Illuminated sprinkler device and system

• US 9,534,778 B1
• Filed: 11/24/2015
• Issued: 01/03/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jesse Ray Jr. Donley
• Original Assignee: Jesse Ray Jr. Donley
• Inventors: Donley, Jesse Ray Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hall, Arthur O
• Assistant Examiner(s): Barrera, Juan C
• Application Number:
  US14/951,341
• Time in Patent Office: 406 Days
• Field of Search: 239200-210, 239/1, 239/288, 239/288.3, 239/288.5
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/14 with multiple outlet openings B05B1/02, B05B1/26 take precedence; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 15/00 Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 15/16 for preventing non-intended contact between spray heads or nozzles and foreign bodies, e.g. nozzle guards
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/06 using a magnet , e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/02 the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/02 characterised by the shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/006 General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/109 of gardens

Abstract

An illuminated sprinkler device and system is provided that can be easily retro-fitted and installed with existing or new sprinkler systems. In one aspect, the illuminated sprinkler device includes a power converter for converting AC to DC power from a main controller, an illuminated cover having LED'"'"'s for coupling with a sprinkler head, and one or more securement members for securing the illuminated cover to the sprinkler head. Here, the LED'"'"'s of the sprinkler head are configured to operate in conjunction with the operation of the sprinkler system.

Claims

1. An illuminated sprinkler device comprising:

an AC to DC power converter configured to couple to a lawn sprinkler system zone control unit and one or more solenoid valves;

a cover having a lower end opening, the cover configured to receive a sprinkler head;

the cover further comprising an annular compartment for housing a plurality of light emitting devices, wherein the plurality of light emitting devices are coupled to the AC to DC power converter;

the cover further comprising a flat annular lip, wherein the flat annular lip is disposed above the annular compartment and configured to rest on top of soil;

one or more securement members configured to secure the cover to the sprinkler head and further configured to directly couple to the sprinkler head; and

wherein the AC to DC power converter is configured to operate the light emitting devices, and wherein the light emitting devices are configured to operate in conjunction with the one or more solenoid valves.

2. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the annular compartment is transparent.

3. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 2, wherein the light emitting devices are configured in a concentric circle orientation.

4. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a second opening, wherein the second opening is smaller than the lower end opening.

5. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 4, wherein the second opening is configured to align with a nozzle of the sprinkler head.

6. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the flat annular lip has the largest diameter of the entire cover.

7. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the power converter is within a water sealed capsule.

8. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the power converter is between the sprinkler system zone control unit and the one or more solenoids.

9. The illuminated sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the securement members are threaded fasteners coupled to the cover.

10. A sprinkler device illumination method, the method comprising:

inserting sprinkler head within a lower end opening of a cover, the cover having one or more light emitting devices disposed therein and a flanged lip extending outwards;

securing the cover to the sidewalls of the sprinkler head via one or more securement members thereby directly engaging the sprinkler head;

at least partially placing the cover within soil, wherein the flanged lip rests on top of the soil; and

operating a lawn sprinkler system zone control unit, wherein the control unit simultaneously powers a solenoid of a sprinkler valve and an AC to DC power converter, wherein the AC to DC power converter powers the light emitting devices.

11. An illuminated sprinkler system comprising:

an AC to DC power converter configured to connect between a sprinkler zone control unit and one or more solenoid valves;

a cover having a lower end opening, the cover configured to receive a sprinkler head;

the cover further comprising a flat flanged lip extending outwards from the cover, wherein the flat flanged lip is configured to rest on top of soil;

one or more securement members configured to secure the cover to the sprinkler head and further configured to directly couple to the sprinkler head;

a plurality of light emitting devices enclosed within the cover, the light emitting devices coupled to the AC to DC power converter; and

wherein the AC to DC power converter is configured to deliver power to the light emitting devices.