CA1041777A

CA1041777A - Sub-surface irrigation apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA1041777A
Application number: CA269,192A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Philippe G. Grant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1977-01-05
Filing date: 1977-01-05
Publication date: 1978-11-07

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

Sub-surface irrigation apparatus in which water is supplied to the soil from a pipe by capillary action.
In one embodiment the water leaves the pipe immediately above a series of projections which serve to distribute it throughout the soil. In other embodiments a porous member is provided to aid in the distribution of the water.

Description

~0~.~7~7 The present invention relates to sub-surface irrigation apparatus and, specifically, to various useful configurations ~ water distributing tubes.
It is known to provide sub-surface irrigation systems in which apertured tubes are employed to distribute the water. It has also been known to employ tubes formed solely from porous material for distributing the water. The improved apparatus of the present invention uses novel tube ~ -configurations and, in some instances, porous material to achieve the water distribution. It is contemplated that the porous material extends outwardly from the pipe fo~ approxi-mately 5 inches and extends along the pipe for an indefinite distance irrigating the soil by capillary action. Such capillary irrigation will supply the soil with the proper amount of moisture with minimum.air content allowing the farmer to irrigate wiLhout the costly work of maintaining water collectors and irrigation ditches. Thus great labour savings are possible while plowing is still feasible, the pipes being laid at a depth of 15 to 30 inches. Storage i tanks may be used to supply water and avoid the expense of -pu~lping installations. -The present invention relates to sub-surface irri- ;
gation apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending pipe having a flange extending along each side thereof. The 5~ ~S , flange is interrupted by a regular series of slots~to form a series of projections. A longitudinally extending array of capillary holes is provided in the side ol~ tllc pip~, eacl 28 hole being positioned above one of the projections.

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: ' ~(~4~ 7 The features of the present invention will become clear from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: :

Figure 1 is a perpective view of irrigation apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure l; ,:
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Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are views, in section of alternative embodiments of the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a still ~urther embodiment of the invention; and ., ~
Figure 8 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 7. .~

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DESCRIPTION OF rl'~lE PREFERRED EMI30DIMENTS
It will be understood that the irrigation apparatus ;~
shown in the drawing is adapted to be buried underground at a depth typically in the range of 15 to 30 inches. -Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a flat-bottomed pipe 10 of semi-circular section has a flange extending transversely on each side. Pipe 10 is, preferably, formed from plastic and moulded in one piece. The flange is interrupted by a regular series of slots 11 to form a series of projections 12. An array of capillary holes 13 lS formed along each side with each hole positioned above a projection 12 In operation, the pipe 10 is supplied with water from a source (not shown) and the water is slowly distributed through the capillary holes and spread by the projections as it enters the soil.
The remaining embodiments employ a wick or porous member to distribute the water throughout the soil. This porous member may be formed from woven fiberglass and, typically, extends from the pipe into the soil for about 5 inches.
Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the pipe 30 is formed with a curved extension 31 ha-ving its upper and lower walls secured by integrally moulded pins 32. A flat ~
porous member or wick 33 extends from inside the pipe to the `i ' outside to irrigate the soil by capillary action.
Figure 4 illustrates a similar arrangement in which a semi-cylindrical pipe 40 has a straight extension 41 with the upper and lower walls secured by pins 42. Porous member .
43 extends from the inner base of the pipe to the outside.
Figure 5 is a further arrangement using a pipe 50 of circular cross-section with a porous member 51 extending along~ the lower inner circumference oE the pipe.
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Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment in which a pipe 60 is formed with a slot 61 extending longitudinally ; 'ï
along the pipe. A relatively thick plastic sponge member 62 is positioned in the slot extending downwardly into the water in the pipe and upwardly into the surrounding soil.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a still further embodiment of the invention. A pipe 70 of semi-circular section has flanges 71 extending transversely outwards from each side.
A series of capillary ho~es 72 is formed along each side above the flanges. A porous member 73 is held by and extends outwardly from each flange to distribute water from pipe 70 throughout the adjacent soil.

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Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Sub-surface irrigation apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending pipe having a flange extending along each side thereof, said flange being interrupted by a regular series of slots so as to form a series of projections, a longitudinally extending array of capillary holes in the side of said pipe, each hole being positioned above one of said projections.

2. Apparatus as set out in claim 1, wherein the pipe is semi-cylindrical.