Patent Publication Number: US-2018029057-A1

Title: Portable locking irrigation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Serial Application No. 62/369,641, filed Aug. 1, 2016, titled PORTABLE LOCKING IRRIGATION SYSTEM, which is incorporated by reference in this application in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to an irrigation system and more particularly, to an aboveground portable locking irrigation system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Systems for providing irrigation to an area are known. Most irrigation systems are located underground. Underground irrigation systems, however, are difficult to design, implement and maintain. In particular, installing an underground irrigation system requires digging trenches in the ground, which may be cumbersome, time-consuming, or expensive for the consumer to establish, especially on sloped terrain or in areas comprised hard dirt, rocks, or heavy roots. Also, the sprinkler heads in underground irrigation systems could be a safety hazards if the grounds are heavily traveled or used for certain sports. In additional to creating a safety hazard, sprinkler heads in underground systems could also interfere with the use of the grounds, thereby limiting the ability of grounds owners to install underground irrigation system. Furthermore, once in the ground, any leaks or repairs/fixtures of irrigation parts are difficult to mend and most importantly, underground irrigation systems are not easily portable should it become desirable to move or relocate sprinkler heads. 
     In particular, with regard to providing irrigation to golf courses, underground irrigation systems may disrupt or disturb playability due to the presence of sprinkler heads fixed on the golf course. The playability on other sports fields such as football fields, soccer fields or baseball fields may also be compromised by the presence of an underground irrigation system. Additionally, most irrigation systems require primer and solvent cement to make connections between irrigation pipes, hoses and sprinkler heads, making assembling and disassembling of irrigation systems cumbersome and time-consuming. 
     Thus, a need exists for an above ground portable irrigation system that provides quick lock connections between pipes, hoses, and sprinkler heads for easy and quick assembly and disassembly, which can be used to irrigate any area or terrain and that does not disrupt the playability of sports games. 
     SUMMARY 
     As illustrated further in the following pages, the present invention relates to a portable locking/quick release irrigation system. The irrigation system may include at least one base assembly, at least one hub assembly or a combination of both. The base and hub assemblies may be used together, in series or parallel. Each base and/or hub assembly includes a base or hub having a perimeter channel and at least one central channel for directing fluid to flow through the base/hub assembly. While the base is described below as having an inlet and outlet opening and a hub is described as having more than one outlet opening, those skilled in the art will recognize that the term “base”, as used in this application and claims, may be used to describe either the base or the hub, as the hub is merely a multiple of certain features of a base. 
     Each base includes two openings, an inlet opening and outlet opening, for receiving and discharging fluid. One opening is positioned on one side of the base, at the center of the side of the base and the other opening is positioned on the opposite side of the base. Each hub may include two pairs of opposing openings, where one opening is an inlet opening and is positioned in the center on one side of the hub and the other three openings are outlet openings. Each base and hub also includes a fluid irrigation opening located on the central channel that extends upward and functions as a mount for receiving a fluid discharging device for irrigating the area around or near the base and/or hub. As described further below, the fluid discharging device may be, for example, a sprinkler head or drip emitter. The bases can be connected in series. The hubs allow for the series connections to become parallel connections and/or allow the series connections to turn at ninety degree angles. 
     All openings on the base may be connected to hoses and/or fluid discharging device head through cam-lock connectors. The cam-lock connectors comprise of a cam and groove fitting, as illustrated and described further in the following pages. The base may have two cam-lock connectors (one male and one female) for connecting to hoses and one cam-lock connector for connecting a fluid discharging device, whereas a hub may include four cam-lock connectors (two male and two female) to accept male and female cam lock connectors on the hoses. Cam-lock connectors, when not in use, may be plugged or capped by a plug or cap. By capping two opposing cam locks on a hub, the hub can operate as a single base. 
     The portable irrigation system of the present invention may be sold as part of a complete system having hoses of pre-set lengths to interconnect devices at predetermined distances such that the fluid discharging devices provide complete coverage over the watering area. For example, if a hub or base has a sprinkler head with a 30 foot spray, the hose between the hubs may likewise be set at a pre-determined distance of 30 feet to provide uniform and complete coverage for the system. 
     The cam-lock connectors provide a unique aspect to the system allowing for the fluid discharging devices and hoses to be quickly connected and disconnected from the openings on the hub/base and to quickly connect and disconnect the sprinkler heads to the hub/base. A full description of the specifications for the base, hub and system kit, as well as the cam-lock connectors used in connection with the portable irrigation system of the present invention, are all found in the following pages. 
     Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one example of an irrigation system having a plurality of interconnected base assembles. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one example of an irrigation system having a plurality of interconnected hub assemblies. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one example of an irrigation system having a plurality of interconnected base and hub assemblies in combination. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a single base assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the single base assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a single hub assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the single hub assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8A  is a front view of a cam having a female coupler end and hose shank end. 
         FIG. 8B  is a front view of a groove fitting having a male adapter end and hose shank end. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view of the cam of  FIG. 8A  connected to a hose. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front view of the groove fitting of  FIG. 8B  connected to a hose. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the cam connected to a hose of  FIG. 9A  connected to the groove fitting connected to a hose of  FIG. 9B  by cam-lock connection. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a base or hub opening connected to a hose having external male threading on one end by cam-lock connection. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one example of a portable irrigation kit that can be sold in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-12  illustrate various examples of different implementations of a portable, aboveground irrigation system  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  1200 . As will be explained further below, the irrigation system  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  1200  of the present invention includes a number of different components that may be interchangeably used based upon the application. 
     In its most simplistic form, the irrigation systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  1200  of the present invention interpose base assemblies  102  and/or hub assemblies  202  (i.e., irrigation assemblies) between hoses  104  of predetermined lengths to provide irrigation along the length of the assembled hoses. The base assemblies  102  and hub assemblies  202  are supplied with water through at least one hose connected to the base assembly  102  or hub assembly  202 . Each base assembly  102  and hub assembly  202  includes a sprinkler head  106  for dispersing water from the base assembly  102  and/or hub assembly  202 . Each base assembly  102  provides one water inlet and one water outlet connection to connect a number of base assemblies  102  in series; whereas, the hub assemblies  202  provide one water inlet connection and three water outlet connections to expand the irrigation system in both the longitudinal and latitudinal directions (i.e., to create both series and parallel connections between assemblies  102 ,  104 ). 
     The water supplied to each base or hub assembly  102 ,  202  provides water for the operation of the sprinkler head  106  on the assembly  102 ,  202  for watering the area surrounding the base or hub assembly  102 ,  202 . Water provided to the base or hub assembly  102 ,  202  may then flow through the base or hub assembly  102 ,  202  toward a water outlet. The water flowing to an outlet may be used to supply another base or hub assembly  102 ,  202  through a hose  104  connected to the water outlet. Optionally, the water outlet may be capped by a cap or plug  1202 ,  1204  to prevent water from flowing out of the outlet and to cap the system at a given connection. 
     As will be illustrated and explained in more detail below in connection with  FIGS. 1-12 , the present invention enables a user to place sprinklers  106  at different locations through the interconnection of hoses  104 , base assemblies  102  and/or hub assemblies  202 , such that water dispersed from the sprinklers  106  can be applied over large areas in a manner that enables the irrigation or sprinkler system to be portable and easily removed from the area when not in use. 
     For example,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one example of an irrigation system  100 , illustrating the use of the multiple base assemblies  102  interconnected in series by hoses  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the portable irrigation system  100  may include one or more base assemblies  102  having sprinkler heads  106  connected thereto in series by a plurality of hoses  104 . The plurality of base assemblies  102  may all connect at one point of connection to a water supply. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another example of an irrigation system  200 , illustrating the use of the multiple hub assemblies  202  interconnected in series or parallel by hoses  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the portable irrigation system  200  may include one or more hub assemblies  202  having sprinkler heads  106  connected thereto in series or parallel by a plurality of hoses  104 . The plurality of hub assemblies  202  may all connect at one point of connection to a water supply. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of yet another example of an irrigation system  300 , illustrating the use of the multiple base assemblies  102  in combination with the multiple hub assemblies  202  interconnected both in series and parallel by hoses  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the portable irrigation system  300  may include one or more assemblies  102 ,  202  having sprinkler heads  106  connected thereto in series and parallel by a plurality of hoses  104 . The plurality of assemblies  102 ,  202  may all connect at one point of connection to a water supply. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the hub assemblies  202  provide for the system  100  to be able to extend to both the longitudinal and latitudinal directions. When extending outwards, base assemblies  102  and hub assemblies  202  may be interconnected on all four sides of the hub assemblies  202  to extend the system  100  outward in all directions. When extending out from the hub assembly  202 , one or more additional base and/or hub assemblies  102 ,  202 , may continue outward in series and then may be capped by cap  1202 / 1204  to terminate the extension. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a single base assembly  102  interposed between two hoses  104 . The single base assembly  102  may include a base  402 , a cam-lock connector  412 , and a sprinkler head  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the base  402  includes a perimeter channel  404  and at least one central channel  406 . The perimeter channel  404  and the at least one central channel  406  are hollow, generally tubular members that allow fluid flow and fluid communication freely between the at least one central channel  406  and the perimeter channel  404 . The perimeter channel  404  includes two openings, an inlet opening  414  and outlet opening  416 , each opening being capable of receiving or discharging fluid. The inlet opening  414  is positioned on one side of the perimeter channel  404  of the base  402  at the center of the side of the base  102 , while the outlet opening  416  is positioned on the opposite side of the perimeter channel  404  of the base  402  from the inlet opening  414  at the center of the opposite side of the base  102 . The two openings  414 ,  416  are connected to hoses  104  by cam-lock connectors  408 ,  410 . The central channel  406  includes one opening  418  (i.e., a fluid irrigation opening) positioned at the center of the central channel  406 . The opening  418  is connected to the sprinkler head  106  by cam-lock  412 . 
     While the base  402  and hub  602  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) are shown to be a square shape, those having skill in the art may recognize that the base  402  and/or hub  602  may consist of any shape including but not limited to a rectangle or circle. Further, the central channel  406  could also be positioned diagonally or in another orientation across the perimeter channel  404  without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, if the central channel  406  are positioned diagonally across the perimeter channel  404 , the inlet opening  414  and outlet opening  416  may be positioned on the opposing corners of the base  404  opposite the central channel  406 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a single base assembly  102  as shown in  FIG. 4  interposed between two hoses  104 . The sprinkler head  106  is connected to the opening  418  positioned at the center of the central channel  406  of the base  402  by a cam-lock connector  412 . Cam-lock connector  412  and any cam-lock connector described in accordance with the present invention has a hollow body to permit fluid to flow therethrough. 
     Cam-lock connector  412  includes a cam  502  and groove fitting  504 . The cam  502  has two ends; a female coupler end  506  having cam levers  510  and an external male threading end  508  on the opposing end for engaging with the female internal threading  512  of the opening  418 . The groove fitting  504  also has two ends; a male adapter end  514  having an external circumferential groove  518  and a female nut end  516  having female internal threading  512  on the opposing end for receiving the male external threading  520  of the sprinkler head  106 . The male adapter end  514  of the groove fitting  504  inserts into the female coupler end  506  of the cam  502  to form a cam-lock connector  412 . Rotation of cam levers  510  from a disengaged position to a locked position causes the distended portion of the cams (not shown) to wedge against the external circumferential groove  518  of the male adapter end  514  to lock the cam  502  and groove fitting  504  together. When cam levers  510  are in a locked position, cam pins  522  may then be inserted into cam holes  806  ( FIG. 8A ) to prevent inadvertent decoupling of cam-lock connector  412 . 
     The hoses are connected to the inlet and outlet openings  414 ,  416  positioned on opposite sides of the perimeter channel  404  of the base  402  by cam-lock connectors  408 ,  410 . Cam-lock connector  408  comprises a cam  524  and groove fitting  526 . The cam  524  has two ends; a female coupler end  506  having cam levers  510  and a hose shank end  536  on the opposing end for inserting into the hose opening end  532  of hose  104 . A tight seal is created between the hose opening end  532  and the inserted hose shank end  536  of cam  524  by hose clamp  530 . The groove fitting  526  has two ends; a male adapter end  514  having an external circumferential groove  518  and an external male threading end  508  on the opposing end for engaging the female internal threading  512  of the inlet opening  414 . The male adapter end  514  of the groove fitting  526  inserts into the female coupler end  506  of the cam  524  to form a cam-lock connector  408 . Rotation of cam levers  510  from a disengaged position to a locked position causes the distended portion of the cams (not shown) to wedge against the external circumferential groove  518  of the male adapter end  514  of groove fitting  526  to lock cam  524  and groove fitting  526  together. When cam levers  510  are in a locked position, cam pins  522  may then be inserted into cam holes  806  ( FIG. 8A ) to prevent inadvertent decoupling of cam-lock connector  408 . 
     Cam-lock connector  410  comprises a cam  502  and groove fitting  528 . The external male threading end  508  of cam  502  engages with the female internal threading (not shown) of the outlet opening  416 . The groove fitting  528  has two ends; a male adapter end  514  having an external circumferential groove  518  and a hose shank end  536  on the opposing end for inserting into the hose opening end  534  of hose  104 . A tight seal is created between the hose opening end  534  and the inserted hose shank end  536  of groove fitting  528  by hose clamp  530 . The male adapter end  514  of groove fitting  528  inserts into the female coupler end  506  of cam  502  for accepting cams to form a cam-lock connector  410 . Rotation of cam levers  510  from a disengaged position to a locked position causes the distended portion of the cams to wedge against the external circumferential groove  518  of the male adapter end  514  to lock the cam  502  and groove fitting  528  together. When cam levers  510  are in a locked position, cam pins  522  may then be inserted into cam holes  806  ( FIG. 8A ) to prevent inadvertent decoupling of cam-lock connector  410 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a single hub assembly  202  interposed between four hoses  104 . The single hub assembly  202  may include a hub  602 , cam-lock connector  412 , and sprinkler head  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the hub  602  includes a perimeter channel  604  and one central channel  606 . Perimeter channel  604  includes openings,  608 ,  610 ,  612 ,  614 , each opening being capable of either receiving or discharging fluid. Each of the openings  608 ,  610 ,  612 ,  614  is positioned on different sides of perimeter channel  604  of hub  602  at the center of the perimeter sides of the hub. Openings  608 ,  610 ,  612 ,  614  are connected to hoses  104  by cam-lock connectors  408 ,  410 . Central channel  606  includes one opening  616  positioned at the center of the central channel  606 . Opening  616  is connected to sprinkler head  106  by cam-lock  412 . 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the single hub assembly  202  as shown in  FIG. 6  interposed between four hoses  104 . Similar to the single base assembly  102  shown in  FIG. 5 , cam-lock connector  412  connects sprinkler head  106  to the opening  616  positioned at the center of the central channel  606  of hub  602 . Cam-lock connector  412  comprises the same parts and connects hose  104  to opening  616  of hub  602  in the same manner as the connection between the hose  104  to the opening  418  of the base  402  described in  FIG. 5  above. 
     Hose  104  is connected to openings  608 ,  614  positioned on the perimeter channel  604  of hub  602  by cam-lock connectors  410 . Similar to the single base assembly  102  shown in  FIG. 5 , cam-lock connectors  410  include the same parts and connect the hose  104  to openings  608 ,  614  of hub  602  in the same manner as the connection between the hose  104  to the opening  416  of the base  402  described in  FIG. 5  above. 
     Hose  104  is connected to openings  610 ,  612  positioned on the perimeter channel  604  of hub  602  by cam-lock connectors  408 . Similar to the single base assembly  102  shown in  FIG. 5 , cam-lock connectors  408  includes the same parts and connect the hose  104  to openings  610 ,  612  of hub  602  in the same manner as the connection between the hose  104  to the opening  414  of the base  402  described in  FIG. 5  above. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate male and female cam-lock parts  524 ,  528  having hose shanks  536  for insertion into hose openings  534 .  FIG. 8A  is a front view of cam  524 . Cam  524  comprises two ends; a female coupler end  506  and a hose shank end  536  on the opposing end for inserting into hose openings  534 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the female coupler end  506  utilizes two cam levers  510  whereby two cutouts  804  and two pivot pins  802  located on the associated cutout  804  are provided on the outer end of the female coupler end  506 . Each of the cam levers  510  is detachably fastened by the associated pivot pin  802  in associated cut out  804  in the female coupler end  506  for pivoting movement about its pivot pin  802 . Distended portion of the cam levers  510  (not shown) are provided at the inner end of cam levers  510  to engage the circumferential groove  518  of the male adapter end  514  when inserted into the female coupler end  506  of the cam  524 , to lock the female coupler end  506  to the male adapter end  514  when the cam levers  510  are swung towards the outer end of the female coupler end  506 . Illustrated in  FIG. 8A  are cam levers  510  in a locked position. 
     To disconnect the female coupler end  506  from the male adapter end  514  a pull ring  808  is further provided at the outer end of each cam lever  510  to assist a user to disconnect the female coupler end  506  from a male adapter end  514  by pivoting the cam levers  510  about their pivot pins  802  toward the outer end of the female coupler end  506 . When cam levers  510  are in the locked position, a cam pin  522  may be inserted into each cam hole  806  in cutout  804  to restrict pivotal movement of cam levers  510  to disconnect the female coupler end  506  from a male adapter end  514 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the hose shank end  536  includes two spaced apart external circumferential ribs  810  for engaging with interior walls of hose openings to create a seal for preventing fluid leakage. 
       FIG. 8B  is a front view of groove fitting  528 . Groove fitting  528  has two ends; a male adapter end  514  and a hose shank end  536  on the opposing end for inserting into hose openings. As illustrated in  FIG. 8B , male adapter end  514  comprises an external circumferential groove  518  for engaging distended portions of the cam levers  510 . Similar to cam  524  as described above in  FIG. 8A , hose shank end  536  comprises two spaced apart external circumferential ribs  810  for engaging with interior walls of hose openings to create a seal for preventing fluid leakage. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate cam  524  and groove fitting  528  inserted into hose  104 . Both  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate hose clamp  530  positioned between external circumferential ribs  810  of hose shank  536 . Each hose clamp  530  comprises a worm hole  902  for adjusting the hose clamp&#39;s diameter to precisely apply sealing pressure to ensure a tight seal between the hose shank  536  and hose  104 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates female coupler end  506  of the cam  524  of  FIG. 9A  in locked connection with the male adapter end  514  of the grooved fitting of  FIG. 9B  to create cam-lock connection  1000  between hoses  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , cam-lock connection  1000  comprises cam  524 , which is attached to hose conduit  104  by the insertion of hose shank  536  having two circumferential ribs  810  into the interior opening of hose  104  to create a leak-tight seal, and groove fitting  528 , which is also attached to a separate hose conduit  104  by the insertion of hose shank  536  having two circumferential ribs  810  into the interior opening of hose  104  to create a leak-tight seal. Further pressure may be applied to the seals by tightening hose clamp  530 , which may be positioned between the two circumferential ribs  810  of hose shank  536  of cam  524  and groove fitting  528 . Pair of cam levers  510  are pivotally mounted on female coupler end  506  of cam  524 . Cam-lock connection  1000  is illustrated in its locked position wherein the outer ends of cam levers  510  are swung towards the outer end of female coupler end  506 . In this position, distended portions (not shown) if the cam levers  510 , located on the inner ends of cam levers  510 , are engaged with the circumferential groove of male adapter end  514 . The female coupler end  506  and male adapter end  514  are thus locked in coupled relation to create cam-lock connection  1000  between hoses  104 . 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded view of hose  104  having a male external threading end  508  in connection with an opening in either the perimeter channel  404 ,  604  of base or hub  402 ,  602  by cam-lock connector  1100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , cam-lock connector  1100  comprises a cam  506  having a female coupler end  506  and male external threading end  508  (male external threading end  508  is shown inserted into opening in either perimeter channel  404 ,  604 ). The groove fitting  504  has a male adapter end  514  having an external circumferential groove  518  and a female nut end  516  having female internal threading  512  on the opposing end for receiving the male external threading end  508  of hose  104 . The male adapter end  514  of groove fitting  504  inserts into female coupler end  506  for accepting cams to form cam-lock connector  1100 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one example of a portable irrigation system kit  1200  that can be sold in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , portable irrigation system kit  1200  may include hoses  104 , hub assemblies  202 , base assemblies  102 , sprinkler head(s)  106 , groove fittings  504 , cams  502 , groove fittings  526 , caps  1202  (caps  1202  having two ends; a female coupler end on one end and cap on the opposing end), plugs  1204  (plugs  1204  having two ends; a male adapter end on one end and plug or cap on the opposing end), hose clamps  530 , and cam pins  522 . In some examples, a portable irrigation system kit in accordance with the present invention may include different numbers of parts described above, different parts in different multiples, and/or any combinations thereof. It is possible to customize a kit for use over specific area or for a specific application, thereby getting customized ordered parts in a kit. 
     Notwithstanding the various examples presented above, the base and hub assemblies  102 ,  202  can be used alone or in any combination. Different sizes and shapes of bases and hubs  402 ,  602  may be used having different channel diameters as commonly recognized and used in the art. Hoses having different diameters and lengths may also be used in any combination with base and hub assemblies, alone or in combination. Additionally, a variety of different sprinkler heads and nozzles having different precipitation rates and that can irrigate at different distances may be connected to either the base and hub assemblies  102 ,  202 . These sprinkler heads and nozzles may include, but are not limited to, MP Rotators, Side Strips, Bubblers, and Fixed Arc Nozzles. In some examples, sprinkler heads may have internal female threads for engaging a male external threading for connecting to bases and/or hubs. Furthermore, drip emitters may also be connected to base and hub assemblies  102 ,  202  to create a portable drip irrigation system. Further, other examples of the irrigation systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  1200  of the present invention may incorporate sprinkler heads capable of being angled at various degrees with respect to the ground surface. More than one water supply may also be utilized in accordance with irrigation system of the present invention and different orientation of the bases and/or hubs with respect to the water supply may be utilized such that any opening on the base and/or hub may act as an inlet opening and/or outlet opening. While the cam fitting parts described above entail a female coupler end one end and either an opposing external male threading end ( 502 ), hose shank end ( 524 ), or capped end ( 1202 ), cam fittings may also entail a female coupler end with an opposing internal female threading end for connected two male parts with one another. It should further be recognized that any cam fitting described above can be connected with any groove fitting described above to create a cam-lock connection. Thus, all cam and groove fittings can be used interchangeably with one another to create various different cam-lock connections. For example, a sprinkler head having internal female threading may be connecting to an opening on a base or hub also having internal female threading by a cam-lock connector that has a cam having an external male threading end ( 502 ) and a groove fitting having an external male threading end ( 526 ) to engage with either internal female threading on the sprinkler head or hub or base opening. Interchangeable cam-lock connections may also include caps  1202  and plugs  1204 . Further, different sizes and dimensions of cam and groove fittings and caps and plugs may be used in accordance with the present invention, including but not limited to ¾″, 1″, 1¼″, 1½″, 2″, 3″, and 4″ diameters. It is also recognized that other connectors, aside from cam-lock connectors, may be used to connect the various parts of the present invention. It is further recognized that a plurality of inlet and outlet openings may be included in either the base or hub assemblies and may be positioned at different points along the base or hub without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Again, while the base  402  and hub  602  are shown to be a square shape, those having skill in the art may recognize that the base  402  and/or hub  602  may consist of any shape including but not limited to a rectangle or circle. Further, the central channel  406  could also be positioned diagonally or in another orientation across the perimeter channel  404  without departing from the scope of the invention. The base  402  and hub  602  may further include more than one central channel  406  that may intersect one another or be positioned to be parallel to one another. It is not necessary that the center channel intersect the center of the base, just that it be positioned within the center of the perimeter channel  404 . Similarly, if the central channel  406  are positioned diagonally across the perimeter channel  404 , the inlet opening  414  and outlet opening  416  may be positioned on the opposing corners of the base  404  opposite the central channel  406 . 
     The descriptions of the various implementations presented above are for purposes of illustration only. The description is not exhaustive and does not limit the claimed invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the description below, or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.