Overview
This granted patent captures a practical, mechanically elegant solution for removing buried sprinkler sockets and heads in confined access conditions. Filed in July 2012 and granted in December 2016, the disclosure — by inventors based in Amarillo, TX and assigned to an Amarillo applicant — describes a hand-operated remover composed of a tip, shaft and sliding handle, and an innovative adjustable tip that expands to engage internal ridges of a sprinkler socket. The design addresses common field problems: variable socket diameters, tight excavation spaces, and the need for repeatable, non-damaging extraction. The specification and drawings show both interchangeable planar tips and spring‑loaded key‑plate assemblies that compress for insertion and expand to lock into notches, enabling controlled rotation and extraction from service pipes. The sliding-handle and shaft arrangement further allow operation around obstacles without sacrificing torque or control.
This patent exemplifies the firm’s careful claim drafting and technical depth, capturing multiple embodiments — removable tips, an adjustable spring/key-plate mechanism, and a handle/shaft interface — to secure broad enforceability for a practical landscaping and irrigation tool.
Key Features
- Adjustable, spring‑biased tip that expands to engage internal ridges
- Removable tip options to fit a range of socket sizes
- Sliding handle on the shaft for operation in confined spaces
- Simple, field‑serviceable mechanical construction
By protecting an accessible, service-oriented tool, the patent strengthens IP positions for manufacturers and service providers in irrigation, landscaping, and plumbing maintenance.
Granted: 2016-12-13
