Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02485550 1999-09-17
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
IRRIGATION SPRINKLER UNIT AND METHOD OF IRRIGATION
This application is a divisional of Canadian patent application Serial No.
2,344,281 filed internationally on September 17, 1999 and entered nationally
on
s March 16, 2001.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a device which can be used to protect an
upright sprinkler on a water sprinkler system or an irrigation system. The
present
invention further relates to an irrigation unit that includes a protective
device and
a sprinkler. The present invention further relates to an irrigation system for
commercial use on small or large scale area of land. Finally, the invention
relates
to a method of use of such an irrigation system.
BACKGROUND ART
Irrigation systems used in agriculture (including horticulture and
silviculture)
i5 are enormous in variety. The large "gun" irrigation systems for agriculture
have
the advantage of being able to irrigate a large amount of land in a short
space of
time, as do the totally wheeled irrigation systems that can move across an
entire
paddock, usually under the water pressure of the water.system operating them.
However such systems require a major amount of labour or large vehicles
zo or other equipment in order to move the system from one paddock to another,
CA 02485550 1999-09-17
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or to another part of the same paddock. Such systems also require a large
irrigation well for the high volume of water that is put through them. Such
systems have the further disadvantages that the water runoff from the land
irrigated can be high, as a great deal of water is placed on the land in a
short
g space of time. Thus not all the water landing is efficiently used.
Additionally,
evaporation and/or hot or windy conditions can further reduce the efficiency
of
the irrigation technique.
In addition to the equipment needed or time needed to move such
equipment, the capital cost of the investment in irrigation equipment is high
and
~o inappropriate for small holdings or some types of agriculture.
Small irrigation systems with low-volume low-pressure sprinkler heads (for
example, for smaller commercial holdings) are known. For example, low-volume
low-pressure sprinkler heads and rigid fixed pipes are known. The pipes are
generally of aluminium alloy or similar material, and between 6 to 15 metres
in
~5 length. Sprinkler heads are placed at the junctions between adjacent pipes.
Generally the systems is left to run for between 2 and 48 hours in the one
line for
adequate irrigation of a small section of a paddock.
However this system has the disadvantage that each length of pipe has to
be moved manually from one site to the next site to be irrigated and the whole
zo system has to be reconnected at the next site. Removal of the system from
the
paddock generally requires storage of the pipes on a specialist trailer or
other
device. Further, close by crops can interfere with the spray from a low
sprinkler
head, reducing irrigation coverage.
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If such systems are not properly set up at each shift, it is possible for
sprinkler heads to fall over. Such systems therefore need both time and
attention
before the system is re-started. If such time and attention is not taken,
there is
a reduction in the coverage and in irrigation efficiency.
g A further disadvantage of this system is that as the lengths of pipe are
moved from one site to the next, there is always the danger of damage to the
sprinkler heads as the pipes are disconnected, moved and reconnected.
European Patent 190792 describes an irrigation system including a hose
with sprinklers attached at intervals to it. A cage protects each sprinkler so
that
~o the hose may be wound and unwound from a reel without damaging the
sprinkler
heads. Under the application of water pressure the sprinkler head is pushed
above
the cage into an operating position. To stow the hose the water pressure must
be reduced, allowing the head to slide back within the cage. One disadvantage
of
this system is the added complexity of the valuing and sprinkler head required
to
15 perform the raising and lowering of the sprinkler. A further disadvantage
is the fact
that the if the hose is moved when the sprinkler is operating the extended
sprinkler head is vulnerable to damage and the protective cage itself is
vulnerable
to being snagged. A yet further disadvantage is that a large reel, most
conveniently power operated, is required to store a useful length or hose,
Another
zo disadvantage is the difficulty of moving a large reel, most likely
requiring the reel
to be adapted to fit a vehicle. Still another disadvantage of this system is
that the
hose material must conform to the diameter of the reel and any resulting
twisting
in the hose may cause misalignment of the sprinkler when the hose is unwound,
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or damage to the hose.
An object of the present invention is the provision of means to protect
sprinkler heads. It is further object of the invention to provide an
irrigation system
which overcomes the disadvantages of the irrigation systems described above.
s A further object of the invention is the provision of an irrigation system
that is
useable to any commercial size whilst at the same time providing for an
initial
small capital outlay.
It is a still further object of the present invention to address the foregoing
problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
io Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
DISCLOSURE OP INVENTION
For the purposes of this specification, but without limitation thereto, the
term "water" is used to refer to: water as such, fluid effluent, agricultural,
15 commercial, industrial and residential wastes, all of which are capable of
being
pumped and conveyed in a piped reticulation system, and all of which are
capable
of being sprayed from low or high pressure spray devices. Thus, the term water
may additionally include a fluid with a high concentration of dissolved
material
and/or suspended particles (as may be found, for example, in any type of
zo effluent).
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device
for the protection of a water sprinkler head for a water delivery system which
is
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operable at a predetermined pressure and volume, said device including:
a base adapted to slide over ground terrain;
clamping means to releasably clamp said device to a water pipe which
provides water to said sprinkler head;
at least two sides, or portions of sides, which are opposite each other and
oriented in line with the direction of the said water pipe, said sides are
secured to
said base and protrude substantially above any moving part of said head; and
means to releasably secure each sprinkler head to the device; wherein
said releasably securing means also supplies a water path between the pipe and
the sprinkler head;
a water jet from a sprinkler head inside the device does not impinge upon
the sides of the device at said predetermined pressure and volume; and
said device protects said head from damage by impact with another abject
either when said device is stationary and said head is either rotating or
stationary,
is or when said device is moving over ground terrain and said head is either
rotating
or stationary.
Preferably the sides of said device are shaped. Preferably said sprinkler head
is of known type: upright and self-rotating. Preferably, the sides of the
device
encircle the sprinkler head. Preferably, the base and the sides are formed
zo integrally, the sides being arcuate in cross-section. Preferably, the
device is
approximately in the shape of a bowl with a flat base on the underside
thereof.
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The water pipe may either pass through the walls of the device, or within
a shaped channel on the underside of the device.
Optionally, the means to release the clamping of the device to the water
pipe (or vice versa) is a saddle clamp. This can be in one or more parts,
along the
g pipe or either side of the sprinkler head. Preferably, the means to
releasably
secure the upright sprinkler head to the pipe and to the device is a tapping
saddle,
of known type but adapted to fit within the device. The tapping saddle and the
clamping release means may optionally be combined.
Alternatively, the means to releasably secure both the device and the
sprinkierhead to the water pipe includes a shaped saddle over the top of the
pipe
about the sprinkler head. The saddle is secured about the pipe by a bolt which
passes through the shaped base and is securable about the pipe and to the
saddle.
The adaptation of the base, for sliding along or on the ground terrain, may
~g optionally include skids or other additional means to assist the device in
sliding
along and/or over the ground.
Preferably the device is made of plastics or substantially of plastics.
Preferably, the device is formed by a moulding technique, most preferably the
device is formed by rotomoulding. However, the device may also be made from
zo other material, for example, wood, metal or metal alloys.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
irrigation system which includes:
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a length of piping with two ends, a first end being adapted to releasably
connect to either another length of piping or to a water source, the second
end
of the piping being adapted either to be releasably attachable to another
length
of piping or to be releasably attachable to a closed end; and
s a plurality of devices as described above, said devices being spaced evenly
along the length of flexible piping, with a sprinkler head secured within each
device
and to said piping;
means attachable to one end of said system for towing said system behind
a vehicle; wherein
said system is slidable along the ground in either a straight line or a curve.
Preferably the piping is flexible and is a plastic piping with a diameter in
the
range 25 mm to 50 mm. Optionally, there is a 15m spacing between adjacent
devices along the length of flexible piping.
According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided
m a method of irrigating at least one paddock, said method including the steps
of:
(a) provision of at least one irrigation system as described above;
(b) towing said system with a vehicle to a position in a paddock to be
irrigated;
(c) connecting said first end to a water outlet source and turning said
zo source on;
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(d) leaving said system in place and said water source on for between 2
and 48 hours;
(e) moving said system to a second position in the paddock; and
(f) repeating steps (b) to (e) above until such time as the paddock has
s been completely irrigated.
Optionally the steps of switching off the water source and reconnecting the
second end of the system to a vehicle, before moving the system and then
switching on the water again, are included in the above method.
Preferably said paddock is of a length that is a discrete multiple of the
~o length of said irrigation system. Thus the irrigation system will, if
parallel with a
fence on a square paddock, irrigate a first part of a paddock along and about
one
line, and movement of the irrigation system to the other end of the paddock
will
irrigate in a second half of the paddock along and about one line, and so on.
Preferably, the system and piping are sized such that any repetition of the
steps (b) to (e) occurs every 24 hours.
With the towed line system as described above, it will be appreciated that
the ground terrain may be selected from: level ground, undulating ground,
sloping
ground (where the angle of slope is less than 50°°) ground
capable of being
ploughed, and a combination thereof.
zo According to yet a further aspect, the invention provides a stripwise
method of irrigation, including the steps: (a) providing a flexible ground-
engaging
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_g_
conduit having a first end and an opposing end, the first end being >~txed to
a water
main riser, the conduit having a sprinkler section to which a plurality of
sprinklers
are fixed at intervals along the length thereof between the opposing end and
an
intermediate point on the conduit and a continuous section extending from the
s intermediate point to the first end, the sprinklers providing an irrigation
spray
pattern extending over a continuous strip elongated in the direction of the
line of
the hose and extending substantially symmetrically thereabout; (b) positioning
the sprinkler section for irrigation of a first strip of a tract to be
irrigated; (c)
supplying water to the conduit to irrigate the first strip; (d) drawing the
conduit
io across the ground by means of a vehicle connected to the opposing end to
irrigate a subsequent strip, such that each subsequent strip is substantially
parallel
to and contiguous with the first strip and thereby increases a cumulative
irrigated
area, whereby the intermediate point is maintained within a circular area
centred
upon the riser and having a radius equal to the length of the continuous
section;
~s (e) supplying water to the conduit to irrigate each subsequent strip, and
(f)
repeating steps d) and e) until the cumulative irrigated area covers the
tract.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail, with reference to the accompany drawings, in
which:
zo FiQUre 1 is a side cross-section view of a first preferred embodiment of
the
device of the present invention, with a sprinkler head present;
Fiaure 2 is a second cross-section view of a second preferred embodiment
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of the device of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the device of the first preferred embodiment of
the device of the present invention, with the sprinkler head absent;
Fiqure 4 is a side cross-section view of a third preferred embodiment of the
device of the present invention, with a sprinkler head present; and
Figures 5a and b are diagrammatic representations of a paddock irrigated
of the method of the present invention.
BEST MODES POR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figs 1 and 3, a first preferred embodiment of the unit 2 is
thereshown. The unit 2 includes a base 3 and sides 4 with an open top 5. The
base 3 is substantially flat with a smooth underside. There is a curved,
smooth
transition between the base 3 and the sides 4 joining onto the base 3. The
sides
4 are curved or arcuate, with the circumference of the top 5 being smaller
than
the maximum circumference of the sides 4.
Whilst the sides 4 are described as solid, as is the base 3, it will be
appreciated that they need not be so. Holes, cut-outs and patterns in the
sides
4 and base 3 may be used, as desired.
The clamps 8 are of known type, modified to fit within the sides 4 and base
3. An externally threaded shaft and nut 9 is provided for clamping a sleeve 10
zo about the pipe 7. The nuts 9 can be unscrewed and the sleeve 10 released
from
the pipe 7 if the unit 2 is to be removed from the pipe 7 or moved along the
pipe
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7. The sleeve 10 can then be re-clamped over the pipe 7 again to re-secure the
unit 2 to the pipe 7.
In the first preferred embodiment of the unit 2, the clamps 8 and sleeves
are shaped and sized such that all the pipe 7 is positioned above the base 3
so that the underside of the base 3 is in good contact with the ground. The
unit
2 thus includes two holes 7a through which the pipe 7 passes. The holes 7a are
optionally a loose fit for the pipe 7, so that any water in the unit 2 is able
to drain
away.
If so desired, the unit 2 may be formed with the tapping saddle 8 and
sleeves 10 as part of the integral mould.
A second preferred embodiment of the unit 2 is shown in Fig. 2. In this
embodiment like parts .from the first preferred embodiment are present and
perform as described above, unless modified here.
At two points on diametrically opposite sides of the unit 102, an inverted
i~ channel 6 is positioned on the underside of the base 3. The channel 6 runs
through the sides 4 of the unit 102, and is semi-circular or arcuate in cross-
section. The interior of the channel 6 is shaped such that it is of a
complementary
shape to a pipe 7 passing through and under the unit 102. The channel 6
includes
two cut away portions with circular clamping saddles 8 (Fig. 1, as described
above
ao for the first embodiment), one on each side of the centre point of the unit
102.
The channel 6 is shaped and sized such that the underside of the pipe 7
protrudes below the base 3. A skirt 11, fitted around the periphery of the
base 3,
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has a lower edge that is at the same level as the underside of the pipe 7.
For both first and second preferred embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 1,
the upright 12 is clamped to the pipe 7 about the centre of the unit 2 with a
clamping saddle 15 of known type. The height of the upright 12 may be varied
by
s the use of an adjustable thread and double locking nut (of known type, not
shown). The overall height of the upright 12 will be dependent on the size of
sprinkler head 13 attached thereto. The sprinkler head 13 may be of any known
type, and selected to be consistent with the pressure and volume of water
being
supplied. The sprinkler head 13 is generally of the self-rotating type, which
can
io deliver water in a 360°° circle over a period of time.
Optionally, each sprinkler
head 13 is selected as a low-volume low-pressure head 13. The pipe 7 is tapped
and the upright 12 inserted, in known manner.
The height of the sprinkler head 13 is adjustable in known manner. If so
desired, the entire height of the sprinkler head 13 and upright 12 may be
m contained within the height of the unit 2. That is, no portion of the
sprinkler head
13 is higher than the top of the sides 4 when the unit 2 is in an upright
position.
Thus, if for some reason the unit 2 is completely knocked over, the sides 4
and
height of the unit 2 protect the sprinkler head 13 from damage.
Whatever the height of the sprinkler head 13, the minimum height will be
zo determined by the angled of spray of water 14. The spray of water 14
leaving the
sprinkler head 13 starts at a height such that the spray 14 clears the top 5
of the
sides 4 of each unit 2.
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The channel 6 (Fig. 2), sleeves 10 and tapping saddle 15 are all preferably
of a plastics material. If so desired, the sides 4, base 3 (and additional
skirt 11 for
the second embodiment (Fig. 2)) are made in one unitary mould. The pipe 7 is
flexible (preferably) and is of a plastic, for example a polyethylene. The
flexibility
s may also be provided by the shape of the pipe (for example, the pipe
material
could be flexible, or the style or shape of the pipe walls could incorporate a
design
which permits flexing of the pipe 7).
If so desired, the sides 4 need not be continuous around the periphery of
the sprinkler head 13. The sides 4 could be arcuate with a gap front and back
~o along the line of the pipe 7. If so desired, the shape of sides 4 may be
any other
shape consistent with protecting the sprinkler head 13 in any orientation of
the
unit 2 and whilst the sprinkler head 13 is under motion, for example whilst
being
towed.
Also, if so desired, the unit 2 may be made out of a material other than
is plastics.
A third preferred embodiment of the unit 202 of the present invention is
shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, like numbers are used to refer to parts
already described with reference to the first preferred embodiment of the unit
2.
In this embodiment the clamping saddle 215 for the upright 12 and sprinkler
zo head 13 also operates as the clamp or sleeve about the pipe 7. A U-bolt 210
secures the saddle 215 to the pipe 7. The U-bolt 210 passes through the base
3,
on each side of the pipe 7, about the upright 12. Additionally, a U-shaped
channel
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206, of complementary shape to the underside of the pipe 7, is formed in the
mould for the unit 202. The channel 206 runs from one side of the unit 202 to
the
opposite side, in the same direction as the unit 202 slides. The channel 206
acts
as a support for the pipe 7 within the unit 202. The channel 206 need not be
s continuous from one side of the unit 202 to the other side. If this were the
case,
only portions of the pipe 7 would be supported from the underside.
Referring to Fig. 5a and b, diagrammatic representations of a paddock 23
to be irrigated is thereshown. An irrigation sprinkler system 20 is
thereshown. The
system 20 includes a length of flexible pipe 7 with, for example, ten units
(2, 102,
io 202) spaced evenly along the length of the pipe 7. The placement of the
units (2,
102, 202) is such that the circle of fall of water 21 has a small overlap
between
circles of water fall (21). In practice it has been found that with a pipe 7
of
diameter between 50mm and 40 mm, the spacing of the units (2, 102, 202)
along the pipe 7 needs to be approximately 15 metres. In practice it has been
is found that a unit 2 that is of 300 mm base and approximately 250 mm height
will
adequately protect the sprinkler head 13 along such a system 20.
As can be seen from Fig. 5, the approximate length of such a system 20
is between 150 and 180 metres. However, it will be appreciated that the
spacing
between the units (2, 102, 202) and the number of units (2, 102, 202) along a
zo length of pipe 7 can be varied. Similarly the length of the pipe 7 can be
greater or
shorter, as is desired.
The system 20 is shown adjacent a fence 22 in the rectangular paddock
23. The positioning of the system 20 is such that the fall of water 21 from
each
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individual sprinkler head 13 completely covers to the corner of the paddock 23
and down the fence line, with minimal overlap beyond the fence 22. The second
end of the system 20 is sealed, either by bending the pipe 7 over on itself,
blocking the pipe 7, or providing a specially designed end for the pipe 7 (not
s shown). The first end of the system 20 (and pipe 7) is connected by a feed
line
24 to a distribution riser and valve 25. The riser and valve 25 is optionally
centrally positioned within the paddock 23. However, it will be appreciated
that
this need not the case. The riser and valve 25 may be at one end of the
paddock
23, or at the centre of one end of the paddock 23, depending on the irrigation
io system initially set up for the paddock 23 and surrounding area, or the
nearest
riser and valve to the area to be irrigated.
The feed line 24 may be of the same diameter as the pipe 7 and is
preferably a flexible pipe of the same type as the pipe 7, for ease of
connection.
However, other styles of pipe 7 may be used, as is desired.
~s The above described irrigation system 20 works as follows: the system 20
is attached to a vehicle, by known means (neither shown) and is towed to the
first place to be irrigated (first position, A Fig. 5a). This is the starting
point of the
irrigation of the paddock 23.
The feed line 24 is connected to one end of the system 20 and to the riser
zo and valve 25. The valve 25 is opened and water flows to the irrigation
sprinkler
heads 13. Calculation, by known means, of the desired amount of water to be
added to the paddock 23 having been previously made, the sprinkler system 20
is left running for the desired time to achieve this water spread. The valve
25 is
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optionally turned off at the end of this time and the feed line 24 optionally
disconnected from the irrigation system 20. However, it is to be noted that
the
system 20 can be left in operation whist the position of the system 20 is
altered.
The vehicle (not shown) is reconnected to the system 20 and the system 20 is
s towed (dotted line 26, Fig. 5b) to the second position 27 for irrigation.
The steps of reconnecting the system 20 to the riser and valve 25, starting
the water and leaving the system 20 for the prescribed time is repeated. Fig
5a
shows the appropriate shifts of the system 20 from the first to the last shift
to
completely cover a paddock 23 with twenty shifts of the system 20.
io It will be appreciated that the number of lines which can be operated
simultaneously is only limited to the available water supply capacity. With
the
above described system 20 and units (2, 102, 202) spaced 15 metres apart, the
required amount of waterto irrigate a particular area can be placed on the
ground
in twenty-four hours.
~s Whilst the method of irrigation has been described with reference to a
rectangular paddock 23 which is a discrete multiple of the length of the
irrigation
system 20, it will be appreciated that the shape of the paddock is not
critical to
the use of the system 20. Further, it will be appreciated that the paddock 23
need
not be of a length that is a discrete multiple of the irrigation system 20.
For
zo example, a paddock 23 that is a approximately triangular in shape may also
be
irrigated by the system 20, as the system 20 is capable of being left in a
curved
arrangement after being towed around a corner of the paddock 23 or around a
turn on the paddock 23 of a sufficient curvature that the pipe 7 is still
whole and
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does not collapse or bend and prevent water passing therethrough.
Similarly, if two paddocks 23 are to be irrigated by the one system 20 in
the same cycle, the system 20 may be moved from one paddock 23 to the other
with alternate positioning for periods of irrigation.
s It will be appreciated that a plurality of systems 20 may be operated from
the same riser and valve 25 (with appropriate branching pipe systems, of known
type). It will also be appreciated that an appropriately positioned riser or
riser and
valve system 25, or distribution system 20 to a number of paddocks 23, can be
operated simultaneously with a number of systems 20 running. The number of
io systems 20 that can be operated simultaneously will be limited only by the
availability of the water supply capacity, distribution means sizes, and the
area to
be irrigated.
It will also be appreciated that whilst a description has been given of the
system 20 as being of approximately 180 metres or less in length, this may be
reduced or increased depending on the availability of volume of water and the
pressure.
In practice, it has been found that a pipe 7 size of between 32 mm to 40
mm is optimal as this provides a good balance between the ease of
sliding/towing
of the whole system 20 from one place to another (behind a small vehicle which
zo could be as slight as a motorcycle) and the line losses along the pipes 7.
It will further be appreciated that for a small agricultural or other
operation
with a small quantity of land, only one system 20 of reduced size need be
CA 02485550 1999-09-17
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operated. Also, the system 20 can be added to, either with another system 20
or by the addition of new units (2, 102, 202) to an existing system 20.
It will also be appreciated that the above system 20 and method allows for
minimal loss time as the system 20 is moved, the time taken to move the above
described system 20 being considerably shorter than that required for
traditional
pipe systems. Also, it will be appreciated that the failure of one or two
sprinkler
heads 13 along a line has little effect on the overall efficiency of the
system 20
and method, when compared with a single big sprinkler head.
Further, it will be appreciated that with this device for protection of
sprinkler
~o heads 13, the system 20 can be left in place in an area where stock are
grazed
without risk of damage to the live stock or to the sprinkler heads 13. In
practice,
the system 20 would also be useable between rows of trees, such as in an
orchard and forestry land or agro-forestry. Also, whilst the invention has
been
described with reference to low volume, low pressure sprinkler heads, it will
be
is appreciated that all combinations of volume and pressure may be used in the
invention, with appropriate selection of sprinkler heads and pipe connections.
Also, it will be appreciated that the above system 20 and method of
irrigation can, apart from the unit (2, 102, 202), comprise standard items
such
as pumps, risers and valves (etc).
zo Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example
only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made
thereto without departing from the scope thereof.
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Whilst the above inventions has been described with reference to protecting
a single water sprinkler head which is self rotating, it will be appreciated
that such
head could be plural in number, either of the one tapping of the water pipe or
a
plurality of sprinkler heads which are very close together on the pipe. Such
heads
may be stationary, or have a limited arc of self- rotation. However, for the
purposes of this specification, all such variety and arrangement of sprinklers
is
encompassed by the terminology "water sprinkler head."
For the purposes of this specification, the term "paddock" is generally
considered to be an area of arable land bounded by a fence. However, it will
be
io appreciated that the term also can be used to refer to any area of land
capable
of irrigation and which falls within the definition above of ground terrain.
The term
is so used in this specit:lcation.
