SUB-SURFACE IRRIGATION APPARATUS

APPAREIL D'IRRIGATION SOUS LA SURFACE DU SOL

English 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.

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.

Description

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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
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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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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
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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
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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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