ES2566742T3 - Sprinkler with nutante mechanism and optional ballast - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotating nutating sprinkler head including: a housing supporting a nozzle including a tube (36) provided with a first radial flange (42) at one end, said tube (36) extending in a downward direction concentric with a vertical central axis of the sprinkler head; a spool assembly loosely supported on said tube (36), said spool assembly including a double flanged spool (46) and a water deflection plate (28) supported by said spool, said water deflection plate (28) formed with one or more slots shaped to cause said spool assembly to rotate when impacted by a jet emitted by said nozzle; characterized in that said double flanged spool (46) includes a cylindrical hub portion (52) having an upper flange (54) and a lower flange (56) extending from said hub portion (52) and a central disk ( 58) within said hub portion (52), said central disk (58) having a central opening (60); passing said tube (36) through said central opening (60) such that said central disk (58) engages said first radial flange (42) when the sprinkler head is at rest.

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

DESCRIPTION

Sprinkler with nutante mechanism and optional ballast

This invention relates to rotary sprinkler heads and, more specifically, to sprinkler heads that undergo nutation (ie, swing while rotating) to minimize the "donut effect" prevalent in conventional rotary sprinkler heads.

Conventional rotary sprinklers typically launch one or more jets in a radial direction to irrigate a specified area in a circular configuration. In circumstances where the sprinkler is in a fixed position, unless some mechanism is used to break the single or the various jets, a donut configuration is created that leaves a substantial dry area within the configuration. A higher rotation speed tends to break the jet or jets, but also shorten the range. An alternative is the rolling type sprinkler where a water bypass plate is made to swing when turning (which is sometimes called a nutacion action). Several designs of nutant or balancing sprinkler heads are available, but with potential drawbacks that can override most of the effect that makes such sprinklers attractive at first. Examples of nutant or rolling sprinkler heads known in US Pat. Nos. 5,381,960, 5,950,927 and 6,932,279 can be seen. US Patent Nos. 5,439,174, 5,588,595, 5,671,885, 6,257,299 and 6,439,477 of the same owner provide more examples.

A problem that is often found in sprinklers of this type refers to the jam, primarily when starting, but possibly also during normal operation. The jam takes place when the water deflection plate of the sprinkler head does not tilt at start-up, or stops tilting during operation, simply turning (without balancing) and distributing a jet especially susceptible to the donut effect. When the numbing or balancing sprinklers operate according to design, the balancing action tends to cover the configuration substantially uniformly. Thus, it is critical that the water deflection plate remains reliably and systematically in a tilted orientation when starting and while turning to achieve the desired balancing action.

Another problem related to sprinklers of the rolling type is excessive wear on the balancing / rotating and stationary surfaces engaged.

US 2008/0017732 describes the pre-characterizing portion of claim 1.

However, there remains a need to establish an even longer lifetime of the sprinkler components, while also allowing the reliable "tipping" of the roll set at startup.

The invention is defined in the claims.

In an exemplary but not limiting embodiment, a spray head includes a housing that supports a nozzle and a spool assembly. The reel assembly is formed by a double flange reel and a water deflection plate (or distribution) supported by the reel, down the nozzle. The spool assembly is loosely supported on a tube coaxially aligned with the nozzle and which also extends downwards from it. Mechanical elements such as tabs are located in a flange in the tube or in an inner ring or disc in a lower portion of the reel to keep the reel assembly in a tilted or deviated orientation relative to a longitudinal central axis through the sprinkler head. An annular race is supported within the housing and is adapted to be engaged by upper and lower flange surfaces of the reel during the rotation of the reel assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the "movable surfaces" of the reel engage the annular race mainly by means of a rolling contact (only with a minimum sliding contact) to thereby improve the life of the components.

An optional ballast can be mounted in the sprinkler head housing for stability, using cooperating surface elements that allow rapid mounting and disassembly of the ballast. For example, the ballast can be mounted by threaded hitch that tends to tighten due to vibration in normal operating conditions.

Thus, according to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, a rotating numbered spray head is provided including a housing that supports a nozzle tube extending in a downward direction, concentric with a vertical central axis of the spray head; a spool assembly loosely supported on the starter tube, the spool assembly including a double flange reel and a water deflection plate supported by the spool, the water deflection plate formed with one or more grooves shaped to make the spool assembly rotates when a jet emitted by the starter tube over the shock; where one of the starter tube and the reel is provided with at least one tilting tongue located to maintain the reel assembly in a tilted or angularly offset orientation relative to the vertical central axis, thereby facilitating a balancing action of the reel assembly during rotation.

In another non-limiting aspect, the invention relates to a rotating numbered spray head including: a housing that supports a nozzle tube extending in a downward direction, concentric with an axis

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

vertical center of the spray head; a reel assembly loosely supported on the nozzle tube, the reel assembly including a double flange reel and a water bypass plate supported by the reel, the water bypass plate formed with one or more grooves formed to make the spool assembly rotates when a jet emitted by the nozzle tube over the shock; and an annular race supported in the housing having upper and lower surfaces engaged by portions of the upper and lower flanges, respectively, of the reel when the reel assembly rotates and swings around the central axis.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a rotating numbered spray head including: a housing that supports a nozzle tube extending in a downward direction, concentric with a vertical central axis of the spray head; a reel assembly loosely supported on the nozzle tube, the reel assembly including a reel having a bucket and upper and lower flanges, a water bypass plate supported by the reel, the water bypass plate formed with one or more grooves shaped to make the spool assembly rotate when a jet emitted by the nozzle tube over the shock; an annular race supported in the housing having upper and lower surfaces engaged by portions of the upper and lower flanges, respectively, of the reel when the reel assembly rotates and swings around the central axis; and multiple coupling teeth formed on a radially inner surface of the raceway and on a lower portion of the hub for coupled rolling action of the reel assembly around the raceway.

In another non-limiting aspect, the invention relates to a rotating numbered spray head including a housing that supports a nozzle including a starter tube extending in a downward direction, concentric with a vertical central axis of the spray head; a cage assembly loosely supported on the starter tube, including the cage assembly a disk and a water bypass plate supported by multiple struts that extend down the disk, the water bypass plate formed with one or more grooves shaped to make the cage assembly rotate when a jet emitted by the starter tube on the crash; one or more tilting tongues positioned to maintain the cage assembly in a tilted or angularly offset orientation relative to the vertical central axis, thereby facilitating a balancing action of the cage assembly during rotation; and a bearing supported in the housing and surrounding the cage assembly, the bearing adapted to be engaged in rolling contact by radial outer surfaces of the disk.

In another non-limiting aspect, the invention relates to a rotating numbered spray head including a housing that supports a nozzle; a tube axially adjacent to the nozzle and extending in a downward, concentric direction with a vertical central axis of the spray head; a reel having a bucket and upper and lower flanges, said reel loosely supported on the tube, the reel supporting a water deflection plate formed with one or more grooves formed to make the reel and the water deflection plate rotate when a jet emitted by the nozzle collides on the water bypass plate, the upper flange having a lower side formed with a radially outer concave lip, and the lower flange having an upper side formed with a first annular series of teeth facing the upper flange; an annular race supported in the housing, which has a radially inner surface that defines a central opening; an upper surface having a radially inner surface portion, substantially smooth, engagable with the radially outer concave lip of the upper flange, and a lower surface having a surface portion formed with a second annular series of teeth engaged with the first annular series of teeth when the reel rotates and swings around said axis.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a rotating numbered spray head including a housing that supports a nozzle including a tube provided with a first radial flange at one end, the tube extending in a downward direction, concentric with a vertical central axis of the sprinkler head; a reel assembly loosely supported on the tube, the reel assembly including a double flange reel and a water bypass plate supported by the reel, the water bypass plate formed with one or more grooves shaped to make the assembly reel rotate when a jet emitted by the nozzle over the shock; where the double flange reel includes a cylindrical hub portion having an upper flange and a lower flange extending from the hub portion and a central disk within the hub portion, the central disk having a central opening; passing the tube through the central opening in such a way that the central disk engages with the first radial flange when the sprinkler head is at rest.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a rotating numbered spray head including a housing that supports a nozzle; a tube provided with a radial flange at one end, the tube being adjacent to the nozzle and extending in a downward direction, concentric with a vertical central axis of the spray head; a reel having a bucket and upper and lower flanges, the reel loosely supported on the radial flange, the reel supporting a water deflection plate formed with one or more grooves shaped to make the reel and the water deflection plate rotate when a jet emitted by the nozzle collides on the water deflection plate, the upper flange having a lower side formed with a radially outer concave lip, and the lower flange having an upper side formed with a first annular series of teeth facing the upper flange; an annular race supported in the housing, which has a radially inner surface that defines a central opening; an upper surface having a radially inner surface portion, substantially smoothly engaged with the radially outer concave lip of the upper flange, and a lower surface having a surface portion formed with a second annular series of teeth engaged with the first annular series of

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

teeth when the reel rotates and swings around the central axis.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a rotating numbered spray head including: a housing that supports a nozzle; a tube adjacent to the nozzle and extending in a downward, concentric direction with a vertical central axis of the spray head; a double flange reel loosely supported on the tube, the reel supporting a water deflection plate, the water deflection plate formed with one or more grooves formed to make the reel rotate when a jet emitted by the nozzle on the crash , and an annular race supported in the housing having upper and lower surfaces engaged by substantially rolling contact with portions of the upper and lower flanges, respectively, of the reel when the reel rotates and swings around the central axis.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail in connection with the drawings identified below.

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a spray head according to a first exemplary embodiment, with an optional ballast mounted.

Figure 2 is a top front perspective view of the sprinkler shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the sprinkler shown in Figure 1, with an associated component removed.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the central longitudinal axis of the spray head in Figure 1, with the water bypass plate shown in a starting mode, and with the adapter, nozzle and optional ballast taken away

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4, but with the water deflection plate represented in an operating mode, and with the optional ballast mounted.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5, but with the spray head rotated 90 degrees.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a starter tube component removed from the spray head shown in Figures 1-6.

Figure 8 is a bottom front perspective view of an upper body component removed from the spray head depicted in Figures 1-6.

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the upper body component shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a rolling component removed from the spray head shown in Figures 1-6.

Figure 11 is a top plan view of the rolling component shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of a spool component removed from the spray head shown in Figures 1-6.

Figure 13 is a top front perspective view of a top body component removed from the sprinkler depicted in Figures 1-6.

Figure 14 is a top front perspective view of the spray head, similar to Figure 2, but with a ballast component removed from the head.

Figure 15 is a top front perspective view of the optional ballast component.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of an alternative reel component according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a rolling component according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a reel component according to another embodiment.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a rolling component especially useful with the reel shown in Figure 18.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Figure 20 is a partial sectional view showing in use the hitch between the reel of Figure 18 and the raceway of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a spray head according to another embodiment of the invention, shown in a starting mode.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in Figure 21, rotated 90 ° around a vertical axis in a left direction, and in an operational mode.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a sleeve component taken from the sprinkler shown in Figures 21 and 22.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a spray head according to another embodiment of the invention, shown in a starting mode.

Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 24, rotated 90 ° around a vertical axis in a left direction, and in an operational mode.

Figure 26 is a front elevational view of a spray head according to a currently preferred, but not limiting, embodiment with an optional ballast mounted.

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the central longitudinal axis of the spray head in Figure 26, with the water deflection plate represented in an operative mode.

Figure 28 is an enlarged detail taken from Figure 27, but also representing the direction of forces on the reel, the rolling and the water deflection plate during use.

Figure 29 is a top perspective view of an upper part of the reel component removed from Figures 26 and 27.

Figure 30 is a bottom perspective view of the upper part of the reel component shown in Figure 29.

Figure 31 is a top perspective view of a bottom portion of the spool component removed from the spray head depicted in Figures 26 and 27.

Figure 32 is a top perspective view of the rolling component removed from the spray head shown in Figures 26 and 27.

Figure 33 is a bottom perspective view of the tread shown in Figure 32.

Figure 34 is a top perspective view of the optional ballast component removed from the spray head depicted in Figure 26.

Figure 35 is a top perspective view of an upper part of the sprinkler housing assembly removed from Figures 26 and 27.

Figure 36 is a top perspective view of the lower part of the housing assembly.

And Figure 37 is a side elevation view similar to Figure 26, but with the optional ballast removed.

With initial reference to Figures 1-6, a sprinkler head 10 includes a sprinkler body assembly 12 formed by an adapter 14 for attaching the sprinkler head to a flexible conduit, fixed rising column or other irrigation component 16; a sprinkler housing assembly 18, and a nozzle body 20. Unless otherwise specified, the various components are made of a hard plastic material, but other suitable materials can be used.

As best seen in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the nozzle body 20 is sandwiched between the adapter 14 and the sprinkler housing assembly 18 which are fixed together by means of a threaded connection at 22. The nozzle body 20 at sf It is of known construction, formed with a hole 24 that emits a continuous stream of water that passes through an axially adjacent starter tube 26 (also sometimes referred to as a nozzle tube) to the atmosphere, and to a distribution plate of water 28, as described better below.

The nozzle body 20 has been formed with an inner tubular portion 30 that ends in a downward direction in the hole 24. A radially outer tubular portion 32 extends in an upward direction to a flange

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

cancel conic 34 that is visible by the user, and that can carry information about the size and / or operation of the nozzle. It will be appreciated that the nozzle body 20 is easily removed and replaced by an identical or different size nozzle, simply unscrewing the adapter 14 and raising the nozzle.

With reference also to Figure 7, the starter tube 26 has been formed with a substantially cylindrical tubular portion 36 formed with resilient resilient elastic fingers 38 around its peripheral edge located upwards. These fingers allow the elastic mounting of the starter tube 26 in an inner tubular portion or hub 40 of the sprinkler housing assembly 18. The downward end of the starter tube has been formed with an outwardly directed radial flange 42 having a pair of tongues or ribs 44 circumferentially spaced in the flange approximately 90 degrees. The function of the tongues or nerves 44 will be described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the nozzle orifice may also be located at the downward end of the starter or nozzle tube.

The water deflection plate 28 is supported by a double flange reel 46 by means of three circumferentially spaced struts 48 (this assembly of the water deflection plate 28, the struts 48 and the reel 46 can also be described as a "cage" ). The struts 48 extend through holes 50 formed in the water plate 28, and the plate can be mounted on the struts 48 with screws or other fasteners (not shown), or by means, for example, of heat and pressure applied to the tips of the struts, that is, by heat picking. The opposite ends of the struts 48 can be integrally formed with the reel as best seen in Figures 4-6.

Referring also to Figure 12, the double flange reel 46 includes a generally cylindrical wall 52 with upper and lower annular flanges 54, 56, respectively. A central disk 58 is located approximately midway along the height of the reel 46 based on the cylindrical wall 52, with a central hole 60 sized to loosely receive the tubular cylindrical portion 36 of the starter tube 26. Of this shape, the spool 46 and the water bypass plate 28 are loosely supported on the flange 42 of the starter tube 26 in a tilted or off-axis orientation due to the engagement of the disk 58 with one or both tabs or ribs 44, as look better in figure 4.

Also note that as a weight reduction element, the central disk 58 can be formed with a plurality of holes 62, and the inner surface of at least the upper flange 54 can be formed with a series of grooves or grooves oriented axially and substantially parallel 64.

The upper reel flange 54 extends up and out of the upper end of the wall 52 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The lower reel flange 56 extends down and out of the base of the wall 52, also at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. A remote end of the flange 56 has been formed with an annular or protruding groove 66 formed by first and second annular surfaces 68, 70 (which are best seen in Figure 4) whose function will be better described later.

With special attention to Figures 4-6, the sprinkler housing assembly 18 includes upper and lower body components 72, 74, respectively. The upper body component 72 of the housing assembly 18 includes an outer wall 76 formed at its upper end with a threaded central opening 78 defined by a radially inner wall 80. Under the threads 82, the wall 80 tapers inwardly to join to hub 40. With further reference to Figures 8 and 9, the upper body component 72 also includes a pair of radially spaced, substantially parallel intermediate walls 84, 86 and an outer annular skirt or edge 88. The outer intermediate wall 86 is formed by multiple arcuate segments 90 separated by vertical grooves 92. Each segment 90 has its own elastic finger 94 formed with an outer flange or radial tongue 96 at its lower edge. The inner intermediate wall 84 is a solid annular wall that extends vertically downward a distance larger than the outer intermediate wall 86.

With continued reference to Figures 4-6, and with additional reference to Figure 13, the lower body component 74 is a ring-shaped annular element, with an outer peripheral wall 98 formed at its bottom edge with an edge or flange turned inwards 100. The wall 98 has been formed with circumferentially spaced cavities or recesses 102, each defined by a pair of inwardly directed lateral ribs 104, 106, connected by an inwardly projecting roof surface 108 that is level with the upper edge of the wall 98. The spaces between adjacent recesses or recesses 102 are bifurcated by vertical ribs 105 that extend from the edge or flange 100 in an upward direction, beyond the upper edge of the wall 98. In the Holes 102 have been arranged as a manufacturing element based on the cavities 102, facilitating the molding of the component.

It will be appreciated that the lower body component 74 can be fixed to the upper body component 72 by aligning the cavities 102 with the elastic fingers 94 and joining the two body components, such that the tabs 96 jump over the ceiling surfaces 108, allowing the ribs 105 to be received within the grooves 92. It should be noted that the outer contours of the upper and lower body components are shaped such that the water that flows down the outside of the housing 18 tends to remain attached to the housing especially at the lower end of the lower body component 74, where water will flow to

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

inside along the bottom side of the edge 100 before falling into an area where the emitted jets will carry the excess water radially outward with the nozzle jets, thereby minimizing the undesirable "dripping" of excess water directly below the spray head.

Continuing with reference to Figures 4-6, and also with reference to Figures 10 and 11, an annular race 110 is fixed between the upper and lower body components 72, 74. The race 110 is preferably made of a polyurethane material , for example, a 55D hardness polyurethane available under the trade name Dow Pellathane. The raceway 110 has been formed with radial inner and outer surfaces 112, 114, respectively. The respective upper and lower surfaces 116, 118 of the raceway are formed with opposite grooves 120, 122 that create a narrow neck portion 124 between the inner and outer surfaces 112, 114. More specifically, the upper surface 116 has been formed with a radially outer flat surface 126 attached to a tapered surface 128 that is immediately adjacent to the radially outer edge of the groove 120. A second tapered surface 130 extends from the radially inner edge of the groove to the inner edge 112 of the raceway. Slot 120 has been formed with a plurality of radially oriented "crushed ribs" circumferentially spaced 132, which are best seen in Figures 10 and 11. Otherwise, slot 120 is sized and shaped to receive the lower end of the inner intermediate wall 84 of the upper body component 72.

The lower groove 122 is sized and shaped to receive an upper flange edge 134 of the radially turned edge 100 of the lower body component 74.

It will be appreciated that, when mounting the upper and lower body components 72, 74, the raceway 110 is sandwiched between the wall 84 of the upper body component 72 and the flange edge 134 of the lower body component 74. Note that the "crushed nerves" "132 are hooked and compressed by the lower end of the wall 84 in a manner that provides a desirable manufacturing tolerance of the assembled parts, without otherwise damaging the rolling.

Figures 1 and 4 show the spray head in a resting position, before starting. Note that the hitch of the reel disc 58 with one or both tongues or ribs 44 keeps the reel 46 (and therefore the water bypass plate 28) in a tilted or offset position relative to a vertical central axis through the sprinkler head This tilting ensures the immediate balancing or the nutation action when a pressurized jet emitted by the nozzle 20 collides on the water bypass plate 20. As best seen in Figure 4, in the rest position, an arcuate segment of the lower surface of the upper reel flange 54 engages the tapered surface 130 of the race 110 at its interface with the inner surface 112. At the same time, the lower flange 56 of the reel does not engage at any point with the race.

The spray head is represented from the same perspective, but in an operation mode in Figure 5. Here, the reel 46 is raised from the ribs or tabs 44 in the starter tube 26, and the bottom surface of the reel flange upper 54 slides slightly along the raceway 110, while the projection 66 on the lower reel flange 56 now engages the lower corner of the raceway, that is, portions of the inner surface 112 and the lower surface 118. More specifically , the inner surface 112 and a radially inner portion of the bottom surface 118 of the raceway 110 are shaped to substantially coincide with the surfaces 68, 70 of the projection 66 to provide a positive engagement with the raceway at the point where the reel 46 takes the lateral load during balancing action. In addition, and in order to improve the traction between the reel flanges and the raceway, the radially inner surface 114, the upper surface 130 and the radially inner portion of the lower surface 118 of the raceway 110 may have texture, for example, attacking with acid the corresponding surfaces of the mold used to make the rolling. It will be understood, however, that other suitable surface texturing or surface roughing techniques can be used. At the same time, the surfaces 68, 70 of the projection 66 in the lower reel flange 56 may also have texture or otherwise be rough. The lower side of the upper reel flange 54, however, has no texture, facilitating a smooth start.

During the operation, when a jet emitted by the nozzle 20 collides on the sheet 28, the sheet and the reel 46 will undergo nutation (i.e., they will swing and rotate) around the central vertical axis of the sprinkler. During this movement, the lower side of the upper flange 54 will engage the upper surface of the race 110, while the upper side of the flange 56 will engage the lower surface of the race in generally diametrically opposite positions as described above. Note, however, that after the initial start-up, the reel disc 58 will not engage the tabs 44 of the starter tube 26.

At various times, and in high atmospheric conditions (for example, high winds), it may be desirable to add a ballast to the spray head to minimize the tilting lateral movement of a flexible irrigation hose on which the spray head can be mounted. Figures 1-3, 5, 6 and 15 illustrate a suitable ballast 136 that can be mounted on the spray head. With reference initially to Figure 15, the ballast 136 is substantially donut-shaped, having an outer peripheral wall 138 and an inner peripheral wall 140, joined by an upper surface 142. The ballast can be of any suitable material, but the material Currently preferred is a solid piece of diecast zinc. The outer peripheral wall 138 can be formed with circumferentially spaced vertical ribs 144 that facilitate mounting and disassembly of the ballast

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

as described better later.

The inner peripheral wall 140 can be formed with mounting elements to fix the ballast to the spray head, for example, with a bayonet type assembly. More specifically, the inner peripheral wall 140 has been formed with multiple circumferentially spaced mounting segments 146 projecting radially inwardly. Each mounting segment 146 includes a horizontal shelf or flange 148 formed with a projection 149 having a ramp entry surface 150 that rises slightly relative to the rest of the shelf. In front of the ramp entry surface 150 there is a projection or tongue 152 which has a vertical stop or limit surface 154. The inner peripheral wall 140 and the mounting segments 146 have a height dimension approximately half of the outer peripheral wall , so that the ballast 136 can fit over the upper part of the spray head, while partially enclosing the upper body component 72.

Turning to Figures 2, 3, 8 and 14, the upper portion of the outer wall 76 of the upper housing body 72, adjacent to the central opening 78, has been formed with multiple circumferentially spaced mounting projections 456, the end extending radially outside of each projection beyond an annular vertical step 158 in the outer wall 76, creating a mounting region 160, delimited on one side by a radially oriented vertical stop bucket 162. The lower side of the projection 456 defining the upper part of the mounting region has been formed with a ramp surface 164, which ends at an edge 166, leaving a recess 168 between the edge 166 and the abutment edge 162. In the outer wall 76, radially outwardly of both the annular step 158 as of the projections 456, there is a corresponding number of flexible elastic strips 170, such as those defined by adjacent arcuate grooves 172, each strip having a raised tongue 174. The elasti strips cas 170 and tabs 174 are radially aligned with respective projections 456, and are adapted to interact with mounting segments 146 of ballast 136 as described below.

To mount the ballast 136 on the spray head 10, the ballast is telescoped on the head, with the mounting segments 146 located circumferentially between the mounting projections 456. The user can then push the ballast down and rotate the ballast (facilitating the nerves 144 a good grip), such that the ramp entry surface 150 of the ballast rides on the ramp surface 164 in the upper sprinkler component 72 until the projection 149 jumps to the recess 168. During the described rotation, the Tabs 174 of the elastic strips 170 push the ballast up into the mounting regions 166 of the upper housing component 72.

It will be appreciated, however, that the ballast and the spray head can be fixed in any conventional fast connection / disconnection manner as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Figure 16 represents an alternative tilting arrangement where the tabs used to ensure that the reel and the deflection plate remain tilted when, while at rest, they are moved from the starter tube to the reel. More specifically, the lower side of the central disk 176 of a reel 178 has been formed (or is provided) with a pair of starter tabs or bulges 180 adjacent to the central opening 182, and circumferentially spaced, for example, approximately 90 degrees. These tongues or bulges engage the flange 42 of the starter tube 26, causing the spool 178 to swing substantially in the same manner as described above.

Figure 17 represents an alternative to the raceway 110. Aqrn, the raceway 184 has been formed with a radially inner upper surface 186, which extends between the inner edge of the ribbed mounting slot 188 and the radially inner edge 190 of the raceway . The surface 186 has been formed with a plurality of inclined vertical ribs 192. These ribs function the same as the textured surface 128 in the raceway 110. In addition, the bottom surface 194 of the raceway has been formed with a similar plurality of ribs 196 for provide improved traction with the lower reel flange during operation. Otherwise, the race 184 is substantially similar to the race 110.

Turning to Figure 18, a reel 196 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Reel 196 includes a generally cylindrical wall or hub 198 with upper and lower flanges 200, 202, respectively. A central disk 204 is located approximately midway along the height of the wall or hub 198. The central disk 204 has been formed with a central hole 206 sized to loosely receive the tubular portion 36 of the starter tube 26 as It has been described in connection with the embodiments described above. Support struts 208 extend from the reel and carry the water deflection plate, and weight reduction holes 210 and grooves or grooves 211 are also provided as in the embodiments described above.

In this embodiment, however, coupling gear teeth are formed in reel 196 and in a complementary raceway 212 (described below). The gear teeth 214 on the reel are formed at the junction of the cylindrical wall or hub 198 and the lower reel flange 202. The teeth are very shallow and highly rounded so that they are not susceptible to clogging by debris, such as sand particles or analogs.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

The reel 196 is designed for use with the raceway 212 shown in Figure 19. The raceway 212 is substantially similar to the raceway 110 shown in Figure 10, but with gear teeth 216 formed in the lower half of the radially inner surface 218 The gear teeth 216 are shaped to engage with the gear teeth 214 on the reel 196 during the rotation and the rocking motion of the reel 196 and the water deflection plate.

Since the gear teeth 214 are in a smaller diameter than the gear teeth 216, there are fewer teeth in the reel 196 than in the raceway 212. Therefore, when the reel gear teeth 214 rotate around the teeth of rolling gear 216, the reel and water deflection plate assembly will slowly rotate in a clockwise direction (as seen from the bottom).

In the illustrated embodiment, the reel 196 has 62 teeth and the raceway 212 has 64 teeth so that for each swing, the reel and water deflection plate assembly rotates two teeth, or for every 31 balances, the spool assembly and water deflection plate turn one turn. This "secondary" rotation is important to avoid "radius formation" of the configuration.

When the unit is in the start mode, the gear teeth 214 and 216 are disengaged and therefore have no effect on the start event. However, in the operating mode and when viewed from the bottom, that is, under the sprinkler, the grooves in the water bypass sheet are shaped such that the unit swings in a direction to the left, but the pair of water that comes out of the grooves is applied in a clockwise direction. The reel 196 is designed so that it has rolling contact with the raceway 212 for a long useful life, but in certain "slippery" conditions of the water, a significant slippage in the direction to the right may occur in the absence of the teeth. of coupling gear, potentially causing rapid wear of the interactive surfaces of the reel 196 and the raceway 212. In other conditions, such as sand water, the sand can create sufficient friction between the reel and the race for the assembly of Reel and water deflection plate do not tilt completely in operation, so that the reel 196 rubs on the outer diameter portion of the starter tube 36 and the bulges 44, causing rapid wear of the interactive surfaces of the starter tube 26 And the reel. The traction provided by the coupling gear teeth 214, 216 prevents slipping, but for the teeth to engage properly, it is important that the water deflection reel and plate assembly fully tilt in operation. By adding a propeller to the teeth 214, 216 in the direction shown, the slipping causes the teeth to move together and thus ensure proper tipping.

Figures 21-23 illustrate another reel configuration that differs from the embodiment depicted in Figures 1-14 in a few aspects. For reasons of brevity, only differences in detail will be explained. In this embodiment, a "half reel" 220 includes a cylindrical body 222 formed with an upper flange 224. A central disc 226 is located at the lower end of the body 222, and has been formed with a central hole 228 (Figure 22). Support struts 230 extend from the reel half and support the water deflection plate 232. Thus, in this configuration, the lower portion of the reel body and the lower reel flange have been removed. A sleeve 234 is fixed on the starter tube 236, the sleeve 234 having a hub 238, an upper flange 240, and a pair of diametrically opposed starter tongues 242, which are best seen in Figure 23 (alternatively, a single tongue boot function properly). The starter tube 236 has been formed with a lower flange 244 as in the embodiments described above, but an upper flange 246 has been added to place the sleeve 234. Also in this respect, the cylindrical body of the tube 236 has now been grooved to form individual elastic fingers 248 that allow the sleeve 234 to be pushed over the tube, jumping behind the lower flange 244.

In this arrangement, the disc 226 is located between the upper flange 240 and the starter tabs 242 with a small but sufficient clearance between the disc and the starter tube to allow the swinging movement when the water bypass plate 232 and half reel 220 rotate. On the other hand, a generous clearance between the cylindrical body 222 of the half reel 220 and the inner diameter of the race 250 is provided so that the half reel remains centered through contact with the sleeve 234.

In a starting mode shown in FIG. 21, the disc 226 and the starting tabs 242 are in contact such that the reel half 220 and the water bypass plate swing as described previously. There is also contact between the upper flange 224 and the upper surface of the race 250.

In the operating mode shown in Figure 22, a slight clearance is maintained between the disc 226 and the starter tongues 242, while the upper flange 224 contacts and rolls around the upper surface of the race 250.

Figures 24 and 25 show another exemplary embodiment, but less preferred. Again, only the significant differences between this embodiment and those previously described will be explained in detail. In this embodiment, the upper and lower bearings 252, 254 are disposed within the sprinkler housing 256. The bearings are substantially identical, and are arranged in relation to back to back. A set of

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

cage 258 includes the water bypass plate 260, supported on struts 262 extending from the disk 264 at the upper end of a cylindrical skirt 266. The starter tube 268 is substantially identical to the starter tube 26 shown in Figure 7 , but the starter tongues 270 may be in diametrically opposite relationship.

The surfaces of the disk 264 that contact the grooves 252, 254, as well as the surfaces of the grooves contacted by the disk 264 may have texture for good traction. The bearings 252, 254 can be made of an elastomeric material for good abrasion resistance, good traction and vibration damping.

In the boot mode shown in Figure 24, the left side of the disc 264 engages with the lower race, and the central region of the disc (surrounding the central hole 272) engages the starter tabs 270, such that the load Vertical down be resisted at these points. In addition, the contact between the disk 264 and the starter tube 268 itself (in the same left central region) resists horizontal loads. Low friction surfaces allow easy sliding action between the disk 264 and the starter tube 268. In order to initiate the rolling rotation, the cage 258 must rotate out of the starter tongues 270, and when it does, the horizontal loads are resisted by the contact between the central hole 272 and the outer diameter of the starter tube 268. The start facilitates the fact that there is no contact between the disc 264 and the race 252, 254 on the opposite side of the disc , that is, the right side, diametrically opposite the contact point represented on the left side of the disk.

In the operating mode shown in Figure 25, there is always a slight clearance between the disk 264 and the starter tube 268 (including the starter tongues 270), but continuous contact in diametrically opposite positions of the disk 264 with the bearings 252, 254 The contact between the disk 264 and the upper and lower bearings 252, 254 shown in Figure 25 is a rolling contact, which provides a good lifetime. Note also that the contact area on the right side resists both horizontal and vertical loads, while the contact area on the left resists downward vertical loads.

It will be appreciated that the various features explained in connection with the embodiment depicted in Figures 115 (for example, the anti-blast feature) are equally applicable to the other embodiments described in connection with Figures 16-25 unless otherwise indicated.

Referring now to Figures 26-28, a sprinkler head 310 according to a presently preferred embodiment includes a sprinkler body assembly 312 that includes an adapter 314 for attaching the sprinkler head to a flexible conduit, fixed rising column or other irrigation component 316 (partially represented in figure 26 only); a sprinkler housing assembly 318, and a nozzle body 320. Unless otherwise specified, the various components are made of a hard plastic material, but other suitable materials may be employed.

As best seen in Figure 27, the nozzle body 320 is sandwiched between the adapter 314 and the sprinkler housing assembly 318 which are fixed together by means of a threaded connection at 322. The nozzle body 320 is of known construction, formed with a hole 324 that emits a continuous stream of water that passes through an axially adjacent support tube (or, simply, "tube") 326 into the atmosphere, and into a water distribution or deflection plate 328, as described Better later. Thus, the water flowing through the nozzle body 320 will exit through the hole 324 and then flow through the tube 326 and collide in the water bypass plate 328. The water bypass plate 328 is provided with multiple slots 329 , of which some or all of them are curved in a circumferential direction to make the sheet rotate when a jet emitted by the nozzle hits it.

The nozzle body 320 has been formed with a tapered inner portion 330 that ends in a downward direction in the hole 324. A radially outer tubular portion 332 extends in an upward direction to a conical annular flange 334 that is visible to the user, and that can carry information about the size and / or operation of the nozzle. It will be appreciated that the nozzle body 320 is easily removed and replaced by a nozzle of identical or different size, simply unscrewing the adapter 14 and raising the nozzle.

As best seen in Fig. 28, the support tube 326 has been formed with a substantially cylindrical tubular portion 336 that snap into an inner tubular portion or hub 338 of the sprinkler housing assembly 318, and fixed (eg, stamped ) at its upwardly located end 327. The downward end of the support tube 326 has been formed with an outwardly directed radial flange 340 on which a flange 342 of an otherwise substantially cylindrical starter sleeve 344 sits which is telescopized on the support tube before mounting on hub 338.

As described further below, a double flange reel assembly (or "reel assembly") 346 and the water deflection plate 328 are supported by the starter sleeve 344 and the support tube 326 for rocking or nutation movement. . More specifically, the water deflection plate 328 is supported by the spool assembly 346 by three circumferentially spaced struts 348 (see also Figure 31).

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

The struts 348 can be integrally formed with the reel and extend through holes 350 formed in the water bypass plate 328. The water bypass plate can be mounted on the struts 348 with screws or other fasteners such as lock washers, or by means of, for example, heat and pressure applied to the tips of the struts, that is, by heat picking.

The spool assembly 346 of this embodiment includes an upper spool component 352 and a lower spool component 354 (also illustrated separately in Figures 29-31). This split reel arrangement is primarily used to facilitate manufacturing, but a one piece reel is not outside the scope of this invention. As best seen in Figures 29 and 30, the upper reel component 352 has been formed with an upper reel flange 356 attached to a first annular hub portion 358. The upper reel flange 356 includes a lower side surface with a concave lip or lip 359, and a radially inner skirt 360. Inside the skirt 360 an annular series of circumferentially spaced slotted elastic fingers 362 has been mounted. Under the skirt 360 (as seen in Figure 29), there are an annular inner ring or disc 364 that joins and reinforces the series of elastic fingers 362. In circumferentially spaced positions between the elastic fingers 362 a plurality of vertically extending reinforcing ribs 363 ending at their upper ends in the flange of upper reel 356, and at its lower ends, under the ring 364, but before the free ends of the elastic fingers 362.

The lower side 366 of the disc 364 (see Figure 30) has been formed with a pair of tapered tabs pointing down ("down" is used in reference to the orientation of the sprinkler in Figures 1-3), or " starter buttons ”368, 370 in positions spaced approximately 150 degrees (in one direction, and approximately 210 degrees in the opposite direction) that will cause the spool and the water bypass plate to swing off-axis when at rest, as best describe here.

Figure 31 illustrates in more detail the lower spool component 354. More specifically, the lower spool component 354 includes a second annular hub portion 372 and a lower spool flange 374. Surrounding the second annular hub portion 372, the Lower reel flange 374 has been formed with a flange or integral ring 376, whose upper protrusion is provided with an annular series of teeth that face upwards and inclined circumferentially 378, for the purpose that will be described in more detail here.

From the lower side 380 of the lower spool flange, the integral struts 348 extend downwards and support at their distal ends the water deflection plate 328 as described above.

Within the second hub portion 372 there is a plurality of vertically oriented, circumferentially spaced ribs 382, each of which includes a tapered upper edge 384, a substantially vertical middle portion 386 and a lower edge 388 radially offset out of the portion average 386 for a horizontal projection 390.

It will be appreciated that the upper and lower reel components 352, 354 can snap in, with the middle portions 386 of the ribs 382 received in the grooves 392 on the elastic fingers 362. Note in this regard the grooves 394 formed on the outer surface. bottom of the elastic fingers 362 that facilitate proper alignment with the tapered surfaces 384 of the ribs 382 in the lower reel component 354, thus also facilitating the assembly of the upper and lower reel components. When fully assembled, the bottom edges 393 of the slots 392 will engage the projections 390 in the ribs 382.

With reference now to Figures 27, 28, 32 and 33, an annular race 396 is inserted between the upper and lower housing parts of the housing assembly 31. The way in which the raceway 396 interacts with the upper and lower reel components 352, 354 will be described after the following explanation of the housing assembly 318.

With special attention to figures 27, 35 and 36, the sprinkler housing assembly 318 includes upper and lower parts 398, 400, respectively. The upper housing part 398 includes an outer wall 402 formed at its upper end with a central opening 404 provided with threads 406. Under the threads 406, a radially inner wall 408 tapers inwardly to join the hub 338. The part of Upper housing 398 also includes a radially intermediate wall 410 and a radially outer annular skirt or edge 412. The intermediate wall 410 is a solid annular wall that extends vertically downward a distance larger than the outer annular skirt 412.

As best seen in Figure 35, the radially outer edge or skirt 412 has been formed with a screw thread 414 that allows the sprinkler body to receive an optional donut-shaped ballast 416 (see Figure 34) which will be described. Better here. The lower portion of the outer skirt 412 is divided into arcuate segments 418 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves 420, each segment having a tongue projecting radially outwardly 422 in the central portion of the respective segment.

The lower housing part 400 has been formed with a base 424 in the form of a solid ring ring portion 426 and a side wall that projects upwardly 428.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

The interior of the side wall 428 has been formed with circumferentially spaced cavities or recesses 430 (see Figure 36), each defined by a pair of inwardly directed lateral ribs 432, connected by a substantially horizontal rib that projects inwardly 434 which it is substantially level with the upper edge of the side wall 428. The spaces between adjacent cavities or recesses 430 are bifurcated by vertical ribs 436 extending from the base 424 in an upward direction, whose portions of reduced width 438 extend further beyond the upper edge of the side wall 428. Holes 407 are provided in the base of the recesses or recesses 430 as a manufacturing element, which facilitates the molding of the component.

It will be appreciated that the lower housing part 400 can be fixed to the upper housing part 398 by aligning the ribs 436 with the grooves 420, and therefore the tabs 422 with the recesses 430, and joining the two body parts, such so that the tabs 422 jump over the horizontal ribs 434 to the recesses 430, while allowing the ribs 436 to be fully received within the grooves 420. It should be noted that the outer contour of the lower housing part 400 is formed of such that the water that falls outside the housing 318 is channeled by the external ribs 438 and otherwise tends to remain attached to the housing especially at the lower end of the lower housing part 100, where the water will flow inwardly to along the bottom side of the base 424 before falling to an area where the emitted jets will carry excess water radially outward with the nozzle jets, minim raising the undesirable "dripping" of excess water directly below the sprinkler.

Continuing with reference to Figures 29-33, the annular race 396 is fixed between the upper and lower housing parts 398, 400. The race 396 is preferably made of a polyurethane material (for example, a 55D hardness polyurethane available under the trade name Dow Pellathane®), but other materials may also be suitable. The raceway 396 has been formed with radially inner and outer surfaces 440, 442, respectively and upper and lower surfaces 444, 446, respectively. The flat outer surface portion 448 of the lower surface 446 of the raceway sits on the opposite annular surface of the solid annular ring portion 426 of the lower housing portion 400. An annular groove 452 radially adjacent and below the upper surface 444 of the raceway is engaged by the lower end of the intermediate wall 4l0 of the upper body part 398. The groove 452 has been formed with a plurality of "crushed ribs" radially oriented and circumferentially spaced 454. An inner radial convex annular rib 456 Adjacent to the central opening 440, it has been formed with a raised edge or edge 458 (defined by inclined surfaces 459, 461 (Figure 32) that provides a hitch surface for the upper reel flange 356 as explained further below. Slots circumferentially 460 spaced in rib 456 allow drainage of water that can reach the housing assembly.

It will be appreciated that, when mounting the upper and lower housing parts 398, 400, the race 96 is sandwiched between the intermediate wall 410 of the upper housing part 398 and the ring portion 426 of the lower housing part 400. Note that the "crushed ribs" 454 are hooked by the lower end of the wall 410 in a manner that provides a desirable manufacturing tolerance of the assembled parts, without otherwise damaging the rolling. In other terms, some deformation of the ribs 454 is allowed due to insufficient tolerances without affecting the assembly and, more importantly, the operation of the sprinkler.

Radially into the flat outer surface 448 of the lower surface 446 of the race there is a plurality of teeth inclined upwards, inclined circumferentially and relatively shallow 456. During operation, the teeth 456 are engaged by the teeth 378 in the component of lower reel 354 as will be described in more detail below.

Along the outer periphery and next to the lower surface 446 of the raceway 396 there is a plurality of radially extending tongues 462 that engage the ribs 436 in the inner side wall of the lower housing assembly to prevent rotation of the rolling within the housing part 400 in the event that the compression of the rolling by the upper and lower housing parts is insufficient, and over time rotational creep of the rolling takes place.

With the sprinkler fully assembled, in a resting position before starting, the hook of the starter sleeve 344 with one or both starter tabs or buttons 368, 370 on the lower side 366 of the spool disc 64 maintains the spool assembly ( and therefore the water deflection plate 328) in a tilted or deflected position relative to a vertical central axis through the sprinkler head. This tilting ensures the immediate balancing or numbing action when a pressure jet emitted by the nozzle 320 collides on the water bypass plate 32. Also in the rest position, a point on the lower surface of the upper reel component 352 engages a portion of the vertex 458 of the rib 456 on the upper side of the raceway 396. Then, the lower flange 374 of the reel does not engage with the raceway 396.

During operation, when a jet emitted by the nozzle 320 collides in the water bypass plate 328, the sheet and the reel 346 will undergo nutation (i.e., tilt and turn) around the central vertical axis of the sprinkler. During this movement, the lower side of the upper flange 356, and specifically the concave lip 359 defined by surfaces facing in and out 355, 357, respectively, will engage the

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

vertex 458 and its adjacent surfaces 459, 461, on the upper side of the race 396, while the teeth 378 on the upper side of the lower reel flange 374 engage the teeth 456 on the lower surface of the race 396 in generally positions diametrically opposed. Also note that after initial start-up, none of the tabs 368, 370 on the upper reel component disc 64 will be engaged by the starter sleeve flange 342. The outwardly facing surface 357 of the lip 359 is in substantially rolling contact. pure with the rolling, and due to its little pronounced angle, the inwardly facing surface 355 is also in substantial rolling contact, with minimal sliding contact between any surfaces of the lip 359 and the rib 456 in the rolling 396. With respect to the Lower reel flange 374, the hitch of the teeth 378 with the teeth 456 on the lower side of the raceway 396 is also substantially rolling contact.

In terms of loading, there is sufficient friction due to the vertical load of the water jet so that the surface facing inward, at a low angle, 355 on the lip 359 of the upper reel flange can take a high percentage of the load side and the assembly can still tip over completely to allow the reel of the reel teeth 378 with the rolling teeth 456. These teeth are slightly inclined so that, while providing traction to prevent centrifugation of the assembly, part of the load side can be taken here too. By this arrangement, the components engaged during the operation of the sprinkler head are expected to experience considerably less wear.

As indicated above in connection with the previously described embodiments, it may be desirable to add a ballast to the spray head to minimize the tilting lateral movement of a flexible irrigation hose on which the spray head can be mounted. Figures 26, 27 and 34 illustrate a suitable ballast 116 that can be mounted on the spray head. With reference to Figure 34, the ballast 416 is substantially donut-shaped, having an outer peripheral wall 464 and an inner peripheral wall 466, joined by an upper surface 468. Again, the currently preferred material is a solid piece of diecast zinc. The outer peripheral wall 464 can be formed with circumferentially spaced vertical ribs 470 that facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the ballast as described below.

The inner peripheral wall 466 can be formed with mounting elements to fix the ballast to the spray head. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface of the ballast has been formed with a single thread 472 which is adapted to engage a corresponding thread on the outside of the upper housing part. The direction of the thread is such that the normal vibration action of the sprinkler tends to tighten the ballast and thus prevent it from loosening over time.

As indicated above, other mounting methods can be used including, for example, a bayonet type mount.

Although the invention has been described in connection with what is currently considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited to the described embodiment, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover several modifications and equivalent provisions included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. A rotating mutant spray head including: a housing that supports a nozzle including a tube (36) provided with a first radial flange (42) at one end, said tube (36) extending in a downward direction, concentric with a vertical central axis of the spray head; a reel assembly loosely supported on said tube (36), said reel assembly including a double flange reel (46) and a water bypass plate (28) supported by said reel, said water bypass plate (28) formed with one or more grooves shaped to make said reel assembly rotate when a jet emitted by said nozzle over the crash; characterized in that said double flange reel (46) includes a cylindrical hub portion (52) having an upper flange (54) and a lower flange (56) extending from said hub portion (52) and a central disc ( 58) within said hub portion (52), said central disk (58) having a central opening (60); said tube (36) passing through said central opening (60) such that said central disk (58) engages with said first radial flange (42) when the sprinkler head is at rest. 2. The rotating numbered spray head of claim 1, wherein one of said first radial flange (41) and said central disc (58) is provided with at least one tilting tongue (44) located to keep said reel assembly in an orientation tilted or angularly offset relative to said vertical central axis when said sprinkler head is at rest, thereby facilitating a balancing action of said reel assembly during rotation. 3. The rotating mutant spray head of claim 2, wherein said housing has an annular race (110) having upper and lower surfaces adapted to be engaged by portions of said upper and lower flanges, respectively, of said reel when said assembly of reel rotates and swings around said central vertical axis. 4. The rotating mutant spray head of claim 3, wherein said raceway (110) is made of polyurethane. 5. The rotating mutant spray head of claim 1, wherein the surfaces of said housing are shaped to direct excess water in said housing to jets leaving the water bypass plate. 6. The rotating numbered spray head of claim 3, wherein said housing includes upper and lower housing components (72, 74), said upper surface of said annular race (110) formed with an annular groove engaged by an annular intermediate wall of said upper housing component, and wherein the lower surface of said raceway (110) is seated on a base of said lower housing component. 7. The rotating numbered sprinkler head of claim 1 and further including a ballast (136), said sprinkler head and said ballast (136) being provided with complementary means to allow rapid connection / disconnection of said ballast a and said sprinkler head. 8. The rotating mutant spray head of claim 1, wherein a starter sleeve (26) provided with a second radial flange (42) is received in said tube such that said second radial flange (42) is seated in said first radial flange, and where one of said second radial flange (42) and said central disc (58) is provided with at least one tilting tongue (44) located to maintain said reel assembly in a tilted or angularly offset orientation relative to said vertical central axis when said sprinkler head is at rest, thereby facilitating a balancing action of said reel assembly during rotation. 9. The rotating mutant spray head of claim 1, wherein said lower flange (56) has an upper side formed with a first annular series of teeth facing said upper flange (54); and where an annular race (110) is supported in said housing, having a radially inner surface defining a central opening; an upper surface having a radially inner surface portion, substantially smoothly engaged with a radially outer concave lip in said upper flange (54), and a lower surface having a surface portion formed with a second annular series of teeth engaged with said first annular series of teeth when said reel rotates and swings around said central axis. 10. The rotating mutant spray head of claim 1, 2, 4 or 7, and also including: an annular race (110) supported in said housing having upper and lower surfaces engaged by substantially rolling contact with portions of said upper and lower flanges (54, 56), respectively, of said reel (46) when said reel rotates and swings around said central axis. 11. The spray head of claim 10, wherein said upper annular race surface engagable with said upper flange (54) includes an upward convex annular rib having a vertex, and wherein said 5 upper flange (54) of said reel (46) is formed with a concave edge portion engaged with said convex rib. 12. The spray head of claim 11, wherein a radially inner portion of said lower surface of said raceway is formed with a first annular series of angularly oriented teeth in one direction 10 circumferential, and said lower flange (56) is formed with a second annular series of complementary teeth engaged with said first annular series of teeth.