Apparatus and system for removing, replacing and/or reinstalling sprinkler heads

{
  "publication_number": "US9415470B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Apparatus and system for removing, replacing and/or reinstalling sprinkler heads",
  "abstract": "Apparatuses, systems and methods that facilitate the removal and/or reinstallation of sprinkler heads as part of performing repositioning, repair, replacement and/or the like of one or more sprinkler heads, such as pop-up sprinkler heads. One tool disclosed herein may be used to cut the ground surrounding a sprinkler head and then unscrew at least a retaining cap of the sprinkler head so as to remove the retaining cap and an inner housing from the ground. Another tool disclosed herein may be used to unscrew or otherwise rotate an outer casing of the sprinkler head so as to remove the outer casing from the ground. After any appropriate work or other tasks are performed in relation to the sprinkler head and/or irrigation line, the first and/or second tools can be used to reinstall/resecure the sprinkler head to the water line and at least partially below ground level.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A kit, comprising: an apparatus for use with a sprinkler head mountable at least partially within the ground, the sprinkler head having an outer casing, an inner tubular housing slidably mountable within the outer casing, and a retaining cap securable to the outer casing to limit separation of the inner housing from the outer casing, wherein the apparatus comprises: a body having a first end, an opposed second end, an inner surface, and a substantially hollow cavity inside the inner surface, wherein a minimum cross-dimension of the body increases along at least a portion of a length of a rotational axis of the apparatus in a direction towards the second end, and wherein the minimum cross-dimension extends from one point on the inner surface to an opposing point on the inner surface; and a tool engaging element disposed adjacent the first end, wherein the cavity is operable to receive the retaining cap via the second end and allow the retaining cap to contact the inner surface at a location disposed between the first and second ends so that rotation of the apparatus about the rotational axis via the tool engaging element effects rotation of the retaining cap; and a tool having a first end, an opposed second end, and an outer surface having a length that extends between the first and second ends, wherein the outer surface of the tool is configured to be inserted into an inner cavity of the outer casing and contact an inner wall of the outer casing so that rotation of the tool about a rotational axis of the tool effects rotation of the outer casing; wherein the outer surface comprises at least first and second portions along the length, wherein the first portion comprises a first maximum cross-dimension that extends from one point on the first portion of the outer surface to an opposite second point on the first portion of the outer surface, and wherein the second portion comprises a second maximum cross-dimension that extends from one point on the second portion of the outer surface to an opposite second point on the second portion of the outer surface, and wherein the second maximum cross-dimension is different than the first maximum cross-dimension; wherein the first portion comprises a first sub-length and the second portion comprises a second sub-length, wherein the first maximum cross-dimension extends along a substantial entirety of the first sub-length, wherein the second maximum cross-dimension extends along a substantial entirety of the second sub-length, and wherein the first and second sub-lengths are non-overlapping along the length of the tool; and wherein the first portion of the outer surface of the tool includes a plurality of alternatingly arranged projections and openings along a substantial entirety of the first sub-length that are respectively configured to engage with a plurality of alternatingly arranged openings and projections on the inner wall of the outer casing, wherein the second portion of the outer surface of the tool includes a plurality of alternatingly arranged projections and openings along a substantial entirety of the second sub-length that are respectively configured to engage with a plurality of alternatingly arranged openings and projections on an inner wall of a second outer casing, and wherein a distance between adjacent projections of the first portion is different than a distance between adjacent projections of the second portion.",
    "2. The kit of claim 1, further comprising: a cutting member disposed adjacent the second end of the body, wherein rotation of the apparatus about the rotational axis of the apparatus via the tool engaging element is configured to effect cutting of the ground surrounding the sprinkler head with the cutting member.",
    "3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the cutting member comprises a blade.",
    "4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the cutting member is disposed about a substantial periphery of the body adjacent the second end.",
    "5. The kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the openings comprises a groove.",
    "6. The kit of claim 5, wherein at least one of the projections comprises a spline.",
    "7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the minimum cross-dimension of the body increases along the length of the rotational axis from the first end to the second end.",
    "8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the inner surface comprises a gripping component for limiting movement of the apparatus relative to the retaining cap.",
    "9. The kit of claim 1, wherein the tool engaging element comprises at least one of a socket sized to receive a tool and a handle.",
    "10. The kit of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a substantial conical shape.",
    "11. The kit of claim 1, wherein the tool is substantially cylindrical.",
    "12. The kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the tool comprises a tool engaging element."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This invention generally relates to tools for use with sprinkler heads and, more particularly, to systems and methods that allow for the removal of one or more sprinkler heads from an in-ground location to facilitate the addition of riser tubes between the sprinkler head(s) and the underground irrigation line, repair of the sprinkler head(s), and the like.\n\nCurrent methods for watering lawns and/or gardens include underground irrigation systems fluidly interconnected to a number of sprinkler heads that are configured to spray water from the irrigation system over the lawns and/or gardens. For instance, pop-up sprinkler units or heads (e.g., stationary, gear-driven) are particularly convenient because they are embedded in the ground when not in use. Generally, a pop-up sprinkler head includes a cylindrical outer casing or body, a cylindrical inner tubular housing (e.g., stem, riser) concentrically mounted in the outer casing, a retaining cap threadably mounted onto the outer casing and which generally prevents the inner housing from being completely separated from the outer casing, and a spring that urges the inner housing back into the outer casing in the absence of a water pressure so that the top of the inner housing (e.g., adjacent the nozzle) is generally flush with the top of the retaining cap, among other components. The bottom of the outer casing includes an inlet that is fluidly interconnected to an irrigation or water line (e.g., tube, pipe) running underground underneath the sprinkler head.",
  "cpc": [
    "B23P 6/00",
    "B05B 15/10",
    "B05B 15/74",
    "B23D 61/00",
    "B25B 13/5083",
    "Y10T 29/49428",
    "Y10T 29/49718",
    "Y10T 29/53913"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B05B 15/10",
    "B23D 61/00",
    "B23P 6/00",
    "B25B 13/50"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "SprayRise Enterprise Partners LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Keith G. Curry",
    "Charles A. Torline",
    "Juan M. Adan"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2013-06-11",
  "publication_date": "2016-08-16",
  "grant_date": "2016-08-16",
  "priority_date": "2012-06-15",
  "application_number": "US-201313915419-A",
  "family_id": "49754594",
  "cited_by_count": 2,
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}