Modular network irrigation system

Abstract

An irrigation system for delivering a fluid such as water. There are first and second network modules of fluid conduit. The first network module includes: a plurality of nodes, wherein each of the nodes of the plurality of nodes are in direct fluid communication with at least three other nodes; a first exterior side in redundant fluid communication with the plurality of nodes; a plurality of juncture members extending from a first exterior side; and a pressure compensating emitter in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of nodes and configured to disperse fluid therethrough when subject to at least a threshold pressure. The second network module is redundantly coupled to the first network module through barbed couplers.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 764,254 to Greg Wolfley filed on 31 Jan. 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to irrigation systems, specifically modular network irrigation systems. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Irrigation has been a vital technology since ancient times. In fact, historians often attribute, at least in part, the rise of civilization to irrigation technology. Accordingly, those involved are always trying to improve methods, systems, devices, etc. of irrigation in order to more effectively and / or efficiently achieve the beneficial results obtained thereby. [0006] While irrigation likely first started in agricultural industries, it is now widely used for other purposes including but not limited to ornamental plants such as turf grass, shrubs, gardens, lands...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that

Problems solved by technology

However, it has been remarked that above-ground / sprinkler-type systems have serious problems in certain areas.

First, such systems generally have serious problems with water loss, i.e. that a large percentage of water delivered into the system does not make it to the root zone of the plants.

Water loss may be environmental, such as evaporation loss, wind drift, and / or run-off.

Further, water loss problems may be a result of non-uniform head spacing, non-uniform head types, improper system design, improper plant arrangement, and improper design consideration of slopes and plant types.

Still more, maintenance problems may exacerbate water loss wherein damaged heads may spew water, plugged heads may restrict flow, and tilted heads may skew water coverage.

It is estimated that under ideal conditions spray heads are expected to only provide about 65% efficiency and under non-ideal conditions, the efficiency can literally drop to zero.

Further, above-ground systems require regular maintenance as they are exposed to hazards, the environment, and vandalism.

Still more, turf grass and most other ornamental plants risk damage when the foliage is wet for long periods of time, especially during a cool evening.

Above-ground systems generally leave the foliage wet u c after each watering, which can breed disease and cause other health problems to the plants.

While systems have been developed as alternatives to above-ground watering systems, such systems have not enjoyed much commercial success for a variety of reasons.

For example, such systems may be difficult to install according to proper and consistent spacing, may be expensive, may be prone to clogging, may be vulnerable to damage by roots, may be difficult to install in an irregular shaped location, may be difficult to change once installed, may deliver water inconsistently over an area or time, may limit control over water emission, may be difficult to implement, may require special calculations during design and / or installation, may fail to integrate with existing water supplies, may be expensive to install, and / or may not provide proper coverage to particularly shaped or designed areas.

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