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IL290156B2 - Irrigation hose with flexible tubing - Google Patents

Irrigation hose with flexible tubing

Info

Publication number
IL290156B2
IL290156B2 IL290156A IL29015622A IL290156B2 IL 290156 B2 IL290156 B2 IL 290156B2 IL 290156 A IL290156 A IL 290156A IL 29015622 A IL29015622 A IL 29015622A IL 290156 B2 IL290156 B2 IL 290156B2
Authority
IL
Israel
Prior art keywords
tube
irrigation pipe
flexible
diameter
pipe
Prior art date
Application number
IL290156A
Other languages
Hebrew (he)
Other versions
IL290156A (en
IL290156B (en
Inventor
Talmi Ofer
Bahahlul Yoel
Original Assignee
Yamit Filtration And Water Treat Ltd
Talmi Ofer
Bahahlul Yoel
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 Yamit Filtration And Water Treat Ltd, Talmi Ofer, Bahahlul Yoel filed Critical Yamit Filtration And Water Treat Ltd
Priority to IL290156A priority Critical patent/IL290156B2/en
Publication of IL290156A publication Critical patent/IL290156A/en
Publication of IL290156B publication Critical patent/IL290156B/en
Publication of IL290156B2 publication Critical patent/IL290156B2/en

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
    • 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
    • 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
    • A01G25/006—Tubular drip irrigation dispensers mounted coaxially within water feeding tubes
    • 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
    • A01G25/023—Dispensing fittings for drip irrigation, e.g. drippers

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Description

IL 290156/2 IRRIGATION PIPE WITH FLEXIBLE TUBES FIELD OF THE INVENTION id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"
[001] The present invention relates to irrigation pipes equipped with a plurality of flexible tubes, movable between a free state and a distally biased state, responsive to liquid flow through the main pipe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"
[002] Irrigation pipes essentially used for agricultural irrigation tasks, wherein irrigation tubes are placed in the soil for delivering an irrigation fluid, such as water or liquid fertilizer, at flow rates meeting plants' nourishment requirements. Because the flow rates through conventional pipes are much higher than the flow rates required by the plants, conventional irrigation pipes are equipped with emitters or drippers, which can be integrally formed with or installed inside the main pipes, designed to reduce the pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough and reduce the flow rate of the water discharged therefrom. id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"
[003] One typical type of irrigation emitters includes a pressure-reducing mechanism in the form of a baffle labyrinth configured to diminish the flow rate passing therethrough. Emitters designed with such complicated structures, especially for relatively small-sized components, face problems of high manufacturing costs and complexity of assembly. Furthermore, labyrinth-based emitters are usually limited by a minimal flow rate, such as a flow rate that cannot be lower than 0.5 l/hr for many commercially available types of emitters, because they are susceptible to clogging. id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"
[004] There is a need in the industry for improved irrigation pipes that can be provided at reduced costs while simplifying manufacturing and assembly procedures, which are relatively less sensitive to clogging problems even at relatively low flow rates, such as below 0.5 l/hr.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"
[005] The present disclosure is directed toward Irrigation pipes that include a plurality of inner flexible tubes coupled to a main pipe. The flexible tubes are axially spaced from each IL 290156/2 other, and are configured to transition from a free state to a distally biased state, responsive to fluid flow through the lumen of the main tube, such that the fluid is entering into and flows through the tubes in a direction opposite to that of the flow through the main pipe lumen. This reversal in flow direction introduces increased flow resistance, achieving pressure and flow velocity reduction through the tubes in a cost effective and significantly simplified manner, compared to conventional emitters. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"
[006] In one representative embodiment, there is provided an irrigation pipe that comprises a main pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a plurality of flexible tubes. The main pipe comprises a pipe wall defining a pipe lumen, and a plurality of side openings formed across the pipe wall. The pipe lumen defines a pipe diameter D. The side openings are axially spaced from each other. The flexible tubes are disposed within the pipe lumen. Each flexible tube comprises a tube wall defining a tube outer surface and a tube inner surface, and a tube lumen defined by the tube inner surface. The tube lumen extends from a tube inlet having a tube inlet diameter, to a tube outlet having a tube outlet diameter. The flexible tubes are coupled to the main pipe such that each tube lumen is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of side openings. The flexible tubes are movable between a free state and a distally biased state. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"
[007] The various innovations of this disclosure can be used in combination or separately.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"
[008] Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an IL 290156/2 embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention.
For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.
In the Figures: id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"
[009] Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of one example of a portion of an irrigation pipe provided with a plurality of flexible tubes, in a free state. id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"
[010] Fig. 1B shows a cross-sectional side view of the irrigation pipe of Fig. 1A. id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"
[011] Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of the irrigation pipe with the plurality of flexible tubes, in a distally biased state. id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"
[012] Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional side view of the irrigation pipe of Fig. 2A. id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"
[013] Fig. 2C shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2B. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"
[014] Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes having wavy inner and outer tube surfaces. id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"
[015] Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional side view of the irrigation pipe of Fig. 3A. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"
[016] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes having wavy inner tube surfaces and smooth outer tube surfaces. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"
[017] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes having tube outlet diameters greater than the tube inner diameters. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"
[018] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes having tube outlet diameters greater than the tube inner diameters, and defining wavy tube inner surfaces. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"
[019] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes having tube inlet diameters greater than the tube outlet diameters. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"
[020] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes having different tube diameters, increasing in size downstream. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"
[021] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes having different tube lengths, decreasing in size downstream.
IL 290156/2 id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"
[022] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes comprising first and second portions, the second portions provided with different second portion lengths, decreasing in size downstream. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"
[023] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a portion of an example of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes coupled to the main pipe via a corresponding plurality of connectors. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"
[024] Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the irrigation pipe of Fig. 11. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"
[025] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a portion of another example of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of flexible tubes coupled to the main pipe via a corresponding plurality of connectors. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"
[026] Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the irrigation pipe of Fig. 13. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"
[027] Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional side view of a connector with a hose coupled thereto. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"
[028] Fig. 16 shows a side view of another example of a connector. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"
[029] Figs. 17 shows a perspective view of a portion of another example of an irrigation pipe with a plurality of hoses coupled to a corresponding plurality of connectors. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"
[030] Fig. 18A shows a perspective view of an exemplary irrigation pipe provided with a plurality of flexible tubes coupled to the pipe wall via corresponding appendages. id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"
[031] Fig. 18B shows a sectional view of a portion of the irrigation pipe of Fig. 18A. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"
[032] Fig. 19 shows an example of an isolated flexible tube coupled to a rectangularly-shaped appendage. id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"
[033] Fig. 20A shows a perspective view of another exemplary irrigation pipe provided with a plurality of flexible tubes coupled to the pipe wall via arrow-shaped appendages. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"
[034] Fig. 20B shows an example of an isolated flexible tube coupled to an arrow-shaped appendage. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"
[035] Fig. 21A shows an example of an appendage with a flexible tube attached to its proximal side, the appendage having a cover defining an enlarged contact surface.
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[036] Fig. 21B shows the appendage of Fig. 21A in a non-final configuration, prior to welding to a main pipe. id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"
[037] Fig. 22 shows an example of an appendage with a flexible tube attached to a sidewall thereof. id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"
[038] Fig. 23 shows an example of an appendage with a flexible tube attached to its distal side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"
[039] For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the examples of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed examples, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed examples require that any one or more specific advantages be present, or problems be solved. The technologies from any example can be combined with the technologies described in any one or more of the other examples. In view of the many possible examples to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated examples are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosed technology. id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"
[040] Although the operations of some of the disclosed examples are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like "provide" or "achieve" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.
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[041] All features described herein are independent of one another and, except where structurally impossible, can be used in combination with any other feature described herein. id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"
[042] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the terms "have" or "includes" means "comprises." Further, the term "coupled" generally means physically, mechanically, chemically, magnetically, and/or electrically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language. As used herein, "and/or" means "and" or "or," as well as "and" and "or". id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"
[043] As used herein, the terms "integrally formed" and "unitary construction" refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, or other means for securing separately formed pieces of material to each other. id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"
[044] Directions and other relative references may be used to facilitate discussion of the drawings and principles herein, but are not intended to be limiting. For example, certain terms may be used such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "inside," "outside,", "top," "bottom," "interior," "exterior," "left," right," and the like. Such terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated examples. Such terms are not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an "upper" part can become a "lower" part simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same part and the object remains the same. id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"
[045] Throughout the figures of the drawings, different superscripts for the same reference numerals are used to denote different examples of the same elements. Examples of the disclosed devices and systems may include any combination of different examples of the same elements. Specifically, any reference to an element without a superscript may refer to any alternative example of the same element denoted with a superscript. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component. id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46"
[046] The term "plurality", as used herein", means more than one.
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[047] Figs. 1A-2C show an example of an irrigation pipe 100, comprising a plurality of flexible tubes 130 disposed within, and coupled to, a main pipe 110, wherein the flexible tubes 130 are movable between a free state, shown in Figs. 1A-1B, and a distally biased state, shown in Fig. 2A-2C. Each flexible tube 130 has a tube wall 136 having a tube outer surface 142 and a tube inner surface 140. The tube inner surface 140 defines a tube lumen 138, extending from a tube inlet 132 and a tube outlet 134. The main pipe 110 has a pipe wall 116 defining a pipe lumen 118, and a plurality of side openings 120 axially spaced from each other, formed across the pipe wall 116. The flexible tubes 130 are disposed within the pipe lumen 118 and are coupled to the main pipe 110, and more specifically, to the pipe wall 116, such that the tube lumen 138 of each flexible tube 130 is in fluid communication with a corresponding side opening 120 of the main pipe 110. The irrigation pipe 100 can be made of a flexible, rigid or semi-rigid material, and can be in the form of any fluid conduit known in the art such as a pipe, a tube, a hose, and the like. id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48"
[048] It is to be understood that any reference to the flexible tubes 130 being coupled to the main pipe 110, such as to the pipe wall 116, unless otherwise stated, can refer either to direct attachment or indirect attachment of the flexible tubes to the pipe wall. For example, flexible tubes 130 can be directly attached to the pipe wall 116 by gluing, welding, or otherwise affixing an end of the tubes (the end of the tube outlets 134) to the pipe wall 116. In other examples, the flexible tubes 130 can be indirectly coupled to the main pipe 110, via intermediate components, such as connectors (150) or appendages (170) as will be described in greater detail below. The flexible tube 130 are free ended at their tube inlets 132, wherein the tube lumens 138 are in fluid communication, via the tube inlets 132, with the pipe lumen 118. A free ended flexible tube 130 means that the tube inlet 132 is free to move (i.e., change position) relative to the respective side opening 120, for example when the tube transitions between its free state and its distally biased state. id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49"
[049] Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a portion of an irrigation pipe 100, and Fig. 1B shows a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the irrigation pipe 100 of Fig. 1A, extending from a proximal end 112 of the portion of the main pipe 110, to a distal end 114 of the portion of the main pipe 110. The pipe lumen 118 defines a pipe central axis 50, wherein a pipe radius R is defined between the pipe wall 116 (and more specifically, an inner surface of the pipe wall) and the pipe central axis 50, and the pipe diameter D is equal to twice the pipe radius R.
IL 290156/2 It is to be understood that the pipe radius R and the pipe diameter D refer to the radius and diameter of the pipe lumen 118, without including the thickness of the pipe wall. id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50"
[050] The term "proximal", as used herein with respect to the main pipe 110 or a portion thereof, refers to an inflow end of the main pipe 110, closer to a pressurized water source, such as a pump, a sprinkler to which the main pipe can be connected, and the like. id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51"
[051] The term "distal", as used herein with respect to the main pipe 110 or a portion thereof, refers to an end of the main pipe or a portion thereof which is opposite to the proximal end, farther away, downstream, from the pressurized water source. id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52"
[052] The term "distal direction", as used herein, refers to a direction from the proximal end 112 toward the distal end 114. The term "proximal direction", as used herein, refers to a direction which is opposite to the "distal direction", from the distal end 114 toward the proximal end 112. id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53"
[053] The term "axial", as used herein, refer to a direction along or parallel to the pipe central axis 50, and encompasses both the proximal direction and distal direction. id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54"
[054] The term "radial direction", as used herein, refers to a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, such as from the pipe central axis 50 toward the pipe wall 116 (e.g., toward a side opening 120 of the pipe wall). id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55"
[055] Each flexible tube 130 has a tube length L from its outlet 134 to its inlet 132. In some examples, the tube length L is greater that the pipe radius R, such that L > R (or L > 0.5D). In some examples, the tube length L is less than the pipe diameter, such that L < D, including optionally being in a range between the pipe radius R and the pipe diameter D, such that R < L < D (or 0.5D < L < D). In some examples, the tube length L is equal to or greater than the pipe diameter, such that L ≥ D. In some examples, the tube length L is less than 1.5D, such that L < 1.5D, including being in a range between the pipe radius R and 1.5 times the pipe diameter D, such that R < L < 1.5D (or 0.5D < L < 1.5D). In some examples, the tube length L is greater than a quarter of the pipe radius, such that L > 0.25D. In some examples, the tube length L is greater than a third of the pipe radius, such that L > 0.33D. id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56"
[056] Any combination of a tube length L being greater than any minimal length as a function of the pipe radius R, and being less than any maximal length as a functions of the pipe diameter IL 290156/2 D, as disclosed in any other example herein, is similarly contemplated. The tube can have preferable performance characteristics, in some examples, when its length is in the range between 0.96R and 1.48D, inclusive, that is to say that 0.96R ≤ L ≤ 1.48D (or 0.48D ≤ L ≤ 1.48D). A minimal tube length L of 0.96R or higher can ensure, in some implementations, that the tube 130 is long enough to sufficiently bend in the distally biased state, so as to promote sufficient water pressure and flow velocity reduction through the flexible tube, as will be further elaborated below. id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57"
[057] Each flexible tube 130 has a diameter d, which can be either uniform or non-uniform along its length. It is to be understood that the tube diameter d is the diameter of its lumen 138, and does not include the thickness of the tube wall. The tube inlet diameter, defined as the diameter at the tube inlet 132, is denoted di, (see Fig. 2B) and the tube outlet diameter, defined as the diameter at the tube outlet 134, is denoted do (see Fig. 2C). id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58"
[058] The tube diameter d at any point along its length L, including the tube inlet diameter d i and the tube outlet diameter do, is significantly smaller than the pipe diameter D. In some examples, the tube inlet diameter di is smaller than 15% of the pipe diameter D, such that di < 0.15D. In some examples, the tube inlet diameter d is less than or equal to 12.43% of the pipe i diameter D, such that d ≤ 0.1243D. In some examples, the tube inlet diameter d is less than or i i equal to 12% of the pipe diameter D, such that di ≤ 0.12D. In some examples, the tube inlet diameter d is greater than the 4% of the pipe diameter D, such that d > 0.04D. In some i i examples, the tube inlet diameter d is in the range between 4% and 12.43% of the pipe diameter i D, inclusive, that is to say that 0.04D ≤ di ≤ 0.1243D. a id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59"
[059] Figs. 1A-2C show one example of an irrigation pipe 100 that includes exemplary a flexible tubes 130 which can have a uniform cross-sectional area, such that the tube diameter d is uniform along its length, including the tube inlet diameter di being equal to the tube outlet diameter do. id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60"
[060] In some cases, as will be described with respect to various examples below, the flexible tube 130 can have a non-uniform diameter. A minimal tube diameter dmin is defined as the narrowest diameter along the length of the tube, which can be, in various examples, any of the tube inlet diameter d , the tube outlet diameter d , and/or any other diameter d of a narrower i o tube portion therebetween. In some examples, the minimal tube diameter d is smaller than min % of the pipe diameter D, such that dmin < 0.15D. In some examples, the minimal tube IL 290156/2 diameter dmin is less than or equal to 12.43% of the pipe diameter D, such that dmin ≤ 0.1243D.
In some examples, the minimal tube diameter d is less than or equal to 12% of the pipe min diameter D, such that d ≤ 0.12D. In some examples, the minimal tube diameter d is greater min min than the 4% of the pipe diameter D, such that dmin > 0.04D. In some examples, the minimal tube diameter dmin is in the range between 4% and 12.43% of the pipe diameter D, inclusive, that is to say that 0.04D ≤ d ≤ 0.1243D. min id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61"
[061] Figs. 1A-1B show an irrigation pipe 100 with a plurality of flexible tube 130 in a free state, which is the state of the tubes 130 in the absence of flow (e.g., water flow) through the main pipe 110. The first radial distance Y1 is defined as the radial distance between the tube inlet 132 and the corresponding side opening 120 to which the flexible tube is coupled, in a free state of the flexible tube 130. id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62"
[062] In some implementations, the flexible tubes 130 can have a generally linear orientation along their length, as illustrated in Figs. 1A-1B, such that the first radial distance Y1 is substantially equal to the tube length L. In other implementations, the flexible tubes can have a shape which is not fully linear in their free state, in which case the first distance Y1 will not necessarily be equal to the tube length L. id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63"
[063] Figs. 2A-2C show the irrigation pipe 100 with the flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased state, which is the state of the tubes 130 when water (or other fluid) flows in a distal direction 52 through the main pipe 110, and more specifically, through the main pipe lumen 118. Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a portion of the irrigation pipe 100, Fig. 2B shows a cross- sectional side view of the portion of the irrigation pipe of Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2C shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2B. id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64"
[064] It is to be understood that any reference to water herein, is not necessarily limited solely to pure water, but may be in fact replaced by any suitable fluid that can flow through the irrigation pipe, including water, fertilizer liquid, and the like. id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65"
[065] When the pressurized water flowing through the main pipe 110 impinge against the flexible tubes 130, the tubes are further flexed or bent in a distal direction, such that a second radial distance Y2, defined as the radial distance between the tube inlet 132 and the corresponding side opening 120 in a distally biased state of the flexible tubes 130, is smaller than the first radial distance Y1 (i.e., Y2 < Y1).
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[066] A second axial distance Z2 is also shown in Fig. 2B, defined as the axial distance between the tube inlet 132 and the corresponding side opening 120 to which the flexible tube is coupled, in a distally biased state of the flexible tubes 130. The second axial distance Z2 is greater than zero (i.e., Z2 > 0) for each flexible tube 130 in its distally biased state, and is also greater than a first axial distance Z1 (i.e., Z2 > Z1), defined as the axial distance between the tube inlet 132 and the corresponding side opening 120 in the free state. The first axial distance Z1 is not shown in Figs. 1A-1B, since for an exemplary linear orientation of the tubes 130 as in the illustrated example, the tube inlets 132 are axially aligned with the corresponding side openings 120, such that Z1 = 0. However, for non-linear implementation of the flexible tubes, the first axial distance Z1 can have a positive value, which will be in any case less than the second axial distance Z2 in the distally biased state. id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67"
[067] As shown in Fig. 2B, and in greater detail in Fig. 2C, the main pipe 110 defines a main flow path 52 of the pressurized water flowing through the pipe lumen 118, wherein the main flow path 52 is axially oriented in the distal direction. A small portion of the water needs to follow an inverse flow path, essentially in the form of a U-turn, to enter through the tube inlet 132 into tube lumen 138. Each flexible tube 130 defines, in the distally biased state, a tube flow path 54 through the tube lumen 138, which generally has an axial flow path component 56 and a radial flow path component 58, wherein the axial flow path component 56 of the water flowing in the tube 130 is oriented in the proximal direction, opposite to the distal direction of the main flow path 52. As evident from Fig. 2C, the higher magnitude of the proximal axial flow path component 56 is at the point of entry into the tube lumen 138, i.e., at the tube inlet 132. id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68"
[068] Advantageously, this direction inversion in axial flow velocity, between the distal direction of the main flow path 52 and the proximal axial flow path component 56 through the tube lumen 138, and especially through the tube inlet 132, results in significant energy loss and reduction in pressure and flow velocity of the water flowing through the flexible tube 130 and out of its outlet 134. Furthermore, since the direction of the proximal direction of the axial flow path component 56 at the tube inlet 132 is opposite to the distal direction of the main flow path 52 through the pipe lumen 118, debris or other particles flowing through the main pipe 110 will tend to continue flowing along with the water in the pipe lumen 118, in the same distal direction of main flow path 52, at a velocity which is significantly greater than that of the water flowing into and through the tube lumens 138, especially for particles with specific gravity that IL 290156/2 is similar to, or even greater than, that of water. This will significantly lower the risk of such particles flowing into the flexible tubes and clogging them, thus reducing maintenance costs and allowing the flexible tubes 130 to have significantly smaller outlet size. As illustrated throughout Figs. 1A-2C, the diameter d of any flexible tube 130, at any point along the length of the flexible tube, remain unchanged, and specifically, does not narrow down, between the free state and the distally biased state. For example, the flexible tube 130 can be formed of a material which is flexible enough to distally bend when water is streamed through the pipe lumen 118, yet resilient enough to retain a constant tube diameter d at all states of the tube 130, so as not to further restrict flow passing through tube lumen 138 in the distally biased state. It is to be understood that the tube 130 can have a non-uniform diameter d along its length in some implementations, as will be further exemplified hereinbelow, and that in such cases, an unchanged tube diameter d refers to the tube diameter d at any specific point along the length of the tube, which can be still different from the diameter d at another point along the tube's length, remaining unchanged as the tube transitions between both states. Thus, the cross- sectional area at any point along the length of the tube lumen 138 remains unchanged at both states, eventually ensuring that flow through flexible tubes 130 remains undisturbed and/or unblocked due to cross-sectional restrictions that could have been otherwise formed along at least a portion of the flexible tube in the distally biased state, relative to the free state. a id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69"
[069] While flexible tubes 130 are illustrated in Figs. 1A-2C to have walls 136 that define a a generally smooth inner surfaces 140 and generally smooth outer surfaces 142 , in other examples, the flexible tubes can have texturized or irregularly formed inner surfaces, and in some cases, irregularly shaped outer surfaces as well. Figs. 3A-3B show another example of b b b an irrigation pipe 100 , which includes a plurality of flexible tubes 130 with tube walls 136 b that define irregularly-shaped inner surfaces 140 . Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a b b portion of an irrigation pipe 100 with a plurality of flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased b state, and Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional side view of the irrigation pipe 100 of Fig. 3A. As b shown, the tube wall 136 can define a series of bulges or convolutions, resulting in a generally b b b wavy pattern of the tube inner surface 140 and the tube outer surface 142 . The tube wall 136 b can have a uniform thickness, resulting in similar wavy patterns of the tube inner surface 140 b and the tube outer surface 142 , both surfaces aligned with each other. id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70"
[070] Advantageously, the irregular shape of the tube inner surface can further disturb the flow of water through the flexible tube, optionally adding turbulency, eddies and/or vortices, IL 290156/2 which in turn can further decrease the fluid pressure and flow velocity through the flexible tube. id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71"
[071] While an irregularly formed tube inner surface 140 can advantageously disturb flow through the tube lumen 138, it may be preferably for the tube outer surface 142 to remain relatively smooth to minimize flow disturbance through the pipe lumen 118 outside the flexible c tubes. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of another example of an irrigation pipe 100 c b equipped with a plurality of flexible tubes 130 which can be similar to flexible tubes 130 , c defining an irregularly shaped tube inner surface 140, such as the wavy inner surface 140 in c the illustrated example, while the tube outer surface 142 remain relatively smooth. d id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72"
[072] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of another example of an irrigation pipe 100 d equipped with a plurality of flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased state, wherein the tube d d d lumen 138 of each flexible tube 130 tapers from a narrower tube inlet 132 to a wider tube d outlet 134 , such that the tube outlet diameter d is greater than the tube inlet diameter d (i.e., o i d do > di). Increasing the area through which the water flow out of the flexible tube 130 can d serve to further decrease the flow velocity at the tube outlet 134 . id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73"
[073] It is to be understood that features of various examples of the irrigation pipes 100 disclosed herein, can be combined, as long as the features do not contradict each other. Fig. 6 b shows one such example of combining the features described above for flexible tube 130 and d flexible tube 130 with respects to Figs. 3A-3B and 5, respectively. Specifically, Fig. 6 shows e a cross-sectional side view of another example of an irrigation pipe 100 equipped with a e e plurality of flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased state, wherein each flexibly tube 130 tapers e e from a narrower tube inlet 132 to a wider tube outlet 134 in a similar manner to that described d e for flexible tube 130 , and wherein the tube wall 136 can define a series of bulges or b convolutions, resulting in a generally wavy pattern of the tube inner surface 140 as described b above for flexible tube 130 , thus potentially combining the advantages described above with e respect to both of these geometrical features. While the tube outer surface 142 is also shown to follow a similarly shaped wavy pattern, it is to be understood that in other implementation, e c the tube outer surface (142 ) can be smooth, as described above for flexible tubes 130 . f id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74"
[074] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of another example of an irrigation pipe 100 f equipped with a plurality of flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased state, wherein the tube lumen f f 138 of each flexible tube 130 tapers in an opposite direction to that described for flexible tube IL 290156/2 d f f 130 , from a wider tube inlet 132 to a narrower tube outlet 134 , such that the tube inlet diameter d is greater than the tube outlet diameter d (i.e., d < d ). This example can be useful i o o i for applications in which an opposite effect of increasing outflow velocity, such as creating jets streaming through the tube outlets, is desired. id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75"
[075] Since water pressure decreases as the flow of water propagates from the proximal end 112 toward the distal end 114, it may be desires, in certain cases, to compensate for the varying pressure downstream the pipe lumen 118 by providing the irrigation pipe 100 with a plurality of unequal flexible tubes 130. Thus, an irrigation pipe 100 can includes at least two flexible tubes 130 with shapes and/or dimensions adapted to result in greater flow resistance and/or pressure drop through the flexible tube 130 closer to the proximal end 112, relative to a more distal flexible tube. id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76"
[076] Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of another example of a portion of an irrigation g g pipe 100 with three consecutive flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased state, wherein flexible g g tube 130 a is closer to the proximal end 112, flexible tube 130 c is closer to the distal end 114, g and flexible tube 130 b is disposed therebetween. In some examples, at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes 130 have different tube diameters d, which may include any of the tube inlet diameter d and/or tube outlet diameter d , wherein the diameter d of the tube 130 closer to the i o g distal end 114, such as tube 130 c, is greater than that of the tube closer to the proximal end g 112, such as tube 130 a. Similarly, more than two different tube diameters d can be provided for tubes 130, wherein the diameters d of the tubes 130 (which may include any of the tube inlet diameter di and/or tube outlet diameter do) are gradually increased, optionally for all of the flexible tube 130, downstream from the proximal end 112 toward the distal end 114. g g g id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77"
[077] In the illustrated example, three flexible tubes 130 a, 130 b and 130 c with respective g tube diameters da, db and dc, are shown, wherein diameter dc of flexible tube 130 c is greater g than diameter db of flexible tube 130 b, which, in turn, is greater than diameter da of flexible g g tube 130 a, such that da < db < dc. It should be appreciated that the flexible tubes 130 have not been drawn to scale in Fig. 8, for ease of illustration and ease of discussion. While the g flexible tubes 130 are illustrated in Fig. 8 to have uniform tube diameters d along their lengths, in some implementations, such as when the tubes are provided with non-uniform tube diameters, the tubes can have different tube inlet diameters, for example such that d a < d b < i i dib. Alternatively or additionally, the tubes can have different tube outlet diameters, for IL 290156/2 example such that doa < dob < doc. Similarly, the tubes can have different minimal tube diameters, for example such that d a < d b < d c min min min g id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78"
[078] While the illustrated example shows a plurality of flexible tubes 130 , each having a different tube diameter d, increasing in size downstream between the proximal and distal ends, in other implementations, a group of two or more subsequent flexible tubes can have equal tube diameters, with a following one or more flexible tube, distal to the first group, having a greater tube diameter d. id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79"
[079] The narrower tube diameters d closer to the proximal end 112 will provide greater flow resistance and increase the pressure drop there-across, while flexible tubes with greater tube diameters can be provided downstream, due to the reduction in pressure drop required as water propagate downstream, resulting in gradual reduction of the water pressure within the lumen 118 of the main pipe 110. In some cases, the tube diameters d of a plurality of flexible tubes g (such as tubes 130 ) along a length of the main pipe 110 are selected so as to result in a substantially uniform water pressure at tube outlets 134 of all flexible tubes 130. id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80" id="p-80"
[080] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of another example of a portion of an irrigation h h pipe 100 with three consecutive flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased state, wherein flexible h h tube 130 d is closer to the proximal end 112, flexible tube 130 f is closer to the distal end 114, h and flexible tube 130 e is disposed therebetween. In some examples, at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes 130 have tube lengths L, wherein the length L of the tube 130 closer to the h proximal end 112, such as tube 130 d, is longer than that of the tube closer to the distal end h 114, such as tube 130 f. Similarly, more than two different tube lengths L can be provided for tubes 130, wherein the lengths L of the tubes 130 are gradually shorter, optionally for all of the flexible tube 130, downstream from the proximal end 112 toward the distal end 114. id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81" id="p-81"
[081] In some examples, as also illustrated in Fig. 9, at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes 130 have different second radial distances Y2 in the distally biased state, wherein the h second distance of the tube 130 closer to the proximal end 112, such as tube 130 d, is greater h than that of the tube closer to the distal end 114, such as tube 130 f. Similarly, more than two different tube second radial distances Y2 can be provided for tubes 130, wherein the second radial distances Y2 of the tubes 130 are gradually shorter, optionally for all of the flexible tube 130, downstream from the proximal end 112 toward the distal end 114.
IL 290156/2 h h h id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82" id="p-82"
[082] In the illustrated example, three flexible tubes 130 d, 130 e and 130 f with respective h tube lengths Ld, Le and Lf, are shown, wherein the length Ld of flexible tube 130 d is greater h than length Le of flexible tube 130 e, which, in turn, is greater than length Lf of flexible tube h h 130 f, such that Ld > Le > Lf. It should be appreciated that the flexible tubes 130 have not been drawn to scale in Fig. 9, for ease of illustration and ease of discussion. h h h id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83"
[083] The flexible tubes 130 d, 130 e and 130 f are also illustrated in Fig. 9 in their distally biased state, to result in respective second radial distances Y2d, Y2e and Y2f, wherein the h second radial distance Y2d of flexible tube 130 d is greater than second radial distance Y2e of h flexible tube 130 e, which, in turn, is greater than second radial distance Y2f of flexible tube h 130 f, such that Y2d > Y2e > Y2f. In some examples, varying second radial distances Y2 are h directly resulting from the varying lengths L of the flexible tubes 130 . However, it is to be understood that varying second radial distances Y2 can be also achieved for a plurality of flexible tubes that have similar lengths, for example by attaching them to intermediate components, such as connectors 150 which will be described in further detail below, that have different lengths, thus distancing the tube outlets (134) at unequal distances from their respective side openings (120). h id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84" id="p-84"
[084] While the illustrated example shows a plurality of flexible tubes 130 , each having a different tube length L, as well as different second radial distances Y2, shortening downstream between the proximal and distal ends, in other implementations, a group of two or more subsequent flexible tubes can have equal tube lengths and/or equal second distances, with a following one or more flexible tube, distal to the first group, having a shorter tube length L and/or shorter second radial distance Y2. id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85" id="p-85"
[085] The longer tubes, or tubes having a greater second radial distance Y2, which are closer to the proximal end 112, will provide greater flow resistance and increase the pressure drop there-across due to the longer path between the tube inlet (132) and respective side openings (120), while flexible tubes with shorter lengths or resulting in shorter second radial distances Y2 can be provided downstream, due to the reduction in pressure drop required as water propagate downstream, resulting in gradual reduction of the water pressure within the lumen 118 of the main pipe 110. In some cases, the tube lengths L and/or second radial distances Y2 h of a plurality of flexible tubes (such as tubes 130 ) along a length of the main pipe 110 are selected so as to result in a substantially uniform water pressure at tube outlets 134 of all flexible tubes 130.
IL 290156/2 id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86" id="p-86"
[086] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of another example of a portion of an i i irrigation pipe 100 with consecutive flexible tubes 130 in a distally biased state, wherein i i flexible tube 130 g is closer to the proximal end 112, flexible tube 130 k is closer to the distal i i i end 114, and flexible tubes 130 h, 130 i and 130 j are sequentially disposed therebetween. The i h flexible tubes 130 can generally be similar to flexible tubes 130 in that two or more flexible i tubes 130 can have different tube lengths, shortening downstream toward the distal end 114. i h However, flexible tubes 130 differ from flexible tubes 130 in that the second radial distances i Y2 of all tubes 130 are substantially similar, regardless of their varying tube lengths. id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87" id="p-87"
[087] One manner by which such an effect is achievable is by including a stiffer portion in at i least some of the flexible tubes 130 . Thus, in some examples, one or more of a plurality of i flexible tubes 130 can includes a first portion 144 extending from the tube outlet 134, and a second portion 146 extending continuously from the first portion 144 to the tube inlet 132, wherein the first portion 144 and the second portion 146 together define the tube lumen 138.
The first portion 144 can be a relatively flexible portion of the flexible tube 130, which is mostly or solely responsible for the tube's transitioning between the free state and the distally biased state, while the second portion 146 can be stiffer than the first portion 144, and in some examples, can be a relatively rigid or non-bendable portion. The second portion 146 can be, in some examples, attached to the first portion, such as by gluing, or it can be integrally formed therewith, meaning that both the first portion 144 and the second portion 146 are different portions of a unitary flexible tube 130, each portion having different rigidity or stiffness. For example, the second portion 146 can have a thicker wall thickness than the first portion (144), or can be coated with a layer configured to provide increased rigidity thereto. id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88" id="p-88"
[088] The first portion 144 can have a first portion length L', and the second portion 146 can have a second portion length L'', the sum of both resulting in the overall tube length L, such i that L' + L'' = L. In some examples, a plurality of flexible tubes 130 can have identical first portion lengths L', while one or more of the second portion lengths L'' vary, from a longer i second portion length L'' for a flexible tube 130 which is closer to the proximal end 112, to a shorter second portion length L' or the absence of a second portion (146) for a flexible tube i 130 which is closer to the distal end 114. i id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89" id="p-89"
[089] In some examples, at least one of the flexible tubes 130 includes a first portion 144 and i i i i a second portion 146, such as any of the flexible tubes 130 g, 130 h, 130 i, and 130 j in the IL 290156/2 illustrated example, while at least one other flexible tube distal thereto, such as flexible tube i 130 k, does not include a second portion. i i i i i id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90" id="p-90"
[090] In the illustrated example, five flexible tubes 130 g, 130 h, 130 i, 130 j and 130 k with respective tube lengths Lg, Lh, Li, Lj and Lk, are shown, wherein their first portions lengths L' i are identical, while their tube lengths L are decreasing, each flexible tube 130 having a tube length and a corresponding second portion length'' longer than that of a subsequent tube distal thereto, such that L'g = L'h = L'i = L'j = L'k, Lg > Lh > Li > Lj > Lk, and L''g > L''h > L''i > L''j > L''k (L''k having a zero value in the illustrated example, due to the absence of a second end i portion of in flexible tube 130 k). id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91"
[091] Figs. 1A-10 illustrate simplified configuration of the various exemplary flexible tubes 130 coupled to the main pipe in a manner that can be representative of direct attachment therebetween, such as gluing or welding the flexible tubes 130 to the pipe wall 116, resulting for example in a tube outlets 134 being generally flush with the side openings 120, along the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the pipe wall 116. However, as mentioned above, the flexible tubes 130, including any of the exemplary flexible tubes described above with respect to Figs. 1A-10, can be indirectly coupled to the pipe wall 116 via one or more intermediate components. Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of an exemplary irrigation pipe 100 provided with a plurality of flexible tubes 130 coupled to the pipe wall 116 via corresponding connectors 150, wherein the pipe wall 116 is shown with partial transparency for clarity. Fig. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the irrigation pipe 100 of Fig. 11. id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92" id="p-92"
[092] As shown, a connector 150 can include a tube engagement portion 152 configured to engage with the flexible tube 130, and a neck 154 defined between a first shoulder 156 and a second shoulder 158, the neck 154 configured to engage with, such as by being situated within, a corresponding side opening 120 of the main pipe 110. The connector 150 defines an inner channel 168 extending from a connector inlet 164 and a connector outlet 166, wherein the channel 168 is in fluid communication with the tube lumen 138. It is to be understood that any exemplary flexible tube 130 described above with respect to Figs. 1A-10 can be used in combination with the connector 150. j j id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93" id="p-93"
[093] A specific example of a connector 150 of an irrigation pipe 100 is illustrated in Figs. j 11-12, wherein the tube engagement portion 152 , disposed within pipe lumen 118, can have a generally tapering outer surface, widening in the radial direction from the narrower connector IL 290156/2 inlet 164, allowing the flexible tube 130 to be slid thereover until it is frictionally engaged with j the tapering tube engagement portion 152 . In some cases, this will result in a portion of the j flexible tube 130 being disposed over a portion of the tube engagement portion 152 , such that j the connector inlet 164 is disposed within the tube lumen 138, radially spaced from the tube's end at the tube outlet 134, as shown in Fig. 12. id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94" id="p-94"
[094] The neck 154 is preferably extending through the corresponding side opening 120 in a j sealed manner. In some examples, the first shoulder 156 is defined by an outwardly directed j extension 160 positioned on the outer side of the pipe wall 116, opposite to the pipe lumen, j such that the first shoulder 156 faces, and optionally abuts, the pipe wall 116. The second j j shoulder 158 can be optionally defined by an edge of the tube engagement portion 152 . In some examples, the length of neck 154 closely matches, or only slightly greater than, the thickness of the pipe wall 116, so as to allow the connector 150 be fittingly situated within the side opening 120, with the first and second shoulders contacting or abutting against the opposite surfaces of the pipe wall 116. Alternative methods for forming a neck 154 can include, but are not limited to, heat forming or cutting a portion of the sidewall defining the connector 150, as well as placing any of a variety of structures, such as bands, over both side of the neck 154 do define both shoulders. k id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95" id="p-95"
[095] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of another example of an irrigation pipe 100 with a k plurality of flexible tubes 130 coupled to the main pipe 110 via connectors 150 , wherein the pipe wall 116 is shown with partial transparency for clarity. Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional k side view of a portion of the irrigation pipe 100 of Fig. 9. Fig. 15 shows a cross sectional side k k view of a connector 150 with a hose 190 mounted thereon. The connector 150 can be k generally similar to connector 150 , except that it can further define a hose engagement portion 162, extending between the connector outlet 166 and the pipe wall 116, and in some cases, as k k in the illustrated example of hose engagement portion 162 , between the connector outlet 166 k and the outwardly directed extension 160 . k id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96" id="p-96"
[096] The hose engagement portion 162 can be structured in a generally similar manner to k j that described for tube engagement portions 152 and 152 , allowing an external hose 190 to be k slid thereover and frictionally engage therewith, such that the inner channel 168 of the k connector 150 is in fluid communication with the inner lumen 192 of the hose 190 attached thereto, as shown in Fig. 15. This can allow additional hoses 190, including in the form of tubes, pipes, and the like, to be coupled, via connectors 150, to the irrigation pipe 100, IL 290156/2 extending sideways therefrom, as shown for example in Fig. 17, to direct the water toward desired target regions. l id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97" id="p-97"
[097] Fig. 16 shows a side view of another type of connector 150 , that can be generally k similar to connector 150 , except that it does not necessarily include an outwardly directed l extension (160). In the illustrated example, a neck 154 is defined between the tube engagement l l portion 152 and the hose engagement portions 162 , which can be similar to tube engagement k k k portion 152 and hose engagement portions 162 of connector 150 , except that the first l k shoulder 156 can be defined by the surface of the hose engagement portions 162 facing the pipe wall (116). id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98" id="p-98"
[098] Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of an example of an irrigation pipe 100 with a plurality m m of hoses 190 mounted on connectors 150 coupled to the main pipe 110. The connectors 150 k illustrated in Fig. 17 can be similar to connectors 150 , except that the external diameter of the m outwardly directed extension 160 is shown to be smaller than that illustrated for the outwardly k directed extension 160 , and can be generally similar to the maximal diameter of the hose m engagement portion 162 . Side opening 120r is shown in Fig. 17 absent of any connectors l extending therethrough, side opening 120q is shown with connector 150 q extending m therethrough, and side opening 120p is shown with connector 150 p extending therethrough, for illustrative purposes. It is to be understood that any irrigation pipe 100 disclosed herein can have a plurality of identical or different types of flexible tubes 130, and that a plurality of flexible tubes 130 can be coupled to the main pipe 110 directly or indirectly, via similar or different types of connectors 150. id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99" id="p-99"
[099] While some examples of outwardly directed extension 160 are illustrated, such as an j outwardly directed extension 160 that includes a pair of opposite wing-like extension, as k illustrated in Fig. 11, or a generally circular flanged outwardly directed extensions 160 and m 160 as illustrated in Figs. 13 and 17, it is to be understood that any other shape is contemplated. id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100" id="p-100"
[0100] It is to be understood that in some implementations, any of the tube engagement portion 152 and/or the hose engagement portion 162 can include one or more circumferential ridges (not shown) defined on their outer surfaces, to improve retention of the end portions of the flexible tubes 130 and/or hoses, respectively.
IL 290156/2 id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101" id="p-101"
[0101] In some examples, appendages 170 can be utilized for connecting the flexible tubes 130 n to the pipe wall 116. Fig. 18A shows a perspective view of an exemplary irrigation pipe 100 provided with a plurality of flexible tubes 130 coupled to the pipe wall 116 via corresponding appendages 170, wherein the pipe wall 116 is shown with partial transparency for clarity. Fig. n 18B shows a sectional view of a portion of the irrigation pipe 100 of Fig. 18A. Fig. 19 shows an example of an isolated flexible tube coupled to an appendage 170. An appendage 170 extends in a radial direction between an outlet side contacting (such as being attached to) the pipe wall 116 (for example, around side opening 120) and an inner side 172 opposite to the outlet side (i.e., closer to the pipe central axis 50), with sidewalls 187 extending axially between a proximal side 184 (closer to the proximal end 112) and a distal side 186 (closer to the distal end 114). The outlet side includes or defined an outlet opening 178 which is in fluid communication with the side opening 120, while any one of the inner side 172 (which can define an inner wall or floor), the proximal side 184, the distal side 186, and/or sidewall 187, can include an inlet opening 174 to which the flexible tube 130 is attached. A cavity 182 is defined between the inner side 172, the outlet side 176, the proximal side 184, the distal side 186, and the sidewalls 187, wherein the cavity 182 is in fluid communication with the inlet opening 174 and the outlet opening 178. id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102" id="p-102"
[0102] The appendage is mostly or completely disposed within the main pipe 110, on the inner side of the pipe wall 116 facing the pipe central axis. The flexible tube 130 is attached to the appendage 170, such that the tube outlet 134 and the tube lumen 138 are in fluid communication with the cavity 182. The appendage 170 is attached, for example by being welded to, the pipe wall 116, such that the cavity 182 and the outlet opening 178 are in fluid communication with the corresponding side opening 120. In some implementations, as shown in Fig. 19, the flexible tube 130 can extend to some extent through the inlet opening 174 and into the cavity 182, such that the tube outlet 134 is disposed within the cavity 182. In other implementations, the flexible tube 130 can terminate at the level of the inlet opening 174 of the appendage 170, such that the tube outlet 134 is substantially flush with the inlet opening 174 of the appendage 170. The outlet side 176 includes a contact surface 180 around the outlet opening 178, the contact surface 180 attached (e.g., welded) to the pipe wall 116. id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103" id="p-103"
[0103] In the illustrated example, the contact surface 180 is shown i the form of a rectangular edge, surrounding a rectangularly shaped outlet opening 178 which is an open end of the cavity 182. However, it is to be understood that other shapes of the contact surface 180 are IL 290156/2 contemplated. For example, for a similar rectangularly-shaped cavity 182 as shown in Fig. 19, the outlet side 176 can include a circular outlet opening 178 with a diameter similar to that of the tube outlet diameter d or the diameter of the side opening 120, with a larger area occupied o by the contact surface, somewhat similar to the area of the surface around the inlet opening 174 on the inner side 172 of the illustrated example. id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104" id="p-104"
[0104] The appendage 170 can be, in some examples, stiffer than the flexible tube 130, and n can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid material. While appendage 170 is shown in the example illustrated in Figs. 18A-19 as a rectangularly shaped appendage, the appendage can be have, in other implementations, any other shape, such as circular, elliptic, and the like. The appendage 170 has an appendage length W1 in the axial direction, and an appendage width W2 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, such as along a portion of a circumference of the n inner surface of the pipe wall 116. Figs. 18A–19 show one example of an appendage 170 having a rectangular shape, such that W1 is greater that W2 (i.e., W1 > W2). In other examples, the length and width of the appendage can be equal (i.e., W1 = W2) for other shapes, for example when formed as a square-shaped appendage, or as a circular appendage, in which case both the length and the width of the appendage are equal to its outer diameter. When implemented as an elongated (e.g., oval or elliptic) appendage, the appendage length W1 can be its maximal outer diameter, and the appendage width W2 can be its minimal appendage diameter. 0 id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105" id="p-105"
[0105] Another example of a differently shaped appendage 170 is illustrated in Figs. 20A- o 20B. Fig. 20A shows a perspective view of an exemplary irrigation pipe 100 provided with a o plurality of flexible tubes 130 coupled to the pipe wall 116 via corresponding appendages 170 , wherein the pipe wall 116 is shown with partial transparency for clarity. Fig. 20B shows an o o example of an isolated flexible tube 130 coupled to an appendage 170 . Appendage 170 can n be similar to appendage 170 illustrated in Figs. 18A-19, with like numbers referring to like o components, except that appendage 170 has is arrow-shaped, having a relatively pointy or o o narrow proximal side 184 with the sidewalls 187 extending at angled orientations sideways in the distal direction (thus expanding the cavity in the distal direction) to the maximal o appendage width W2, after which it may form a rounded distal side 186 . This advantageous hydrodynamic form allows fluid flowing around the appendage 170, to pass in a manner that will tend to result in less flow disturbances within the pipe lumen 118.
IL 290156/2 id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106" id="p-106"
[0106] Inclusion of an appendage 170 can assist for easier attachment of the flexible tube 130 to a main pipe 110 during the irrigation pipe's manufacturing procedure. For example, an irrigation pipe 100 manufacturing installation can include an extrusion station, and appendage feed device and welding means for welding the appendages 170 to the extruded main pipe 110.
Specifically, the extrusion station can be fed by plastic material with is melted in a melting chamber thereof, with the main pipe 110 continuously formed by an extrusion head.
Assemblies of the flexible tubes 130, attached beforehand to the appendages 170, can be stored in an accumulator device, from which they are guided toward the extrusion station and are brough into contact, by a guide member, with the extruded material forming the pipe wall. The appendages are pressed against the pipe wall material from the inner side of the formed main pipe, in order to be welded thereto. When the main pipe is cooled, the weld between the appendages 170 and the pipe wall 116 can be strong enough to retain long term attachment. id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107" id="p-107"
[0107] The contact surface 180 along the outlet side 176 can be shaped and dimensioned as desired, in order to improve welded attachment with the pipe wall 116. In some examples, at least one of the appendage length W1 and the appendage width W2, or both, can be greater than the tube outlet diameter d . In some examples, the appendage length W1 is at least two 0 times as great as the tube outlet diameter d (i.e., W1 ≥ 2d ). In some examples, the appendage 0 0 length W1 is at least three times as great as the tube outlet diameter d0 (i.e., W1 ≥ 3d0). In some examples, the appendage width W1 is at least 1.5 times as great as the tube outlet diameter d 0 (i.e., W1 ≥ 1.5d ). It is to be understood that any flexible tube 130 described above with respect 0 to Figs. 1 – 10, including combinations of features of exemplary flexible tubes, as mentioned above, can be utilized in combination with appendages 170 for attachment to the main pipe. n id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108" id="p-108"
[0108] In the example illustrated in Fig. 19, the contact surface 180 is shown is the form of a n rectangular edge, surrounding a rectangularly shaped outlet opening 178 which is an open end n of the cavity 182 . Fig. 21A shows a perspective view of another example of an appendage p 170 , which can be similarly shaped (e.g., shown as a rectangularly shaped appendage) as n n appendage 170 , except that a larger portion of its outlet side 176 is covered by a contact n p surface 180 . Specifically, the outlet opening 178 can be similarly dimensioned as the p corresponding side opening 120 of the main pipe 110, while the rest of the outlet opening 178 p n defines a significantly larger contact surface 180 , compared to the contact surface 180 defined n p merely around the circumferential edge of appendage 170 . The larger contact surface 180 can n improve attachment of the appendage 170 to the pipe wall 116.
IL 290156/2 p id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109" id="p-109"
[0109] Fig. 21B shows a configuration in which the appendage 170 , which is shown in its final configuration in Fig. 21A, can be provided prior to attachment to the main pipe in the p production process. As shown, an pre-attached configuration of the appendage 170 can include p p an upper cover 180 (defining the contact surface) disposed over the entire outlet side 176 (i.e., p completely covering the upped side of the cavity). The appendage 170 appendage can be brought into contact with the extruded material forming the pipe wall as described above, p having the cover 180 pressed against the pipe wall material in order to be welded thereto. After the main pipe is cooled, it can be punctured simultaneously through the thickness of the pipe p n wall 116 and the cover 180 , to form the side opening 120 and the outlet opening 178 . n o id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110" id="p-110"
[0110] While appendages 170 and 170 are illustrated in Figs. 18A-19B to have the inlet n o n o opening 174 and 174 formed through the thickness of a wall at the inner side 172 and 172 , p respectively, appendage 170 illustrated in Fig. 21A is shown to have the flexible tube 130 p p attached to an inlet opening 174 formed at the proximal side 184 . Fig. 22 shows another q n example of an appendage 170 which can be also similar to appendage 170 , except that the q q flexible tube 130 is attached to an inlet opening 174 formed at a sidewall 187 thereof. Fig. 23 r r shows another example of an appendage 170 which has a narrower proximal side 184 with at r least a portion of the sidewalls 187 diverging sideways therefrom, wherein the flexible tube r r 130 is attached to an inlet opening 174 formed at the wider distal side 186 . id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111" id="p-111"
[0111] It is to be understood that all features described for any example of appendages 170 hereinabove can be combined, as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, any n o q r of the appendages 170 , 170 , 170 or 170 can have an enlarged cover-shaped contact surface p 180, similar to the contact surface 180 described above with respect to Figs. 21A-21B. n p Similarly, appendages of any shape, such as the rectangular shape of appendages 170 or 170 o r or tapering shapes of appendages 170 or 170 , can have an inlet opening 174 formed either at the inner side 172, proximal side 184, distal side 186, or sidewall 187.
Additional Examples of the Disclosed Technology id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112" id="p-112"
[0112] In view of the above described implementations of the disclosed subject matter, this application discloses the additional examples enumerated below. It should be noted that one feature of an example in isolation or more than one feature of the example taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more further examples are further examples also falling within the disclosure of this application.
IL 290156/2 id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113" id="p-113"
[0113] Example A1. An irrigation pipe, comprising: a main pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and comprising: a pipe wall defining a pipe lumen, the pipe lumen defining a pipe diameter D; and a plurality of side openings formed across the pipe wall, the plurality of side openings axially spaced from each other; a plurality of flexible tubes disposed within the pipe lumen, each flexible tube has a tube length and comprises: a tube wall defining a tube outer surface and a tube inner surface; and a tube lumen defined by the tube inner surface, the tube lumen extending along a length from a tube inlet having a tube inlet diameter, to a tube outlet having a tube outlet diameter, and defining a tube diameter d; wherein the flexible tubes are coupled to the main pipe such that each tube lumen is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of side openings; wherein the flexible tubes are movable between a free state and a distally biased state; and wherein the tube diameter d remains the same at any point along the length of the respective tube lumen during the free state and the distally biased state. id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114" id="p-114"
[0114] Example A2. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A1, wherein each flexible tube defines a first radial distance in the free state, and a second radial distance in the distally biased state, and wherein the first redial distance is greater than the second radial distance. id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115" id="p-115"
[0115] Example A3. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A1 or A2, wherein each flexible tube defines, in the distally biased state, a tube flow path having a proximally directed axial flow component, which is directed in a proximal direction at the tube inlet, opposite to a distal direction of a main flow path defined by the main tube.
IL 290156/2 id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116" id="p-116"
[0116] Example A4. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A3, wherein the tube length is greater than 0.25D. id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117" id="p-117"
[0117] Example A5. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A3, wherein the tube length is greater than 0.33D. id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118" id="p-118"
[0118] Example A6. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A3, wherein the tube length is greater than 0.5D. id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119" id="p-119"
[0119] Example A7. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A6, wherein the tube length is less than 1.5D. id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120" id="p-120"
[0120] Example A8. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A6, wherein the tube length is less than D. id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121" id="p-121"
[0121] Example A9. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A3, wherein the tube length is in the range between 0.5D and 1.5D, inclusive. id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122" id="p-122"
[0122] Example A10. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A3, wherein the tube length is in the range between 0.48D and 1.48D, inclusive. id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123" id="p-123"
[0123] Example A11. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A10, wherein the tube inlet diameter is smaller than or equal to 0.15D. id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124" id="p-124"
[0124] Example A12. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A10, wherein the tube inlet diameter is smaller than or equal to 0.1243D. id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125" id="p-125"
[0125] Example A13. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A12, wherein the tube inlet diameter is greater than 0.04D. id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126" id="p-126"
[0126] Example A14. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A10, wherein the tube lumen defines a minimal tube diameter which is smaller than or equal to 0.15D. id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127" id="p-127"
[0127] Example A15. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A10, wherein the tube lumen defines a minimal tube diameter which is smaller than or equal to 0.1243D.
IL 290156/2 id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128" id="p-128"
[0128] Example A16. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A10, wherein the tube lumen defines a minimal tube diameter which is greater than 0.04D. id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129" id="p-129"
[0129] Example A17. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A2, wherein the tube length is equal to the first radial distance. id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130" id="p-130"
[0130] Example A18. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A17, wherein the tube inner surface of at least one of the flexible tubes is irregularly shaped. id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131" id="p-131"
[0131] Example A19. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A18, wherein the tube inner surface of each one of the flexible tubes is irregularly shaped. id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132" id="p-132"
[0132] Example A20. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A18 or A19, wherein the irregularly shaped inner surface defines a series of convolutions. id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133" id="p-133"
[0133] Example A21. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A18 to A20, wherein the tube wall has a uniform thickness along the length of the flexible tube. id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134" id="p-134"
[0134] Example A22. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A18 to A20, wherein the tube outer surface is smooth. id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135"
[0135] Example A23. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A22, wherein the tube outlet diameter of at least one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube inlet diameter. id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136" id="p-136"
[0136] Example A24. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A2, wherein the tube outlet diameter of each one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube inlet diameter. id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137" id="p-137"
[0137] Example A25. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A22, wherein the tube inlet diameter of at least one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube outlet diameter.
IL 290156/2 id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138" id="p-138"
[0138] Example A26. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the tube inlet diameter of each one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube outlet diameter. id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139" id="p-139"
[0139] Example A27. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A26, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different tube inlet diameters, such that the tube inlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is greater than the tube inlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end. id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140" id="p-140"
[0140] Example A28. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A27, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different tube inlet diameters, such that the tube inlet diameter of each successive flexible tube is greater than the tube inlet diameter of the flexible tube proximal thereto. id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141" id="p-141"
[0141] Example A29. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A28, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different tube outlet diameters, such that the tube outlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is greater than the tube outlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end. id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142" id="p-142"
[0142] Example A30. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A27, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different tube outlet diameters, such that the tube inlet diameter of each successive flexible tube is greater than the tube outlet diameter of the flexible tube proximal thereto. id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143" id="p-143"
[0143] Example A31. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A30, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different minimal tube diameters, such that the minimal tube diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is greater than the minimal tube diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end. id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144"
[0144] Example A32. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A31, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different minimal tube diameters, such that the minimal tube diameter of each successive flexible tube is greater than the minimal tube diameter of the flexible tube proximal thereto.
IL 290156/2 id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145" id="p-145"
[0145] Example A33. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A32, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different tube lengths, such that the tube length of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is shorter than the tube length of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end. id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146" id="p-146"
[0146] Example A34. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A33, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different tube lengths, such that the tube length of each successive flexible tube is shorter than the tube length of the flexible tube proximal thereto. id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147" id="p-147"
[0147] Example A35. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A2 to A33, wherein, when depending on example A2, at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes define different second radial distances in the distally biased state, such that the second radial distance of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end is greater than the second radial distance of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end. id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148" id="p-148"
[0148] Example A36. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A35, wherein all of the flexible tubes define different second radial distances in the distally biased state, such that the second radial distance of each successive flexible tube is smaller than the second radial distance of the flexible tube proximal thereto. id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149" id="p-149"
[0149] Example A37. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A33, wherein each of the flexible tubes comprises a first portion defining a first portion length, wherein at least one of the flexible tubes further comprises a second portion defining a second portion length, the second portion extending continuously from the first portion to the tube inlet, and wherein the second portion is stiffer than the first portion. id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150" id="p-150"
[0150] Example A38. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A37, wherein each one of the plurality of flexible tubes comprise the second portion. id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151" id="p-151"
[0151] Example A39. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A38, wherein all of the flexible tubes have equal first portion lengths and different second portion lengths, such that the second portion length of each successive flexible tube is shorter than the second portion length of the flexible tube proximal thereto. id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152" id="p-152"
[0152] Example A40. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A39, further comprising a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising: IL 290156/2 a neck extending between a first shoulder and a second shoulder; and an inner channel extending between a connector inlet and a connector outlet; wherein each connector is coupled to the main pipe such that its neck extends through a corresponding one of the side openings; and wherein each flexible tube is coupled to a corresponding connector such that the tube lumen is in fluid communication with the inner channel. id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153" id="p-153"
[0153] Example A41. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A40, wherein the connector further comprises a tube engagement portion having a tapering outer surface, configured to frictionally engage with the corresponding flexible tube. id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154" id="p-154"
[0154] Example A42. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A40 or A41, wherein the connector further comprises an outwardly directed extension that defines the first shoulder. id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155" id="p-155"
[0155] Example A43. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A40 to A42, wherein the connector further comprises a hose engagement portion. id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156" id="p-156"
[0156] Example A44. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A43, further comprising a plurality of hoses, each hose defining a hose lumen, wherein each hose is coupled to a corresponding connector at the hose engagement portion, such that the hose lumen is in fluid communication with the inner channel. id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157" id="p-157"
[0157] Example A45. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1 to A39, further comprising a plurality of appendages, each appendage comprising: an outlet side comprising an outlet opening and a contact surface; an inner side opposite to the outlet side; sidewalls extending from a proximal side to a distal side; an inlet opening formed along at least one of: the inner side, the proximal end, the distal end, and/or the sidewall; and IL 290156/2 a cavity defined between the inner side, the outlet side, the proximal end, the distal end and the sidewalls, wherein the cavity is in fluid communication with the inlet opening and the outlet opening; wherein each of the flexible tubes is attached to a corresponding appendage, such that the tube lumen is in fluid communication with the cavity; and wherein the contact surface of each appendage is welded to the pipe wall, such that the cavity is in fluid communication, via the outlet opening, with a corresponding side opening of the main pipe. id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158" id="p-158"
[0158] Example A46. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A45, wherein the outlet side of the appendage has an appendage length which is greater than the tube outlet diameter. id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159" id="p-159"
[0159] Example A47. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A46, wherein the appendage length is at least two times as great as the tube outlet diameter. id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160" id="p-160"
[0160] Example A48. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A47, wherein the appendage length is at least three times as great as the tube outlet diameter. id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161" id="p-161"
[0161] Example A49. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A45 to A48, wherein the outlet side of the appendage has an appendage width which is greater than the tube outlet diameter. id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162" id="p-162"
[0162] Example A50. The irrigation pipe of any example herein, particularly example A49, wherein the appendage width is at least 1.5 times as great as the tube outlet diameter. id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163" id="p-163"
[0163] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub- combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such. id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164" id="p-164"
[0164] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred IL 290156/2 examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope. Rather, the scope is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims (50)

IL 290156/2 CLAIMS
1. An irrigation pipe, comprising: a main pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and comprising: a pipe wall defining a pipe lumen, the pipe lumen defining a pipe diameter D; and a plurality of side openings formed across the pipe wall, the plurality of side openings axially spaced from each other; a plurality of flexible tubes disposed within the pipe lumen, each flexible tube has a tube length and comprises: a tube wall defining a tube outer surface and a tube inner surface; and a tube lumen defined by the tube inner surface, the tube lumen extending along a length from a tube inlet having a tube inlet diameter, to a tube outlet having a tube outlet diameter, and defining a tube diameter d; wherein the flexible tubes are coupled to the main pipe such that each tube lumen is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of side openings; wherein the flexible tubes are movable between a free state and a distally biased state; and wherein the tube diameter d remains the same at any point along the length of the respective tube lumen during the free state and the distally biased state.
2. The irrigation pipe of claim 1, wherein each flexible tube defines a first radial distance in the free state, and a second radial distance in the distally biased state, and wherein the first redial distance is greater than the second radial distance.
3. The irrigation pipe of claim 1 or 2, wherein each flexible tube defines, in the distally biased state, a tube flow path having a proximally directed axial flow component, which is directed in a proximal direction at the tube inlet, opposite to a distal direction of a main flow path defined by the main tube. - 33 - IL 290156/2
4. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube length is greater than 0.25D.
5. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube length is greater than 0.33D.
6. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube length is greater than 0.5D.
7. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tube length is less than 1.5D.
8. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tube length is less than D.
9. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube length is in the range between 0.5D and 1.5D, inclusive.
10. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube length is in the range between 0.48D and 1.48D, inclusive.
11. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tube inlet diameter is smaller than or equal to 0.15D.
12. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tube inlet diameter is smaller than or equal to 0.1243D.
13. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the tube inlet diameter is greater than 0.04D.
14. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tube lumen defines a minimal tube diameter which is smaller than or equal to 0.15D.
15. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tube lumen defines a minimal tube diameter which is smaller than or equal to 0.1243D.
16. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tube lumen defines a minimal tube diameter which is greater than 0.04D.
17. The irrigation pipe of claim 2, wherein the tube length is equal to the first radial distance. - 34 - IL 290156/2
18. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the tube inner surface of at least one of the flexible tubes is irregularly shaped.
19. The irrigation pipe of claim 18, wherein the tube inner surface of each one of the flexible tubes is irregularly shaped.
20. The irrigation pipe of claim 18 or 19, wherein the irregularly shaped inner surface defines a series of convolutions.
21. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the tube wall has a uniform thickness along the length of the flexible tube.
22. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the tube outer surface is smooth.
23. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the tube outlet diameter of at least one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube inlet diameter.
24. The irrigation pipe of claim 23, wherein the tube outlet diameter of each one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube inlet diameter.
25. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the tube inlet diameter of at least one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube outlet diameter.
26. The irrigation pipe of claim 25, wherein the tube inlet diameter of each one of the flexible tubes is greater than the tube outlet diameter.
27. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different tube inlet diameters, such that the tube inlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is greater than the tube inlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end.
28. The irrigation pipe of claim 27, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different tube inlet diameters, such that the tube inlet diameter of each successive flexible tube is greater than the tube inlet diameter of the flexible tube proximal thereto.
29. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different tube outlet diameters, such that the tube outlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is greater than the tube outlet diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end. - 35 - IL 290156/2
30. The irrigation pipe of claim 29, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different tube outlet diameters, such that the tube inlet diameter of each successive flexible tube is greater than the tube outlet diameter of the flexible tube proximal thereto.
31. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different minimal tube diameters, such that the minimal tube diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is greater than the minimal tube diameter of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end.
32. The irrigation pipe of claim 31, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different minimal tube diameters, such that the minimal tube diameter of each successive flexible tube is greater than the minimal tube diameter of the flexible tube proximal thereto.
33. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes have different tube lengths, such that the tube length of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end is shorter than the tube length of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end.
34. The irrigation pipe of claim 33, wherein all of the flexible tubes have different tube lengths, such that the tube length of each successive flexible tube is shorter than the tube length of the flexible tube proximal thereto.
35. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 2 to 33, wherein, when depending on claim 2, at least two of the plurality of flexible tubes define different second radial distances in the distally biased state, such that the second radial distance of the flexible tube which is closer to the proximal end is greater than the second radial distance of the flexible tube which is closer to the distal end.
36. The irrigation pipe of claim 35, wherein all of the flexible tubes define different second radial distances in the distally biased state, such that the second radial distance of each successive flexible tube is smaller than the second radial distance of the flexible tube proximal thereto.
37. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein each of the flexible tubes comprises a first portion defining a first portion length, wherein at least one of the flexible tubes further comprises a second portion defining a second - 36 - IL 290156/2 portion length, the second portion extending continuously from the first portion to the tube inlet, and wherein the second portion is stiffer than the first portion.
38. The irrigation pipe of claim 37, wherein each one of the plurality of flexible tubes comprise the second portion.
39. The irrigation pipe of claim 38, wherein all of the flexible tubes have equal first portion lengths and different second portion lengths, such that the second portion length of each successive flexible tube is shorter than the second portion length of the flexible tube proximal thereto.
40. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 39, further comprising a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising: a neck extending between a first shoulder and a second shoulder; and an inner channel extending between a connector inlet and a connector outlet; wherein each connector is coupled to the main pipe such that its neck extends through a corresponding one of the side openings; and wherein each flexible tube is coupled to a corresponding connector such that the tube lumen is in fluid communication with the inner channel.
41. The irrigation pipe of claim 40, wherein the connector further comprises a tube engagement portion having a tapering outer surface, configured to frictionally engage with the corresponding flexible tube.
42. The irrigation pipe of claim 40 or 41, wherein the connector further comprises an outwardly directed extension that defines the first shoulder.
43. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the connector further comprises a hose engagement portion.
44. The irrigation pipe of claim 43, further comprising a plurality of hoses, each hose defining a hose lumen, wherein each hose is coupled to a corresponding connector at the hose engagement portion, such that the hose lumen is in fluid communication with the inner channel.
45. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 1 to 39, further comprising a plurality of appendages, each appendage comprising: - 37 - IL 290156/2 an outlet side comprising an outlet opening and a contact surface; an inner side opposite to the outlet side; sidewalls extending from a proximal side to a distal side; an inlet opening formed along at least one of: the inner side, the proximal end, the distal end, and/or the sidewall; and a cavity defined between the inner side, the outlet side, the proximal end, the distal end and the sidewalls, wherein the cavity is in fluid communication with the inlet opening and the outlet opening; wherein each of the flexible tubes is attached to a corresponding appendage, such that the tube lumen is in fluid communication with the cavity; and wherein the contact surface of each appendage is welded to the pipe wall, such that the cavity is in fluid communication, via the outlet opening, with a corresponding side opening of the main pipe.
46. The irrigation pipe of claim 45, wherein the outlet side of the appendage has an appendage length which is greater than the tube outlet diameter.
47. The irrigation pipe of claim 46, wherein the appendage length is at least two times as great as the tube outlet diameter.
48. The irrigation pipe of claim 46, wherein the appendage length is at least three times as great as the tube outlet diameter.
49. The irrigation pipe of any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the outlet side of the appendage has an appendage width which is greater than the tube outlet diameter.
50. The irrigation pipe of claim 49, wherein the appendage width is at least 1.5 times as great as the tube outlet diameter. Webb+Co. Patent Attorneys - 38 -
IL290156A 2022-01-26 2022-01-26 Irrigation hose with flexible tubing IL290156B2 (en)

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IL290156B2 true IL290156B2 (en) 2023-02-01

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3302408A (en) * 1964-02-13 1967-02-07 Howard C Schmid Sub-surface soil irrigators
US3442087A (en) * 1967-08-10 1969-05-06 Sergio Riusech Sub-surface irrigation system
US3918646A (en) * 1974-09-06 1975-11-11 Leal Diaz J Irrigation systems by trickling
US3976578A (en) * 1974-06-25 1976-08-24 Beane Frank Thomas Protective sleeve for corrugated drainage tubes
US4095745A (en) * 1976-10-04 1978-06-20 Christy Mark H Continuous tube multiple emitter
US4134551A (en) * 1976-09-13 1979-01-16 Zeman David G Emitter for drip irrigation
US4147307A (en) * 1976-10-04 1979-04-03 Christy Mark H Multiple emitter flow control

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3302408A (en) * 1964-02-13 1967-02-07 Howard C Schmid Sub-surface soil irrigators
US3442087A (en) * 1967-08-10 1969-05-06 Sergio Riusech Sub-surface irrigation system
US3976578A (en) * 1974-06-25 1976-08-24 Beane Frank Thomas Protective sleeve for corrugated drainage tubes
US3918646A (en) * 1974-09-06 1975-11-11 Leal Diaz J Irrigation systems by trickling
US4134551A (en) * 1976-09-13 1979-01-16 Zeman David G Emitter for drip irrigation
US4095745A (en) * 1976-10-04 1978-06-20 Christy Mark H Continuous tube multiple emitter
US4147307A (en) * 1976-10-04 1979-04-03 Christy Mark H Multiple emitter flow control

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IL290156B (en) 2022-10-01

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