UNDERGROUND IRRIGATION SYSTEM
According to the present invention, an irrigation system pipe system 10 for aerating and watering a tract of land includes a first irrigation pipe section 14 having first and second isolated flow channels 34, 36, extending between the inlet and outlet ends 14a, 14b of the pipe section 14, the second flow channel 36 having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; a second irrigation pipe section 14′ having first and second Isolated flow channels 34′, 36′, extending between the inlet and outlet ends 14a′, 14b′ of the pipe section 14′, the second flow channel 36′ having a plurality of openings 38 formed therethrough; and coupling means 16 for interconnecting the first and second irrigation pipe sections 14, 14′ so that water flowing through the first flow channels 34,34′ and through the second flow channels 36, 36′ can flow between the first and second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/745,308 filed on Apr. 21, 2006 which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application also claims the benefit of International Application No. PCT/US2007/67211 filed on Apr. 23, 2007 which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates generally to a irrigation system, and more particularly to an underground irrigation system which will minimize use of water due and allow for continued use for long periods of time without the need for cleaning.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONUnderground sprinkler systems incorporating sprinkler nozzles have long been utilized to provide irrigation water to lawns, gardens and shrubbery. The primary advantage of such sprinkler systems is their lack of visibility when the system is not operating since the pipes interconnecting the sprinkler nozzles are concealed underground and the sprinkler nozzles themselves are generally positioned flush with the surface of the ground. The nozzles utilized with underground sprinkler systems generally rise above the surface of the ground when the sprinkler is operating and return to their flush position when water flow is terminated.
Conventional underground sprinkler systems incorporating sprinkler nozzles generally exhibit a number of problems. The sprinkler heads are usually fabricated from a large number of parts which must be assembled thereby making the nozzles somewhat expensive since the manufacturing and assembling costs are quite high. The large number of parts makes the sprinkler heads susceptible to breakdown increasing the amount of maintenance required for underground sprinkler systems. Most underground sprinkler systems are difficult to partially disassemble when repairing a malfunctioning sprinkler head. Still another drawback to conventional underground sprinkler systems, is the large amounts of water such systems tend to use. The present invention is designed to alleviate these issues, since there are no sprinkler heads to construct or maintain. Furthermore, the entire system is underground, thereby requiring substantially less water.
Another type of underground irrigation system incorporates a pipe system that allows water to seep into the ground though a plurality of flow apertures. These underground irrigation systems are often beset with the problem of blockage from debris in the irrigation water or from surrounding soil or build up of solids in the flow apertures. Generally, high water pressures are required to keep their apertures open. When the system is turned off the apertures are subject to clogging.
A system of underground irrigation is needed which will minimize use of water due to the lack of evaporation and also permit its continued use for long periods of time without the need to clean the flow apertures through the walls of the irrigation pipes.
ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an aspect of the present invention to provide simple and inexpensive apparatus for watering an area of soil.
It is also another aspect of the present invention to provide an improved underground irrigation system incorporating improved irrigation piping that is economical and can be installed at relatively low cost and with a minimum of digging.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved underground irrigation system incorporating improved irrigation piping for irrigation or watering whereby the water seeps into the soil adjacent to the conduit without the need for any adjustment or modification of the conduit.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved underground irrigation system incorporating an improved irrigation piping that both waters and aerates the soil adjacent the irrigation piping of the system.
According to the present invention, an irrigation system pipe system for aerating and watering a tract of land is characterized by: a first irrigation pipe section having first and second isolated flow channels, extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe section, the second flow channel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; a second irrigation pipe section having first and second isolated flow channels, extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe section, the second flow channel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; and coupling means for interconnecting the first and second irrigation pipe sections so that water flowing through the first flow channels and through the second flow channels can flow between the first and second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections.
Further according to the present invention, the coupling means is a coupling sleeve having an inlet end adapted to firmly and securely receive the outlet end of a pipe section; an outlet end adapted to firmly and securely receive the inlet end of a pipe section; and a ridge formed within coupling to engage and space the outlet end of the pipe section from the inlet end of pipe section.
Still further according to the present invention, an inlet coupling is attached to the inlet end of the pipe, the inlet coupling has an inlet opening section adapted to firmly and securely receive an outlet end of a water inlet pipe; and an outlet opening section to firmly and securely receive an inlet end of irrigation pipe.
Yet further according to the present invention, an inlet coupling has a ridge projecting into the interior of coupling enough to firmly separate the ends and of the inlet pipe and the irrigation pipe and form a flow passage so that water flowing through the inlet pipe into first flow channel can flow into the second flow channel.
Also according to the present invention, an outlet end coupling has an inlet opening attached to the outlet section of irrigation pipe; and an outlet opening receiving a plug to close the outlet section of irrigation pipe.
Further according to the present invention, the outlet coupling has a ridge disposed at the intersection of the inlet opening and the outlet opening so that the ridge firmly separate the end of plug and the outlet end of pipe and creates a flow passage between the outlet end and the end of plug.
Still further according to the present invention, the inlet pipe is connected to an anti-siphon valve device and flow controller for operating the irrigation pipe system.
Also according to the present invention, the irrigation piping, the inlet coupling, the coupling sleeve and the outlet coupling are constructed of a material selected from the group including polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other plastic material.
Further according to the present invention, the plurality of openings formed through the second flow channel are evenly spaced from each other and the openings can include holes located along opposite sides of the second flow passage and along the bottom of the flow passage.
Also according to the present invention, the first flow channels are larger than the second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections.
According to the present invention, a method for aerating and watering a tract of land, comprises the steps of: providing a first irrigation pipe section having first and second isolated flow channels, extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe section, the second flow channel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; providing a second irrigation pipe section having first and second isolated flow channels, extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe section, the second flow channel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; and interconnecting the first and second irrigation pipe sections so that water flowing through the first flow channels and through the second flow channels can flow between the first and second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections.
Further according to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: firmly and securely receiving the outlet end of pipe section into an inlet end of coupling sleeve; firmly and securely receiving the inlet end of pipe section; and spacing the outlet end of the pipe section from the inlet end of pipe section so that water can flow from the first flow channels and through the second flow channels.
Still further according to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: firmly and securely receiving an outlet end of a water inlet pipe into an inlet opening of inlet coupling; firmly and securely receiving an inlet end of irrigation pipe in an outlet opening of coupling; and separate the ends of the inlet pipe and the irrigation pipe so that water can flow from the first flow channel into the second flow channel.
Also according to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of attaching an outlet end coupling having an inlet opening to the outlet section of irrigation pipe; and receiving a plug in outlet opening to close the outlet section of irrigation pipe.
Still further according to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of separating the ends of the irrigation pipe and an end of plug so that water can flow from the first flow channel into the second flow channel.
Further according to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of connecting the inlet pipe to an anti-siphon valve device and flow controller for operating the irrigation pipe system.
Yet further according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of constructing the irrigation piping, the inlet coupling, the coupling sleeve and the outlet coupling of a material selected from the group including polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other plastic material.
Also according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of evenly spacing the plurality of openings formed through the second flow channel are from each other.
Still further according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of forming the first flow channels larger than the second flow channels.
The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (Figs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.
Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.
In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.
The primary components of the irrigation pipe system 10, as shown in
In a typical installation, as shown in
The lengths and sizes of the components of the irrigation pipe system 10 can be of any desired dimensions. For example, the inlet pipe 20 which is attached to an inlet end coupling 18 and serves as the initial passageway for the water entering irrigation pipe system 10, is not necessarily of any desired length. A length of irrigation pipe section 14, according to the present invention, can be of any desired length, i.e., 3 meters. However, the specific length can vary depending on the particular application.
Referring to
Flow channel 34 distributes water throughout the pipe system 10 and ultimately to the second flow passage or channel 36. The flow channel 36 has a plurality of holes 38 through the sidewall 40 that function to send out, spray or mist water there through externally to the soil adjacent the pipe system 10.
The second flow channel 36 is preferably of a circular cross-section and can have a diameter of between approximately 1 cm to about 1.3 cm. The second flow passage 36 includes a plurality of holes or openings 38 extending through the wall 40 of the flow passage. Holes or openings 38 can have a diameter of between approximately 0.015 cm and 0.2 cm and preferably between about 0.1 cm and 0.15 cm.
As shown in
While irrigation pipe section 14 is illustrated with the first flow channel 34 having a larger cross section than second flow channel 36, it is within the terms of the present invention for the relationship of either the first or the second flow channels 34,36 to be larger than the other.
The primary consideration is for the first flow channel 34 to have a larger flow area than the area of all of the through holes 38. In that way the pressure in the first flow channel 34 will remain greater than the pressure in the second flow channel 36 because the volume of water being sprayed out from the holes 38 in the second flow channel will never be enough to reduce the volume of water flowing through the first flow channel 34 so that the pressure in the second flow channel will be greater than the pressure in the first flow channel. Still, for most uses, it is anticipated that the first flow channel 34 will have a larger cross section than the second flow channel 36. Moreover, the particular cross section shape of the first and second flow channels 34,36 can be any desired shape as long as the flow requirements are met.
As seen in
Referring to
As seen in
The pipe irrigation system 10 incorporates as many pipe sections 14, 14′ and coupling sleeves 16 as required, depending on the size of the area of the tract of land to be irrigated and aerated.
The pipe irrigation system 10 has an inlet coupling 18 which is attached to the inlet end 14a of the pipe 14. Inlet coupling 18 has an inlet opening section 18a with a first inner surface 18b having the same shape as the outer surface of a water inlet pipe 20 and is sized so that an outlet end 20b of inlet pipe 20 is firmly and securely received within inlet opening section 18a, as shown in
Inlet coupling 18 has an outlet opening section 18c with a second inner surface 18d having the same shape as the outer surface as the inlet section 14a of irrigation pipe 14. The second inner surface 18d of outlet opening section 18c is sized so that an inlet end 14a of irrigation pipe 14 is firmly and securely received within outlet opening 18c of the inlet coupling sleeve 18.
As seen in
As shown in
Outlet end coupling 22 has an inlet opening section 22a with an inner outlet surface 22b having the same shape as the outer surface as the outlet section 14b′ of irrigation pipe 14′. The inner surface 22b is sized so that the outlet end 14b′ of irrigation pipe 14′ is firmly and securely received within inlet opening 22a.
As seen in
An important aspect of the present invention is the coupling sleeve 16 connecting the outlet end 14b of a first pipe 14 to the inlet end 14a′ of a second pipe 14′. Coupling sleeve 16 has several purposes. First, coupling 18 connects two pieces of irrigation pipe 14 and 14′. Secondly, the coupling sleeve 16 maintains the water pressure throughout the pipe irrigation system 10, allowing water to reach the ends of pipes 14, 14′, 14″, which are each closed by end couplings 22, as shown in
Within coupling sleeves 16, water flows from first and second passages 34 and 36 in pipe 14 to first and second passages 34′ and 36′ in pipe 14′. The water flowing through passages 34 and 34′ passes through a small flow passage or channel 21 into passages 36 and 36′ (with the watering holes 38,38′) of the pipes 14 and 14′ connected to the inlet and outlet openings 17a, 17b of the coupling sleeves 16.
While a single line of pipe 14 and 14′ are shown, it is within the terms of the present invention to stack two or more lengths of interconnected pipes, one above the other and each connected to the same source of water so that the land is watered at different levels below the surface 12.
Also, while the present invention is described as being an underground irrigation system, it is also within the terms of the present invention to dispose the system on or above the surface 12 of the ground.
In operation, the irrigation system 10 is first installed underground by any desired means, such as cutting a trench, inserting the piping system 10 and closing the trench. Then water under pressure, such as at a pressure of between about 40 psi and about 60 psi, the typical water pressure of city water supplies, flows through the anti-siphon valve and controller 28 and 30, through the down pipe 26 and into the inlet pipe 20. The water can then flow into inlet sleeve 18, through flow channel 34, and down flow passage 23 into flow channel 36. Next the water flows through the connector sleeves 16. Note that the water flowing through system 10 forces any air to be expelled through the holes or openings 38 extending through the walls of the small flow passage 36 and into the ground for aerating the earth. The water continues to flow down the length of the irrigation pipes 14, 14′, 14″, etc. until it is blocked by end caps 22. The water pressure can remain constant in the flow channels 34 as long as the volume of water flowing through the openings 38 is less than the volume of water flowing through the flow channels 34.
An important aspect of the invention is the incorporation of the large and small, separate flow passages 34 and 36 which are interconnected by a flow passage 21 within the connector sleeves 16. The water in the large flow passage 34 of the pipes 14 is always substantially at the system pressure. The water in the small flow passages 36 and 36′ is flowing out through the holes 38 into the adjacent ground and therefore, the pressure in the small passageways 36 and 36′ can be less than that in the larger flow passages 34.
It will be understood that the present invention may have various other embodiments. For example, while the piping and coupling can be constructed of a material impervious and inert to water such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other plastic material, it is within the terms of the present invention to construct them of other materials, such as metal.
It is also understood, of course, that while the form of the invention herein shown and described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used are words of description rather than limitation, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than solely by the examples given.
Claims
1. An irrigation system pipe system for aerating and watering a tract of land, characterized by:
- a first irrigation pipe section having first and second isolated flow channels, extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe section, the second isolated flow channel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough;
- a second irrigation pipe section having first and second isolated flow channels extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the second pipe section, the second flow channel 36′ having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; and
- coupling means 16 for interconnecting the first and second irrigation pipe sections so that water flowing through the first flow channels and through the second flow channels can flow between the first and second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections.
2. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 1 further characterized in that the coupling means is a coupling sleeve having:
- an inlet end a adapted to firmly and securely receive the first and second isolated flow channels, of the outlet end of the first pipe section;
- an outlet end adapted to firmly and securely receive the first and second isolated flow channels, of the inlet end of the second pipe section; and
- a ridge formed within coupling sleeve to engage and space the first and second isolated flow channels of the outlet end of the first pipe section from the first and second isolated flow channels of the inlet end of the second pipe section, whereby the first and second isolated flow channels of the first pipe section are in flow communication with the first and second isolated flow channels of the second pipe section.
3. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 1 further characterized in that:
- an inlet coupling is attached to the inlet end of the pipe, the inlet coupling has an inlet opening section adapted to firmly and securely receive an outlet end of a water inlet pipe; and
- an outlet opening section to firmly and securely receive an inlet end of the first and second isolated flow channels of the irrigation pipe section.
4. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 3 further characterized in that the inlet coupling has a ridge projecting into the interior of coupling enough to firmly separate the ends and of the inlet pipe and the irrigation pipe and form a flow passage so that water flowing through the inlet pipe into first flow channel can flow into the second flow channel.
5. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 3 further characterized in that:
- an outlet end coupling has an inlet opening attached to the outlet section of the second irrigation pipe; and
- an outlet opening receiving a plug to close the outlet section of the second irrigation pipe.
6. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 5 further characterized in that the outlet coupling has a ridge disposed at the intersection of the inlet opening and the outlet opening so that the ridge firmly separate the end of the plug and the outlet end of the second irrigation pipe and creates a flow passage between the outlet end of the second irrigation pipe and the end of the plug.
7. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 1 further characterized in that the inlet pipe is connected to an anti-siphon valve device and flow controller for operating the irrigation pipe system.
8. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 1 further characterized in that the irrigation piping, the inlet coupling, the coupling sleeve and the outlet coupling are constructed of a material selected from the group comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other plastic material.
9. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 1 further characterized in that the plurality of openings formed through the second flow channel are evenly spaced from each other.
10. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 1 further characterized in that the openings can include holes and located along opposite sides of the second flow passage and along the bottom of the second flow passage.
11. The irrigation system pipe system of claim 1 further characterized in that the first flow channels are larger than the second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections, respectively.
12. A method for aerating and watering a tract of land, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first irrigation pipe section 14 having first and second isolated flow channels extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe section, the second flow channel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough;
- providing a second irrigation pipe section having first and second isolated flow channels, extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the second pipe section, the second flow channel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; and
- interconnecting the first and second irrigation pipe sections so that water flowing through the first flow channels and through the second flow channels can flow between the first and second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:
- firmly and securely receiving the outlet end of the first pipe section into an inlet end of a coupling sleeve;
- firmly and securely receiving the first and second isolated flow channel of the inlet end of the second pipe section into an outlet end of the coupling sleeve; and
- spacing the outlet end of the first pipe section from the inlet end of the second pipe section within the coupling sleeve so that water can flow from the first flow channels and through the second flow channels.
14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:
- firmly and securely receiving an outlet end of a water inlet pipe into an inlet opening of a coupling sleeve;
- firmly and securely receiving an inlet end of the first irrigation pipe section in an outlet opening of the coupling sleeve; and
- separating the ends of the inlet pipe and the irrigation pipe within the coupling sleeve so that water can flow from the first flow channel into the second flow channel.
15. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:
- attaching an outlet end coupling having an inlet opening to the outlet section of the second irrigation pipe; and
- receiving a plug in an outlet opening to close the outlet section of the second irrigation pipe.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
- separating the ends of the second irrigation pipe and an end of the plug so that water can flow from the first flow channel into the second flow channel.
17. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
- connecting the inlet pipe to an anti-siphon valve device and flow controller for operating the irrigation pipe system.
18. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
- constructing the irrigation piping, the inlet coupling, the coupling sleeve and the outlet coupling of a material selected from the group comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other plastic material.
19. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of evenly spacing the plurality of openings 38 formed through the second flow channel 36 from each other.
20. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step forming the first isolated flow channels larger than the second isolated flow channels.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 20, 2008
Publication Date: Feb 26, 2009
Inventor: Kenneth O. Richardson (Sante Fe Springs, CA)
Application Number: 12/254,563
International Classification: E02B 13/00 (20060101);