AU2019100325A4 - Stake end dripper - Google Patents

Abstract

A fitting (20) securable to an end of a plastics pipe (40) in an irrigation system, having a stake portion (21) that can be driven downward into a ground mass and a laterally extendable tubular portion (23) that is positionable sealingly in the pipe. Water is flushed from the pipe through a passage in the tubular portion to an adjustable nozzle assembly 26 at the top of the stake portion 21. 40 Z+

Description

STAKE END DRIPPER

2019100325 28 Mar 2019

FIELD [0001] This invention provides improvements to irrigation systems for domestic or commercial use in which water is delivered to points in a soil bed through flexible plastics pipe or pipes.

BACKGROUND [0002] A popular method of distributing water to plants in a body of soil is to connect a water supply to a network of flexible plastics pipes that in turn delivers water to outlets which sprinkle or spray the water onto the soil.

[0003] Gardeners, horticulturists and the like have available to them a wide variety of fittings, together with polyethylene PE pipe, known colloquially as “poly pipe” (which term is used hereinafter) in nominal sizes (internal diameters) such as 13mm, 19mm and 25mm, and using these can assemble such a system.

[0004] Figure 1 shows a system 10 of this type, such as a home gardener might assemble using poly pipe laid on a soil surface. A garden tap 1 (faucet) delivers water through a hose 2 to a length of poly pipe 3. Pipe 3 is tapped along its length with a number of nozzle fittings 4 that pierce pipe 3 and drip or spray water where required. Smaller diameter (eg 4mm) poly pipes 5 and 6 are provided, at points along pipe 3, via fittings 7 and distribute water to additional nozzle fittings 4. End fittings 8 are provided at the free ends of pipes 5 and 6. These may be simple plugs or may themselves be drip or spray nozzles. Also shown is a branch pipe 9 that has additional drip or spray nozzles 4 and also feeds water to further smaller size pipes 12 and 13. Pipes 9 and 3 have end fittings 14 also.

[0005] Typically, the various pipes 3, 5, 6, 9, 12 and 13 are laid at or close to the soil surface and stakes 15 (whose tops only are shown in Figure 1) are provided that are adapted to be driven into the soil and shaped at their upper ends to hold the pipes down semi-permanently in fixed positions. Some spray and dripper fittings themselves have integral stakes.

[0006] System 10 is merely an example - the various types of fittings and sizes of pipe can be employed in any required layout. Poly pipe is also available with perforations spaced along its length so that drip or spray nozzles need not be used.

[0007] Systems such as that of Figure 1 can reduce the chore of regular watering (for it is only necessary to turn on tap 1) and also can save water, as drips or small sprays can deliver water at precise positions while spraying from an ordinary garden hose cannot.

[0008] A problem with systems such as system 10 is that between an end fitting (such as end fitting 8) and its nearest water outlet (drip or spray nozzle or pipe perforation) water may reside for a long time without being flushed out during operation of the system. Such locations are shown at locations 17 in Figure 1. This can lead to toxicity in the water there, which in turn can even cause toxicity problems

2019100325 28 Mar 2019 in the system generally and even in the water supply, especially if the system is left unused for some time. The problem is believed to be more severe in larger pipe sizes (eg 13mm or more) than in smaller sizes. It is known to use a special fitting (developed by the present applicant) to allow a small diameter branch pipe to be connected to an end of a large diameter pipe, so that water near the end of the larger pipe is flushed, however this is not always convenient.

[0009] Additionally, poly pipe in the larger diameters (eg 13mm pipe and larger) typically needs to be held firmly in place during and after installation, as it can be difficult to lay flat after being supplied in rolled-up form.

[0010] The invention addresses these problems and others mentioned below.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0011] The invention provides a fitting adapted for use in irrigation pipe systems comprising:

an elongate member comprising a stake portion driveable downwardly into a ground mass;

a tubular formation integral with the stake and positionable in an end of a bore of a plastics irrigation pipe for sealing retention therein;

a nozzle for discharge of water in water directed to the nozzle through the tubular formation, the nozzle secured to an upper end of the elongate member.

[0012] Preferably, the tubular formation comprises a peripheral barb adapted to deform outwardly a pipe into the end of which the tubular portion is entered.

[0013] Preferably, the tubular portion extends approximately horizontally when the elongate member is driven vertically downward into the ground mass.

[0014] In a preferred aspect, the tubular portion is sized to be sealingly retained in polyethylene plastics irrigation pipe of nominal size 13mm.

[0015] In a further preferred aspect, the tubular portion is sized to be sealingly retained in polyethylene plastics irrigation pipe of nominal size 19mm.

[0016] In a still further preferred aspect, the tubular portion is sized to be sealingly retained in polyethylene plastics irrigation pipe of nominal size 25mm.

[0017] The provision of a fitting according to the invention that is suitable for poly pipe in larger sizes such as 13mm, 19mm and 25mm is particularly important as it solves the practical problem of holding down such poly pipe of sizes that are less flexible than smaller sizes when installing an irrigation system as well as providing a discharge point and a flushing capability.

[0018] Preferably, the nozzle comprises fixed and movable parts the movable part being movable on the fixed part whereby to enable adjustment of a pattern of water discharge from the nozzle.

2019100325 28 Mar 2019 [0019] Having an adjustable nozzle is particularly useful in intended applications of the invention because a user can adjust the nozzle to enable a thorough flushing of an end zone of a larger diameter pipe and then adjust to reduce flow for ordinary levels of flow comparable with the other outlets of the system.

[0020] More preferably, the fixed part is integral with the elongate portion.

[0021] The movable part may be movable to a position relative to the fixed part wherein water is not dischargeable from the nozzle.

[0022] The fixed part (where present), the stake portion and the tubular formation may and preferably are formed by injection moulding in a suitable plastics material.

[0023] Note that the stake portion is sized and proportioned to provide in use secure holding down of the plastics irrigation pipe for which the tubular portion is sized.

[0024] In a further aspect the invention provides an irrigation system comprising at least one length of polyethylene plastics pipe of nominal bore size 13mm, or 19mm or 25mm wherein at an end of said at least one length there is sealing secured a fitting comprising:

an elongate member comprising a stake portion driveable downwardly into a ground mass;

a tubular formation integral with the stake and positionable in an end of a bore of a plastics irrigation pipe for sealing retention therein;

a nozzle for discharge of water in water directed to the nozzle through the tubular formation, the nozzle secured to an upper end of the elongate member.

[0025] Everywhere in this specification, including in the appended claims, the word “comprise” and derivative thereof such as “comprising”, “comprised in” and the like, when used in relation to integers elements or steps, is intended to indicate the presence of those integers elements or steps but not to preclude the possible presence of other elements, integers or steps.

[0026] No statement in this specification relating to what has been done or disclosed or is capable thereof is to be interpreted as an admission regarding common general knowledge in any art in Australia.

[0027] The invention will now be described in more detail by reference to the appended diagrams, of which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a plan view of a portion of a ground mass having thereon an irrigation system of known type;

[0029] Figure 2 is a side elevation of a fitting according to the invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

2019100325 28 Mar 2019

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0031] Figure 1 as described in detail above, shows an example of a typical irrigation system of this type, such as may be set up by a gardener, using polyethylene (PE) tube, known as “poly pipe”, of which the only or main plastics type is polyethylene (PE) and several types of plastic or metal fittings. A wide variety of fittings is available, together with tubing in nominal sizes such as 13mm, 19mm and 25mm.

[0032] Fittings according to the invention may be installed at locations in a typical irrigation system such as system 10 at locations such as those marked 17 on pipes 3 and 9 in Figure 1, instead of simple end caps such as 14, to allow flushing of water collecting at the locations 17. There will be no need for the use of so-called air relief or flushing valves to flush the system 10 at these locations 17.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a fitting 20 according to the invention and an end portion of a pipe 40 for use with it. Fitting 20 is elongate and comprises a stake portion 21 that is adapted to be driven or pushed downwardly (i.e. in the direction shown by arrow 22) into a ground or soil mass. A tubular portion 23 extends laterally from the downward direction at an upper end of the stake portion 21. Tubular portion 23 has a peripheral barb 24 and is of such diameter as to be able to be pushed into the bore of a specified size poly pipe (for example 13mm, 19mm or 25mm) (not shown) and thereafter seal against water leakage. The barb 24 has the effect of distorting the pipe outwardly to enhance sealing. (A separate clip or the like may also be provided (not shown) to resist separation of fitting 20 from the pipe.

[0034] Shown in dotted lines is a flow passage 25 for water that extends along tubular portion 23 and then upwardly to a nozzle assembly 26 that is comprised in the fitting 20 and located at its upper end above stake portion 21. Nozzle assembly 26 is adapted to enable discharge of water entering flow passage 25 from the pipe to which fitting 20 is secured.

[0035] Nozzle assembly 26 comprises a movable part 27 that screws on to a fixed part 30 so as to be rotatable about an upright axis 29 on fixed part 30. The fixed part 30 is integrally formed with the stake portion 21 and the tubular portion 23, for example by injection moulding in a suitable plastics material. Rotation of movable part 27 varies, or can completely cut off, the amount of water that is discharged from nozzle 26, and also varies the pattern in which it emerges. Suitable internal forms of movable part 27 and the outer contour of that portion of fixed part 30 that engages with movable part 27 are such as to allow such adjustment and is known in the art. It is not of the essence of the present invention. Nozzle 26 allows water flow through fitting 20 to be compete shut off, or turned on by rotating movable part 27 for flushing and irrigation or watering with a desired pattern and flow rate.

[0036] A mark (for example a surface mark 31 of a colour contrasting with the colour of the remainder of the fitting 20) may be provided on tubular portion 23. Poly pipe in the larger sizes (such as 13mm, 19mm or 25 mm) is often provided with an external longitudinally extending coloured stripe 42, and mark 31 assists a user to align fitting 20 with the stripe 42. When a pipe such as pipe 3 in Figure 1 is initially laid on a ground mass each fitting or penetration along its length can be oriented relative to

2019100325 28 Mar 2019 the stripe 42, so that all are suitably oriented relative to the ground mass for proper operation ofthe system. For example risers having spray nozzles at their upper ends are desirably vertical, and may be positioned at multiple locations along the length of a pipe. Because tubular portion 23 is tightly held in the end of tube 40, it can positively hold the tube in the desired orientation once stake portion 21 is pushed into the ground mass. This is an important advantage of the invention, for many stakes and clips are not fully effective at maintaining a correct pipe orientation, and simple end caps cannot do so.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an alternative fitting 44 that omits the nozzle assembly 26 of fitting 20. Fitting 44 is generally the same as or similar to fitting 20 up to and including its tubular portion 48 corresponding to tubular portion 23 and is used in the same way. However, instead of nozzle assembly 26, there is a formation 45 adapted for connection of a riser 42 (i.e. a small tube) that extends upward to an upper end or nozzle 47 where water is discharged (for example in a spray formation). Vertical orientation of riser 46 is desirable and driving of fitting 44 into a ground mass in the way described for fitting 20 helps ensure this is achieved and maintained.

Claims (11)

1. A fitting adapted for use in irrigation pipe systems comprising:

an elongate member comprising a stake portion driveable downwardly into a ground mass;

a tubular formation integral with the stake and positionable in an end of a bore of a plastics irrigation pipe for sealing retention therein;

a nozzle for discharge of water in water directed to the nozzle through the tubular formation, the nozzle secured to an upper end of the elongate member.

2. A fitting according to claim 1 wherein the tubular formation comprises a peripheral barb adapted to deform outwardly a pipe into the end of which the tubular portion is entered.

3. A fitting according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the tubular portion extends approximately horizontally when the elongate member is driven vertically downward into the ground mass.

4. A fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the tubular portion is sized to be sealingly retained in polyethylene plastics irrigation pipe of nominal size 13mm.

5. A fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the tubular portion is sized to be sealingly retained in polyethylene plastics irrigation pipe of nominal size 19mm.

6. A fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the tubular portion is sized to be sealingly retained in polyethylene plastics irrigation pipe of nominal size 25mm.

7. A fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the nozzle comprises fixed and movable parts the movable part being movable on the fixed part whereby to enable adjustment of a pattern of water discharge from the nozzle.

8. A fitting according to claim 7 wherein the fixed part is integral with the elongate portion.

9. A fitting according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the movable part is movable to a position relative to the fixed part wherein water is not dischargeable from the nozzle.

2019100325 28 Mar 2019

10. A fitting according to any one claims 1 to 9 wherein the stake portion is sized and proportioned to provide in use secure holding down of the plastics irrigation pipe for which the tubular portion is sized.

11. An irrigation system comprising at least one length of polyethylene plastics pipe of nominal bore size 13mm, or 19mm or 25mm wherein at an end of said at least one length there is sealing secured a fitting comprising:

an elongate member comprising a stake portion driveable downwardly into a ground mass;

a tubular formation integral with the stake and positionable in an end of a bore of a plastics irrigation pipe for sealing retention therein;

a nozzle for discharge of water in water directed to the nozzle through the tubular formation, the nozzle secured to an upper end of the elongate member.