Subterranean Water Collection and Delivery Device and System

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to plant irrigation and feeding devices and feeding systems and, more particularly, to a subterranean water collection and delivery device and system for irrigating and feeding plants.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Regardless of whether a tree, bush, or shrub, i.e. plants in general, are planted properly or improperly, a potentially serious problem exists of how such plants receive water from above ground level down to their roots where it is needed. Likewise, naturally flowing surface and subsurface ground water often is inhibited from traveling down to various depths where plants' roots have migrated because of varying soil conditions. Immediately after planting, there is less of a problem because the soil surrounding the newly planted plants is loose allowing surface and subsurface ground water to freely reach the plants' roots. However, after approximately two weeks, this soil will become compacted and the surface and subsurface ground water may be inhibited from travelling freely through the soil to the roots as needed. In the situation where a single plant has been planted, the planter can leave a water hose running for days or weeks in the proximity of the plant and eventually some of the water will reach the roots, but if more than one plant is involved, the watering schedule becomes more critical. For example, a manually placed above ground sprinkler may be left running with a low flow rate for days or weeks. The same is true with commonly employed automatic underground sprinkler systems that water a given area periodically for a predetermined amount of time. However, such water schedules often provide only a fraction of the water necessary for the survival and on going growth of many types of plants. Additionally, in many planting areas where irrigation is not available and the soil conditions do not freely permit the penetration of water to depths commonly associated with the roots of many types of plants, such plants may refuse to grow, may be stunted or wilted, or may die from a lack of needed water and nutrients.

Unfortunately, regular surface watering often does not freely penetrate through the ground down to the roots of many plants, and the majority of the water runs past such plants due to soil strata densities. Also, the use of a slow running water hose is a wasteful and risky method of watering plants because running many gallons, sometimes hundreds of gallons, of water in a small area over days will often cause the water to travel in the proximity just below the ground surface on dense soil strata and migrate away from the plants' deeper roots where it is needed.

It is therefore desirable to provide a subterranean water collection and delivery device for efficiently routing natural surface water, naturally flowing subterranean water and nutrients to a plant's roots which may extend a distance below ground level where the ground water does not freely migrate.

More particularly, it is desirable to provide a subterranean water collection and delivery device which is simply buried at a predetermined depth below ground level and in close proximity to the roots of a plant, typically at the drip line, for providing ingress and egress for surrounding ground water at various depths where the plant's roots are located.

Yet, it is further desirable to provide a subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device that delivers water and external substances from above ground level and collects and redirects naturally flowing subterranean water to a plant's roots and is easily integrated into an underground irrigation system.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device for facilitating the delivery of water and nutrients to the roots of a plant at various levels below ground is disclosed.

In accordance with the teachings of one embodiment of the present invention, the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device includes an enclosure member including a plurality of apertures with an interior volume within which surrounding subterranean ground water is collected and naturally redispersed. A porous insert member is located within the interior volume of the enclosure member and substantially occupies the entire interior volume for facilitating collection and delivery of the ground water through to the apertures to the root areas of at least one plant. The insert member also substantially prevents surrounding ground material from entering the interior volume of the enclosure member. The enclosure member is buried at a predetermined depth in close proximity to the roots and the drip line of at least one plant such that the plurality of apertures provide ingress and egress for the surrounding ground water to and from within the interior volume for efficiently delivering the water to the roots of at least one plant.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the enclosure member is formed from plastic and includes at least one nipple member extending outwardly from its side surface for engaging a pressurized water and nutrient delivery member which delivers pressurized water and nutrients to its interior volume and ultimately to the roots of the plant.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the device includes a funnel member having an upper and a lower portion insertable within an aperture in a top surface of the plastic enclosure member. The funnel member includes a height adjusting mechanism for extending the upper portion of the funnel member at different heights from the top surface of the plastic enclosure member and above ground level for funneling external substances to the interior volume of the enclosure member and ultimately to the roots of the plant.

The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following specification and by reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an opened subterranean water collection and delivery device along with a porous insert member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device in a closed position with the porous insert member located therein along with a funnel member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view, along Line 3--3 of FIG. 2, of the bottom of the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view, along Line 4--4 of FIG. 2, of the top of the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a closed latch assembly of the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, along Line 6--6 of FIG. 2, of the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, along Line 7--7 of FIG. 6, of the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cut-away view illustrating the use of a tool for individually removing concentric punch-out members of a coupling assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is the same cut-away view as in FIG. 8 after some of the concentric punch-out members have been removed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view, along Line 10--10 of FIG. 2, of the funnel member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the manner in which the funnel member is inserted and locked in position within the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view of two identical subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices prior to being coupled to one another in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view of the two subterranean water collection and delivery devices after being coupled to one another in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a stand alone and a coupled pair of subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices buried in substantially vertical manners in close proximity of the roots of a plant for delivering collected natural ground water, supplied pressurized water and nutrients to the roots at varying depths below ground level in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates three subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices coupled to one another and buried in a substantially horizontal manner for delivering collected natural ground water, supplied pressurized water and nutrients to the roots of a plant at a substantially constant depth in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an underground irrigation system including a plurality of the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices integrated with a pressurized water supply in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or uses.

The present invention is particularly concerned with providing a subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device that efficiently collects and redirects naturally flowing surface water, subterranean water, manually supplied water, and/or water and nutrients supplied by an irrigation system to the roots of trees, bushes, or shrubs, all commonly referred to as plants, for improving the growth and health of such plants. It is important that most types of plants receive an appropriate amount of water and nutrients such as fertilizer and phosphates, especially during the first several years after planting, for facilitating the maturity of their root structures. The present invention is specifically designed for integration into an underground irrigation system and/or may be used as a complete stand-alone system where underground irrigation is not available. Additionally, the present invention is particularly concerned with providing a device which provides for manual above-ground application of water and/or fertilizers and efficiently delivers these substances to the root structures of all types of plants. The present invention provides flexibility for many applications in that it may be installed at the time of new planting or may be used in conjunction with an existing plant.

Turning to FIG. 1, an opened subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The device 10 includes a plastic enclosure member 12 that may be manufactured in an open position as shown (for convenience of shipping) or closed during use in conjunction with irrigating plants. The enclosure member 12 includes a first half portion 14 and a second half portion 16 that are coupled to one another via a hinge portion 18. The enclosure member 12 has a clamshell-like shape when opened and a substantially cylindrical shape when closed. The enclosure member 12 includes a plurality of apertures 22 which are formed substantially throughout the entire surface area of the enclosure member 12. As will be discussed in detail below, when the device 10 is buried next to a plant, the apertures 22 provide ingress and egress for water and nutrients to and from within the enclosure member 12 and redirects these substances to the plant's root area throughout the length of the enclosure member 12. The enclosure member 12 may be formed from a rigid or a flexible material that is lightweight and resistant to corrosion from exposure to natural elements. However, the enclosure member 12 may be formed from a flexible resilient plastic material for specific applications.

The device 10 includes a separate porous insert member 24 which is insertable within and substantially occupies an interior volume between the first and second half portions 14 and 16. The enclosure member 12 is designed for economy since the device is to be left in the ground indefinitely. Thus, it is typically the insert member 24 which provides structural support for the enclosure member 12. Preferably, the porous insert member 24 is made from an open cell foam or structural non-woven material that provides structural reinforcement of the enclosure member 12 and which may be replaced if necessary. As will be discussed in detail below, when the device 10 is buried in the ground, the porous insert member 24 facilitates the collection and delivery of water and nutrients to the root areas of a plant located in the close proximity to the device 10 while substantially preventing surrounding ground material from entering the interior volume of the enclosure member 12. The enclosure member 12 further includes an integral water coupling assembly 26 for coupling the device 10 to an underground irrigation system that supplies pressurized water and nutrients to the device 10 for rerouting to the roots of a plant. A packaging aperture 27 is formed in the first half portion 14 and is configured to receive a coupling assembly of another device stacked thereon in the opposite direction. The aperture 27 allows numerous devices to be stacked upon one another in alternating direction for purposes of mass storage and shipping.

Turning to FIG. 2, the device 10 is shown after being closed with the porous insert member 24 located within the interior volume of the enclosure member 12. In order to maintain the closed position as shown, the enclosure member 12 includes a first latch assembly 30 and a second latch assembly 32. The latch assemblies 30 and 32 are identical and will be described in detail below in conjunction with latch assembly 32.

The coupling assembly 26 includes a first nipple member 34 having a first diameter and a second nipple member 36 having a second smaller diameter. The differing diameters allow the device 10 to be coupled to irrigation systems employing water delivery members having various sizes. The specifics of the coupling assembly 26 will be described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 6-9.

The device 10 further includes a funnel member 40 having an upper tapered portion 42 and a lower portion 44. The lower portion 44 is configured for insertion within an aperture 46 located in a top surface 48 of the enclosure member 12. As will be discussed in conjunction with FIG. 14, the funnel member 40 provides a means for manually funneling water and/or nutrients to the interior volume of the enclosure member 12 and ultimately to the roots of a plant when the device 10 is buried below the ground. A plurality of raised tab members 50 are formed along the lower portion 44 for engaging the top surface 48 about the edge of the aperture 46. As will be discussed in detail below in conjunction with FIG. 11, the raised tab members 50 frictionally engage the top surface 48 and enable the funnel member 40 to be extended different heights from the top surface 48 of the enclosure member 12 for different applications. A cap member 56 is coupled to the upper portion 42 by a flexible hinge 58 for capping the upper portion 42 when the funnel 40 is not in use. Preferably, the funnel member 40 is formed from a plastic material. An advantage with the use of plastic materials are their resistance to decay from exposure to the natural elements which extend the useful life of the device 10. It will be readily appreciated that the device will work with indentations in the funnel in the place of tabs 50 and tabs extending radially inwardly from the aperture 46 in the top surface 48.

Turning to FIG. 3, a view along Line 3--3 of a bottom surface 70 of the enclosure member 12 is shown. In order to increase the flow of water to and from within the device 10, a plurality of apertures 72 are formed throughout the bottom surface 70. A bottom lip member 74 is formed about the outer periphery of the bottom surface 70 for engaging and coupling the device 10 to a second identical device 10b, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for increasing the amount of water redirected to a plant. A plurality of rib members 76 are formed about an outer surface 78 of the bottom lip member 74. A key member 77 is provided for engaging a keyway of the second device 10b and for providing relative alignment of the two devices.

Turning to FIG. 4, a view along Line 4--4 of FIG. 2 of the top surface 48 of the enclosure member 12 is shown. In addition to aperture 46, a plurality of apertures 82 are formed throughout the top surface 48 for increasing the flow of water to and from within the device 10. A top lip member 84 is formed about the outer periphery of the top surface 48. A plurality of indentations 86 and a keyway 85 are formed within an inner surface 88 of the top lip member 84. As with the bottom lip member 74, the top lip member 84 is configured for engaging a bottom lip member, configured the same as bottom lip member 74, of another subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device. Bottom lip rib members of another like device, configured the same as rib members 76, are secured within the indentations 86 and a keyway 85 receives a key member, configured like key member 77, for providing alignment of the device 10 and for restricting relative twisting between the devices. The top and bottom lip members 74 and 84 of the device 10 allow two other identical subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices to be coupled thereto in a serial fashion for a particular application.

Turning to FIG. 5, a partial side view, along Line 5 of FIG. 2, of the closed second latch assembly 32 is shown. As is best shown in FIG. 1, the latch assembly 32 includes first and second male latch members 90 and 92 that are formed as part of the first half portion 14 of the enclosure member 12. The latch assembly 32 further includes a female latch member 94 that is formed as part of the second half portion 16 of the enclosure member 12. The first and second male latch members 90 and 92 include lip portions 96 and 98 for engaging the female latch member 94 when the device 10 is closed. As shown FIG. 5, the first and second male latch members 90 and 92 are located within the female latch member 94 and separated by a floating center post member 100. The post member 100 allows the female latch member 94 to flex for facilitating the closure of the first and second half portions 14 and 16. As will be apparent, the first latch assembly 30 operates in an identical fashion to further assure that the first and second half portions 14 and 16 are secured to one another.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, along Line 6--6 of FIG. 2, showing the porous insert member 24 located within the interior volume of the device 10. As shown, the porous insert member 24 substantially fills the interior volume of the plastic enclosure member 12. Also from this view, the first nipple member 34 of the coupling assembly 26 is shown having a central aperture 110 which extends to the interior volume of the enclosure member 12. The nipple member 34 has a hose barb portion 112 that is configured to receive and secure a pressurized hose member (not shown) which is part of an underground irrigation system.

Turning to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view, along Line 7--7 of FIG. 6, of both the first and second nipple members 34 and 36 is shown. Again, the first nipple member 34 is shown having a larger diameter than the second nipple member 36. The second nipple member 36 includes a central aperture 114 which extends to the interior volume of the enclosure member 12. Likewise, the second nipple member 36 includes a hose barb portion 116 for receiving and securing a pressurized hose member having smaller diameter than that used with the first nipple member 34. The nipple members 34 and 36 provide a passageway for pressurized water to enter the device 10. In order to vary the flow rate of the water entering the interior volume of the enclosure member 12, the first nipple member 34 includes a concentric punch-out assembly 120 and the second nipple member 36 includes a concentric punch-out assembly 122. The concentric punch-out assemblies 120 and 122 respectively define holes with varying diameters that restrict fluid flow and thereby adjust the flow rate of water through the nipple members 34 and 36.

Turning to FIG. 8, a tool member 126, preferably a screw driver, is illustrated being inserted within the opening 110 of the nipple member 34. From this view, it can be seen that the concentric punch-out assembly 120 include a first member 120a, a second member 120b and a third member 120c. Each of the members 120a -120c have varying diameters and are individually removable such that the resulting diameter of the hole defined by the concentric punch-out assembly 120 may be varied. As illustrated, the tool 126 is shown engaging the first concentric punch-out member 120a so as to break it away from member 120b. As shown in FIG. 9, the removal of member 120a increases the diameter of the initial hole defined by the assembly 120 and therefore the flow rate of water into the device 10. Likewise, the tool 126 is used to adjust the diameter of the hole defined by the assembly 122. It should be noted that assemblies 120 and 122 may be modified to include more or less punch-out members for adjusting the flow rates therethrough.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the nipple member 34 includes a threaded inner surface 130, and the nipple member 36 includes a threaded inner surface 132. The threaded inner surfaces 130 and 132 are provided for engaging and securing threaded water pipe members (not shown) that are coupled to an underground irrigation system for providing pressurized water to the enclosure member 12.

Turning to FIG. 10, a view illustrating the funnel member 40 is shown. The funnel member 40 includes a central aperture 136 through which water and/or nutrients are manually funnelled to the interior volume of the enclosure member 12.

Turning to FIG. 11, the funnel member 40 is shown being inserted with the aperture 46 in the top surface 48 of the enclosure member 12. As shown, the raised tabs 50 frictionally engage the top surface 48 of the enclosure member such that the upper portion 42 may be adjusted at different heights from the top surface 48. As will be apparent, the configuration of funnel member 40 may be reversed with recessed portions formed along its length frictionally engaging protrusions formed about the edge of aperture 46.

With reference to FIG. 12, the subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device 10 is shown prior to being coupled to the second identical subterranean plant root water collection and delivery device 10b. As discussed above, the bottom lip member 74 of the device 10 engages a top lip member 84b of the device 10b with the rib members 76 secured within indentations 86b of the second device 10b. Likewise, a third device (not shown) may be coupled to the top lip 84 of the device 10 or to a bottom lip member 74b of the device 10b. As shown in FIG. 13, the devices 10 and 10b are coupled to one another in a serial fashion to increase the total depth to which water is collected and redirected. The device may also be placed in a horizontal direction to help facilitate horizontal flow of water. Preferably, the devices 10 and 10b each have a length of eighteen (18) inches. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the length of the devices 10 and 10b may be varied for a particular application.

With reference to FIG. 14, four subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d all having features common to device 10, are illustrated in close proximity to roots 150 and the surround areas of a tree 152. Devices 10a and 10b have been coupled to one another as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 and buried in a substantially vertical manner below the ground surface 154. Likewise, the device 10c has been buried in a substantially vertical manner below the ground surface 154 in another area adjacent to the roots 150. The device 10d has been buried adjacent to device 10c in a substantially horizontal manner. Funnel members 40a and 40c have been inserted within devices 10a and 10c, as represented in FIG. 11, and extend a predetermined distance above the ground level 154. A planter simply uses an auger or similar digging tool to dig a sufficiently large hole, places the devices 1Oa-10d therein, and replaces a portion of the removed soil around the devices 10a-10d leaving portions of the funnel members 40a and 40c exposed. As shown, the funnel member 40c funnels water 156 which is poured from a hand-pouring device 158 to the device 10c. Similarly, the funnel member 40a is used in conjunction with a pressurized watering device 160, which delivers pressurized water and/or nutrients 159 to the devices 10a and 10b. As shown, the devices 10a through 10c are buried such that they extend through a top soil layer 170, a clay/loam layer 172 and a clay layer 174. As discussed above, ordinary ground water illustrated as lines 176 is commonly channelled through the top soil level 170, which is well above the main portion of the roots 150. As such, this ground water 176, along with any supplied water, is collected and rerouted by the devices 10a through 10c, as illustrated by lines 177, to the lower ground levels 172 and 174 and ultimately the area surrounding roots 150 of the tree 152. The device 10d facilities the horizontal flow of water. As discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, the apertures 22, 72 and 82 within each of the enclosures of devices 10a and 10d provide ingress and egress for the surrounding ground water 176 to and from within their interior volumes for redirection and delivery to the various ground levels 170, 172 and 174 where the roots 150 located. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a pressurized water and nutrients delivering member 180 is coupled to a coupling assembly 26a, which is identical to coupling assembly 26 of device 10, for delivery of pressurized water 182 to the interior volumes of devices 10a and 10b. As with the surrounding ground water 176, the devices 10a and 10b reroute the pressurized water 182 throughout the various ground levels 170, 172 and 174. The devices 10a through 10d each include porous insert members 24a through 24d for facilitating the collection and delivery of the ground water 176, manually supplied water 156, and the pressurized water 182 while preventing any ground material from entering the interior volumes of the devices 10a through 10d.

Next turning to FIG. 15, subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices 10a, 10b and 10c are shown coupled to one another and buried in a horizontal manner for delivering surrounding ground water 190 at a substantially constant depth below ground level 154. The devices 10a-10c are shown buried in close proximity to roots 192 of a bush or hedge 194. Again, a pressurized water and nutrients delivery member 196 is coupled to a coupling assembly 26c for delivering pressurized water and nutrients 198 to the devices 10a-10c and the roots 192. As will be apparent from FIGS. 14 and 15, any number of subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices may be vertically and horizontally oriented in the ground for irrigating a predetermined area throughout various depths and soil conditions.

Lastly, with reference to FIG. 16, a schematic illustration of various subterranean plant root water collection and delivery devices 10a through 10h, all having features common to device 10, are shown integrated within an underground irrigation system 200 associated with a building 201. The system 200 includes a pressurized water source 202 which delivers pressurized water via underground lines 204, similar to lines 180 and 196, to the devices 10a through 10h, as well as sprinkler heads 206a through 206i. The devices 10a through 10h are buried at predetermined depths in close proximity to the roots of plants 210a through 210d for efficiently collecting and delivering the water and nutrients to the same. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the pressurized delivery line 204 may be in the form of hoses or threaded pipe members which are coupled to coupling assemblies 26a through 26h of the devices 10a through 10h. As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 14, the devices 10a through 10h collect and reroute naturally flowing ground water and water from the pressurized water source 202 as well as nutrients to the roots of the plants 210a through 210d. Likewise, devices 10a through 10h collect and redirect a portion of the water supplied by the sprinkler heads 206a through 206i to the roots of the plants 210a through 210d.

The foregoing discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.