Dripper Gripper

Abstract

A water line support device includes a pair of stakes that extend perpendicularly downward from a horizontal support member and a plurality of water line retention mechanisms that may be positioned on the top or bottom side of the horizontal member. In simple form, the plurality of integral retention mechanisms have a recessed channel that is oriented parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the horizontal member. The horizontal member has a top side and a bottom side connected on opposite sides of a middle support such that the top side, middle support and bottom side form an I-beam configuration when viewed as a cross section of the horizontal member. The middle support can be reinforced or braced with diagonal supports that also are connected to and support the top side and the bottom side of the horizontal member. A logo can be added to the horizontal support member.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a conversion of, and claims the benefit of priority to, the United States Provisional Patent Application for “Dripper Gripper,” Ser. No. 62 / 168,409, filed on May 29, 2015, and currently co-pending, and also is a conversion of, and claims the benefit of priority to, the United States Provisional Patent Application for “Dripper Gripper,” Ser. No. 62 / 292,780, filed on Feb. 8, 2016, and currently co-pending. Both applications are incorporated fully herein by this reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an agricultural support device and system. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a water line support device that is driven into the ground. The invention may securely retain water lines along the ground in an orderly fashion and resist unwanted rotation and tangling of water lines. Additionally, the water line support device has a plurality of water line retention mechanisms for retaining individual w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device for supporting water pipes in a ground. The device includes stakes that are positioned to divide the horizontal support member into three equal parts. The stakes have a pointed end that can be driven into the ground. The stakes are connected to the bottom side of the horizontal support member. The device also has a textured surface for easy driving and a reinforced rail and interior wall to provide support for the water pipes. The technical effect of this device is to provide a simple and effective way to support water pipes in a ground.

Problems solved by technology

However, the practice of burying the irrigation hoses often leads to damage from pests, such as gophers.

These metal stakes are prone to failure from rust or metal fatigue.

While these known prior art retention devices are a convenient way to retain hose and water lines, they do not work very well with certain gauge / capacity water lines because when large volumes of water flow through hoses, it exerts a force on the single stake retention device that may dislodge the hose from the device and / or remove the stake from the ground.

These devices, however, do not allow for multiple hose and water lines to be individually secured within a plurality of retention mechanisms on the same device.

Therefore, where there is a need to use multiple water lines, such as in a commercial orchard, the prior art retention devices lack the ability to retain multiple lines within the same device.

An additional shortcoming of the prior art is the relative location of the retention mechanism on the prior art devices, which are not in an optimal location for retaining, securing, and changing a water line held therein.

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