Abstract
An accessible housing device (FIGS. 1 and 1A) of one embodiment that provides a housing body (FIG. 260) for housing a pop-up sprinkler assembly, and the immediate connectors, and a plurality of cutouts (FIG. 269) in a bottom section (FIG. 262) for permitting an entrance to multiple incoming water feed lines, a housing cover (FIG. 318) comprising a plurality of fingers (FIG. 316), for enclosing and positioning various pop-up sprinkler assemblies having individually sized outer diameters, and additionally comprising a retaining lip (FIG. 335) for housing a safety cover (FIG. 497), for diminishing liability concerns and recognition purposes, an offset insert (FIG. 5100) comprising a plurality of offset fingers (FIG. 5103), for enclosing and positioning a flexible riser pipe when an offset of the housing body (60) is necessary.
Claims
1. An accessible housing device comprising; a housing body formed into a tubular cylinder by having a top rim joined to a top section, and a bottom rim joined to a bottom section of a body wall, and having an inner cavity comprised within said body wall, and means for straddling an outer body cover of multiple water feed lines, respectively, comprised in said bottom rim and said bottom section of said body wall, a housing cover formed by having an exterior and interior face, extending outwards from a center opening, and joined to an inner surface of a sidewall thereof, and first means for applying pressure against said outer body cover of a pop-up sprinkler assembly within said inner cavity, comprised in said exterior, and interior face, an offset insert formed by having said exterior, and interior face, extending outwards from said center opening, and forming an outer edge thereof, and second means for applying pressure against said outer body cover of a flexible riser pipe within said inner cavity, comprised in said exterior, and interior face, a safety cover having a foundation formed by comprising a plurality of support members forming said outer edge, and joined to a back surface of an inner edge thereof, and joined to said bottom surface of an inner radius of a donut thereof, whereby said water feed line is straddled in multiple applications simultaneously, and said pop-up sprinkler assembly having individually sized outer diameters is enclosed, and positioned within said inner cavity.
2. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the housing body is comprised of a rigid material.
3. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the housing body is comprised having a circular shape.
4. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the means for straddling comprises a plurality of cutouts, originating from said bottom rim, and extending upwards into said bottom section of said body wall.
5. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the inner cavity is of sufficient size for housing said pop-up sprinkler assembly, and the immediate connectors.
6. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the housing cover is comprised of a flexible material.
7. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the housing cover is comprised having a circular shape.
8. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the housing cover is of sufficient size for covering an upper top section of said housing body.
9. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the first means for applying pressure, comprises a plurality of fingers, joined to an inner area of an offset thereof, and projecting inwards in adjacent angles, and ending at, and forming said center opening upon the termination.
10. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the offset insert is comprised of a flexible material.
11. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the offset insert is comprised having a circular shape.
12. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the second means for applying pressure, comprises a plurality of offset fingers, joined to an inner area of an offset thereof, and projecting inwards in adjacent angles, and ending at, and forming said center opening upon the termination.
13. The accessible housing device of claim 1 wherein, the first and second means for applying pressure comprises an inward direction.
14. An accessible housing device comprising; a housing body formed into a tubular cylinder by having a top rim joined to a top section, and a bottom rim joined to a bottom section of a body wall, and having an inner cavity comprised within said body wall, and comprising a plurality of cutouts originating from said bottom rim, and extending upwards into said bottom section of said body wall, a housing cover formed by having an exterior, and interior face, extending outwards from a center opening, and joined to an inner surface of a sidewall thereof, and having a retaining lip joined to a top surface of said sidewall, and comprising a plurality of fingers in said exterior, and interior face, joined to an outer area of an offset thereof, and projecting inwards in adjacent angles, and ending at, and forming said center opening upon the termination, an offset insert formed by having said exterior, and interior face, extending outwards from said center opening, and forming an outer edge thereof, and comprising a plurality of offset fingers in said exterior, and interior face, joined to said outer area of said offset thereof, and projecting inwards in said adjacent angles, and ending at, and forming said center opening upon the termination, a safety cover having a foundation formed by comprising a plurality of support members forming said outer edge, and joined to a back surface of an inner edge thereof, and joined to said bottom surface of an inner radius of a donut thereof,
15. The housing device of claim 14 wherein, the housing body is comprised of a rigid material, having a circular shape.
16. The housing device of claim 14 wherein, the housing cover and the offset insert are comprised of a flexible material, having a circular shape.
17. The accessible housing device of claim 14 wherein said offset insert, further including a plurality of sidewall fins angled slightly outward, and joined to an outer area of said interior surface, and aligned with said outer edge, and joined to said bottom rim thereof, and correlating with an inner surface of said body wall for applying outward pressure against thereof.
18. The accessible housing device of claim 14 wherein, the safety cover is comprised of a rigid material having a circular shape.
19. The accessible housing device of claim 14 wherein, said support members forming the outer edge is of sufficient size for fitting snugly within an inner wall of said retaining lip.
20. A method of enclosing, and positioning a pop-up sprinkler assembly by applying inward pressure against an outer body cover thereof comprising; providing a housing cover of the type, comprised of a flexible material, and having a plurality of fingers comprised in an exterior and interior face thereof, providing said pop-up sprinkler assembly, inserting said pop-up sprinkler assembly into said fingers, enclosing said pop-up sprinkler assembly within said fingers, positioning said pop up sprinkler assembly, by applying the inward pressure against said outer body cover.
Description
DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0019] FIG. 1A is a detailed cutaway view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0023] FIG. 4A is a 3 dimensional view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0024] FIG. 4B is a side view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0026] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is an expanded view of an alternative embodiment of my invention.
[0028] FIGS. 7, 7A, and 7B are perspective views of one or more alternative embodiments of my invention
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of my invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of my invention.
[0031] FIG. 9A is a detailed cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of my invention.
[0032] FIGS. 10 and 10A are overhead views of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a side view of a first embodiment of my invention.
[0034] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of my invention.
DRAWINGS
List of Reference Numerals
[0035] FIG. 1accessible housing device200, sprinkler assembly140, water feed line95, bottom connector96, [0036] FIG. 1Aaccessible housing device200, sprinkler assembly140, riser pipe93, bottom connector96, [0037] FIG. 2housing Body60, top section61, bottom section62, top rim63, bottom rim64, inner cavity65, top outer surface area67, cutouts69, body wall70, [0038] FIG. 3housing cover18, interior face12, inner wall13, bottom rim14, exterior face15, fingers16, center opening17, sidewall19, slots20, retaining lip35, offset49, [0039] FIGS. 4, 4A, 4Bsafety cover97, outer edge98, center opening99, top surface72 of donut, donut cavity73, bottom rim74 of safety cover, support members78, outer edge79 of donut, bottom rim80 of donut, outer radius81, inner radius82, inner edge83, donut84, [0040] FIGS. 5, and 5Aoffset insert100, sidewall fins101, outer edge102, offset fingers103, center opening104, offset105, exterior face106, interior face107, bottom rim108, sidewall reliefs109, slots110, riser pipe93, water feed line95, bottom connector96, [0041] FIG. 6telescoping housing body60A, sections60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E, bottom rims64, vertical grooves174, horizontal grooves175, locking grooves176, nubs177, top rims63, [0042] FIG. 7finger having an inner spring steel wire16A, wire55, [0043] FIG. 7Afinger having a bottom surface rib16B, back edge57, [0044] FIG. 7Bfinger having a knee joint16C, [0045] FIG. 8safety device97A, top surface72, outer edge98, donut lip23, center opening99, [0046] FIGS. 9 and 9Asafety cover and donut97B, outer radius81, outer edge79 of donut, top surface72, center opening99, outer hollow cavity115, support members78, inner edge83, center opening rim118, outer edge98, bottom rim80 of donut, inner radius122, inner hollow cavity127, [0047] FIG. 10circular representational graph46, [0048] FIG. 10Ahousing body60, vertical cutouts69, driveway, and walkway90, water feed line95, bottom connector96, [0049] FIG. 11burlap material94, [0050] FIG. 11Acovering sleeve85,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0051] FIGS. 1 and 1A shows a perspective view and a detailed cutaway view of one version of a preferred first embodiment, illustrating an assembled accessible housing device FIG. 1200. The FIG. 1A is the detailed cutaway view of the accessible housing device200. As can be seen in the FIGS. 1 and 1A, a pop-up sprinkler assembly FIG. 1140, a riser pipe FIG. 1A93, a portion of a water feed line FIG. 195, and a bottom connector FIG. 1A96 are being housed by the accessible housing device200. The housed devices in FIGS. 1 and 1A are easily accessed by removing a housing cover FIG. 1A18, and a safety cover FIG. 1A97. When the housing cover18 and the safety cover97 are removed, there is sufficient area around the housed devices for making a repair or a replacement. A housing body FIG. 160 when installed can be level with the surrounding soil, or can protrude above the soil to a height range of approximately to of an inch. This provides a benefit to a user of accessing the housed devices without the need for digging.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one version of a preferred first embodiment, illustrating the housing body FIG. 260. The housing body60 is fabricated by a manufacturer using either an extrusion or an injection molding process. When manufactured the housing body60 comprises a height range of 6 to 18 inches, and a diameter range of approximately 3 to 5 inches. The thickness of the body wall FIG. 270 can range from approximately 1/16 to of an inch. The housing body60 is formed into a tubular cylinder by having a top rim FIG. 263 joined to a top section FIG. 261, and a bottom rim FIG. 264 joined to a bottom section FIG. 262 of the body wall70. The body wall70 comprises an inner cavity FIG. 265. The body wall70 comprises a plurality of cutouts FIG. 269 originating at the bottom rim64, and extending upwards into the bottom section62, of the body wall70. The cutouts69, create a void area in the body wall70, of the housing body60. I presently prefer that the housing body60 be approximately 10 to 12 inches in height, and the cutouts69 be approximately 4 to 4 inches in height.
[0053] In most cases the foregoing dimensions are sufficient for housing the bottom connector96, and the height of the housing body60 can be adjusted within a 4 to 4 inch range via the cutouts69. However in other situations where the water feed line is positioned deeper than 12 inches a greater height of the housing body60 would be needed, or where the water feed line is positioned much shallower a shorter height of the housing body60 would be needed.
[0054] The top rim63 and a top outer surface area FIG. 267 of the top section61 of the body wall70, forms an upper top section of the housing body60. The housing body60 is comprised of a rigid material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the rigid material is a plastic. However other rigid and non-rigid materials such as metals, ceramics, harden clays, porcelains, fiberglass, rubber compositions, and the like would be suitable for forming the housing body60. The housing body60 could be formed from other shapes such as octagonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, square, triangular, and the like, or could comprise a combination of the foregoing shapes.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of one version of a preferred first embodiment, illustrating the housing cover FIG. 318. The housing cover18 is fabricated by a manufacturer using an injection molding process. When manufactured the housing cover18 comprises a height range of approximately to 1 inches, and a diameter range of approximately 3 to 5 inches. The thickness of the sidewall FIG. 319 ranges approximately from 1/16 to of an inch. In reference to the foregoing diameter range for the housing cover18(the inner diameter of the sidewall19 would correlate with the outer diameter of the body wall FIG. 270 of the housing body FIG. 260). The housing cover18 attaches to the upper top section of the housing body60.
[0056] The housing cover18 is formed by having an exterior face FIG. 315 and an interior face FIG. 312 extending outwards from a center opening FIG. 317, and joined to an inner surface of the sidewall19. The interior face12 is illustrated in (hidden projection lines in FIG. 3).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0057] The sidewall19 extends circularly around the entire circumference of the exterior and interior face15 and 12. The exterior and interior face15 and 12 are positioned horizontally, and the sidewall19 is positioned vertically. The exterior and interior face15 and 12 comprise an offset FIG. 349, and a plurality of fingers FIG. 316 within the extension from the center opening17. The offset49 is comprised in the outer area of the exterior and interior face15 and 12. The offset is position between the inner surface of the sidewall19 and the fingers16. The offset49 is vertically aligned in both the exterior and interior face15 and 12. The fingers16 are joined to an inner area of the offset49, and project inwards in adjacent angles. The housing cover18 comprises a plurality of slots FIG. 320 that are positioned between the fingers16. The angled degree of the fingers16, is proportional to their comprised number in combination with the width of the slots20, eight of each are illustrated in FIG. 3. The angle range of the fingers16 in combination with the slots20 in the illustration of FIG. 3 is approximately from 40 to 45 degrees. The fingers16 end at, and form the center opening17 upon the termination. The outer diameter of the center opening17 can range approximately from to of an inch. The retaining lip FIG. 335 is joined to a top surface of the sidewall19. An inner wall FIG. 313 of the retaining lip35 aligns vertically with the inner surface of the sidewall19. An outer surface of the retaining lip36 aligns vertically with the outer surface of the sidewall19, best shown in FIG. 1A. The housing cover18 is comprised of a flexible material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the flexible material is a plastic. However other flexible materials such as rubber compositions or the like would be suitable for forming the housing cover18. If the housing cover18 comprised other shapes they would correlate with the shapes provided for the housing body60 in combination or otherwise.
[0058] FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B shows a perspective view, a 3 dimensional view, and a side view of one version of a preferred first embodiment, illustrating the safety cover FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B97. The safety cover97 is fabricated by a manufacturer using an injection molding process.
[0059] When manufactured the safety cover97 comprises a height range of approximately 1 to 2 inches. The diameter range of an outer edge FIG. 479 of a donut FIG. 484 comprised by the safety cover97 is approximately from 5 to 7 inches. The outer diameter of the outer edge FIG. 4B98, of the safety cover97, correlates with the inner diameter of the inner wall FIG. 313, of the retaining lip FIG. 335. The safety cover97 is housed within the inner wall13 of the retaining lip35. A foundation of the safety cover97 is formed by comprising a plurality of support members FIG. 4A78 extending downwards forming the outer edge98, and joined to a back surface of an inner edge FIG. 4A83, and a bottom surface of an inner radius FIG. 4A82 of the donut84. The downward extension of the support members78 forming the outer edge98 exceeds a downwards extension of a bottom rim FIG. 4B80 of the donut84. The outer edge98 is inwardly offset from the bottom rim80 best shown in FIG. 4B.
[0060] The inner radius82, extends gradually inwards and downwards from a top surface FIG. 472 forming a curved shape, and is joined to a top surface of the inner edge83. The outer radius FIG. 481, extends gradually outwards and downwards from the top surface72 forming a curved shape, and is joined to the top surface of the outer edge79 of the donut84. The outer edge79 is joined to the bottom rim80 of the donut84. The bottom rim80 comprises a width dimension of approximately from 1/16 to of an inch. The inner surface of the inner edge83 forms a center opening FIG. 499. The inner and outer surfaces of the inner edge83 extend downwards and are joined to the bottom rim FIG. 4A74 of the safety cover97. The bottom rim74 comprises a width dimension of approximately from 1/16 to of an inch.
[0061] The donut cavity FIG. 4A73 originates at the inner surface of the outer edge79, and extends upwards occupying the bottom surface of the outer radius81, the underside of the top surface72, and a partial section of the bottom surface of the inner radius82. The donut cavity73 is illustrated in (hidden projection lines in FIG. 4A). The safety cover97 is comprised of a rigid material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the rigid material is a plastic.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0062] However other rigid materials such as metals, ceramics, porcelains, harden clays, fiberglass, and the like would be suitable for forming the safety cover97.
[0063] FIGS. 5 and 5A shows two perspective views of one version of a preferred first embodiment, illustrating the offset insert100. The FIG. 5A illustrates the offset insert100 in an expanded positional view, displaying the safety cover97, the housing cover18, and a rigid riser pipe93 connected to a bottom fitting96, that is connected to a water feed line95. The offset insert100 is fabricated by a manufacturer using an injection molding process. The offset insert100 when manufactured comprises a height range of approximately to 1 inch. An outer edge FIG. 5102 comprises an outer diameter that is sized slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the body wall FIG. 270 of the housing body FIG. 260. A bottom rim FIG. 5108 is joined to a bottom area of a plurality of sidewall fins FIG. 5101 that have a slight outward angle. The outer diameter of the sidewall fins101 at the bottom rim108 is sized slightly greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the body wall FIG. 270 of the housing body FIG. 260. The offset insert100 is housed within the inner cavity FIG. 265, in an offset installation situation of the housing body60.
[0064] The offset insert100 is formed by having an exterior face FIG. 5106, and interior face FIG. 5107 extending outwards from a center opening FIG. 5104, and forming the outer edge102 upon the termination. The interior face107 is illustrated in (hidden projection lines in FIG. 5). The sidewall fins101, are joined to an outer area of the interior face107, and are aligned with the outer edge102. The sidewall fins101 extends circularly around the entire circumference of the interior face107 at the outer edge102. The offset insert100 comprises a plurality of sidewall reliefs FIG. 5109 positioned between the sidewall fins101. The exterior and interior face106 and 107 extend outwards from the center opening104, and comprise an offset FIG. 5105, and a plurality of offset fingers FIG. 5103 within the extension. The offset105 is positioned between the outer edge102 and the offset fingers103.
[0065] The offset105 is vertically aligned in both the exterior and interior face106 and 107. The offset fingers103 are joined to an inner area of the offset105, and project inwards in adjacent angles. The offset insert100 comprises a plurality of slots FIG. 5110 positioned between the offset fingers103. The angled degree of the offset fingers103, is proportional their comprised number in combination with the width of the slots110, eight of each are illustrated in FIG. 5. The angle range of the offset fingers103 in combination with the slots103 in the illustration of FIG. 5 is approximately from 40 to 45 degrees. The offset fingers103 end at, and form the center opening104 upon the termination. The outer diameter of the center opening104 can range from approximately to of an inch. The offset insert100 is comprised of a flexible material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the flexible material is a plastic. However other flexible materials such as rubber compositions would be suitable for forming the offset insert100. If the offset insert100 comprised other shapes they would correlate with the inner surface of the inner cavity FIG. 265 of the housing body FIG. 260.
DETAILED OPERATION
First Embodiment
[0066] The accessible housing device FIG. 1200 is installed in a residential, or a commercial lawn area, and is positioned around an existing pop-up sprinkler assembly FIG. 1140 and the immediate connectors, FIG. 1A93 and 96. The accessible housing device200 can also be installed in an initial installation of the pop-up sprinkler assembly140, and the immediate connector93 and 96. The top rim FIG. 263 of the body wall FIG. 270 of the housing body FIG. 260 protrudes above the ground level at an approximated height of to of an inch after the installation is complete. The accessible housing device200 protects the housed devices from the surrounding elements, and allows access to a human being for making a repair, and/or a replacement. The accessible housing device200 saves its consumers both time, and labor when doing the repair, and/or the replacement.
[0067] A hole is dug around the existing pop-up sprinkler assembly140, revealing the pop-up sprinkler assembly140, the immediate connectors93 and 96, and the water feed line FIG. 195.
[0068] The housing body FIG. 260 is wrapped around the outer surface area of the bottom section FIG. 262 with a material such as burlap FIG. 1194, plastic film, or the like, for diminishing the opportunity of any soil entering into the inner cavity-FIG. 265. The burlap material94 could be replaced by the covering sleeve FIG. 11A85 of an alternative embodiment. The housing body60 is lowered into the hole, and centered using the existing pop-up sprinkler assembly140. The height and the inner and outer diameter dimensions of the housing body60 are of sufficient size for housing the pop-up sprinkler assembly140, the immediate connectors93, 96, and the water feed line95. The inner cavity65 is of sufficient size for housing the pop-up sprinkler assembly140, and the immediate connectors93 and 96. The housing body60 is positioned where the cutouts-FIG. 269 are straddling the top of any incoming water feed line FIG. 195. The height and width dimensions of the cutouts69, and their comprised number are of sufficient size, and amount for straddling multiple sized incoming water feed lines95 simultaneously. The cutouts69, constitute a means for straddling an outer body cover of multiple water feed lines95, respectively. The height of the cutouts69 provides height adjustment for the housing body60 during installation.
[0069] The burlap material94 is adjusted downward towards the bottom rim64, for covering the cutouts69 that are not in use, and any open areas in the cutouts69 above the straddled water feed line or lines95. The housing body60 is back-filled with the dirt around the outer surface of the bottom section62, and the top section FIG. 261 staying below the top outer surface area-FIG. 267. The top surface of the sprinkler assembly140 should be level with, or protrude at approximately to inch above the top rim FIG. 263. The positional height of the pop-up sprinkler assembly140 will be determined by the user. The dirt is tamped down to insure that the housing body60 maintains the installation position. The telescoping housing body FIG. 660A could be a substitute for the housing body60. The existing pop-up sprinkler assembly140 is removed from the riser pipe93.
DETAILED OPERATION
First Embodiment
[0070] The housing cover FIG. 318 is placed on the top of the housing body60 and pushed downward until the interior face FIG. 312 is contacting the top rim63, and the sidewall FIG. 319 is covering the top outer surface area67. The height and the inner and outer diameter dimensions of the housing cover18 are of sufficient size for covering an upper top section61 of the housing body60. The housing cover18 and the housing body60 attach, and bind together via the downward push, but can be detached from one another by twisting the housing cover18 in an upward motion. The pop-up sprinkler assembly140 is inserted into the center opening FIG. 317 of the fingers FIG. 316, and re-connected to the riser pipe93. The fingers16 constitutes a first means for applying pressure against an outer body cover of the pop-up sprinkler assembly140. The fingers16, enclose and position the pop-up sprinkler assembly140 having individually sized outer diameters by applying inward pressure. When the pop-up sprinkler assembly140 is inserted into the fingers16, they are pressed downward.
[0071] The slots FIG. 320 separate, and provide individual flexibility for the fingers16. The width dimension of the slots20 is of sufficient size for allowing the fingers16, to work individually or as a whole group. The fingers16 could be substituted by the fingers of FIG. 7, or 7A of one or more versions of an alternative embodiment for applying additional inward pressure. The safety cover FIG. 497 is placed within the inner wall FIG. 313 of the retaining lip FIG. 335 of the housing cover18, and pushed downwards until it bottoms out on the exterior face FIG. 315 of the housing cover18. The safety cover is pressed fitted into the inner wall13 of the retaining lip35 by hand. The safety cover97 reduces any open flexible areas around the pop-up sprinkler assembly140, where it is enclosed by the fingers16. The outer edge FIG. 4A98 is of sufficient size for fitting snugly inside the inner wall13 of the retaining lip35. The inner wall13 and the outer edge98 correlate with one another dimensionally, and with the outer surface of the body wall70 of the housing body60. The foregoing correlations provide a solid foundation for the safety cover97.
[0072] I contemplate though, that the outer edge98 and the inner wall13 could extend further past the outer surface of the body wall70, for providing additional area to the support foundation. The safety cover97 reduces possible concerns of personal injury to persons inserting undesignated body parts into the exterior face15 of the housing cover18. The above body part could be a foot of a child or other persons. The safety cover97 also protects the fingers16 from direct exposure to the sun. The outer diameter dimension of the center opening FIG. 499 is of sufficient size for inserting various pop-up sprinkler assemblies140 having individually sized outer diameters. The donut FIG. 484 provides a recognition feature for the accessible housing device200 and provides extra protection to the pop-up sprinkler assembly140. The outer edge FIG. 479 of the donut84 extends further into the lawn area then the outer surface of the housing body60. This further extension provides additional separation between the surrounding elements and the housed devices, and could also provide additional foundation support for the safety cover97. The additional foundation support is provided if the height of the housing body60 is installed with the forethought of additionally supporting the safety cover97 via the bottom rim FIG. 480 of the donut84. The height of the donut84 and outer diameter dimension of the outer edge79 are of sufficient size for performing the above functions and benefits. The safety device FIG. 897A, and the safety cover and donut FIG. 997B could replace the safety cover97. An assembled accessible housing device and a detailed cutaway view are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A.
[0073] In some situations the housing body60 may need to be offset; when the pop-up sprinkler assembly140 is positioned adjacent to a driveway, and/or a walkway FIG. 6A90. The offset will relocate the pop-up sprinkler assembly140 approximately 1 to 4 inches from its original position. The installation of the housing body60 in a situation that requires an offset is similar to the installation of the housing body60 when an offset is not necessary. In accordance with the foregoing sentence, the installation instructions will not be duplicated where applicable in the forthcoming instructions.
DETAILED OPERATION
First Embodiment
[0074] A hole is dug around the existing pop-up sprinkler assembly140, as previously stated but is offset providing more of an opening in front of the assembly140, and less behind the assembly140, where the driveway, and/or walkway90 are located. The FIG. 10A will be an instructional guide to the user for installing the housing body60 when the offset is necessary. The housing body60 in the drawing of FIG. 10A would be turned either clockwise or counter clockwise so that the cutouts69, are straddling both of the incoming water feed lines95 present. The FIG. 1046 illustrates the approximate positions of the cutouts69 after the turn has been performed. The width dimensions and the positional configurations of the cutouts69 are of sufficient size and design for allowing the turn to be performed. The illustration10A shows the water feed line95, and the connector96, as being positioned at the intersection of the driveway, and the walkway90. The FIG. 10A is also a representation of the two devices95 and 96, when they are positioned next to either the driveway, or the walkway90, without the presence of the intersection. To envision this image, the reader need only mentally subtract the 90 degree angle of the intersection, and extend the vertical and horizontal lines of the driveway and walkway90 individually.
[0075] When the housing body60 is installed in a situation like FIG. 10A, the outer surface of the body wall70 will not make direct contact with the hard surfaces90 after the installation is accomplished. The bottom rim FIG. 314 of the sidewall FIG. 319 of the housing cover18 after the attachment should not be hovering over the hard surfaces90. The housing body60 is wrapped around the outer surface of the bottom section FIG. 262 with a material such as burlap FIG. 1294 for the reasons previously stated. The sprinkler assembly140 is removed from the rigid riser pipe93. The housing body60 is lowered into the hole, and is positioned where the rigid riser pipe93, and/or the bottom connector96 is within the inner cavity65 of the body wall70. At times the riser pipe93 will be removed and one of the cutouts69 will straddle the backside of the bottom connector96 where the 90 degree elbow is comprised.
[0076] The housing body60 will be turned circularly until the cutouts69, are straddling the water feed line or lines95, and moved in or out for allowing enough room for a proper attachment between the housing cover18 and the housing body60. The rigid riser pipe93 is replaced by a flexible riser pipe, and inserted into the offset insert FIG. 5100, utilizing the center opening FIG. 5104 of the offset fingers FIG. 5103. The outer diameter dimension of the center opening104 is smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the flexible riser pipe. The dimensions of the offset fingers103 are of sufficient size for enclosing different sized flexible riser pipes. The offset fingers103 constitutes a second means for applying pressure against an outer body cover of a flexible riser pipe. When the flexible riser pipe is inserted into the offset fingers103 they are pressed downward. The offset fingers103, enclose and position the flexible riser pipe by applying inward pressure. The slots FIG. 5110 separate, and provide individual flexibility to the offset fingers103. The width dimensions of the slots110 are of sufficient size for allowing the offset fingers103, work individually or as a whole group.
[0077] The flexible riser pipe is connected to the bottom connector96. The length of the flexible riser pipe varies so a portion will be coiled below the offset insert100, and/or positioned within and outside the cutouts69. The offset insert100 is inserted and positioned within the inner cavity65 of the housing body60. The position of the offset insert100 will be determined by the user, though being positioned slightly above the cutouts69 works in most cases. The outer diameter dimension of the outer edge FIG. 5102 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the body wall70 of the housing body60, for permitting the insertion of the offset insert100. The sidewall fins FIG. 5101 should be projecting downwards when the offset insert100 is inserted into the inner cavity65. The sidewall reliefs FIGS. 5109 divide the sidewall fins101 into sections for providing flexibility. The sidewall reliefs109, allow the sections of the sidewall fins101 to be compressed inwards for working individually, or as a whole group.
[0078] The user will need to push the sections of the sidewall fins101 inwards for insertion into the inner cavity65 of the body wall70.
DETAILED OPERATION
First Embodiment
[0079] When the offset insert100 is inserted into the inner cavity65, the sidewall fins101, correlate with the inner surface of the body wall70 of the inner cavity65. The slight outward angle of the sidewall fins101 at the bottom rim FIG. 5108, applies outward pressure against the inner surface of the body wall70. The slight outward angle of the sidewall fins101 is of a sufficient degree for applying the outward pressure against the inner surface of the body wall70, and for maintaining the installation position of the offset insert100. The offset insert100 is utilized in the offset installation of the housing body60, though can also be used when an offset is not necessary as illustrated in FIG. 5A. When the offset insert100 is used in the above un-necessary application it would be for storage or for preventing loss, and not for functional reasons or purposes. The material wrapped around the bottom section62 is adjusted downward for the reasons previously stated. The housing body60 is stabilized, and the installation position is maintained by applying the back filling instructions as previously stated. The unconnected end of the flexible riser pipe is inserted through the interior face FIG. 312 of the housing cover FIG. 318, utilizing the center opening FIG. 317 of the fingers FIG. 316. The housing cover18 is attached to the housing body60 as previously stated. The flexible riser pipe is connected to the pop-up sprinkler assembly140. The pop-up sprinkler assembly140 is inserted into the fingers16. When the sprinkler assembly140 is inserted into the fingers16, the offset insert100 may be pushed downwards, though the distance will depend upon its initial installation position. The safety cover FIG. 497 is installed within the inner wall FIG. 313 of the retaining lip FIG. 335 as previously stated.
[0080] The above instructions can be adjusted as determined by the user. I am confident though, that an ordinarily skilled person in the art will be able to adjust the above instructions as determined in either installation situation, and apply those adjustments to the accessible housing device for installation purposes.
Alternative Embodiment
[0081] FIG. 6 shows an expanded view of an alternative embodiment of the housing body FIG. 160, illustrating a telescoping housing body FIG. 660A. The telescoping housing body60A is comprised of a predetermined number of sections four sections are illustrated in FIG. 6, and have the reference numerals60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E. The height range of an individual section is approximately from 4 to 7 inches. The main functioning aspects of the telescoping housing body60A are a plurality of vertical grooves FIG. 6174, a plurality of horizontal grooves FIG. 6175, a plurality of locking grooves FIG. 6176, and a plurality of nubs FIG. 6177. The telescoping housing body60A also comprises a plurality of top rims FIG. 663, and a plurality of bottom rims FIG. 664 positioned on the top and bottom areas of the sections 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E respectively. The vertical grooves174, the horizontal grooves175, and the locking grooves176 when manufactured comprises a depth range of approximately 1/32 to 3/64 of an inch. The width range of the three grooves174, 175, and 176 are approximately 1/16 to of an inch. The nubs177 when manufactured comprises a height range of approximately 1/64 to 1/16 of an inch, and a width range of approximately 1/32 to 3/32 of an inch.
[0082] The three grooves 174, 175, and 176 are positioned on the outer surface of the sections 60B, 60C, and 60D. The vertical grooves174 extend upwards through top rims63, and downwards through the bottom rims64 in the sections60C, and 60D. The vertical grooves174 in the section60B extends through the top rim63, and terminates at a predetermined distance from the bottom rim64. The top section60E does not comprise the vertical groove174, the horizontal grooves175 or the locking grooves176. The top section60E comprises the sliding nubs177. The horizontal grooves175 stems off of the vertical grooves174, and the locking grooves176 stems off of the horizontal grooves175. The sliding nubs177, are positioned on an inner wall of the sections 60C, 60D and 60E. The comprised number of sliding nubs177 per section ranges from 2 to 4 one is illustrated in each applicable section in FIG. 2A. The bottom section60B does not comprise the sliding nubs177.
[0083] The sliding nubs177, and the three grooves174, 175, and 176, correlate in size, area, and design for operational purposes where applicable. The sections60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E slid over one another for shelf convenience, and height adjustment as illustrated by the expanded projection lines in FIG. 6. The sliding nubs177, are positioned within the vertical grooves174 and can be moved upwards or downwards. The sliding nubs177 are then slid into the horizontal grooves175, and locked by the locking grooves176 for height adjustment purposes. The telescoping housing body171 would comprise a predetermined number of cutouts FIG. 269(not shown), though the height range would be approximately from 1 to 3 inches. The housing body60A is comprised of a rigid material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the rigid material is a plastic. However the housing body60A could be comprised of various types of metals.
Alternative Embodiment
[0084] FIGS. 7, 7A, and 7B shows three perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fingers16, illustrating a finger having an inner spring steel wire FIG. 716A, a wire FIG. 755, a finger having a bottom surface rib FIG. 7A16B, a back edge FIG. 7A57, and a finger having a knee joint FIG. 7B16C. The fingers16A, 16B, and 16C are fabricated by a manufacturer using an injection molding process. The finger having the inner spring steel wire16A comprises a wire55 of size sufficient for returning to a horizontal plane after being pressed downward. The wire55 extends from out of the back edge and into the finger16A terminating slightly short of the thinner end. In an application the wire55 at the back edge would extend into a connection area such as the offset FIG. 349 comprised by the housing cover FIG. 318, for providing a stationary support base. The wire55 and the stationary support base would be molded together by the manufacturing process. The wire55 would run continuously through the inner area of both elements. The finger having a bottom surface rib16B comprises a rib of sufficient size for having a resistance factor, and for returning to a horizontal plane after being press downward.
[0085] The rib on the bottom surface of finger16B comprises a back edge57. The back edge57 of the rib within an application would be in close proximity to an inner wall of the inner cavity FIG. 265 of the housing body FIG. 260. The back edge, 57 would come into contact with the inner wall of the inner cavity65 wall when it is pressed downward for providing the added resistance factor. The finger having a knee joint16C comprises a mixture of two plastics joined at the knee section. The top section of the finger of 16C would comprise a plastic that has less flexibility, than the plastic of the bottom section below the knee. The finger16C encloses the pop-up sprinkler assembly around the top cover area with the top section, and around the lower outer cover area with the bottom section. The fingers 16A, 16B, and 16C are comprised of a flexible material, and could comprise other elements such as a flat thin flexible strip of metal, or have a spring molded into the bottom area, or a combination of the two.
Alternative Embodiment
[0086] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the safety cover97, illustrating a safety device FIG. 4C97A. The safety device97A is fabricated by a manufacturer using an injection molding process. The safety device97A when manufactured comprises a height range of approximately to of an inch. The outer diameter of an outer edge FIG. 898 would correlate with the inner wall FIG. 313 of the retaining lip FIG. 335 of the housing cover FIG. 318 of the first embodiment. The safety device97A is housed within the inner wall13 of the retaining lip35. A donut lip FIG. 823 is position on an inner area of a top surface FIG. 872, and vertically aligns with a center opening FIG. 899. The top surface72 extends outwards from outer side of the donut lip23 and is joined to the outer edge98. The height range of the donut lip23 is approximately from to of an inch, and the width range of the sidewall is approximately from to of an inch. The outer diameter of the center opening99 ranges approximately from 2 to 3 inches. The donut lip23 provides an alternative option to the user for acquiring a self purchased donut available in today's market. The donut lip23 does not permit movement, and/or sink-age of the self purchased donut.
[0087] The center opening of the self purchased donut would be positioned on the top surface72 straddling the donut lip23. The safety device97A is comprised of a rigid material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the rigid material is a plastic. However other rigid materials such as metal, ceramics, porcelains or the like would be suitable for forming the safety device97A.
Alternative Embodiment
[0088] FIGS. 9 and 9A shows a perspective view and a detailed cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the safety cover97, illustrating a safety cover and donut FIGS. 9 and 9A97B. The safety cover and donut97B is fabricated by a manufacturer using an injection molding process. When manufactured the safety cover and donut97B comprises a height range of approximately 1 to 2 inches. The outer diameter of the outer edge FIG. 979 of the donut part of97B comprises a width range of approximately 5 to 7 inches. The safety cover and donut97B is similar to the safety cover97 in description, and operation, and therefore both should be applied where applicable. The apparent difference between the two elements is the inward length of the top surface FIG. 9A72 which creates a smaller center opening FIG. 9A99, the placement of an inner radius FIG. 9A122, and the two hollow cavities FIG. 9A115 and 127. The benefit of the safety cover and donut97B is the fact that additional areas within the housing cover FIG. 318, would be closed off for reducing any liability concerns by the inward extension of the top surface72.
[0089] The plurality of support members FIG. 9A78 extends downwards forming the outer edge FIG. 9A98 and are joined to the back surface of the inner edge FIG. 9A83, and to the outer surface of the inner radius122, and have a curved shape in that area. The number for the support members, comprised within the safety cover and donut97B ranges from 6 to 8, two are illustrated in FIG. 9A. The outer diameter of the outer edge98 formed by the support members78, correlates with the inner wall FIG. 313 of the retaining lip FIG. 335 of the housing cover FIG. 318 of the first embodiment.
[0090] The safety cover and donut97B is housed within the inner wall13 of the retaining lip35. The inner radius122 is joined to the top of the inner edge83. The top of the inner radius122 is joined to an underside of the top surface72. The inner radius122 directed towards the center opening99 extends gradually upwards, and inwards forming a curved shape. The top surface72 extends outward from the center opening99 that comprises a center opening rim FIG. 9A118, and is joined to the outer radius FIG. 9A82. The outer radius82 directed from the top surface72 extends gradually outwards and downwards forming a curved shape, and is joined to the outer edge FIG. 9A79 of the donut part of97B. The outer edge79 is joined to the bottom rim FIG. 9A80 of the donut part of97B. The outer hollow cavity FIG. 9A115 is positioned below the inner surface of the outer radius82. The inner hollow cavity FIG. 9A127 originates at the inner surface of the inner edge83, and occupies the inner area of the inner radius122, and the underside area of the top surface72.
[0091] When the safety cover and donut97B is inserted into the inner wall13 of the retaining lip35, the top outer cover of the pop-up sprinkler assembly would be enclosed under the top surface72, and positioned within the inner hollow cavity127. The pop-up portion of the sprinkler assembly would rise through the center opening99, for allowing normal spray of the pop-up sprinkler assembly. The safety cover and donut97B is comprised of a rigid material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the rigid material is a plastic. However other rigid materials such as metals, ceramics, porcelains, harden clays, fiberglass, and the like would be suitable for forming the safety cover and donut97B.
Alternative Embodiment
[0092] FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of one version of an alternative embodiment of the burlap material FIG. 1194, illustrating a covering sleeve FIG. 11A85. The covering sleeve85 is fabricated by a manufacturer using an extrusion or an injection molding process. The covering sleeve85 when manufactured comprises a height range of approximately 4 to 6 inches, and a diameter range of approximately 3 to 5 inches.
[0093] The wall thickness of the covering sleeve can range from approximately 1/16 to of an inch. The covering sleeve85 would replace the burlap material FIG. 1194 used in the operation sections of the first embodiment for covering the cutouts69. The inner and outer diameter dimensions of the covering sleeve85 would correlate with either the outer surface of the body wall FIG. 270 at the bottom section FIG. 262, or the inner surface of the body wall70 at the bottom section62 of the housing body60. The covering sleeve85 would be positioned around the outer surface of the body wall70 at the bottom section62 or inserted into the inner surface of the body wall70 at the bottom section62 during installation. The covering sleeve85 could close off any open areas in the cutouts FIG. 269 of the housing body60 where they are straddling the water feed lines or where they are not in use. The covering sleeve85 would be placed on top of any incoming water feed line, for diminishing the opportunity of any foreign substances entering into the inner cavity FIG. 265.
[0094] The covering sleeve is comprised of rigid material having a circular shape. I presently contemplate that the rigid material is a plastic. However other materials rigid or non-rigid such as metals, ceramics, porcelains, fiberglass, harden clays, rubber compositions, and the like would be suitable for forming the covering sleeve85. The covering sleeve85 could also comprise other shapes such as square, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal or octagonal or the like including a combination of the foregoing shapes.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE
[0095] Thus, the reader will see that at least one or more aspects, of one embodiment of the accessible housing device FIG. 1200 provides sufficient size for housing a pop up sprinkler assembly, and the immediate connectors, and for allowing access to a human being for making a repair, and/or a replacement; provides the access to the housed devices without the need for digging; provides multiple entrances for accommodating multiple water feed lines simultaneously; provides enclosing, and positioning accommodations for various pop up sprinkler assemblies having individually sized outer diameters, by applying inward pressure against their outer body covers; provides enclosing, and positioning accommodations for various flexible riser pipes, by applying inward pressure against their outer body covers in an offset installation situation; provides a safety feature having a recognition element, for reducing concerns of personal injury to children and other persons, and for identifying the location area of the accessible housing device200 in a lawn area; provides a separation between the housed devices, and the surrounding elements, for diminishing operational problems; provides future savings for consumers in time, and labor, when doing the repair, and/or the replacement personally, and in cost when hiring a skilled artisan; provides a simple installation, and then after its appearance is uniform, attractive, and in plain sight for consumers, and lawn service providers; provides a more reliable accessible housing device200, that is inexpensive to manufacture, and that greatly diminishes any consequential options, and/or limiting results for the end-user/purchaser.
[0096] While my above description contains many specificities these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one or several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the accessible housing device200 could be manufactured in various colors, such as green, black, or any other color pigmentation that a user believes is a complimenting addition to the surrounding lawn area.
[0097] The safety cover FIG. 497 could be replaced by other types of a safety device such as expanded metal, or rigid plastic cages designed like the expanded metal, or they could have a mesh appearance such as a strainer with or without a center opening, and formed like a bowl or other shapes. The cages could be positioned outside and/or around the housing body FIG. 260 or be adapted to fit within the housing cover FIG. 318. The donut FIG. 484 of the safety cover97 could comprise shapes such as various frogs, snakes, snails, in combination or in different action or still poses. The safety cover97 could be adapted for comprising the fingers FIG. 316, which would eliminate the need for the housing cover18. The safety cover97 could be adapted for enclosing the top of the housing body60 or could be changed entirely having its own body, circular or otherwise, and extending downward, and having the cutouts FIG. 269 or not, which would eliminate the need for the housing cover18 and the housing body60. The safety cover97 could be eliminated though is comprised for providing a product comprising less possible liability concerns.
[0098] The offset insert FIG. 5100 could be replaced by other devices for enclosing and positioning the flexible riser pipe such as, flexible adjustable clips, and being attached in some manner to the inner surface of the housing body60. The adjustable clips could also be attached to a sliding member with a type of locking element. The adjustable clips could be slid horizontally from right to left or vice-versa, and the flexible riser pipe would be snapped into the clips for enclosing and positioning purposes. The offset insert100 could have a center type of spring hinge forming a type of V shape when un-inserted, and when inserted and pushed downwards in the center section it would become locked, and form a horizontal plane. The offset insert100 could be replaced by adjustable arms that are attached in some manner to the inner surface of the housing body60, or that slide through the body wall FIG. 270 and have an adjustment means like a wire tie where one end is pulled for locking, and enclosing a group of wires, and thereby holding them in place and/or together.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0099] The offset insert100 could be replaced by Styrofoam in sections or not, that would be inserted into the housing body60 and formed so as to enclose and position the flexible riser pipe. The housing body60 could be formed to replace the offset insert100 having a section with a circular opening within the inner cavity FIG. 265 that extends inward and encloses and positions the flexible riser pipe. The offset insert100 could be eliminated though is comprised for providing a product that can be installed in different situations.
[0100] The housing cover18 could be attached to the housing body60 in other ways such as by threads, or the two devices could comprise other methods like grooves and protrusions that snap in, and out of one another other or downwardly inserted into one another. The housing cover18 could be adapted to fit inside the housing body60, and have a threaded or binding means for attachment. The housing cover18 and the housing body60 could be manufactured as a single piece element, with the fingers18 and 103 being molded inside the inner cavity65. The housing body60 could comprise a pressure means for enclosing the sprinkler assembly such as flexible bands or sections of different materials that are bowed in and/or out at a center, and/or a top area, and have a connection or binding means within the inner cavity65. The pressure means could be inserts comprising center openings that snap in, and out of a correlating connection element. The foregoing pressure means could be positioned within the inner cavity65 or the housing cover18. The foregoing connection element and insert could comprise interlocking threads or over-lapping sections that can be adjusted inwards, and locked for adapting to the outer body cover of the pop-up sprinkler assembly.
[0101] The housing body60 could comprise a pressure means such as flexible clips positioned within the inner cavity65 or within the housing cover18 and the pop-up sprinkler assembly would snap in and out of these clip devices. The housing body could comprise a rim within the inner cavity for housing an insert having fingers for applying pressure inward against the flexible riser pipe.
[0102] The fingers of FIGS. 316 and FIG. 5103 could be comprised within an insert that connects in some manner to the housing cover18. The fingers16 and 103 could be manufactured so that they are angled either upwards or downwards, or have a curved shape for correlating with the outer body cover of the pop-up sprinkler assembly. The fingers18 and 103 could comprise other shapes such as square, triangular or be more pointed at their ends or overlap each other. The housing body60 could be manufactured without the cutouts FIG. 269 in this application the bottom rim FIG. 264 would be positioned on top of the incoming PVC water feed lines. The cutouts69 could be eliminated completely, and the housing body60 could be formed with the water feed line or lines extending somewhat out of the body wall70, and connected to a bottom connector that could also be connected to a riser pipe within the inner cavity65, and thereby forming a complete housing assembly, with or without the pop-up sprinkler assembly. The cutouts69 could be designed having scored lines, or the housing body60 could be thin enough so that its height could be adjusted by either snapping or cutting off the scored lines or the thin areas. The cutouts69 could be concentric circular punch-outs so the user could determine the size and number needed for the incoming water feed line or lines. The foregoing application could be positioned in various areas of the housing body60, and/or occupy a partial section of the bottom rim64. The cutouts69 could be comprised in another area of the housing body60, such as somewhere above the bottom rim64 leaving the bottom rim64 intact. The cutouts69 could have sharp bottom points or the like, for tapping the housing body into the ground below the water feed lines. The cutouts69 could be comprised of other shapes such as circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, or rectangular. The cutouts69 could be manufactured from a rigid material such as metal, and be attached in various ways to the housing body60.
[0103] The vertical FIG. 6174, horizontal FIG. 6175, and locking grooves FIG. 6176 and the sliding nubs FIG. 6177 of an alternative embodiment could comprise other shapes or designs for adjusting the height of the telescoping housing body FIG. 660A.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0104] The vertical grooves174 could be replaced by an ascending or descending thread type grooves on each section, which would be turned in a circular motion and have a locking element for adjusting the height of the telescoping housing body60A.
[0105] All of the above foregoing ramifications are to be applied in a mutual ownership where applicable, and further includes any variations of their like.
[0106] Accordingly the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated but by the appended claims, and their legal equivalents.
