WO2007143275A2 - Tapis de jardinage avec système d'arrosage intégré - Google Patents

Tapis de jardinage avec système d'arrosage intégré Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007143275A2
WO2007143275A2 PCT/US2007/066480 US2007066480W WO2007143275A2 WO 2007143275 A2 WO2007143275 A2 WO 2007143275A2 US 2007066480 W US2007066480 W US 2007066480W WO 2007143275 A2 WO2007143275 A2 WO 2007143275A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blanket
conduit
sheets
water
further including
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2007/066480
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2007143275A3 (fr
Inventor
Richard L. Baker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/735,049 priority Critical patent/US20070243019A1/en
Publication of WO2007143275A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007143275A2/fr
Publication of WO2007143275A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007143275A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G13/00—Protection of plants
    • A01G13/30—Ground coverings
    • A01G13/32—Mats; Nets; Sheets or films
    • A01G13/33—Sheets or films
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
    • A01G25/02—Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the gardening arts and, more particularly, to a gardening blanket incorporating a watering system.
  • a second approach to weed control involves covering the ground surrounding the desired plants with an opaque plastic or cloth material.
  • This ground covering advantageously prevents the weeds from obtaining the sunlight necessary to grow. While such a cover does a reasonably goodjob of foreclosing or at least controlling weed growth, it creates the significant problem that the underlying soil is generally prevented from absorbing water and nutrients as readily as might have otherwise occurred in the absence of the barrier created. This is because any water deposited on the cover must pass through it to reach the soil, which even in porous coverings can be a slow process and result in evaporation of the water before it has time to penetrate (which can then promote wasteful over- watering).
  • One aspect of the invention is a blanket for covering the ground associated with a garden and assisting in delivering water thereto.
  • the blanket comprises first and second sheets of material, at least one of which is porous to water or otherwise water permeable.
  • the sheets are interconnected together and form an intermediate space between the sheets of material.
  • At least a first conduit is provided in the space for conveying the water to the ground through the porous sheet of material.
  • the first sheet of material may comprise a nonwoven fabric, and preferably is substantially opaque.
  • the second sheet of material may also comprise a nonwoven fabric.
  • a plurality of channels are provided in the space. The channels are preferably spaced apart a distance corresponding to a row of plants in the garden, with a source of water thus being provided between each row.
  • each channel may be occupied by a s ec ond conduit in fluid communication with and orthogonal to the first conduit.
  • the first conduit comprises layflat hose
  • each second conduit comprises drip tape
  • a connector is provided for connecting each second conduit to the first conduit.
  • a pressure reducer may also be associated with the first conduit and adapted for coupling with a source of water.
  • the blanket may be in roll form.
  • the method comprises the step of unrolling the blanket to a predetermined length corresponding to the portion of the ground to be covered. Both the blanket and the first conduit are then cut.
  • a blanket for covering the ground associated with a garden and assisting in delivering water thereto.
  • the blanket comprises first and second interconnected sheets of material, at least one of which is porous or water permeable. A plurality of spaced channels are formed between these sheets of material, and at least one first conduit is positioned in each channel. A second conduit connects with and extends transverse to the at least one first conduit.
  • the second conduit comprises layflat hose and each first conduit comprises drip tape.
  • the blanket may further comprise an adaptor for connecting each first conduit to the second conduit, as well as pressure reducer associated with a first end of the second conduit and adapted for coupling with a source of water.
  • the channels may be spaced apart a distance corresponding to a row of plants in the garden.
  • Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing a blanket for covering the ground associated with a garden and assisting in delivering water thereto.
  • the method comprises providing first and second interconnected sheets of material together so as to form an intermediate space therebetween, at least one of said sheets comprising a porous material.
  • the method further comprises providing at least a first conduit in the space between the sheets of material for conveying the water to the ground through the porous material.
  • the method further includes the steps of forming a plurality of channels in the space, and inserting a hose in each channel.
  • the method may further include the step of interconnecting each hose to the first conduit.
  • the step of placing a hose for carrying water in the first conduit may be performed.
  • Figure 1 is a top plan view of the garden blanket forming one aspect of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the garden blanket of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a partially cutaway view of one corner of the garden blanket of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is a partially cutaway exploded view of the watering system incorporated into the blanket of Figures 1-3;
  • Figure 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of the watering system apart from the blanket.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of a gardening blanket 10 incorporating a watering system forming one aspect of the invention.
  • This blanket 10 includes first and second sheets of interconnected material 12, 14.
  • the first or upper sheet of material 12 preferably comprises a nonwoven, UV resistant spunbonded porous fabric and, most preferably, one having a weight per unit area of approximately 55 grams per square meter.
  • the fabric is substantially opaque (such as by providing it with black coloring), which means it is impervious to light that would otherwise promote weed growth from the underlying soil.
  • the second or bottom sheet of material 14, which is adjacent to the soil when the blanket 10 is used in the intended manner, is also a nonwoven fabric that is also water permeable or porous.
  • this material 14 has a weight per unit area of approximately 0.75 ounces per square yard (about 25 grams per square meter), and is thus significantly (more than 50%) lighter than the first fabric per unit of area.
  • the sheets of material 12, 14 generally match in shape, and are interconnected to form a space between them. Within this space is positioned at least one conduit and, preferably, a plurality of conduits that together form the integral watering system in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
  • a first or "header” conduit 16 extends in a first or longitudinal direction L of the blanket 10 (in the case where it is rectangular) along one side in the space formed between the material sheets 12, 14.
  • Each second conduit 18a . . . 18n extends in a second or transverse direction T orthogonal to the first direction L, and is connected to the first conduit 16 at one end.
  • the opposite end of each second conduit 18a . . . 18n is preferably sealed, as is one end of the first conduit 16 (which as is known in the art may be accomplished by "doubling" the conduit over on itself and placing a band, tape, or like retention device on the folded conduit).
  • the interconnection of the material sheets 12, 14 is preferably by way of seams S extending at least partially along the perimeter of the blanket 10. Seams S are also preferably provided such that a plurality of elongated, transverse channels 20 (shown in dashed line) are formed in the space between the sheets of material 12, 14. Together, these seams S enhance the structural integrity of the blanket 10.
  • each channel 20 formed by an adjacent pair of transverse seams S is sized and shaped for receiving one of the second conduits 18a . . . 18n.
  • the spacing of the channels 20 from one another may be such that the portion of the blanket 10 therebetween is sized to approximate the width of a normal row in a garden (e.g., approximately 8-12 inches minimum, and most preferably about 9 inches). This also ensures that at least one channel 20 is provided on each side of the planting row.
  • the seams may be provided in any conventional manner, such as sewing, welding (e.g., ultrasonic or heat), adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, grommets, buttons, or like means of permanent or semi-permanent attachment.
  • the seams need not create fluid impervious barriers, but are preferably done in a manner that prevents water once introduced to the blanket 10 from readily migrating among the channels 20 and otherwise escaping other man through the porous sheet of material 14 adjacent the ground.
  • a separate header channel 22 extending along the corresponding side adjacent the lateral edge of the blanket 10.
  • this channel 22 is formed by doubling over the first sheet of material 12 so as to form a flap 24.
  • the flap 24 can be held in place by a temporary or releasable fastener, such as a hook and loop type fastener (note dashed line representation of fastener 26, which may for example take the form of a hook portion attached to material 14 and a loop portion attached to the flap 24, or vice- versa), button, or the like.
  • a temporary or releasable fastener such as a hook and loop type fastener (note dashed line representation of fastener 26, which may for example take the form of a hook portion attached to material 14 and a loop portion attached to the flap 24, or vice- versa), button, or the like.
  • the first conduit 16 comprises layflat hose or hose formed of a relatively thin flexible material, such as polyethylene.
  • a connector 28 preferably one such as a Queen Gil A8 model or other similar type of adjustable/removable connector, may be used to connect the first conduit 16 to the second conduit 18a, which preferably comprises drip tape or like perforated hose designed to emit the water conveyed at a relatively low flow rate (e.g., 0.5 gpm).
  • a substantially watertight connection is formed at each end of the connector 28 such that water introduced to the first conduit 16 enters and flows along the second conduit 18a and any other conduits 18b . . . 18n that follow in parallel.
  • Each second conduit 18a . . . 18n may also be provided with a one way valve or the like adjacent the end connected to the common header, or conduit 16.
  • This valve may in its most simplistic form may comprise a flap 30 normally biased towards a position blocking flow though the conduit 18a . . .18n. Fluid pressure from the water introduced causes the flap 30 to move and allow water to flow along the corresponding second conduit 18a . . . 18n. In the event that the flow ceases, however, the flap 30 returns to the normally closed position and prevents any backflow.
  • An adaptor 32 for coupling with a water source may also be associated with the open end of the first conduit 16.
  • the high pressure of water from a source such as a conventional municipal water supply, may create stress on the connections and otherwise impede the free flow of water through the conduits 16, 18 as the result of backpressure or turbulence.
  • the end of the first conduit 16 for coupling to the water source may be connected to a pressure reducer 34, and preferably one also including an adaptor 36 to connect to a conventional water source, such as the male end of a garden hose.
  • the reducer 34 brings the water pressure down from a higher input pressure (usually, 60-80 psi) to a more acceptable level, such as 10 psi.
  • a structure similar to flap 30 may also be provided at this location to prevent water once introduced from escaping the blanket 10, other than through the channels 20, 22 from the side adjacent the ground and defined by the porous sheet material 14 (except as perhaps may occur by wicking action).
  • the blanket 10 may be manufactured according to the above-described specifications at a length and width corresponding to the garden plot at issue (e.g., a 12 1 by 12' square, 10' by 12 1 rectangle, or any other desired dimensions).
  • the blanket 10 is then placed on the ground over the plot, with the porous sheet of material 14 touching the ground, the areas between the channels 20 overlying the planting rows, and the conduits 18a . . . 18n extending parallel to and between the designated planting rows. Stakes, pins or like retention means (not shown) may be used as necessary to connect the blanket 10 to the ground.
  • Planting may then proceed, preferably by cutting an "X" or like opening at appropriate locations in the areas between the channels 20 and passing the seed or seedling through the blanket 10 and into the underlying soil.
  • the blanket 10 may be provided with pre- cut holes (not shown) or markings M (see Figure 1) to facilitate planting with the proper minimum spacing (e.g., 6-12 inches apart in the transverse direction). This feature may be of substantial benefit to the novice gardener unfamiliar with the notion that plant spacing can be crucial to health and, in the case of fruit or vegetable bearing plants, achieving higher yields.
  • water is delivered from the selected source to the corresponding open end of the first conduit 16, which may include the pressure reducer 34.
  • the water flows through this first conduit 16 and by way of connectors 28 to each of the second conduits 18a . . . 18n extending in parallel. From these conduits 18a . . . 18n, which again comprise perforated hoses or drip tape, the water exits onto the adjacent porous layer of material 14. As a result of wicking action, the water tends to spread out in all directions and simultaneously or eventually passes through this material 14 to the underlying soil once saturation occurs.
  • the blanket 10 is simple to deploy and ensures that water is regularly, reliably, and evenly delivered along each of the planting rows covered. During the initial planting, the presence of the blanket 10 helps to warm the soil and promote seed germination. During this phase and later when the seedlings and adult plants are most in need, the water delivered to the space between the interconnected sheets of material 12, 14 is less susceptible to evaporation or runoff. Indeed, employing blanket 10 potentially allows for the effective use of less water (as much as an estimated 50%) than would otherwise be required in conventional gardening.
  • the conduits 16, 18a . . . 18n when positioned in the space formed between the interconnected sheets of material 12, 14 are also encapsulated and thus protected from the environment.
  • the blanket 10 of this embodiment may be constructed in relatively long sections (e.g., 100 yards or more) and stored in a continuous fashion as a roll (not shown). The blanket 10 may then be unrolled and cut to a selected length for use, such as in a particular section of the garden. Preferably, the cutting is in the transverse direction T through the first conduit 16 and along the seam forming one side of the channel 20, such that the sheets of material 12, 14 remain interconnected along the edge thus created. One end of the conduit 16 may be sealed while the opposite end is coupled to the water source (possibly with the pressure reducer 34).
  • the one or more first or second conduits 16, 18a . . . 18n may also be formed integrally in the sheets of material 12, 14 (such as by taking the form of the channels 20, 22), and need not comprise separate hoses or tubes inserted therein. Even without such hoses or tubes, the water may be introduced at one end of the channel 22 serving as a first conduit (preferably, with an adaptor or other connector for connecting with the water source and having a one-way valve, such as flap 30) for distribution to channels 20 serving as the second conduits.
  • a first conduit preferably, with an adaptor or other connector for connecting with the water source and having a one-way valve, such as flap 30
  • first conduit 16 may be welded or otherwise formed as an integral or unitary structure with each second conduit 18a . . . 18n.
  • conduits of first and second blankets may be interconnected so as to create a system of interconnected blankets 10.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Abstract

Tapis de jardinage avec système d'arrosage intégré, recouvrant le sol associé à un jardin et contribuant à y amener de l'eau. Le tapis est constitué d'une première et d'une deuxième feuille de matériau, au moins une desdites feuilles de matériau étant poreuse. Les feuilles sont interconnectées et forment un espace intermédiaire servant à recevoir au moins un premier conduit destiné à acheminer l'eau jusqu'au sol à travers la feuille poreuse de matériau. Le premier conduit peut comporter un tuyau flexible posé à plat. De préférence, une pluralité de canaux est formée dans ledit espace, chacun destiné à recevoir un deuxième conduit, tel qu'une bande de goutte à goutte ou un tuyau souple perforé similaire, relié au premier conduit. Le premier conduit peut s'étendre dans une première direction dite longitudinale du tapis et les deuxièmes conduits peuvent s'étendre dans une deuxième direction transversale.
PCT/US2007/066480 2006-04-14 2007-04-12 Tapis de jardinage avec système d'arrosage intégré Ceased WO2007143275A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/735,049 US20070243019A1 (en) 2006-04-14 2007-04-13 Gardening blanket with integral watering system

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US79194606P 2006-04-14 2006-04-14
US60/791,946 2006-04-14
US85722506P 2006-11-06 2006-11-06
US60/857,225 2006-11-06

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/735,049 Continuation US20070243019A1 (en) 2006-04-14 2007-04-13 Gardening blanket with integral watering system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007143275A2 true WO2007143275A2 (fr) 2007-12-13
WO2007143275A3 WO2007143275A3 (fr) 2008-02-07

Family

ID=38802163

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/066480 Ceased WO2007143275A2 (fr) 2006-04-14 2007-04-12 Tapis de jardinage avec système d'arrosage intégré

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20070243019A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007143275A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8726565B2 (en) * 2006-08-30 2014-05-20 Deere & Company Sheet mulch assembly for an agricultural drip irrigation system
KR100873184B1 (ko) * 2007-05-31 2008-12-10 강수용 판형연직드레인과 원형수평배수관의 연결구조 및 이를이용한 연약지반처리 수평배수층 시공방법
DE102007036018B4 (de) * 2007-07-30 2012-04-19 Igg Internationale Geotextil Gmbh Bewässerungsmatte zur großflächigen Verteilung von Wasser
ES2351840B1 (es) * 2009-07-29 2011-11-29 Universidad De Jaén Depósito captador de lluvia para riego con efecto protector tipo planta nodriza.
CN107371918B (zh) * 2011-09-23 2021-07-13 奇诺维申有限责任公司 植物保护垫
US9402353B2 (en) * 2013-06-10 2016-08-02 Waterpulse, Inc. Injector style irrigation system
US10334794B2 (en) * 2016-02-11 2019-07-02 Millbrook Capital Management Inc. Irrigation implement
CN112790052B (zh) * 2021-01-12 2023-11-24 新疆大漠奇观生态科技有限公司 铁路沿线用天然钠基膨润土保墒防草生态垫及其制作方法

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3467142A (en) * 1967-08-08 1969-09-16 Du Pont Flow device and method of manufacture thereof
NL8701589A (nl) * 1987-07-06 1989-02-01 Rockwool Lapinus Bv Werkwijze en inrichting voor de minerale-wol-teelt van planten met zuigspanningsregeling.
US4843758A (en) * 1987-11-23 1989-07-04 Romuald Raczkowski Regulated automatic plant waterer
US5117580A (en) * 1990-07-02 1992-06-02 Brown G Marvin Heat transfer tube for a seedbed cover
AUPM743994A0 (en) * 1994-08-12 1994-09-08 Grain Security Foundation Ltd Root zone irrigation system
US5611369A (en) * 1995-01-30 1997-03-18 Hamann, Jr.; Reynold R. Concrete hydration system
US6120634A (en) * 1997-02-26 2000-09-19 Micro Irrigation Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for forming agricultural drip tape
US6293477B1 (en) * 1999-10-06 2001-09-25 Robert J. Chambers Method and apparatus for distribution and/or collection of fluids
US20020098322A1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2002-07-25 Cripp Eric E. Anti-erosion irrigation mat
US6996932B2 (en) * 2002-05-17 2006-02-14 Kruer Thomas R Unitized mat to facilitate growing plants
US6997402B2 (en) * 2002-05-17 2006-02-14 Kruer Thomas R Unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants
AU2003300103A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2004-07-29 James M. Milliken Garden weed barrier and watering system
IL162538A (en) * 2004-06-15 2010-05-31 Mordechai Eldar Punch tool for layflat irrigation hose
CA2498077C (fr) * 2005-02-23 2012-11-13 Universite Laval Tapis d'irrigation et methode d'utilisation connexe
US20070144065A1 (en) * 2005-12-27 2007-06-28 Lowe Jerry B Irrigation mat and plant seeding mat system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070243019A1 (en) 2007-10-18
WO2007143275A3 (fr) 2008-02-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3313167B1 (fr) Dispositif d'irrigation de plante
US20070243019A1 (en) Gardening blanket with integral watering system
US12389843B2 (en) Plant irrigation device
EP0774894B1 (fr) Systeme capillaire d'irrigation de la rhizosphere des plantes
EP2582225B1 (fr) Système de sac de culture avec irrigation
US20020124463A1 (en) Landscape fabric with hydration dams
AU2007290440A1 (en) Sheet mulch assembly for an agricultural drip irrigation system
US20060032116A1 (en) Garden weed barrier and watering system
GB2070403A (en) Hanging plant device
JP4744157B2 (ja) 袋培地栽培法
KR102626053B1 (ko) 식물재배용 팩 및 그 제조방법
JPH0638640A (ja) 樹木栽培・配送用バッグ
AU600474B2 (en) Horticultural mulch matting
JP2005000020A (ja) 植物栽培方法及び育苗装置
JPH08256613A (ja) 植物育成シート及び植物育成床の構造
JP2004329011A (ja) 植物栽培方法とその栽培装置
US20030077123A1 (en) Subterranean irrigation device and method of using the same
JP3064927B2 (ja) 高設栽培方法及びこれに用いる装置
JPH10327678A (ja) 高設栽培容器

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07811841

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07811841

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2