Co-molded split containment ring for riser retraction spring of a pop-up

Abstract

A pop-up sprinkler includes an outer cylindrical fixed housing for subsurface mounting and a riser reciprocally mounted in a central bore of the housing. Pressurized water causes the riser to extend and place a nozzle at its top end above the surface of the ground. A radially retractable and expandable containment ring is mounted at an outlet end of the housing and engages an annular inner shoulder of the housing for retaining a coil spring. The spring retracts the riser when the pressurized water is turned OFF. The containment ring includes a substantially rigid support ring and an elastomeric sealing ring co-molded thereto. The support ring is split to enable radial expansion and retraction due to its resiliency. The elastomeric sealing ring spans the gap between the opposite ends of the support ring. The elastomeric sealing ring has a tapered edge that extends radially inwardly to engage the riser. When the containment ring is installed in its retaining position, the elastomeric sealing ring prevents dirt and/or other debris from entering the clearance space between the outer housing and the riser that might otherwise impair full extension and/or retraction of the riser.