MODULAR NETWORK IRRIGATION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/764,254 to Greg Wolfley filed on 31 January 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL HELD

[0002] The present invention relates to irrigation systems, specifically modular network irrigation systems.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0003] The present invention will be applicable in a variety of ways to a variety of industries. The MODULAR NETWORK IRRIGATION SYSTEM may be used above-ground. The MODULAR NETWORK IRRIGATION SYSTEM may also be used underground. With continuous problems of draught and/or water shortage, the MODULAR NETWORK IRRIGATION SYSTEM may provide a better device and/or system for enhancing the provision of water. Additionally, the MODULE NETWORK IRRIGATION SYSTEM may advantageously provide simplified installation and/or may be advantageously assembled in a variety of configurations.

[0004] The MODULE NETWORK IRRIGATION SYSTEM may further be applicable to agricultural industries and/or landscaping industries which use irrigation systems and/or devices to provide water for plant and/or animal sustenance.

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BACKGROUND ART

[0005] Irrigation has been a vital technology since ancient times. In fact, historians often attribute, at least in part, the rise of civilization to irrigation technology. Accordingly, those involved are always trying to improve methods, systems, devices, etc. of irrigation in order to more effectively and/or efficiently achieve the beneficial results obtained thereby.

[0006] While irrigation likely first started in agricultural industries, it is now widely used for other purposes including but not limited to ornamental plants such as turf grass, shrubs, gardens, landscaping, and living flower arrangements. Accordingly, diverse methods of irrigation have been developed in order to satisfy varying needs in varying industries. For example, there are a great variety of above- ground sprinkler-type systems that are used in farms, turf grass, shrub beds, gardens, and flower gardens. However, it has been remarked that above-ground/sprinkler-type systems have serious problems in certain areas.

[0007] First, such systems generally have serious problems with water loss, i.e. that a large percentage of water delivered into the system does not make it to the root zone of the plants. Water loss may be environmental, such as evaporation loss, wind drift, and/or run-off. Further, water loss problems may be a result of nonuniform head spacing, non-uniform head types, improper system design, improper plant arrangement, and improper design consideration of slopes and plant types. Still more, maintenance problems may exacerbate water loss wherein damaged heads may spew water, plugged heads may restrict flow, and tilted heads may skew water coverage. It is estimated that under ideal conditions spray heads are expected to only provide about 65% efficiency and under non-ideal conditions, the efficiency can literally drop to zero.

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[0008] Further, above-ground systems require regular maintenance as they are exposed to hazards, the environment, and vandalism. Still more, turf grass and most other ornamental plants risk damage when the foliage is wet for long periods of time, especially during a cool evening. Above-ground systems generally leave the foliage wet after each watering, which can breed disease and cause other health problems to the plants.

[0009] Accordingly, methods and systems have been developed to try and solve such problems. The following references are examples of such and are incorporated by reference herein:

[0010] U.S. Patent/Application No.: 4,065,926 by Brandt [0011] This reference discloses an irrigation system employing, in part, a coarse screen or network of flexible material having internal interconnecting passages for the flow of water or the like therethrough, the network being interred under the area of the ground which is to be watered. Orifices of decreasing size are distributed along the interconnecting passages to release the water by gravity feed from a source or reservoir, such as an onsite storage tank.

[0012] U.S. Patent/Application No.: US 2002/0098322 Al by Cripp [0013] This reference discloses an anti-erosion irrigation mat is fitted with parallel and linear runs of drip line irrigation tubing and delivered in panels or rolls that can installed in a single operation instead of the two separate operations conventionally required for erosion prevention and irrigation. The drip line tubing runs are fitted with drip emitters at uniform intervals and are attached to the matting which may be made biodegradable for short term service, e.g. from biodegradable natural fibers, or made durable, e.g. from nylon filaments. The components of the invention, i.e. anti-erosion matting and irrigation drip lines, are commercially

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available. The low velocity of drip irrigation applies water through a network pattern of drip emitters with a minimum of surface erosion that is well controlled by the matting. In addition to the time and cost savings from reducing the installation to a single operation, there are additional cost savings from simplification of the original system design effort.

[0014] U.S. Patent/Application No.: US 6,709,198 B2 by Wachtel [0015] This reference discloses an irrigation system comprising a closed-loop piping system, a portion of which is a condensing section extending on or below ground surface, and at least another portion of which is a cool-collecting section buried under ground at a cool ground zone. The closed-loop piping holds a liquid which is propelled by a circulating system through the piping system. The liquid is chilled by heat exchanging at the cool ground zone and then flows to the condensing section where moisture from the vicinity is extracted by condensation over the condensing section. The moisture is readily available for consumption by agriculture growth.

[0016] U.S. Patent/Application No.: US 6,419,422 Bl by Wachtel [0017] This reference discloses an irrigation system comprising an energized cooling system for cooling the fluid to a temperature below ground temperature, closed-loop condensation piping buried under ground surface and an energized fluid circulating arrangement for circulating the fluid through the system, whereby propelling the cooled fluid through the piping extracts moisture from the ground by condensation over the piping, for consumption by agriculture growth in the vicinity of the piping.

[0018] U.S. Patent/Application No.: 3,426,544 by Curtis

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[0019] This reference discloses, in a sub-surface irrigation system, the improvement of a distributor conduit having an open end, an opposite closed end and a plurality of outlet orifices spaced apart along its length to distribute irrigating fluid into the surrounding sub-surface, an elongated irrigating fluid feeder conduit extending through said open end of said distributor conduit and running to a closed end adjacent said closed end of said distributor conduit, said feeder conduit having an open end and delivery orifices spaced along its length inside said distributor conduit, means between said distributor and feeder conduits maintaining said conduits in spaced relation to form a chamber therebetween for the collection of irrigating fluid surrounding said feeder conduit, each of said delivery orifices and said distribution orifices being in fluid communication with said chamber, and means connected to said open end of said feeder conduit to supply the irrigating fluid thereto for flow through said delivery orifices into said collecting chamber.

[0020] While systems have been developed as alternatives to above-ground watering systems, such systems have not enjoyed much commercial success for a variety of reasons. For example, such systems may be difficult to install according to proper and consistent spacing, may be expensive, may be prone to clogging, may be vulnerable to damage by roots, may be difficult to install in an irregular shaped location, may be difficult to change once installed, may deliver water inconsistently over an area or time, may limit control over water emission, may be difficult to implement, may require special calculations during design and/or installation, may fail to integrate with existing water supplies, may be expensive to install, and/or may not provide proper coverage to particularly shaped or designed areas.

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[0021] What is needed is a network irrigation system that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

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DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available irrigation systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a network irrigation system.

[0023] In one embodiment, there is an irrigation system for delivering a fluid, such as but not limited to water, to an area. There may be a first network module of fluid conduit. The first network module may include one or more of the following: a plurality of nodes, wherein each of the nodes of the plurality of nodes are in direct fluid communication with at least three other nodes; a first exterior side in redundant fluid communication with the plurality of nodes; a plurality of juncture members extending from a first exterior side; and a pressure compensating emitter in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of nodes and configured to disperse fluid therethrough when subject to at least a threshold pressure.

[0024] There may also be one or more of the following: wherein the plurality of nodes are substantially equidistant along a first axis and along a second axis, thereby forming a plurality of squares; wherein the first network module of fluid conduit further comprises: a first exterior side having no open ends; and/or a plurality of substantially flexible length members; a header portion including a longitudinal member and a plurality of open ends extending therefrom, wherein the header portion is coupled to a pressurized water source having a pressure of at least 15 psi; a plurality of tube-like length members each coupling one of the plurality of nodes to another of the plurality of nodes and wherein the pressure compensating emitter is disposed on one of the tube-like length members; a plug member coupled to one of the plurality of juncture members and configured to prevent liquid flow therethrough; wherein the

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first network module further comprises being a single prefabricated unit; a second network module, wherein the first network module couples to a second network module through barbed couplers; a plurality of pressure compensating emitters each configured to a substantially identical threshold pressure and flow rate and each disposed on a length member, wherein each length member fluidly couples one of the plurality of nodes to another one of the plurality of nodes; and wherein the plurality of juncture members are disposed about three of four exterior sides of the first network module.

[0025] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0026] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0027] These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a top plan view of a network irrigation system as implemented in a growing area according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a top plan view of a network irrigation system module according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a top plan view of a network irrigation system module according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a portion of a network irrigation system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side perspective view of a coiled network irrigation system module according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plug in operation according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a coupling between modules according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a 4- way coupler including a pressure compensating emitter according to one embodiment of the invention.

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MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0037] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0038] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the wording "an embodiment," or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term "an embodiment," or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional features, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.

[0039] Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as "another embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of any other

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embodiments characterized by the language "another embodiment." The independent embodiments are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

[0040] Finally, the fact that the wording "an embodiment," or the like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this application to incorporate by reference the phrasing "an embodiment," and the like, at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a top plan view of a network irrigation system 100 as implemented in a growing area, such as but not limited to planters, turf grass, shrub beds, agricultural fields, etc., according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a pressurized water supply pipe 102, such as may be provided by in a culinary water supply system. The water supply pipe or pressure line 102 has a valve 104 coupled thereto enabling a draw of water therefrom through a access pipe 106 to a header 108. The valve 104 may include and/or may be coupled to a filter, a controller for controlling operation, and/or a pressure regulator. The valve may be manual or automatic. In one example, the header 108 is a PVC pipe including a plurality of juncture members extending therefrom at regularly spaced positions along the length thereof as illustrated.

[0042] The illustrated system 100 includes four network modules 112, 114, 116, and 118. The illustrated network modules 112 - 118 are shown in the process of being field installed.

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[0043] The first network module 112 includes a sealed edge 110 (See also 210 on Figure 2) including a pipe member having a plurality of T-shaped portions instead of cross-member portions. Accordingly, the sealed edge 110 may be advantageously aligned with a straight portion of a plant bed without a need to seal that edge. Where there is no straight portion of a plant bed, the sealed edge 110 may be shaped as described later. Module 112 is coupled to the header 108 at juncture points 122, such that fluid in the header 108 may flow into network module 112 through a plurality of members, such as pipes. The header 108 may be PVC pipe assembled in the field, may be pre-manufactured pipe with fittings, and/or molded together with one or more modules.

[0044] Further Network modules 114, 116, and 118 are similarly coupled each to two other network modules and to either a header 108 or a footer 101. Yet uncoupled portions are shown at 124, wherein male 132 and female 134 portions may be mated, thereby creating a fluid communication therebetween.

[0045] A close-up view of such a coupling is shown in Figure 7, wherein the male barbed portion 132 is inserted into the void 702. The illustrated male/female portions may be molded together with a node. In one embodiment, an entire module is a single molded unit, such as may be constructed by internal spray coating of a clamshell hollow grid mold, drilling a solid grid mold, and/or spray coating a liquefiable solid grid mold.

[0046] Turning back to Figure 1, there is also shown an air vacuum relief valve 190 for allowing air to enter/leave the network as needed to prevent collapse of pipes and/or water hammer problems as well as other problems known to one skilled in the art. Further, there is shown a controller 192 coupled to the valve 104 and

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configured to control operation of the valve 104. It is understood that one skilled in the art would understand controller operation and the advantages of use of such.

[0047] It is envisioned that network modules may be coupled in a great variety of ways and the illustrated embodiment is not meant to be limiting. In particular, it is envisioned that invention may be embodied in such a variety of way that virtually any plant bed configuration may be appropriately irrigated.

[0048] Whereas many plant beds do not include strictly rectangular shapes, a network module may be adjusted to fit such irregular shapes, such as that shown in 120. Accordingly, a network module may be cut to fit a boundary of a plant bed. In the illustration, network module 114 and 116 (See also Figure 3) are so cut, thereby leaving exposed fluid conduit apertures along the boundaries of the cut. Such may be plugged, such as is shown in Figure 6. Accordingly, an installer may advantageously lay out a plurality of network modules, quickly and easily couple such, and then using the boundaries of the plant bed, remove any extraneous network and plug remaining portions 130. Where the irrigation system is intended to be disposed underground, the system may then be buried and may conform to the shape of the plant bed.

[0049] Advantageously, a grid system may be expanded in any direction, as shown in Figure 1. The curvature of an area is simply followed by removing access material from units and adding units as they are needed. Accordingly, such a system provides a simple consistent system and method for providing irrigation to any shape of growth area, thereby enabling installation at a lower cost and quicker time.

[0050] Such is not the case with a linear irrigation system and/or with a non- modular grid system. For example, wherein a linear system is used to cover an area having a curve similar to that of 120, there arise substantial difficulties with covering areas that bulge in and/or out.

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[0051] In particular, there may be substantial problems with consistency of pressure and/or coverage. Further, an installer may be required to perform complex calculations and/or reconfigure a system entirely to account for such shapes. Such may even be more expensive and/or difficult when an area is expanded after a first install.

[0052] Further, wherein there may be irregularities internal to the plant bed area, such as is shown in 128, representing a portion where it may be advantageous to not include the network. Examples of such include trees, electrical equipment, wells, etc.. Accordingly, an appropriately shaped portion may be cut out of the network module and the exposed fluid conducing members 130 may be plugged. Advantageously, such may be performed even after a network irrigation system is installed, wherein a hole may be dug and extraneous network may be removed and ends plugged, such as when a new tree is planted in an area not previously designated as such.

[0053] There is also shown a cleanout valve 140 coupled to the footer 101. It is understood that one skilled in the art would appreciate that the cleanout valve 140 may be placed in a great variety of positions in relation to one or more network modules.

[0054] Figure 2 illustrates a top plan view of a network irrigation system module 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. Network module 200 may be considered a "side module" wherein it may generally occupy a border or exterior side portion of a network. The illustrated module 200 includes a plurality of nodes 216, the majority of which are in direct fluid communication with at least three other nodes by means of piping lengths 218. Lengths 212 are substantially aligned along a first axis and lengths 214 are substantially aligned along a second axis

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substantially normal to the first axis. Accordingly, whereas in the illustrated embodiment, the lengths are of substantially identical longitudinal dimensions, the lengths and nodes form squares.

[0055] There is also illustrated a plurality of exterior sides 202, 204, 206, and 208. Sides 202 and 208 include a plurality of spaced lengths terminating in male coupling members 132. Sides 204 and 206 include a plurality of spaced lengths terminating in female coupling members 134. Such an arrangement and arrangements similar thereto, are configured to enable a plurality of network modules to couple together along sides, wherein male sides may couple to female sides, thereby extending the irrigation network indefinitely. Further, whereas network modules may be adjusted to any shape, such an irrigation system may advantageously adapt to a great variety of plant beds.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a top plan view of a network irrigation system module 300 according to one embodiment of the invention. The network module 300 differs from that of Figure 2 in that there is no sealed edge. Network module 300 may be considered a "center module" wherein it may generally occupy positions internal a network. Further, network module 200 may be considered an "edge or side module" wherein it may generally occupy positions along an exterior of a network, especially along edges that are substantially linear.

[0057] Advantageously, network module 300 includes a plurality of sides 302, 304, 306, and 308, wherein 302 and 308 terminate in male portions while 304 and 306 terminate in female portions. Accordingly, network module 200 and network module 300 may be used together to provide simplified installation in plant beds having variable areas and shapes. For example, and not by way of limitation, looking to

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Figure 1, modules 114 and 116 may correspond to module 300 and 112 and 118 may correspond to module 200.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a portion of a network irrigation system according to one embodiment of the invention. Shown are lengths 214, 212 and nodes 216, whereas nodes are spaced apart by spacing 408 representing a length dimension. Wherein emitters are disposed along lengths 218, emitter spacing is represented by distance 410, which is generally shorter spacing for identical grid spacing. Accordingly, it may enhance efficiency to place emitters near positions 402.

[0059] Further, there are shown emitters 402 and 404 positioned on nodes 216 and lengths 218 respectively. Such emitters may be pressure compensating emitters, such as the DKE6 Katif by Drip Works Inc., of Willits, California. Further examples are described in US Patent Nos. 4,824,025 by Miller and 4,971,253 by Lazarus, which references are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Advantageously, pressure compensating emitters compensate for pressure variations throughout a system, may regulate water, may repel roots, may be uniform in size (compare to the Brandt reference where an installer must calculate variable holes sizing along a grid and an installer must precisely ream such holes), and/or may prevent holes from further reaming out due to erosion and other factors.

[0060] In one embodiment, emitters are positioned according to 402. In another embodiment, emitters are positioned according to 404 (Example, see Figure 8). In one embodiment, positions 402 may provide enhanced coverage for the same grid spacing as compared to positions 404.

[0061] In operation, the emitters may be disposed along discreet intervals, thereby providing consistent fluid dispersal over an area without requiring an installer to perform any measurements. Accordingly, installation time and expertise

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requirements may be substantially reduced. Grid size may be configured to be a minimum size required for all plant and soil types. In another embodiment, modules may be provided in a variety of grid sizes and may be coded for a variety of soil and plant types.

[0062] In one embodiment, there may be no pressure compensating emitters, but the network may be constructed of "leaky pipe" or fluid porous material that allows fluid therein to disperse outward through pipe walls. One source of "leaky pipe" is LP12L from Leaky Pipe Systems Ltd., Maidstone England.

[0063] In another embodiment, there may be one or more emitters that allow fluid to be delivered exterior the pipe. Examples of such emitters include but are not limited to pressurized injection emitters, flow regulation emitters, etc..

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side perspective view of a coiled network irrigation system module 500 according to one embodiment of the invention. The module 500 is coupled to a header 108 as described in Figure 1.

[0065] In operation, the module 500 is flexible and may be advantageously stored as a roll 502, thereby conserving space. The module 500 may then be rolled out into an installation position 504, thereby providing irrigation to an area. Accordingly, a plurality of such modules may be stored and deployed as needed.

[0066] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plug member in operation 600 according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a open ended pipe member 130 having a void 606 therein. A plug having a cap 602 and a barbed portion 604 is disposed therein. It is understood that a open pipe member may be sealed by a plurality of means, including but not limited to plugs, heat sealing, crimping, clamping, etc. and that one skilled in the art would recognize the

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advantages and disadvantages of each in field installing and maintaining network modules.

[0067] In operation, a portion of a network module may be cut at any position along a length and then plugged, thereby enabling an installer to adapt a module to a desired shape. The plug may be installed quickly and easily and reduces labor costs by enabling an installer to easily design a network for an area by simply removing and capping unwanted portions.

[0068] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a 4-way coupler 800 including a pressure compensating emitter 804 according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a housing 802 having a pressure compensating emitter 804 disposed therethrough and a plurality of barbed members 806 extending therefrom and into lengths 218.

[0069] In operation a 4-way coupler 800 may couple to four lengths, thereby creating a base unit for constructing a network module. A plurality of such units may be in fluid communication. One or more fluid conduits or lengths may be added, moved, or removed, thereby creating 1-way, 2- way, 3- way, ... n-way couplers that may serve as a node and/or one or more base units for a network module.

[0070] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claim rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

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[0071] For example, although the figures illustrate a square, Cartesian type grid/network, it is envisioned that a network may include other shapes including irregular shapes, and may even include varying shapes.

[0072] Additionally, although the figures illustrate barbed couplers, it is understood that the variety of coupling devices in the art is virtually limitless, and such may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention by one skilled in the art.

[0073] Still more, while it is envisioned that a primary use of some embodiments of the invention would be to provide water to irrigate a plant bed, it is understood that such a network may be used to provide any fluid. Examples include but are not limited to fluid nutrients, slurries, medicine, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

[0074] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

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