A HOSE FOR DISTRIBUTING LIQUID TO PLANTS

Abstract: A hose (10) for distributing liquid to plants is made of an envelope of synthetic plastics sheet material, opposite facing inner surfaces of which are welded one to another in a repeat pattern longitudinally of the envelope to provide a longitudinally extending primary passageway (11), a plurality of outlet chambers (14) arranged end to end longitudinally of the hose (10), a longitudinally extending intermediate passageway (13) extending between the primary passageway (11) and the outlet chambers (14) and a plurality of further intermediate chambers (12) arranged end to end longitudinally of the hose and located between the primary passageway (11) and the longitudinally extending intermediate passageway (13), there being a plurality of inlets (16, 16' and 16") in the intermediate passageways (12, 13) and the outlet chambers (14) permitting liquid to flow from the primary passageways (11) through the intermediate passageways (12, 13), at progressively decreasing pressure, to the outlet chambers (14) from which the liquid issues through outlets (19).

Description: A HOSE FOR DISTRIBUTING LIQUID TO PLANTS DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a hose for distributing liquid to plants. It is known to irrigate plants by distributing water through a hose having outlets spaced longitudinally of the hose. Since, due to fraction losses, there is a pressure differential longitudinally of the hose of water directed through the hose, it is .necessary to provide means for compensating for differences in pressure of water passing through different outlets to ensure even distribution and slow discharge of water though all of the outlets. One system for distributing water to plants comprfses a single tube of substantial wall thickness and discharge devices located at selected intervals longitudinally of the tube providing outlets for water contained within the tube. Each discharge device includes a component adapted to be secured in relation to the tube and a threaded member adapted to be screwed into the component. The co-operating screw threads of each discharge device provide a helical passageway through which water passes from the tube, the length of the passageway being variable by screwing or unscrewing the member relative to the component. Compensation for loss of pressure longitudinally of the tube is achieved by adjustment of the threaded members relative to their corresponding components of the discharge devices. An alternative system is adapted to distribute water at low pressure and comprises two tubes, one of which is of larger diameter than the other, which extend parallel one to another and which communicate one with another through passageways located in spaced relation longitudinally of the tubes, the longitudinal axes of the passageways each extending in a transverse direction of the tubes. The tube of smaller diameter is provided with a plurality of apertures spaced longitudinally of the tubes for discharge of water. An advantage of such a low pressure system is that the parallel tubes and communicating passageways " can be formed from a single web of thin film plastics OMPI material which is folded longitudinally and opposite facing longitudinal edges of which are stitched one to another. Water from the smaller diameter tube discharges through gaps between threads of the longitudinal stitched seam. The system therefore is less expensive to manufacture than the single tube system which requires a tube of greater wall thickness as well as provision of discharge devices. However, the two tube system suffers from a disadvantage in that it is not possible to provide for discharge of water at predetermined locations longitudinally of each smaller diameter tube adjacent randomly positioned plants. More importantly, however, both single and two tube systems suffer from a serious disadvantage in that the outlet passageways become blocked. ■ This occurs because, in both systems, the outlet passageways are of small dimension and the presence of slime which accumulates in the passageways restricts flow * of water therethrough causing uneven distribution of water and, in some cases, complete blockage. In consequence, it is necessary regularly to clean outlet passageways of both systems to remove slime from the passageways. Such cleaning is expensive in that it is labour intensive. It is desirable, therefore to provide a general purpose hose for distributing liquid to plants which provides for a low pressure system so that the hose is inexpensive to manufacture but which may be adapted to provide for even distribution of water substantially throughout the length of the hose, or, alternatively, at selected intervals or at locations as required by randomly positioned plants and yet which does not require supervision to ensure that outlet passageways have not become clogged. According to the present invention, there is provided a hose for distributing liquid to plants comprising a longitudinally extending first passageway for transporting the liquid, an elongate outlet chamber for receiving liquid from the first passageway and " an elongate intermediate passageway, extending between and substantially parallel to the first passageway and to the chamber, the -intermediate passageway communicating the first passageway with the chamber and being of reduced cross-sectional area compared with the first passageway so that rate of flow of liquid from the first passageway to the chamber is reduced on passing through the intermediate passageway. Since the intermediate passageway is elongate, the pressure of liquid entering the intermediate passageway reduces as the liquid passes along the intermediate passageway. In consequence, the intermediate passageway may be of larger cross-sectional dimension than communicating passageways of two tube or other low pressure systems known hitherto with a result that clogging of the intermediate passageway is reduced or eliminated. The hose may be provided with a plurality of said outlet chambers. The hose may be provided with a plurality of said intermediate passageways extending end to end. The hose may be provided with at least one further intermediate passageway communicating said intermediate passageway with the or each said outlet chambe . _.. OMPI r WiPo " " ^-/ATlO≤ The hose may be provided with an integral sheet extending longitudinally of the hose. The material of the hose may be of greater unit cross sectional dimension than unit cross sectional dimension of the sheet. The sheet may be provided with orifices spaced longitudinally of the sheet. The sheet may be provided with frangible portions spaced longitudinally of the sheet. The or at least one of the chambers may be provided with an outlet. The material of the hose may be opaque to selected radiation. The material of the hose may comprise a composition including a white outer surface, a white inner surface and a black component between said surfaces. Also according to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the hose specified above including the steps of moving an elongate envelope of synthetic plastics sheet material longitudinally relative to a welding tool and successively welding one to another by means of the tool opposite facing layers of the envelope to provide a plurality of repeat patterns embodying said passageways and said chamber or chambers. Following is a description, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of one method of carrying the invention into effect. In the drawings :- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of a hose in accordance with the present invention and * which has been adapted ready for use. Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 formed integrally with mulch sheets and shown in use, the mulch sheets having been arranged in a configuration. __OMP • VA Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 formed integrally with mulch sheets and shown in use, the mulch sheets having been arranged in a different configuration to the configuration shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 formed integrally with a mulch sheet and shown in use, the mulch sheet having been arranged in a configuration, and Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation showing, in use, a plurality of hoses in accordance with the present invention. . Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, a hose 10 of synthectic plastics sheet material and welded at opposite ends comprises a primary passageway 11 extending longitudinally of the hose 10, a first intermediate passageway 12, a second intermediate passgeway 13, the intermediate passageways 12 and 13 extending substantially parallel to- the primary passageway 11, and a plurality of elongate outlet chambers 14 extending substantially parallel to the passageways 11, 12 and 13 and being arranged end to OMPI VIPO end in a longitudinal direction of the hose 10. The passageways 11, 12 and 13 and the outlet chambers 14 are provided by welding opposite facing surfaces of the material of the hose 10 in a pattern which is repeated longitudinally of the hose 10. The pattern comprises parallel welds 15 extending longitudinally of the hose 10 and spaced one from another transversely of the hose to provide the passageways 11, 12 and.13 and a lower seam 15 for the outlet chambers 14. Each longitudinally extending weld 15 is interrupted at intervals to I t i l provide inlets 16, 16 and 16 for the intermediate passageways 12 and 13 and the outlet chambers 14.- The pattern also comprises a first set of spaced parallel transverse welds 17 defining end walls of the first intermediate passageway 12, the second intermediate passageway 13 having no such end walls and extending continuously throughout the length of the hose 10, and a second set of spaced parallel transverse welds 18 defining end walls of the outlet chambers 14. The arrangement is such that each pattern comprises one first intermediate passageway 12 and two outlet chambers 14. The first intermediate passageway 12 is provided with an inlet 16 located adjacent an end wall 17. The second intermediate passageway is provided with a plurality of inlets I 16 each being located adjacent an end wall 17 of a corresponding first intermediate passageway 12 remote from the inlet 16 of the corresponding first intermediate passageway 12. In this manner, liquid contained in each first intermediate passageway 12 passes from the passageway into the second intermediate passageway 13. Each of the outlet 1 I chambers 14 is provided with an inlet 16 which is located substantially centrally of each corresponding outlet chamber 14 in a longitudinal direction of the hose 10. I The weld 15 which provides the lower seam 15 for the outlet chambers 14 of each repeat pattern is continuous. In use, however, selected outlet chambers 14 are severed to provide a plurality of outlets 19 for the outlet chambers 14, each outlet chamber 14 having the same number of outlets 19 as .. w i rø each of the other outlet chambers 14 if provided with outlets 19. Preferably, each outlet chamber 14 having outlets 19 is provided with two such outlets. Assuming that the hose 10 has been located at a desired location, that selected outlet chambers 14 are provided with outlets 19 adjacent corresponding plants or locations which are to be provided with liquid and that the primary passageway 11 is connected to a head of the liquid (by, for example, slitting the primary passageway 11 at one end portion thereof and inserting therein one end of a conduit for supplying the liquid) the liquid, which may be water or water containing nutrients, is directed to the primary passageway 11 and flows longitudinally therealong and downwardly from the primary passageway 11 through the inlets 16, to the first I intermediate passageways 12, through the inlets 16 to the second intermediate passageway 13 and then . from the second intermediate passageway 13 through I I the inlets 16 to the outlet chambers 14. The pressure of the liquid on passing through each of the I I « inlets 16, 16 and 16 and the corresponding intermediate passageways 12, 13 decreases OMPI progressively as the liquid flows progressively longitudinally of the intermediate passageways 12, 13 such that, by the time that the liquid enters the outlet chambers 14, the pressure is considerably reduced compared with the pressure of the liquid contained in the primary passageway 11. The liquid passes out of the outlet chambers 14 provided with outlets 19, the rate of flow of liquid through the outlets 19 being substantially the same throughout the length of the hose 11 provided that all of the outlet chambers 14 having outlets 19 have the same number of outlets and the outlets are of substantially the same size as one another.. In this manner, each of the plants or locations adjacent outlets 19 are supplied with liquid at substantially the same rate as any other or others of the plants or locations. Since the hose 10 is made of synthetic plastics sheet, material, it will be appreciated that the cross sectional dimensions of the intermediate passageways 12, 13 and the dimensions of the outlets 19 of the outlet chambers 14 will vary in accordance with the pressure of liquid passing therethrough due to the flexibility of the material. In consequence, the flexibility of the walls of the intermediate passageways 12, 13 and the outlets 19 in the outlet chambers 14 may ' accommodate an increase of pressure of liquid directed through the hose 10 which may be effected in order to clean the hose by dislodging any particles which may collect in any of the interstices of the hose. Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, there is shown the hose 10 having a pair of mulch sheets 20, 21 also of synthetic plastics film material formed integrally with the hose 10, the sheets 20, 21 extending substantially parallel one to another and longitudinally of the hose 10, each of the sheets 20, 21 also extending radially outwardly from the primary passageway 11 from a location diammetrically opposed to the first intermediate passageway 12. Each of the mulch sheets 20, 21 is provided with a row of perforations 22, 23 extendng. substantially parallel in spaced relation with a longitudinal edge portion of a corresponding mulch sheet 20, 21. In use, the hose 10 is located on ground 26 to be cultivated and the mulch sheet 20 is laid over a * portion of the ground 26 adjacent the hose 10. The mulch sheet 21 is folded over the hose 10 and laid on a portion of the ground 26 remote from he mulch sheet 20. The bridging portions of the mulch sheets 20, 21 between selected perforations 22, 23 of the sheets are fractured to provide openings 27 at selected intervals OMPI and seedlings 28 are inserted in the ground 26 through the openings 27. The outlet chambers 14 of the hose 10 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 are each provided with a plurality of outlets 19 such that liquid contained in the hose 10 passes unifor ally at substantially the same pressure throughout the length of the hose 10 to the outlets 19 and thereby moistens the ground 26 below the mulch sheets 20, 21. The mulch sheets 20, 21 reduce evaporation of liquid which has passed from the hose 10 to the ground 26 arid the mulch sheet 21, in being folded over the hose 10 provides a shield protecting the hose 10 from ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage. Preferably, the mulch sheets 20, 21 are of a composition providing a white outer surface for heat reflection during sunshine periods, a black inner layer for reducing light penetration and inhibiting ultra violet degredation and a white interior surface for the purpose of containing heat below the mulch sheets 20, 21 during periods of darkness. OMPI WIPO Λ> & N AΥ \ Preferably, also, the material of the hose 10 and the mulch sheets 20, 21 is formed as a one-piece extrusion, the thickness of the material which is to comprise the hose 10 being greater than the thickness of the material which is to comprise the mulch sheets 20, 21. In this manner, the cost of manufacture of the hose 10 and mulch sheets 20, 21 integral therewith is substantially reduced compared with the cost of providing such integral components from material of uniform thickness. Referring now to Figure 3 of the drawings, there is shown a different configuration of the hose 10 and integral mulch sheets 20, 21 shown in Figure 2. In the modified configuration, the mulch sheet 20 is folded under the hose 10 and laid on the ground 26. A rooting medium 29, such as sand, peat or rockwool, is laid on an upper surface of the mulch sheet 20 and the mulch sheet 21 is located over the rooting medium 29. A marginal edge portion 24 of the mulch sheet 20 then is folded onto a marginal edge portion 25 of the mulch sheet 21 and is united therewith by a longitudinally extending strip of pressure sensitive adhesive 30. In use, portions of the mulch sheet 20 bridging perforations 22 thereof are fractured to provide slits, one of which is shown at 31, at selected intervals longitudinally of the mulch sheet 20 for the insertion therethrough of seedlings 28 into the rooting medium 29. Liquid directed through the hose 10 seeps through the outlets 19 into the rooting medium 29 to provide moisture for the seedlings 28. The arrangement of the mulch sheets 20, 21 in the configuration shown in Figure 3 permits escape of liquid which is supplied in excess of the holding capacity of the rooting medium 29, the escape being through the perforations- 23 of the mulch sheet 21. In this manner, long-term deoxygenation of the. rooting medium 29 is reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, the fact that the hose 10 and the rooting medium 29 are. contained within an envelope formed by the mulch sheets 20, 21 not only provides for solar radiation protection of the hose 10 thereby reducing degeneration of the material of the hose 10 and mechanical damage protection, but also isolates the rooting medium 29 from the ground 26 with the result that insects and chemicals present in the ground 26 do not affect the rooting medium 29. The seedlings 28 will therefore flourish in a controlled environment. OMPI So Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is shown a hose 10 formed integrally with a mulch sheet 32 which is of similar material and of similar thickness to the mulch sheets 20, 21. However, unlike in the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mulch sheet 32 extends radially outwardly from the tube 10 at a location adjacent the outlet chambers 14. The mulch sheet 32 extends longitudinally of the hose 10 and is provided with spaced parallel rows of perforations 33, 34. In use, the hose 10 is located on ground 26 and the mulch sheet 32 is laid on the ground adjacent the hose 10. Rooting medium 29 then is laid on the mulch sheet 32 in a longitudinal direction of the mulch sheet and in a transverse direction for a distance not extending beyond half the width of the mulch sheet 32. The portion of the mulch sheet 32 not having rooting medium 29 located thereon is folded over the rooting medium 29 and the hose 10 and is united with the outer surface of the primary passageway 11 of the hose 10 by a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive 35 extending longitudinally of the hose 10. In use, bridging portions between the perforations 33 are selectively broken to provide slits, one of which is shown at 36, for insertion of seedlings into the rooting medium 29. The adhesive 30, 35 may be a re-usable pressure sensitive adhesive so that the envelope formed by the mulch sheets 20, 21 or 32 can be opened to provide access to the rooting medium 29. Referring now to Figure 5 of the drawings, there is shown a plurality of hoses 10 each having formed therewith a pair of longitudinally extending webs 37, 38 located adjacent one another on an outer surface of the primary passageway 11 at locations remote from the outlet chambers 14. Opposite facing surfaces of the primary passageway 11 of each hose 10 are welded one to another in welds 39 extending parallel one to another in spaced relation longitudinally of each hose 10, each weld 39 extending in a direction upwardly from the first intermediate passageway 12 of the hose 10 part of the distance towards the webs 37, 38. Adjacent pairs of welds 39 define corresponding chambers 40. The primary passageway 11 of each hose is provided with a plurality of apertures 41, each _.OMPI aperture 41 being located adjacent an upper end portion of a corresponding one of the welds 39 so as to provide an overflow aperture for liquid contained in the corresponding chamber 40. Each of the hoses 10 is provided with a row of pockets defined by welds 42 extending parallel to a longitudinal .axis of the corresponding hoses 10 above the overflow apertures 41 thereof. The webs 37, 38 are connected one to another by two spaced parallel rows of welds 43 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding hose 10 above the row of welds 42 and a cord 44 extends longitudinally between the rows of welds 43. The hoses 10 are impaled on hooks 45 located on spaced wires 46 extending substantially vertically at a location such that the hoses 10 extend substantially horizontally one above another. Adjustment of the hoses 10 to prevent sagging is effected by securing one end of the cord 44 of a hose 10 to a corresponding end portion of the hose and shortening the length of the hose compared with the cord 44, the cord thereby forming a 'draw-st ing'. In use, each end of each hose 10 is sealed but one end portion of the primary passageway 11 of each hose 10 is connected to a head of liquid such that the liquid flows along the primary passageway 11 and fills the primary passageway 11, the first intermediate passageway 12, the second intermediate passageway 13 and enters each of the outlet- chambers 14, none of which is provided with an outlet 19. The level of liquid contained in each of the outlet chambers 14 is controlled by the head of liquid and the height of the overflow apertures 41 above- the first intermediate passageway 12. Plants are inserted in pockets between selected welds 42 such that the roots of the plants depend in corresponding outlet chambers 14. Since the outlet chambers 14 will contain the liquid, the plants obtain nourishment from the liquid. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the hoses 10 in tiers, as shown in Figure 5, provides for high density plant population; ho ground contact and, in consequence, no contamination of the plants and minimal stooping by attendants when attending to the plants. It will be appreciated that, with a hose in accordance with the present invention, the passageways, inlets to the passageways and to the outlet chambers and outlets from the outlet chambers are of sufficiently large dimension that clogging of such passageways, inlets and outlets is eliminated or reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a hose in accordance with the present invention provides reduction of rate of flow of liquid therethrough and substantially uniform distribution of liquid longitudinally of the hose.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A hose for distributing liquid to plants comprising a longitudinally extending first passageway for transporting the liquid, an elongate outlet chamber for receiving liquid from the first passageway and an elongate intermediate passageway extending between and substantially -parallel to the first passageway and to the chamber, the intermediate passageway communicating the first passageway with the chamber and being of reduced cross-sectional area compared with the first passageway so that rate of flow of liquid from the. first passageway to the chamber is reduced on passing through the intermediate passageway. 2. A hose as claimed in Claim 1 wherein there is provided a plurality of said outlet chambers. 3. ~ A hose as claimed in Claim 2 wherein there is provided a plurality of said intermediate passageways extending end to end. OMPI N &? ATlO? 4. A hose as claimed in Claim 3 wherein there is provided at least one further intermediate passageway communicating said intermediate passageways with the or each said outlet chamber. 5. A hose as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there is provided an integral sheet extending longitudinally of the hose. 6. A hose as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the material of the hose is of greater unit cross sectional dimension than unit cross sectional dimension of the sheet. 7. A hose as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the sheet is provided with orifices spaced longitudinally of the sheet. 8. A hose as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 wherein the sheet is provided with frangible portions spaced longifudinally of the sheet. 9. A hose as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the or at least one of the chambers is provided with an outlet. OMPI 10. A hose as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the material of the hose is opaque to selected radiation. 11. A hose as. claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the material of the hose comprises a composition including a white outer surface, a white inner surface and a black component between said surfaces. 12. A method of. manufacturing a hose as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the steps of moving an elongate envelope of synthetic plastics sheet material longitudinally relative to a welding tool and successively welding one to another by means of the tool opposite facing layers of the envelope to provide a plurality of repeat patterns embodying said passageways and said chamber or chambers.

Inventors: SANDERS BERNARD, SANDERS, BERNARD
Applicants: SANDERS BERNARD, SANDERS, BERNARD
Application year: 1984
Main classification: A01G25
IPC codes: A01G25