 34 has an elongate handle
35 and an engagement member 50 depending from the handle with a
contact surface 51 (see FIG. 4) that inter-fits with the body
contact surface 32 when raising and lowering a sprinkler 24.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, a lifting support body 26 is provided
for a flexible line drop sprinkler 24. Body 26 comprises a toroidal
sprinkler support body having a portion 40 (see FIG. 4) configured
to secure to a component 28 (see FIG. 5) of a sprinkler drop and
having a lifting tool aperture 32 for receiving a lifting tool 34
for raising and lowering a sprinkler 24 (see FIG. 5).
[0065] Fingers 50 of tool 34 are spaced apart laterally to match
corresponding adjacent L-shaped holes, or apertures 32 provided in
a radial array within sprinkler support body 26. As shown in FIG.
4, body 26 takes on the shape of a cylindrical puck 38 having a
cylindrical outer contact surface 40. Puck 38 has a pair of
progressively smaller cylindrical outer contact surfaces 44 and 46.
A reduced diameter bore 42 extends into puck 38 within contact
surface 46.
[0066] FIGS. 4A-4D depict progressive steps involved when mating
together lifting tool 34 and sprinkler support body 26 in order to
raise sprinkler/regulator assembly 36, sprinkler weight 30, and
flexible hose 23 of a sprinkler drop to an elevated position. Body
26 is rigidly secured between a sprinkler weight 30 and a
sprinkler/regulator assembly 36. Optionally, body 26 can be
integrally formed from weight 30 or regulator 25. Further
optionally, body 26 can take on any of a number of shapes that
enable a lifting tool to engage with and disengage from the body to
enable raising and lowering of a sprinkler and hose drop. Such
further optional configurations also include any shape that
provides a contact surface that inter-fits, or mates with another
contact surface on a hanger body atop a main water line of an
irrigation device. Such interfitting configurations of male and
female members can be exactly, or completely complementary, or they
can be roughly complementary sufficient to support raising and
lowering of a sprinkler and related components on a sprinkler
drop.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 4A, tool 34 is moved forward to insert
fingers 50 within a radially extending portion 55 of each L-shaped
aperture 32 for a downwardly hanging sprinkler hose drop. Fingers
50 function to stabilize sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 and weight
30 as tool 34 is used to push sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 and
weight 30 forward and upward as suspended at the end of hose 23
like a pendulum. In this manner, sprinkler 24 is swung upwardly at
the end of the respective hose drop, as shown progressively in
FIGS. 4B-4D. As sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 approaches a
horizontal position, fingers 50 insert further into axial portions
54 of apertures 32, enabling upside-down seating of sprinkler
support body 26, weight 30, and sprinkler/regulator assembly
36.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 4A, body 26 is rigidly secured to regulator
25 with one end of a double threaded end pipe nut fitting (a nipple
with a medial nut) 56. An opposite end of fitting 56 threads into a
complementary threaded end of weight 30. Both ends of fitting 56
self-seal with weight 30 and regulator 25, respectively. Water is
delivered from a main line, through a flexible hose drop, through
weight 30 and regulator 25 for dispersal from sprinkler 24.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 4B, tool 34 is pushed forward, causing
sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 and weight 30 to rotate upwardly at
the end of the respective hose of a sprinkler drop (not shown).
Fingers 50 begin to pivot within axial portion 54 of each L-shaped
aperture 32 as assembly 36 and weight 30 rotate and pivot
upwardly.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 4C, fingers 50 have slid into full axial
engagement within axial portion 54 of each L-shaped aperture 32.
The flexible hose (see FIG. 5) of the sprinkler drop flexes and
pivots much like a pendulum while tool 34 acts against body 26,
weight 30 and assembly 36.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 4D, fingers 50 mate in interfitting
engagement within respective axial portions 54 of apertures 32 so
as to stably support sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 and weight 30
in an upside down configuration. In this upside down configuration,
a worker can raise sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 and weight 30
while tool 34 is engaged with sprinkler support body 26 in order to
mate body 26 with hanger body 28 (see FIG. 5). The upside down
configuration shown in FIG. 4D corresponds with that depicted in
FIG. 3 as a worker 11 raises sprinkler 24 upwardly where body 26 is
mated in inter-fitting engagement with a corresponding hanger body
atop main line 20.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D and 5, sprinkler support body 26 and
hanger body 28 provide an adaptive support for a flexible hose
sprinkler head on an elevated irrigation supply line. The sprinkler
support body 28 has a first inter-fitting contact surface. The
sprinkler support body 28 is disposed to support a downwardly
extending flexible sprinkler hose. The hanger body 28 has a second
inter-fitting contact surface configured to mate with the first
inter-fitting contact surface. The hanger body 28 is disposed to
support the sprinkler body at an elevated position.
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates sprinkler 24 positioned in an elevated
location after sprinkler support body 26 has been dropped into
mating engagement with hanger body 28, thereby supporting sprinkler
24, regulator 25, weight 30, and hose 23. More particularly,
sprinkler support body 26 is disposed to support flexible sprinkler
hose 23 while in this elevated location. Hose 30 is bent, or curved
upwardly from a normal downwardly hanging drop position. When water
is delivered through hose 23, hose 23 has a tendency to straighten
out, but sprinkler support body 26 mates in complementary relation
with a yoke 64 on hanger body 28 that prevents rotation of body 26
(and sprinkler 24). Yoke 64 forms a mouth that exposes several
apertures 32, which enables insertion and removal of fingers 50 on
tool 34 (see FIGS. 4A-4D).
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, sprinkler support body 26 and hanger
body 28 cooperate to provide an adaptive support for a sprinkler
head 24 on a terminal end of a flexible drop hose 23 on an elevated
irrigation water supply line 20 of an irrigation device. Hose 23 is
affixed with threads (not shown) onto a U-shaped pipe, or gooseneck
22 atop line 20. A curved clamp arm 62 on hanger body 28 is affixed
atop U-shaped pipe 22 using a pair of hose clamps 58. In this
configuration, yoke 64 is supported outwardly from gooseneck 22 via
an extended arm 60. This ensures that hose 23 clears along an
opposite side of pipe 20 than from the downwardly extending end of
gooseneck 22.
[0075] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, a method is provided for
changing elevation of a sprinkler head on a flexible hose of an
elevated irrigation supply line. The method includes: providing a
sprinkler support body communicating with one of the sprinkler head
and the hose, a hanger body supported relative to the supply line
at an elevated location, and a lifting tool configured to mate and
demate with the support body; mating the lifting tool with the
support body; and while mated, moving the sprinkler head with the
lifting tool between a downwardly depending position beneath the
supply line and an elevated position where the sprinkler support
body mates with the hanger body.
[0076] FIGS. 6-10 illustrate one embodiment for hanger body 28. As
shown in FIG. 6, yoke 64 on arm 60 forms a pair of arms 66 and 68
that subtend greater than a semicircle and provide a vertically
extending female contact surface 70. A radially inwardly extending
shelf 72 is provided beneath surface 70 by yoke 64. A series of
elevated, elongate enforcing ribs 73-75 are intermittently spaced
apart atop clamp arm 62 with space provided there between to
accommodate hose clamps 58 (see FIG. 5).
[0077] FIGS. 7 and 8 further illustrate spaced apart configuration
of ribs 73-75 on body 28 so as to provide hose clamp gaps 76 and 77
(see FIG. 7) along arm 62. Additionally, the manner in which arms
66 and 68 extend greater than a semi-circle is shown in FIG. 8,
thereby ensuring that a corresponding male cylindrical outer
contact surface 40 on sprinkler support body 26 mates in
complementary engagement with female cylindrical contact surface
70. Shelf 72 forms a seat beneath body 26 when received in mating
engagement within surface 70.
[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates in front end view female cylindrical
contact surface 70 and shelf 72 of body 28, as provided by arms 66
and 68 of yoke 64. Furthermore, FIGS. 9 and 10 show curved clamp
arm 62 in front and rear end views, respectively.
[0079] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate one embodiment for sprinkler support
body 26. More particularly, body 26 is formed in the shape of a
cylindrical puck having a pair of central through bores 42 and 43.
Bores 42 and 43 are coincident with a central axis of body 26, and
extend completely through body 26 from a top surface 80 to a bottom
surface 81. Bore 42 has a smaller diameter than bore 43.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a circumferential array of
L-shaped apertures 32 are provided about body 26, each aperture 32
communicating with outer surface 40 for receiving fingers 50 of
tool 34 (see FIGS. 4A-4D). A circumferential array of radially
extending ribs 78 form contiguously with outer surface 40 so as to
define apertures 32. Depending downwardly from outer surface 40 are
a pair of radially reduced diameter cylindrical segments 44 and 46.
As shown in FIG. 13, segment 44 of body 26 provides for partial
passage of a regulator through body 26 (see FIG. 16), while surface
40 seats with yoke 26. Segment 46 provides a washer surface, or
abutment against which a bottom edge of the regulator is seated
(see FIG. 16). As shown in FIG. 12, each L-shaped aperture 32
comprises an axial portion 54 and a radial portion 55.
[0081] FIGS. 14 and 15 depict the coaxial positioning of bores 42
and 43 within body 26. Bore 42 provides for passage of a double
threaded pipe nut fitting 56 (see FIGS. 4A-4D). Furthermore,
surface 40 and radial outer edges of ribs 78 mate as inter-fitting
contact surfaces with complementary surface 70 of hanger body 70
(of FIG. 6).
[0082] FIG. 16 illustrates sprinkler support body 26 mated in
inter-fitting contact with hanger body 28 to support
sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 at an elevated position atop main
water line 20. Hanger body 28 and sprinkler support body 26 are
shown in centerline sectional view with certain irrigation device
components shown in phantom, such as gooseneck 22, hose 23, main
line 20, and weight 30. Hose clamps 58 secure body 28 atop
gooseneck 22. Optionally, body 28 can be secured to gooseneck 22
with U-bolts, muffler clamps, interconnecting members, or any other
type of suitable fastener. Further optionally, body 26 and body 28
can be integrally formed together, as shown below with reference to
FIG. 27.
[0083] As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-16, sprinkler
24 is an R3000 Rotator, sold by Nelson Irrigation Corporation, 848
Airport Road, Walla Walla, Wash. 99362. Furthermore, regulator 25
is a Nelson Universal Pressure Regulator, sold by Nelson Irrigation
Corporation, 848 Airport Road, Walla Walla, Wash. 99362.
[0084] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate one alternative embodiment adaptive
support for a flexible hose sprinkler head using an alternatively
constructed sprinkler support body 126 that mounts at a desired
location along a medial portion of flexible hose drop 23 (see FIG.
17) using a hose clamp 131. As shown in FIG. 17, sprinkler support
body 126 is lifted up in a manner similar to that depicted in FIGS.
4 and 4A-4D, but body 126 is not inverted upside down in the
process. As shown in FIG. 20, body 126 is raised using fork 48 on
tool 34 (see FIG. 4) by inserting fingers 50 into corresponding
apertures 132 in the bottom of body 126 and raising body 126
upwardly for mating with hanger body 28 (see FIG. 17) atop
gooseneck 22 on main water line 20. Hose drop 23 is flexible and
accommodates this raised orientation by forming a U-shaped bend
upstream of body 126. Sprinkler weight 30, regulator 25 and
sprinkler 24 hang downwardly from body 126 in this raised
configuration, in a manner similar to how they hang in a normal
lowered configuration from gooseneck 22.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 18, sprinkler support body 126 has an inner
cylindrical bore 142 sized to receive a hose drop 23 (see FIG. 17)
and a narrowed slot 143 through which hose drop 23 is press-fit
during assembly. A hose clamp 131 (see FIG. 17) is then affixed
about an integrally formed collar 182 (see FIG. 18) in order to
further secure body 126 at a selected location onto a hose drop.
Trapezoidal apertures 132 are sized to receive fingers 50 of tool
34 (see FIG. 4). Cylindrical outer diameter surface 140 provides a
mating, or inter-fitting contact surface that mates in
complementary engagement with contact surface 70 on hanger 28 (see
FIG. 6).
[0086] As shown in FIG. 19, collar 182 of body 126 has a reduced
diameter between cylindrical end flange 183 and a base diameter
forming cylindrical outer contact surface 140. This reduced
diameter helps retain a hose clamp in position about collar
182.
[0087] FIG. 20 illustrates sprinkler support body 26 in centerline
sectional view with a finger 50 of fork 48 (on tool 34, of FIG. 4)
received in engagement within aperture 132 while lifting and
lowering a sprinkler from hanger body 28 (of FIG. 17). In this
manner, fingers 50 mate and demate with apertures 132 when lifting
and lowering a sprinkler head.
[0088] FIG. 21 depicts an alternative construction for a sprinkler
hanger body 1028 over that shown in FIG. 17. More particularly,
hanger body 1028 includes a pair of pins 1026 that extend upwardly
from a yoke end of body 1028. Hanger body 1028 envelopes hose drop
23 adjacent to pins 1026, as sprinkler support body 126 is lowered
with tool 34 (not shown, see FIG. 4) onto pins 1026 and a top
surface of body 1028. According to this construction, apertures 132
form a contact surface for mating with an outer contact surface of
each pin on tool 34 (see FIG. 4). Apertures 132 also each form a
female contact surface 1070 for mating with a male contact surface
1040 on each pin 1026. Surfaces 1040 and 1070 provide first and
second inter-fitting contact surfaces that serve to support a
sprinkler body at an elevated position.
[0089] FIG. 22 depicts another alternative construction for a
sprinkler support body 226 having cylindrical apertures 232 over
that shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 17-20. Fingers 50 on
tool 34 (see FIG. 4) are sized to mate and demate with apertures
232 when raising and lowering a sprinkler.
[0090] FIG. 23 depicts yet another alternative embodiment adaptive
support for a flexible hose sprinkler head with a sprinkler support
body 326 that mates and demates with a hanger body (not shown)
similar to hanger body 28 (of FIG. 5). A radial outer surface of
body 326 is received in mating complementary relation with surface
70 on hanger body 28 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A circumferential groove
340 about body 326 is sized to mate in complementary relation with
an inner surface 370 of an articulating claw 328 provided on an
elongate tool arm 334. Jaw portion 328 is opened, then closed about
inner surface 370 to grab and raise body 326 when raising
sprinkler/regulator 36 to an elevated position atop a main water
line of an irrigation device. Similarly, jaw portion 328 is engaged
around body 326 in order to retrieve and lower a
sprinkler/regulator 36 from such a raised position. Jaw portion 328
has a pair of opposed jaw surfaces 370 that are geared together
(not shown) so as to open and close in opposed, identical pivotal
positions, with a spring tending to hold the jaws open and a
flexible cable routed in a flexible plastic tube used to work
against the spring so as to open up the jaws prior to griping
groove 340.
[0091] FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate even another alternative
embodiment adaptive support for a flexible hose sprinkler head with
a sprinkler support body 426 that is formed by machining a radial
array of apertures 432 (see FIG. 25) into a one pound weight for
flexible drops currently sold by Nelson Irrigation Corporation, 848
Airport Road, Walla Walla, Wash. 99362. Optionally, a single pair
of adjacent apertures can be formed in body 426 in a configuration
that receives fingers on a lifting tool (similar to fingers 50 on
tool 24 of FIGS. 4A-4D). Body 426 has a radial outer surface 440
that mates in complementary relation with a female surface 470
provided on a hanger body 428. Hanger body 428 is otherwise similar
to hanger body 28 of FIG. 6, save for the modified female surface
470.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 25, a cup-shaped washer 57 is inserted
between nut 56 and regulator 25 and serves to urge body 426 into
frustoconical engagement with a tapered outer surface of regulator
25.
[0093] FIG. 26 illustrates yet even another alternative embodiment
adaptive support for a flexible hose sprinkler head with a
sprinkler support body 528 having a female contact surface 570
provided by a hanger body 528 that mates and demates with a male
contact surface 540 on a pin 527 on a sprinkler support body 526.
Surface 540 is also designed to mate and demate with a lifting tool
534.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 26, sprinkler support body 526 is made from
a square plate that supports a rectangular array of four
cylindrical pins 527. As shown in FIG. 26, only two pins in the
foreground are visible and it is understood that there is a
corresponding pin behind each pin shown in the foreground.
Likewise, bores 527 and 550 each have another bore hidden behind
the labeled bore such that pairs of complementary mating pins and
bores are provided for mating and demating. Each pin 527 has a
cylindrical contact surface that mates, or inter-fits with a
complementary cylindrical contact surface 570 provided by a pair of
bores 527 in a hanger body 528. Furthermore, two of the cylindrical
contact surfaces 540 on a pair of pins 527 are configured and sized
to mate and demate with a complementary cylindrical contact surface
provided by a pair of bores 550 formed in an end fitting 548 on a
lifting tool 534. Tool 534 has an elongate handle similar to tool
34 of FIG. 3. However, tool 534 also has a pivot pin that helps
facilitate rotation of end fitting 548 when inverting base 526 as a
sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 is raised and inverted, as shown in
the various photomontage images depicted in FIG. 26. A pair of
square stops are provide on each of end fitting 548 and handle of
tool 534 in order to limit rotation of end fitting 548 relative to
the tool handle. Tool 534 is used to raise and lower
sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 relative to hanger body 528 atop
gooseneck 22 of main water line 20 of an irrigation device.
[0095] FIG. 27 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment
adaptive support for a flexible hose sprinkler head with a
sprinkler support body 640 that is provided by a frustoconical male
outer surface 625 on regulator 25 and a complementary frustoconical
female outer surface 670 provided by a yoke on a hanger body 628.
Hanger body 628 is integrally formed with a gooseneck 622 to
provide a unitary hanger body/gooseneck assembly 660. Assembly 660
delivers water to drop hose 23 via gooseneck 622 and supports a
sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 and weight 30 atop hanger body 628.
Hanger body 628 is similar to hanger body 28 (of FIG. 6) with
respect to the yoke.
[0096] FIG. 28 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment
adaptive support for a flexible hose sprinkler head with a
sprinkler support body 740 that is provided by a frustoconical male
outer surface 725 on regulator 25 and a complementary frustoconical
female outer surface 770 provided by a yoke on a hanger body 728.
Hanger body 728 is removably mated to gooseneck 722 with
interlocking dovetail members 780 and 782, respectively, as shown
further in FIG. 28A, to provide a two-piece hanger body/gooseneck
assembly 760.
[0097] FIGS. 29-35 illustrate an optional embodiment adaptive
support over that depicted in FIGS. 17-20, as well as those
depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22. More particularly, this alternative
embodiment adaptive support for a flexible hose sprinkler head uses
an alternatively constructed sprinkler support body 726 carried on
a midline segment of a hose drop 23, as shown in FIG. 29. Each
sprinkler support body 726 is configured to mate and demate with a
respective hanger body 28 atop a respective horseshoe pipe 22 on an
irrigation device 10. More particularly, body 726 mounts at a
desired location along a medial, or midline portion of flexible
hose drop 23 using a hose guide body 782, a hanger clamp/post body
700, and a hose clamp 764 (see FIG. 33). It is understood that a
resulting elevated height for a sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 can
be adjusted by mounting support body 726 at a different elevational
position along hose 23. Furthermore, it is understood that support
body 726 can take on any of a number of optional configurations
described and/or depicted in the present application, as long as
body 726 can support a medial segment of hose 23 and
sprinkler/regulator assembly 36 at an elevated position.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 30, sprinkler support body 726 is lifted up
in a manner similar to that depicted in FIGS. 4 and 4A-4D using
lifting tool 34 to raise a sprinkler/regulator assembly 36, but
body 726 is not inverted upside down in the process. In this
manner, a worker 11 avoids risk of injury from falling off truss
rods 27 of irrigation device 10. As shown in FIG. 30, body 726 is
raised using fork 48 on tool 34 (see FIG. 4) by inserting fingers
into corresponding apertures 32 in the bottom of the body 726
(corresponding with body 26 in FIG. 4) and raising body 726
upwardly for mating with hanger body 28 (see FIG. 30) atop
gooseneck 22 on main water line 20. Hose drop 23 is flexible and
accommodates this raised orientation by forming a U-shaped bend
upstream of body 726. Sprinkler weight 30 and sprinkler/regulator
assembly 36 hang downwardly from body 726 in this raised
configuration, in a manner similar to how they hang in a normal
lowered configuration from gooseneck 22.
[0099] FIGS. 31-34 depict construction and assembly of hose guide
body 782, a hanger clamp/post body 700, and hose clamp 764 which
cooperate in assembly to provide a clamp assembly that affixes
support body 726 along a desired midline segment of a hose 23
(shown in phantom). More particularly, a stainless steel hose clamp
764 (see FIG. 33) is used to drive together a clamp surface, or
collar 772 (see FIG. 32) on body 700 and a clamp surface 770 on
body 782 provided on opposed sides of a hose 23, as shown in FIG.
31. A two-piece construction optimized for manufacture with dies of
a plastic injection molding machine is provided by hanger
clamp/post body 700 and hose guide body 782. Hose clamp 764 is then
used to lock a hose 23 between clamp surface 772 (see FIG. 32) and
clamp surface 770. When supported by body 726 at an elevated
position (as shown in FIG. 30), a midline segment of hose 23 is
cradled in an arcuate groove 742 in hose guide body 782. When
lowered, hose 23' leaves groove 742 and extends in a linear
configuration, as shown by a dashed arrow in FIG. 32.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 32, a male member 766 of body 700 is
inserted within a complementary female member 768 of hose guide
body 782, after which a hose clamp 764 is inserted through a pair
of opposed apertures 760 in body 700, and about body 782 (see FIG.
33). The assembled configuration about a hose 23 is shown in FIG.
31. An arcuate, or partially cylindrical surface 762 (see FIG. 33)
is provided between apertures 760 for supporting and receiving hose
clamp 764.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 32, body 700, body 782, and hose clamp 764
(see FIG. 33) cooperate to provide a midline hose coupling body, or
hose holder body carried by the sprinkler support body 726 and
having a contact portion 770, 772 configured to affix to a midline
section of a flexible hose drop 23 of the irrigation device. Body
782 has an arcuate groove 742 and a contact surface section 770
configured to grasp a midline segment of the hose 23. The groove
742 is configured to receive an adjacent portion of the hose 23 to
support the hose 23 and impart a bend curvature that inhibits
kinking of the hose 23 when carried in an elevated position by the
sprinkler support body 726.
[0102] According to one construction, body 700 is configured to
facilitate manufacture using a plastic injection molding machine,
wherein sprinkler support body 726 is integrally molded from
injection molded plastic material atop a tapering cylindrical post
783. A tapering central recess 743 is provided within body 726 and
post 783, having a pair of opposed inner sidewall grooves 741 and
742. Post 783 has an enlarged upper tapered cylindrical portion 744
and a reduced diameter lower tapered cylindrical portion 746, as
shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Grooves 741 and 742 interrupt portion 746
to form apertures 760 and 761 (see FIG. 35). Likewise, hose guide
body 782 is configured to facilitate manufacture using a plastic
injection molding machine with an array of four arcuate wings
750-753 spaced apart in a circular array to provide female member
768 (see FIGS. 31 and 32). Alternatively, bodies 700 and 782 can be
formed from any of a number of suitable structural materials, such
as composite materials, metals, metal alloys, or other materials,
including manufacturing bodies 700 and 782 from a single piece of
injection molded material in a manner similar to an alternative
design depicted and described below in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 36-40.
[0103] It is understood that sprinkler support body 726 has a
circumferential array of L-shaped apertures 32, each formed between
a pair of adjacent ribs, within cylindrical outer contact surface
740, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Apertures 32 are configured to
receive tool 34 (of FIG. 30). Puck 726 functions similar to puck
26, as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 3-16, with
apertures 32 and surface 742 functioning similar to apertures 32
and surface 42 when raising and lowering a sprinkler and supporting
the sprinkler at an elevated position. More particularly, sprinkler
support body 726 is configured and sized to be mated and demated
with hanger body 28 (of FIG. 3). Optionally, it is understood that
sprinkler support body 726 can take on any of the forms depicted in
the embodiments of FIGS. 17-28, including any suitable form of male
or female member capable of retaining a sprinkler drop with a
sprinkler at a raised or elevated operating position relative to an
irrigation device.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 32, a pair of parallel and axially
extending contact surfaces 755 and 757 on body 700 are provided to
engage with respective parallel surfaces 754 and 756 on hose guide
body 782. As male member 766 of body 700 is urged axially into
inter-digitating engagement with female member 768 of hose guide
body 782, clamp surface 772 moves towards opposed clamp surface
770, thereby trapping and clamping hose 23 therebetween. An array
of arcuate, raised ribs 774 extend upwardly from clamp surface 770
to provide a three-dimensional surface that imparts grip to
flexible hose 23, in assembly. According to one construction, clamp
surface 770 is an axially extending partial cylindrical surface
that is interposed medially within arcuate groove 742. Optionally,
surface 770 can be formed from an arcuate surface that conforms
with curvature of groove 742. Further optionally, any form of
surface can be used that imparts engagement and grip with hose 23
sufficient to lock hanger/clamp post body 700 and hose guide body
782 onto a desired location on hose 23.
[0105] FIG. 33 shows hanger/clamp post body 700 and hose guide body
782 locked onto a midline segment of hose 23 using hose clamp 764.
By tightening clamp 764 with a screwdriver, hose clamp 764 engages
together bodies 700 and 782 onto hose 23. When suspended on a
hanger body 28 (see FIG. 3), arcuate groove 742 of body 782
supports hose 23 along an arcuate path that maintains a distributed
curvature and supports hose 23 along sidewalls of groove 742 so as
to minimize and/or eliminate any tendency for hose 23 to kink, and
thereby undesirably restrict fluid flow through hose 23.
[0106] FIG. 34 further illustrates support of hose 23 within groove
742 of hose guide body 782. Such configuration represents a hose 23
that is supported when sprinkler support body 726 is raised and
supported on a hanger body 28 (see FIG. 3). Body 700 is mated via
male member 766 with body 782 via female member 768. As shown in
FIG. 35, surfaces 754 and 756 mate in sliding, axial relation
during assembly with surfaces 755 and 757, respectively which
imparts a torsional interlock between body 700 and body 782 when
assembled together.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 35, a tapering cylindrical recess, or bore
743 is configured to be formed with a male plug (not shown) of a
die for an injection molding machine. Longitudinally extending
grooves 741 and 742 are formed from shoulders provided on the male
plug. The shoulders interrupt tapered cylindrical portion 746,
beneath tapered cylindrical portion 744, and form apertures 760 and
761.
[0108] FIGS. 36-40 illustrate an alternative embodiment adaptive
support over that depicted in FIGS. 29-35. More particularly, an
integrally formed hanger and sprinkler support body 800 is shown
for use with sprinkler support body 26 (used in FIGS. 3-16) and a
stainless steel hose clamp 864 for securing body 800 to a desired
location along a flexible hose 23 of an irrigation device.
Sprinkler support body 26 functions similar to sprinkler support
body 726, configured to mate and demate with a respective hanger
body 28 atop a respective horseshoe pipe 22 on an irrigation device
10 (see FIG. 30). In construction, body 26 is the same as body 26
in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-16. Surface 840 operates
similar to surface 740 (of FIG. 31). Likewise apertures 32 and ribs
878 operate similar to apertures 32 and ribs 778 (of FIG. 30).
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 36-37, post 883 is formed integrally with
hose guide body 872. Post 883 is formed from a pair of
complementary semi-cylindrical post segments 844 and 846 (see FIG.
37), each connected to hose guide body 872 with an integrally
formed plastic hinge 766 and 768, respectively. Sprinkler support
body 726 is then mounted atop post 882, in a manner shown and
described below with reference to FIGS. 38-40. Flexible hose 23 is
secured between post segments 844 and 846, when closed together,
trapping hose 23 within groove 842 when hose guide body 872 is
secured atop post 883.
[0110] FIG. 38 depicts positioning of flexible hose 23 within
groove 842 of body 872 and between post segments 844 and 846, just
prior to snap-fitting sprinkler support body 26 atop post 883. Post
segments 844 and 846 are then pivoted together about hinges 766 and
768, respectively, to bring together beveled ends 850 and 851. As
shown in FIG. 39, body 26 is urged downwardly into engagement with
beveled end surfaces 852 and 853, causing beveled ends 850 and 851
to be elastically deformed together, allowing clearance of beveled
ends 850 and 851 to clear through reduced diameter bore 42 of body
26. Circumferential outer diameter grooves 854 and 855 then seat
within bore 42, enabling ends 850 and 851 to engage and lock about
bore 42 of body 26, resulting in the assembled-together
configuration depicted in FIG. 40. Arcuate relief grooves 856 and
857 cooperate to facilitate flexing of ends 850 and 852 during
assembly.
[0111] A method is provided for elevating a sprinkler apparatus on
a flexible hose drop of an irrigation device. The method includes:
providing a flexible hose drop, a sprinkler affixed to the flexible
hose drop, a sprinkler support body carried by a midline hose
coupling body having a contact surface section configured to grasp
a midline segment of the hose; affixing the coupling body to a
midline segment of the flexible hose drop with the hose coupling
body; lifting the sprinkler support body to elevate the sprinkler
through the coupling body; and coupling the coupling body with an
elevated support structure to hold the sprinkler at an elevated
position relative to the irrigation device. The method can also
include coupling the coupling body, and supporting the midline
segment of the flexible hose drop within the arcuate groove to
impart a supported bend curvature that reduces any tendency for the
flexible hose drop to kink.
[0112] It is understood that an adaptive support can be provided
with a sprinkler support body and a hanger body where one of the
members has a hook or pin with a male contact surface and the other
has a hole or funnel receptacle with a complementary female contact
surface. It is further understood that any structure on the
sprinkler support body and any structure on the hanger body that
provides a pair of inter-fitting contact surfaces can be provided
for holding a sprinkler at an elevated location above a field of
crops. Likewise, any tool that has an engagement, or mating surface
that can be mated and demated with a complementary surface on a
component of a sprinkler/regulator/weight assembly can also be used
to lift and drop a sprinkler.
[0113] In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention
have been described in language more or less specific as to
structural and methodical features. It is to be understood,
however, that the entire invention is not limited to the specific
features and/or embodiments shown and/or described, since the
disclosed embodiments comprise forms of putting the invention into
effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or
modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims
appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *