FLUID RECEIVER, FLUID DISPENSER, AND AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

An irrigation system is provided and includes a fluid receiver having an inlet operable to be attached to a distal end of a downspout, an outlet spaced apart from the inlet, and a passageway extending between and in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The passageway defines a first cross-sectional area disposed between the inlet and the outlet and a second cross-sectional area disposed between the first cross-sectional area and the outlet, whereby the second cross-section area is smaller than the first cross-sectional area. A fluid dispenser is fluidly coupled to the outlet and includes a fluid-receiving cavity and a plurality of fluid outlet passages. The plurality of fluid outlet passages are in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving cavity and are operable to dispense fluid from the fluid-receiving cavity.

Claims

1. An irrigation system comprising: a fluid receiver having an inlet operable to be attached to a distal end of a downspout, an outlet spaced apart from the inlet, and a passageway extending between and in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, the passageway defining a first cross-sectional area disposed between the inlet and the outlet and a second cross-sectional area disposed between the first cross-sectional area and the outlet, the second cross-section area being smaller than the first cross-sectional area; and a fluid dispenser fluidly coupled to the outlet and including a fluid-receiving cavity and a plurality of fluid outlet passages, the plurality of fluid outlet passages being in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving cavity and operable to dispense fluid from the fluid-receiving cavity.

2. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the outlet is disposed at an opposite end of the fluid receiver than the inlet.

3. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the passageway includes a tapered surface extending between the inlet and the outlet.

4. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the passageway includes a constant taper from the inlet to the outlet.

5. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the inlet includes a substantially rectangular shape.

6. The irrigation system of claim 5, wherein the outlet includes a substantially circular shape.

7. The irrigation system of claim 6, wherein the outlet includes an attachment device operable to attach the outlet to the fluid dispenser.

8. The irrigation system of claim 7, wherein the attachment device includes a series of threads.

9. The irrigation system of claim 8, further comprising a conduit extending between and fluidly coupling the outlet and the fluid dispenser.

10. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the fluid receiver includes a substantially planar end wall disposed at an opposite end of the fluid receiver than the inlet, the outlet being formed through the substantially planar end wall.

11. An irrigation system comprising: a fluid receiver having an inlet operable to be attached to a distal end of a downspout, an outlet spaced apart from the inlet, and a passageway extending between and in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, the passageway tapering in a direction from the inlet to the outlet along a length of the fluid receiver; and a fluid dispenser fluidly coupled to the outlet and including a fluid-receiving cavity and a plurality of fluid outlet passages, the plurality of fluid outlet passages being in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving cavity and operable to dispense fluid from the fluid-receiving cavity.

12. The irrigation system of claim 11, wherein the outlet is disposed at an opposite end of the fluid receiver than the inlet.

13. The irrigation system of claim 11, wherein the fluid dispenser includes a main body and a cover selectively attached to the main body, the fluid-receiving cavity being defined between the main body and the cover.

14. The irrigation system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of fluid outlet passages are formed through the cover.

15. The irrigation system of claim 11, wherein the inlet includes a substantially rectangular shape.

16. The irrigation system of claim 15, wherein the outlet includes a substantially circular shape.

17. The irrigation system of claim 16, wherein the outlet includes an attachment device operable to attach the outlet to the fluid dispenser.

18. The irrigation system of claim 17, wherein the attachment device includes a series of threads.

19. The irrigation system of claim 18, further comprising a conduit extending between and fluidly coupling the outlet and the fluid dispenser.

20. The irrigation system of claim 11, wherein the fluid receiver includes a substantially planar end wall disposed at an opposite end of the fluid receiver than the inlet, the outlet being formed through the substantially planar end wall.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary irrigation system.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the irrigation system of FIG. 1 including an exemplary fluid receiver, a distal portion of a downspout elbow, and a proximal portion of a hose.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid receiver according to line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0031] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the fluid receiver according to line 3A-3A of FIG. 3.

[0032] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid receiver according to line 3B-3B of FIG. 3.

[0033] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the fluid receiver according to line 3C-3C of FIG. 3.

[0034] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the fluid receiver according to line 3D-3D of FIG. 3.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a fluid dispenser of the irrigation system of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a portion of an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid dispenser of the irrigation system of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid dispenser of the irrigation system of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary irrigation system.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary irrigation system.

[0040] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a portion of the irrigation system of FIG. 8 including an exemplary fluid receiver, a distal portion of a downspout elbow, and a proximal portion of a hose.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid receiver according to line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0042] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well known technologies are not described in detail.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of moded features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0045] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0047] Spatially relative terms, such as inner, outer, beneath, below, lower, above, upper, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as below or beneath other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the example term below can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1-3D, a fluid receiver is shown generally at 10. Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 4-6, a fluid dispenser is shown generally at 100.

[0049] As seen in FIG. 1, an irrigation system 200 may include the fluid receiver 10 fluidly-coupled (by, e.g., a hose H1) to the fluid dispenser 100. The fluid receiver 10 defines a proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200. The fluid dispenser 100 defines a distal end 200.sub.D of the irrigation system 200. The fluid receiver 10 may be alternatively referred to as a downspout adapter and the fluid dispenser 100 may be alternatively referred to as a sprinkler.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, the fluid receiver 10 may include a body 12 having a proximal end 12.sub.P and a distal end 12.sub.D. The body 12 may define a generally hollow construct including an inner surface 14 and an outer surface 16.

[0051] The inner surface 14 forms a fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the body 12 from the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 to the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12. The proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 forms a proximal opening 20 in fluid communication with the fluid-flow passage 18. The distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 forms a distal opening 22 in fluid communication with the fluid-flow passage 18.

[0052] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the body 12 defines a length dimension 12.sub.L extending from the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 to the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12. The length dimension 12.sub.L may include a first portion 12.sub.L-P1, a second portion 12.sub.L-P2 and a third portion 12.sub.L-P3.

[0053] The body 12 includes a first portion 12a and a second portion 12b. The first portion 12a of the body 12 defines the first portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L and the second portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L. The second portion 12b of the body 12 defines the third portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L.

[0054] The first portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L may be referred to as a proximal portion of the length dimension 12.sub.L. The second portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L may be referred to as an intermediate portion of the length dimension 12.sub.L. The third portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L may be referred to as a distal portion of the length dimension 12.sub.L.

[0055] As seen in FIG. 3A, a first substantially constant cross-sectional geometry of the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the first portion 12a of the body 12 may define by a substantially rectangular or square-shaped cross-sectional geometry. As seen in FIG. 3D, a second substantially constant cross-sectional geometry of the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the second portion 12b of the body 12 may define a substantially circular-shaped cross-sectional geometry. As seen comparatively with respect to firstly FIG. 3B and then FIG. 3C, a progressively decreasing cross-sectional geometry of the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L (from the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L to the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L) of the first portion 12a of the body 12 may be defined by a substantially rectangular or square-shaped cross-sectional geometry.

[0056] Although the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 is described above to include a substantially constant cross-sectional geometry (extending along the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L) and a progressively decreasing cross-sectional geometry (extending along the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 120, the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 does not necessarily have to include the above-described geometries. For example, the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 may progressively decrease in cross-section along both of the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L and the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L (from the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L to the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L).

[0057] The substantially constant or decreasing cross-sectional geometry defined by the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the first portion 12a of the body 12 is greater than the substantially constant or decreasing cross-sectional geometry defined by the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the first portion of the body 12. Furthermore, any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defined by the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 is greater than any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defined by the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the second portion 12b of the body 12.

[0058] With reference back to FIG. 3, the proximal opening 20 and the distal opening 22 both permit fluid access to the fluid-flow passageway 18. The proximal opening 20 permits fluid access to the fluid-flow passageway 18 at the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12. The distal opening 22 permits fluid access to the fluid-flow passageway 18 at the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12. An area defined by the cross-sectional geometry of the proximal opening 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 3A) is greater than an area defined by a cross-sectional geometry of the distal opening 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 3D). As a result of the above described geometries (e.g., the area defined by the proximal opening 20 being greater than the area defined by the distal opening 22 and any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defined by the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 is greater than any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defined by the fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the second portion 12b of the body 12), when a fluid, such as water, substantially fills the fluid-flow passageway 18 and flows through the proximal opening 20 at the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 and toward the distal opening 22 at the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12, the fluid becomes pressurized as the fluid exits the distal opening 22.

[0059] As seen in FIG. 3, a portion of the body 12 includes a threaded outer surface 24. The threaded outer surface 24 is disposed about by the outer surface 16 of the body 12 along at least some of the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the body 12 from the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 toward the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the fluid dispenser 100 may include a container 102 and a closure 104. The closure 104 may be removably-connected to the container 102.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, the container 102 may include a base portion 106 connected to a sidewall portion 108. The base portion 106 includes an inner surface 106.sub.I and an outer surface 106.sub.O. The sidewall portion 108 includes an inner surface 108.sub.I, an outer surface 108.sub.O, and a distal end surface 108.sub.D that connects the inner surface 108.sub.I to the outer surface 108.sub.O.

[0062] The inner surface 106.sub.I of the base portion 106 and the inner surface 108.sub.I of the sidewall portion 108 define a fluid-receiving cavity 110 of the fluid dispenser 100. The container 102 may further include an opening 112 in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving cavity 110 defined by the inner surface 108.sub.I of the sidewall portion 108 and the distal end surface 108.sub.D of the sidewall portion 108.

[0063] The closure 104 includes a base portion 114 and a sidewall portion 116. The sidewall portion 116 is connected to the base portion 114. The base portion 114 includes an inner surface 114.sub.I and an outer surface 114.sub.O. The sidewall portion 116 includes an inner surface 116.sub.I, an outer surface 116.sub.O, and a distal end surface 116.sub.D that connects the inner surface 116.sub.I to the outer surface 116.sub.O.

[0064] The inner surface 114.sub.I of the base portion 114 and the inner surface 116.sub.I of the sidewall portion 116 define a fluid-dispensing cavity 118. The closure 104 may further include an opening 120 in fluid communication with the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 defined by the inner surface 116.sub.I of the sidewall portion 116 and the distal end surface 116.sub.D of the sidewall portion 116.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, the sidewall portion 116 of the closure 104 may include one or more L-shaped notches 125. The L-shaped notch 125 may cooperate with one or more corresponding pins 127 that extend radially inwardly from the inner surface 108.sub.I of the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102, or extend radially outwardly from the outer surface 108.sub.O of the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102. When a user interfaces the pin 127 with the L-shaped notch 125, the user may align the L-shaped notch 125 with the pin 127, axially insert the sidewall portion 116 of the closure 104 into or about the fluid-receiving cavity 110 of the fluid dispenser 100 and then subsequently rotate the closure 104 relative the container 102 for removably-connecting the closure 104 to the container 102 by way of a quarter-turn connection. Alternatively, the closure 104 may be removably-connected to the container 102 in a friction-fit connection, or, as seen in FIG. 5, by passing one or more fasteners 131 (e.g., one or more screws) through corresponding aligned passages 133, 135 formed by the sidewall portions 108, 116 container 102 and the closure 104. In yet another implementation, the closure 104 may be removably-connected to the container 102 by way of a threaded connected as seen in FIG. 6 whereby a portion of the inner surface 108.sub.I of the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 extending away from the distal surface 108.sub.D of the container 102 defines an inner threaded surface 137 that cooperates with an outer threaded surface 139 defined by a portion of the outer surface 116.sub.O of the sidewall portion 116 of the closure 104 extending away from the distal surface 116.sub.D of the closure 104. It will be appreciated that, in other implementations, a portion of the inner surface 108.sub.O of the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 extending away from the distal surface 108.sub.D of the container 102 may define an outer threaded surface (not shown) that cooperates with an inner threaded surface (not shown) defined by a portion of the inner surface 116.sub.I of the sidewall portion 116 of the closure 104 extending away from the distal surface 116.sub.D of the closure 104.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100 defines a thickness T.sub.108 extending between the inner surface 108.sub.I of the sidewall portion 108 and the outer surface 108.sub.O of the sidewall portion 108. A passage 122 extends through the thickness T.sub.108 of the sidewall portion 108. The passage 122 is in fluid communication with the cavity 110. The passage 122 may include an inner threaded surface 124. Fluid access to the passage 122 is permitted by an inlet opening 126 formed by the outer surface 108.sub.O of the sidewall portion 108 and an outlet opening 128 formed by the inner surface 108.sub.I of the sidewall portion 108.

[0067] The base portion 114 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100 defines a thickness T.sub.114 extending between the inner surface 114.sub.I of the base portion 114 and the outer surface 114.sub.O of the base portion 114. A plurality of passages 130 extend through the thickness T.sub.114 of the base portion 114 and are in fluid communication with the cavity 110. Each passage of the plurality of passages 130 includes an inlet opening 132 formed by the outer surface 114.sub.O of the base portion 114 and an outlet opening 134 formed by the inner surface 114.sub.I of the base portion 114. The inlet opening 132 and the outlet opening 134 permit fluid access to each passage of the plurality of passages 130.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, the irrigation system 200 may be formed by fluidly coupling the fluid receiver 10 to the fluid dispenser 100. A fluid conduit such as, for example, a hose H1 may fluidly connect the fluid receiver 10 to the fluid dispenser 100. In an implementation, the threaded outer surface 24 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) of the body 12 extending along at least some of the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the body 12 from the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 toward the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 may define a male portion that can be threadingly-engaged with a corresponding threaded female surface portion of the hose H1, and, furthermore, the inner threaded surface 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 6) defining the passage 122 extending through the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100 may define a female portion that can be threadingly-engaged with a corresponding threaded male surface portion of the hose H1.

[0069] Once the irrigation system 200 is assembled, the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200 is connected to a water source conduit. As seen in FIGS. 1-2, the water source conduit may include a portion of a downspout D, such as, for example, a downspout elbow E disposed downstream from the downspout D. A distal end E.sub.D of the downspout elbow E is connected to the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200 (i.e., the proximal opening 20 of the fluid receiver 10).

[0070] The downspout D may be secured to/arranged directly opposite an outer surface B.sub.S of a wall structure of a building B. A proximal end E.sub.P of the downspout elbow E is connected to a distal end D.sub.D of the downspout D. Upstream of the downspout D is a rain water gutter G. A proximal end D.sub.P of the downspout D is connected to the rain water gutter G.

[0071] When rain water W runs off of a roof structure and into the rain water gutter G, the rain water W is directed to the proximal end D.sub.P of the downspout D. The rain water W is then directed down the downspout D and subsequently out of the distal end D.sub.D of the downspout D and into the proximal end E.sub.P of the downspout elbow E. The rain water W then subsequently exits the distal end E.sub.D of the downspout elbow E and through the proximal opening 20 of the fluid receiver 10.

[0072] Once the rain water W enters the irrigation system 200 from the downspout elbow E, the rain water W travels through the fluid-flow passageway 18 of the fluid receiver 10 and then exits the fluid receiver 10 by way of the distal opening 22 of the fluid receiver 10. If there is sufficient rain water W exiting the downspout elbow E, the fluid-flow passageway 18 of the fluid receiver 10 may be filled with rain water W, thereby pressurizing the rain water W as the rain water W exits the fluid receiver 10 at the distal opening 22 of the fluid receiver 10.

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, once the rain water W exits the fluid receiver 10, the rain water W travels through the hose H1, which may be supported by an underlying ground surface, of the irrigation system 200 and into the fluid-receiving cavity 110 of the container 102, which may also be supported by an underlying ground surface, of the fluid dispenser 100 by way of the passage 122 extending through the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the rain water W fills the cavity 110 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100, the rain water W may subsequently fill the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100 is filled with the rain water W, the rain water W may exit the fluid dispenser 100 (i.e., at the distal end 200.sub.D of the irrigation system 200) by way of at least one passage of the plurality of passages 130 extending through the base portion 114 of the closure 104. If sufficient fluid pressure is provided by the amount of rain water W originating from the downspout D at the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200, the rain water W may be forced out of the plurality of passages 130 in a sprinkler pattern corresponding to an arrangement and orientation of the plurality of passages 130 formed by the base portion 114 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100.

[0074] Although one implementation of the irrigation system 200 may be directed to fluidly-coupling the proximal opening 20 of the fluid receiver 10 to the distal end E.sub.D of a downspout elbow E as described above, the irrigation system 200 may be fluidly-connected to other water source conduits. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the proximal opening 20 of the fluid receiver 10 may be directly connected to the distal end D.sub.D of the downspout D.

[0075] Although some implementations of the irrigation system 200 may be directed to arranging the hose H1 and the fluid dispenser 100 upon an underlying ground surface, the hose H1 and fluid dispenser 100 may be arranged in other configurations. For example, as also seen in FIG. 7, the hose H1 and the fluid dispenser 100 may be arranged at a distance away from (i.e., above) the underlying ground surface. In an example, a cradle C may be secured to the outer surface B.sub.S of the wall structure of the building B and the fluid dispenser 100 may be removably-supported by the cradle C. Therefore, in some configurations, the proximal opening 20 of the fluid receiver 10 may be directly fluidly-connected to the distal end D.sub.D of the downspout D while the hose H1 and the fluid dispenser 100 are arranged directly opposite or adjacent the outer surface B.sub.S of the wall structure of a building B.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, once the rain water W exits the fluid receiver 10, the rain water W travels through the hose H1 and into the fluid-receiving cavity 110 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100 by way of the passage 122 extending through the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the rain water W enters the cavity 110 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100, the rain water W may then subsequently enter the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100 receives the rain water W, the rain water W may exit the fluid dispenser 100 (i.e., at the distal end 200.sub.D of the irrigation system 200) by way of at least one passage of the plurality of passages 130 extending through the base portion 114 of the closure 104. If sufficient fluid pressure is provided by the amount of rain water W originating from the downspout D at the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200, the rain water W may be forced out of the plurality of passages 130 in a sprinkler pattern corresponding to an arrangement and orientation of the plurality of passages 130 formed by the base portion 114 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100. Because the fluid dispenser 100 is removably-supported by the cradle C that is secured to the outer surface B.sub.S of the wall structure of the building B, the rain water W may exit the fluid dispenser 100 in a substantially perpendicular direction away from the outer surface B.sub.S of the wall structure of a building B.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a fluid receiver is shown generally at 10. Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 4-6 and 8, a fluid dispenser is shown generally at 100. The fluid receiver 10 may be fluidly-coupled (by, e.g., a first hose H1) to the fluid dispenser 100 to define an irrigation system 200. The fluid receiver 10 defines a proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200. The fluid dispenser 100 defines a distal end 200.sub.D of the irrigation system 200. The fluid receiver 10 may be alternatively referred to as a downspout adapter and the fluid dispenser 100 may be alternatively referred to as a sprinkler.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 10, the fluid receiver 10 may include a body 12 having a proximal end 12.sub.P and a distal end 12.sub.D. The body 12 may define a generally hollow construct including an inner surface 14 and an outer surface 16.

[0079] The inner surface 14 forms a first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the body 12 from the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 to the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12. The proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 forms a proximal opening 20 in fluid communication with the fluid-flow passageway 18. The distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 forms a distal opening 22 in fluid communication with the fluid-flow passageway 18.

[0080] The body 12 defines a length dimension 12.sub.L extending from the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 to the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12. The length dimension 12.sub.L may include a first portion 12.sub.L-P1, a second portion 12.sub.L-P2 and a third portion 12.sub.L-P3.

[0081] The body 12 includes a first portion 12a and a second portion 12b. The first portion 12a of the body 12 defines the first portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L and the second portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L. The second portion 12b of the body 12 defines the third portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L.

[0082] The first portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L may be referred to as a proximal portion of the length dimension 12.sub.L. The second portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L may be referred to as an intermediate portion of the length dimension 12.sub.L. The third portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L may be referred to as a distal portion of the length dimension 12.sub.L.

[0083] With reference to the similar view described above at FIG. 3A, a first substantially constant cross-sectional geometry of the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the body 12 may define a substantially rectangular or square-shaped cross-sectional geometry. With reference to the similar view described above at FIG. 3D, a second substantially constant cross-sectional geometry of the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the body 12 may define a substantially circular-shaped cross-sectional geometry. With reference to the similar views described above at FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, a progressively decreasing cross-sectional geometry of the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the body 12 may define a substantially rectangular or square-shaped cross-sectional geometry.

[0084] Although the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 is described above to include a substantially constant cross-sectional geometry (extending along the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L) and a progressively decreasing cross-sectional geometry (extending along the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L), the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 does not necessarily have to include the above-described geometries. For example, the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 may progressively decrease in cross-section along both of the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L and the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L (from the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L to the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L).

[0085] The substantially constant or decreasing cross-sectional geometry defined by the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the proximal portion 12.sub.L-P1 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the first portion 12a of the body 12 is greater than the substantially constant or decreasing cross-sectional geometry defined by the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending along the intermediate portion 12.sub.L-P2 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the first portion of the body 12. Furthermore, any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defined by the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 is greater than any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defined by the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the second portion 12b of the body 12.

[0086] The proximal opening 20 and the distal opening 22 both permit fluid access to the first fluid-flow passageway 18. The proximal opening 20 permits fluid access to the first fluid-flow passageway 18 at the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12. The distal opening 22 permits fluid access to the first fluid-flow passageway 18 at the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12. An area defined by a cross-sectional geometry of the proximal opening 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 3A) is greater than an area defined by a cross-sectional geometry of the distal opening 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 3D). As a result of the above described geometries (e.g., the area defined by the proximal opening 20 being greater than the area defined by the distal opening 22 and any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defined by the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the first portion 12a of the body 12 is greater than any portion of the cross-sectional geometry defining the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the second portion 12b of the body 12), when a fluid, such as water, substantially fills the first fluid-flow passageway 18 and flows through the proximal opening 20 at the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 and toward the distal opening 22 at the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12, the fluid becomes pressurized as the fluid exits the distal opening 22.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 10, a portion of the body 12 includes a first threaded (outer) surface 24. The first threaded surface 24 is disposed about the outer surface 16 of the body 12 along at least some of the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the body 12 from the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 toward the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12.

[0088] As seen in FIGS. 8-10, the second portion 12b of the body 12 defining the third portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L may also include a supplemental body 26. As seen in FIGS. 9-10, the supplemental body 26 includes a proximal end 26.sub.P and a distal end 26.sub.D. Referring to FIG. 10, the supplemental body 26 also includes an inner surface 28 and an outer surface 30.

[0089] The inner surface 30 forms a second fluid-flow passageway 32 extending through the supplemental body 26. The second fluid-flow passageway 32 extends between the proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26 and the distal end 26.sub.D of the supplemental body 26. The proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26 forms a proximal opening 34 in fluid communication with the second fluid-flow passageway 32. The distal end 26.sub.D of the supplemental body 26 forms a distal opening 36 in fluid communication with the second fluid-flow passageway 32.

[0090] The supplemental body 26 extends away from the outer surface 16 of the second portion 12b of the body 12 upstream of the first threaded surface 24. The second fluid-flow passageway 32 of the supplemental body 26 is in fluid communication with the first fluid-flow passageway 18 extending through the second portion 12b of the body 12 by way of the distal opening 36 of the supplemental body 26.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 10, a portion of the supplemental body 26 includes a second threaded (inner) surface 38 of the body 12 of the fluid receiver 10. The second threaded surface 38 is disposed on the inner surface 28 of the supplemental body 26. The second threaded surface 36 extends from the proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26 toward the distal end 26.sub.D of the supplemental body 26.

[0092] Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 10, a portion of the supplemental body 26 and a portion of the second fluid-flow passageway 32 formed thereby may include an arcuate shape defining a concave profile. The arcuate-shaped concave profile of the second fluid-flow passageway 32 may result in any fluid passing there-through being directed in a downstream direction toward the distal opening 22 at the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 and not in an upstream direction toward the proximal opening 20 at the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12.

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the fluid dispenser 100 may include the container 102 and the closure 104. Because the fluid dispenser 100 of the irrigation system 200 of FIG. 8 is similar to the fluid dispenser of the irrigation system 200 of FIG. 1, reference is made to the above description at FIGS. 4-6 in relation to structure related to the fluid dispenser 100 of the irrigation system 200.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, the irrigation system 200 may be formed by fluidly coupling the fluid receiver 10 to the fluid dispenser 100. A fluid conduit such as, for example, a first hose H1 may fluidly connect the fluid receiver 10 to the fluid dispenser 100. In an implementation, the threaded outer surface 24 of the body 12 extending along at least some of the distal portion 12.sub.L-P3 of the length dimension 12.sub.L of the body 12 from the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 toward the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 may define a male portion that is threadingly-engaged with a corresponding threaded female surface portion of the first hose H1, and, furthermore, the inner threaded surface 124 defining the passage 122 extending through the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100 may define a female portion that is threadingly-engaged with a corresponding threaded male surface portion of the first hose H1.

[0095] Once the irrigation system 200 is assembled, the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200 is connected to a first water source conduit. As seen in FIG. 8, the first water source conduit may be, for example a downspout elbow E. A distal end E.sub.D of the downspout elbow E is connected to the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200 (i.e., the proximal opening 20 of the fluid receiver 10).

[0096] Upstream of the downspout elbow E is a downspout D. The downspout D may be secured to and/or arranged directly opposite an outer surface B.sub.S of a wall structure of a building B. A proximal end E.sub.P of the downspout elbow E may be connected to a distal end D.sub.D of the downspout D. Upstream of the downspout D is a rain water gutter G. A proximal end D.sub.P of the downspout D may be connected to the rain water gutter G.

[0097] When rain water W runs off of a roof structure and into the rain water gutter G, the rain water W is directed to the proximal end D.sub.P of the downspout D. The rain water W is then directed down the downspout D and subsequently out of the distal end D.sub.D of the downspout D and into the proximal end E.sub.P of the downspout elbow E. The rain water W then subsequently exits the distal end E.sub.D of the downspout elbow E and through the proximal opening 20 of the fluid receiver 10.

[0098] Once the rain water W enters the irrigation system 200 from the downspout elbow E, the rain water W travels through the first fluid-flow passageway 18 of the fluid receiver 10 and then exits the fluid receiver 10 by way of the distal opening 22 of the fluid receiver 10. If there is sufficient rain water W exiting the downspout elbow E, the first fluid-flow passageway 18 of the fluid receiver 10 may be filled with rain water W, thereby pressurizing the rain water W as the rain water W exits the fluid receiver 10 at the distal opening 22 of the fluid receiver 10.

[0099] Once the rain water W exits the fluid receiver 10, the rain water W travels through the first hose H1, which may be supported by an underlying ground surface, of the irrigation system 200 and into the fluid-receiving cavity 110 of the container 102, which may also be supported by an underlying ground surface, of the fluid dispenser 100 by way of the passage 122 extending through the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the rain water W fills the cavity 110 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100, the rain water W may subsequently fill the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100 is filled with the rain water W, the rain water W may exit the fluid dispenser 100 (i.e., at the distal end 200.sub.D of the irrigation system 200) by way of at least one passage of the plurality of passages 130 extending through the base portion 114 of the closure 104. If sufficient fluid pressure is provided by the amount of rain water W originating from the downspout D at the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200, the rain water W may be forced out of the plurality of passages 130 in a sprinkler pattern corresponding to an arrangement and orientation of the plurality of passages 130 formed by the base portion 114 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100.

[0100] Although the proximal end 200.sub.P of the irrigation system 200 is described above as being connected to a first water source conduit (e.g., a downspout elbow E), the irrigation system 200 may also be fluidly connected to a second water source conduit (e.g., a second hose H2 as seen in FIG. 8). The second water source conduit H2 is connected to the fluid dispenser 10 at a location (i.e., at the supplemental body 26 of the fluid receiver 10) that is (1) downstream of the proximal end 12.sub.P of the body 12 of the fluid dispenser 10 and (2) upstream of the distal end 12.sub.D of the body 12 of the fluid dispenser 10.

[0101] As seen in FIG. 8, a rain water diverter joint J may divide the downspout D into an upper downspout segment D1 and a lower downspout segment D2. The rain water diverter joint J may divert some of the rain water W flowing from the upper downspout segment D1 to a proximal end T.sub.P of a rain water collection tub T. Once directed into the rain water collection tub T, the rain water W may settle at a distal end T.sub.D of the rain water collection tub T. The rain water collection tub T may include a valve T.sub.V arranged at or near the distal end T.sub.D of the rain water collection tub T.

[0102] In an implementation, the valve T.sub.V of the rain water collection tub T may include a threaded outer surface that defines a male portion that is threadingly-engaged with a corresponding threaded female surface portion of a proximal end H2.sub.P of a second hose H2. The second threaded (inner) surface 38 defining the second fluid-flow passageway 32 extending through the supplemental body 26 may define a female portion that is threadingly-engaged with a corresponding threaded male surface portion of a distal end H2.sub.D of the second hose H2.

[0103] In some instances, when a user wishes to manually direct stored rain water W to the underlying ground surface (e.g., such as a lawn) that supports the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100, a user may actuate the valve T.sub.V arranged at or near the distal end T.sub.D of the rain water collection tub T such that the stored rain water W that is stored within the rain water collection tub T may exit the valve T.sub.V and be directed into the proximal end H2.sub.P of the second hose H2 and out of the distal end H2.sub.D of the second hose H2 and subsequently into the proximal opening 34 formed at the proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26. The stored rain water W then travels through the second fluid-flow passageway 32 formed by the inner surface 28 of the supplemental body 26 and exits the supplemental body 26 at the distal opening 36 formed at the distal end 26.sub.D of the supplemental body 26. The stored rain water W then travels in a downstream direction through a portion of the first fluid-flow passageway 18 formed by the second portion 12b of the body 12 of the fluid receiver 10 and then exits the fluid receiver 10 by way of the distal opening 22 of the fluid receiver 10. If there is sufficient stored rain water W exiting the valve T.sub.V, the portion of the first fluid-flow passageway 18 formed by the second portion 12b of the body 12 of the fluid receiver 10 may be filled with the stored rain water W, thereby pressurizing the stored rain water W as it exits the fluid receiver 10 at the distal opening 22 of the fluid receiver 10.

[0104] Once the stored rain water W exits the fluid receiver 10, the stored rain water W travels through the first hose H1, which may be supported by the underlying ground surface, of the irrigation system 200 and into the fluid-receiving cavity 110 of the container 102, which may also be supported by the underlying ground surface, of the fluid dispenser 100 by way of the passage 122 extending through the sidewall portion 108 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the stored rain water W fills the cavity 110 of the container 102 of the fluid dispenser 100, the stored rain water W may subsequently fill the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100. Once the fluid-dispensing cavity 118 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100 is filled with the stored rain water W, the stored rain water W may exit the fluid dispenser 100 (i.e., at the distal end 200.sub.D of the irrigation system 200) by way of at least one passage of the plurality of passages 130 extending through the base portion 114 of the closure 104. If sufficient fluid pressure is provided by the amount of stored rain water W originating from the valve T.sub.V of the rain water collection tub T at the proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26, the stored rain water W may be forced out of the plurality of passages 130 in a sprinkler pattern corresponding to an arrangement and orientation of the plurality of passages 130 formed by the base portion 114 of the closure 104 of the fluid dispenser 100.

[0105] Although an implementation of the irrigation system 200 described above is directed to stored rain water entering the proximal opening 34 formed at the proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26 when the user manually actuates the valve T.sub.V arranged at or near the distal end T.sub.D of the rain water collection tub T, the irrigation system 200 is not limited to such an arrangement. For example, the proximal opening 34 formed at the proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26 may be connected to a hose (not shown) connected to and extending from faucet bib (not shown) that extends from the outer surface B.sub.S of the wall structure of the building B such that when a user actuates a valve (not shown) associated with the faucet bib, pressurized city water or pressurized well water may enter proximal opening 34 formed at the proximal end 26.sub.P of the supplemental body 26.

[0106] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

[0107] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or feature of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.